Tag: Journaling

  • Holiday Travel

    “I’ll need a verbal confirmation that you’re willing to assist in the unlikely event of an emergency,” the Delta Airlines flight attendant announced, pointing directly at me.
    “Yes,” I replied.
    “Thank you.” She said.

    I turned my attention to the emergency exit door next to me and began to review the procedures in case something went wrong. The instructions stated that the door weighed 41 pounds. I hesitated for a moment, unsure.

    “41 pounds?” I thought. “Can I handle that?”
    Of course, I can.

    In an emergency, I want to be the one to help.

     I can’t just assume others on the plane will act as decisively as I would. I quickly assessed my fellow passengers flying from Atlanta to Gainesville. Several college-aged young adults sporting Florida Gator regalia, a mom with a newborn in her arms, several elderly individuals, and a man dressed in a burnt orange flannel with the latest John Grisham novel in hand.

    Honestly, if something were to happen, I would want to be the first one out of that plane, taking control of the situation and guiding others to safety. 

  • Brand New Bag

    I listened to James Brown’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” a classic from 1965 that remains one of his most popular songs. The track captures the story of a man undergoing a transformation and embracing a vibrant new lifestyle. With its energetic rhythm, the song vividly conveys the excitement of adopting a fresh identity.

    On the dance floor, the man showcases a variety of dance styles, celebrating his newfound self. It’s a joyous anthem that highlights the thrill of personal evolution and the liberation that comes with redefining who you are.

  • Bamboo

    Today’s topic was sparked by a conversation with a co-worker who came into the office to share about his day. He mentioned bamboo, and I left work curious, thinking I did not know much about this fascinating plant. So, I decided to learn more this evening. After a couple of hours of research, here’s what I found most interesting:

    1. Bamboo is a Grass: Surprisingly, bamboo is classified as a grass, not a tree. It is the largest member of the grass family.

    2. Versatile Uses: Bamboo can be used for a variety of purposes—it serves as a building material, is edible, and can even be processed into fabric.

    3. Sustainability Champion: Bamboo is incredibly sustainable, capable of growing up to four feet in a single day and reaching full maturity in just two years.

    4. Natural Antibacterial Properties: It does not need pesticides due to its naturally antibacterial qualities.

    5. Carbon Sequestration: Bamboo can store significant amounts of Carbon in it’s biomass.

    6. Historical Uses: Thomas Edison utilized bamboo for concrete reinforcements because it was more affordable than steel yet similar in strength.

    7. Soft Fabric Production: Bamboo can be transformed into a silk-like fabric that is softer than cotton.

    While exploring bamboo, I also came across the “Chinese Bamboo Story.” This story resonated with me, especially given some recent disappointments in my life. The moral emphasizes the importance of not losing sight of your dreams despite facing setbacks. It can be disheartening to invest time and effort without immediate results, but trusting the process is crucial. The struggles you face help build a strong foundation, much like bamboo’s roots, preparing you for future growth and success once you reach your goals

    References

    Nature India. (2021, March 30). Bamboo plants can act as efficient carbon sinks. Nature. https://www.nature.com/articles/nindia.2021.46

    National Geographic. (2024, October 22). The Wonders of Bamboo [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/bGdMTIxU9Uc?si=AnPu5-So-fx-JkdB

  • Transport

    Mom has moved into a memory care facility. The transport happened today, bringing her from Southern New Mexico to Northern New Mexico. I wasn’t capable of being there, as I had to work, and I wonder if my presence would have made a difference.

    Now she’ll have 24/7 care since she can no longer be left alone. This change will relieve some pressure from the caregiver friends and give us peace of mind knowing she’s in safe hands.

    As I sit alone in my apartment, typing on my computer, I find myself reflecting on how we arrived at this point in life. It’s hard not to shed a few tears. Writing helps me process these feelings, I think.

  • Overheat

    Reflections on the weekend: I ran a half-marathon in Ocala, FL, with a heat index of 104. I pushed myself through heat exhaustion symptoms and finished with my race clothing drenched as if I had just taken a dip in a pool. The drive home took an hour and twenty minutes, and I tried to rehydrate while on the road, sipping on water, Gatorade, and Sprite to ease the nauseated feeling.

    Later that day, after taking a rest, I attended an inspiring Evening of Poetry hosted by the Writer’s Alliance of Gainesville. I had the pleasure of listening to two talented traveling poets, James Norman, and Daryl Gussin, as part of their 2024 Wet Heat Dry Heat Overheat Tour. Local poets also read, and I was moved by the rhythm of their words. One line that stuck with me that night was “Write it down, or you’ll forget.”

    Today, I woke up with an unusually low HRV reading, prompting me to take it easy. I allowed myself to relax and complete a jigsaw puzzle while listening to an audiobook. Currently, I’m engrossed in Jon Fosse’s “The Other Name,” his repetitive prose has me completely captivated.

    Overall, this weekend taught me the importance of staying properly hydrated, appreciating the power of poetry in a small group setting, and finding solace in completing a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle.

  • Glare

    Arrival time 10:30pm: The decision to drive North was made after the lightning storm rolled East.

    Estimated departure time 8:30pm: I’ve become familiar with how to navigate through the Interstate-75 traffic, but my night driving vision is getting worse.

    During the drive: The light glare is amplified with the recent rain and I wonder if this will be my last drive home. I grip the steering wheel, squinting my eyes and step my foot down on the pedal, this time maintaining the speed limit.

  • Serendipity

    One goal is to read/listen to 100 books this year. I randomly selected the first title through the county’s library system app, Libby. Without making note of the author’s name I read the title “A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty and Success” and decided it would be the book to start the year. The book had my undivided attention from the start. A nutritionist/fashion model discussed her secret to happiness and longevity. “Do not fret aging” was the underlying theme. This was the book I needed to read as my fourth decade on this earth quickly approaches. The thoughts of reaching the age of forty made me feel depressed. Book one taught me the importance of making healthier decisions now, to make my later years more enjoyable. Halfway through the first 4 chapters I learned the author was none other than Elon Musk’s mom. Serendipity shows it’s face when you allow events to flow at their own occurrence.

  • New Year

    The best time of the year is always the first month, like a first kiss or the first chapter of a book. The beginning fuels excitement and ushers hope for days ahead. My personal goals have been set and my plan to achieve them is now being executed. No, of course I won’t talk about them here. Well, at least…. not now. You’ll have to wait and hear about them once I achieve them. Live striving to find purpose.