Earth Day

 

There is a line of bushes/trees on the edge of the property where I live.  Trash accumulates there, especially near the dumpsters.  Some of it is from the wind, some from the squirrels who take things out of the dumpster.  It is especially apparent in the spring when the snow melts and before the leaves come in.  It has bugged me for quite a while, so I decided to use Earth Day as motivation to work on it.  I told myself I'd go out and pick up trash for a half hour.  And ideally do the same tomorrow.

I ended up working for 1 1/2 hours and filled up 5 bags of trash plus some recycling.  

It was a very satisfying place to work, not only because I live here, but because an hour and a half was long enough to make a very substantial difference!

I also sent before and after photos to the management company to ask the board what usually happens here.  Is there ever a community clean up?  Do we ever hire people to pick up the trash that accumulates on the edge of the property?

I also feel much better about sending that email because I'm not just complaining.  I took action AND I'm asking what the plan is.

I ended going back inside and grabbing goggles because I was reaching into many bushes and there were a lot of twigs that could poke my eyes.

I also noticed I was kind of waiting for someone to come out to the dumpster and see what I was doing. Make a comment of some sort... No one came nor noticed, so I decided since I didn't post earlier this week.  (I had a visiting family member and didn't take the time to), I'd post today instead.

Twin Cities: My Life as a Black Cop and a Championship Coach

 #1 - My friend who broke a bone in her foot last summer did a tentative jog/walk with me and her foot did fine!

 #2 - And I got to hear about her recent trip to visit a mutual friend in North Carolina. I think it had been a couple weeks since I'd seen one of my friends, and I was just reminded that I love my alone time and I need that too.

#3 - I started reading Twin Cities: My Life as a Black Cop and a Championship Coach by Charles Adams.  It was brought to my attention by a friend of mine and is one of those books I picked up at the library today and am diving right into.

#4 - Speaking of the library. My cousin is living with me right now and doing real estate photography and it is taking hours for her to upload her photos.  We have looked into internet upgrade options, none of which were panning out. She tried a coffee shop which was about the same. Today, as a last resort, she stopped at the library and it seemed the upload speed there is MUCH higher.

#5 - Finally, trying to arrange plans with my former partner's children can feel defeating.  I know it isn't personal, however the follow thru is difficult.  His youngest did send me her la crosse schedule per my request.  However, she didn't reply to me as to which team she is on: Varsity, JV, B?  So I emailed her mom, who in general is super responsive. So though I hesitated to reach out to her, I wasn't surprised she responded right away and with additional info.

Women’s Unrealistic Expectations 😂

Not Sharing

#1 - One of the parents who is very consistent, but usually checks out and takes a break on the couch during our home visits, got down on the floor and played with us today.  This has never happened with me at this house!  It was a win on my part for not intervening when one child (there are 4) was complaining to me that another wasn't sharing.  I had the autistic kid on my lap and he was engaged and that was a win right there so I said, "Ask your mom," and when she persisted in complaining to me, "Ask your mom." And she did and mom joined us on the floor.

#2 - My aunt is visiting and I didn't sleep very well. I know she sometimes does dishes at 3AM when I'm at her place, however I didn't realize getting up at that time was common for her. Apparently she sometimes watches This Old House at that time.  I asked today if she always wakes then and she dismissed it.  That would drive me nuts, but I guess it doesn't bother her and she can usually sleep as late as she wants so it works for her.

#3 - I still got up for my early exercise class that I really want the fitness center to keep.  Previously the earliest class they offered was 8:30AM.  Now they have a once a week 6:30 class and usually I am the only guy there.  I want more people to come so they keep the time slot.  Today a guy named, "Bob" joined me.

#4 - I made a Latin Corn Soup and a vegetable pot pie on Sunday eve.  Both of which were available for easy leftovers for my aunt and I for lunch and dinner today.

#5 - I sat and watched the big snowflakes fall as I ate breakfast today.  Often I work while eating breakfast, but my aunt was still sleeping in the room where I work, so the snowflakes were a nice way to enjoy breakfast instead.

Think Small, Find Gratitudes

 #1 - The immense privilege I have to be able to cancel my driving for the day and enjoy the snowfall without being stressed by it.  After texting with a co-worker who had driven some today, we both came to this conclusion and afterwards I felt peace.

#2 - I am SO glad this unusually dry spring is being abated. I've never heard of fire precaution warnings in the springtime when everything is usually moist, and this snowstorm is helping with that.

#3 - Someone's packages that lives in an adjacent building were dropped off in our building.  I saw this and thought, "I'll bring them over later."  Then I saw someone who doesn't live in our building walking up to the door, so I went out there and she was looking for the packages (but couldn't get in), so I gave them to her.

#4 - As I was thinking of gratitudes, "What else?"  #3 came to mind, which just reminds me how simple it can be to help someone. It didn't take any effort and yet it brightened my day.  It makes me wonder, actually I will ask, "Dear Life, What other simple ways can I brighten my day by assisting someone?"

#5 - I had some fish and asparagus for dinner a little bit ago. I am still hungry.  I will go to my kitchen and find something else to eat.  I have options - grapefruit, yogurt, granola, cookies...

Spring Equinox

#1 - I knew something was up when beyond being tired, I decided I should just wear pajamas today. I took my temperature and my fever at that point was 99.3 F, later 100.3 F, just now 102.9 F. I'm grateful to be in a quiet safe home to experience this. #2 - I also somehow got the gumption (before the fever was so high) to make some "Cold Be Gone Flavor Bomb" soup which I am reheating right now. #3 - I have been sleeping most of the day, alternating with reading American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins which I have to wonder if this is why I'm sick in the first place. The book is very dark. (It's an Oprah book club pick which is why I'm reading it). The last Oprah book I picked was really dark too The Road. I wonder if I need to take a break from reading her suggestions. However then I remember Open House which was absolutely delightful. #4 - I just cued up Latte ASMR Night Nurse Taking Care of You, for when I need it tonight. #5 -I am going to use my wellness leave for the first time at my job, I don't usually get any pay when I'm sick.

From Suffering to Awakening: Embracing Consciousness in Virtual Worlds |...

I keep trying to get this to start at minute 19. Even though I check the box "Start at 18:55" it doesn't seem to work. Anyway 19:00 - 20:30 is the point I want to share. I feel similary but can't quite articulate or understand it.