Category Archives: philosophy

Half-way through the February blues

16 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by in community, education, Health, pets, philosophy, reading, therapy, Warm fuzzy, writing

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It has been four months since my previous post. Life has been busy but not eventful enough to warrant the pixels and time.

Recent world news and national events could encourage one to curl up and hide in a hole until spring.

  • COVID-19
  • Forest fires, floods, droughts, earthquakes
  • Railway blockades, fossil fuel pipeline disputes, indigenous rights
  • Political circus and acquitted clown in the USA
  • Shitty public transit service in our nation’s capital

My Saturday routines include picking up a couple of newspapers so I can disconnect from social media for a few hours over the weekend and read content that I trust has gone through the process of professional journalistic editing and publishing.

I still practice gratitude as I go about the daily mundaneness, working for a living, surviving the winter, and being strategic with workday bus commutes.

This cute little book brought me comfort and advice to get through winter in the northern hemisphere. It’s the perfect size for bus reading. You might like it too.

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30045683-the-little-book-of-hygge

book page pronounce hygge as hooGa

Hygge – pronounced Hoo Ga

I find comfort and pleasure in sharing meals and conversation with family and friends. I find purpose in volunteering, caring for the elderly diabetic cat and recently, one injured offspring who came home for a few days of nursing and Motherly love.

I find joy as I correspond with my offspring and offshoots. I find hope as I continue my part-time college education where I learn new things, make new friends and prepare for Career 2.0.

Although I haven’t written much of substance lately, I still engage with friends and followers through social media posts, comments and shares. You can follow some of my creative writing and doodling posts over at the blog where the Tabby Cat rules.

In the meantime, you might enjoy some Little Blonde Jots. I bought these cute little key ring tabs (plus a few other items) from a friend to support his downsizing efforts a few years ago. They prove handy to carry around, where I can jot down thoughts while waiting for buses, people watching or contemplating life.

Little Blonde Jots

Little Blonde Jots, words of wisdom and observations

Thanks for dropping by. I hope you are enjoying and appreciating what rays of sunshine and hope you encounter in your corner of the world.

See you in the spring.

T

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