Over the years I have become much less anxious about riding Metro Access. I am prepared every day that my wait times and rides will likely be long, and sometimes I might ride with annoying passengers, or even drivers. Thanks to the invention of ride shares, I know that if something happens with my para-transit ride, I can get a fast. affordable ride to where I need to go. I'd rather not pay for a ride share when I have already paid for a Metro Access pass that allows me monthly unlimited rides. But in an emergency, such as getting no-showed when I have a doctor's appointment or need to get to work, a ride share will get the job done.
But the one time I do get a little nervous is when I am taking the Megabus to Houston. If Metro Access doesn't show, then I have a short window of time to get to the Megabus station. The good news now is that the Megabus stop is only two blocks from my work, and I usually leave from the library on a Friday afternoon to take the Megabus.
So yesterday I was doing just that. I had a ticket for the 2:40 bus to Houston. I asked for a 2:15 appointment time to arrive at the station, to give myself a buffer. Making a 2:30 reservation for a 2:40 departure time makes me too nervous. When I made the ride on Thursday, I was given a pick-up window of 1:32 to 2:02. Since the bus station is only two blocks from the library, I felt that was a reasonable time period.
Well, you can surmise what happened. My window ended, and my ride had not arrived. I called. I was put on hold more than once. My driver could not be located. Minutes ticked by. It was now 2:15. I'm a slow walker, but I can get to the bus stop in probably less than ten minutes. The key is that I need help to get there. I could walk it myself if I didn't have luggage with me.
Thank goodness my co-worker saved the day. She had seen me waiting while she was out for a walk on break, and told me to text her if my ride didn't arrive. She has helped me walk down there previously. We didn't plan to walk yesterday because rain was possibly threatening, and because my co-worker is recovering from an upper respiratory infection, and I didn't want to ask her to exert herself.
But I was desperate by this point. Ride shares are usually fast, but I was concerned they wouldn't be fast enough in this situation. Megabus isn't always on time, but they are usually more on time than Greyhound. And if you are not there for check-in, they can sell your seat to someone else. Megabus is a popular bus service, and there are usually stand-by passengers for the trips to Houston.
All's well that ends well. My co-worker saw my text, hurried right down, and we walked to the station. We arrived in time for me to get checked in and use the restroom before I boarded the bus. I think I did pretty well with staying calm in such a stressful situation. Unfortunately getting stuck on hold with Metro Access had run my phone battery down. I didn't think to grab my charger; it was in my suitcase. So I had a long, boring ride to Houston since I couldn't watch any shows or read or listen to music. I didn't want to run the risk of my phone dying. The ride was longer than usual because there was a bad accident on highway 290, about 45 minutes from my stop in Houston.
Still, I was just grateful to be on the bus. Dealing with a boring ride was worth it.
I did feel bad that I had to hang up on the Metro Access dispatcher. I hope that they didn't spend too long trying to find me. I didn't really have a choice. She had left me on hold and I had to go. I guess I could have stayed on hold and walked at the same time, but I chose not to do that. That would not have been easy from a physical standpoint. And it would have meant I was having to ignore my co-worker who was helping me. So I hung up and did what I had to do. I will be calling on Monday to complain about what happened, and make sure they didn't give me a no-show for this trip. What transpired was absolutely not my fault.
librarianintx
Saturday, April 06, 2019
Friday, April 05, 2019
Physical Therapy
I started physical therapy in January, and I haven't missed a week, even when I was injured or not feeling well. Most days I drag myself in after work and a long Metro Access ride. The sessions aren't easy. I do leg lifts wearing four pound weights, heel raises, getting up and down from a chair, balance exercises, stationary bike, and table exercises: clams, bridges, and leg raises with one pound weights. The leg raises on the table and the bike are the toughest parts of therapy for me. My legs are yelling at me and feel like jelly when I'm done. I leave feeling worn out, hungry, and thirsty, but also pleased at what I've been able to accomplish so far. It all feels good, even though it's tough.
My goals with physical therapy are muscle strength maintenance, balance improvement, and weight bearing exercises to hopefully keep from my osteoporosis from getting worse. I plan to continue the therapy indefinitely. Perhaps at some point I will drop down to maybe once every two weeks. But I'm definitely in it for the long haul. It's a long day when I go to therapy, but I'm pleased with the results so far.
I'm surprisingly compliant with doing the exercises at home, but I need to be more consistent. It's difficult to have the time and energy to do all the exercises every day. I'm supposed to do them twice a day, but it's tough. I have very little time in the morning, and very little energy remaining by the end of the day. So I need to work on consistency. I also need to do more walking, and maybe get back into swimming this summer.
I also need to work on the critical voice in my head - the one that keeps telling me I can't do it, it's too hard, I'm not going to get through it and will have to give up - not completely, just that particular day. When I'm doing my five minutes on the bike, I don't focus on the time, because if I look at the clock I keep trying to convince myself that it's too hard and I'm going to have to stop before the five minutes is up. I try to concentrate on positivity - telling myself that I can do it. I did it last week and I'll do it again this week. When I'm doing the balance exercises - standing in different positions on a big piece of foam, I work on meditation skills - willing myself to hold steady while not holding on to the bar. Again, I try not to look at the timer. I try to breathe and stay centered.
Yesterday at PT my therapist had me start on the table exercises as usual. But it was a busy time with several other patients in the work out area, and I had to lie on a table that was more in the middle of the room. I have a very hard time with middle of a room because of my inner ear disorder. I didn't want to lay down, get vertigo, and then not be able to get up by myself and start to panic. My therapist was working with two other people while I was there, so she couldn't stay with me. I tried to lay down and start my exercises, but I just couldn't do it. It was causing me too much anxiety.
My therapist saw me just sitting on the table, and asked me what was wrong, so I told her. She was great about it. She didn't force me to do it or make me feel like I was weird. She just said, "Let's do your other exercises and then maybe you can do the table work at the end of the session." And that's what happened. By the time I was ready for the laying down exercises, a table was available that was near a wall. I was able to lay down comfortably and complete my exercises. I didn't fail at my workout; I completed everything on the list for that day, and I didn't have to do anything that made me anxious or uncomfortable.
I'm feeling very good about physical therapy, and that gets me through it every week.
librarianintx
My goals with physical therapy are muscle strength maintenance, balance improvement, and weight bearing exercises to hopefully keep from my osteoporosis from getting worse. I plan to continue the therapy indefinitely. Perhaps at some point I will drop down to maybe once every two weeks. But I'm definitely in it for the long haul. It's a long day when I go to therapy, but I'm pleased with the results so far.
I'm surprisingly compliant with doing the exercises at home, but I need to be more consistent. It's difficult to have the time and energy to do all the exercises every day. I'm supposed to do them twice a day, but it's tough. I have very little time in the morning, and very little energy remaining by the end of the day. So I need to work on consistency. I also need to do more walking, and maybe get back into swimming this summer.
I also need to work on the critical voice in my head - the one that keeps telling me I can't do it, it's too hard, I'm not going to get through it and will have to give up - not completely, just that particular day. When I'm doing my five minutes on the bike, I don't focus on the time, because if I look at the clock I keep trying to convince myself that it's too hard and I'm going to have to stop before the five minutes is up. I try to concentrate on positivity - telling myself that I can do it. I did it last week and I'll do it again this week. When I'm doing the balance exercises - standing in different positions on a big piece of foam, I work on meditation skills - willing myself to hold steady while not holding on to the bar. Again, I try not to look at the timer. I try to breathe and stay centered.
Yesterday at PT my therapist had me start on the table exercises as usual. But it was a busy time with several other patients in the work out area, and I had to lie on a table that was more in the middle of the room. I have a very hard time with middle of a room because of my inner ear disorder. I didn't want to lay down, get vertigo, and then not be able to get up by myself and start to panic. My therapist was working with two other people while I was there, so she couldn't stay with me. I tried to lay down and start my exercises, but I just couldn't do it. It was causing me too much anxiety.
My therapist saw me just sitting on the table, and asked me what was wrong, so I told her. She was great about it. She didn't force me to do it or make me feel like I was weird. She just said, "Let's do your other exercises and then maybe you can do the table work at the end of the session." And that's what happened. By the time I was ready for the laying down exercises, a table was available that was near a wall. I was able to lay down comfortably and complete my exercises. I didn't fail at my workout; I completed everything on the list for that day, and I didn't have to do anything that made me anxious or uncomfortable.
I'm feeling very good about physical therapy, and that gets me through it every week.
librarianintx
Thursday, April 04, 2019
"Be on Time Chronicles" 4/4/19
Every week night I get my clothes ready for the next work day.
Clothes, food, purse, phone case
Often I get everything ready more than one day in advance.
For example, on Sunday night I might get stuff ready for Monday, Tuesday, and sometimes even Wednesday, depending on my schedule.
Being organized is a key to whatever sanity I have.
I'm a matchy matchy girl. I like my clothes, shoes, purse, and phone case to match.
I have a lot of clothes that I like to mix and match.
And I often pair up clothes so I don't have to change my purse and phone case every day.
For example, one day I'll wear a brown shirt and brown sweater with blue pants. The next day I'll wear a blue shirt and blue sweater with brown pants. Then I can either carry a brown purse or a blue purse. A brown phone case or a blue phone case.
Last night I readied a pair of jeans, light brown shirt and brown sweater, with brown socks, shoes, purse, and phone case.
Ready to go
But at 6:36 this morning, I decide the weather is going to be too warm for that brown sweater.
That's a winter sweater.
It's going to be 85 today.
My blue jacket is a better idea.
It's more light weight
Why didn't I figure this out last night?!?!
So at 6:36 am I'm changing to blue socks and blue shoes.
Okay, done
All good
I place my food in my lunch bag.
Put on my work badge and zip up my blue jacket.
I'm ready.
Then I look at my brown phone case.
Ugh.
Yes, it goes with my shirt.
Kind of
But the blue case would look better.
I hurry to my room, grab the blue phone case.
Switch out the phone, credit cards, Metro Access pass and ID, a few dollars.
Very good
Completed, and my ride hasn't arrived yet.
Oh wait
I have a blue case with a brown screen background.
That won't do.
Unlock the phone, open the Zedge app,
You don't have time to peruse, just choose a blue background!
Okay, I found one.
Set background.
Yes, I really am this anal.
Then I look at my brown purse, packed and ready to go.
Should I change to the blue purse?
Do I have time?
What if I'm in the middle of switching and my ride arrives?
I decide the brown purse will look fine with the brown shirt and blue jacket.
Somehow I figure all this out remarkably calmly.
When my ride arrives around 6:55, I'm happy with my ensemble.
I grab my things and head for the door.
These last-minute changes are not something I want to do daily, but at least it worked out for today.
librarianintx
Clothes, food, purse, phone case
Often I get everything ready more than one day in advance.
For example, on Sunday night I might get stuff ready for Monday, Tuesday, and sometimes even Wednesday, depending on my schedule.
Being organized is a key to whatever sanity I have.
I'm a matchy matchy girl. I like my clothes, shoes, purse, and phone case to match.
I have a lot of clothes that I like to mix and match.
And I often pair up clothes so I don't have to change my purse and phone case every day.
For example, one day I'll wear a brown shirt and brown sweater with blue pants. The next day I'll wear a blue shirt and blue sweater with brown pants. Then I can either carry a brown purse or a blue purse. A brown phone case or a blue phone case.
Last night I readied a pair of jeans, light brown shirt and brown sweater, with brown socks, shoes, purse, and phone case.
Ready to go
But at 6:36 this morning, I decide the weather is going to be too warm for that brown sweater.
That's a winter sweater.
It's going to be 85 today.
My blue jacket is a better idea.
It's more light weight
Why didn't I figure this out last night?!?!
So at 6:36 am I'm changing to blue socks and blue shoes.
Okay, done
All good
I place my food in my lunch bag.
Put on my work badge and zip up my blue jacket.
I'm ready.
Then I look at my brown phone case.
Ugh.
Yes, it goes with my shirt.
Kind of
But the blue case would look better.
I hurry to my room, grab the blue phone case.
Switch out the phone, credit cards, Metro Access pass and ID, a few dollars.
Very good
Completed, and my ride hasn't arrived yet.
Oh wait
I have a blue case with a brown screen background.
That won't do.
Unlock the phone, open the Zedge app,
You don't have time to peruse, just choose a blue background!
Okay, I found one.
Set background.
Yes, I really am this anal.
Then I look at my brown purse, packed and ready to go.
Should I change to the blue purse?
Do I have time?
What if I'm in the middle of switching and my ride arrives?
I decide the brown purse will look fine with the brown shirt and blue jacket.
Somehow I figure all this out remarkably calmly.
When my ride arrives around 6:55, I'm happy with my ensemble.
I grab my things and head for the door.
These last-minute changes are not something I want to do daily, but at least it worked out for today.
librarianintx
Wednesday, April 03, 2019
Two great quotes
And this one (I couldn't copy and paste the image):
"The size of fear that stops you is going to determine the size of life you have."
Both quotes are so so true, especially for me.
Don't get me wrong, I'm tired even when I'm busy and enjoying my life, but it's a different kind of tired. It's a productive tired, a fulfilling tired, a tired that comes with being involved in meaningful activities that give you purpose in life. It's a different kind of tired than just going through the motions of an ordinary day and not doing what you enjoy and what is important to you. When I was too sick to do anything more than dragging myself to work and dragging myself home, the exhaustion was so acute and so depressive. I felt like I had no life. Even though I like my job, I was so tired and ill that my job didn't have as much meaning as it does now. I was just going through the motions.
I want to be doing even more now that I'm feeling better, but I constantly seek to have balance in my life. Keep busy, but not too busy. Have a social life, but make sure I still have the energy for my #1 priority: work. Engage in cultural, political, education activities when I can. Get enough rest, eat well, try to exercise. Keeping my anxiety in check as much as possible affords me added energy to do more with my life.
My goal in life is to crawl into bed every night feeling like I made good use of my existence. I was productive, I did good work, I fed my soul. I accomplished.
I know that fear holds me back in many ways, and my life is smaller because of those fears. I work on my fears and anxieties every day. Sometimes it's one step forward and one step back. But I keep trying. My physical and emotional issues related to public speaking are an area I very much want to work on and improve. My desires to be an advocate and leader in the disability community are thwarted by my fear and avoidance of public speaking.
Life is a process.
Every day.
librarianintx
Tuesday, April 02, 2019
"Be on Time Chronicles" 4/2/19
Last year I went to the Texas Teen Book Festival for the first time.
I really enjoyed it.
It is much smaller than the Texas Book Festival, which is a massive endeavor covering blocks of territory inside and around the State Capitol building.
The Teen Book Festival was held at St Edward's University last year. St Ed's is located in south Austin, and is within the Metro Access para-transit service area.
All of the sessions were in one building on the campus.
There were a few vendor booths nearby outside, while the rest of the booths, and the bookstore area, were in the gym not far from the building that held the sessions.
It turned out to be a warm day, and I did get tired from walking, and from standing for a long time so I could meet two of the authors and get my books signed.
But it was way easier for me than the big Texas Book Festival.
Last night I saw on Facebook that the date for the Texas Teen Book Festival was posted.
It will be on October 12th.
Cool, I thought. I'm gonna go again. It's totally do-able for me.
Then I looked closely.
The festival will not be at St. Edward's this year.
It will be at Southwestern University.
That's in Georgetown.
Metro Access doesn't go to Georgetown.
There is an interurban bus from Austin to Georgetown, but it doesn't run on weekends.
Even if it did, there's only one stop, and it isn't at Southwestern University.
So I'm screwed.
No Texas Teen Book Festival for me, unless I find someone to go with.
Or I could take a ride share.
But that would be expensive.
Sigh.
Okay not just a sigh.
This sucks big time.
Why did they have to change the venue?
And why did they have to change it to a place in another city?
Our society is just not built for people who can't drive, or who don't have a car.
People with disabilities who have vehicles and the ability to drive have so many more opportunities than people with disabilities who rely on public transportation, especially para-transit.
I see postings on Facebook from people with disabilities that can drive, and all the group and individual endeavors that they experience.
Meals at restaurants
Shopping
Movies
Concerts
Social, cultural, political, educational events
Excursions to nearby cities
Sometimes I can do one of these things in a day. Usually it takes hours to do one event. One movie. One concert. One cultural event. I can rarely do more than one thing, unless there is a restaurant near or inside the building I'm going to. And trips out of town are impossible unless I'm traveling on Megabus or Greyhound to a city where I have family or friends that I can stay with. No drives to take pictures in the wildflowers for me. No day trips to a nearby city to sight see. It's just not possible. Not unless someone drives me.
And if I go with someone, then I'm on their schedule and they have the power. Their car. Their timeline. Often their decision on where we go and how long we stay and what all we do. Which means I have to make sure I can keep up, that I have the time and energy and concentration to do everything on their agenda.
My inability to drive and lack of a vehicle are so limiting and frustrating.
Maybe there will be self-driving in my lifetime, but the cost will likely be prohibitive.
I do the best I can with the options I have.
I try to live a productive, satisfying, fulfilling life.
I do what I can to make things happen for myself.
librarianintx
I really enjoyed it.
It is much smaller than the Texas Book Festival, which is a massive endeavor covering blocks of territory inside and around the State Capitol building.
The Teen Book Festival was held at St Edward's University last year. St Ed's is located in south Austin, and is within the Metro Access para-transit service area.
All of the sessions were in one building on the campus.
There were a few vendor booths nearby outside, while the rest of the booths, and the bookstore area, were in the gym not far from the building that held the sessions.
It turned out to be a warm day, and I did get tired from walking, and from standing for a long time so I could meet two of the authors and get my books signed.
But it was way easier for me than the big Texas Book Festival.
Last night I saw on Facebook that the date for the Texas Teen Book Festival was posted.
It will be on October 12th.
Cool, I thought. I'm gonna go again. It's totally do-able for me.
Then I looked closely.
The festival will not be at St. Edward's this year.
It will be at Southwestern University.
That's in Georgetown.
Metro Access doesn't go to Georgetown.
There is an interurban bus from Austin to Georgetown, but it doesn't run on weekends.
Even if it did, there's only one stop, and it isn't at Southwestern University.
So I'm screwed.
No Texas Teen Book Festival for me, unless I find someone to go with.
Or I could take a ride share.
But that would be expensive.
Sigh.
Okay not just a sigh.
This sucks big time.
Why did they have to change the venue?
And why did they have to change it to a place in another city?
Our society is just not built for people who can't drive, or who don't have a car.
People with disabilities who have vehicles and the ability to drive have so many more opportunities than people with disabilities who rely on public transportation, especially para-transit.
I see postings on Facebook from people with disabilities that can drive, and all the group and individual endeavors that they experience.
Meals at restaurants
Shopping
Movies
Concerts
Social, cultural, political, educational events
Excursions to nearby cities
Sometimes I can do one of these things in a day. Usually it takes hours to do one event. One movie. One concert. One cultural event. I can rarely do more than one thing, unless there is a restaurant near or inside the building I'm going to. And trips out of town are impossible unless I'm traveling on Megabus or Greyhound to a city where I have family or friends that I can stay with. No drives to take pictures in the wildflowers for me. No day trips to a nearby city to sight see. It's just not possible. Not unless someone drives me.
And if I go with someone, then I'm on their schedule and they have the power. Their car. Their timeline. Often their decision on where we go and how long we stay and what all we do. Which means I have to make sure I can keep up, that I have the time and energy and concentration to do everything on their agenda.
My inability to drive and lack of a vehicle are so limiting and frustrating.
Maybe there will be self-driving in my lifetime, but the cost will likely be prohibitive.
I do the best I can with the options I have.
I try to live a productive, satisfying, fulfilling life.
I do what I can to make things happen for myself.
librarianintx
"Be on Time Chronicles" 4/1/19
Note to self:
Don't try a new hair conditioner on a Monday morning
Further note:
Don't try a new hair conditioner on a COLD Monday morning, where you'll need extra time to get your jacket on.
Still further note:
Don't try a new hair conditioner on April Fool's Day
And one more note:
Remember that your jacket has a zipper that often doesn't want to cooperate. Especially on a morning where you've tried a new hair conditioner AND your driver is exactly on time.
But all's well that ends well.
My driver waited for me.
And my zipper actually cooperated.
librarianintx
Don't try a new hair conditioner on a Monday morning
Further note:
Don't try a new hair conditioner on a COLD Monday morning, where you'll need extra time to get your jacket on.
Still further note:
Don't try a new hair conditioner on April Fool's Day
And one more note:
Remember that your jacket has a zipper that often doesn't want to cooperate. Especially on a morning where you've tried a new hair conditioner AND your driver is exactly on time.
But all's well that ends well.
My driver waited for me.
And my zipper actually cooperated.
librarianintx
Monday, April 01, 2019
March 2019 Month in Review
First of all - Yikes! I only blogged TWICE in March? Unacceptable! I need to blog more often!
Now that I've chastised myself, let's move on to the month is review. March was a VERY good month, for several reasons.
First of all, it is my birthday month. And I had a lovely birthday weekend filled with family, friends, food, and pampering. On Friday, March 8th, my sister made my favorite dinner: filet of chicken, with cupcakes from Ooh La La for dessert. Most of my immediate family was there. On Saturday, I had lunch with my mom and friends at a great Italian restaurant.. We sat on the patio and it was very nice, although a little windy. After lunch I was treated to a much-needed manicure and pedicure. On Sunday morning, my actual birthday, I had brunch at a Tex-Mex restaurant with mom and two of my cousins. So I was definitely well-fed the weekend of my birthday - in body and in soul.
On Wednesday, March 20th, I traveled to McAllen, Texas, for the 3rd annual Transportation Works Conference, part of the five year grant from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities through the Texas State Independent Living Council to study transportation options for Texans with Disabilities (SILC). I was extremely fortunate to get a ride from SILC employees so I didn't have to deal with Greyhound. The ride was long, but also fun, and we saw gorgeous wildflowers along the way - fields of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, buttercups, daises, etc.
The conference was great - interesting sessions, some dynamic speakers, and I had some opportunities to network. I also attended the SILC Town Hall on Friday morning.
The conference was held at the McAllen Convention Center, which is attached to the McAllen Embassy Suites hotel. My suite was amazing! And the staff at the hotel was incredibly helpful and friendly.
I had free time on Friday afternoon, so I went on a little adventure. I took an Uber to the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas. March is not a time for butterflies in south Texas, but I still enjoyed walking the trail. I logged 6600+ steps that day - a record for me! I saw birds, a few butterflies, and some roadrunner type birds. I spent Friday evening in the hotel lounge with a few people from the conference, enjoying free happy hour and live music.
Then on Tuesday, March 26th, I had dinner with a friend at the Austin Public Library's Cookbook Cafe, and then attended a special True Crime Book Club where we got to hear author Skip Hollingsworth discuss his book The Midnight Assassin, about a serial killer that roamed the streets of Austin during the late 1850's. We also got to meet him and take a selfie when he signed copies of the book after the discussion.
The Midnight Assassin is the only book I read in March, but I'm working my way through two others. I watched one Netflix movie, "Inside Out," with Edie Falco, and one documentary: "Out of Many, One."
So it was a fun March that included a trip to a part of Texas I haven't been to in decades. Springtime can be difficult for me because of my inner ear disorder. It tends to flare up during the spring and can wreak havoc on my physical and emotional well-being. So far I've been virtually symptom free. This has allowed me to have a remarkably calm, happy, organized, busy, and productive March, which I am so very grateful for.
librarianintx
Now that I've chastised myself, let's move on to the month is review. March was a VERY good month, for several reasons.
First of all, it is my birthday month. And I had a lovely birthday weekend filled with family, friends, food, and pampering. On Friday, March 8th, my sister made my favorite dinner: filet of chicken, with cupcakes from Ooh La La for dessert. Most of my immediate family was there. On Saturday, I had lunch with my mom and friends at a great Italian restaurant.. We sat on the patio and it was very nice, although a little windy. After lunch I was treated to a much-needed manicure and pedicure. On Sunday morning, my actual birthday, I had brunch at a Tex-Mex restaurant with mom and two of my cousins. So I was definitely well-fed the weekend of my birthday - in body and in soul.
On Wednesday, March 20th, I traveled to McAllen, Texas, for the 3rd annual Transportation Works Conference, part of the five year grant from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities through the Texas State Independent Living Council to study transportation options for Texans with Disabilities (SILC). I was extremely fortunate to get a ride from SILC employees so I didn't have to deal with Greyhound. The ride was long, but also fun, and we saw gorgeous wildflowers along the way - fields of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, buttercups, daises, etc.
The conference was great - interesting sessions, some dynamic speakers, and I had some opportunities to network. I also attended the SILC Town Hall on Friday morning.
The conference was held at the McAllen Convention Center, which is attached to the McAllen Embassy Suites hotel. My suite was amazing! And the staff at the hotel was incredibly helpful and friendly.
I had free time on Friday afternoon, so I went on a little adventure. I took an Uber to the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas. March is not a time for butterflies in south Texas, but I still enjoyed walking the trail. I logged 6600+ steps that day - a record for me! I saw birds, a few butterflies, and some roadrunner type birds. I spent Friday evening in the hotel lounge with a few people from the conference, enjoying free happy hour and live music.
Then on Tuesday, March 26th, I had dinner with a friend at the Austin Public Library's Cookbook Cafe, and then attended a special True Crime Book Club where we got to hear author Skip Hollingsworth discuss his book The Midnight Assassin, about a serial killer that roamed the streets of Austin during the late 1850's. We also got to meet him and take a selfie when he signed copies of the book after the discussion.
The Midnight Assassin is the only book I read in March, but I'm working my way through two others. I watched one Netflix movie, "Inside Out," with Edie Falco, and one documentary: "Out of Many, One."
So it was a fun March that included a trip to a part of Texas I haven't been to in decades. Springtime can be difficult for me because of my inner ear disorder. It tends to flare up during the spring and can wreak havoc on my physical and emotional well-being. So far I've been virtually symptom free. This has allowed me to have a remarkably calm, happy, organized, busy, and productive March, which I am so very grateful for.
librarianintx
Friday, March 01, 2019
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
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
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
Monday, February 04, 2019
"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
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
Friday, February 01, 2019
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
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
Thursday, January 31, 2019
"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:
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
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
Friday, January 25, 2019
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
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
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
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
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
Monday, January 14, 2019
"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
Thursday, January 10, 2019
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
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
Wednesday, January 09, 2019
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
Saturday, December 29, 2018
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
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
Friday, December 28, 2018
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
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
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
Thursday, December 13, 2018
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
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
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
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
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