norda

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to

make.”

— Jane Goodall 

Kindness costs you very little. Kindness should be one’s first go to. A kind word can make someone’s day especially if they are having a bad one. I compliment someone’s hair or outfit or shoes, many times they smile, and their face brightens up. I have recognized them as a fellow person in just the comment. I try to be kind to all. I don’t know what sort of day/week/month/year they had.

Polite is a good reflex too. It doesn’t matter who it is, they deserve politeness. I try to be polite even in difficult situation. It’s just good manners. I have gotten a lot further with taking care of problems with being polite. I watch that play out at DragonCon when I went to check in. It was two different people checking in. One was being rather rude. They kept harping on their status with the hotel and how dare his room was not ready right now. The other gentleman took the news rather graciously and gave them his cell number to call when the room was ready. The gentleman was called back in pretty short order and got his room. The other guy came back about the same time I did to get his room. There was a lot of muttering about calling corporate about how long he had to wait. It was about an hour.  I told the clerk whose name was Susanne that if she needed a witness as to what happened here is my phone number since I had been there for both incidents. She thanked me but said it was not necessary due to the camera system they have set up there.

Nice is a reflex with me. I always try to be nice. Again, it costs me nothing except breath. Everyone deserves to be treated nicely. When I was at MoMI two weeks ago, I gave information I knew to others who had questions I could answer. I helped some new puppet owners how to operate their puppets. One said they hope they are as cool as me when they get to my age. I said keep practicing.

Respect the other person. Not that easy when the topic is a tough one that one will never see eye to eye. I am of the “agree to disagree” group. There are times that one can totally lose respect for the other person. It is about the time the discussion becomes a war of words and ideas. Shouting is not winning an argument in face it is pretty much losing it. Slurs, implied or blatant, are the end of the argument. “I know you are, but what am I” is the kiss of death. We, as a society, need to relearn how to debate.

I learned most of this from my parents who live what they say. They were my models on how to act in public. They also taught me some tricks to discussion and debate. Other things I learned from mentors in my life. 

I am grateful for the people to raised me.

 
Saturday was fun. I went into the city for a gathering of friends to talk art and anything else that came to mind. It was exactly what my spirit needed. Some good food and pleasant conversation. Thanks, gang.

Today is chores day. I am working the next two days so I want to get as much done as I can today. I do need to go to the grocery store for a few things as well.

My body clock is getting me up earlier these days. I saw a lovely sunrise this morning. I think once we go back to normal time in November, my body will sort it out.

September is Mental Health month among other things. I have been quite open about my struggles with my mental health. Right now, I am stuck in the spin cycle of situational depression. Situational depression is a little different than normal depression. In situational depression, the situation one is in is the cause of the depressive cycle.  Considering all that has happened in my life for the past couple of years, it’s obvious. I am lucky I have a good therapist and doctor who have helped me through some of these crises. I am using prescribed drugs to help my brain to work more normally. I think I would have shut down entirely if I didn’t have them. 

I also must thank my friends who have had my back. I have people I can talk or rant or vent to. I feel the support even when I am alone. Knowing I can call someone if things start getting bad in my head is a great relief. 

Y’all have helped me a lot. Having a place, I can just say something and not be judged is very helpful. I also feel the love and support.

I am grateful for all the support.

 
Fortunately, there is an IHoP in the adjoining parking lot.

Why IHoP, believe me we use to have to drive all the way to the north shore to get to one, because it was there Peter could get his favorite pancake in the world chocolate, chocolate chip pancakes. He only had them on his birthday. Other days when we might find ourselves at an IHoP, he would get buttermilk or chocolate chip pancakes.  But the best was saved for his birthday. He also said they went through him like roto rooter.

Then I had a nap that I needed having gotten up so early. This too was part of our traditions. We would have an adult nap together. Lot easier once Caroline was in school.

Next is a movie. I saw Fantastic Four: First Steps. Not bad. Not the best Marvel film but it played fair. I do like that HERBIE was not used as the butt end if jokes but was as much part of the team as Ben or Johnny were. Galaxtus was cool. I was entertained and that’s really all I ask of a movie. I hope if you have seen it, you stayed all the way through. The end piece is really a nod to fandom. Although the middle one did set up a whole bunch of questions.

The Mets aren’t playing tonight so I won’t be watching a game. I guess I’ll catch up on the DVR.

Doing these traditions helped me today. It gave me good memories and brought up good memories. Overall, I am doing Okay.

I am grateful for traditions.