This page is an easy way to find my blog posts that are about life, philosophy, and things that bug me. You know, none of that ranch, pet, and nature stuff.
My Decorating Style is “Dated.” So What?
I got myself in a bit of a tizzy last night while I was randomly clicking on “news” items in my Facebook feed. I landed on a clickbait article about how to achieve the very important goal of not having your home look like your grandmother’s home. According to the author, this is a horrible … Continue reading “My Decorating Style is “Dated.” So What?”
No, Not Me, a Clone
Oh friends. I have a wee vent. I’d like to have a lot of words with whoever came up with those “clever” clones of Instagram accounts that show up in the Messenger app with people’s names and photos and say brilliant stuff like, “Hello hope you are doing?” (today’s) or “Hello, how are you doing … Continue reading “No, Not Me, a Clone”
Bletch
That’s a thing I used to say as a young teen. Trying to ignore world events isn’t working for the last couple of days. I get concerned. Then I can’t sleep. Then I get moody. Must be the hormones. Also. Tired of insects. Flies and moths in the house. Do they make you feel icky? … Continue reading “Bletch”
Old Patterns
I’m thinking a lot the past couple of days about old patterns. One I’m happy to keep around. I’m still enjoying the granny squares. My 63 camo squares are now nine green burritos that are actually strips of seven squares. I just can’t stop until they are all joined! Do you see it? Of course … Continue reading “Old Patterns”
Healing and Grace
It’s been almost a year since I grabbed the opportunity to leave a job where it had become increasingly obvious I wasn’t wanted. The new offer was so perfect I had to accept. It’s been a great year Today I attended the yearly conference put on by my old employer. It was my first time … Continue reading “Healing and Grace”
Everything’s Coming Up Roses
I’m just gonna pretend that’s true. Why not? I’m tired of living in fear of “the other,” which I think comes from all the stories you hear about crazed people on the other side who want to shoot you or take your guns, or whatever. Just two examples. After reading about the boy, the mole, … Continue reading “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”
Two Dreams, One Came True, One Didn’t (Thankfully)
Let me start with the dream that didn’t come true. I was obviously a bit stressed out from going to work and not knowing where the office actually was. That night, I had a dream that I was visiting my previous job, the previous location for it. Everyone was there, and it had been remodeled … Continue reading “Two Dreams, One Came True, One Didn’t (Thankfully)”
What Foods Would You Choose?
I had a couple of odd dreams last night. One was a plain ole nasty nightmare in which I had to free Apache from something keeping him from escaping a fire. I remember dragging him out while throwing chicken and dog food out telling all the other animals to run, run, run. Well, yuck. I … Continue reading “What Foods Would You Choose?”
I’m Rich! I’m Rich!
Hot damn! I knew one day this blogging thing would pay off. All those chicken, horse, and dog photos have finally made me a wealthy woman! No, no, no. I’m not rich. But a couple of years ago I thought I’d give it a try and put ads on my blog. I find ads incredibly … Continue reading “I’m Rich! I’m Rich!”
Cooling It Down
I’m visualizing calm and coolness. Neither is easy, since poor Kathleen is still racking up the challenges and trying to avoid the hospital, and it still hasn’t rained again. It didn’t go over 100° today so far, so that’s encouraging. And the cumulus clouds seem bigger today that they have been. So I’m patiently hoping … Continue reading “Cooling It Down”
You’re Doing the Best You Can
A couple of folks in my circle need to hear this. YOU ARE DOING THE BEST YOU CAN Yep. You may have screwed up. You may not meet others’ expectations. You may not be able to do all the things for all the people (or animals) you wish you could. I think you’re fine. I’m … Continue reading “You’re Doing the Best You Can”
Meet Kendall Sue Bruns!
Huh? Who? Many of you may remember when I previously blogged for our real estate company, Hermit Haus Redevelopment. Since we ended that venture, Lee and I have continued to buy, renovate, and sell or rent property. It was Lee’s official retirement job until he took on the money duties at Hearts, Homes, and Hands, … Continue reading “Meet Kendall Sue Bruns!”
Heat. Sick.
Feeling bad today. Stomach stress and literally falling asleep randomly. No COVID, so my social life didn’t kill me. Glad for those free test kits. I think I’ve just tried to do too much outside the past few days. I’m sure I’ll be better tomorrow. At least I picked colors for our next renovation project … Continue reading “Heat. Sick.”
Found Out What’s Wrong with Me!
Well, I found out one thing that’s wrong with me. More accurately I have finally identified the name of the syndrome that reflects the set of symptoms I’ve been trying to cope with my whole life. And great news, it’s not curable! To be honest, though, just knowing how I feel is an actual “thing” … Continue reading “Found Out What’s Wrong with Me!”
Who Says I Don’t Have Friends?
I have some, but most are online friends. I have some local ones, but the only one I’ve seen for the past month is Tarrin, and she got paid to show up. Just kidding. It’s my fault as much as anyone else’s! My car has had a flat tire since before we left for California. … Continue reading “Who Says I Don’t Have Friends?”
What’s a Micro-affirmation?
That was my question today, when my Facebook friend Gene Deel posted this: [T]he opposite of a micro-aggression is micro-affirmation (or as my workplace calls it, ‘microsupport’) – “displaying small and subtle acts of kindness, caring, and appreciation”. Facebook post I’ve read about micro-aggressions for years. They are often things people do that they don’t … Continue reading “What’s a Micro-affirmation?”
Cultivating Calm
I read today that what horses want is peace. No wonder I like horses. I, too, crave peace. And calm. It’s been my goal all my life. I do not crave excitement, uncertainty, or the unexpected. But, guess what? That stuff shows up all the time. What to do? I’m relieved that my anti-anxiety meds … Continue reading “Cultivating Calm”
Hope Is a Lily
Today I was walking around the property wishing it would rain again. I looked down and saw this ray is sunshine. The rain lilies always surprise me. We only got .6 inches of rain a few days ago, but these copper lilies popped right up for their yearly visit. Glorious. It’s so dry and parched … Continue reading “Hope Is a Lily”
The Burden of Perfectionism
Hey folks, just wanted you to know I am on a more even keel today. I had a great talk with my therapist, made an appointment for more medications, and have had some very helpful conversations with friends. It takes a village to drag someone out of a pit, and I’d say I’m 3/4 of … Continue reading “The Burden of Perfectionism”
When Your Feelings Are No Longer Squelched
Note: I realize I am a privileged person who has nice things, food, shelter, and a good education. My family that speaks to me does their best to support me. And I am NOT blaming other people for my perception. That’s on me! As I repeatedly state in my personal blog here, I’m grateful for … Continue reading “When Your Feelings Are No Longer Squelched”
We Sizzle in the Summer
Today, Sara and I headed back to the lovely Watts Way arena for our fourth Working Horse Central show. I’d hoped Drew and I had improved enough to get some significantly better scores, but, I’ll have to be satisfied with knowing we’ve improved regardless of our scores. I’ll just keep trying. The big highlight for … Continue reading “We Sizzle in the Summer”
Product Endorsements? Sort of
Yesterday I got some new items to add to my arsenal of products that protect my health. After all, I’m in really good shape for someone my age, according to my doctor. You see, I looked up what could be causing the disturbing symptoms I’d suddenly started having, where my knees hurt so badly I … Continue reading “Product Endorsements? Sort of”
Mojo Sinking
Wondering if Jim Morrison was singing about mojo rising. Mine is sinking. But I had the energy to look up that song. Mr Mojo Risin is an anagram (A word, phrase, or name formed by rearranging the letters of another) for Jim Morris name. He believed or at least stated he was going to be … Continue reading “Mojo Sinking”
Information Rather Than Advice: Again
Another thing they used to say in La Leche League was that we preferred to give information rather than advice. I’ve talked about this before, but I have feelings about it. So here I am again. When we were helping women with their babies, we’d let them know what we knew, what the current research … Continue reading “Information Rather Than Advice: Again”
People before Things
I’ve been thinking about this saying we always used to bring up when my kids were little and I spent a lot of time with women who chose a pared-down lifestyle so they could stay home while their kids were young. It was important for us to let our children know we valued them more … Continue reading “People before Things”
Ouch, More Than One Way
The day started with an ouch and ended with a painful long-term one. I was planning to go ride with Sara this morning and ran late, but I had Apache clean and saddled in time. We were walking to the mounting block, which is in the portable round pen. As we entered, the stirrup in … Continue reading “Ouch, More Than One Way”
Thoughts and Actions, Please
Today I’ve been feeling sick. I’m not a gun lover in the first place, and now I feel like we are all just waiting for our turns to be someone’s target. The cynic in me feels that the people who run the US care only about themselves, their families, babies (up to the moment of … Continue reading “Thoughts and Actions, Please”
Freedom: A Loaded Word
You know what? I used to think I was free. I used to think more and more people where I live were becoming freer. I used to think the world was becoming a better place. I can remember feeling especially happy to live in a place where people were free to worship or not worship … Continue reading “Freedom: A Loaded Word”
I CAN Try New Things!
When I finally get a day off, I can cram a lot of fun into it, that’s for sure, and yesterday I even stepped outside my comfort zone successfully, more than once. I’m so proud. One thing I’m happy with myself for doing is finding my own fun by myself. As Lee has gotten more … Continue reading “I CAN Try New Things!”
Sculpture! Birds! Nature Surprises! Beauty?
Today I got to have all the funs, to celebrate an actual day off, and have some emotional recharge. And of course I had to do some deep thinking. I’m on a roll with wonder and wondering. You may remember that Lee forgot to pack any shirts for the trip. The t- shirts he got … Continue reading “Sculpture! Birds! Nature Surprises! Beauty?”
Oceanside Philosophical Musings
Confession Time: I have trouble consuming information by listening. I am, as my late friend Ted used to say, a Reader. My spouse, on the other hand, is a listener. He listens to many, many podcasts. On our drive over to the beach, he played podcasts, because that’s how he’s been learning these days. He … Continue reading “Oceanside Philosophical Musings”
Yes, Good Customer Service Exists
So, Lee and I are headed to our yearly South Carolina condo stay. We left after work yesterday to get a few hours in, and stopped at the same Hampton Inn we stayed in last year. When we got there, one front desk person was on the phone. She had obviously been on the phone … Continue reading “Yes, Good Customer Service Exists”
Bad Mental Health Day
I’m not ashamed that I’ve dealt with anxiety most of my life. I’m just wired that way. For the past few years I’ve done a lot of work to manage the stress levels in my life. I’ve: Changed jobs. Cut out volunteer work where people didn’t respect me or weren’t truthful. Minimized contact with people … Continue reading “Bad Mental Health Day”
Happy Birthday to the Blog
Well guess what? I started this blog four years ago today. I’ll skip the stats. I’ve posted lots. Many people get them by email or read on Facebook. Thanks to all of you! I sure enjoy your comments, however you deliver them. I don’t expect anyone to read my ramblings, so it’s so gratifying to … Continue reading “Happy Birthday to the Blog”
Taking a Flower Break
While I wait to be sure Drew is okay (morning report was he was holding his own), let’s just enjoy the beginning of the BEST time of year here in Texas: wildflower season. Yes, our bluebonnets are starting to shine. Ours aren’t as great as some places, like between here and Bryan, but they please … Continue reading “Taking a Flower Break”
Tornado Precautions You May Not Have Thought Of
Having just gone through yet another tornado warning around here, it’s been a common topic of discussion this week. I was talking to Lynn Hagan, who’s a social worker and Board Member with the Red Cross (as well as a part-time resident in a tornado-prone place), this morning. She told me of some precautions they’ve … Continue reading “Tornado Precautions You May Not Have Thought Of”
Reminder: Enjoy the Moment
When I see tragedies happening around the world that are caused by some frightening person’s lust for power or sense of entitlement (I want it, so I’ll take it), I have no illusions that the same thing can’t happen here or anywhere else. People let it happen. They are starting to talk about the other … Continue reading “Reminder: Enjoy the Moment”
My Ten Commandments
I’ve been thinking about this for a few days. It started when I read a list of important things for living a good life that someone posted. It included things like not airing your dirty laundry (makes for a dull blog, but probably a good idea), not putting down your spouse in public, and my … Continue reading “My Ten Commandments”
Who’s Afraid?
I’m not sure if “afraid” is the right word for what I want to talk about. I think I aim here to make the point that we aren’t all that different from people in societies we’ve been told to feel sorry for because they are not free to be their true selves. What got me … Continue reading “Who’s Afraid?”
Ducking and Covering
I was a child during the Cold War. I was petrified of atomic bombs. We had duck and cover drills in school, as if hiding under a desk would do us any good. I had nightmares about bomb shelters for decades. I don’t want to go to sleep tonight. Baby Suna might take over and … Continue reading “Ducking and Covering”
The World Collapses, But I Feel Okay
This morning I was listening along with Lee to his morning podcasts when one of them (sorry, I forget which one) began to discuss a phenomenon that is not uncommon today. People report that they are experiencing a good time in their lives, with positive experiences, interactions, and situations. Yet those same people are concerned … Continue reading “The World Collapses, But I Feel Okay”
Prairienet: How I Made Friends and Found a Career
Today’s post is prompted by the happy coincidence that I found my very first volunteer nametag while unpacking a box today. It’s from way back in 1994 or 1995, when I was still living in Champaign, Illinois. Before THAT, I’d been an active member in the Champaign-Urbana Computer Users Group, where I met a whole … Continue reading “Prairienet: How I Made Friends and Found a Career”
Hope Springs, um, Each Spring
One of my favorite parts of living at the Hermits’ Rest is anticipating spring’s arrival. It’s darned early here! And today I noticed my beloved bluebonnets are up and ready to grow buds. I feel hope for the future when I’m reminded that Nature keeps plugging along. There are a few flowers out, especially the … Continue reading “Hope Springs, um, Each Spring”
Book Report: Phosphorescence
My husband, Lee, heard some people talking about this book on one of his podcasts, so he ordered it for me as a Christmas present. He said it just sounded like something I’d enjoy, and he was right! I’m so glad to have come across Phosphorescence: A Memoir of Finding Joy When Your World Goes … Continue reading “Book Report: Phosphorescence”
Knittin’ and Readin’ and Regerts
Today it is windy as all heck. All my chairs, all the barrels in the horse area, and everything else that isn’t tied down has blown to new and interesting locations. Lee and I had tried to put together a storage shed yesterday, and placed it against a wall, where we thought it would be … Continue reading “Knittin’ and Readin’ and Regerts”
Today Did Not Go As Planned
It hasn’t been an ideal day for anyone in my house, and I’ll just say that this is not a great time to participate in the health care system. So, no one slept last night. Of course I had a 7am meeting, which ended up being the highlight of my day. And it was so … Continue reading “Today Did Not Go As Planned”
Book Report: Atlas of the Heart
Here’s the review of Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, by Brené Brown (2021) that I promised recently. I think I am growing tired of self-help books or something, because this one didn’t impress me as much as some others I’ve read. There were good parts to this … Continue reading “Book Report: Atlas of the Heart”
Feeling a New Feeling
Two things have happened that are a fortuitous coincidence. One is my son and his partner moving nearby. The other is reading Brené Brown’s latest book, Atlas of the Heart. The book seems sorta silly in concept. It’s a list of definitions of human emotions. Apparently many people can only identify three emotions: happy, sad, … Continue reading “Feeling a New Feeling”
Moving on from the Alottest Year
A Facebook friend named Melissa, who went through so much this year, just summed up 2021 as the “alottest” year, because everything has been a lot. The lowest lows, very high highs. Hope and despair. Sure, every year has good and bad; that’s life. But wow, my head is spinning as I reflect back. So, … Continue reading “Moving on from the Alottest Year”
Two Truths: We Need to Learn This
Last weekend, as I was driving home from my Drew lesson, I listened to an episode of Hidden Brain, by Shankar Vedantam. I’m so glad I did, because the story he shared, gently and neutrally, made the point that I’ve been slowly and painfully trying to articulate for the past few years: More than one … Continue reading “Two Truths: We Need to Learn This”
Shiny and Strange Things, for Christi
I started work extra early today, so I got to stop before the pre-solstice sunset caught up with me. It had rained and misted much of the day, but the late-afternoon sun was shyly peeking out from the clouds. It turned the ranch into a jewel box of shining droplets hanging from every fence, blade … Continue reading “Shiny and Strange Things, for Christi”
Book Report: Anything Is Possible
Here’s one more Elizabeth Strout book. This is not exactly a sequel, but it builds upon the events and actors in My Name Is Lucy Barton. Anything Is Possible impressed me, because it has the same people in it, but is a completely different type of book than the book about Lucy. Here, you hear … Continue reading “Book Report: Anything Is Possible”
Y’all Won’t Believe THIS Coincidence
Do you remember reading about how much fun I had just wandering around Breckenridge, Colorado day before yesterday? And do you remember that I got very excited when I walked through a residential area and saw that a house had a big bird feeder and I hung around there trying to get photos of the … Continue reading “Y’all Won’t Believe THIS Coincidence”
A Rusty Tarot Reading
This may or may not surprise you, but those of you who actually know me remember that I have worked with tarot cards for many years. I find them very helpful for clarifying my thinking, figuring out trends, and learning about other people. In fact, this blog and our ranch, The Hermits’ Rest, is a … Continue reading “A Rusty Tarot Reading”
Imagining the Future
I know I’m supposed to be living in the moment right now, but just for a few minutes let me digress and think about the future. Lee and I took a walk this evening and were looking around with the dogs and everything her. The sun was so beautiful in the sky as it was … Continue reading “Imagining the Future”
Still Competent
I will tell you what feels strange, but good. That would be having meetings with your supervisor and her boss in which both said what a great meeting it was and what good work you’re doing. It had been a couple of years since that happened. Nice. It’s amazing how feeling competent can affect your … Continue reading “Still Competent”
Does Your Subconscious Try to Sabotage You?
As you know, I started a new job a couple of weeks ago, consulting at Dell on the software I worked with at the previous job. The new job features a very smart team, some fun clients to work with, and a reasonable and kind boss. These are all good things! I’ve completed a couple … Continue reading “Does Your Subconscious Try to Sabotage You?”
You Pay a Price for Being Yourself
This was written sort of without editing. I’m glad I have a place to mull over my thoughts, even ones I will find silly tomorrow after some sleep. Suna the self absorbed (yet another put-down label; maybe that should be introspective) I’ve been thinking and thinking about a meme I saw earlier this week. It’s … Continue reading “You Pay a Price for Being Yourself”
Why I Didn’t Want to Leave My Job but Left Anyway
It came as a surprise to some folks that I took a new position after being at one place for such a long time. To others, it came as a relief, no doubt. But to be honest, I really wanted to stay at my current employer. I just wasn’t a great fit for what I … Continue reading “Why I Didn’t Want to Leave My Job but Left Anyway”
A Surprise from Suna
Folks, it’s been a very long and very hard week for your resident blogger, but the good news is that Suna is here, has met her challenges and come out on the other side with her pride and self esteem intact. That’s really, really good news. I can generically shared that I got some quite … Continue reading “A Surprise from Suna”
Go Away Anxiety. I Need a Nap.
When you’ve been graced with a genetic predisposition to anxiety, you can meditate, breathe, do talk therapy, and take helpful medicine all you want, but still have days when you can’t deal with the symptoms. I woke up that way today. I was dealing with my personal “stuff” fine yesterday, but since I woke up … Continue reading “Go Away Anxiety. I Need a Nap.”
Maturity: The Older You Are the Less You Knew
Yesterday’s walk down memory lane got me to thinking about how I felt about myself at different points in my life. I can remember standing in the middle of a pine woods in Gainesville Florida, where freshmen could park their cars, and crying my head off because I felt like there was too much knowledge … Continue reading “Maturity: The Older You Are the Less You Knew”
What Counts as a Journal?
I know, I know, whatever you think is a journal will count as a journal. But Lee and I were talking about our journals. One of us said, “I’m down to just one journal.” Then they (I) realized that nope, there was something else the probably counted as a journal, and hmm, maybe something other … Continue reading “What Counts as a Journal?”
Minor Miracles
One of the things I’m most grateful for is that little miracles keep popping up in life, and they keep me moving forward with a good attitude. Yesterday was filled with these wondrous occurrences. The first one was so many people reading the blog the last couple of days. I guess tagging a post “death” … Continue reading “Minor Miracles”
Life, Death, and the Little Things
First, thanks to all of you who sent me kind words yesterday as I talked about how my friend Terry’s passing made me feel. She was one of the people I talked about in my post Welcoming Death and Treasuring Lives, which I also published in our Friends of La Leche League newsletter, Continuum, in … Continue reading “Life, Death, and the Little Things”
Quick Hello
I’m not able to write much, due to not only work and figuring out all this moving stuff, but also because I’m sad. A good friend from my volunteer past, Terry Stafford, died a few days ago from a stomach cancer that came on fast and hard. That’s the one that seems to hit people … Continue reading “Quick Hello”
Say Thank You to Your Word Processing Software
Today Lee was unpacking stuff from our old Austin house, you know, the stuff I just couldn’t get to in all the time we lived at the Bobcat Lair, now officially known as Anita’s House of 300 Boxes. (She is ready to move out soon as she can.) Anyway, Lee found a true gem, a … Continue reading “Say Thank You to Your Word Processing Software”
What’s the Most Embarrassing Thing YOU Did Today?
Sometimes, when there’s a perceived need, you do something spontaneously that you later look back on and say to yourself, “Well, THAT was an embarrassing moment!” And that happened to me today. It was one of those intense days at work. I’d gotten tired of waiting for help on a couple of diversity and equity … Continue reading “What’s the Most Embarrassing Thing YOU Did Today?”
Letting Go
How good are you at just letting go of things? I’m not talking about physical things, where you ate on the continuum between hoarding and extreme minimalism. I mean mental stuff, from past hurts and disappointments to things going on right now. How are you doing with that? Now, are you getting better or worse … Continue reading “Letting Go”
Helpful Little Mantras
Do you have little things you tell yourself whenever the things people do totally baffle you? I was just thinking today how many of those I have been accumulating on my journey not to take on other people’s issues, burdens, or problems. I’m sure you’ve heard this one: Not my circus, not my monkeys Lately … Continue reading “Helpful Little Mantras”
Why I Don’t Wear Shorts
What, a person in Texas who doesn’t wear shorts? Yep, that’s me. I do own some, but I rarely wear them. I’d started wearing them around the house, but after this morning, that’s a big “no” from now on. Today, as I was getting dressed, I said to myself that no one was going to … Continue reading “Why I Don’t Wear Shorts”
Mentoring Is Scary
I’ve had more than one conversation on the topic of mentoring in the past couple of weeks, starting with the Lisa Eggerton talk they had at work. The general consensus is that “mentor” is rather off-putting for lots of people. When someone asks to be your mentor, you start to imagine having to have regular … Continue reading “Mentoring Is Scary”
The Past Is a Blast
The past is a blast of what, you ask? It’s more like a punch to the gut sometimes and it sure makes it hard to slog through to the future, if you aren’t careful. I’ve been trying to let go of things, but it’s sometimes more successful than other times. Today I canceled a lot … Continue reading “The Past Is a Blast”
Judgy Judgy Judgy
People are so darned judgmental. I know we’re wired to be that way, but why does it seem like so few people are even TRYING to let go of that? So many folks feel compelled to be all like, “I’m not normally judgmental BUT it affects me, so judge, judge judge.” In the past week … Continue reading “Judgy Judgy Judgy”
Do You Have What You Need?
It’s yet another transition time in my life, as a lot of Anita’s stuff got loaded into a trailer and headed out to Cameron. We’re both very grateful to the guys who did all the heavy lifting, which combined with all the stairs makes for a long hot day. We’re getting ready to put the … Continue reading “Do You Have What You Need?”
Welcoming Deaths and Treasuring Lives
It’s an interesting time for me, when it comes to life passages. While I’m fine and not going through a life change, I am privileged to know people who are heading toward the end of their time on this earth, as well as people who are honoring lives of loved ones whose spirits left before … Continue reading “Welcoming Deaths and Treasuring Lives”
Corporate Life. Not for Wimps. So, Sweat It Out.
Today was by far the hardest day in the almost 10 years I’ve been at my corporate job. I know perfectly well that reorganization and layoffs are part of the standard operating procedure, especially in a company that’s growing and acquiring companies. But it’s people who are involved. So you just hurt when it happens … Continue reading “Corporate Life. Not for Wimps. So, Sweat It Out.”
Go with the Flow
It’s been one of those days. Everything I tried to do so far has required at least one more step than I initially thought it would. I’m pretty darned proud of myself that I haven’t let it get to me and mostly just laughed at myself. When I got to the Austin office, my headphones … Continue reading “Go with the Flow”
AI Thinks I’m a Dude
Recently, I was talking to one of my old friends about being mistaken for a man. It happens to her fairly often, depending on how she’s dressed, since she is not shaped like the stereotypical Barbie-doll person, has short hair, often dresses androgynously, and is blessed with a deep voice (one of my favorite former … Continue reading “AI Thinks I’m a Dude”
Proud of Pride: Remembering the Other Gay 90s
Since I am the hyper-volunteer that I am, I’ve been helping out with the PRIDE employee resource group where I work, as part of our diversity and inclusion initiative. Not surprisingly, you meet gay people in such groups. I’ve made a new friend there, who lives in Seattle and works at a company we recently … Continue reading “Proud of Pride: Remembering the Other Gay 90s”
Learning to Be an Ally of My BIPOC Friends
Today my head’s all full of learning, because I attended the Texas Master Naturalist program’s latest in the Be the Change series, which is a part of our diversity and inclusion initiative. The things I learned completely dovetailed with some of the things I’ve been observing and thinking about in my time in South Carolina, … Continue reading “Learning to Be an Ally of My BIPOC Friends”
Sartorial Strategies
Here’s a quick one for you. Have you ever just been standing around, waiting in a line or a queue, when something about yourself hits you like a lightning bolt? I have, and it happened this morning when I was checking out and back in for another couple of days in South Carolina (more on … Continue reading “Sartorial Strategies”
What’s My Problem?
My brain is not working, that’s my problem. Somehow, I’ve allowed myself to fall into a pretty deep hole of depression, low self esteem, or hyper-protectiveness to where anything I try to do that even remotely resembles work is a huge hurdle. Anything that has drama, misunderstandings, unkind behavior and the like makes me want … Continue reading “What’s My Problem?”
Pancakes: The Odd Thing about South Carolina Dining Out
Yeah, many towns look exactly alike, with the same stores, same shopping areas, and same restaurants. But, still, you can find interesting local differences if you pay attention. Here are some random things we’ve been noticing in South Carolina. A Pancake and Waffle Obsession Apparently, these are most beloved. Photo by @lorenklein via Twenty20 There … Continue reading “Pancakes: The Odd Thing about South Carolina Dining Out”
What Did I Want to Do When I Grew Up?
Hello from the road to South Carolina. I love road trips. You can sure think a lot. You can also knit a lot. I’ve actually arrived at the end of the pattern I’m making, but because I’m using different yarn and needles, I’m going to repeat the lace pattern. I have plenty of yarn left. … Continue reading “What Did I Want to Do When I Grew Up?”
From the Pit to the Pinnacle
Whew. This has been a weird-ass week. I was really pessimistic about work over the weekend, and Monday I found out some changes were happening, right when I was supposed to be gearing up to contribute to an initiative. But, I wrote myself that perky pushback post, read some of my other messages to myself, … Continue reading “From the Pit to the Pinnacle”
You Can Choose to Do Nothing or You Can Push Back
One of my activist friends, Jonathan K. Horstman, had a social action campaign a few years ago, focused on not just sitting around and watching our communities deteriorate. It was called [PUSHBACK] and I liked the idea and what his team was doing. While he’s off doing other great things in the community (as well … Continue reading “You Can Choose to Do Nothing or You Can Push Back”
Humor Is Your Buddy
Thanks for the kind words about my stress dreams and such. I’m honestly okay with having some extra-anxiety-filled times occasionally, just as long as I have some extra-chill time to balance all that out. And I generally do! I share a lot of my fun times and relaxing, so I hope you know I’m not … Continue reading “Humor Is Your Buddy”
Stress Dreams: A Cry for Help You Can’t Answer
One thing that becomes clear to me is that if I try to squish down stressful situations and pretend they don’t affect me, my anxious brain has its own ways to beg to differ. It’s all well and good to consciously remind yourself that the only things you should concern yourself with are things you … Continue reading “Stress Dreams: A Cry for Help You Can’t Answer”
Unconscious Bias? Just Ask Marcus Aurelius
My spouse, Lee, has been studying Stoicism for the past year or two. He really enjoys The Daily Stoic podcast, by Ryan Holiday, who happens to be my boss’s best friend. Small world! Who knew? Holiday has a new book of meditations out, with new translations of the Stoics into modern English by Stephen Hanselman. … Continue reading “Unconscious Bias? Just Ask Marcus Aurelius”
A Little Free Library with a Lesson for Us All
You know, I talk a lot about assuming good intentions and treating others as you’d like to be treated (or as they let you know THEY would like to be treated). What’s GREAT is when I see this in action. Today I share a story from someone I’ve always admired. We can learn from her. … Continue reading “A Little Free Library with a Lesson for Us All”
No, You’re Not Responsible for the Happiness of Others
Here is a post where I lecture myself and remind myself of how one of my personality features bites me in the butt, repeatedly, for the same dang thing. It’s bugging me so much that I’ve started writing my own passive aggressive memes about it. I put a picture of Fiona enjoying Johnson grass under … Continue reading “No, You’re Not Responsible for the Happiness of Others”
Mowing, Controversy, and More Horse Stuff
I was trying to create a funny essay yesterday when I wrote about our property not being mowed yet, but it sparked some Facebook controversy. Some people were thrilled and others were appalled that we were doing it. I don’t know why I was surprised, since mowing is always controversial! Like so many things out … Continue reading “Mowing, Controversy, and More Horse Stuff”
Summertime Is Coming and the Chickens Are Laying
I hear y’all like my ranchy stories, so here’s what excitement greeted me when I got back to the ranch today. Since no one had picked up eggs, the first thing I did was check the top of the garage fridge. There were at least three eggs per hen, but 5 white ones. Little Henley … Continue reading “Summertime Is Coming and the Chickens Are Laying”
Ways We Cope with Stress: Featuring Plants
Because I’m so darned introspective, I’ve been examining how I cope with stress these days. I find that I can only handle a subset of the priorities I could before, and I avoid duties that appear like they’ll bring on more stress. That’s how I’m coping now, to the detriment of a couple of projects. … Continue reading “Ways We Cope with Stress: Featuring Plants”
I Am Woman, Hear My Woe
A Story of Empathy and Imagined Equality No, I’m not particularly full of woe, but for the past few days I’ve been metaphorically girding my loins, knowing that a tale of woe is coming. Wow, I’ve listened a lot the past few days. The thing is, every single person venting, lamenting, kvetching, or sniffling is … Continue reading “I Am Woman, Hear My Woe”
I Can’t Muster Up Schadenfreude
Wow. I’m not saying I’m a saint who never has bad thoughts about others, but when presented an actual opportunity to experience some good old schadenfreude, roll around in it, wallow for a while, and maybe even gloat, I find I can’t dredge it up. Let me share what happened, as vaguely as I can. … Continue reading “I Can’t Muster Up Schadenfreude”
Knowing Your Issues Doesn’t Fix Everything, Nor Should It!
As always, things are changing in my life. One of the changes anticipated for this year is that Anita and I will need to move out of the Bobcat Lair house in Austin. That’s sad, because we really love the setting, the house, and most of all, the neighbors. But, the cost of just paying … Continue reading “Knowing Your Issues Doesn’t Fix Everything, Nor Should It!”
Curbing Your Anti-racist Enthusiasm
Wait, wait, I’m not going to tell anyone not to continue in their work to fight racism, point it out when they see it, or work on their own behavior and bias with regard to race. Nope, nope, that’s not where I’m going. But, I do want to share some insights I’ve been having as … Continue reading “Curbing Your Anti-racist Enthusiasm”
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The Hermits' Rest 