Yes, I am still alive . . . .

GOSH!!!

It has been over four months since my last post but trust me, I have had a lot to go on – mainly work and biking (I don’t think I can be called a cyclist thus far.) 

In June, the bike trail I ride, there are 2 lakes on this trail and the smaller of the 2 had fish to die within a seven day time span from one visit to the next.  Turing the lake nearly white and the stench that befouled the air and water was unbearable.  I notified authorities and their death was due to low oxygen in the water – I prayed for rain constantly.
  

In July/August, there was a PINK veil dropped over the city of Dallas – Mary Kay celebrated 50 years in business and ALL the building illuminated in PINK at night, what a beautiful sight.  I was able to partake in several bike rides and attended several #HashRuns (not the type of hash you are thinking of) – there were people actually running (not me) looking for clues to find beer.  They were quite interesting, fun and adventurous, I have made this a monthly ritual.


Mid-August my work life came to a halt when a great coworker/friend was diagnosed with a condition.  Her condition prompted several of us to shave our heads to support her.  I had never prayed or cried soo hard at work in my life.  I keep her laughing to keep us from crying. PINK DOING IT ALL

NOTE:  Laughter is my coping mechanism during stressful times.

September, I continued my monthly #HashRun, rode my bike in the dark of night but had the best time of my life.  School started so I get up before dawn and go riding at dawn with some co-workers and family.  We begin riding 9 miles in 2 hours, we can now ride 9 miles in 1 hour 10 minutes and I we are trying to cut that to under an hour.  In my conversations with other co-workers, I keep having this re-occurring thought of a monthly company bike ride 12-25 miles in length (could be round trip.)

I don’t want this to fall by the wayside like the departmental/company vegetable/flower garden.  That is still on the table, just need more fuel.
 

October will be here by the time I post this and I want to encourage everyone to GET UP, GET OUT and GET ON THE MOVE - DO SOMETHING!  You may not enjoy bike riding like I do, find your passion to get and keep your body moving at least 3 times a week or more. Skating, hiking, climbing, swimming, walking, bowling, basketball, curb ball, softball, volleyball, soccer, golf anything to get you outside breathing fresh as it can be air.

Even In The Cold Weather, Still I Ride! – Katina S. Brooks

 

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Keep Looking For The Silver Lining

DAY TWENTY-ONE 06182013 OVER AND DONE!

It was a long twenty-one days and by far I have soo much to be grateful for;

·       My maternal and paternal grandmothers that are still alive; Annie Mae and Pauline

·       My parents still alive; Albert Sr. and Gwendolyn

·       My siblings: 5 brothers and a sister (and in-laws), I love unconditionally

·       My son is alive and without physical ailment

·       My handsome toddler grandson whom I am the Sun to his moon

·       My host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews that I absolutely love and adore

I am personally grateful the LORD allowing me to be back in his life even though in HIS eyes, I was never gone.  I sing His praise all the time and until the end of MY time.

The old adage, “You never want water, until the well runs dry,” that is how some people feel about being grateful.

Just remember to be grateful for the little things in life.
DAY EIGHT 06042013

Being grateful is a state of being.

Once I allowed Christ and Christ-like thoughts into my mind, body and soul being grateful is what class, A STATE OF BEING!  Daily, as I ride the train and talk to people from different walks of life, I see that people show and receive gratitude in different ways.  Understanding from past life experiences, not everyone has MY level of gratefulness.

06042013 downtown Dallas
Photo Credit:  Katina S. Brooks

I am grateful for the stormy nights and the crystal clear blue skies that follow; that chirping nightingale and the pigeon’s downtown.  It may sound corny or an unpopular thing to do, but have you ever stopped while with a group of friends or alone to smell a flower on a vine or just look at the clouds? Those are the tiny thing to feel grateful for.

Experiencing life and cautiously taking heed to the advice many people have to offer has made my road easy thus makes me equally grateful.

Remember gratefulness is kindness appreciated, how are you using/giving your benefit?

Thank you for reading, please post a comment.

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DAY TWO 05292013

Today I am grateful for being understanding (that counts as a benefit received right?)  Each day I learn to understand myself better so that I may be able to understand others better. An example, I have learned to listen with my eyes and speak with my silence.  That is a lot for me because I can’t keep silent, but silence lets others know:

·       I am listening

·       It is not all about me

·       Please tread carefully

Periodically, I have to look up the work grateful [greyt-fuhl] warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received. Yep, that is how I keep interpreting the meaning each time I read it.  As I become more mature, I take time to reflect on the things I did as a youth and I am TRULY grateful to be here writing.  The risks I took with my own life, my son, niece and nephews – nothing but favor from GOD, I tell you.

Thank you for reading and post a comment.
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Today, May 28, 2013, I will begin a new self-awareness challenge – 21 days of being grateful...

DAY ONE

Many times we forget the little things and people who make us who we are.  I want to thank GOD because without my parents, I would not be here.  I am forever indebted to my family for making me smart and tough while remaining beautiful (inside and out.)

I plan to thank people MORE for the things that go unnoticed at home, around the office, in my neighborhood – that is where it really counts. You just never know what will make a person’s day.

How about tomorrow you thank your boss for taking a chance on hiring you and giving you a chance – THAT is gratitude.

I will attempt to post an update daily.

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Being homebound = No fun…

At least I have the internet   >>>>>>>>>>buffering<<<<<<<<<<

The Healthy Has Fallen

It has been over a month since my last blog and I must say the last six days plus three have been spent in the bed.  Now most would exclaim, you go girl, you are getting your deserved rest, and it is NOT that easy.  I have the influenza virus.  As long as I can remember, I have never had or ever been diagnosed with influenza until recently.  I deliriously said to myself one night, “I used to always want to comeback in my next life as cats, to sleep all day, look out of the window, sit in the sun.” I have to seriously re-think that re-incarnation idea.

THIS CANNOT BE Influenza

I LOVE going to work but on March 20, 2013, I did not want to go to get out of my bed, let alone go to work.  My body was aching ALL over; my Dermis and Subcutis Hypodermis were aching.  My clothes hurt, taking a shower ached, drying off ached, my sheets and blankets ached, my ache ached (yea I said it twice.) I ached all over.

No Stupid Questions – Really

Like a trooper, I drag into work, say my pleasantries to my co-workers and address my boss, “I don’t feel well, and I will make an appointment with the onsite RN to see what she says.”  A steady stream of work and visitors to the office, each asked, “You don’t look well, are you sick?” I replied, “I wanted to say No S*** Sherlock but kindly stated, I will not find out until I meet with the onsite RN.”  I kept to myself the entire day, the department manager/toxicologist asked if she could place her hand on the back of my neck and she exclaimed, “You are burning up!”

I stayed at my desk and hammered away at work.  No music, no headphones…silence – I was sick.

Fast Forward To 4:30pm

I make conversation with the onsite RN, I am weighed and I have lost 9 pounds so far this year – I am happy about that.  My blood pressure and other vitals are taken and my blood pressure for the first time EVER is slightly elevated for the records.  Not looking good. The onsite RN asks if an influenza test can be administered I agree then she buffers the test with, “...this may hurt!” it felt like she shoved a chimney sweep brush up my swollen nostril.  The influenza test requires you to pre-blow (softly blow) your nose, then a tiny brush is gently inserted into your swollen nasal cavity, then it is worked around; then the process is repeated for the other nostril.  No blood was present but it was REALLY uncomfortable.  I told her, “You are officially off the Christmas list for 2013.” After 7 – 10 minutes the test reveals if you have influenza and I did.  Hanging my head, I ask, “…isn’t the influenza season over?” the onsite nurse stated, ”…it is coming to an end but NOT over…late season diagnoses such as yours are still popping up.”  I felt good but I felt bad. Good to know that I really had the influenza and can be cured; bad to know that I really had influenza.

Telling Everyone

Understanding that I will not be able to talk to people for at least a week, I was in denial that I was really ill.  Walking around ranting and raving…hindsight obviously the influenza was clouding my thought and infiltrating my brain matter.  After my tantrum was over, I walked to my desk (outdoors), I made copies of my doctor’s note for my boss and her boss then quietly left work.

The Recovery Process

Being homebound is most likely what I needed.  I read an article days before I became ill discussing the circuit breakers tripping.  When your circuit breaker trips in your home, you search high and low and will do ANYTHING to restore the power to your home but what do you do when you’re spiritual and physical circuit breaker trips? We muster through the pain and wait for the power to be restored.  Influenza is like an electrical grid going down…a brown-out; shutting off ALL powers everywhere not knowing when the power will be restored – we have to wait for things to get better.  Prior to my brief illness I always prayed for everyone else, this time I asked for prayer for me to get better to continue to pray for others when I return to full strength.

How You Can Help

·         Keep your hands washed

·         Cover you coughs

·         Cough in your shirt/blouse/inside your elbow

·         If you don’t feel well, go or stay home – work can wait

I did all the above yet I still got sick – oh well.

March 25, 2013, I visited my PCP because I still wasn’t feeling well, an upper respiratory and ear infection – I’m home another two days – UGH, I guess the work on my circuit breaker was a bigger job than expected.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

I am thankful for being off and I am taking this opportunity to REST, yes, I am resting catching up on homework when I have bouts of energy but mostly resting.

Thank you for reading, post a comment.

Out Of The Kindness Of Your Heart

Out Of The Kindness Of Your Heart 

Attorney gunned down as he walked to work; a young girl killed by a stray bullet; a commuter commits an act of road rage because someone didn’t use their turn signal; unspeakable acts committed against children…I could fill the four corners of this page with all of the ills of the world and could write for an eternity but have we ever stopped and thought, what if I did something kind to/for someone, would it matter?  Sure it would, just like the butterfly effect. 



03032012 Monarch Butterfly at the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas Texas

            Case #12232012 Store bell ringer

Upon leaving a local big box store, I was greeted with a “Have A merry Christmas ma’am…” I stopped and dropped $2 in the bucket.  As I reached to place my money in the bucket, the bell ringer complimented me on my bracelet.  I asked her which bracelet did she like but went on to explain, “You couldn’t have both, just choose one.”  She said, “Why are your being so nice?”  I asked her, “Have you ever wished/hoped/dreamed of a stranger doing something nice for you?” She said yes then I asked her again, “Choose a bracelet...”  She like the one with the clear and black faux diamonds.  I took it off my wrist, placed it on hers and wished her a Merry Christmas.  I had never received a hug so hard in a long time.  In the neighborhood she was working, she said, “She never expected ANYONE to do anything nice for her.”  I told her I hope I had changed her mind. 

Case #02212013 Breakfast 

I was in line talking and being jovial as I am and can be at 8:15am.  I placed my breakfast order and continued, in my limited Spanish, thanked the cook for her service.  I went to the cashier and paid for my breakfast.  As my breakfast continues to cook, I made a comment about buying someone’s breakfast; it wasn’t a dare but something I was compelled to do.  It happened to be a contract/temporary worker at our facility.  She had enough money yet, I felt the urge to do something nice for someone – I purchased breakfast for someone.  I had seen the contract/temporary worker before and I make it a point to speak to EVERYONE who wants to be spoken to.  With that being said, I may have a new best friend.

The two cases above are real stories that I have experienced.  I have countless stories I can write of the nice things that I do and have had done for/to me.  With all the trials and tribulations and evils in the world today, it warms my heart, mind, body, spirit and soul to do something for people who will really appreciate the gift of today call the present. 

I was just taking a break from my chemistry homework to write what was on my heart and I hope you enjoy.

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Was Black History Made Today Somewhere?

Was Black History Made Today Somewhere?

I often think of my ancestors and ask myself, “would the way I am acting be disrespectful/ladylike in their eyes?”  We all know the answer – a resounding NO (typing with a bar of soap in my mouth…lol)  Back in the day when my parents were children and my grandparents were in their twenties, people respected each other…this is not to say that there wasn’t violence back then but my ancestors shielded (not sheltered) my parents from the negativity.  Being black (or a white – black lover) in the south was an instant death sentence.

 

I have always been the type of person, even as a youth, to always think about what my ancestors would be thinking/saying if I did this or that.  The future always frightened me but I learned that if I work positively in the NOW, the future would be bright 98% of the days.

The youth of today, can’t fathom or are disgusted by the struggles (their ancestor) made so that their lives can be as easy as making a package of noodles.  I watched and still do watch a LOT of public television and I know that Black History isn’t just a month to be celebrated – Blacks made history EVERYDAY!  The youth of today are too consumed with instant gratification, having their Hair did, Nails did, everything did instead of focusing on education and subjects like Math and Science.  You need math and science at the local Beauty School and Barber Colleges.  We as black people are the epitome of hair care by other cultures because every week, the black women can have different hairstyle.

If my generation and the two after me, had concentrated their talents more on Math and Sciences, who knows what this country would be like now.

We are human and we all falter…I am always reminded in order to teach one, you have to reach one but if the one you reach for doesn’t want learn or be taught, reach for another.  I always try to spend time volunteering because when I was growing up, I never saw people like me volunteering – blacks.  Now that I am of age and I can reach back and pick-up and teach more than a few I feel accomplished yet out of the 10 I reach for 4 hold on.  That is 40% who are willing to take the leap of faith to trust someone like them to help make their lives better.  Some would say the statistics are flawed/skewed but I say NO…I’d take the 40% any day over the 0%⁽¹⁾. ⁽¹⁾_{Not actual statics}.

Regardless of your color, creed, nationality, religion, income level, gender, sexual preference or blood type; I leave you with this question to ask yourself each day when you wake up and before your lie down for slumber, What have you done today to make your ancestors proud?

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Run Tell That!

Run Tell That!

Thank you for asking about the title, it is more of a statement that is meant to inform those people who are overcurious, snoopy, agog, and fascinated with ME – lil ole me; I HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE. Just ask.

It has different meanings in different conversations, different voice inflections when told in stories; it could also be a derogatory comment or an uplifting lyric of praise.

My initial intent when I began writing my blog, was one of maliciousness however being a sheep that has returned to the fold of God, I've chosen a different path- to inform and uplift.

Mark 2:1-5 talks about running down rumors, whether there is validity to them or not; this chapter and verse explains how people came from all around to hear about Jesus and his healing. Most came not necessarily to be healed but to gawk and the folks who Really needed the blessings couldn’t get it because of the gawkers.

In today’s society we are just like that. We all want see what is going on but when you are asked to lend a hand or ask if you know of a concern of a person; some begin to backpedal – they are just WATCHING and do not want to get involved but engage in a whispering match or two with others.  Essentially, those people are blocking blessing for someone who really can benefit from it.

I don’t and will not proclaim to be the most “biblically scholared person”, I just quote the portions of the bible that have relevance to a conversation and mostly that I’ve remembered from bible class and Sunday teaching.  So instead of snooping, just ask and if you are too afraid to ask in person or in a note, then that means you shouldn’t ask or bring up the subject EVER –except your pet cat but all she wants is some food and a nap.

Most people are don’t know the difference between being nosy (overcurious) and being concerned.  Here are online dictionary definitions of each: 

Nosy:  unduly curious about the affairs of others; prying; meddlesome.

Concerned:  a matter that engages a person's attention, interest, or care, or that affects a person's welfare or happiness.

When it comes down to it, which are you?

Chemistry Is All Around Us..

Intro to Chemistry

When I began juicing three weeks ago, I didn’t realize I was preparing myself for chemistry class.  Then to read an article that contained REAL chemistry, I became intrigued.

My quest began with wanting to juice a cucumber began with using several internet search engines for recipes then I stumbled upon the portion of the article (listed in green below.)

Acid vs. Alkaline

Different parts of your body maintain a pH balance (acidic vs. non-acidic called alkaline). Keeping this balance is important to staying alive, feeling good, and living longer.

Different foods that we eat can inject acidic or alkaline molecules into our body. For instance, soda pop is extremely acidic. When the body receives soda into the system, it needs to neutralize the acid and it pulls calcium from the bones to take care of the acid.

Other acidic foods are red meats (and many other meats), processed foods, junk food, and more.

Alkaline foods (or foods that when processed by your system are alkaline) include spinach, kale, and yes, cucumbers.

Eating more alkaline foods will help your body not have to work as hard and leech calcium from the bones to maintain balance.

I said, “Self, you are a chemistry major and didn’t even know it.”

For the next 16 weeks, my days will be stretched more than usual; great things happening at work, late nights with Intro to Chemistry homework, Bible Study on Wednesday nights, Choir practice on Thursday nights, Voice classes on Saturday’s, praying for graduation in May 2013.  In all of that, I will attend to go on a few dates, have a social life (outside of social media) and enjoy the ride.

I don’t know about you but the busier I am the quicker time flies, see, it is already early February…Happy Valentine’s Day.

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Coinciding Events

Happy MLK Day!!

 

Today, January 21, 2013, I went to work.  It was also the day the country celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Coinciding with this event, President Barack H. Obama was sworn in for a second term as our elected Commander In Chief.

 

I know that may have upset or even angered some of my Black associates but I don’t see why that should be.  I am Black and I am an American and I am proud to be both.

Before I got to work, a Caucasian man approached me and exclaimed, “Happy MLK Day.” I was caught off guard and my guard was down the entire day.  It made me think, how many black people did I pass and I did not say Happy MLK Day and vice versa?

 

There isn’t a day that passes that I don’t stop to thank Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil activists like Daisy Bates, the freedom riders, those whose lineage precedes mine; those who did not have the opportunity to complete elementary school, secondary school or even have complete thoughts about completing tertiary education.

 

I am thankful for the 1896 Supreme Court doctrine of separate but equal in Plessy v. Ferguson; it set precedence and didn’t know how powerful a case 117 years later.  I have to think about the struggles my great grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles endured for me to enjoy the luxuries (as they put it) we take for granted today.

 

Have you ever stopped to think what the world would be today if those civil right activists and freedom riders, black and white, did not stand up for what was right and just?  We would still have the “COLORED or NEGRO’S ONLY” signs still posted at the water fountains, bathroom and signs pointing to where we could go.

 

If Dr. King listened to the 99% instead of that 1%, would he have told anyone about his dream, would we (black, non-black and whites) enjoy the civil rights and advancements we have today?  We may not have been as far as we are now but we would have made impactful advancements.

 

I heard question posed on the radio a number of years back that asked, “Which generation more impactful; the 40 years before the Civil Rights Movement or the 40 after the Civil Rights Movement?”  That is a valid question to ask.  It makes you wonder, think and ponder, makes you want to investigate what was done before and during the Civil Rights Movement to make situations manageable after the movement.

 

Our forefathers paid the ultimate price for us to be able to work beside Asians, Jews, Caucasians, Islamic, Mexicans and Lutherans on this day and the other 364 days in the year.

 

Stop! Think! Look! Listen! Read! Comprehend!…so that unspeakable parts history do not keep repeating itself.

 

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F5 To Refresh Your Life

Have you ever had a moment, minute, hour, day, week, month, year or long that you wish you could F5 (refresh)? I would be remiss if I said I had never but I have.  As I look down at my keyboard, I can see lots of common themes that run parallel and even in zigzag to my life.  Let’s see how many you can identify with. 

I think this is one of the most obvious keys I like. I like being home and vacationing away from home.  I like the home key because it reminds me of familiarity, comfort and love.  Allowing me to yearn to return and sometimes yearn to leave.

The home key moves the cursor to the beginning of the line.

Another unmistakable key; escape, escape…When feeling pressured at work or school, pressing the Esc key to remove you from current situation would be great if it could take you back home. Sort of like the Easy button.

The Esc key is used to interrupt or cancel the current process or running program.

Even though you may think you are in control of things, our heavenly father has ultimate control.  You can keep your household under control however when life is throw fast balls, it would be great to be able to tap on that key a few times to get the day in control.

The Ctrl key is used to create special functions on the keyboard.

This key when left engaged makes me feel like someone is shouting at me all the time.  Use this key with care, it is like your 2^nd grade teacher teaching you to use your “inside voice”, not your “OUTSIDE VOICE” it makes a difference in a conversation.

Caps Lock is used to make a statement, to be heard(seen) in text – place text in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.

I didn't know what that key is used for until I began writing this blog.  I have always thought that if I pressed it once pressed, my world would pause like the Matrix®.

The Pause/Break key is used to pause games played online.

Refresh or to restart, to begin again.  Some days before you get to your work area fifteen different things have gone in the opposite direction you were going.  For instance, you let the dog out into the backyard, you walk out front to retrieve your newspaper and you see her running carefree down the road - F5  - that definitely warrants a tap on F5.  When you burn dinner – F5; When your heel breaks on your shoe on the way to a job interview – F5.  When your date does not look the same as he/she appears online – F5.

The F5 key, will refresh or reload the page or document window or Internet browsers.

Only if there were an Any key.

A Time To Every Purpose Under Heaven

CAN

ANYONE

NOTICE

CHRIST’S

EVERLASTING

REPRESENTATION

When it rains it pours but when God reigns, blessings pour.  Today was a good day, I ate breakfast at home; I walked to the bus stop to catch my bus on time; made it to work early; I was busy working at work..lol then that feeling that things are going ALL too well crept up on me.

I had two co-workers at different times today to approach me about a cancer story.  The first was the cleaning lady (also my coworker), she stated that her husband has lung cancer in BOTH lungs and will begin chemotherapy on Monday.  Her eyes were bloodshot red from crying since she heard the news.  She comes to work daily to keep her mind busy.  God has put it on my heart that each time I see her – hug her as tight.  I know she is putting on a brave face for husband and family however being a woman; I understand how we are as weak as babes when we are away from them.

We hugged in the hallway and she sobbed until my coping mechanism kicked in [during times tragedy I attempt to bring jest into the situation to bring about laughter.]  I made joke, she laughed momentarily but I could still see the pain, hurt and confusion she was masking.  I could even hear her body language screaming, “Lord, Why Me!”  I returned to my desk, heart heavy as if the news she was dealt was to a family member of my own.

A few hours later, I decided to stretch my legs and walk to the cafeteria to have a sandwich and return to my office for lunch; clearing my head from an earlier bout of bad news.  Up ahead, I see one of my former supervisors looking toward the ground as if she had lost something.  I call you my “Cheerleader” because you are always brightening the spirits of others; it looked like she needed some cheering up.  She told me about some recent test results from her doctor…speckles of cancerous looking tissue throughout both of her breasts.  I commenced to hug her.  I could tell that she wanted to talk more, I could even hear her body language screaming, “Lord, Why Me!”  We were outdoors in the elements, we each said, “…we will meet up again before the end of the day.”  We did, I gave another hug ad we departed.

(Tearing up as I type this) I just want to thank God for placing me in the right place he wanted me to be.  Bringing me back into his biblical fold when he did in 2012. I have I said a prayer for each; then I stopped to think WHY I have been singing Ave Maria in my head and aloud for the past 2 weeks.  Translations of the prayer/song:

The Latin:

Ave Maria Gratia plena

Maria Gratia plena

Maria Gratia plena

Ave, ave dominus

Dominus tecum

Benedicta tu in mulieribus

Et benedictus

Et benedictus fructus ventris

Ventris tui Jesus

Ave Maria

The English translation:

"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;

blessed art thou amongst women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners now

and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

I never solicit anything other than a rogue comment on my blog however tonight I ask you to please say a prayer or place my co-workers on your church’s prayer list for their specific needs listed above.  I was told if you are going to pray – let God know EXACTLY what you want and he will deliver.

Blessing be to you and yours,

Amen.

John 10:16 – And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Left With A Smooth Feeling

I can never get enough of talking about me nor can I get enough of taking pictures where cameras don’t belong….Like Barbara Walters, I always get er done.

1pm Friday, my first dental cleaning of for Twenty-Thirteen with the new dental hygienist, her name is Mitzi – yes that is her real name.  I still haven’t warmed up to the new office staff, they seem stodgy, and the main characters were busy working that day.  My wait wasn't too long seeing that there were only 3 people including myself in the dental office.

After our initially meet and greet, I let her tell me some things about herself…she is a few years older that I (I’m a perpetual 29 y/o); she goes on to talk about her husband and three children.  Then she gets to her job.  Why is it that when someone performing dental work they always wanting a response to their question.  After my second rinse, I interrupted MY service and told her I wanted to have an opportunity to answer some of her questions; such as my marital status, my dependent status, my educational status...so on and so forth.

I miss Christie, the former dental hygienist, but I think I will like Mitzi…I guess that when Christie was working in my mouth, we had to play 6 month’s worth of catch-up in a 45 minute session so I missed all the tools darting in and out of my mouth. We just yapped until I left the office.

This visit (because I was quiet and observing the atmosphere) there were two particular items I really liked one was the toothbrush (stop laughing) the tool where the actual paste is placed on the round thing to clean your teeth.  I love that thing and the other was a supersonic vibrating water jet bacteria remover.

I asked her why did she become a dental hygienist, she said she never had bad teeth as a child but found it sad that people could not afford dental care even brushing their teeth with a toothbrush was a luxury to some.  She wanted the people who she came into contact with to know the importance of dental hygiene.  Even washing your mouth with mouthwash and a towel will beat doing nothing; but she prefers you use a toothbrush.

I didn't get to ask many more questions of her fore my time was up.  I told her I would see her in the summer time with more questions to ask.  I did however leave with a new toothbrush for me and my grandson...granny is always working it!

My tip:  Find a dental clinic or dentist office or dentist that you like and remain loyal.  It may take some time to find them but nothing worse than to have EXCELLENT dental insurance and have a horrible dentist.

Happy Brushing.

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Being Green, Riding Public Transportation

I was green before green was a thing. #Blake Shelton

 

When I think of the word Green, I think of a new state of balance, freedom to pursue new ideas, protection from fears and anxieties connected with the demands of others, a need for change or growth…A need for change and growth bears repeating.

January 2012, I began riding Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) part-time to attend El Centro Community College in downtown Dallas.  It was a logical choice because the DART bus and train stopped one-half block from the community college. Additionally, I was able to make it to class early with a few minutes of spare versus spending twenty minutes circling the college trying to find a parking spot; feeding the parking meter or a $10 parking spot and being LATE to class.  It conjures up nightmares to think about that.

Later in 2012, my employer celebrated having Zero Landfill – that equates to recycling EVERYTHING that is used in the facility; that further motivated me to stay green and continue to riding DART.

My commute begins with a ¼ mile walk (8 minutes uphill) from my home to the bus stop – rain, shine, day or night. Then a 20 minute bus ride to downtown, a 5 minute walk to the train, a 17 minute train ride to the next bus stop.  Then lastly a 15 minute ride to my job. Then I repeat the process to return home.  If you add that up, one hour and five minutes riding DART versus a 23 minute commute to work and home.

I can hear some of you say, “…it is quicker to drive than to ride DART,” but which is less stressful?  I became extremely comfortable with watching traffic jams instead of being part of them.  I was able to read, meet new people and see things at a slower pace, my moniker was Speed Racer.

Below are questions the skeptics continually ask,

·        Is something wrong with your car?

·        Why do you continue riding the train/bus?

·        Do you feel afraid riding the train/bus?

·        What if something happens to the train/bus?

The list goes on and on.

I reply:

+       I save gas

+       I arrive to work in a timely manner

+       I’m prompted to leave work in a timely manner

+       There are at least 15 cameras at each DART rail stop

+       DART police ride the bus and train dressed in uniform and incognito

+       I receive Twitter feeds if there are issues with the light rail system

+       If the bus is late it is either weather related or stuck in a traffic jam

+       I wind down

+       I walk a guaranteed ½ mile per day.

I lost 15 pounds – gone forever.

***DEEP SIGH***

Ethnology should not be a factory in a decision to be green however, if my Caucasian counterparts were riding DART, they would be congratulated and celebrated for “Being Green” or “Saving The Environment” or “Reducing Their Carbon Footprint.”  I’m not Caucasian but I want the earth to be saved for my grandson, his son and on down the line too.

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