Reflection

10/04/2014

At first, I found the daily blog wiring exercise challenging and time consuming. I struggled as usual, with finding the right words to express what I was thinking or feeling.  I would spend 2 pulse hours, trying to get 300 words to make sense and flow. I finally reached a point, I needed to make a decision whether or not to drop the class. I visited with Ms. Anthony concerning my writing frustrations. After the conference I decided to persevere, with a different attitude.  Instead of focusing on quantity, I would spend 15 minutes just free-writing.  At first, I was lucky to get 85 worlds stung together that sounded somewhat fluent. Whether I chose to post my blogs or not, I continue to write every day, I’ am now up to 175 words, more if I’m versed in the subject.

For me, this blogging exercises has challenged me to change my attitude towards writing. I ‘am no longer going to allow my past writing struggles define my future writing success.  I may never be a proficient writer, but, I have already proven to myself that I can and will continue to improve as a writer, with additional practice and instruction.

 

Amazing

September 27, 2014

Amazing

I have always struggle with writing because, I can’t find the words to describe my feeling or thoughts. That could not be truer today, as I gazed out over the breath taking view atop the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  I ‘m unable to find the right words to describe how beautiful and majestic the canyon appears.  Or how to describe the different colors that lit up the canyon cliffs when the sun’s rays broke thought the clouds.

Being able to stand atop the rim, and look out over the canyon with its deep, gorges, and high peaks brought me to tears.  To me this was a very humbling and unbelievable sight, I don’t believe words and pictures can begin to describe or illustrate its beauty.

This was not my first trip to the Grand Canyon nor will it be my last. Many years ago along with my family we visited the canyon while on vacation. I’ am sure at eight years of age, I couldn’t begin to comprehend the awesomeness of the canyon, and now at age 50 is still cant.

Home

September 29, 2014

Home

Well, I’m back in Republic, it was an amazing trip. I couldn’t believe how beautiful and peaceful the scenery appeared, or how the Canyon left me speechless. I didn’t want to go back to Missouri, even though I missed my family, friends, job and home. I didn’t want to leave.

It didn’t take long though for my thoughts and feeling to change, as my friend and I were driving home from the Tulsa airport Sunday afternoon.  The sun was starting sit on the country side, I realized the Ozarks, in its own way, was just as beautiful and peaceful, and at times can make you speechless.

I’ m glad I have the opportunity to travel, to experience deferent culture’s and scenery, but, as I’m sitting here on my front deck looking out over my yard, were the maple trees are starting to turn fall colors, and humming birds are still buzzing around. I realize how much I truly love home.  I will continue to travel, there is much more I want to see and do, however I will always be my happiest at home.

Up, up, and away

September 25, 2014

Up, up, and away

We arrived at the Tulsa international airport 2 1/2 hours before our flight was to depart.  Good thing we did. When we arrived at the ticket counter, we were informed your fight had been switched due to delays, and would be departing within the hour. The only down fall to the switch, was we had to fly to Detroit to catch a plane to Phoenix.

I have flown several times in the past couple years, both inside and outside the U.S. For whatever reason, every time I go through airport security I get pulled out to have my hand swabbed for explosive residue, and padded down. My friends get to walk right through, but not me, I must look like a trouble maker.

 All in all, it was a good day the flights were smooth, and we were able to make our connections on time.  I enjoy traveling, not a big fan of flying, the take-offs and landings concern me the most. I guess, like many others I have a fear of crashing, I understand that flying is safer than driving, but, in a car I feel I have more control over my destiny.

By the time we landed in Phoenix it was dark. As we were driving to Prescott to stay the night, I was curious as to what the region looked like, my friend tried to explain it to me, since she grew up in the area. I found it hard to visualize, I guess I will have to wait till daylight to see for myself.

50

September, 24, 2014

 

50’

My best friend and I decided, several months ago, that it would be fun to hike the South Rim of the Grand Canyon for my 50^th birthday. Well, today I turned 50, and this afternoon we took off for the Tulsa International airport were we will fly out Thursday afternoon.  I ‘am not a big fan of flying, but, I ‘am sure after a couple of beverages of chose, I will feel just fine.  As were we’re driving along I started thinking back over the past fifty years, I thought about the different places I have lived such as, Florida (where I was born), California, Washington State, Illinois, Missouri, and 2 years in New Delhi, India.  I thought about the different jobs I’ve worked over the years, from dish washer to firefighter.  I thought about all the friends I have made, and the fun I have had.

Then I realized, I probably don’t have another 50 years left in my life, and I need to start making every minute count. I want to spend as much time as I can enjoying my family, friends, and life. I want to travel as much as financial possible, and stop sweating the small stuff.  I should, probably start eating better and exercising too, but, that doesn’t sound like much fun.  I know one thing for sure, I wouldn’t change one day of the past 50 years and I 'am looking forward to many more.

Beep vs chirping

September 23,2014

 

We have all herd the loud, attention getting, beeping sound of a smoke detector.  Although, that sound may be annoying when it is activated due to burnt food on the stove. A smoke detector is considered to be one of the most reliable, lifesaving pieces of equipment a resident can have in their home. Smoke detectors, have been designed to alert occupants when smoke or fire has be detected.

 Where smoke detectors are mounted, is crucial to how quickly and effectively smoke particles will be detected. It is recommended, since smoke rises, that detectors be mounted as high as possible in a room, either on the wall or ceiling. Ceiling mounted detectors need be placed 18 inches from corners and walls, and wall mounted detectors need be placed 6 to 8 inches below the ceiling.  Detectors should to be placed in every bedroom, in the hallway outside of bedrooms, and on every level of the home. To ensure your detector is in peek working condition, it is recommend that you test your detectors once a month by pressing the test button, and replacing the detectors batteries twice a year.

Occasionally, the smoke detector will make a chirping sound, which indicates the batters need to be replaced. Simple remove the detector from the wall or ceiling, open the back cover and replace the battery. If you feel, uncomfortable using a ladder contact your local fire department for assistance. If the chirping continues, it may be time to replace the smoke detector. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years, detectors can be purchased at most retail stores or by call your local fire department.

 

 

General Impressions / Behavior

September 22, 2014

 General Impressions / Behavior

General impression / behavior, can mean different things to different people.  For me, as an Emergency Medical Tech, I have been trained to recognize physical markers, which may give an indication that a person is feeling ill. Such as: a person’s skin color, lip color, speech, eyes, and even the position he or she is sitting.  Yesterday, my friend and I were shopping at Wal-Mart when we passed an elderly gentlemen sitting on a bench.  What brought my attention to him, was the general impression I received when I saw him. His skin and lips were pail, he had an uneasy expression on his face. I stopped, and asked him if he was feeling okay, he replied, “No, I feel like I am going to pass out”. After the ambulance left, my friend asked “What made you think something was wrong with him?”.  I replied it was my general impression of him and his behavior that caught my attention.