February 2019 month in review

February was not as successful a month as January, but still had some good points.

Work was much slower.
I did not hit 100 requests, for the first time in a long time.
There were only 19 work days in February, so that was a big contributing factor.

I watched two webinars in February, and participated in the annual "Read Across America" festivities at Rodriguez Elementary school.

I read three books in February:
Clean
When Hitler Took Cocaine and Lenin Lost His Brain
I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer

I saw Fleetwood Mac in concert.

I also attended Chorus Austin's Chamber Ensemble concert. 

I saw the third "How to Train Your Dragon" movie, in 3D, at the movie theater. I also saw an Oscar-nominated documentary: "Hale County, This Morning, This Evening," and an Oscar-nominated movie: "Border." In all I saw six Oscar-nominated movies / documentaries: "A Star is Born," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "RBG," "Mary, Queen of Scots," and the two mentioned above. I watched the Oscars with a few friends. I loved, loved, loved Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's performance of "Shallow," and Queen opening the show with Adam Lambert.

I went out to lunch / brunch a few times in February. I went to dinner in Austin at a new-to-me place called "24 Diner" before attending the Austin Public Library True Crime Book Club.

I only wrote two personal blog posts in February. Boo!!

I had a few health issues in February, so I'm just relieved and grateful that I was able to keep up with work, physical therapy, and regular life. Anything else I was able to do last month was bonus.

librarianintx

"Be on Time" chronicles 3/1/19

Whenever I get a no-show on para-transit, it makes me more anxious and hyper-aware for a few days.
I'm watching more carefully, concerned that a new driver won't know where to pick me up at work, or which building I'm at in my apartment complex.
The weather hasn't been cooperating - its been wet and cool (sometimes cold), so I haven't been able to wait outside as much.

The no-show happened a week ago yesterday at the grocery store.
I actually talked to the driver about the no-show - he was my driver coming home from the store yesterday.
So now at least I know what happened.
He arrived 15 minutes before my window opened, and picked up another passenger, so I thought he wasn't there for me.
Usually I ask, but this time I didn't for some reason.
Silly me.

I ended up waiting more than 90 minutes.
The second driver was parked at the wrong entrance, so I almost got no-showed a second time.

Conversation with the dispatcher (as best I can remember):
"Is this (my name)?"
"Yes."
"Your driver is waiting for you outside."
"I don't see anyone. I'm waiting inside."
"He's at the north entrance."
"No he's not. I'm at the north entrance, and there is no vehicle or driver."
"He's there."
"I promise he's not. I'm waiting just inside where I can see. No one is there. Let me go outside and look."
"Okay."

I go outside and walk to the curb. I look to the left. There are two other doors to the grocery store: the check-out door, and the door to the pharmacy area. There is a para-transit bus parked at the pharmacy door. I call that the south entrance.
I go back to my phone:

"I see him. He's at the south entrance, by the pharmacy. He's not in the right place."
"Okay, I'll let him know."
"Thanks."

Thank goodness the dispatcher called me.
But this is the problem with curb to curb service.
The drivers have to be in the right place.

My original pick up was at 5 pm.
I arrived home shortly before 7.
It's especially frustrating when this happens at the store, because I had refrigerated items that had been sitting out for over two hours.
Yes, I have insulated bags, but still...

What happened with the first driver was technically my fault, and I'm grateful they found me another ride.
What transpired with the second driver was not my fault. 

librarianintx

"Be on Time" Chronicles

I was proud of myself on Sunday.
I was so organized.
I had three outfits ready for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
I made food to take to work for Monday and Tuesday.
I filled my medicine box for the week.
I finished paying the bills.
I braved the pre-Superbowl rush at the grocery store.
I ran the dishwasher and unloaded it.

I did everything on my list, everything I was supposed to do yesterday.
Except one very important task.
I forgot to schedule my ride home from work for today.

I remembered at least twice.
Once when I was waiting for my ride to the grocery store.
And again while I was at the grocery store.
But I didn't call. 

I didn't remember again until 5:12 pm.
I have to schedule rides before 5 pm.
If I had just remembered 30 minutes earlier.

I was mad.
But I didn't panic.
I know I have options.
And options are comforting.

I can take a cab.
Or a ride share.
Maybe I could try the city bus.
I'd have to do a transfer.
And walk a ways to the bus stop near work.

One plus with para-transit is that if they take you somewhere, they are obligated to find you a ride home.
And luckily, that's what they did.
I have a ride home.
I don't have to spend extra money or over-exert myself.

I'm relieved. 

When I leave work today, I'll have a note on my desk:
"MAKE RIDE FOR THE NEXT DAY!!"

librarianintx

January 2019 month in review

This is the first time I've written a month in review.

I thought it would help keep me on the right track of productivity, being social, and trying new things.

It was a very productive month at work.
I responded to 93 requests for information, and had a final total of 164 hash marks (includes mailings).
There was only one request I could not fulfill, because the person didn't return my voicemails.

I also viewed five webinars, and wrote two blog posts and a newsletter submission.

I finished reading one book: The Road to Jonestown by Jeff Guinn, and I attended the True Crime Book Club at Austin Public Library to discuss it. My friends and I had a quick dinner at Galaxy Cafe before the book discussion.
I'm currently reading two other books.

I wrote seven personal blog posts in January.

I watched five movies, and finished season 2 of "Atypical" on Netflix.

I went to a new breakfast place, First Watch, in Houston / Katy.

And I had lunch at Central Market to celebrate a co-worker's birthday. 

I also started physical therapy this month. I'm going once per week and doing exercises at home.
My bone density results were surprisingly good. I'm stable and don't need an infusion! 

A good month I think.
Now on to February!

librarianintx

"Be on Time" Chronicles - writing about transportation

A state agency asked me to write something about how my transportation affects me.
This was my response:

"Simply put, transportation makes my life way more difficult that it needs to be.

It limits me.

It isolates me.

It frustrated me.

It exhausts me.

Going anywhere takes so much organization, planning, and sometimes it’s just too complicated to deal with.

A single event can literally take me hours to get to and get home from.

A few examples:

            My six-hour work day translates to an eight / nine-hour day because of my transportation.

            A forty-five-minute author talk / signing at a bookstore across town turned into a five-hour adventure because of transportation. There were no accidents to make us late. No weather-related problems. No vehicle malfunctions. It was simply a matter of the para-transit shared ride system.

            A trip to a grocery store one mile from my apartment, an activity that should have taken less than an hour, lasted three hours instead.

But I know I am lucky.

At least I have access to transportation.

My daily trips can be arduous, but at least I can get to and from work, the grocery store, doctor appointments, and some social activities.

My transportation can be stressful, yet I am grateful that it is safe, predominantly reliable, and affordable for me.

I know my situation could be worse.

I am not confined to my home due to a lack of transportation.

Some people with disabilities are blocked from being productive members of society simply because they don’t have accessible transportation.

They cannot work outside the home.

They are unable to get to medical appointments.

They are prevented from having social lives and engaging in community events.

Para-transit services, accessible ride shares, accessible bus systems, and especially partnerships among these modes of transportation are paving the way to independence and inclusion in society for many people with disabilities who cannot operate a vehicle.

But we need to do even more.  

Transportation that is accessible, safe, reliable, and affordable must be a right, not a privilege."

librarianintx

"Be on Time" Chronicles 1/31/19

Getting ready for work can be a year-round hassle, but the winter months make the mornings even more stressful, for a few reasons:

1) I get a respiratory illness with pain in my back and chest if I get chilled after a shower. So I have to make sure I am dry and have been dressed for at least 10-15 minutes before I leave the bathroom.

2) My zip up sweaters and sweatshirts are so cozy and I wear them every day in the winter. Unfortunately, some of them are difficult to zip, and I'm anal about having them zipped. I don't ever wear them unzipped. Some of them take multiple tries to zip, which I don't have time for on work mornings.

3) My winter coat is heavy and bulky and a bitch to pull on. I have to reach up to get the hoodie part of my sweater / sweatshirt out of the way of the hood of the coat, which is super difficult for me. because I have limited range of movement. Then I have to get the coat buttoned without my work badge or my hair getting caught.

4) My lightweight coat has a zipper from hell. It works when it wants to. If I don't zip it, the damn garment falls off my shoulders, and I'm walking to the vehicle with the coat sliding off my body, which of course defeats the purpose of wearing a coat in the first place.

So I breathe a sigh of relief every winter morning when my sweater / sweatshirt is zipped and my coat is on.
I feel like half the battle has been won.
But then I start worrying about being able to carry my lunch bag, purse, and any other bag I have while being weighed down with a coat.
And I further obsess about being able to see when my vehicle arrives, because I can't stand outside in the cold.
I also can't open the blinds because I can't reach up to close them when I'm wearing heavy clothes.
So I have to stand by the window and hold the blinds open.
Sometimes I'm standing there for thirty minutes.

It's a boring time.
I'm often tired and sometimes I'm frustrated and I usually feel like I'm wasting time just standing there. 
Sometimes I look at Facebook.
If I have the mental energy I read a few pages from an e-book.
If I know my roommate is awake I'll listen to music on Spotify.
Disco or Motown can be good "get you going" morning music.

When the vehicle arrives, I rush away from the window, grab my stuff, and hope I get to the door before the driver bangs on it.
Not all the drivers bang on the door, but I am annoyed at those who do pound on the door.
Do they not realize that clients may have family / friends / roommates that are still asleep?

This is my winter routine.

It's challenging, but I manage.

At least I don't live in a northern state.
That is something to be grateful for. 
I can't imagine adding snow, ice, and much colder temperatures to this scenario.

librarianintx

The Year in Review: 2018

It's almost the end of January, and I haven't written my recap of 2018.

I turned 50 in 2018, and I had big hopes that it would be a spectacular time, a transition, the year of "the new me."

None of that happened. It was a rough year. And there was no metamorphosis.

But good things still happened in 2018. I did grow and change to a certain extent. And I came through all the bad times a bit stronger I think.

My mantra in 2018 became, "Well, that sucked, but it could have been worse."

Here's a rundown of some of the tough patches:
1) significant leak in the apartment
2) rent amount confusion
3) identity theft
4) eyeglass prescription mix-up that left me seeing poorly for months
5) one of the worst inner ear flare-ups I've had since I was diagnosed in 2000
6) washing machine broke (it was repaired)
7) AT&T Uverse went down (it was repaired)
8) Megabus ticket mix-up

Still, I feel like I managed to salvage the year.

I went to two concerts, Culture Club and Def Leppard / Journey, saw Kathy Griffin live, plus I went to RuPaul's "Werk the World" live show and met the queens.

I met author Liane Moriarty.

I went to three Austin Public Library True Crime Book Club events, one 40's / 50's meet up game and music night, two Open Mike events at Malvern Books, a few NMD United meet-up lunches, the Texas Teen Book Festival in October, the Empty Bowl Project in November, and met co-workers for lunch at Central Market a few times. I went out to lunch, to the mall, to Barnes and Noble, and to get mani/pedis with friends in Houston. I also re-connected with two cousins on my dad's side and a former high school friend.

I went to the Oscar de la Renta exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. And I went to the Austin Aquarium twice.

I saw some movies, both in the theater and at home:
I, Tonya
Girl on a Train
The Final Year
Victoria & Abdul
Wonder
The Theory of Everything
Pitch Perfect
Disobedience
RBG
Whitney Houston documentary
A Star is Born
Bohemian Rhapsody
Mary Queen of Scots

I ate at three new restaurants: Black Bear Diner in Katy, and Star of India and Honest Mary's in Austin.

I learned to like almonds.

I dabbled in cooking last year. All the dishes I made were vegan:
1) mushroom and spinach bowtie pasta
2) creamy garlic mushroom rigatoni
3) Mexican spiced quinoa
4) fettuccini alfredo
5) gnocchi with pasta sauce, mushrooms, olives, and peas
6) mushroom risotto

In disability-related happenings:
I went to the Transportation Works conference in Waco
The Campaign for Disability Employment shared my post and picture about their campaign
I participated in three women's health online focus groups

In political stuff:
I wrote about 60 postcards for the Democratic Party
I attended Beto O'Rourke's rally at ACC
I was in a picture on Beto's Instagram's page from that rally

In work-related news:
I was a judge for the Center for the Book's "Letters about Literature" contest
I participated in the "Read Across America" event at Rodriguez Elementary
I worked the Round Rock ISD Transition Fair
I participated in TSLAC's first Staff Development Day
The Disability Advisory Committee was nominated for a SafePlace Community Champion Group Award
SafePlace Disability Services PSA was released on Facebook featuring me and two members of the Disability Advisory Committee

I read 27 books in 2018. My goal was to read at least 24.

Unfortunately, I did not hit my goal of 100 blog posts during the year. I only wrote 90.

So, seeing it all written out, I guess it wasn't such a bad year. I mean, bad things happened, but a lot of good stuff occurred as well.

I'll focus on the good.
And hope for even better this year.

librarianintx

Resilience

I did a good job this morning of avoiding catastrophic thinking.

When I woke up tired and stuffy and achy and weak, I didn't jump to worse-case scenario:
I'm deteriorating.
This could be the beginning of the end.
Maybe I can't work anymore.
What will I do if I can't work anymore?
How will I pay my bills, afford food, clothing, doctor visits, etc?
Where will I live?
Who will take care of me? 

But I didn't let my mind go there.
I simply carried out my morning routine.
Shower
Clothes
Skin care
Hair care
Jewelry
Packed my food
Waited for my ride

And instead of worrying and talking myself into an anxiety spiral, I had this thought in my mind:
What if I decided I couldn't make it, I needed to stay home, and I missed some great opportunity?
Maybe today was going to be a great day, possibly one of the greatest days of my life, but I wouldn't know unless I at least gave it a shot.
Take it one step at a time.
Maybe it was going to be an ordinary day, or maybe it was going to be an extraordinary day.
Go, and find out.

Now don't misunderstand me.
If you're sick, you should stay home.
There's nothing wrong with being exhausted and needing a day to recover.

But if you're talking yourself out of going to work or school because of worry or anxiety, that's when you need to take as small of steps as necessary to be successful.

Two more pieces of advice if you wake up and don't feel well:
1) drink a glass of water - Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches, weakness, and contribute to anxiety
2) eat something, preferably protein-rich foods like eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, peanut or almond butter, etc.
3) If the fatigue, headaches, and anxiety persist, see your doctor. You may have a sleep disorder.

Has it been an extraordinary day?
Not yet.
But I feel better than I did three hours ago.
That's good enough for me.

librarianintx

"Be On Time" Chronicles 1/14/19

My journey from work to the grocery store this past Friday was an ordeal, caused by a combination of unfortunate choices by me and an arduous Metro Access schedule.

Problems #1: I was hungry
I don't have time for breakfast, and I only get one break at work and no lunch, so I tend to graze at my desk. Usually I eat all the food I bring, which varies but can include bread, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, fruit, hard boiled eggs, etc. On this particular day, I got busy and didn't get to eat before I left. Eating in the Metro Access vehicle is a no-no. Some people do it. Some drivers don't care, while others are rule sticklers. If I'm seriously famished / having a low blood sugar moment, I'll sneak something, but otherwise I wait because I don't want to be chastised like a child. If I drove my own car, I could eat and drink what I wanted to, and deal with any spillage consequences. But I am not in my own vehicle.

Problem #2: I had to pee
Badly
"Why didn't you go before you left?" you might want to ask.
I did.
But it didn't help.
Because I have a rule that I don't drink anything at least an hour before I'm scheduled to leave work, but I rarely follow my own rule, and it haunts me repeatedly.
I drank a fourth to a half glass of water during the last half hour of my work day, and then I went to the restroom five minutes before my ride window opened, but I couldn't pee enough.
Then the thirty minute clock started, my driver was late, and by the time I was finally in the vehicle and we were on our way, I really had to go.
I was screwed.
In the past, I have asked the driver to stop so I could pee. Sometimes I have simply had to. But I try to do it when it's an absolute emergency, and also I tend to ask if we are picking up / dropping off at a business or medical facility.
On this day, we were already behind schedule, I was trying to get to the store, and we had a drop off and a pick up that were both at residences.

So to get my mind off my increasingly uncomfortable situation, I decided to play a word game on my phone.

Good idea for redirecting my brain.
Bad idea because my inner ear didn't like me looking at my phone and not at the road.
3) I started feeling carsick

So it was a triple whammy - hangry, carsick, and having to pee - believe me when I say it was a VERY LONG hour in that car. Again because of the evil thirty minute window, my trip from work to HEB took about ninety minutes. A straight shot would have taken about twenty minutes.

Luckily, it was a good ending to a rough ride. I made it to the grocery store without fainting, vomiting, or wetting my pants.

A successful Metro Access excursion

librarianintx

Positive Psychology

I watched a webinar about positive psychology at work yesterday.
Positive Psychology has several caveats, including the fact that the choices you make influence your daily behaviors.

There is also the concept of growth mindset, which has to do with the belief that your brain is always growing and learning, and needs to be exercised like any other muscle in your body.
Fixed mindset makes you think you're not good at certain tasks, so you don't try to accomplish them. You are also reluctant to attempt new tasks and endeavors because you fear failure and frustration.

The facilitator asked if it's possible to change from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.
I think it is, and I feel I am making that change.
I used to be so nervous to try to something new. I would rarely attempt anything outside my comfort zone. I knew what I was good at, and I knew what I wasn't good at, and I just wouldn't do the tasks that I struggled with. I have never been good with reading directions, so I would just be helpless and wait for someone else to set something up for me. I was also terrible at giving directions, so I would let others find their own way and I would just say, "I don't know how to do that," or "I don't know how to get there."

Now I feel that I'm more willing to try. I still might not figure something out, but at least I make the attempt, and sometimes I'm actually successful. It's so empowering to work on something and fix it or create it or set it up all by yourself, and not need help from anyone. Sometimes the struggle is actually fun and exciting, which is a mindset I never thought I would experience. Of course it's okay to ask for help, and to need people sometimes. But it feels great to be independent and believe in yourself and your abilities. You feel better about yourself when you can at least say you tried to do something on your own.

I'm so pleased that at least to a certain extent I am developing a growth mindset.

librarianintx 

Grateful

Stunning morning in Texas -
Looking at the sky this morning, I was overwhelmed with feelings of gratitude.
Grateful that I'm physically able to work.
Grateful to have a job.
Grateful not to be furloughed, or have to work without pay, and worry about rent, food, medicine.

I appreciate all that I have, and what I am able to do.

And I appreciate this glorious sunrise.

Happy Wednesday, everyone. 

librarianintx

Not New Year's Resolutions

I don't make New Year's Resolutions.
But I do have goals every year.
I don't call them resolutions because resolutions usually get broken.
These are things I want to do to live a healthy, productive, happy life.

So here are my goals, in no particular order.
Most of them are continued goals from this year, and previous years.

1) continue to develop and nurture social relationships
2) try to eat healthy
3) related to #2: pack a lunch on workdays
4) even though I have a slew of television shows in the spring, I want to make more time to read
5) related to #4: read at least 24 books in the new year (a usual goal)
6) write at least 100 blog posts in the new year (another usual goal)
7) make time to exercise
8) save money
9) be motivated, focused, and grateful

These are pretty much the goals I had for 2018 as well. I feel I was successful with most, but not all of them.
There is always room for improvement.

librarianintx

Quotes from "Be Good to Yourself" 2018 calendar

I'm cheating a little. I looked ahead to the last few days of the calendar. There have been so many great quotes from this little calendar, and these last few are some of my favorites:

December 27th: "I've always loved butterflies, because they remind us that it's never too late to transform ourselves." - Drew Barrymore

December 28th: "Surround yourself with positive minds" - Anonymous

December 29th/30th: "Talk about your blessings more than your burdens." - Anonymous

December 31st: "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better." - Emile Coue

I hope it's not bad luck that I'm posting these early.

This year more than any other I have learned how important it is to have a  positive attitude and be grateful for what I have and what I am able to do. I've been through some rough times this year, but I've come through it all in one piece. The past month or two have mostly been good and happy, so I'm choosing to focus on that, along with the relief that I braved the choppy seas, and made it through every storm.

librarianintx

Survivor: David vs Goliath finale: My Thoughts

I'm late as usual - the finale aired more than a week ago. Overall, I was pleased with the result. Not super happy, but reasonably so. I would have been more excited if Christian had won. But once Christian was voted out, I put my hopes on Nick. And he had a great run at the end, winning the final four immunity challenges. I also thought he made the best case for a win in the final tribal council.

The final three was close to my dream final three. My dream team would have been Christian, Nick, and either Mike or John. Mike was a worthy contender; he played a good social game, although he got too cocky at the end. I DID NOT want Angelina in the final three, although I understand why Nick chose her to sit next him. You take the players that you think you can beat, and it was pretty obvious that both Nick and Mike could beat Angelina. I'm glad she didn't get any votes; she didn't deserve any. I am all for strong women; I am not for petty, vindictive women. What she did to Allison with the fake immunity idol was ridiculous. I also liked the fact that someone in the jury called Angelina out for multiple mentions of her "selfless" act of securing more rice for the tribe.

Overall it was a very good season. I enjoyed the "David vs Goliath" theme, and I am very happy that a "David" prevailed, although there were a few Goliath members that I liked too.

Looking forward to next season, I am super excited: My second favorite player in Survivor history, David Wright, is returning! People know what a strong player he became, so they may be gunning for him from the get-go, but I'm hoping he can make it far, and maybe even win this time!

librarianintx

Survivor David vs Goliath - My Thoughts on Last Night's Vote

I knew I would like this David vs Goliath season, because I have always rooted for a David in Survivor. Underdogs have always been my favorite. I get attached to the person who is so far out of his/her comfort zone - who has never even been camping, much less tossed onto a foreign island with no food, shelter, or clean drinking water. I cheer for the scrawny, pale, socially awkward, nervous person who sometimes becomes a brilliant Survivor player, and even more amazingly, occasionally wins. But if my favorite doesn't win, they are often remembered for how much they changed and grew as a person, and how well they played the game.

Two players instantly come to mind for me: John Cochran and David Wright. They are my all-time favorite Survivor contestants. For people who watch the show, no explanation is needed. But for those who don't: a brief history. John (known as Cochran to viewers) was first on the South Pacific season of the show. In his first time on the show, Cochran was rather socially inept and struggled to make friends. He tried to make a big move and flipped on his former tribe after the merge. He finished in eighth place on that season.

Cochran returned for the Caramoan season of Survivor, which was subtitled, "Fans vs Favorites." He played a masterful game this time, forming and leading alliances, and systematically eliminating players. He purposefully went to Final Tribal Council with two contestants who had no chance of winning: Dawn Meehan and Sherri Biethman. During the season, he won three individual immunity challenges, including the dreaded "disgusting island delicacies" challenge. He won the show in a unanimous vote, and admitted to Jeff during the reunion show that he was less interested in his law degree and had become inspired to be a writer. "I've been told I have the gift of gab," he said. Cochran will also be remembered for acquiring one of the worst sunburns ever seen on Survivor.

David Wright of the Millennials vs Gen X season was arguably the biggest fish out of water the show has ever seen. Pasty white, out of shape, anxious, scared of his own shadow, and 100% out of his comfort zone, David was a lock for first contestant getting his torch snuffed. Instead, he morphed into a formidable player: forming alliances, making bold moves, and winning a tough endurance challenge. He will perhaps be best known for blindsiding a strong player with a fake hidden immunity idol that he constructed. David was voted out fourth, but deserved to win. He wasn't the sole survivor in his season, but the personal growth and inner strength he achieved during his time on the island may have been worth a million dollars to him. 

In the Fall 28 season of Survivor, there was a whole tribe of underdogs the show called "Davids." I was so excited, thinking I had a whole tribe of people to root for. But it took me awhile to find a favorite. Christian should have been an obvious choice, but he wasn't at first. He actually annoyed me in the beginning. He talked too much and I knew he was too smart for me. But then he grew on me. I like how polite he is. Even when he lost a reward challenge, he congratulated the person / people who won, and he was sincere. I liked how nice and comforting he was to Gabby, even though I want to shake her for making such stupid moves. I like Nick a lot too, but Christian was my "David" this season, and I was so sorry to see him get voted off last night.

Most memorable moment for me with Christian: The five hour epic endurance challenge that Christian won against Alec. There were more contestants in the challenge, but Christian and Alec were the final two, and battled the longest. Christian had a brilliant, yet simple strategy: He talked incessantly. For hours evidently.This not only drove Alec to the brink of madness and ultimately made him break, it also made Christian focus on something other than his physical discomfort. Alec spent most of the challenge telling everyone he was going to win and firmly believing he would win, but Christian's droning soliloquy made Alec do otherwise.

Christian, you deserved better than seventh place, but I hope you're proud of what you achieved this season. You were a person that the other contestants saw as a threat to win. And I think you deserved to win. I hope you get another chance to play the game.

librarianintx

Eating Smart for a Healthier Brain

https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/eat-smart-healthier-brain#2

One of the things I want to do in the new year (I'm not calling it a resolution) is to eat healthier. I think I already eat fairly healthy, but I can definitely improve. When I get busy, stressed, and tired, I tend to fall back on the quick and easy carbs I like such as mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. I'm not going to eliminate those foods from my diet, but I need to eat them more in moderation, and when combined with protein and vegetables.

As I get older, I'm thinking about taking care of my brain and my heart. Here's a list of good foods for your brain:

blueberries
wild salmon
nuts and seeds
avocados
whole grains
beans
pomegranate juice
freshly brewed tea
dark chocolate

This is a good list for me, because except for pomegranate juice, which I don't think I've ever tried, I like everything else. Now, just because I like these foods doesn't mean I eat them often enough. I have become a fan of almonds, and they are a snack I could eat nearly every day. I'm also a big fan of dark chocolate, and usually eat sugar free varieties. I also eat a good amount of beans, mainly black and pinto beans. I drink tea in the winter, and I eat blueberry yogurt or fresh blueberries in vanilla yogurt occasionally. I like salmon but don't cook it often. I eat avocado about once a week, but it would be easy to increase that.

Other foods that are supposed to boost brain health are spinach and broccoli, which I also like, but need to eat more of.

So that's a goal in 2019. Eat more of these foods!

a few meal / snack ideas:
1) salmon with spinach, avocado, and / or broccoli
2) beans with avocado
3) almonds with dark chocolate
4) vanilla yogurt with blueberries
5) next day salmon on whole wheat toast

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars news

It has now been confirmed that "Dancing with the Stars" will not be a part of  the ABC Spring 2019 lineup.

The show has been on two seasons per year for the past several years, although Spring of 2018 was an abbreviated, five week "Athletes edition" of the show.

No reason was given for the hiatus, but many are speculating that Bobby Bones' controversial win has something to do with the decision.
We may never know for sure.

"Dancing with the Stars" is one of my favorite shows, so part of me is sad. I look forward to the show every season, even if I don't know some of the contestants when they are first announced. I enjoy the dancing, the music, and watching people learn how to do something new and often conquer fears and insecurities along the way. 

However, I must admit that another part of me is experiencing some measure of relief. The show is a big time commitment - sometimes two episodes per week, plus constructing recaps, other blog postings, and occasional voting. I have many other shows that I watch, plus I'm in book clubs and endeavoring to find more social outlets. One less show, especially a show that takes up more of my time, will be helpful this spring.

At least I don't have to worry about cancellation -
At least I don't think I do.

I'm already mourning the approaching series finale of "Big Bang Theory."
Please don't cancel "Dancing with the Stars," ABC.
It would be too much for me.
A hiatus is okay...maybe even a good thing, but please don't cancel it. 

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Season 27 Finals

The season is over and I've already written about the results. But I have recapped most of the season, so I want to post the last two recaps. I'm doing the finals first and then the semi-finals.

Part One: Memorable routines

1) Alexis & Alan
Argentine Tango - Swan Lake - from week 2
I didn't see the ballet moves as much this time, and I missed that element. I enjoyed the Argentine Tango / ballet fusion the first time this routine was performed. I think they were a little nervous, but it was a solid routine. It showed off Alexis' flexibility and extension, and Alan's strength on the lifts.
Len: "lovely, lyrical, consistently good"
Bruno: "poise and confidence of the beautiful black swan, found yourself"
Carrie Ann: "expressive, but point wasn't as strong as the first time"
Scores: 9, 9, 9
My score: 9

2) Bobby & Sharna
Cha Cha - MC Hammer routine - from Trios nite
Extra dancers - ugh. And he didn't dance on the judges' table like last time, which was the exciting part. Bobby had better dances this season, so in my opinion he was going for viewer votes more than judges' scores with this performance. He cared more about pleasing the audience. On the positive side, there was recognizable Cha Cha content in this routine. On the downside, he didn't dance very well. He was over-excited, rushing, timing was off, it was sloppy. The Hammer time part he executed well, but he needed to do a lot better on the Cha Cha parts. 
Bruno: "digging it, everything is so honestly you, irresistible"
Carrie Ann: "defy the laws of ballroom and Latin dancing, but hard work and determination pays off"
Len: "put the 'ham' in hammertime, but you make it so much fun"
Scores: 8, 8, 8
My score: 7

3) Evanna & Keo
Tango - from Halloween nite
Just as good as the first time, although the extra dancers were so annoying! They got in the way more than once! The dance gathered momentum as it went, sharp and fast especially towards the end, with a dramatic finish.
Carrie Ann: "most improved by far, even better the second time"
Len: "you improved your posture and frame, mission accomplished"
Bruno: "crisp, clean, clear"
Scores: 10, 10, 10
My score: 9

4) Milo & Witney
Charleston - New York subway routine - Week 2
I don't always love the singers performing live during a competitive routine because the singer often takes the spotlight away from the dancers and the dance. But the song, "Living in New York City," was perfect, and Milo and Witney fed off the energy from Robin Thicke and the live band. I absolutely adore his youthful exuberance and how light and easy he makes the Charleston look. Milo was slinging Witney all over the place, her hair was flying, his white sneakers were bobbing - it was so fresh and fun and exhilarating - a fantastic ride!
Len: "so much confidence and maturity, didn't like it so much last time, but 100% right on the money this time"
Bruno: "even more exciting and sharper than ever, you are the real deal, destined for great things"
Carrie Ann: "he is ridiculously amazing"
Scores: 10, 10, 10
My score: 10

Round Two: Freestyle!

1) Alexis & Alan
When Donald Driver and Peta danced to a song sung live by Cowboy Joe, I didn't feel the song detracted from the performance at all. But here, I felt the cutaways to Avril lessened the impact of the dance. Also, they were too far away and hidden by the boulder in the beginning. But the overhead shots were cool. And for the most part Alexis was the star of the routine. It was a very good Contemporary dance, but not memorable enough for a freestyle in my opinion. The main thing I'll probably remember is the boulder. Still, she's a great dancer.
Len: "full of drama, song did not overpower the dance"
Bruno: "big risk, difficult technically and emotionally"
Carrie Ann: "better when you hit the floor"
Scores: 10, 10, 10
My score: 9

2) Bobby & Sharna
It was an entertaining routine. It was a big production number. But I just didn't get it. I didn't understand the big buildup - to what? Why did they stop the number? Were they building up to the Erkle move - is that what that was? And why was Tom flossing his teeth? I just didn't get the humor. If you're going to promise something big, do something big, or at least attempt something big.
Bruno: "Give it to me, perfect freestyle for a free spirit."
Carrie Ann: "I'm so confused, but you shone so brightly"
Len: "100% the people's champion, tonight my champion"
Scores: 10, 10, 10
My score: 9

3) Milo & Witney
That was a contemporary routine on steroids! Wow! They jam-packed that routine with so much adrenaline! Milo was hot, sexy (I know, he's 17!), and debonair at the same time. I loved the song, I loved the vibe, I loved the prop work, everything. Great partnering as always too. He and Witney threw every bit of themselves into that routine. Amazing!
Carrie Ann (jaw hanging open): "My mind is blown, never had a freestyle with that much content, from boy to man"
Len: "control and drama"
Bruno: "versatility, quality of movement, you're a star"
Scores: 10, 10, 10
My score: 10

4) Evanna & Keo
As Len would say, I liked the hard and soft, the light and shade of the routine. The dance went perfectly with the music - slow, then fast, slow again, then fast again. I really like how Keo has showcased Evanna in every performance this season. She is always the star of the routine, and this was no exception. She was strong, sassy, confident, and showed great musicality. I think Milo and Witney's dance would have made a slightly better final routine, but this was a showstopper too.
Len: "cherry on the cake, liked the mix"
Bruno: "bright, colorful, quirky, character, center of attention, leading lady"
Carrie Ann: "you made it your own, and you made it spectacular"
Scores: 10, 10, 10
My score: 10

As we all know, Bobby and Sharna won the mirrorball. It was an odd moment when their names were announced; people didn't know how to react. They knew they were supposed to yell and squeal and be happy, but I think a lot of people were unsettled with the outcome. I find it very ironic that as Bobby and Sharna were celebrating their win, the music in the background was "The Greatest Show." This was not the finest moment for "Dancing with the Stars."

librarianintx

Three Quotes I Need to Focus on Today

1) Don't ruin a good today by thinking about a bad yesterday. Let it go. - Anonymous

2) Accept your past without regret, handle your present with confidence, and face your future without fear. - Anonymous

3)  ”You have two ways to live your life, from memory or inspiration."
In other words, you can take your cues about how to live your life from what happened in the past, or you can make your decisions based on what you're excited to do and become in the future.

- Joe Vitale

I struggle on a daily basis with focusing negatively on the past and obsessively worrying about the future.

I need to be mindful and live in the present.
Focus on today, and make the most of every moment.

librarianintx  

Dancing with the Stars Season 27 Finale - My Thoughts

Math is not subjective.
Two plus two equals four, and no one can argue with that.
If it's a sunny day, the sun is visible. No one can say, "I don't see the sun. The clouds must be covering it up." A sunny day is not subjective. There is no arguing over it.

Dancing can be subjective. A person may be capable of performing dance steps, but does that makes them a dancer? Does that make them a good dancer? "Good" is a subjective term. What appeals to one person might not appeal to others. There is more to dancing than just steps. There's rhythm, there's musicality, there's soul, there's personality. A person has to be able to "sell" a dance. Make others want to watch, want to root for you, want to enjoy what you are doing, and if it's a competition, want to vote for you and make you the winner.

There have been twenty-season seasons of Dancing with the Stars. Twenty-seven winners. I have the list of names in front of me. In my opinion, every single one of them was a worthy winner. In every season did my favorite dancer win? No. But every person who won was capable of dancing and deserved the title.

Until last night.

Let me be very clear. I have nothing but respect for Bobby Bones the person. He's a great guy and people obviously love him. Bobby didn't steal the title. He didn't cheat to win, or anything like that. My only complaint is that for the first time in the show's history, a person who is not a strong-enough dancer won the title. That's it.

Bobby is a smart guy. He knows he's not a dancer. He knows he didn't really become a dancer, even though he did improve during the season. I think he's extremely appreciative that his fans love him and voted for him, but he likely also feels guilty that he won a title that he doesn't deserve. Earlier this year I was nominated for an award by a group that I volunteer for. I attend meetings and give my input, but I don't do anything more than that. Not because I don't want to, but because I don't have time to. I don't put in extra hours or go beyond my duties as a committee member. So while I appreciate being nominated for an award, I would have felt weird if I had won, because I don't feel that I deserved to win.

So You Think It Can Dance is a show that makes it's premise and it's direction very clear: The show does not crown the *best* dancer every season. It crowns "America's *favorite* dancer." Now, the word favorite can also be subjective, because the winner isn't always the dancer that I liked best. But it is who the majority of voters liked. And that's an important point too. Most seasons, I don't vote on Dancing with the Stars. So you can call me a hypocrite if you like. Because why am I bitching when I didn't even vote? If I had voted, maybe my favorite would have won. Maybe I wouldn't be sitting here this morning lamenting the worst outcome in Dancing with the Stars history. Maybe I could have helped to change the outcome.

The final episode of this season was rather odd. There was no two hour Tuesday night results show, which was actually fine with me. That show is always awash with filler. But I felt this finale was kind of rushed. The freestyles seemed shorter. There was no final fusion dance. And while John and Tinashe got to sing, DeMarcus was part of the professional guys routine, Juan Pablo got his own dance with Cheryl, and Joe (sigh) was the centerpiece of a Bachelor production number, poor Danelle, Mary Lou, and Nancy were relegated to smiling and clapping in the skybox. I don't think Nikki was even in the ballroom. And why should she be, if she knew she was just going to be window dressing. 

So what's the answer here? How do we prevent a weak dancer from winning the show? I don't think there is an answer. The show has instituted a judges' save before, when an eliminated contestant can be brought back. But a judges' save would not have helped Juan Pablo, because they usually aren't used during a semi-final round. And if there had been a judges' save, they likely would have used it on Tinashe, who went out way too early.

The show has always run based on viewers' votes. Judges give scores and critiques, but the viewers have always determined the winner. I think we are very lucky that in twenty-six seasons, the public has rewarded a qualified candidate. Not necessarily the best every season, but worthy - I would say yes.

To Bobby I say congratulations. People love you and admire you and that is what you should focus on. You won based on viewers' votes, and that is the rule of the show. To Alexis, Evanna, Juan Pablo, and Milo - you are all terrific dancers, and any one of you deserved that mirrorball trophy. All four of you has something to be proud of:
1) Alexis got a boyfriend out of the deal.
2) Evanna fulfilled her dream of dancing, and helped Keo make it to the finals for the first time.
3) Juan Pablo knows he was the favorite of most dancing experts, and basked in the outrage at his elimination.
4) Milo is the youngest male to dance in the finals.

I'm disappointed at the outcome, but it was a terrific season, and I still love the show!

librarianintx