A few random thoughts

These are scary times we live in. Life is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. And every day leads to more of the same. The fear of the unknown is so great. So much is out of my control right now and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. Having a partner with a broken foot is bad and expecially so at this time. Doing the work of two people is taking multitasking to a whole other level. It's been very difficult to get answers and it's even more difficult to find a job when all society is in upheaval. But we don't really have any choice in the matter do we? Taking it day by day is the only thing to do at the moment, but it's hard to live that way when one is used to planning things well in advance.

So this is what the year 2020 is like

This has been a terrible year so far. Being unemployed is absolutely no fun. I am now up to 40 submitted job applications. Very few have responded in any way. And then there's the Covid-19 pandemic. When I go to the grocery store and see most of the shelves empty, I wonder if this was what it was like during the world wars and depression. It's scary.

The joys of having pets

If you ever need a hole dug in a hurry, I can loan you a dog. He digs fast and is quite enthusiastic.
There is one spot that he goes to repeatedly and I don't know why. And every time I fill in the hole he goes and digs it again. It's quite a deep hole. It's at least 18 inches deep and 12 inches wide. And now it's actually a hazard. I am really tempted to fill it with concrete.

And of course there are other holes around that he has started and abandoned. Not only does he dig with his feet, he uses his nose and mouth. Apparently, the early morning hours are the best for digging. The dew makes the earth a little softer and not as much effort is required. I believe that method works better in some areas because he has managed to find treasure. His latest effort produced a bone that some other dog buried. Yay, success!

So now there's a foot check at the door to wipe dirty paws. That is a struggle because it's fun to bring dirt into the house. I'm also tempted to cut off his beard. It's a great repository for dirt. I've started calling him pigpen, and he seems to like that name.

In spite of it all, he is a joy to have around. I wonder how good he'll be at clearing snow?? I hope he's as efficient.

Open wide and say nothing

Is this the month that all dental hygienists get together and collaborate on what they'll say to their patients? Like Mongo and PC, I too had a strange encounter when I recently visited the dentist. I wasn't really ready for the inquisition and I didn't think she would be as hard on me. I have a love/hate relationship with dentists and hygienists and it usually takes years before I feel comfortable with them.

It started out when she asked, "When you sleep, are you a mouth breather?"
Well I don't know, do I? Talk about taking me off guard. That's the first time, and I hope, the last, someone asks that.

Next was "Do you eat toast?"
Well, yeah I do. I asked how she knew. Apparently when you eat toast the palate gets scratched from the toast rubbing against it. And it's only a problem if the scratches stay 'fresh' for two weeks or so. I'll try and remember that the next time I decide to binge on toast. I'll certainly have to file that tidbit away so I can amaze my friends at my next party.

"Do you floss every day?"
When I replied 'I try to' she responded with "At least that's better than the last two times I asked and you said, 'ahmm, ahmm' " Does she has an incredible memory or does she record everything I say?? I am really starting to wonder.

She would be the last person I would ever want to antagonize. There are too many sharp instruments at her disposal.

Dancing to the tune of my own drummer

For the first entry of 2009 I thought I'd have something witty and erudite to write. Not so, at least not yet.

Having been inspired by Mongo Adventurer, here's my list of things I love and things I don't:

Things I love:

The way my dogs wag their tails when I speak to them
My first cup of coffee
Wearing a warm pair of mitts
Getting an all clear on a check up
Products that work the way they're supposed to


Things I despise:
Snobbish people
Arthritis
Bills for things that used to be free

And so it goes

So here I am in November and again I'm wondering where the time has gone. But I can account for all the days and weeks because some of the events are forever burned into my memory.

It's been a wild ride since the end of September when my last contract ended. I've had interviews that turned into nothing and responses that I'm still waiting for. I've also been the unlucky recipient of a headhunters inability to inform me about a position that was already filled (as I waited for the interview to start). $$##!!@@@!#

Thanksgiving was a total disaster. Think Jerry Springer meets Judge Judy.

And soon Christmas will be upon us. That magical time of year for some. The last time I liked Christmas was when I was eight. No matter how hard I try I can't seem to erase the ghosts of Christmas' past. The pressure to be happy and at peace is overwhelming and I have a very hard time trying to fake it. Very few of us are lucky enough to have a Norman Rockwell type scene play out for us.

Regardless, I have to believe that my situation will improve and I will find work soon. One thing that's different this time around is that I told myself I wasn't going to stress myself out and worry like an obsessed person. It's more important for my health than ever that I try and keep on an even keel.

Here's hoping.

Reaching out and touching somebody

Last night ranks way up there as one of the great nights! We went to see kd lang and after her fabulous performance I got to shake her hand. Sitting in the front row of the theatre was an absolute thrill for me. I am now totally spoiled for any concert! Each time she stood in front of me I had to resist the urge to reach out and touch her. And I mean really resist.

I have been a fan since I first saw her in a wedding dress accepting an award. I was hooked. At one time she had a fan club that I joined and stayed with for many years. I try not to miss her appearances on tv and if she's coming to my city, I'm at her concert. I feel like a teenager with a huge crush.

Her voice can only be described as magnificent. Last night on stage when I saw her barefoot, I had the song Barefoot running through my head for a split second. Be still my heart.