"We can't control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to what happens to us."
“I have faith that I can do pretty much anything if I can only figure it
out,” ... “because, if it really matters to me, even if I
have to do it differently from most people, I will still find a way to
do it.”
I'm sorry I can't give credit to the people who made these statements; I just saved the quotes. But they both resonate with me because I want to develop resiliency. I need to develop resiliency. I believe I will be a stronger, happier person if I can learn to be more resilient. I'm definitely more resilient than I use to be, but I think I have a long way to go still.
librarianintx
Monday, January 30, 2017
Friday, January 27, 2017
Blogging
In 2015 and 2016, my number of blog posts was much higher than the previous eight years of my blogging career. In fact, 2016 was a huge year for me; I logged 100 blog posts! In 2015 I only wrote 48 blog posts. I always want to do better each year than I did the previous year in whatever endeavor I am involved in - reading, blogging, writing recaps, whatever. So this year I want to write more than 100 blog posts. This is a completely achievable goal. If I write at least ten blog posts per month, that would be 120 posts in a year. Absolutely do-able. At least ten days out of a thirty or thirty-one day month? C'mon! Easy!!
Learn to avoid what prevents me from blogging:
1) Getting sucked into Facebook
2) Focusing on chores
3) Useless worrying
4) Feeling sorry for myself
5) Procrastinating
6) Fear of success / failure
So do it!
Make it happen!
Find the time!
Don't disappoint yourself!
Reach your goal!
Maybe even exceed it!
Attaining a goal is so exciting!
It makes you feel so good about yourself.
You feel accomplished.
Successful.
Proud.
DO IT!!
librarianintx
Learn to avoid what prevents me from blogging:
1) Getting sucked into Facebook
2) Focusing on chores
3) Useless worrying
4) Feeling sorry for myself
5) Procrastinating
6) Fear of success / failure
So do it!
Make it happen!
Find the time!
Don't disappoint yourself!
Reach your goal!
Maybe even exceed it!
Attaining a goal is so exciting!
It makes you feel so good about yourself.
You feel accomplished.
Successful.
Proud.
DO IT!!
librarianintx
Action
This is Austin, Texas, on Friday, January 19th, and Saturday, January 20th. An estimated 50,000 people (men, women, and children) gathered in the capital city of Texas to participate in the worldwide "Women's March" the day after the Inauguration of President Donald Trump. They were sending a clear message to our new leader: "We do not agree with many of your ideas. We did not vote for you. We will fight against many of the policies you intend to implement. We will do all we can to ensure our safety and our freedoms. We stand together against you and your administration. This country was founded on democracy, religious freedom, and an individual's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We will not let you take away our rights and our security."
librarianintx
Friday, January 20, 2017
To Watch or Not to Watch
This is a very easy decision for me.
I am absolutely not watching the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump.
I feel very sad today. That's an understatement, actually. For the past eight years I have felt so proud and I have such admiration for President Obama. He has led our country with such dignity, grace, and intelligence. Due to his leadership, our country has recovered from the greatest economic disaster since the Great Depression.
Usually I am a news hound. I like to know what's going on in the country, in the world. Even if I don't have time to watch the local or national television news broadcasts, I usually check in with CNN or MSNBC a few times a day on the computer or on my phone. Now I don't want to watch the news. I can't, really. Just seeing his face and hearing his voice revolts me. His tone is always so mocking, so judgemental, so short-tempered, so bloated with his own ego. He is a liar. His administration has already had more scandals than eight years of the Obama White House, and he hasn't even been sworn in yet!
An acquaintance from school posted the following on Facebook this morning: "If you can't be kind, at least be quiet." Usually I would agree with that statement. But not in this case. When you are quiet, then it means people think you agree with what is happening in our country. I cannot be quiet. And while I am usually a very respectful person, I am not respectful to him. I know I should be, because in a very short period of time he will be our president. But I cannot respect him. I cannot respect someone who lies and cheats and is so rude to people. He is dangerous. He is evil. He does not deserve my respect, and I don't believe he will ever earn my respect. He is hell bent on taking away the rights and laws that protect me as a woman, as a person with a disability, and the laws and regulations that protect my LGBT family.
So its a no-brainer for me. I will not be watching the Inauguration. But how do I feel about schools and classrooms showing the Inauguration, and telling students they have to watch? Some teachers are creating assignments and curricula that involve having to watch the Inauguration. So if the students do not watch then they will fail the assignment, which will affect their grade in the class. I don't think that is right. I think watching the Inauguration should be optional.
Now, I don't agree with keeping students home from school today. For some students, that could ruin their perfect attendance record. I think if a class is watching the Inauguration, and certain students do not want to watch, they should be allowed to go to the library or help out in the grade level office. There are certain activities that are mandatory for students, of course, but I don't think watching the Inauguration should be one of them. Part of me is conflicted by my viewpoint, because I wouldn't want students to opt out of watching the Inauguration if Hillary Clinton was being sworn in as president. But I understand that I can't have it both ways. Students don't have a lot of freedom in school, but this should be one of those freedoms. They should not have to watch something that would make them uncomfortable.
All I can do at this point is hope that we all survive the next four years, or however long Mr. Trump manages to stay in office. But I will do more than hope. I will use my voice, my vote, my signature, my presence, whatever I have the power and the ability to do to fight for my rights, my safety, and my protection as a citizen of this country.
librarianintx
I am absolutely not watching the Inauguration of Donald J. Trump.
I feel very sad today. That's an understatement, actually. For the past eight years I have felt so proud and I have such admiration for President Obama. He has led our country with such dignity, grace, and intelligence. Due to his leadership, our country has recovered from the greatest economic disaster since the Great Depression.
Usually I am a news hound. I like to know what's going on in the country, in the world. Even if I don't have time to watch the local or national television news broadcasts, I usually check in with CNN or MSNBC a few times a day on the computer or on my phone. Now I don't want to watch the news. I can't, really. Just seeing his face and hearing his voice revolts me. His tone is always so mocking, so judgemental, so short-tempered, so bloated with his own ego. He is a liar. His administration has already had more scandals than eight years of the Obama White House, and he hasn't even been sworn in yet!
An acquaintance from school posted the following on Facebook this morning: "If you can't be kind, at least be quiet." Usually I would agree with that statement. But not in this case. When you are quiet, then it means people think you agree with what is happening in our country. I cannot be quiet. And while I am usually a very respectful person, I am not respectful to him. I know I should be, because in a very short period of time he will be our president. But I cannot respect him. I cannot respect someone who lies and cheats and is so rude to people. He is dangerous. He is evil. He does not deserve my respect, and I don't believe he will ever earn my respect. He is hell bent on taking away the rights and laws that protect me as a woman, as a person with a disability, and the laws and regulations that protect my LGBT family.
So its a no-brainer for me. I will not be watching the Inauguration. But how do I feel about schools and classrooms showing the Inauguration, and telling students they have to watch? Some teachers are creating assignments and curricula that involve having to watch the Inauguration. So if the students do not watch then they will fail the assignment, which will affect their grade in the class. I don't think that is right. I think watching the Inauguration should be optional.
Now, I don't agree with keeping students home from school today. For some students, that could ruin their perfect attendance record. I think if a class is watching the Inauguration, and certain students do not want to watch, they should be allowed to go to the library or help out in the grade level office. There are certain activities that are mandatory for students, of course, but I don't think watching the Inauguration should be one of them. Part of me is conflicted by my viewpoint, because I wouldn't want students to opt out of watching the Inauguration if Hillary Clinton was being sworn in as president. But I understand that I can't have it both ways. Students don't have a lot of freedom in school, but this should be one of those freedoms. They should not have to watch something that would make them uncomfortable.
All I can do at this point is hope that we all survive the next four years, or however long Mr. Trump manages to stay in office. But I will do more than hope. I will use my voice, my vote, my signature, my presence, whatever I have the power and the ability to do to fight for my rights, my safety, and my protection as a citizen of this country.
librarianintx
Monday, January 09, 2017
Meryl Streep's comments about Donald Trump from the Golden Globes
"There was one performance this year that stunned me. It sank its
hooks in my heart. Not because it was good. There was nothing good about
it. But it was effective and it did its job. It made its intended
audience laugh and show their teeth. It was that moment when the person
asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a
disabled reporter, someone he outranked in privilege, power, and the
capacity to fight back. It kind of broke my heart when I saw it. I still
can't get it out of my head because it wasn't in a movie. It was real
life.
And this instinct to humiliate, when it's modeled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful, it filters down into everybody's life, because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing. Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose."
Her entire speech was a work of art, but this was the part that got to me the most. Bless you, Meryl, and thank you for sharing your awesome talent with us for so many years.
By the way, this was Mr. Trump's response, via Twitter, or course:
"Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesn't know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes. She is a Hillary flunky who lost big. For the 100th time, I never "mocked" a disabled reporter (would never do that) but simply showed him "groveling" when he totally changed a 16 year old story that he had written in order to make me look bad. Just more very dishonest media!"
Translation:
Trump did exactly what Meryl said he does, attack and demean people.
It will be a very long four years if he doesn't learn to take the high road and learn to comment with the class and professionalism that should be the cornerstone of holding the highest office in the land.
librarianintx
And this instinct to humiliate, when it's modeled by someone in the public platform, by someone powerful, it filters down into everybody's life, because it kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing. Disrespect invites disrespect. Violence incites violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose."
Her entire speech was a work of art, but this was the part that got to me the most. Bless you, Meryl, and thank you for sharing your awesome talent with us for so many years.
By the way, this was Mr. Trump's response, via Twitter, or course:
"Meryl Streep, one of the most over-rated actresses in Hollywood, doesn't know me but attacked last night at the Golden Globes. She is a Hillary flunky who lost big. For the 100th time, I never "mocked" a disabled reporter (would never do that) but simply showed him "groveling" when he totally changed a 16 year old story that he had written in order to make me look bad. Just more very dishonest media!"
Translation:
Trump did exactly what Meryl said he does, attack and demean people.
It will be a very long four years if he doesn't learn to take the high road and learn to comment with the class and professionalism that should be the cornerstone of holding the highest office in the land.
librarianintx
Sunday, January 08, 2017
My First Week of Pocket Notes
I think I've mentioned this in a previous post. I'm starting the year by writing a note to myself every morning and putting it in my pocket. The note contains a word or phrase that will act as my inspiration for the day. Here's week one of my pocket notes:
Sunday, January 1st: resiliency
Monday, January 2nd: I weathered the storm by myself.
Tuesday, January 3rd: Get It Done!
Wednesday, January 4th: breathe
Thursday, January 5th: faith
Friday, January 6th: warmth
Saturday, January 7th: determination
Sunday, January 8th: organized
librarianintx
Sunday, January 1st: resiliency
Monday, January 2nd: I weathered the storm by myself.
Tuesday, January 3rd: Get It Done!
Wednesday, January 4th: breathe
Thursday, January 5th: faith
Friday, January 6th: warmth
Saturday, January 7th: determination
Sunday, January 8th: organized
librarianintx
2016 Brief Year in Review
2016 was a very tough year for many people. And definitely I was deeply affected by the results of the presidential election, and mourned many of the celebrities that we lost last year. I was also affected by the hard times that family members and friends endured during the previous year.
On the whole, however, 2016 was a good year for me. I had quite a bit of success work-wise. I finally got the extra five hours that I've been requesting for years, which means more time each week to accomplish my yearly goals, and more money coming in too, as well as my full insurance being paid each month. I spent half of 2016 filling in for the vacant public awareness / outreach coordinator position, exhibiting at conferences and sending materials to events that I could not attend. I made a presentation to the largest group I have ever spoken to, about 40 people. Making presentations is not something I am comfortable with, but I enjoyed this presentation because it was during a Halloween party at an independent living center. I also created and presented an online webinar, and contributed to our agency's blog and newsletter. I was honored to be a recipient of the State Library's Employee of the Quarter Award for the second time.
Socially, I had the opportunity to spend a day in San Antonio with friends, visiting the Museum of Art and the public library. I had third row seats to see the amazing James Taylor in concert, thanks to the generosity of my roommate. I also saw the band the 1978 in concert, and visited the Circuit of the Americas 360 concert venue for the first time. I saw the Star Trek experience at the Long Center. And in November, I went to the Texas Renaissance Festival with wonderful friends who are family, and I had the thrill of riding an elephant for the third time, and dressing in costume for the festival for the second time.
May of 2016 was a momentous month for my family. First my middle niece graduated with honors from Texas A&M. Then a few weeks later my oldest niece married the love of her life in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. Only a month before, the city of Houston and surrounding areas experienced historic flooding. Two days before the wedding, there was more flooding, and severe weather. But the wedding weekend was beautiful, sunny and warm. Family flew in and drove from across the country, and a wonderful time was had by all. I haven't been to that many weddings, and I know I'm biased, but their reception was one of the most fun nights of my life. We all danced for hours. They say that a wedding reception is only as good as the people in attendance, and those people came to party.
I had some goals that I set for myself in 2016, and I'm pleased that I achieved them. I wanted to read at least two books per month, or 24 books during the year. I read 26. I wanted to recap every episode of "Dancing with the Stars" during the fall season, and I did. Although I didn't have a set goal for blogging, I did blog more in 2016 than I have any other year since I started blogging (I think!)
Health-wise, I continued my quest to stay as active as possible, try to drink more water, and cut down on sugar.
I haven't made a lot of specific goals for 2017. I want to read at least 24 books again. I want to continue to be as active as possible. I want to work on my mental and emotional health as well. I strive to be mindful and live for today, not worry about tomorrow. I want to be productive and successful, and focus on my own definition of those values, not someone else's definition of my productivity and success. I hope that in 2018 I will be able to make another blog post that outlines the highlights of 2017.
librarianintx
On the whole, however, 2016 was a good year for me. I had quite a bit of success work-wise. I finally got the extra five hours that I've been requesting for years, which means more time each week to accomplish my yearly goals, and more money coming in too, as well as my full insurance being paid each month. I spent half of 2016 filling in for the vacant public awareness / outreach coordinator position, exhibiting at conferences and sending materials to events that I could not attend. I made a presentation to the largest group I have ever spoken to, about 40 people. Making presentations is not something I am comfortable with, but I enjoyed this presentation because it was during a Halloween party at an independent living center. I also created and presented an online webinar, and contributed to our agency's blog and newsletter. I was honored to be a recipient of the State Library's Employee of the Quarter Award for the second time.
Socially, I had the opportunity to spend a day in San Antonio with friends, visiting the Museum of Art and the public library. I had third row seats to see the amazing James Taylor in concert, thanks to the generosity of my roommate. I also saw the band the 1978 in concert, and visited the Circuit of the Americas 360 concert venue for the first time. I saw the Star Trek experience at the Long Center. And in November, I went to the Texas Renaissance Festival with wonderful friends who are family, and I had the thrill of riding an elephant for the third time, and dressing in costume for the festival for the second time.
May of 2016 was a momentous month for my family. First my middle niece graduated with honors from Texas A&M. Then a few weeks later my oldest niece married the love of her life in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. Only a month before, the city of Houston and surrounding areas experienced historic flooding. Two days before the wedding, there was more flooding, and severe weather. But the wedding weekend was beautiful, sunny and warm. Family flew in and drove from across the country, and a wonderful time was had by all. I haven't been to that many weddings, and I know I'm biased, but their reception was one of the most fun nights of my life. We all danced for hours. They say that a wedding reception is only as good as the people in attendance, and those people came to party.
I had some goals that I set for myself in 2016, and I'm pleased that I achieved them. I wanted to read at least two books per month, or 24 books during the year. I read 26. I wanted to recap every episode of "Dancing with the Stars" during the fall season, and I did. Although I didn't have a set goal for blogging, I did blog more in 2016 than I have any other year since I started blogging (I think!)
Health-wise, I continued my quest to stay as active as possible, try to drink more water, and cut down on sugar.
I haven't made a lot of specific goals for 2017. I want to read at least 24 books again. I want to continue to be as active as possible. I want to work on my mental and emotional health as well. I strive to be mindful and live for today, not worry about tomorrow. I want to be productive and successful, and focus on my own definition of those values, not someone else's definition of my productivity and success. I hope that in 2018 I will be able to make another blog post that outlines the highlights of 2017.
librarianintx
Thursday, January 05, 2017
So True...
When I can lose myself in something meaningful to me - a good book, journaling, one of my favorite shows, a game or a puzzle - when I can silence the worry and the self-criticisms, the doubt and the fear of what might lie ahead - priceless
librarianintx
Monday, January 02, 2017
Books I read in 2016
I had a goal of reading the equivalent of two books a month, twenty-four books for the year, and I surpassed the goal! Yay! Most were were e-books, but seven were audio books and two were print books. Here's the list:
Uncovered
The Martian (audio)
Life is Short
I am Forbidden
The Memory of Light (audio)
Upstairs at the White House
Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter
If at Birth You Don't Succeed - (print)
My Train to Freedom
Wayward Pines Book Two (audio)
Memories Before and After the Sound of Music
No Parking at the End Times
Run Brother Run
Trapped: My Life with Cerebral Palsy
My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me
The Lives and Loves of Daisy and Violet Hilton
Last Orphans Book One
Wayward Pines Book Three (audio)
Guy Town by Gaslight: A History of Vice in Austin's First Ward (print)
Below Stairs (audio)
The Girl with Seven Names
Room: A Novel (audio)
My Mother's House
Behind Closed Doors (audio)
Infinite Devotion
Crank: Book One
librarianintx
Uncovered
The Martian (audio)
Life is Short
I am Forbidden
The Memory of Light (audio)
Upstairs at the White House
Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter
If at Birth You Don't Succeed - (print)
My Train to Freedom
Wayward Pines Book Two (audio)
Memories Before and After the Sound of Music
No Parking at the End Times
Run Brother Run
Trapped: My Life with Cerebral Palsy
My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me
The Lives and Loves of Daisy and Violet Hilton
Last Orphans Book One
Wayward Pines Book Three (audio)
Guy Town by Gaslight: A History of Vice in Austin's First Ward (print)
Below Stairs (audio)
The Girl with Seven Names
Room: A Novel (audio)
My Mother's House
Behind Closed Doors (audio)
Infinite Devotion
Crank: Book One
librarianintx
Sunday, January 01, 2017
A new tradition
Today is only the first day, so who knows how long I will do this for. I usually don't keep up with my resolutions all the year through. I think few people. do.
Anyway, today I wrote an encouraging word on a piece of paper and put it in my pocket. It was a bit of a challenging day ( see the previous post), so I took the piece of paper out a few times and looked at it. I think it helped me get through the day. I want to try to write down an encouraging word or phrase or quote every morning and put it in my pocket to help me get through the day. If I can manage to save them, at the end of each month I can look through them and see what the word or phrase was. I'm sure there will be some repetition.
The word today was resiliency.
I think I was resilient today.
librarianintx
Anyway, today I wrote an encouraging word on a piece of paper and put it in my pocket. It was a bit of a challenging day ( see the previous post), so I took the piece of paper out a few times and looked at it. I think it helped me get through the day. I want to try to write down an encouraging word or phrase or quote every morning and put it in my pocket to help me get through the day. If I can manage to save them, at the end of each month I can look through them and see what the word or phrase was. I'm sure there will be some repetition.
The word today was resiliency.
I think I was resilient today.
librarianintx
New Year's Day
Today I didn't throw up, even though my inner ear and sinuses were giving me fits.
I didn't pass out, even though I didn't eat for about 8 hours.
I didn't pee in my pants, even though the door handle of the Megabus bathroom was broken and the bathrooms at the new Austin Megabus building were out of order, so I had to wait about four and a half hours when I needed to pee.
And I didn't cry today.
So it was a good start to 2017.
See the positive.
librarianintx
I didn't pass out, even though I didn't eat for about 8 hours.
I didn't pee in my pants, even though the door handle of the Megabus bathroom was broken and the bathrooms at the new Austin Megabus building were out of order, so I had to wait about four and a half hours when I needed to pee.
And I didn't cry today.
So it was a good start to 2017.
See the positive.
librarianintx
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Survivor Season 33 Finale
Wow. Wow. Wow.
What a finale!!
I wish I had more time to write about it. My head is still buzzing. What a thrilling night that was for me as a David fan - at least until the final tribal council. He got SO close! He should have won. He did more than enough to earn the title of sole survivor. He won challenges. He found hidden immunity idols. He made big plays. He was the mastermind this season, especially after the merge. He even created a fake idol that fooled Jay and led to his torch being snuffed.
While I definitely understand why Ken blindsided David, I don't admire him for it. I know he had to do it because he could not have beaten David. But he and David had been so loyal to each other. I wanted to see him stay true to his word all the way to the end. I really thought he was going to. David really thought he was going to. I was heartbroken when he didn't.
After David was voted out, I didn't care anymore about the outcome. The game became rather meaningless, which was disappointing when the rest of the episode had been so epic. The final three were all flawed for me. Ken lost my faith in him. Hannah came on strong at the end but was still a team player rather than a leader. And Adam - I don't know. He won a few challenges. He found hidden immunity idols. But I didn't like the way he badgered Hannah in the final tribal council, and tried to take credit for the moves that she made. I was proud of her for standing her ground and fighting for recognition. The nagging question that I'm left with is, did Adam win unanimously based on his game, or because he told everyone that his mom had cancer? Of the three, I would say that Adam did enough to win, as did Ken, but not Hannah. Still, I think it should have been either David or Jay that got the title. But you can't win if you don't make it to the final tribal council.
The season wasn't perfect for me. The FigTales romance was annoying. But I absolutely loved all the personal growth that happened this season. Hannah's metamorphosis was almost as inspiring as David's for me. And even though they weren't my favorite players, I enjoyed watching the transformations of Zeke and Bret as well. More than any other season of Survivor, the show changed people.
I didn't get my Cochran moment this time. I didn't get to rejoice in the stunning, unlikely win of someone that everyone counted out in the beginning. But as David said, he didn't win the game, but he came so far and changed so much that he felt like he won. So in a way, I did get my Cochran moment again. Usually you don't remember who almost won a reality show. But I think David will be remembered. I celebrate all of his accomplishments. And I thank all of these contestants - David, Hannah, Zeke, Bret - for being examples and showing the audience that you can change your life. You can become the person you want to be.
librarianintx
What a finale!!
I wish I had more time to write about it. My head is still buzzing. What a thrilling night that was for me as a David fan - at least until the final tribal council. He got SO close! He should have won. He did more than enough to earn the title of sole survivor. He won challenges. He found hidden immunity idols. He made big plays. He was the mastermind this season, especially after the merge. He even created a fake idol that fooled Jay and led to his torch being snuffed.
While I definitely understand why Ken blindsided David, I don't admire him for it. I know he had to do it because he could not have beaten David. But he and David had been so loyal to each other. I wanted to see him stay true to his word all the way to the end. I really thought he was going to. David really thought he was going to. I was heartbroken when he didn't.
After David was voted out, I didn't care anymore about the outcome. The game became rather meaningless, which was disappointing when the rest of the episode had been so epic. The final three were all flawed for me. Ken lost my faith in him. Hannah came on strong at the end but was still a team player rather than a leader. And Adam - I don't know. He won a few challenges. He found hidden immunity idols. But I didn't like the way he badgered Hannah in the final tribal council, and tried to take credit for the moves that she made. I was proud of her for standing her ground and fighting for recognition. The nagging question that I'm left with is, did Adam win unanimously based on his game, or because he told everyone that his mom had cancer? Of the three, I would say that Adam did enough to win, as did Ken, but not Hannah. Still, I think it should have been either David or Jay that got the title. But you can't win if you don't make it to the final tribal council.
The season wasn't perfect for me. The FigTales romance was annoying. But I absolutely loved all the personal growth that happened this season. Hannah's metamorphosis was almost as inspiring as David's for me. And even though they weren't my favorite players, I enjoyed watching the transformations of Zeke and Bret as well. More than any other season of Survivor, the show changed people.
I didn't get my Cochran moment this time. I didn't get to rejoice in the stunning, unlikely win of someone that everyone counted out in the beginning. But as David said, he didn't win the game, but he came so far and changed so much that he felt like he won. So in a way, I did get my Cochran moment again. Usually you don't remember who almost won a reality show. But I think David will be remembered. I celebrate all of his accomplishments. And I thank all of these contestants - David, Hannah, Zeke, Bret - for being examples and showing the audience that you can change your life. You can become the person you want to be.
librarianintx
Friday, December 02, 2016
Survivor Season 33 11/30 Episode
Whew! David survived another week! He wasn't in as much danger as I expected. The Jay/Zeke/Sunday/Bret alliance mentioned needing to get him out, but they didn't go for it.
The reward challenge was the obligatory loved ones cry fest, made all the more poignant when Adam's brother appeared to bring him news about his ailing mom. None of the contestants know what Adam is going through, but I was so happy when Jay picked Adam, along with Sunday, Will, and their loved ones, to join him on the reward so Adam and his brother could have some time together.
David kept up with the majority of the other survivors on the reward challenge, but he was the first one to drop during the immunity challenge. That immediately made me nervous. But the David/Adam/Ken/Hannah alliance received the life-saving gift of Will flipping to their side to vote out Zeke. Adam played his hidden immunity idol to ensure Hannah's safety, just in case Will decided not to flip.
I like Zeke; I wish he had been in David's alliance. I thought his exit was super classy, telling everyone that it had been an honor to play the game with them.
I don't understand why the Zeke alliance targeted Hannah again, rather than a stronger player. But I'll take it. It remains to be seen whether Will stays with the David alliance, or if he flips back to Jay, Bret, and Sunday.
librarianintx
The reward challenge was the obligatory loved ones cry fest, made all the more poignant when Adam's brother appeared to bring him news about his ailing mom. None of the contestants know what Adam is going through, but I was so happy when Jay picked Adam, along with Sunday, Will, and their loved ones, to join him on the reward so Adam and his brother could have some time together.
David kept up with the majority of the other survivors on the reward challenge, but he was the first one to drop during the immunity challenge. That immediately made me nervous. But the David/Adam/Ken/Hannah alliance received the life-saving gift of Will flipping to their side to vote out Zeke. Adam played his hidden immunity idol to ensure Hannah's safety, just in case Will decided not to flip.
I like Zeke; I wish he had been in David's alliance. I thought his exit was super classy, telling everyone that it had been an honor to play the game with them.
I don't understand why the Zeke alliance targeted Hannah again, rather than a stronger player. But I'll take it. It remains to be seen whether Will stays with the David alliance, or if he flips back to Jay, Bret, and Sunday.
librarianintx
My current attempt at a sugar regiment
Here are the personal guidelines I'm trying to follow when it comes to sugar:
1) One sugary beverage per day, and by "sugary," I mean Gatorade or apple juice, not soda. For the rest of the day I drink water or milk.
2) One sugary food per day, and by "sugary," I mean food that is relatively healthy. Examples would be light yogurt, fruit bars, or low sugar cookies. The cookies have 9 grams of sugar per serving, and are made with fruit and date sugars, although they also have chocolate chips in them. I'm also drinking the no sugar protein shakes again, made with chocolate pea powder (sweetened with stevia) and milk.
3) Avoiding high fructose corn syrup if at all possible. Animal crackers would usually be a lower sugar option that I would allow myself, but I checked the ingredients, and the kind I buy contains high fructose corn syrup. So no animal crackers. :(
4) I do not add sugar to anything. I used to like strawberries dipped in sugar, but no more. If I drink tea, I sweeten it with honey.
5) Instead of eating raisin bran cereal, I buy a low sugar variety of bran flakes and add raisins. You can actually see the sugar on the flakes in raisin bran cereal.
6) I am doing my very best to avoid the donuts, candy, and other treats that people bring to work.
7) Having said all this, I will allow myself to cheat for special occasions - a slice of cake or a cupcake for birthdays, pie at Thanksgiving, my mother's cookies for the holidays and Valentine's Day, etc. It sounds like a lot of cheating, but I hope it won't be.
Is it even worth it to make these changes if I cheat sometimes? I guess any move toward healthier eating is better than no changes at all. I wish I could say I was giving up sugar entirely, but I'm not there yet, and honestly, I doubt I ever will be.
So why am I doing this? Well, in general, sugar isn't good for you. It's bad for your teeth. It gives you a rush and then you crash. If I eat something sugary without pairing it with a protein like milk, I can get shaky. I'm also reading about the possible link between sugar and metastatic breast cancer. That really has me freaked out. The problem is, I'm already at a higher risk for breast cancer. I take birth control pills, and my doctor wants me on hormone replacement therapy when I reach menopause. And I have dense breast tissue. So is cutting down on sugar actually going to reduce my risk? I plan to talk to my doctor in January. In the meantime, cutting down on sugar couldn't hurt. Tamping down my worrying couldn't hurt either. :)
librarinintx
1) One sugary beverage per day, and by "sugary," I mean Gatorade or apple juice, not soda. For the rest of the day I drink water or milk.
2) One sugary food per day, and by "sugary," I mean food that is relatively healthy. Examples would be light yogurt, fruit bars, or low sugar cookies. The cookies have 9 grams of sugar per serving, and are made with fruit and date sugars, although they also have chocolate chips in them. I'm also drinking the no sugar protein shakes again, made with chocolate pea powder (sweetened with stevia) and milk.
3) Avoiding high fructose corn syrup if at all possible. Animal crackers would usually be a lower sugar option that I would allow myself, but I checked the ingredients, and the kind I buy contains high fructose corn syrup. So no animal crackers. :(
4) I do not add sugar to anything. I used to like strawberries dipped in sugar, but no more. If I drink tea, I sweeten it with honey.
5) Instead of eating raisin bran cereal, I buy a low sugar variety of bran flakes and add raisins. You can actually see the sugar on the flakes in raisin bran cereal.
6) I am doing my very best to avoid the donuts, candy, and other treats that people bring to work.
7) Having said all this, I will allow myself to cheat for special occasions - a slice of cake or a cupcake for birthdays, pie at Thanksgiving, my mother's cookies for the holidays and Valentine's Day, etc. It sounds like a lot of cheating, but I hope it won't be.
Is it even worth it to make these changes if I cheat sometimes? I guess any move toward healthier eating is better than no changes at all. I wish I could say I was giving up sugar entirely, but I'm not there yet, and honestly, I doubt I ever will be.
So why am I doing this? Well, in general, sugar isn't good for you. It's bad for your teeth. It gives you a rush and then you crash. If I eat something sugary without pairing it with a protein like milk, I can get shaky. I'm also reading about the possible link between sugar and metastatic breast cancer. That really has me freaked out. The problem is, I'm already at a higher risk for breast cancer. I take birth control pills, and my doctor wants me on hormone replacement therapy when I reach menopause. And I have dense breast tissue. So is cutting down on sugar actually going to reduce my risk? I plan to talk to my doctor in January. In the meantime, cutting down on sugar couldn't hurt. Tamping down my worrying couldn't hurt either. :)
librarinintx
Thursday, December 01, 2016
I finally believe in this
Variety is the spice of life.
Diversity should be the goal.
librarianintx
Survivor Season 33
I'm writing about last week's two hour episode, or two episodes back-to-back - however you want to view it. I haven't seen last night's episode, so David could be out. But he had a VERY big night last week.
In the first reward challenge, David said he would sit out since it was a team challenge that involved swimming, and he didn't want to be the player that lost the challenge for his team. He got quite emotional, but all the contestants encouraged him to play, and do the best he could. It was a wonderful display of good sportsmanship. David did play, and even though his team lost, it wasn't because David slowed them down in his athletic attempt. He was one of the puzzle solvers, so one could say that he contributed to the loss on that basis. But it wasn't because of his swimming ability, or some other physical aspect of the challenge.
The immunity challenge in the first episode was a grueling endurance challenge, and David won! I teared up watching everyone cheer for him; some of the contestants even gave him a standing ovation. As Jeff was putting the immunity necklace around him, and asked him how he was feeling, David said this, "I'm just trying to, like, tamper down that voice in my head that says 'I can't,' and start listening to a voice that says, 'I can.'"
David is me, and I am David. And that is why I am rooting for him this season. David is my Cochran this season. Does that mean David will win? It's too soon to tell. There is still a lot more game to go. But if he keeps making big moves, and manages to win some challenges and/or advantages - maybe. Not only did he win immunity in this episode, he was also instrumental in getting Chris out. Chris was the person that he wanted eliminated, and he made it happen.
But trouble has started looming on the horizon for David. In the second episode, he was able to partake in the reward challenge simply because he drew the correct rock. He did not have to compete. That was great for him of course, but any time a contestant gets something for free on Survivor, resentment can start to fester.
And then came the Tribal Council. David wanted Zeke out. But he was tipped off that the other side was gunning for Ken. Ken is one of David's biggest alliance members. So David used his hidden immunity idol to guarantee Ken's safety. Unfortunately, Ken turned out not to be the target. It was Hannah. After two deadlocked voting rounds, the contestants were forced to draw rocks. Poor Jessica drew the bad rock and was eliminated from the competition. This outcome could have devastating consequences for David. The members of his alliance could blame him for his decision to save Ken. Hannah will likely be very angry, since she was the one that was almost voted out. When she saw her name on the card, she turned to David and said accusingly, "You should have used it on me!" Hannah was already wavering between aligning with Zeke and pledging allegiance to David. What happened at that Tribal Council could cause her to flip back to Zeke. Which would mean, of course, that David would be out two alliance members: Jessica and Hannah. That would be a disaster. So time will tell if David can survive this troubling turn of events.
Even if it turns out that David was eliminated last night, I hope he will feel very proud of the game that he has played. Like Cochran, David shows that you don't have to have athletic prowess to win Survivor. It is a physical game, but the mental play, the strategy, plus the ability to form alliances and succeed at the social game are even more important aspects.
librarianintx
In the first reward challenge, David said he would sit out since it was a team challenge that involved swimming, and he didn't want to be the player that lost the challenge for his team. He got quite emotional, but all the contestants encouraged him to play, and do the best he could. It was a wonderful display of good sportsmanship. David did play, and even though his team lost, it wasn't because David slowed them down in his athletic attempt. He was one of the puzzle solvers, so one could say that he contributed to the loss on that basis. But it wasn't because of his swimming ability, or some other physical aspect of the challenge.
The immunity challenge in the first episode was a grueling endurance challenge, and David won! I teared up watching everyone cheer for him; some of the contestants even gave him a standing ovation. As Jeff was putting the immunity necklace around him, and asked him how he was feeling, David said this, "I'm just trying to, like, tamper down that voice in my head that says 'I can't,' and start listening to a voice that says, 'I can.'"
David is me, and I am David. And that is why I am rooting for him this season. David is my Cochran this season. Does that mean David will win? It's too soon to tell. There is still a lot more game to go. But if he keeps making big moves, and manages to win some challenges and/or advantages - maybe. Not only did he win immunity in this episode, he was also instrumental in getting Chris out. Chris was the person that he wanted eliminated, and he made it happen.
But trouble has started looming on the horizon for David. In the second episode, he was able to partake in the reward challenge simply because he drew the correct rock. He did not have to compete. That was great for him of course, but any time a contestant gets something for free on Survivor, resentment can start to fester.
And then came the Tribal Council. David wanted Zeke out. But he was tipped off that the other side was gunning for Ken. Ken is one of David's biggest alliance members. So David used his hidden immunity idol to guarantee Ken's safety. Unfortunately, Ken turned out not to be the target. It was Hannah. After two deadlocked voting rounds, the contestants were forced to draw rocks. Poor Jessica drew the bad rock and was eliminated from the competition. This outcome could have devastating consequences for David. The members of his alliance could blame him for his decision to save Ken. Hannah will likely be very angry, since she was the one that was almost voted out. When she saw her name on the card, she turned to David and said accusingly, "You should have used it on me!" Hannah was already wavering between aligning with Zeke and pledging allegiance to David. What happened at that Tribal Council could cause her to flip back to Zeke. Which would mean, of course, that David would be out two alliance members: Jessica and Hannah. That would be a disaster. So time will tell if David can survive this troubling turn of events.
Even if it turns out that David was eliminated last night, I hope he will feel very proud of the game that he has played. Like Cochran, David shows that you don't have to have athletic prowess to win Survivor. It is a physical game, but the mental play, the strategy, plus the ability to form alliances and succeed at the social game are even more important aspects.
librarianintx
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Finale Results Show
I am SO happy I was wrong!
Laurie Hernandez is crowned the champion of Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars!
I am SO thrilled for her and Val!
The results show was just okay for me. I know I'm in the minority, but I didn't enjoy the Christmas theme. I missed not having a Dance Center segment. But I loved Maureen McCormick's super fan dance, the all male routine, Vanilla Ice singing and dancing to his own hit, and I always get a kick out of the rehearsal footage.
When it came to the fusion dances, I thought James had the easiest routine; the viennese waltz and foxtrot are two of his wheelhouse dances. Calvin had the toughest routine; the jive is hard for him because of problems with his feet, and the quickstep is one of the most challenging ballroom types. I was sad to see Calvin and Lindsay get eliminated, but I think America got it right to have James and Laurie as the final two.
I must admit that this was not one of my favorite seasons; I thought the level of dance ability was lower than previous seasons. But I still adore the show. I was not happy to have Rick Perry and Ryan Lochte as contestants, but I don't see myself ever boycotting the show. I love watching people grow and learn and become dancers. I love seeing super fans live out their dreams, and others conquer their fears of dancing in such a public forum. I believe that the cast becomes a family every season, and they wish success for each other, even though it's a competition. I love Tom and Erin - their humor, and the care and compassion they have for the professional dancers and the celebrities as they journey through the season together. I even love cranky Len and wild Bruno. :)
I simply love watching people dance.
librarianintx
Laurie Hernandez is crowned the champion of Season 23 of Dancing with the Stars!
I am SO thrilled for her and Val!
The results show was just okay for me. I know I'm in the minority, but I didn't enjoy the Christmas theme. I missed not having a Dance Center segment. But I loved Maureen McCormick's super fan dance, the all male routine, Vanilla Ice singing and dancing to his own hit, and I always get a kick out of the rehearsal footage.
When it came to the fusion dances, I thought James had the easiest routine; the viennese waltz and foxtrot are two of his wheelhouse dances. Calvin had the toughest routine; the jive is hard for him because of problems with his feet, and the quickstep is one of the most challenging ballroom types. I was sad to see Calvin and Lindsay get eliminated, but I think America got it right to have James and Laurie as the final two.
I must admit that this was not one of my favorite seasons; I thought the level of dance ability was lower than previous seasons. But I still adore the show. I was not happy to have Rick Perry and Ryan Lochte as contestants, but I don't see myself ever boycotting the show. I love watching people grow and learn and become dancers. I love seeing super fans live out their dreams, and others conquer their fears of dancing in such a public forum. I believe that the cast becomes a family every season, and they wish success for each other, even though it's a competition. I love Tom and Erin - their humor, and the care and compassion they have for the professional dancers and the celebrities as they journey through the season together. I even love cranky Len and wild Bruno. :)
I simply love watching people dance.
librarianintx
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Finale Part 2
Round Two: Freestyle!
Jana / Gleb
The freestyle dances are often about big production numbers / lots of theatrics, but Jana and Gleb had more than enough sparks with just the two of them. It was a passionate, beautiful, emotional routine, and it was like a metaphor for Jana's life - She was bound, and now she's free. They should be proud of that dance. It was poetry in motion. The lifts were wonderful too.
I saw Gleb's stumble on the replay, but not during the performance. I feel bad that they were so disappointed. It was a gorgeous dance. One stumble did not mar the routine.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9
Calvin / Lindsay
Mr. Happy!
How fun was that!
Easily the most personality that we've seen from Calvin all season. This was a big production freestyle routine, and it was a joy to watch. It had all the elements that I want in a freestyle: great dancing, exciting lifts and tricks, personality, innovative aspects (the conveyor belt / subway platform was way cool)
Touchdown Megatron!
I also loved how Calvin was front and center during 95% of the routine. He was the star, as he should be!
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10
Laurie / Val
I'll just throw out a bunch of adjectives:
fresh
joyful
youthful
vibrant
exuberant
playful
high energy
happy
enthusiastic
It played like part of a Broadway musical to me. I thought it was wonderful. My only criticism is that there wasn't as much actual dancing as I think there should be in a freestyle. There was a lot of running around, going down a slide, spinning on a merry-go-round, some gymnastic moves. But it was a little short on actual dancing, and I'm surprised that the judges didn't mention that. I'm glad they didn't, and maybe they wouldn't agree with me. But I would think Len especially would say that it was slightly thin on content.
Bruno: "spirit of youth"
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10
James / Sharna
In nearly every season of Dancing with the Stars, the best freestyle routine usually results in the capture of the mirrorball trophy, regardless of front runner status. The judges have adored James all season. Julianne calls him the best male dancer ever on this show. I think James is very good, but not the best male ever, and not the front runner this season. I think that Laurie deserves to win season 23. But based on this freestyle, I think that James will win. It was a very powerful, emotional routine with a lot of content that played to James' strengths.
Julianne: "you outdo yourself every week"
Bruno: "visual poetry" "unforgettable"
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10
Results:
Jana and Gleb were eliminated :(
They were a wonderful couple with amazing chemistry, but she doesn't have the fan base that the other contestants have. Some people don't know her well; her blog posts have rubbed some people the wrong way. This should be about her dance ability, not her as a person. But we also have to realize how much improved Calvin is. He has earned his Top 3 spot. It's always tough to come in 4th.
I did not vote, and I regret that. Obviously I have a favorite, and I should have done what I could to see that she wins. But anyway, it has been a good season. Good luck to Laurie, James, and Calvin!
librarianintx
Jana / Gleb
The freestyle dances are often about big production numbers / lots of theatrics, but Jana and Gleb had more than enough sparks with just the two of them. It was a passionate, beautiful, emotional routine, and it was like a metaphor for Jana's life - She was bound, and now she's free. They should be proud of that dance. It was poetry in motion. The lifts were wonderful too.
I saw Gleb's stumble on the replay, but not during the performance. I feel bad that they were so disappointed. It was a gorgeous dance. One stumble did not mar the routine.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9
Calvin / Lindsay
Mr. Happy!
How fun was that!
Easily the most personality that we've seen from Calvin all season. This was a big production freestyle routine, and it was a joy to watch. It had all the elements that I want in a freestyle: great dancing, exciting lifts and tricks, personality, innovative aspects (the conveyor belt / subway platform was way cool)
Touchdown Megatron!
I also loved how Calvin was front and center during 95% of the routine. He was the star, as he should be!
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10
Laurie / Val
I'll just throw out a bunch of adjectives:
fresh
joyful
youthful
vibrant
exuberant
playful
high energy
happy
enthusiastic
It played like part of a Broadway musical to me. I thought it was wonderful. My only criticism is that there wasn't as much actual dancing as I think there should be in a freestyle. There was a lot of running around, going down a slide, spinning on a merry-go-round, some gymnastic moves. But it was a little short on actual dancing, and I'm surprised that the judges didn't mention that. I'm glad they didn't, and maybe they wouldn't agree with me. But I would think Len especially would say that it was slightly thin on content.
Bruno: "spirit of youth"
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10
James / Sharna
In nearly every season of Dancing with the Stars, the best freestyle routine usually results in the capture of the mirrorball trophy, regardless of front runner status. The judges have adored James all season. Julianne calls him the best male dancer ever on this show. I think James is very good, but not the best male ever, and not the front runner this season. I think that Laurie deserves to win season 23. But based on this freestyle, I think that James will win. It was a very powerful, emotional routine with a lot of content that played to James' strengths.
Julianne: "you outdo yourself every week"
Bruno: "visual poetry" "unforgettable"
Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10
Results:
Jana and Gleb were eliminated :(
They were a wonderful couple with amazing chemistry, but she doesn't have the fan base that the other contestants have. Some people don't know her well; her blog posts have rubbed some people the wrong way. This should be about her dance ability, not her as a person. But we also have to realize how much improved Calvin is. He has earned his Top 3 spot. It's always tough to come in 4th.
I did not vote, and I regret that. Obviously I have a favorite, and I should have done what I could to see that she wins. But anyway, it has been a good season. Good luck to Laurie, James, and Calvin!
librarianintx
Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Finale Part 1
I can't believe the season is almost over! Didn't I say that last week too?
Round One: Redemption Dances
Calvin / Lindsay
Viennese Waltz
Calvin has come so far! It was a beautiful dance, but at times I felt there was a pause between transitions - there should have been more of a constant flow to the dance. It felt like they were being a little careful after last week's out of control first dance.
Len: "most improved dancer this season (I agree!)
Carrie Ann cited them for a lift!
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 (They did not deserve an 8 for that dance!)
Jana / Gleb
Tango
The lasers were cool but very distracting. It was hard for me to tell if they made any mistakes. I thought I saw a lift (and I was right!) It was a good routine, but unfortunately not especially memorable for me.
Julianne: "took a long time to get off the platform" (I agree)
Len doesn't agree with Carrie Ann taking off points for unintentional lifts.
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 (What the hell, Carrie Ann?)
Laurie / Val
Paso Doble
YAAASSS!
Wow! That was one fierce paso!
Speed, precision, crisp, sharp, passionate - They were both on fire!
Laurie is in it to win it!
And then she grinned and jumped and down like a little girl after. She is 16, after all.
Val wanted her to look like a professional dancer. She did!
I loved it!
Scores: 9, 10, 9, 10 (9's? Really?)
James / Sharna
Foxtrot
Yeah, the best male dancer ever on the show with questionable hip action? Mmmm...
Anyway, a girl with the moniker of "librarianintx" did like the library theme of this dance. The foxtrot really suits James, and this was a quirky, engaging routine. It took them awhile to start dancing, and I think I saw a slip, but overall it was a solid performance.
There was a slip. But Julianne said it was still the perfect foxtrot. (Okay....)
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 10 (It was the perfect foxtrot, but Julianne gave him a 9. Bruno gave him a 10)
End of Part 1
librarianintx
Round One: Redemption Dances
Calvin / Lindsay
Viennese Waltz
Calvin has come so far! It was a beautiful dance, but at times I felt there was a pause between transitions - there should have been more of a constant flow to the dance. It felt like they were being a little careful after last week's out of control first dance.
Len: "most improved dancer this season (I agree!)
Carrie Ann cited them for a lift!
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 (They did not deserve an 8 for that dance!)
Jana / Gleb
Tango
The lasers were cool but very distracting. It was hard for me to tell if they made any mistakes. I thought I saw a lift (and I was right!) It was a good routine, but unfortunately not especially memorable for me.
Julianne: "took a long time to get off the platform" (I agree)
Len doesn't agree with Carrie Ann taking off points for unintentional lifts.
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9 (What the hell, Carrie Ann?)
Laurie / Val
Paso Doble
YAAASSS!
Wow! That was one fierce paso!
Speed, precision, crisp, sharp, passionate - They were both on fire!
Laurie is in it to win it!
And then she grinned and jumped and down like a little girl after. She is 16, after all.
Val wanted her to look like a professional dancer. She did!
I loved it!
Scores: 9, 10, 9, 10 (9's? Really?)
James / Sharna
Foxtrot
Yeah, the best male dancer ever on the show with questionable hip action? Mmmm...
Anyway, a girl with the moniker of "librarianintx" did like the library theme of this dance. The foxtrot really suits James, and this was a quirky, engaging routine. It took them awhile to start dancing, and I think I saw a slip, but overall it was a solid performance.
There was a slip. But Julianne said it was still the perfect foxtrot. (Okay....)
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 10 (It was the perfect foxtrot, but Julianne gave him a 9. Bruno gave him a 10)
End of Part 1
librarianintx
Port-a-potty
Sounds crazy, but I am 48 years old, and I have never used a port-a-potty - until about three weeks ago. It's also pretty crazy that I'm writing about it. :) But I think it shows that I've led a rather sheltered life. I haven't been to events and activities where I would need a port-a-potty.
But three weeks ago I was at the Texas Book Festival. The vendors, author book signings, and refreshments are set up in tents on the Capital grounds and surrounding streets, while the sessions are held in the Capital. I had been visiting the vendor tents. It was raining, and it was a long hike for me to get to the Capital to use the bathroom. So my port-a-potty opportunity had finally arrived. While not exactly a bucket list item, I was rather excited to be using such a facility for the first time. I wish I could say I was a port-a-potty regular user, because that would show that I've had more life experiences. I could say that I've been to many outdoor concerts and other such events.
So how was it? Yeah, you know. It was gross. :) I think it could have been worse; the one I used was fairly clean. I have a fear of getting trapped in bathrooms and other small rooms (because I have before), so I didn't want to lock the door. My friend stood outside the port-a-potty so others would know that it was occupied. The area around the Capital is rather hilly, so I struggled with my balance when I was visiting the tents. The ground wasn't even and flat. So being in the port-a-potty made me feel a bit like I was on a boat, even though it wasn't moving. I didn't enjoy that. But hey, it was an experience. That's what matters. I can now say that I have used a port-a-potty.
What might be next? A mosh pit? A helicopter ride? Probably not.
librarianintx
But three weeks ago I was at the Texas Book Festival. The vendors, author book signings, and refreshments are set up in tents on the Capital grounds and surrounding streets, while the sessions are held in the Capital. I had been visiting the vendor tents. It was raining, and it was a long hike for me to get to the Capital to use the bathroom. So my port-a-potty opportunity had finally arrived. While not exactly a bucket list item, I was rather excited to be using such a facility for the first time. I wish I could say I was a port-a-potty regular user, because that would show that I've had more life experiences. I could say that I've been to many outdoor concerts and other such events.
So how was it? Yeah, you know. It was gross. :) I think it could have been worse; the one I used was fairly clean. I have a fear of getting trapped in bathrooms and other small rooms (because I have before), so I didn't want to lock the door. My friend stood outside the port-a-potty so others would know that it was occupied. The area around the Capital is rather hilly, so I struggled with my balance when I was visiting the tents. The ground wasn't even and flat. So being in the port-a-potty made me feel a bit like I was on a boat, even though it wasn't moving. I didn't enjoy that. But hey, it was an experience. That's what matters. I can now say that I have used a port-a-potty.
What might be next? A mosh pit? A helicopter ride? Probably not.
librarianintx
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