Sunday, December 13, 2020
Interesting Weekend
A goodie from 2017
Sunday, December 6, 2020
December - 2020
I've been missing in action since Thanksgiving. Covid got me, unfortunately. The prison has mandatory testing for staff and inmates every Monday. I tested on Monday the 30th and received my results on Tuesday the 1st at about 8:30 pm - when my supervisor called me. I actually argued with her when she told me; I was feeling absolutely zero symptoms. Who knows where I even picked it up; I've been uber careful wearing PPE, washing hands, socially distancing. Guess it doesn't matter now, does it.
I started my 10 day quarantine and was feeling great - until Wednesday evening. Holy smokes! The symptoms hit me like a Mack truck! Snuffy nose, intense headache, body aches and extreme fatigue! I did telecommute Thursday and Friday (1/2 day), but quite honestly, I was not burning up the keyboard with productivity. This weekend has been hot fluids, couch, and Netflix movies.(Side note, you must simply watch The Queens Gambit if you haven't already done so!)
I have some outstanding friends - they're checking in on me regularly through phone calls and texts, which is nice and very much welcomed. One of my yoga students is so kind and thoughtful - she asked if she could provide a meal for Tom and I tonight. How nice is that? She was straight up an said "it's pure comfort food!" Yesssss please! (Screw the diet!) :)
Per the state of ND guidelines - Tom is, of course, quarantined for the 10 days that I'm quarantined plus another 14 days after that - which lands him on Christmas Eve. He's rather stubborn though and has his own opinion of what his quarantine should be. He's choosing to follow the new CDC guidelines issued - ironically - the day we started quarantine - of If, after 5 days and a negative test, quarantine can end on day 7. He's feeling well, so far, and quite bored. He's been going out to the farm, morning and evening, to check on the farm, feed the cats, and enjoy getting out of the house. Other than eating meals together (at a safe distance), he's been staying downstairs in his man cave, and I have been upstairs. Hopefully, with his age and health concerns, he doesn't get Covid.
My brother Terry also tested positive on Wednesday. No, I haven't been in contact with him. So, Marna and Blaine are home quarantining with him, Blaine had some issues with his apartment last week (water damage), so my brother has been in town every day cleaning and purging affected items - even though he has Covid. His symptoms are fatigue and loss of taste and smell. It's amazing how this virus affects everyone differently. My sister Peggy had it and she had zero symptoms! I have a co-worker( underlying health conditions) in the hospital ICU on a ventilator and in an induced coma. At work we were given the chance to decide if we want the vaccine when it comes to ND (one of first pilot states when the vaccine is released). At first I was hesitant and replied no to the survey, but now I believe I was hasty in my decision. I'm going to see if I can still get on the list to receive the vaccine.
Today I am feeling 50% better and have energy to move off the couch. I may bundle up and go for a walk around the park this afternoon. So far, we do not have any snow on the ground and the temperatures are gorgeous ...today it's 49 degrees! I'll take it! As many days/months that we can take without snow the shorter the winter becomes.
Stay warm, stay safe blog stalkers!
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Thanksgiving Musings
Friday, November 13, 2020
Freaky Friday - the 13th
Here it is, 5:10 pm on Friday the 13th and I've come through the work day relatively unscathed. Although there was that one phone call to an inmate's wife that could be technically classified as a smackdown, but I think she'll live. Hehehehe
It's been a funky energy kind of week and I'm not sure how to feel about it; I'm still processing it in my mind.
I was meditating last week after a particularly exhausting workout at the gym. I was totally in my Zen zone. It's so amazing to me the things that pop in and out of my mind when I clear my headspace. A recurring theme was: Love, Loyalty and Trust...and memories of my Mom and Dad (always heartwarming and reassuring!)
I am a very trusting individual. I take people at their word until I have reason not to. I'm not one to be paranoid or lose sleep over peoples alternative motives. I have a strong circle of friends that I rely on, and can always trust to be straight shooters with me. But occasionally something happens that shakes my trust tree a tad bit and makes me go "hmmmmm" and wonder "why". Nothing drastic and nothing that directly affects me....but a bit disconcerning nonetheless.
Then last night, a woman in her early 70's, when on a rampage and acted like a total ass all because the music in the gym was "too loud" for her. Instead of addressing the matter like an adult, she storms out, slams the door and yells out to "cancel her membership" Okkaaayyyy then. Not sure what caused her to unhinge but it couldn't have been alllll about the volume of the music! I've known her for 16 years. Although she can be a bit eccentric and boisterous, I've never known her to act like that. I was taken aback. No one, no matter the age, has the right to act like she did. I felt soooo sorry for the staff member that was involved. She criticizes others for being childish....well sweetheart, look in the mirror! Egads!
This weekend is fairly low key. I have yoga class in the morning, followed by lunch with two very lovely, strong, independent friends of mine (the ones I went camping with in August). Then nothing else other than working out and getting my nephew Blaine to work on Sunday. Oh, and some domestic diva stuff....which I can honestly say I'd rather not do! LOL
Tonight is totally a wine and Netflix night!!
Peace Out, Blogstalkers! :)
Saturday, November 7, 2020
Overpowering
Disclaimer: I'm angry and this is my avenue to vent. If you have opposing views, I'll listen to them, but I will NOT debate them - not on my platform. So if you're looking for a fight, you will not find one here.
My empathic mind and heart is on overload this morning. It's a good thing I'll be headed to teach yoga in a little bit. The rest of the day is going to be spent in solitude listing to music, exercising, cleaning and reading. I'm going on a social media detox for the net 24 hours because I cannot take in much more of the craziness.
The presidency campaign and election has brought out so much hate and anger - friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor, family against neighbor - it's been so sad to witness. I've wrote about it before, there seems to be no tolerance for anyone who has opposing views. There is no healthy discussion on topics; the easy route is to impose your opinion on others and when they disagree, cut them off at the knees and out of your life. Disheartening, to say the least.
I've made no secret that I think Donald Trump is a baboon. He has torn this country in half with his obnoxious lies, Tweets, "fake news", racist, homophobic, narcistic, hate spewing rhetoric. He's an idiot....to a point. Have I agreed with some of what he has done for the country? Yes, I'll admit it...he has done some things that I've applauded him for. Equally, he has done some things - far more, I might add - that I shake my head in disbelief over.
The job of the President is to look after the COUNTRY, to UNITE the COUNTRY, to LEAD the COUNTRY through the good times AND the bad. He's done NOTHING of the sort for four years. I go back to when I was sick at home watching his inauguration when he claimed there were millions there to celebrate his victory. Puhhhhhleaaaseee...there were more protestors in the streets than there were in the stands and along the parade route.
His whole campaign strategy was about spewing words of hate, mistrust of the voting process (obviously knowing he was going to get voted out and setting the ground work for law suits). He said about Nixon (of leaving the White House): He left; I do not Leave!.
What saddens me and angers me more - is the language, hate, bullying, mistrust, and anger of the American people. Get your heads out of your asses and for the love of God....get your news from a reputable news source and NOT FACEBOOK or TWITTER!! Have you seen the documentary Social Dilemma on Netflix?? People.....algorithms .....if you look for hate and mistrust, Facebook will feed it to you. If you look for sunshine, roses, and hair products, Facebook will feed it to you! Use your Brain!!! Research the facts, make up your own mind! Do NOT let Facebook feed you garbage and you take it to be gospel.
Just this morning a friend contacted me about going to the Stop the Vote at the Capitol on Sunday. She saw it on FACEBOOK and wanted to participate. I obviously do a good job about hiding my political views because she had noooooo idea that I despise Trump and all he stands for. LOL. So I asked a few questions. Why would anyone in their right mind Stop the Vote? She said that there are stolen votes and the votes in Pennsylvania are illegally cast for Biden. I said to her, haven't you been listening to MSNBC, NBC, CNN, Washington Post?? Pennsylvania (REPUBLICAN, I might add) officials holding news conferences about the integrity of the voting process and how they're handling the votes left to count? Total silence. Yah...I thought so. Wow....just wow. I'll forgive her for her lapse in reality and misguided trust in FACEBOOK and TRUMP, cuz I love her as a friend and I won't let politics ruin the friendship.
I'm scared for America. I'm tired, I'm worried, and downright scared.
Time for yoga and some deep breathing!
Friday, October 30, 2020
Spunky!
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Don't Ask
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Just another Wednesday
I telecommuted from home today; my telecommuting schedule is Wednesdays and Fridays. I can handle that; I load up the front end of my week "in office" and prepare for my "home" days. Most days are fairly easy as I have a list of things that I need to accomplish at home in order to make my in office days more smooth.
Today was just another Wednesday. Except, it wasn't.
Today was the first day this world did not have Eddie Van Halen in it. How flippin sad that one of the worlds premiere guitarists left this realm. We all know that Journey is my band of choice. But let's get real here folks.....Eddie Van Halen? He was the ultimate Guitar Hero!! Not to mention that every female in the 16-18 yr old range (in the late 70's, early 80's) had a mad crush on the brunette, button nosed, dimpled rock legend! (Men, don't even bother trying to understand that last statement!)
I never had the pleasure of going to a concert; let's face it, for anyone to come to ND is a phenomenal undertaking on their part. That being said, I certainly indulged in listening to Van Halen's music on a regular basis.
Back when I used to hang out with a local biker club (yes, I was a bit of a wild child!), this was one song that comes to memory. You Really Got Me! Some of there more main stream songs were good also. To me, there was just no comparison between Van Halen with David Lee Roth or Van Halen with Sammy Hagar. (Roth wins every time!)
So while today was just another Wednesday, today was the day that I had Van Halen blaring through the speakers - each song heard brought a favorite memory of a time passed. Each song bringing heartfelt condolences to his family, the music industry and the world for having lost another legend to cancer in 2020.
R.I.P Eddie Van Halen!
Sunday, October 4, 2020
Another Musings
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Welcome to the Shit Show!
I'm trying not to breaking one of my hard and fast rules - do not talk politics or religion. But for the love of all things holy, I cannot not comment on the total shit show of last nights presidential debate.
America, we're screwed!
I want the chance to write in a candidate. I think anyone would be a better option than the two we have right now. UGGGHHHH!
I'm soooooo tired of the bickering . right vs. left. I'm tired of the media, I'm tired of black lives matter (ALL LIVES MATTER, shit heads!), cop kiilings, riots and the disrespect and downright hatred of the flag, of our Country!
I'm scared for everyone concerned.
I feel the anger, the despair, the lack of consideration and respect - not only for the country -but for humanity.
I heard Savanna Guthrie , NBC Today Show, say that Social Media was the cesspool of society." I couldn't have said it better myself. It's utterly disgusting how people have become keyboard warriors, saying cruel and hateful words that they would never ever have the guts to say to a person face to face.
Yet, they do. But when they become the victims of the same in return, how quickly they cry foul.
I do not buy in to it. I refuse. A long-time friend of mine of 36 years texted me last night during the debate. I hear from him probably 3 times a year. I was so happy to hear from him until he proceeded to talk about the debate and starts to debate me on my opinions when he opened the door asking me how I felt.
This is the exact text I sent him: "I am done talking politics because I value our friendship. Have a good night. We'll talk another night when I'm not so angry".
I believe I took the high road and perhaps saved a long standing friendship that I treasure.
My mother and father always said that if you truly believe in something, then there will always be a solution to any problem that presents itself.
I wish I could believe in that statement and wisdom.
#disenchanted #struggling #coronafatigue #homeismysanctuary
Monday, September 28, 2020
Lunchtime Musings 09/28/2020
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Speculation
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Message to My Friend!
Sunday, September 20, 2020
Musings of a Working Superwoman
Saturday, September 5, 2020
2018 Post-Vacation Thoughts
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Pre-Labor Day Thoughts.
September - the New New Year ?
I know that New Years Eve and New Years Day are the traditional days to make a plan for fresh beginnings and resolutions. I've always looked at September as the New, New Year.
It seems like the perfect time to downshift a bit after the craziness of the summer. I love the long days, sunshine, hot weather and everything that entails.....outside patio time, flowers, nights by the firepit, gathering with family and friends, flip flops, tank tops and just everything summer. But as happy as I am to experience everything that summer represents to me, I'm equally as happy to see Autumn arrive.
The shorter days allow me to downshift and breathe. I'm admittedly guilty of living life to the nth degree; I'm a participant and not an observer. As darkness and cooler weather arrive, I relish the slower pace of life. September always holds a magical essence for me; it's been an unofficial time of renewal in my life. Perhaps because it's the month of my birth...my beginning in life.
When I was little, the starting of school always meant that it was time to buckle down and find more routine. You know the typical things that parents had you do when you were little: do your homework, do your chores, eat your vegetables, remember to brush your teeth before bed, bed time at a certain time.
As an adult, it is of the same except on an adult scale; looking at finances and finding ways to save money or cut back on spending, investment status and goals, diet/exercise regime (either set up a plan, fine tune plan or recommit), indoor household projects to accomplish over the fall and winter months, develop a winter book reading list, recommit to journaling/blogging, and most importantly....self reflection....what makes me tic, what I'd like to work on in my personality...overall...become better than I was yesterday.
The self reflection one is a doozy. What makes me tic and what can I do better; pretty heavy stuff. It require a lot of willingness to dig down in to the soul and to see what you're made of. I like to think that I'm made of light, but if I'm honest with myself, there is plenty of darkness there to work on. I'd let you in on my self-improvement list, but some of it is pretty personal stuff. You understand, I'm sure. :) Just know that each and every day is a new day to "get it right".
So today, September 2nd is a day that I'm taking inventory and getting a jump start on the new New Year. (Never too early - or late - to start self improvement!)
Sunday, August 30, 2020
i carry your heart with me
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Words
Sometimes words fail me. Oh perhaps the more accurate statement is my voice fails me. I am a relatively smart person. I have fairly good grasp of the English language, my vocabulary is broad, I'm knowledgeable of current events, I'm well read, and I have opinions.
With all of that going for me, I find it difficult to speak - with a modicum of intelligence - in certain instances.
I listen as others voice opinions. I have my own. But I seldom voice them. On the rare occasion that I do, I find myself feeling uncomfortable and uneasy. I hear a voice in my head saying "you're not interesting enough for them to listen to you," or I feel all eyes on me and I want to shrink in to the background.
I've taught classes in front of hundreds of insurance professionals, I've taught software demonstrations to insurance agents, taught yoga to hundreds of students, stress management to correctional employees and never batted an eye. But to voice an opinion in a group of people? Oh Hell No! LOL
My father used to say that if you wanted to lose family and friendships, all you needed to do was 1) loan them money and 2) talk politics and religion. Two things, I might add, that my father never did. Perhaps I'm taking after my father? Opinions should be kept to myself, yes? Or do I fear losing people close to me by telling them how I really feel.
Then there is the old adage: "Better to let them think you a fool, than to open mouth and prove it." Maybe that is where I get my reservation from.
I'm a strong, articulate woman.....who is perfectly fine letting others speak their minds. I'll keep my opinions to myself, I won't lose relationships, and no one will think I'm the fool! 😉
Monday, July 27, 2020
Good Thoughts, Good Deeds
Friday, June 19, 2020
Picking up Sticks
Toni has led a very interesting life - a life that hasn't always been the easiest for her. I think, if truth be told, none of us have had the easiest of lives. Of course, perspective enters in to that as well. What may be difficult for some, may be considered as a cake walk for others.