A-Z 2013 - Grasshopper Parable Revisited

I just love parables; don't you? A gentle approach of delivery for basic standards within one's family and community. Aesop's The Grasshopper and the Ant is one of my favorites because it reminds us all that we are, in fact, responsible for our own lives and have to make choices. Are our children not being exposed to Aesop's Fables, anymore? I know the latest children's stories talk about bullying, sharing, self-esteem, etc. and that's important; but, where are the stories about personal responsibility for taking charge of our own lives? By now, you've probably figured out that this is sort of a gripe post -- so, if you don't want to go further, you won't hurt my feelings.  In the words of Scarlett O'Hara, "Tomorrow, is another day!"

Let me, at the outset, say that this post is NOT about people who are infirm and/or incapable of making independent choices about their lives. Our own humanity impels us to care for them as we would want to be cared for in the same circumstances.  What I am talking about are those who choose to not take care of themselves, either through attitude or a misplaced sense of entitlement, and expect everyone else to pay their bills. And, I'm not even going to  mention people who know how to work the system with false injury claims. Not a word.

In my opinion, if you want to live independently and have a say in what happens in your life, you have to pay your own way. That means you pay for your own shelter, food, clothing, the whole ball of wax.  If you think, when out of work, that

• you are too good to take a job because you're educated above it
• you have a right to today's latest high-tech item just released

you're wrong.

Unless a job offer requires illegal activity on your part, it's a job and it will help you pay your bills. Too educated; it's time for an attitude adjustment. I've watched grown men let their families go hungry because the industry they had been working in collapsed and they refused to work for less money in jobs they felt were beneath them. I don't doubt for a nanosecond that it's depressing; but it's a job, until what you want comes along -- or, not. And, that could mean you have to switch to a different vocation. Jobs evolve with the generations and colleges produce way too many workers in specific fields because that's how they make money. As a contributing adult in your world, your job is to find a way to pay your bills without living off the backs of other people.  [stepping down from soapbox]

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Failing is Not Always Our Fault

NOT MY FAULT!!!

 

It's the end of the first week for the Challenge and I've been feeling the pressure. Until my own "Do it for the Gipper!" pep-talk, I felt like a failure. Why? Because, last year, I promised myself that I would have all my posts done and ready for this year's challenge and let myself down. Alas, I was lower than pond scum.  

 

Then, I had a nice little rest, forgave myself, and decided to simply handle it in the same frenetic way as the previous challenges -- I rationalized why there were no posts scheduled and waiting for me to hit the 'Publish' button. It was so easy to rationalize, that I wonder why I hadn't thought of it, before (r-r-r-i-i-i-ght).  I have forgiven myself, as I know you have and will simply share some other thoughts on failure.

EQUIPMENT LETDOWN

POOR DEPTH PERCEPTION
 

POOR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

I rest my petition for forgiveness.

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Exercise, Envy, Expedience

Spring has arrived but my body is still very much showing the effects of my selfless disposal of holiday treats -- perpetuating a cycle of 'waste not, waist not.'  Truth be told (and, who doesn't, when we're talking exercise), it's a way of making sure I don't topple off my favorite barstool midst anecdotal rhetoric. 'Cycle' is the word to keep in mind.

Through the years, I've managed (along with my friends) to accumulate several helpful accoutrements in the battle of the bulge, attempting to return to a respectable weight and form (don't have to buy a whole new wardrobe). Viewed together, I noticed that most of them fell into a category requiring the least amount of movement on my part during use. For instance, none required my leaving the house, or, much more than using the equipment for a specific muscle group.

Remember the old Thigh Master?  I remember it. Used it straight from the box, that day. I remember my arms weren't strong enough to squeeze the blue handles close enough together to even get the unit between my thighs -- never mind, my thighs being able to do the squeezing, once in place!  Suffice to say, Suzanne Sommers retains title to tightest thighs.

This was followed by the bright idea that I could watch television AND lose weight, cycling my way through the Travel and Discovery Channels, as the pounds just melted off. Turns out, cycling while sitting in an armchair is a lot harder than shown on the box and my feet kept slipping out of those restraints. I knew there had to be a better device.

It was at that point my friends and I decided that upper body exercise was probably more important, and the exercise ball was such a pretty blue. Alas, within minutes of failed inflation, it came back to me that I was the kid who simply couldn't blow up a balloon. I know. I know. I could have used the inflator, but I wasn't thinking at the time and, a few days later, I was ready to move on to something that would really work. The exercise ball still looks like this.

 

Finally, something I was pretty good at as a child -- jump roping -- was gonna do the trick! Yes, I could jump with the best of them; especially, double Dutch jumping. This was a shoe-in. Not! Apparently, as the body changes with the passing of time, jumping higher than four inches in rapid succession is not as easy as one might think. And, kicking up the heels -- well, that doesn't have to be discussed, here.  But, aren't they pretty? They are still tight in their natural fresh-from-the-store packaging bend. Don't you wish you had a set?

Moving on, word was out that belly-dancing was perfect. No jumping! Maybe not an official exercise program but it's a fantastic full-body exercise. I excelled at making the costumes. Would you believe this was me?  I didn't think so -- or, is that envy talking?

With the recent acquisition of a most expedient exercise tool, I have now removed all my old body-beautiful equipment from the closet and donated it to Good Will. I bet you want one, too; right?

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Doors of Our Lives

Every time we face a door, we are making a choice that will affect our lives and our souls. Open it and discover a whole new world or hate turning that knob because only negative people and numbing activities await you. Whether it's the same door, or not, your life does change, in increments or with a fast whoosh! We're not always in control of what's on the other side -- choices you can't avoid or will welcome with open arms, are already heading your way. But, as I've said before in one of my New Year's toasts . . .

If you fear the unknown, may you find the inner strength to take a chance.
If you rush to the unknown, may you know the difference between exploration and running away.
If you desire the unknown, may you be well-prepared for the journey.
If you are asked to share the unknown, may it be your decision and the very best choice for you.

And, at the close of each year, may your choices reflect a year of seized opportunity, new-found courage, and a deeper understanding of your family and friends. But, most of all, may you discover peace and an acceptance of yourself.

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Creative Cupcakes Cause Crises

This is a cupcake -- today's version of a cupcake. Everywhere you look, today, you'll find little works of art gracing the covers of magazines that used to have beautiful normal cakes. Where have those lovely cakes gone?

I understand the premise, believe me. Everyone should have their very own complete cake and this new trend is adorable -- to a point. And that point ends where my desire to share your special day with a baked surprise is now under pressure to create not one big, lovely, cake but a dozen or so highly creative mini-cakes that are, themselves, works of art.

Do I not have enough to do, to prove my love? Do young mothers today have to face the scorn of their peers because they haven't buckled under to the this new 'prove your love' decorating? Now, I know that baking cupcakes doesn't take all day. Just pour the batter into the pan and bake. Plop that old frosting on the top and dribble some sprinkles and you have a plate of mini-cakes. NO! You can't do that, anymore! Today's mothers have to create the ultimate, most gorgeous, most unique treasures ever. Fondant has replaced edible frostings (sorry, fondant tastes yucky, to me) because you can work it like clay. And, that's the problem.

Not everyone is an artist. But, not to worry, because craft stores have come to your rescue by providing a gazillion decorating and packaging accessories to make it easier for you to slip this decorating gig into your already busy day. Now, you have no excuse. You are not only under the spotlight for decorating to perfection, you are emptying your pocketbook to ensure you have the right this-and-that to make it happen. It's becoming the new Scrapbooking craft.  I can't imagine the pressure.

But, I would like to have another one, thankyouverymuch!

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - Being There

"What would you like me to do?" "Can I help?" "Just give me a call, if you need me." While meant with good intentions, sometimes -- well, most times -- it would be better to just do something without waiting for instruction. Whatever the problem that instigates the offer, the person you want to help is probably not able to think clearly and deciding what you can do to help is often more than they can face, so they say it's okay, everything's fine, you go on your way, and nothing's done.

A very dear friend demonstrated just how important it can be to simply take charge and handle the little things that need to be done when someone you care about is going through a traumatic situation. While we may like to feel our lives are unique, we all perform the same basic rituals to get through our days -- shopping, cleaning, washing clothes, ironing, yard work, etc. -- well, you get the idea. A simple regular task done for them can mean so much to someone dealing with grief. Setting up a clipboard to keep track of things to do -- people to call, food brought by whom and in what container -- may seem so obvious that no one actually gets one set up! Don't wait to be told, take charge and do what you can for them. It's really nothing more than what you would like to have done for you. 

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!

A-Z 2013 - A Writing App for This Year!

This year's 2013 A-Z Challenge is going to be sooooooo easy! Oh, yes. Because, I've invented an app that makes writing a cinch. Just type in one word using that day's beginning letter, press return, and -- voila! -- your post is done, waiting to be inserted into your blog. Now, isn't that cool!

There's a button at the end that lets you link up to your blog for posting. How great is that!

I wonder how much I should sell it for? or, if I should just make it available for everyone? or, exactly how I should approach Apple? Would you get one? Should I make it in a variety of colors? Does that even matter? Imagine being able to give your readers a spell-checked, informative, pre-linked post after entering just one word.  I think that's cool; don't you?  April Fool!

Finis

For those of you who have just happened upon this page, this is an annual writing challenge open to any and all who wish to participate. It's a way to discover new writers and share your own. Do yourself a favor and check out a group of fantastic bloggers. You're bound to find someone you might like to follow. Don't forget to leave some loving comments and spread the word. It could even inspire you to think about joining next year's Challenge, yourself!