Category Archives: writing

Toxic beauty

06 Saturday Jun 2020

Posted by in education, Health, writing

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I watched this documentary on CBC TV the other night. It scared the sh*t out of me.

I’m not a extensive cosmetics user so I allow myself some relief that I may not be exposed to a lot of the harmful substances.

The cosmetics industry is the new tobacco, the new sugar – filled with lies and dark advertising to tell us how to look beautiful, how they sell things using made-up and air-brushed models.

I’ll have none of it and I struggle in resisting judgement of friends and colleagues who are obviously slaves to this deception.

Being a natural blonde with a peaches and cream complexion, I feel smug that I don’t have to submit myself to all those toxins just to look “beautiful”. I’m also older now, becoming more comfortable in my skin and frankly, don’t give a rat’s ass.

What is beauty anyway?

Surviving the last three months of this pandemic in isolation, I have less need for mascara, lipstick and deodorant (it’s just me and the cat in the home office these days).

I HAVE taken to other harmful habits like drinking homemade rum punches on the weekends and sitting in the sun for longer than recommended now that the weather is nice – on my balcony. I also don’t wear sunscreen. I’m a rebel.

Thanks for dropping by. What are you doing to lessen your exposure to harmful toxins these days?

Stay well. Stay safe.

T

Drop by my pen name’s blog to see what she’s writing about these days, while surviving the pandemic.

Spring vacation 2020

03 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in community, Health, philosophy, reading, therapy, writing

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It’s not like I was planning on traveling far during this long-anticipated vacation.

I wasn’t planning on flying anywhere, not even taking a train. I am usually satisfied with doing things around town like lunching with friends, visiting art galleries, museums and local parks.

Oh… shit.

We can’t do any of that anymore except through video conferencing platforms, virtual gallery tours and… walking through parks without stopping to smell the flowers or sit on a bench. Geesh!

I am disappointed that the COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled a visit from one of my sisters. Mellowing out on Friday, I made my list of vacation week activities, many  which can be accomplished while isolated at home. I even separated activities into “Fun and Creative” and “Responsible and Healthy”.

written list of thing to do during pandemic vacation

Spring vacation 2020 list of planned activities

I make efforts to write in my wellness journal and my diary, recording how I am feeling, what I have been doing to cope, who I have been communicating with, and any deeper thoughts. Apparently, this activity is encouraged by historians and psychologists.

I already got in a bit of writing on the blog where the Tabby Cat rules, encouraging others with poetic tendencies to contribute too.

So…What are you doing for your spring vacation?

Thanks for stopping by. Stay home. Stay safe. Get outdoors while doing that physical distancing thing. Take care of yourself and each other.

T

 

Six weeks into the pandemic lock-down

26 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by in community, Food and Cooking, Health, philosophy, Warm fuzzy, writing

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It has been one month since my last blog entry. 

The days and weeks blend together like a blur while in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s my status update:

  • Still alive and in relatively good health (physically and mentally);
  • Still performing remote IT support work and getting paid;
  • Got my bedroom back after one offspring decided to return to his rental;
  • I am thankful for the remaining offspring who is good company, a big help with getting groceries and doing other chores;
  • Cooking a lot of hearty meals to share and use for plan-overs;
  • Spending more time on the phone, chatting with family and friends;
  • Handed in my final exam for one part-time college course (essay questions – yuck);
  • I trimmed my own bangs.

As a Canadian, I am proud of and I trust the efforts made by our Governments and public health advisors in keeping us updated on the pandemic issue. Politicians at all levels seem to be putting aside their partisanship and are working together to battle this common enemy.

I am in no rush to return to the buses, the office, restaurants, coffee bars and beauty salons.

little blonde jots words of wisdom - introvert during pandemic

Little Blonde Jots – Words of Wisdom

If you appreciate shorter bursts of observational wisdom, you might like the Little Blonde Jots photo series.

Suggestions / words of wisdom: 

  • This is bigger than all of us and our problems in comparison. As we manage our own anxieties, we need to keep things in perspective;
  • Keep in contact with family and friends (Ring, ring: Canadians are calling each other a lot more during COVID-19 pandemic, telecoms say – https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/canada-phone-covid-19-1.5540075);
  • Don’t watch the news too often – especially press briefings with the big mouth to the south! As incredibly stupid as it is, don’t expose your sensibilities to his rants.
  • Get fresh air, move your body and.. wash your hands.

See you in another month.

Thanks for dropping by. Take care of yourself and each other.

T