The Future

Thinking today about what the future holds. I still haven`t found an office job after a year of searching. I do have my writing, but it doesn`t pay the bills yet. If I don`t get anything in the next month...when my EI runs out...I will be withdrawing some funds from my RRSP. It will be enough to last me a year and in that time I hope to become a full-time freelancer; I was amazed how little I got by on last year so I can definitely make this money last a year. My new business cards came today for my writing. I was thinking if I submit anything to local newspapers or to magazines that I include one with my query.

The more I am out of an office environment, the less I want to go back to that life. I am tired of always having to work for someone else where I am not appreciated.

I would like to start writing e-books, but coming up with topics is proving difficult. I do have a couple of ideas; I was bullied as a child and possibly an e-book about my personal experiences might go over well. Same as writing a book genealogy and what I have learned researching my own family. I also have an idea for a novel loosely based on my last job. I have gotten as far as writing down some character sketches.

It`s just a matter of writing. I am ghost writing a business blog which pays half my expenses for the month; I could definitely handle more gigs like that. Hopefully, PureSource will make good on the promise of writing a daily blog; haven`t heard anything since last week but it may be because they are trying to match writers to gigs.

I like the freedom of the work-at-home lifestyle. I like choosing my own hours, wearing whatever I want, working outside on the balcony, and of course, I love the writing. I have wanted to be a writer for years and I actually feel like I am one now. Maybe this is how it was meant to be for me; starting over at 55.

Sunnyside Home and Walk and Roll

I had planned to take part in a walkathon today at the Sunnywide Home in Kitchener. I work out at their Wellness Centre three times a week and I like the atmosphere of the place. There were two parts to the walkathon; one 3.4KM walk and one 1.5KM walk and roll. Only the longer walk happened due to continuing rain.

It started raining last night when I was reading in bed, around 10 PM. When I woke up in the morning around 6 AM it was pouring. The walk was to take place at 11 AM so I hoped it would dry up by then. But, at 11 AM it was still raining and it was too wet to take wheel chairs outside. I have a slight mobility problem so I was taking part in that. I had brought my cane just in case.

We did get to see the warm up for the walkers taking part in the longer walk. The guy who let this group was just a bundle of energy; I was tired just watching him.

So, in lieu of the walk, we were entertained by a jazz band made up of some residents and friends. I have to say, they were very good. A hot dog lunch was provided for all of those who registered to take part in the walk. I sat with a couple of women I have seen around the Home frequently.

I managed to get a hand massage while I was there. She said I had tension in my hands and lower arms; must be all the time I spend on the computer. It felt incredibly good. I could have had a free massage too but I passed, it was busy every time I walk by that area.  There were also raffles and door prizes; I won nothing.

The walkathon raised over $40,000 for Sunnyside. This will pay for ceiling lifts and physiotherapy equipment.

So, I did not get to walk but I did get a nifty pink t-shirt that will now be my workout t-shirt.

The rain is gone now, it is sunny and warm and humid. Tomorrow should be a very nice day.

International Day of Compassion

Today is the International Day of Compassion in honor of Dr. Patch Adams.

It seems to me that compassion is missing from most of our public relationships these days. It seems like so many are not willing to put themselves in the shoes of another. It's always their own fault for being in the condition they are in. People say things like "I would never let myself get into that predicament." Of course, that is ridiculous. Things can happen that we have no control over. No matter how careful we are, our circumstances can change at any time. And when that happens we would hope others would feel some compassion for our plight and strive to help us.

There seems to be a nastiness is the current climate of the United States, and to a lesser extent in Canada. We want to blame the poor for being poor, we want to blame the drug and alcohol addict for becoming addicted, we want to blame the sick by saying they brought their health problems on themselves, and we want to punish the children of illegal aliens by denying them an education. Everyone really should sit down and think about these problems and to not just worry about their own pocket book. In order for a society to continue and to flourish, compassion for ones fellow man is a necessity.

As has been said over and over again, it takes a village to raise a child. It also take a village to help a civilization to grow.

Wild blueberries: a miracle fruit? – As seen on Dr. Oz

I love blueberries and I was happy to learn of their any health benefits. Who knew such a small thing could be so powerful.

Wild blueberries: a miracle fruit? – As seen on Dr. Oz

I'm always learning something new from Dr. Oz. Most of it is common sense and natural alternatives.

Fred Astaire

I am a big fan of Fred Astaire. I love his movies, his dancing of course, and his singing. He was a great American original and the world is a better place because he existed. Thankfully, we can visit his movies as often as we wish.

Fred Astaire also had a successful recording history. He had many bestselling hits. While many think he had a terrible singing voice, many more appreciate his talent. His jazz version of Night and Day is by far my favourite.

I have written two articles about Fred Astaire:

Fred Astaire Singer

The Movies of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

Seen on Amazon:

Free Chair Exercises for Those with Mobility Problems

I have slight mobility problems that make normal exercises difficult or impossible. I recently have discovered chair exercises. There are quite a few available on the internet for free.

I wrote an article on Hubpages with exercises and some videos.

Chair exercises for those with mobility problems

A lot seem to be for seniors but are easily adaptable to everyone.

Online Games Offer a Way to Train the Brain

Online Games Offer a Way to Train the Brain

This was originally on Suite 101 but I moved it to Hubpages.

Seen on Amazon: