Paddling against the whirlpool of this shitter we call Trump America

Nation - why hasn't anyone of valor stepped forward to demand the immediate activation of Article 25 for impeachment, imprisonment, and euthanasia of our allegedly legally elected Leaker-In-Chief? The level of ineptitude, narcissism, and (insert any number of other ill traits) that inhabit the pod of prez eighth grader have driven America's vision of life directly into the ground like an auger.

I've had the pleasure of reading a number of articles lately, incredibly written by journalists possessing a musical vocabulary that perfectly defines my feelings - which I immediately forget I've read. Regardless, these individuals beautifully illustrate the common thread of feeling that runs through the minds of thinking people from coast to coast. But here's the rub: what can be done about that idiot in DC? Apparently nothing. As POTUS, there is a wide latitude given and he can divulge anything he thinks is relevant to any foreign government, at any time.

Time will tell if his constant need for admiration from heads of state (to the point of passing along extremely classified info like cocktail party chit-chat) will prove deadly to the people in place securing that information.

Thanks POTUS. You blithering idiot.

April 6 2017 - Jesus its been forever!

Nation - welcome back your queen: "All will love me and despair!" Just a quick entry to advise anyone out there that I am still alive, unharmed, still married, and - while fired from my last employer of record - am now employed at an amazing real estate firm in NYC. They've increased my salary $11K over three years. And I'm teaching yoga.

Had anyone told me this at my last post - when I was about to ask my boss for a raise (it didn't work out obviously): long story short: I asked for more money, my boss asked for me to write a new job description, which she immediately revised, gave me fewer duties, wrote me up, I had surgery, she eliminated my position... yada, yada... after she tossed me, they tossed her less than 1 year later... yada yada yada... she's now dead. Not by my hand - cancer. Karma? (she shrugs) Who can say.

Hang with me. More cool things to come.  Jackie O

Long Time, No See

Nation - I absolutely cannot believe it has been 6 months since my last post. Quick recap: in Oct 2010, my work group had a Team Meeting in Providence RI. On the way up with my colleague, we stopped in Warwick, RI so I could have my first full Thai Massage performed by an equisitely talented woman, Laura Luitje. I'm sure I have mentioned back in Sep 2008 how I hurt my elbow and since then have been acutely aware of every single motion when using it. I tried physical therapy, resting, exercising, rubbing, soaking - no relief of any symptoms. I couldn't even tell you what Laura did during my session, but as I was leaving, she casually said "let me know if you get any relief in the elbow." I really didn't think about it again until the Sat before T'giving 2010 when I had a massage with another Thai practitioner in NYC. While this woman Ananda Apfelbaum (who, in addition to being Laura's teacher, has also written a book on Thai massage) was moving my left arm over my head, I was getting the right arm more comfortable on the floor. I realized at that moment that my right elbow didn't hurt anymore!

Pain is a strange thing, especially in a hinge joint; when it hurts you're so aware of it, BUT when it doesn't you can go through your day using it, not even thinking about the fact you even have an elbow or knee or whatever. Which is I believe how the human body is meant to move; you don't think about the mechanics, you just move.

I finally wrote to Laura this past weekend and told her about my 'sudden' miraculous pain free existence. I am in awe of her; she is a gifted saint.

Ok...so that was Oct/Nov 2010. Of course we were at the compound for Thanksgiving; I dragged my SIL to see Harry Potter Deathly Hallows (Pt1). She had never seen any of the previous 6 movies so I missed alot in explaining stuff to her.

We also went shopping up in Portsmouth on 'Black Friday', and we saw the very first snow of the season in the form of a squall! I cannot imagine facing one of these out at sea.

Other than my annual decorating of the Corporate Christmas Tree (which was viewed by my retired predecessor, Miriam, declaring it 'Muy Bonita!'), the winter was fairly uneventful, unless you count the inches of snow which fell in the Tri-State area of NY, NJ, CT: I think it was close to 70" total - basically 2 years worth by the end of January 2011! Here's a pic from the first snowfall.

It started snowing on Dec 27th and we had a blizzard every week for 5 weeks! It was amazing!

Spring has just begun here in the northeast, but the first crocuses were covered with another blast of snow yesterday, but only about an inch or two. Like a last gasp or something.

Being spring with its meaning of new life, new chances, I have made a decision to ask for a rather large increase to my base salary - in order to remain at similar market levels to counterparts in my position: $17K. Of course, will advise on how that goes. Am I nervous...well, I'm 52 years old and have never EVER asked for a raise in my entire working life - 35 years! Always willing to take what's offered, not rocking the boat, etc. This time, I figure, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

BTW - here's the hair as of Dec 1 2010:

Why Do I Keep Living?

It seems no matter what route I choose, it is always the wrong one. Hubs wanted to wash the putside of the windows today, but couldn't find anything except earth-friendly products. I stopped the cleaning work I was doing and mixed him a sprayer with ammonia and warm water. He wouldn't use it; why didn't I use vinegar? I said you asked for chemicals. He continued to complain about wasting his time with earth friendly products.

The thought of staying another day under this roof with him is intolerable.

He actually worked for the past 5 weeks - great for him mentally and physically. He was laid off last Friday, and now has nothing on the horizon for any work; no idea re: eligibility for unemployment extension.

Well, he's awake from his nap - "you're on the computer? All day, you're talking to somebody..."

Broken

hurt mocked insulted degraded intimidated victimized crippled stricken demoralized ... broken

Friday, June 18, 2010 - Just a quick word

Nation...I wanted to post just so all know I am still alive. My boss has hired a new work comp person to replace my longtime friend and coworker, who sent a resignation letter mid-March, the morning after I begged her via telephone to reconsider. My mom always told me to never quit a job unless you've got another one to go to. I haven't always followed that advice, and when those times occurred, I was not better for it.

My new coworker is very young (25), quite a switch for me. And she works with me in NJ, not in faraway MN-CO-CA (where my former moved to and back in 8 years). I never realized how much I could appreciate the company of a coworker; my new little friend is just so bright, she grasps our processes very quickly and has tons of ideas to where she'd like to lead our safety and comp programs. I just value her so much - she is so funny, and lots of fun. We joke that between the 2 of us, we make 1 good employee!

All else is well; I started a good home practice and now will be trying to work cardio in as well.

I was worried that I was falling off the edge of the knife last weekend, so depressed, I slept for about 18 hours on Saturday and then took Monday off. Episode passed and was so busy the rest of this past week I had NO TIME to feel anything but busy - for me that's a plus!

TTFN

Graying Gracefully - Half a Length

Here I am as of early this month.