Gratitude Practice

 From a page a day calendar from a few years ago:

From obligation to opportunity: Write a list of at least five things you have to do this week. Begin each item with the words "I have to." Now cross out those words and begin each line with "I get to." This can help you see your tasks as privileges that you may not have always had and may not have in the future, and that many people do not have at all. Experiment with seeing and claiming your responsibilities and obligations as privileges and opportunities. 

Here is my list for the week:

I have to - I get to - make a medical appointment

I have to - I get to - go to work

I have to - I get to - get groceries

I have to - I get to - do laundry

I have to - I get to - exercise

Gratitude can be life altering.

It can change your way of thinking and improve your mental health and outlook on life. 

Practicing gratitude on a daily basis will help you develop it as a habit. 

What is your list for the week? 

librarianintx

New Book Genre

 I read a lot of biographies and memoirs. 

I especially enjoy reading about people who are from one place, and move to a completely different place, and how they adapt. 

This has led me to a new type of memoir: travel ones. 

The first one I read is called The Passport Project. The book is about a family with two young daughters who take a five-month trip during the school year to visit a variety of countries. The adventurous daughter is thrilled. The other daughter is adamantly opposed to the idea. She does not want to be aways from her friends and miss school events. But they go, and the book covers both the good and bad of international travel. At the end of each chapter there is a chart where the four members of the family list what they liked best and least of each country. The book is written by the mother, Kellie McIntyre.  I guess it's considered a YA (young adult) book. I absolutely loved it. 

Now I am reading Searching for Home by Judy Kashoff with photographs by her husband David. It's part of a three book series that chronicles their five years of travel around the globe. I am enjoying this book as well. Judy tells engaging stories that are enhanced by David's photos. Searching for Home is the third book in the series, but they are stand-alone books. I'm reading the third book first because I was able to read it for free on the Kindle app through Freebooksy. 

I am including the covers of both books because the titles are longer than

what I included in this post. 

I haven't had much of an opportunity to travel in my life, so I enjoy reading about the adventurous of others who are braver and heartier than me. 

librarianintx

Dancing with the Stars Last Two Eliminations: My Thoughts (Spoilers!)

If you haven't seen the Disney Nite episode from last night - STOP READING NOW!!

Okay. Sorry for shouting. 

For those of you pissed off about who went home, both last week and this week -

I will say it again. 

Dancing with the Stars is NOT a dance competition. 

It is a popularity contest. 

The goal is not to crown the best dancer of the season, although they claim it is. 

Hilaria Baldwin was the contestant with the most dance experience. 

Her Disney Nite Quickstep was praised by the judges and earned her good scores. 

But she was not a popular contestant. 

And once again, Andy Richter, whose dance skills are clearly the most lacking of all the contestants this season, was voted through to the next round.  

Was he even in the bottom 2? 

We don't know. 

It's not Andy's fault. 

He is trying. 

And he can't help it that the audience loves him, cheers for him, and votes for him. 

He is the underdog of the season. 

And Dancing with the Stars viewers, and voters, love an underdog. 

It would be nice if there could be a better scoring system. 

For the last two weeks, Andy's scores have been too similar to dancers that are more advanced than him. 

But even if the scores were more realistic, the voters still have a bigger say than the judges in determining the outcome each week. 

Forty million votes, if that number can be believed, is a powerful statement on the popularity of the show - and some of its contestants. 

Did Lauren deserve to go home? No

Did Hilaria? No

This season, in my opinion, is going to be very interesting. 

Because other than Andy, everyone else is doing well. 

So we could have a few more *shocking* eliminations. 

One more thing. 

I absolutely LOVED Mark & Whitney's Foxtrot to the song from "Hamilton"

I have loved every dance of theirs so far. 

I was thrilled that they got a 9 from Carrie Ann. 

But I watched an interview with Max, and he was said the dance was not a Foxtrot. 

He praised the performance level but seemed to question the high scores because it was not a Foxtrot. 

I found that interesting. 

librarianintx 

Big Brother Season 27 Finale: My Thoughts

One word: Ugh!

Now, to be fair, I haven't seen the Jury Q&A yet.

Because I don't care anymore. 

Neither one of them deserved to win in my opinion.

Vinny racked up an impressive resume of HOH's.

But his social game was abysmal. 

The jury was justified in their bitterness.

Meanwhile, Ashley took showers and let her allies protect her. She only won once, the first Veto of the season. 

But then she did win when it was do or die.

And she was smart enough to vote out Morgan, who she knew she couldn't beat.

Speaking of Morgan - What the hell happened?

Does anyone but me think she threw the last challenge, hoping that Vinny could win against Ashley? I just can't believe she got that many questions wrong. And she seemed too calm about it. 

Anyway, the bright spot of the finale for me - Keanu won Favorite Houseguest! Yay! I'm SO glad so many fans shared my appreciation for Keanu - as a BB player, and a human being.

The season started slow for me, but then I got hooked. Keanu, Ava, and Will were my favorite houseguests. 

And I'll leave it there.

See you next summer BB fans -

librarianintx 

Big Brother Season 27: Who will Win?? Who Should Win?

Don't be confused. 

The finale was last night.

But I haven't seen it

So I'm still going to do my predictions 

Now that it's down to Morgan, Vinny and Ashley, I am emphatic about ywo things:

Morgan SHOULD win.

Ashley SHOULD NOT be in the final two.

For me, the final two should have been Morgan and Keanu.

If Morgan makes it to the final two, I think she could win unanimously.

Ashley had a great social game, but as I'm writing this she has won nothing. 

Vinnie has an impressive resume of wins, but his indecisiveness and foot-in-mouth condition will be his downfall. I think the judges on the jury will vote for Morgan, and I definitely do not see Ava and Keanu voting for Vinny. Now Lauren - Lauren could keep Morgan from winning unanimously. It depends on how bitter she is against Vinny. If Ashley is against Morgan, she could get a vote from Ava.

I will watch and find out.

librarianintx 

Big Brother Season 27

Took me awhile to get invested, but I'm there.

Having said that, I'm two episodes behind.

Where I'm at, my two favorite houseguests, Keanu and Ava, are on the block.

I don't want to see either one go to jury.

I wanted them to be the final two.

So I'm scared to watch.

Now you are likely thinking: Keanu is one of your favorites? He's full of himself. And he's a bully.

I absolutely agree that his social game is lacking. But I don't think he's a bully, or a blowhard. 

He's very confident. 

And to get as far as he has with no consistent support is impressive. 

I definitely do not consider him a bully.

I am amazed by his ability to keep his cool with both Rachel and Vince.

Rachel WAS a bully at times.

And Vince's indecisiveness and penchant for trying to make everyone happy (especially Lauren & Morgan) was painful to watch, and I'm sure to live with.

I think Keanu has more than proven himself to be a worthy winner.

But I also adore Ava. She has been a joy to watch this season. Her social game is fantastic. Her personality is so fun. She's hilarious and authentic. Has she done enough to win? That I'm not sure about.

What I do know - I better catch up before I get spoiled.

librarianintx 

"Be on Time Chronicles": Sometimes It Works Out

Yesterday I scheduled rides to go to work, then to the grocery store to get a flu shot. I scheduled 2 hours and 45 minutes to get from Point A to Point B and do what I needed to do at Point B. 

Turns out, I needed every minute of that time.

I don't know what happened with the pick-up from the library. 

The app said the vehicle arrived at 3:15. I was outside but no vehicle in sight. I called dispatch. They said the vehicle was 7 minutes away.

I got picked up 45 minutes later, at 4:00.

At one point I started getting stressed. But then I said to myself, "Maybe it will work out. Calm down, and enjoy being outside."

I then rode for an hour and a half.

The driver was stressed out.

Traffic was bad as usual

A passenger was being annoying. 

His schedule was bananas. 

"Maybe if will work out," I thought.

Spoiler alert:

It did.

I arrived at the store at 5:15.

I had 30 minutes.

I got my shot, then raced out and grabbed a few groceries.

My ride came less than two minutes after I paid for my groceries.

Success.

It was a challenging afternoon. 

Patience and a positive attitude got me through it.

librarianintx 

Poem about Fall

We had a poetry contest about Fall at work.

I don't write poetry.

But listening to the submissions gave me inspiration. 

Here's my stab at it.

Fall officially began yesterday.

In Austin, it was one of our hottest days of the year.

Not unusual, pretty typical. 

The calendar says Fall.

But I am keeping to my Summer protocol.

Jacket, pants, and shoes in the chilly library

T-shirt, capris, and sandals at home.

For me, the library is Fall / early Winter all year long

My part of Texas has two parts of Fall:

False Fall / Second Summer

Actual Fall (brief)

But we still do the Fall things

High school football

College football

Pro football

Pumpkin patches

Pumpkin food and drinks for some - not me

Leaves changing colors and falling are part of Winter for us

What is my favorite part of Fall?

Thanksgiving!

So while the rest of the country is enjoying Fall

We are looking forward to it

While we wait -

Keep swimming 

Wear sunscreen - and a hat

Don't leave your children in hot cars

Protect your pet's paws from the scorching pavement

And eat lots of ice cream

librarianintx 

Mindfulness

 Mindfulness is all about being in the present moment. 

There are health benefits to mindfulness, including 

    decreased anxiety

    decreased depression

    decreased stress

    decreased rumination (dwelling on negative thoughts and experiences)

 Mindfulness contributes to neuroplasticity, which is the ability of the brain to change in response to experience 

Mindfulness can help with 

    executive functioning (skills that you use to manage everyday tasks)

    emotional regulation

    fight, flight or freeze response 

    higher reasoning (critical thinking and problem solving)

You can practice mindfulness any time. 

Even a few minutes a day can be beneficial.

Examples of mindfulness activities are

    mindful eating

    movement, such as yoga and stretching

    being in nature

    journaling 

    breathing exercising

    practicing gratitude

a few examples of breathing exercises are

    box breathing

    4-7-8 breathing

    candle blowing breathing

    humming bee breathing

Because my disability affects my lung capacity, I haven't been successful with the first two types of breathing exercises. I was recently introduced to the other two types, and they are easier and more helpful for me. 

Ways you can incorporate mindfulness into your day

    Take a few deep breaths when you wake up

    Observe your surroundings during your daily commute

    Move and stretch during work breaks

    Listen fully during conversations 

Mindfulness is beneficial for your brain, your physical health and your emotional health. 

There are books and apps to learn more about and help you practice mindfulness. 

    Apps:

        Headspace

        Calm

        Insight Timer

        Smiling Mind

        Mindfulness Daily 

        Aura 

And here are a few links too:

From NIH: Mindfulness for Your Health | NIH News in Health

From Mindful.org: What Is Mindfulness? - Mindful

From Psychology Today: Mindfulness | Psychology Today

librarianintx 

    

    

Game Changer

 In Austin, the paratransit system has a thirty-minute window.

That means that when you schedule a ride to be picked up at 8 am, the vehicle can arrive between 8 - 8:30 without being late. Once the vehicle arrives, you have five minutes to board and then you are considered late, and the vehicle can leave. 

The thirty-minute window is super frustrating. 

With ride share services like Uber and Lyft, you can track your vehicle and see where it is on a map. 

Metro Access never had that option. 

Now it does. 

Yesterday I FINALLY figured out to access it. 

And it is a GAME CHANGER. 

Before, I used to just wonder and wait around and then when the thirty minute expired, I would call dispatch, often have to wait on hold, then be told, "Oh, it will be there in five minutes," which often turned into way more than five minutes. It was a very frustrating process.

Yesterday I went to the store, and while I was waiting for my return, that's when I finally figured out how to see the estimated pick-up time and where the vehicle was. And it was mesmerizing, and ultimately calming, to see that little vehicle chugging along towards me. I didn't have to sit on hold and wait for dispatch. I just had to watch that little engine that could. I had to wait a long time yesterday. But I didn't mind as much. Because I knew what happening. I had some control over the situation. Not that I could make the vehicle come faster. But that I could see where they were and approximately when they would arrive. This also meant that I knew when to go outside and be ready to board.

My ride this morning is arriving in approximately fourteen minutes. 

Because I know this, I had time to write this blog post. 

Less wasted time.

Less frustration. 

Persistence in finding this option finally paid off. 

librarianintx 

Ageism

Ageism can include stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination against older adults. 

Ageism can negatively affect someone's physical and emotional health, and contribute to social isolation and loneliness.

Ageism can be intentional and unintentional, and is often reinforced across the lifespan. 

Ageism is unfortunately prevalent in healthcare, education, the media, and in family dynamics. 

Using terms like "old fogey," "over the hill, "old folks home," and perpetuating stereotypes of older adults being frail and confused are examples of ageism.

But many public figures are thriving in their older years and by example pushing back ageist notions. Oprah Winfrey, Cher, Rick Springfield, Mick Jagger, Helen Mirren, Jane Goodall, and Margaret Atwood are just a few examples.

Living a healthy lifestyle - nutrition, exercise, managing chronic conditions, proper sleep, social connections and lifelong learning contribute to not only living longer, but living better and happier lives.

Instead of viewing older adults as unproductive members of society and those that deserve to be pitied and ridiculed, we, individually and collectively, need to celebrate older adults, and afford them opportunities to be successful. 

Intergenerational activities are an excellent way to combat ageism. Young and not-so-young individuals can learn from each other and work together. Volunteer opportunities also benefit people of all ages.

librarianintx 

At The End of the Day

At the end of each day,

As you are going to sleep,

Don't focus on the failures of the day,

On what didn't go right.

Don't ruminate on your shortcomings

On what you weren't able to do

Focus on what you did accomplish 

What made you feel successful 

What gave you joy

What made you smile

What was something you did, big or small, that fulfilled your "why"

If it wasn't a good day,

Believe that tomorrow will be better

You tried today

And you will try again tomorrow 

librarianintx 

"Be on Time Chronicles"

Oh, it was an interesting ride home from work today.

There were two ladies on the bus when I boarded.

One lives in a house in a neighborhood near my apartment complex.

I don't know the other lady.

But she did not stop talking for the entire ride.

We dropped off the other lady.

And then we bypassed my street and headed to the freeway.

I was annoyed, but I still had more than hour before my next ride to the grocery store. So I didn't say anything. 

It turns out the lady was going to Walmart. And she was so late that the window for her return ride was about to open. 

She called Dispatch and demanded that she be taken home on the bus she was on. 

We were pulling into the Walmart parking lot, and she said she would not get off the bus. "Tell him he has to take me home," she said to Dispatch.

I absolutely understand her frustration. But if it had been me, I think I would have let them drop me off and asked the other driver if they could take me home, rather than screw up the current driver's route.

Luckily I got to go home first.

But I felt so bad for that driver.

I hate it when passengers call and complain when they are on the bus.

It creates such stress for the driver, and the other passengers. 

librarianintx 

Benefits of Being Outside

I watched a webinar today about the physical and psychological benefits of being outside.

Spending time in nature can decrease anxiety and depression, boost mood, and lower blood pressure. Many people enjoy recreational activities like walking, hiking, playing sports, and gardening. 

I enjoy being outside, but I also have struggles.

I sunburn easily, I hate wind, and I am sensitive to both heat and cold. 

A perfect day for me to be outside would be 75-80 degrees, overcast, with no wind.

Ideal doesn't happen very often.

I also have to factor in air quality and the presence of mosquitos.

My apartment has a patio. I enjoy sitting outside and reading. I also take walks around the complex when the temperature allows.

I have been to outdoor events like Renaissance Festivals and day trips to look at wildflowers, or lunch at a food truck park. I've been really lucky lately with the weather. But even if it's windy or hot I'll still go when I can. I don't want to miss those times with friends. 

librarianintx 

Young Royals Book Series

I have now read all six books in the Young Royals series by YA historical fiction writer Carolyn Meyer.

She wrote books about Katherine of Aaragon, Princess Mary, Princess Elizabeth, Anne Boleyn, Catherine de Medici, and Marie Antoinette. 

All written from their point of view.

I enjoyed them all, and wish she had written more.

It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'm going to choose the one about Marie Antoinette. 

It was the longest book in the series, but I could not put it down.

It's my favorite thing to say about a book. :)

librarianintx 

The Importance of Wearing Sunglasses

I wear sunglasses occasionally, but not as much as I should, because I didn't have prescription sunglasses. Not having prescription sunglasses meant that I couldn't read, journal, or do anything on my phone while I was out and about on a sunny day. That frustrated me, but I still put off buying prescription sunglasses. 

Until now. 

A week ago, I picked up my first pair of prescription sunglasses. 

I am SO happy to have them!

I have been learning about all the ways that sunglasses can protect your eyes. 

Here's a list:

Protect your eyes from UV rays and glare

Sunglasses can reduce wrinkles

They can protect the skin around your eyes from skin cancer and your eyelids from cancer.

They can also reduce your chances of developing eye diseases such as cataracts and Macular Degeneration.

Sunglasses can keep your eyes safe from debris and elements like blowing sand.

They can even help you avoid headaches and migraines. 

I wish I would have done it years ago, but I'm very glad I finally have prescription sunglasses, and that I am wearing them. 

I have chronic dry eye, and an eyelid condition called blepharitis, so I am also now using eyedrops and doing eyelid scrubs daily (mostly).

It feels good to know I am finally taking steps to manage my eye health. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Organization Spotlight: Pflag

Started in 1973 by the mother of a gay son, Pflag now has chapters nationwide, an annual conference, and a wealth of information on their web site - for parents, families, friends, and allies, as well as for members of the queer community.

Check out to https://pflag.org to get educated, to find support, and to get involved.

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Show Recommendation: Pose

Speaking of Billy Porter, if you haven't watched Pose yet - what are you waiting for?

Pose was a show about the ballroom scene in 1980's New York City. It featured the largest cast of transgender and gay actors.

Billy Porter won an Emmy for Lead Actor for Pose.

MJ Rodriguez won a Golden Globe for her role in Pose, and was the first transgender actress to be nominated for a Lead Actress Emmy.

Pose ran for three seasons and is available on Hulu.

It is outstanding. 

librarianintx

LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Book Recommendation: Unprotected by Billy Porter

There are so many memoirs I want to read.

I'm a biography / autobiography girl.

Unprotected is really good.

Billy Porter survived a rough childhood and was tested many times on his road to stardom.

Talent and determination saw him through.

librarianintx 

Saying Goodbye to a Doctor

 Yesterday I had my final appointment with my long-time pulmonologist - Dr. Shapiro. 

He has been a fixture in the NMD community for I don't know how long. 

He has been my doctor for about 20 years. 

Dr. Shapiro has literally changed my life. 

In my first meeting with him, just by looking at me, he diagnosed me with two health conditions and immediately started prescribing treatments and referring me to other doctors for confirmation of his diagnoses. 

I have seen him every three to four months since. 

He is one of those rare doctors that takes a lot of time with you, asks a lot of questions, and follows up. 

He makes sure that I get regular bloodwork and other tests to keep an eye on my health. 

He's also very personable, and we enjoy bantering with each other. 

Because he takes so long with every patient, I usually have to wait awhile to see him. 

Two funny stories, given that fact. 

Usually I meet with him in the late afternoon, after work. 

Knowing that I would have to wait, I packed a book, a journal, I don't remember what else I had with me. 

After our visit, he picked up my bag to help me with it. 

"Girl, what do you have in this thing? This is too heavy for you." he said.

"If you wouldn't make me wait so long, I wouldn't have to bring so much shit," I retorted. 

He grinned and said "Touche."

Another time I was reading when he finally came in the exam room. 

I looked at him over the edge of the book and said, "I'm at a good part in my book. You're gonna have to wait."

That is the relationship we had. 

I'm not sure I'll have that with another doctor. 

It's sad and I will miss him, but I am also happy for him. 

He has worked hard, and now it's time for him to enjoy his retirement. 

I have a friend whose long-time doctor died. So obviously I am grateful that Dr. Shapiro is retiring. There is even a chance that he will work part time as a consultant. But he doesn't know yet. So I treated yesterday's appointment as our last visit. I wrote him a card, and we hugged. I told him how much I appreciated everything he has done for me. 

I have met the doctor who will be taking over for him, and she seems nice and is definitely capable. 

There is a saying that goes something like, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." 

That is what I am trying to do here. 

Thank you, Dr. Shapiro. 

I have the life that I have in large part because of you. 

librarianintx