American Idol

I have no one to blame but myself. 

I know better.

The last time I seriously watched, I voted religiously for James Dubin.

He finished fourth.

I was wrecked for him.

But we all know that you don't have to win AI to become a star.

Many times, it's better not to win.

But We'ani deserved better than Top 5.

She is a star.

She will have a career.

I can't wait to hear the music she creates.

In the meantime, I will savor her AI performances - especially "Something's Got a Hold On Me," "I Have Nothing," and her audition song, "Anyone."

Don't give up We'ani.

Continue to be "diligent"

You will have your place in the "Diva Club" 

Not "diva" as in attitude -

"Diva" as in talent.

librarianintx 

May is National Osteoporosis Month

Here's a great site about National Osteoporosis Month from the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation: https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/awareness-month/

On the site you can find

a social media toolkit

kick off events

on demand webinars

a Four Day Bone Health Challenge (starts on May 18)

podcast episodes

information on support and how to share your story

Many people think that osteoporosis is a disease you get when you're older. And for some, that is true. But young people can develop the condition as well. 

Osteoporosis means that you have low bone density. This can lead to fractures. 

Risk factors include:

• Getting older
• Being small and thin
• Having a family history of osteoporosis
• Taking certain medicines, like steroids
  
• Being a white or Asian woman
  

Taking vitamin D + calcium and eating calcium-rich foods can help keep your bones strong.

Exercise can also help, especially strength-training exercises such as working with weights and resistance bands. Certain yoga poses are also good for your bones. Walking outside and stair climbing can be beneficial. But if you have osteoporosis, consult a doctor before you begin an exercise regiment. 

Balance and fall prevention are also important components of osteoporosis treatment. 

There are medications to treat osteoporosis. Some are oral medicines, while others are injections and infusions. An endocrinologist can inform you about the risks and benefits of each medication. 

For women who are peri-menopausal or menopausal, hormone replacement therapy can help maintain bone density.

Osteoporosis medicines can be controversial, as can eating dairy and taking supplements for the condition. Consult with a doctor, preferably an endocrinologist, to create a care plan that works for you. 

I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at the age of 38. Because of swallowing difficulties, I have not been able to take oral medications. So far I have done the following to treat my osteoporosis:

two years of daily injections (Forteo)

one infusion (Reclast)

and two doses of Prolia (twice a year injection)

I am also on hormone replacement therapy, I take a calcium and vitamin D supplement, I eat calcium-rich foods (cheese, milk, cottage cheese, yogurt), and I exercise (walking, weights, balance exercises, and some yoga).

I have been extremely fortunate that what I am doing seems to be helping. After a dip in my bone density following the stoppage of oral contraceptive use, I have seen gains in my bone density, likely due to the Prolia. In particular, the bone density in my femoral neck increased quite a bit. I am now officially in osteopenia (a precursor to osteoporosis) in my forearm and femoral neck. I am still in the osteoporosis range in my hips.

It's never too early to think about keeping your bones strong. If you don't like dairy, or are sensitive to it, you can eat things like leafy greens and beans. Be active - weights, walking, and hiking are better for your bones than bike riding or swimming. Learn about what medicines can make you more susceptible to bone density issues.

Learn more about osteoporosis here: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/bone-health-and-osteoporosis

librarianintx

Disability Book Week

Disability Book Week occurs every year during the week of April 23 - 29. It is a worldwide celebration of books with disability characters or themes. 

Learn more about it at https://disabilitybookweek.org 

 

Here are some memoirs I've read, written by people with disabilities:

Being Huemann by Judy Heumann

Every Day is a Gift by Tammy Duckworth

If At Birth You Don't Succeed by Zach Anner

I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves by Ryan O'Connell

Haben: The DeafBlind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law by Haben Girma

Find Another Dream by Maysoon Zayid

Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jouard

Not Fade Away by Rebecca Alexander

The Pretty One by Keah Brown

We Carry Kevan by Kevan Chandler 

Fast Girl: A Life Spent Running from Madness by Suzy Favor Hamilton

Laughing at My Nightmare and Strangers Assume My Girlfriend is My Nurse by Shane Burcaw 

It's Not What It Looks Like by Molly Burke

 

And here are some fiction titles with disability themes / characters that I've read:

The Fundamentals of Caregiving by Jonathan Evison 

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Good Kings, Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

The Weight of Zero by Karen Fortunati

 

And here are some titles on my wish list:

How Lucky: A Novel by Will Leitch

Just Don't Fall: A Hilariously True Story of Childhood, Cancer, Amputation, Romantic Yearning, Truth, and Olympic Greatness by Josh Sundquist

The Sign for Home: A Novel by Blair Fell 

Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary, Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig

Access Your Drive and Enjoy Your Ride: A Guide to Achieving Your Dreams From a Person with a Disability by Lauren Spencer

Disability Visibility and Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice Wong

 

Disability representation is so important. People with disabilities need to see themselves represented in books. 

 

Ali Stroker, Tony award winning actress, and wheelchair user, has written two middle grade books where the main character is a female wheelchair user: The Chance to Fly and Cut Loose!

 

Maysoon Zayid, comedienne and activist with Cerebral Palsy, will release a graphic novel next year called Shiny Misfits, about a dancer with Cerebral Palsy. 

 

And Ryan O'Connell, actor with Cerebral Palsy, has written a book called Just By Looking at Him: A Novel, about a gay TV writer with Cerebral Palsy.

 

librarianintx

 

Colors

Growing up, I don't remember wearing the color orange. It wasn't a part of my fashion to my knowledge. Pink, especially light pink, is the color I have been drawn to and obsessed with for most of my life. I see a pink shirt. I want it. The end.

Football at any level is a BIG DEAL in Texas. Texas A&M and the University of Texas have a huge rivalry. My mother, who did not go to A&M but is one of their biggest supporters, watches UT games specifically to root AGAINST them. Now that's a rivalry.

My family has bred, raised and graduated a pack of Aggies, including an uncle, cousins, my sister and my three nieces. Marrying Aggies has become a dynasty in my immediate family: my sister and two of nieces have or will soon marry men they met at A&M.

I earned my Master's degree at UT. I would have attended A&M but they don't have a Master's in Library Science. 

A&M colors are maroon and white. University of Texas colors are burnt orange and white. 

During my time at UT, I bought exactly one UT shirt. It was not burnt orange. I did not attend any sporting events. 

By the way, I didn't like oranges or orange juice when I was younger either. That's how far the indoctrination went..

But as you go through life, your likes and dislikes change. I like oranges and orange juice now. And - gasp - I am dabbling in wearing the color orange. Not burnt orange - there IS a diffence. This is regular orange. 

I now own two orange shirts - one long-sleeve and one short. I also have two pair of orange indies and a pair of orange socks.

I have firmly told the other clothes that there will be no discrimination or bullying of the orange clothing. My closet is an inclusive space where all colors are welcome.

Change is good.

Change is growth.

But while all colors now have a place, pink still reigns Supreme.

Some things stay the same.

librarianintx 

Dalai Lama

Yup. I'm going there.

I was disgusted before I saw the video.

Now I'm even more disgusted. 

By his actions.

And by the people trying to justify what he did because he's a "spiritual leader", a "holy man".

The justifications are ridiculous. 

"He was just joking around."

"In Tibetan culture, this was not scandalous "

Please tell me this is not true.

In what culture is it acceptable for a man to forcibly kiss a child on the lips and then ask him to suck his tongue?

It's not the least bit humorous either. 

What started as an innocent request by the boy for a hug became a completely inappropriate and potentially traumatizing situation for that child, as an audience sat there laughing nervously. 

Hopefully no parent will ever let their child near him again.

If any good comes out of this, maybe we can have more conversations about the importance of a child's bodily autonomy and their right to say no at any point to physical affection, from anyone, even if they were the one to initiate it.

librarianintx 

Movement

I wrote a post similar to this on February 20th. But I want to emphasize the importance of movement here. Any movement is helpful. If you can move - do it.

Movement can benefit your mental as well as your physical health. Movement can help you battle depression and chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Movement can also help you maintain a healthy weight.

You don't have to shell out a lot of money for gym memberships and fitness equipment. YouTube is a treasure trove for free movement videos - yoga, pilates, chair fitness, dance, just to name a few.

You don't have to follow a structured plan. Do what you enjoy. Do what feels good to you, what makes you smile and gives you enjoy. Mixing up what you do can be fun too. 

I find it very helpful to listen to music or an audiobook while I move. Sometimes I watch a TV show.

Start out slow and work your way up.

Drink water and eat protein after movement. 

Some people are daunted or scared off by the term "exercise." That's why the word movement can be helpful.

Finally, "don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good." If you have a routine and don't feel like doing the whole thing, do half. Part. Ten repetitions instead of twenty. And don't consider it failure. Congratulate yourself for what you DID accomplish. Silence that inner critic with positive self-talk.

And make time for movement. 

Movement is part of self-care and a healthy lifestyle. 

librarianintx 

"Be on Time Chronicles" - The Gratitude List

No waiting for BOTH rides!

DIRECT morning ride!

Heat on in the "short" bus

Remarkably smooth ride for a "short" bus

The lift on the short bus - I still want to try the stairs sometimes, but they have become a bitch

The handle to hold on the lift

The driver dropping me off on 12th street instead of Brazos, so I don't have to be walked across the street like a grade schooler.

Good list, especially for a Monday.

Librarianintx 

Storms

I always hoped it would happen, but as the years went by and nothing changed, I figured I would be this way forever. 

Terrified of storms. 

In reality, my phobia has evolved. I have been able to pinpoint the aspects of a storm that scare me the most: wind and tornadoes. 

And the anticipation.

It was the anticipation that would actually cause me the most distress. 

Because I was convinced I could not make it through a severe storm by myself. 

This thought pattern caused me so much stress and anxiety. 

It made me worry uselessly for days and do things that were embarrassing and made me feel so bad about myself. 

I could say that I did everything I could think of to change - but it's not true. 

I WANTED to change. But I lived with this fear - and in the storm of this phobia - for decades. 

I didn't do anything different - I made the same mistakes over and over and over and over. 

And then two nights ago - it happened. 

I knew a threat was looming. I haven't completely altered how I deal with an approaching storm. I watched the weather. We were under a level one - slight risk. A front was coming in from the Pacific. Warm, humid air clashing with cold, drier air. Strong winds aloft. And the lift in the atmosphere needed to generate the severe storms. 

Yeah, I know the lingo. That's what happens when you watch the weather religiously. Some people who know me say I should have become a meteorologist. But I couldn't, for two important reasons: 1) I'm not good at science and 2) Nobody is going to hire a meteorologist whose heart pounds and hands shake and barely controls the urge to run when there's even a mention of bad weather. 

So I can't be a meteorologist, but there has always been a fascination aspect to my fear, which has helped to root me to my phobia. As scared as I am, I have wanted to ride in a storm chaser car for as long as such a vehicle has existed. Why? Not because I wanted to be that close to a storm. But because I would be with someone else, and we would be in a vehicle that could flee if there was too much danger. As a person who cannot drive, I have always feared a looming deadly tornado that I could not escape from, even though trying to out-drive a tornado is never recommended. No one said plans made in terror are the intelligent choices. 

So, back to two nights ago. I knew there was a threat. Not a high one. A low end chance. And that definitely helped. We were not under an enhanced or moderate risk. The last update I heard was storms were expected around 11 pm. We were not under a watch, but counties just north of us were. 

The time was around 9 pm. I was at my computer. My roommate walked in from work. IT WAS ONLY THEN that I noticed the deep, low, CONSTANT rumble of thunder. I said, "Is that thunder?" "Yes," he replied, "Lots of lightning out there too." 

I had not noticed. 

No pounding / racing heart. 

No fight or flight response.

No pacing.

No constantly checking every tv channel, news and weather app, radar, favorite weatherperson on Facebook

No planning to get somewhere safe. 

I had FINALLY learned how to feel safe. At home. By myself. 

GAME. CHANGER.

We were under a severe thunderstorm warning. 

I didn't know. 

And the most amazing thing: I didn't CARE.

I'm not calling myself cured. I will still be scared sometimes. And having a healthy fear of storms is not a bad thing. 

But to have FINALLY achieved this level of comfort and independence - it means the world. 

It is never too late.

librarianintx

"Be on Time Chronicles": The "Take Time to Smell the Flowers" Edition

I wish I had the option today.

It is an exceptionally abundant wildflower season so far, and we haven't reached the usual peak yet. 

Now, on my ride home especially, I see bluebonnets and other wildflowers - the pink and yellow ones - blanketing the sides of the freeways and side streets, even the lawns of schools, businesses, and homes. The colors are gorgeous and make me smile no matter what mood I'm in. 

I thought about asking the driver if we could pull over somewhere and take the obligatory "Texan in the wildflowers" photo. And by Texan, I mean adult, teenager, child, toddler, infant, dog, cat, heifer, steer, horse, pig - you name it, someone will sit it down in a field of bluebonnets and take a picture of it. Especially around Easter, you will see plenty of families pulled off on the side of the road, posing for phone photos or video to send to grandma and grandpa, or to post on social media. Bonus points if Fido or Fefe is there too, and if everyone is smiling and looking in the same direction. 

But anyway, I didn't ask, because I already knew the answer. Schedule! Gotta keep to the schedule! Plus all the liability issues.

Don't feel bad for me, Blogosphere. I have plans for a wildflower excursion soon. So today I just enjoyed the scenery. 

librarianintx

Free photo from the Internet

"Be on Time Chronicles" - The Post-Oscar Hangover Edition

No, I didn't imbibe any alcohol during the Academy Awards - I just felt like I did when I woke up. My post-COVID body requires an absolute minimum eight hours of sleep - and I did not get that. Add the fact that it was a Monday, AND the first workday after the fresh hell known as the time change (Why the HELL is it SO DARK outside?!) and you get my morning. 

PLUS: newly dyed red hair makes the morning routine a bit longer (my secret is out.) 

Also: jeans first worn after a washing can be a bitch to button. Keepin' it real for y'all. 

How about one more delay? The Universe gave it to me. The zipper on my red jacket...would...not...move. Tug. Pull. Nada. Repeat.

But ha ha on you, Universe! This is when librarianintx sashays over to her FORTY PLUS collection of jackets. Red jacket zipper stuck? Simply grab ANOTHER red jacket! Psych! I have three!

Now the one I substituted is technically a sweater jacket, and is slightly dressier than the red jacket I ordered from Amazon in the boys department (I'm giving ALL the secrets today.) Still, I didn't think any of the twelve people I saw today would look at me, eyes wide and mouth agape, and utter, "Really...that sweater with.... jeans?!" I mean, c'mon. Florence Pugh wore a nude-colored gown with a slit wide enough to display her black booty shorts at the Oscars last night. Clearly my fashion, or lack thereof, is completely irrelevant. 

After all of that though, the Universe was kind for the rest of the day when it came to rides. NO waiting for either trip! In both cases, they were early and waiting for ME. I saw the morning ride as I was headed for jacket #2. The afternoon van was parked in front of the library as I raced out after peeing. The driver was not in the van - likely she was inside, also peeing. But I peed upstairs and she has to pee downstairs. TMI? #reality

The morning ride was completely full - two drivers (one in training) and four passengers. You don't see that very often. I didn't have to crawl into the far back seat, so I was relieved. (did you catch the pun? See paragraph above.)

All three young women we picked up were from the same group home. I initially panicked when one of them talked about how she was handling her pregnancy, but the driver was calm in her line of questioning - "What are you going to name him/her?", "What will he / she like to eat?" - so I relaxed into their world of fantasy. 

Sorry to end the post on a downer, but again - #reality. Entirely possible that she could be pregnant, but I don't think she is. Either way, none of my business, so I didn't ask. This is Texas, so I'll say "thoughts and prayers" - and mean it. 

librarianintx

"Be on Time Chronicles" - The Birthday Edition!

Since I've been going in to work an hour late post-COVID, I don't have to rush on the mornings I journey to the library. (Cue Irene Cara singing "What a Feeling")

At some point I'll have to see 6 am again. But for now, I get a nice shower, and the luxury to pee at least four times before I have to ride for who knows how long. 

I even had time for a wardrobe crisis. Does this jacket REALLY go with this shirt? Maybe this one is better? I held up the second jacket. Mmmm, I don't know. Dang. What color IS this shirt anyway? Pink-y? Lavendar-ish? Why did I choose this shirt?! Fine. Lavender jacket wins. That was the OG pick if you're wondering.

Since it was chilly outside, I decided to forgo looking pathetic and waiting at the curb like I'm supposed to. I despise waiting outside, dealing with the weather, sometimes ants and mosquitos, and watching people exercising, walking their dogs, and worst of all, getting in their cars and driving themselves wherever the hell they want to go. But this is the deal I have with Metro. "We'll waste your time for thirty minutes (or more) and THEN we'll give you a ride." That is in the manual!

How many people thought there was actually a manual for paratransit?

Anyhoo, not yesterday, dear Metro! Yesterday my time was not wasted. I used my thirty minute window wisely. I made my bed (SO nice to come home to a made bed). I wrote in my daily journal. I peed again. TMI? Get used to it.

Since this post is already too long, I won't go into detail on the rides to and from. Just a few phrases. New drivers. More on them later. Passenger making incessant noises. Non-new driver saying passenger's name to get him to stop. Successful for about 10 seconds each time. But I was serene. Cause it was my birthday.

And I knew I was coming home to a bed I had time to make.

Little things matter.

librarianintx 

The Frustration of Contraindications in My Health

I'm not sure if contraindications is necessarily the correct terminology here. 

What I am referring to is that taking one medicine is helpful for one condition but could make another situation worse. 

And one exercise is beneficial for one condition but detrimental to another. 

Two examples:

My thyroid medicine is necessary is for my hypothyroidism, but too much thyroid medicine can exacerbate my osteoporosis.

Strength training exercises are helpful for at least maintaining bone density, but these exercises can further weaken pelvic floor muscles. Both conditions can worsen as you age. 

Sigh. 

Damned if you do. Damned if you don't. 

My endocrinologist monitors my TSH levels (thyroid) and I get a DEXA (bone density scan) once a year. My thyroid levels are steady. My bone density is dropping, but I am on medications, supplements, and an exercise regiment to at least slow or hopefully halt the bone loss. 

I am doing both strength training and pelvic floor exercises. I don't know what else to do. 

In the case of the thyroid / bone density connection, my doctor informed me of this and laid out the treatment plan. 

In the case of the strength training / pelvic floor exercise conundrum, I read about that online. 

Makes me wonder what else I don't know about when it comes to my health. 

librarianintx

"Why You Shouldn't Avoid Eating Processed Foods" article and My Thoughts

https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8029985/why-you-shouldnt-avoid-processed-foods-according-to-dietitians/

I think this article is so important. It talks about the difference between "minimally processed" and "ultra-processed" foods.

The bottom line is that some minimally processed foods can actually be healthy. And just as important, minimally processed foods are often cheaper and stay good for months, which cuts down on food waste. 

Some examples of minimally processed foods from the article

canned food

frozen food

chopped fruits and vegetables

microwave rice

Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as healthy as fresh, and they last much longer. 

The key is to look at the ingredients. Some frozen vegetables have a cream sauce or frozen fruits have added sugar. Canned vegetables often have added salt, and canned fruit might be in heavy syrup. So when you are choosing frozen or canned food, look at the ingredients and the nutrition information, and pick items that are as minimally processed as possible. 

The other thing I think you should look for, which the article doesn't mention, is BPA-free cans. 

I was very happy to read this article. I am trying to eat healthier, but my appetite is small, so often fresh food goes bad because I can't eat it fast enough. 

One thing I struggle with, though, is my own advice about BPA-free cans. Some vegetables, specifically peas and carrots, I prefer canned rather than frozen because they are softer. But I haven't been able to buy peas and carrots in BPA-free cans. So I break my own rule here. Green beans are available in BPA-free cans now, why not peas and carrots? 

Another thing I struggle with is salt. I do NOT like sodium-free canned vegetables. I do NOT like no-salt beans. I just can't eat them. I have tried adding other seasonings. I guess I'm not using the right combination of spices. So I don't buy sodium free canned goods. For now. 

When I make beans in my Instant Pot, I don't add salt until I eat a portion, and I try to keep it to a small amount. 

So just to recap, canned and frozen food ARE good for you! Make sure you read the labels and buy the items that are minimally processed, without added sugar or salt (if you can, which I can't yet on the salt) :) And choose BPA-free cans when you can. 

ETA: Also, when it comes to cost, canned or frozen can sometimes be cheaper. An important example of this is a protein - salmon. Fresh salmon can be pricey, and you have to prepare and consume it quickly, unless you freeze it. But you can buy salmon in a pouch or a can for significantly less money, and it is just as good for you. Chicken also comes in a can or pouch, but the consistency is different from freshly cooked chicken, plus it has added salt. I prefer rotisserie chicken, but I don't mind canned chicken.

librarianintx

Changing Culture of Libraries

If you are as old as I am, or older, you remember what libraries used to look like:

They were quiet places for choosing books and magazines, reading, and studying. 

Stereotypical librarians, predominantly female and middle aged, wearing skirts and cardigans with their graying hair in buns, often enforced hushed voices with stern looks and fingers to lips. 

Oh how libraries have changed. 

Nowadays, librarians come in all genders, ages, and manners of dress. 

Public libraries, especially main libraries, are active and and bustling centers for multiple activities in addition to locating, borrowing, and reading materials. 

Some examples of what public libraries feature / offer:

book club meetings

author talks / book signings

community events and continuing education

private spaces for organizations or other groups to meet

technology use, training and support

activities for children - storytimes, games, summer reading programs, movies, storywalks

activities for teens - access to computers, video games, movies, social events, book clubs

Some libraries provide even more:

private rooms for telemedicine appointments

programs for the unhoused community

music, exercise, gardening, cooking, and other activities

the ability to borrow a vast array of items, from sports equipment to games to gardening supplies: https://www. nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/things-you-can-borrow-from-the-library/

Feeling bored? 

Need activities for the kids?

Have a desire to learn something? 

Want to meet people who share your interests? 

Visit a library

librarianintx

 

 

Do It When You Remember It

Hi, I'm librarianintx, and I am a procrastinator.

But maybe I'm becoming a recovered procrastinator? 

As I age, my short term memory is sometimes flickering. 

I remember something, go to do it, and then poof! It's gone. 

Sometimes it comes back quickly. Sometimes it takes longer.

So to combat both short term memory AND procrastination issues, I am trying to "do it when I remember it." 

I have lots of examples, but I'll give a few:

I hear a quote I like. I make a note of it before I forget it. I do this one of two ways: I put it in my phone. I write it on a notepad.

I remember something to add to the grocery list. I do this one of three ways: I put it in my phone. I write it on a notepad. I tell Alexa.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays I change my HRT patch (TMI?) :) The patches are with my medicine in the kitchen pantry. When I think of it, even a day or two before, I put a patch in the bathroom drawer. 

I read or hear about a book I'm interested in. I go into my Amazon app, look it up, and add it to my Kindle wish list right away. 

I see something on Facebook that could be a great gift for someone. I DO NOT BUY IT FROM FACEBOOK!! Sorry for the shouting, but I have been burned twice buying from Facebook, and I've learned my lesson. I go to Amazon and look for it. If Amazon has it, I add it to my gift ideas list. 

One more.

An idea for a blog post pops into my head - Hey! :) I do one of two things: I put it in my phone. I write it on a notepad. 

As you can see, having multiple ways to remember something helps me. 

I have a Keep app on my phone where I can make lists. 

And I have a plethora of notepads, but I only use three at a time. One is by my computer in the dining room. One is in my room by my journal. And one is in the bag I take to work. 

Oh hell, wait. I have four. 

One is in the bathroom. 

Yes. Full disclosure. Things I want to remember come to me when I'm in all stages of attire. 

librarianintx

"Love Me More"

This morning I woke up mad.

Angry at my fatigue.

Frustrated by my self-sabatoge.

And then I started playing Sam Smith's new album for the first time.

The first song is called "Love Me More."

"Every day I'm tryin' not to hate myself
But lately, it's not hurtin' like it did before
Maybe I am learning how to love me more."

Everything happens for a reason. 

librarianintx 

Reading

Reading and writing have been my two favorite hobbies for as long as I can remember. 

Last year was tough. 

So was 2021.

And 2020. 

Last year I went through a reading slump. 

It was painful. 

I still achieved my goal of reading 24 books. I actually exceeded my goal - I read 28 books.

I really liked some of the books I read. But I struggled with concentration and making time for reading. 

Reading felt like a chore. 

I absolutely hated that feeling. 

I'm a part of two Facebook groups about books and reading. Plus I join a book club every other week where people talk about what they are reading. 

Often in the Facebook groups there are threads about how many books people read in a year. Invariably those threads devolve into bickering, jealousy, comparisons, and competition. "I read a hundred books last year!" "How nice for you, I only read three, you must think you're better me." "I'm raising four kids alone and have a full-time job; I don't have time to read." "You must be reading kid's books if you're reading two hundred books a year." "I read very long books; that's why I've only read ten this year." The squabbling goes on and on.

Hobbies shouldn't be about competition. 

They should be about enjoyment. 

Read what you want, when you want, for as long as you want (or have time for).

Don't compare your interests in or amounts of reading to anyone else. 

I am coming out of my reading slump. 

I still have my same reading goal for the year, but I'm trying not to focus on it. 

I am taking the time to savor each book, not reading to get through it so I can move on to the next one. 

I'm also taking the time to write a review of each book.

This is what is working (so far) for me. 

I prefer to read when I have enough time to finish a chapter, but I'm learning that I don't have to do that. If I only have a few minutes, I read a few pages. Also, if I try to read and the concentration isn't there, I move on to something else and try not to get frustrated. 

My previous post can apply to hobbies too - "Every Little Bit Helps".

Keeping your mind engaged is part of a healthy lifestyle.

Whatever you like to do, whatever makes you feel fulfilled and energized - do it. Even for a few minutes at a time. 

librarianintx

Every Little Bit Helps

When it comes to exercise, my new mantra is "every little bit helps." Having that mindset is helping me exercise more consistently, and earlier in the day. 

I've only been exercising on a regular basis for a few years. I wish I would have started earlier. Maybe my osteoporosis would be less advanced. Maybe I would have been healthier as I entered menopause. But living with regrets and "maybe's" doesn't help. Move on and carry on!

I've had a bad habit of waiting to exercise until the end of the day. I put it off for as long as possible. Then I would get too tired and it would be too late to do some of the exercises. "I'll do those tomorrow," has been my mantra for too long. It became a vicious cycle of staying up too late, having to rush in the morning, and punting certain exercises until the weekend, if then. And of course the exercises that I wasn't doing were the ones I most needed to do - the ones that benefit my bones the most. The ones that are the most challenging. 

So for the past three days, during my three-day weekend, I have kept to a different schedule. Well, almost. One day I didn't. But anyway, I have started the day with my bed exercises. I don't know the names for all the exercises. Leg lifts - 50 of each leg. Clams - 60 of each leg. Bridges - 40. Stay in the bridge position for 90 seconds. The leg lifts and clams are done with one-pound weights. Then I hold each leg to my chest for a count of 25. 

Then with the one-pound weights I sit on the edge of the bed and do leg lifts - 50 on each leg. I'm trying to add an elbow to opposite knee touch for 50 times, but I can't do that every time yet. 

Next I move to the bathroom for balance and leg exercises. I do 8 minutes of balance exercises - one foot in front of each for a total of four times, then standing on one foot each for a total of four times. I do 60 foot stomps on each leg. And sometimes toe raises - forty to fifty. 

The hardest exercise for me to do every day are my arm weights. They are SO important and they take less than ten minutes - why do I procrastinate? They are usually the last exercise I do before I go to bed. So now I am trying to do them in the morning.

The whole time I was doing my other exercises this morning, I was thinking about my arm exercises. Correction: I was thinking about NOT doing my arm exercises. I was trying so hard to procrastinate. And then I remembered my mantra: "Every little bit helps." Just start doing them. Attempt the usual 20 reps of each exercise. If I can only do 10, at least I did some. 

I did the 20 reps of each arm exercise. Success!

On the days I work at the library, this schedule will not work. I don't have the time or the energy to do this much exercising then. Even if I can do a modified schedule during the week and the full schedule on the weekend, that's a good start. 

"Every Little Bit Helps"

librarianintx

Rihanna's Superbowl Halftime Performance - My Thoughts

Nearly a week late, but I'm throwing my two cents in anyway. 

Most importantly: I am a fan of Rihanna's music.

I have a playlist of my favorite songs of hers. 

For me, the problem had more to do with my expectations. 

My favorite and memorable Superbowl halftime shows have been spectacles.

They have had most of these elements:

big productions

costume changes 

set changes

special guests

dancing

stunts / acrobatics

Rihanna's performance ticked some of those boxes. 

It was a big production.

There was dancing - but very little by Rihanna. 

There was a special guest - her baby bump

Live singing - the jury is out on that one. 

I am impressed by what she did do. Singing twelve songs while that high in the air and pregnant is quite an accomplishment. I honestly don't know how much of the singing was live. There were a lot of far away camera angles, plus she covered her mouth at times, so the allegations of lip syncing are unfortunately valid. If she sang every song, props to her and apologies.

The moving stages were visually impressive. I liked all the dancers, although I didn't love their costumes, or Rihanna's. Someone said the dancers looked like tampons, and Rihanna was the spot of blood on the tampons. Not a good description for a Superbowl visual. 

Unfortunately, I just kept waiting for something to happen. A set change, a costume change, a guest to appear...I believed something more exciting was coming at any moment. But nothing ever did. I had been spoiled by Madonna, JLo, Shakira, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga in previous Superbowl performances. Even though rap isn't my favorite type of music, I enjoyed last year's Superbowl halftime with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent, because it was that big production / multiple sets / guests / (mostly) live singing that I expect and want in a Superbowl Halftime performance. I say mostly last year because apparently 50 Cent wasn't singing live. 

So yes, I was disappointed when I watched the first time. Because I expected something more. When I watched it a second time, I enjoyed it more. Because I appreciated it for what it was and didn't focus on what it wasn't. 

Although I was unhappy that she didn't sing my favorite Rihanna song: "Please Don't Stop the Music".

librarianintx

 

Foods that Improve Circulation - Article and How Am I Doing?

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-increase-blood-flow

How am I doing?

Terrible :(

I only eat three of the foods regularly - fish, tomatoes and berries

I eat garlic and onion, but mostly in powder form. I don't know if that counts. 

I am trying to eat more leafy greens and walnuts, but I don't eat them consistently yet. 

The article also mentions lifestyle aspects that can help with circulation:

no smoking - I never have

exercise - I do some every day

maintain a healthy weight - I'm underweight, so I'm not at a healthy weight.

follow a healthy diet - I'm trying! :)

stay hydrated - still failing here

reduce stress - trying every day

So what grade would you give me? 

I would say between a "C" and a "C-"

librarianintx