Saturday, July 28, 2012

ORDINARY DAY

I've been lackadaisical about posting here and visiting other bloggers as you may note.  Had a few matters to take care of, but must confess to just being lethargic toward blogging -- though I've thought of a never-ending number of topics about which I could easily have written with all that's transpiring in the world politically and otherwise.

Today seemed like an ordinary day when I awoke after another good nights sleep.   Disappointingly I didn't recall having a dream, or one I remembered, but I figured  there would be other nights with dreams to ponder the following morning.   Preparing my oatmeal breakfast for microwaving  I was quite pleased with myself that I hadn't let my mind wander as I did  a couple of times weeks earlier with startling consequences. 

I still laugh with chagrin  when I think about those mornings when I was mentally preoccupied so I unscrewed and removed the cinnamon bottle's cap instead of lifting the lid designed to restrict any amount poured out.  I had tipped that bottle over allowing a quarter or more of the contents to spill out instead of the desired light sprinkle in my fat-free milk filled cereal bowl covered with uncooked oatmeal, and now lots and lots of cinnamon.    Once cooked, the cereal became unusual tasting hot oatmeal that I covered also with bran, fresh banana slices,  red raspberries and blueberries.  Hopefully it was nutritionally good for me.  

Today's fare was more normal and  I combined my eating with other activities.    I addressed a couple of birthday cards with mailing to be timed for specific arrival dates  -- one staying in the Southern California area and the other going further west to the Hawaiian Islands.     I could send digitally generated cards but both recipients, quite computer literate, are more appreciative of these paper cards  to hold in their hands that also bear the senders handwriting, plus they visit their email accounts very inconsistently.  The one greeting is a surprise card shower orchestrated by the Portland, Oregon daughter on her mom's 70th birthday.   The daughter tried to write or email everyone her mother ever knew and asked them to contact any others who knew her Mom to send a card, phone or an e-card. 

The daughter had done the same thing last year for her Dad's birthday and he was absolutely astounded at all the friends who made contact.    I promised in my card to her Mom to definitely arrange to keep our annual meet next Spring -- half-way between her home and mine at a restaurant we found several years ago.  (Hope they're still in business.)  I've been lax in coordinating with her so we missed the past couple of years.    I know how much to treasure friends since so many of my younger and older ones have died.   In my defense she has more children, grandchildren to visit, plus annually she meets girl friends in Europe with whom she hikes.  

Writing of girl friends, I'm reminded another friend recently sent me an email noting the content described our mutual interest in brain and neurological functions with the conclusions confirming  what we knew to be true years ago from our own mutual interactions and experience.    I don't know the writer, or original source of the emailed story that I've re-printed here,  but think many of us have likely encountered this information elsewhere that her friend sent her.  

"In an evening class at Stanford the last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends. At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.

Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically this quality “girlfriend time" helps us to create more serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well-being. Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. We share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very GOOD for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged — not true. In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!

So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health! We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo, let's toast to our friendship with our girlfriends. Evidently it's very good for our health.

Stay in touch with your girlfriends.  Maybe even forward this to them.   Thanks
to all the girls in my life who have helped me stay healthy, happy, and feeling very loved. "

My day continued with my writing a check to help with U.S. government expenditures, since seems I erroneously figured my income tax and owe them a few dollars more  including, literally, a few cents in interest.  I can't seem to compute my taxes correctly, (and they're not that complicated) 'cause one other year they sent me a refund I hadn't expected.  Our government is going to need a lot more money than I'll ever see since I heard on today's news our national debt is over a trillion dollars.  

Checks and cards written, I dutifully headed to my local post office, then stopped at a nearby department store, but disappointingly they didn't have what I wanted.   The clerk said, "Maybe this fall."   Before I had left home I had turned on the TV during my activities, but when I turned it off prior to going to my local postal office I noticed a strange video problem that would not correct.  I turned the set off deciding to check again when I returned.  Maybe a rest period would allow the TV to self-correct.

I stopped to purchase a fish sandwich on the way home but even this additional time had not provided healing time for my TV I noted when I still couldn't get a picture.    But I was at least pleased the fish sandwich was actually a fish sandwich, since in recent weeks I purchased fish on two other occasions only to discover once I actually  received a chicken sandwich and the last time was some sort of beef sandwich.   I ate the chicken on that first occasion, but the last time I was really angry and took the burger back.    Both times when I originally ordered in the middle of the day, the place wasn't even busy -- with no customers inside and none in the drive thru.   I've decided the moral to that story is, service is better if a business is busy.  Staff must get really lazy, careless and nonchalant when they have only one customer, one order to prepare.

But, about my TV -- no TV picture was the moment of truth.  I had to accept the fact the TV was definitely malfunctioning and I just wasn't sure where the glitch was.    What that meant was  I would not be viewing the Olympics opening ceremonies ..... unless ..... yes! .....I'll bet  I can view Olympic streaming video on the Internet!     I successfully viewed streaming video before and wrote here about it when Ronni Bennett spoke at a Washington State tech convention several years ago.  I again viewed streaming video and wrote about a Florida AARP convention event a few years later that a couple of  Elderbloggers attended.  So, I was ready.

Not so fast ..... I was disappointed to discover that those of us who choose to receive our  Olympic television signals via that simple technology called an antenna are discriminated against by NBC on the Internet.  The TV station with which I was associated years ago was one of NBC;s major network affiliates.   How could they abandon me???  The best of those Olympic opening ceremonies I could view were delayed excerpts of a few one minute or so long videos.    For example, I saw the current James Bond actor meet Queen Elizabeth and walk down the steps with the Corgis, had a glimpse of helicopter rotorblades -- but then as Porky Pig would say, "That's all folks!" 

I resorted to listening to an audio news account on that old-fashioned tech medium called a radio.   The news reporter who had viewed the actual event reported that Great Britain's elder Queen Elizabeth skydived with the Bond character out of the helicopter into the Olympic arena.  Now that would have been a sight to behold, even if it was actually stuntmen. 

Furthermore, when I discovered -- before the opening ceremonies -- this viewing complication for me -- I went to NBCOlympics.com contact page to inquire whether there was a way this antenna TV viewer might access that live coverage.  I dutifully typed the requested information with my question, but was unable to send the message because.....they must have had a CAPTCHA system since they told me to enter the numbers in the picture above, but there was no picture above, much less any numbers.  They said if I couldn't see the numbers to click on the picture (that wasn't there,) so I clicked on the space where it all should have been, but to no avail.  Maybe my eyes are going.

Tomorrow (today when this publishes) I'll try a couple things with the TV -- maybe install a new converter box I have, if it's not too complicated, (my son easily installed the first one) and see if that brings back my TV picture.  Otherwise, guess I'll have to acquiesce to purchasing a new TV and subscribing to .... yuk! ....cable (pricing pkg better for me than satellite.)    Or, I could try life with my all news radio station, newspaper news and Internet news.  Will have to find entertainment (though that's what a lot of so-called news is anymore) on the Internet and maybe view some DVDs. 

I wanted to hold out on a new TV purchase until the inevitable future I see with Internet and TV more prevalently converged and get a set then -- figured with the rate tech progresses today, it could be less than a year, or maybe up to a couple of years.  I don't want 3D 'cause I learned last year watching a friend's 3D set that after about an hour I get a headache.    Without Steve Jobs maybe tech won't move so fast toward the TV/Internet convergence marketable for the masses.   I'm still waiting to get a computer tablet (may want to get one and some apps I can use with select patients.)  I don't have an e-book (have too many paper books yet to read to justify buying an e-book, though I appreciate the benefits and will likely eventually get one.)  I'm not hung-up with having to read the latest best seller.  I still like actual physical books.

Since I've evolved into talking about digital and tech, I'll mention I still don't Twitter -- my circumstances simply don't warrant doing so.   I continue to enjoy my regular old cell phone,  use only a few of the features, mostly text with it which has been a really valued activity for myself and others.   I don't have a smart phone -- yet -- but having one is an attractive option eventually.   Young and old with whom I communicate still prefer our landline and portable phones for many conversations.  I also enjoy Skype -- interacting with and seeing the person to whom I'm speaking.

I have a Facebook account on which I've put very little personal information, no photos, use only with family (only one member uses FB but very little,)  a couple old high school, college friends (we had very small classes) and rest don't use FB -- for me it's all about not wishing to provide so much personal tracking info on the Internet for commercialization tracking purposes.   I only visit FB every few months, 'cause even those people and I communicate through other means.   I don't click on "like" or sign up with anything that requires I must follow them through FB and/or Twitter.     I prefer communicating with blogger buddies via our blogs and comments, personal emails, or other arrangements we might choose.
        
Also, I did finally succumb to repeated invites to sign on with Linked-In and will accept or provide invitations from those I know who want to connect with this business oriented community.    Again, I've seen no reason to post information about myself there, since I work only part time, am not seeking additional employment so networking is of little value to me anymore.  Mainly, I appreciate the regular news summaries on topics of interest to me sent to my email.   Anyone hoping to make connections through my account will likely be disappointed since I'm not actively building it, or pursuing links to add to my account.  If a name pops up I know, I'll likely add it.

Well, I think I'll be able to watch selected Olympic events on the Internet while I resolve issues surrounding my lack of television.   Advertisers and broadcast media won't care whether or not I watch TV because I'm not part of the age demographic for which they make their programming decisions.    Might be interesting to experience once again what life was like in the days I remember before TV.  Of course, it won't be the same because I have the computer and the Internet.






24 comments:

  1. "...elder Queen Elizabeth skydived...."

    Has the United Kingdom elected a younger Queen Elizabeth while I was out golfing? English Prof

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    1. No, I was just trying to make the point the Queen is an elder -- aged as elderbloggers! Oh, you English Profs -- will I never escape your editing my sometimes lacking King's (or is it Queen's) English compositions!!!

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  2. DISCLAIMER -- Am again annoyed Blogger failed to follow the line spacing as I set it up, so they jammed up the lines at the quotes end in my post content above. Furthermore, when Blogger does that -- this isn't the first time -- I've never been able to correct their layout error. I'll accept responsibility for the elder Queen matter (probably some other English usage shortcomings,) but not this!

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  3. We fully endorse the value in sending printed cards to close friends and family. Beautiful wife Sandy custom makes each card, and she gets zillions of favorable comments from the recipients. Our TV is acting up in strange ways. Wonder if it's an Olympic virus?

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    1. How lucky the recipients are to receive your wife's loving creations. I'm fortunate enough to have received a few original hand-made greetings that I treasure. Hm-m-m, you may be on to something -- an Olympic virus.

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  4. Happy to see you posting today. I too have been a bit remiss in regular posting. Too busy at present trying to sort out the yarn business. Why can't we find what we want when we want it. I almost feel the same way about politics. I am so disgusted I may not vote for president in the fall. I will at least show up at the polls and vote for bonds. No point in chosing a rep for the Congress. I live in a solid blue district and there is no viable opposition to the fellow who has represented our district for far too long. Yes, he brings home the bacon to our area, but at what cost to the country and the less well off I ask. Disgruntled Dianne

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    1. Understand your disgruntlement, but I'll definitely vote as there are serious differences between the major political parties about which I care deeply. Am glad I'm not in a market where so many often distorting negative ads are running. I don't listen to the blowhards on TV who merely confuse the issues. I'd like to see a legitimate debate in which the candidates are forced to discuss only the issues and could be cut off if they digressed to began to babble fluff.

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  5. Since you touched on the subject of women supporting women and I frequently see your eloquent comments, I am curious about a phenomenon I‘ve observed. As my blogger dashboard rolls in I usually post a comment relative to the subject at hand. There is another blog roll that stacks up I clean out at the end of the week. This whole week I am seeing strong women trying to control their finances, their families, their cell phone cords, even their philosophies of life. Have you seen this same pattern? If so, would you care to express your opinion?

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    1. Glad to hear from you. I hadn't really put together a pattern as you've perceived. Perhaps there is, indeed, one -- maybe stimulated by these times in which we live -- an instinctive sense that recognizes now is a time when our individual and collective strength needs to come to the forefront. Coincidentally(?), tonight I'm in a rather pensive mood thinking somewhat differently about those very issues you mention. Hm-m-m!

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  6. I don't know if you believe in, or subscribe to...Things Astrological. BUT...The Planet MERCURY is Retrograde---which means ALL things to do with communication are screwed up. Your TV?? Mercury. Other things get screwed up, too---but mostly it is anything to do with communication....Good Luck, my dear. I hope you can get yoyr TV fixed.

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    1. I've not been strongly into "Things Astrological" but have been intrigued with some of the ideas throughout the years. The communication screw ups because Mercury is Retrograde does give my thoughts a jolt. I should do some retroactive research into where Mercury was in years past on a few occasions when I became flummoxed due to some strange unexplainable to me personal communication complications. Actually, I'm enjoying having no TV in this grand experiment, and haven't even tried to correct the problem or replace the set.

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  7. joared, thank you so much for visiting me. I life is so very simple compared to yours now that I have relocated to a simpler lifestyle at the edge of the woods. I read with much interest about the antenna situation. I wonder if that is why I am not getting several stations that use to come through so clearly.
    I could not view the olympics either. Thank you for this information. Also smiled at the sharing on women friends. I stay so isolated but need to make an effort to spend more time with friends. Thank you for the encouragement...

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    1. Interesting that you've had some antenna reception issues, too. I understand there can be solar interference with signals which you might be having if you have video okay at other times of day. I think my video problem is something else which may be rather simple to correct, or may require more serious intervention. I'm just not bothering to do anything about it right now -- I can't get any video signal any time.

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  8. Just wanted to come by and thank you for your inspiring comments. Welcome words.

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  9. I use facebook to keep up with family and friends and twitter to keep up with the news. I have only two twitter followers since I produce very little content on it.

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  10. I don't confide in girl friends anymore. I confide only in my husband, because he can keep a secret. Most women can't.

    We bought our 52 inch High Definition TV in 2007. When it breaks, we intend to buy a 70 inch. No sense fixing the old one, per hubby, because like cars, TVs deteriorate.

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    1. I think having a spouse or partner who is also a best friend for mutually exchanged confidences is what couples generally seek. You're fortunate to recognize and appreciate that you have that presently.

      Whatever ones situation I think girl friends are special and unique at any age, or whatever the marital status.
      I've generally been very fortunate in my choice of the women friends in whom I confide respecting my confidences as I have theirs. But I've purposely limited the number to only a few such friends through the years. It isn't that I harbor any earth-shattering deep dark secrets, it's just that there are some matters about which I'm sensitive -- whether or not it's logical, or even makes sense.

      Those instances when I've moved too quickly into a new friendship have been the few that could painfully disappoint. Usually, I was aware of warning signs early in the relationship, but had ignored them. Typically I entered those friendships when I was most emotionally vulnerable and may have been more susceptible to not exercising due care and common sense judgement. In such an instance I take responsibility for having brought it on myself. If I received confidences from such a former friend, I continued to honor them as such whether or not mine were respected.

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  11. Somehow your ordinary day doesn't seem so ordinary to me. I guess my days are pretty quiet and boring in general. As you know I just started blogging again after a little hiatus. I've been watching the Olympics quite a bit...every day actually. Although my son wants to get me a bigger flat-screen and maybe HD viewing....my present TV in my bedroom is working just fine and is plenty big enough; but I must admit I do LOVE the really large screens. The TV in my LR is pretty big; but not compared to the ones everyone seems to have these days. Good luck with your TV JoAnn.... ~Joy

    P.S. I'm not on Twitter either....or even Facebook, and I don't foresee that I ever will be. My head can only handle so much.

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    1. I should probably have said this was an unusual ordinary day for me. I thought they were actually mundane and probably didn't deserve to be written about -- but I did -- considering all the really important matters occurring in the world.

      I purposely have never had a TV in the bedroom. The old 2nd TV I still have in another room isn't HD and wasn't worth hooking up to a converter box -- should get rid of it. It would be nice to have a small portable set with rabbit ears, I could take where I want, but that's a luxury lost with HD and the need for cable/satellite hook-ups. Won't be long before tech merges all our products together into inexpensive varieties and sizes of wireless items that will probably be just what I want.

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  12. Twitter and Facebook simplify my life. I find out what's going on in real time through Twitter. Facebook is just great for keeping track of family and friends, and they allow me to post pix of them with the proper privacy settings (I can't do that on my blog, because they don't want me to, and I respect that.)
    I don't have much desire to expose my inmost thoughts to anyone, for some reason (that is my private garden), so I seldom use my friends for confiding in. Mostly we just do stuff together. If I have problems, I tend to tough them out on my own, a behavior pattern I learned as a child and have seen no reason to give up.

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    1. I know many enjoy Twitter which I have yet to experience actually using. Perhaps eventually I'll be introduced to Twitter in a manner that I can find to be beneficial.

      FB is an idea I like, but my view based on their actions and own admissions in past news reports, is that there might be reason to consider with reservation how they may choose to treat their users activities and information in the future. Once posted, users info, data, pictures, etc., after-the fact retrieval would be too late.

      I appreciate your "toughing it out" conditioning and have necessarily engaged in some of that myself -- continue to do so. But I don't think sharing confidences with girl friends, or any others, necessarily means that all innermost thoughts from a person's "private garden" are revealed. Perhaps the whole "girl friend confidences" means different things to different people.

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  13. love it when all you smart bloggers confess to feeling lackadaisical about blogging. that's pretty much my default mode these days. I've really enjoyed this post, Joanne. Girlfriends....I've got a surplus this weekend, that's for sure. or maybe not a surplus, but two very wonderful, longtime friends are visiting, and that's going to involve some tricky scheduling. Such a happy event! I've known one since we were 9 years old, and we work together now. she just had hip or knee surgery (she's had both), and I'm anxious to hear just how that's going.

    funny, I just tried to look up "default" and dear google led me to Higgs boson! ha. And so it goes. How's your garden/yard? Enjoy these summer days, hot though they are.

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    1. I think I've been in lackadaisical mode for a long time when I see the total posts most months -- have been just more so, I guess. Possibly that's a virus goin' 'round since many have it. Not sure if the virus is airborne or is transmitted in more mysterious ways.

      Wonderful you're having an opportunity to enjoy visits from such long time friends. Knee, hip surgery both quite prevalent so good to learn as much as possible about the process from others who've had the experience.

      My "garden"(?) is wild -- what there is of it. Haven't been planting any veggies or herbs in recent years. Am rooting an avocado seed just for fun with water jar on sunless kitchen window sill. I've neglected watering my patio half-barrel dwarf citrus trees, so hope I've not let them get too dry. For some reason I haven't given them very consistent care since my husband died and I was the only one who cared for them before. Am battlin' white flies on plants in shaded area by my front door entry. Sprinkler system had problems end of June thru first weeks of July -- grass turning brown was a clue -- some hand watering needed for a while. Finally, got leakage, repairs, different heads to correct and that affected center-yard grassy area has finally come back to life.

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  14. I blame Obama for my lack of blogging, but truth be told, I just am not very organized these days. I need to address that. Since my surgery in April, I find it very hard to get organized and do things.

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