Category Archives: philosophy

Sneezings greetings

14 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by in community, education, Health, pets, philosophy, writing

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It seems like a long lonely time since my last post.

I miss writing, sharing insights and cat pictures. I have been so busy with school work, the day job and life distractions. I am almost finished that online course on Environmental Citizenship. It’s interesting. It’s emotionally, mentally and physically draining!

I am also finding it a challenge with self-discipline and time management to get at weekly assignments before the deadline.

Now at the tail end of a cold and final week of the course, I appreciate when my homework coach offers motivational visits.

black cat checking in on homeworkI find comic relief watching YouTube videos with Stephen Colbert, or short clips on psychology and philosophy with Jordan B Peterson. I read his latest book “12 Rules for Life – An Antidote to Chaos” and even pushed my hard cover copy on my youngest son.

As a Mother and Grandmother, I agree that we need to address the issue of identity politics, divisiveness and tactics used by social justice warriors. We need to educate, to guide our girls and boys so they will grow into healthy, well-balanced members of society.

 

If I neglect the final assignment for this course, I think I can maintain an 80% average and earn my credit. I need to rest, recover and get ready for the holidays with my loved ones.

Small Christmas Tree w chocolates and stockings

Our wee tree is waiting for one adult child to visit and help add the decorations. It’s a tradition.

I have been digging into those chocolates though – you know, to help me with schoolwork stress.

What are your plans for the Holidays? Will you adjust your travel mode, gifting options and meal plans to lessen your Ecological Footprint? Sorry not sorry. 

Thanks for dropping by.

T

How far would your generosity go?

15 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by in community, philosophy, Travel

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I used to purchase sheets of OC Transpo bus tickets to help my offspring get around town if they didn’t have a loaded or valid bus pass.

I would also carry extras with me as a backup plan if my PrestoCard balance ran out or to help out if a bus buddy forgot their pass.

Soon that will no longer be an option.

OCTranspoTicketsGoodUntilApril302018 - Edited (1)

Ottawa’s public transportation service will not accept paper tickets after April 30th. Commuters will have to have a Presto Card handy and loaded or carry $3.50 in exact change.

Coins350BusFareApr2018 - Edited

So, you could offer to pay for a fellow OC Transpo commuter who has forgotten their pass or doesn’t have the $3.50. You could offer them your backup stash of coin or indicate to the driver you wish to pay for another’s fare with your PrestoCard.

Presto Card pic from Prestocard.ca site

Presto Card pic from Prestocard.ca site https://www.prestocard.ca/en/

The latter will cost you 5 cents less but require social interaction with two people instead of one and delay others getting on the bus…

I suppose I will use the PrestoCard payment method for a friend instead of offering cash. It’s a matter of me remembering to load enough on my card.  

On a related note, I wish PrestoCard would send an email or text to notify you when your balance gets to a day’s value or less. 

Gone are the days of the paper passes 😦 and Federal tax credits for using public transportation.

I find this ticket-less system counter-productive and risky:

  1. Low income riders have to jump through hoops to prove their financial status in order to qualify for a Community Discount pass.
  2. Social service agencies can no longer provide bus tickets to their clients so they can get to appointments or related events.
  3. Buses may be carrying more coin as alternate payment rather than paper tickets. This could make for theft opportunities or cause more fuel usage due to extra weight.

 

Are you an Ottawa public transportation user? How are you adapting to these changes? What’s your opinion on this new system plus the city’s attempt to prepare commuters for the late and over-budget Light Rail Transit system?

T

 

Artful winter survival

07 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by in Art, community, Health, pets, philosophy, photography, reading, therapy, writing

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Canadian winters…  You adapt to the season or you escape to warmer climates.

For those of us who are not beach lovers or sun worshipers, we choose to stay and make the best of it. Sometime after January 31st, we start complaining.

bus shelter surrounded by snow

Public Transportation experience

We pop our Vitamin C, D and Omega-3 and absorb the glow from the DayLight lamp while we curse the inconveniences of the season. We get in gentle exercise, cautious walks outdoors, small social gatherings then retreat indoors for quiet activities.

As someone who appreciates the quiet and calm of my humble abode, I make efforts to refresh my living space and head space by performing winter housecleaning and preparation for the Lunar New Year. It’s a valid excuse to add ceremony to housework, to make it fun and hopeful.

Of course, when you share living space with cats, you adjust the placement of items to maintain harmony in your home.

cats hiding in play structure

Cats avoiding the cleaning staff

One way I refresh my head space is learning new things, doodling, listening to uplifting music and reading. When you’re a bus mouse, you can get in some good reading time – if you can find a good seat for the long workday commutes.

Photo of I Ching Handbook

I Ching Handbook

So as we navigate through and negotiate with Winter, we can remind ourselves that it will soon lead to Spring.

There is hope.

Photo of life cycles banner

Thanks for reading along! How do you survive Winter in your neck of the worldly woods?

T