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Deep Blonde Thoughts

~ Emitting thoughts, tongue-in-cheek observations on life and lifestyles

Deep Blonde Thoughts

Tag Archives: work

Going to extremes

21 Sunday Jul 2019

Posted by shewrite63 in education, Health, pets, photography, Travel

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Tags

cats, education, family, friends, heatwave, lifelong learning, pets, school, technology, travel, Weather, work

I have skipped seasons in my corner of the world, from one extreme to another. 

We are half-way through summer and stuck under what is called a “heat dome“, a stagnant mass of hot, humid air lingering over much of southern and eastern Ontario, and Quebec.

As a positive note, this heat must be good for growing the crops, for farmers to produce the food we need. Right?

The Central Experimental Farm

At times, I whimper and wilt quietly in this heat. At others, I want to lash out at people for their stupid acts and hurtful words. 

Spring seemed to sprint by with nothing much memorable except for a short staycation and sisterly visit. I finished one college course, changed my program of focus and started another.

On the Summer Solstice weekend I had a whirlwind tour in planes, trains and automobiles to the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) to stay at one offspring’s trendy downtown rental unit then travel by subway and intercity bus to visit the oldest boy and his growing family. I felt blessed to visit their joyfully busy home bursting with toys and baby gear.

grandma bracelet

When the weather (and temperatures) permit, I try to get out for early morning walks along my regular routes for meditation and prayer. I express my gratitude for getting up, dressed and making it outdoors. It is refreshing and inspiring to be surrounded by birdsong, and occasionally spot local wildlife.

Urban rabbit

Urban wildlife

A couple of weeks ago, I had to say farewell to one old cat whose health was waning, especially after a heat wave in early July.

farewell snuggles the old cat

It was a bittersweet occasion to relieve the old boy from the pain and discomfort. I have to admit that I am sleeping better due to less midnight caterwauls and early morning breakfast service calls.

The other one doesn’t seem to miss him, enjoys the extra attention and is holding out well with her twice-daily Insulin shots.

tabby cat sitting surrounded by plants and air conditioner

Miss Geneva enjoying the comforting hum of the air conditioner

After she goes, I will have expendable income, more money and freedom to travel. I can finally shake the Cat Lady label and maybe start dating again!

Succumbing to keeping up with technology, I got a new cell phone that takes awesome photos and wants to assist me with many other tasks – which gets creepy at times! As a worker in IM/IT, I  see the advantages and risks that Artificial Intelligence can present. I do not see a need in my home for ID-IoT technology.

I am waiting for my course marks after completing a final exam a couple of weeks ago. This eager beaver already registered for another course starting in September.

Even if I don’t transition into Career 2.0 in a couple of years, I like how this keeps my mind active, gets me out to meet new people and make new friends.

Yes, I am still working for a living and complaining about the commute with unreliable public transit. The positive side is that I get most of my reading done while riding the buses.

We can’t escape the vitriol and poisonous political rants to the south of us, and now we have to filter out the attack ads related to a Federal election in Canada this fall. It used to be funny with the late night talk show comedians pointing out the foibles of the US Administration and their witless leader but after a while, it becomes depressing and surreal because America can’t seem to shake off elements of divisiveness and blatant bigotry.

To end this entry on an encouraging note, the weather people have just announced that the heatwave warning has ended and the dome is dissipating, just in time to start the work week all over again!

Stay cool, Canada as we endure the extreme weather changes and political climate – and if anything, remind ourselves to do as Ellen says, “Be kind to one another.”

Thanks for dropping by.

T

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Whimsy of the pen

07 Monday Sep 2015

Posted by shewrite63 in Art, philosophy, writing

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Art, drawing, humor, humour, illustrations, job, labor day, labour day, painting, pen and ink, water colours, work

Regular readers of this blog likely notice that my posts range from deep thinking and reflection to those attempting wit through lifestyle commentary.

Previously, I introduced you to the Wisdom of the Lens, an interesting book about philosophy through black and white photography.

In a relaxed Labour Day atmosphere and in-between communal laundry room trips, this intermittent writer lets whimsy take over and introduces you to one of my past loves – or once-loved pastimes: drawing.

While reorganizing le petit apartment this long weekend, I got distracted with that large white box containing my children’s sentimental craft work and my own creations from many years ago.

I chuckled at the cartoon-like pen and ink drawings.

Cartoon drawing of magician's rabbit

Revenge of the Bunny Pen and Ink Circa 1983

At one time in my creative, idealistic youth, I thought about writing and illustrating children’s books. I even had an idea for a farmyard environment.

What happened? 

drawing of cartoon milk cow

Bessy the uncooperative milk cow Pen and Ink circa 1982

Reality set in, I doubted my abilities after being rejected from a commercial arts college program, and soon put away my brushes and pens.

As a karmic compensation, I landed an office job that offered work and constant learning in the ever-evolving world of Information Technology. This option probably pays better than that for a starving artist. It sure helped with supporting my family, surviving as a single parent and raising three beautiful young people.

At least I got to satisfy my creative desires during craft time with my children. Those were the wonder years.

As I scan the distant horizon and plan for my retirement, I am letting myself dabble in water colours and embrace creative outlets for visual art.  In the meantime I can use my talent and resources to support young artists in their endeavours.

Regardless of the work you choose, or work that chose you, here’s wishing you a relaxing, reflective Labour Day.  Enjoy these work-related songs, thanks to CBCMusic.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

About me:  I work full time in an office environment. In my spare time I write, photograph my cats and dabble in water colour paints. In 2011 and under a pen name, I published a bittersweet novel through Smashwords titled The Year of the Rabbit; it’s a novel about Fate, Family and Forgiveness.  It contains many themes like family, teenage pregnancy and belief systems.

Keeners and coffee drinkers

24 Sunday May 2015

Posted by shewrite63 in community, Health, pets, reading, writing

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Tags

anxieties, books, careers, cats, change, coffee, conferences, destiny, energy, learning, networking, reading, stress, training, volunteer, work

For most of this week, I was up and out of the house earlier than usual.

I was not bright-eyed and bushy-tailed yet I was fuelled on at least one cup of instant coffee in addition to a rushed breakfast. I think my early departures had one of the cats concerned although he received his breakfast and a hug from the servant woman –  plus she took time to scoop out the litter box.

Black cat in bed with comic bubble

I attended a three-day conference that is prominent in my annual learning plan at the work place.  This year’s theme was Design Your Destiny. Live the Change. I was pleased when organizers announced the theme many months ago.

Design your Destiny, Live the Change. Call for @dpi_canada PDW2015 presenters is on! http://t.co/8WwzMSaCQI I really like the theme, folks!

— Theresa Jamone (@tjamone) July 27, 2014

It was great to catch up with old volunteer acquaintances, to listen to interesting session presentations and inspiring keynote speakers.  We were well-fed, body and mind.  By Friday afternoon I was tuckered out, body and mind despite the nutritious meals and copious cups of coffee during the day.

As an introverted person, I can become overwhelmed and tired out after too much socializing and networking.  I need to retreat to a quiet corner to rest, reflect and re-energize. I am not being rude :-] 

At least I managed to focus and scratch out handwritten notes in the program booklet and identify key points. This afternoon, I deciphered my handwriting and created a point-form report (in the rare event that my boss would ask). Next I created a word cloud (Thanks, Wordle) to highlight the frequent words from key messages.

word cloud

Word cloud from key points in my conference notes

This weekend, I started my first day of a new volunteer gig that requires less time sitting. Momma needs to move her body more.

Looking forward to a new volunteer activity this weekend, something that means less time sitting at a computer. Yay! Less #CatOnLap too.

— Theresa Jamone (@tjamone) May 23, 2015

Due to a combination of communication assumptions by a resident message-taker and unintentional omissions, I arrived by city bus three hours early.

When you’re a keener possessing vague logistical information, you just may show up 3 hours early for your new volunteer gig. That’s okay.

— Theresa Jamone (@tjamone) May 23, 2015

That’s okay.  I was able to take in a healthy walk, have an early lunch and become familiar with my surroundings.  The ensuing volunteer activity was slightly overwhelming yet provided an educational experience. It was the beginning of new opportunities to support literacy in my community. I look forward to more.

Today, I serendipitously tripped upon a quote by one of my favourite authors:

I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfil our destiny, but our fate is sealed. ~ Paulo Coelho

During web distractions between today’s glamorous domestic duties, I also learned possible explanations why cats bolt from their litter boxes after pooping and run around the house like fools.

Now you know too. You’re welcome. 

Cat box haiku. Apologies to the serious poets.

Thanks for dropping by.

T

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