About a month ago I purchased one of those bluetooth-stick-in-your-ear-phone-gadgets (BSIYEPG – too bad that won’t work as a catchy acronym) herein to be known as the EarBorg. As is my way with new gadgets, I let it sit around unused until last weekend when Patrick came home with one. I wore it around the house that Saturday until it hurt my ear, took it out, and haven’t used it since. Does one develop a callous on the ear so it no longer hurts or is it like wearing flip flops the first time each summer – you just get used to it? I did charge it up yesterday but then forgot about it. The fact is I don’t get that many phone calls in a day to warrant one, but I like the idea of using it while driving or ironing or multitasking in any way. Now I have to move from just liking the idea of it to actually using it. I like the image of me talking into the EarBorg so it looks as though I am talking to myself. My hair covers the Borg so it goes unseen. Maybe if I practice walking with a limp, or off kilter, twitching periodically while talking, people will stay clear.
As a society we are evolving into a species that constantly needs to be “in touch.” Remember those TV ads – “Reach out and touch someone.” But, as much as we seem to be ever in contact, our cell phone/computer technology allows us to reach out without ever having to actually touch anyone. We can hide behind such technology so we never have to deal face to face with one another. I’m not criticizing as I very much would rather stay hidden and not have to have face-to-face encounters with most people. Call someone and reach their voicemail? HURRAH! HALLELUJAH!! YES! Much better than having to conduct a conversation with the person all the time wishing you hadn’t called. Which leads us to the beauty of caller ID. Caller ID has reached even more wondrous heights on cell phones because each caller can have his/her own identifying ring tone so the phone can remain unseen while still knowing the caller’s identification. All this really means is it gives us all greater opportunity to ignore those we want to sort of “reach out to.”
I am looking forward to the day when the phone chip is implanted in my head. Heck, maybe I can get a mini-computer transplanted into the palm of my hand. God knows that is where a calculator should have been all my life.
Dropped Watson off for grooming and had three hours to kill before he was done so went to the day spa in the Fox River Mall for a manicure and pedicure. Sigh….the pedicure is so relaxing and the manicurists at this place don’t talk much to clients which I like. I don’t want to have to make small talk; I just want to relax.
However, my conscience kicked in while my feet were being scrubbed. I blame this on my reading a book about women who survive wars; I then signed up to sponsor a woman on www.womentowomen.org. So, as I am relaxing and having my dry, cracked feet scrubbed my conscience questions my choosing to spend money on this frivolity rather than donating it to a good cause. Uh, oh…..nothing like being reminded that I have shown little purpose in life of late and that I waste time on indulgences instead of doing good deeds.
I do believe in “signs” and am wondering if I haven’t been getting some hints that it is time to do for others. There have been three “signs” in the last two weeks:
1) I was having the Subaru serviced and began talking to a woman who tutored a young Mexican mother in English. This woman was trained by the literary council and tutors the young woman once or twice per week.
2) I picked up Watson from boarding yesterday and took home a Waupaca County Humane Society newsletter. They need people to walk dogs.
3) While in Iowa this week I went into a store selling only products from third world countries and picked up a book on women who survive wartime situations (the Sudan, Rwanda, Bosnia, etc) and went to a website which asks for sponsors for these women.
4) Okay, I said there were three signs but while typing the above I remembered a fourth volunteer opportunity that has been lurking in the back of my mind. There is a program that has people mentoring young women who have become involved in the juvenile judicial process.
Now, I am fully capable of volunteering for all of the above. I need to do something with my time and my life. I have had four opportunities virtually fall into my lap. Could I live without pedicures……yes. Do I want to live without pedicures…..no. Could I donate money and my time and still have pedicures…..probably. Hmmmm, is this compromise or just getting my way on both issues……
There are three perfect sandwiches. If I were to open a restaurant it would only serve these three sandwiches, with variations; potato chips or fritos for a side; milk or coffee for beverages; chocolate chip 
cookies or chocolate cake for dessert.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches
The perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich would be made with fresh white bread, Skippy or Jif peanut butter, and grape or strawberry jam. Variations: a) bread may be toasted b) potato chips, bananas, and/or raisins may be added.
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwiches
Toasted white bread, crisp bacon, tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, and mayonaise are the ingredients for the perfect BLT. Mayonaisse is optional and butter can be added.
Variations: untoasted bread, peanut butter, and/or sliced cheese.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
To make the best grilled cheese sandwich use white bread, regular American or cheddar cheese (no non-fat cheeses allowed as they don't melt as well), and butter. The bread must be buttered on both sides of each slice and grilled in a pan, over the stove, until golden brown with the cheese melted inside. Variations: crips bacon and/or tomatoes.
Extras
The potato chips would be either Lays or Jays -- no ruffles. Only original Fritos, no knock offs.
Chocolate chip cookies would be homemade Tollhouse cookies and the chocolate cake would be layered with thick chocolate frosting in the middle and on the top.
I do admit that sub sandwiches can be tasty, that hamburgers are good, that a turkey sandwich using left over Thanksgiving turkey is yummy (add mayo, lettuce, and cranberry sauce). Wraps are a new addition to the sandwich genre but I insist that the PB&J, BLT, and Grilled Cheese are the traditional best.
After turning 53 last week I've decided I needed a record of why every day above ground is a good day. I want this blog to keep track of my flights of fancy, my need to disregard reality and live more in fantasy, record my bad poetry, and log my attempts to retain a sense of humor. I'm sure seriousness and reality will sneak in.
Most of my life I have been too serious, too concerned about what others thought, worried about things big and small. After age 50 those worries and concerns have been lessening, and I find I prefer fantasy to reality, no longer need a face covered in make up to leave the house, will wash my hair every other day rather than each day, and will wear grubby clothes to the store. I ignore people I don't wish to encourage, I no longer care if people like me nor do I replay conversations in my head.
At 53 I am sillier, less concerned about most everything, more patient, happier.
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