Prompts and/or Challenges – J-Dubs Grin and Bear It

Share Your World ~ 9/7/21

Published on 09/07/202109/06/2021 by J-Dub13 Comments

Melanie gives us the questions and we serve up the answers. Hope you enjoy this weekly treat. To join in, go back and click on ‘Melanie’ for there you will find the rules and ping back.

QUESTIONS

Do you believe in soul-mates? (my definition of ‘soul mate’ is the IDEAL partner romantically). Why yes, yes I do because I’ve met mine. I’ve been married to him for 37 years as of 9/15. B & I have actually known each other since I was 12 & he was 13. We didn’t know we were soulmates at the time of course. B was just my best friend’s father’s best friend’s son. Say that 3 times fast. lol. I imagine for someone who has yet to meet their soulmate that they might say nope, soulmates are not a thing. And I guess for them, that’s true.

What are three scents you like?

1- Rose since it reminds me of my mamaw.

2- Vanilla because in my sister’s first apartment, she used vanilla scented candles to decorate. I thought that was tre-chique. I vividly remember one of the candles was shaped like a light bulb. Even more vogue. I mean c’mon it was the 70s. I’d sit there in the comfyiness that was her place and feel safe. If I think about it, I can smell vanilla now. Ahhh now that’s the stuff.

3- Rain – yep it has a smell. Reminds me of playing in the rain. Dashing on and off the front porch with my brothers. Getting soaked. Then, when we were done and ready to dry off, mom would bring us warm towels from the dryer that smelled like the Downy equivalent since name brand stuff was way too expensive. Guess that’s a fourth scent … clothes from the dryer.

What are some things that you might be considered too old to do, but that you enjoy? Hmm. I don’t consider myself too old to do anything. What I enjoy doing is ageless. Reading, writing, listening to music. Soaking in culture at a museum. Walking, hiking, being out in nature. Swinging on my garden swing.

What is one food you absolutely refuse to share? Hmm. There isn’t any food I’d absolutely not share. In fact, to me, food is meant to be shared. Family style dinners are the best. I’m reminded of my favorite restaurant, Hsiu Yu’s. Sadly this family owned gem has been closed since 2016. Mama Hsiu and her husband retired and the kids didn’t want to continue in the restaurant biz. Before the doors were closed for good, I went there on my birthday every year for easily three decades. Anytime I had a random day off, that was my lunch spot. How’s that for customer loyalty?!?! They had four or so tables set up with lazy susans in the middle. The dishes were set on the lazy susan so you could spin it around to get a bite of everything.

GRATITUDE SECTION (as always, optional)

Please feel free to share something positive! Well, today my gratitude is a no brainer. I’m grateful for this prompt, that Melanie hosts us each week, and for the feels that writing my answers gave me. Life is good y’all. Leaving you with a musical interlude.

As always, more to come.

Share Your World ~ 8/31/21

Published on 08/31/202108/30/2021 by J-Dub9 Comments

Wait! Don’t go August. Hard to believe we’ll have only four more months of 2021. Melanie is providing the set up yet again. Back in the older days, set ups meant coke, sprite, or club soda. Beer and set ups meant time to partay!!! ‘Nuf silliness. We’re going deep on these today.

QUESTIONS

Are human beings required to better themselves and will doing that make them happier? No and yes. I think the word required is throwing me. For way too many years I did exactly what I thought was expected or required of me. Not anymore. I want to break free ala Freddie and the rest of Queen. However, there have been studies which show people just want to feel necessary and needed. Upskilling/bettering yourself is a nice way to do that. Might even make one happier. But might also be relative. Since as feature image from Frida Kahlo (which I wholeheartedly agree with) states in a nutshell happiness is a daily choice.

Is it easier to love or to be loved? Loving is easy (sounds like a song lyric to me). When I really think about this question, for me, to be loved is easier. But that’s only because of B who says very little but does everything. Actions do speak louder than words where he is concerned.

Outside traumatic brain injury, can memories be completely erased? Yes I do believe that over time memories can fade away completely. Our brains can hold only so much information. We are bombarded daily. In my case, eventually older memories are replaced with newer memories, Though some things from the past are memories that for whatever reason I hold on to forever.

Is there such a thing as a good death? Yes when the suffering is too much to bear. My Mamaw and my mom are examples of that. Cancer is a bitch.

and one ‘silly’ one because the former questions were fairly serious: What do you imagine is inside a baseball? A bunch of string at least I think that is what was there when my brother cut one open.

GRATITUDE SECTION

Feel free to share something uplifting this week! I’m grateful that I was able to complete part of my quarterly audits yesterday because we got a dispensation to use July data. Woo to the Hoo!! I LOVE being early 🙂

As always, more to come.

#WATWB ~ 8/27/21

Published on 08/27/202108/22/2021 by J-Dub8 Comments

My entry for the month A Love of Literacy. Oh how I used to love book fairs. What an awesome idea. On the road to 500k.

August co-hosts are Mary J. Geise (maryjmelange.wordpress.com ) & Belinda Witzehausen (BelindaWitzenhausen.com)

#WATWB is a blog hop on the last Friday of every month. Here are the intention and rules which aren’t being maintained any longer but I’m using just in case. Find #WATWB on FB and Twitter.

Share Your World ~ 8/24/21

Published on 08/24/202108/23/2021 by J-Dub12 Comments

I’m a day late and a dollar short. Melanie is kicking us off with the questions. I was watching a commercial for a new show with Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. A murder mystery in the form of Jessica Fletcher played by Angela Lansbury or maybe a Colombo spoof. Any who, Selena calls Martin and Steve two randos … that made me giggle. I like the word rando and use it often. Made me think random bag may actually be a good thing. Okay enough prattling about. Let’s go!

QUESTIONS (a random bag today)

Can you parallel park (if you drive)? If you don’t drive, can you still skip? Why yes I can but the funny thing is I learned while doing parent taught driver’s ed with Lulu. I googled how to and watched a video that was more clear than anyone ever trying to teach me. When I took my test all those years ago, the person testing me said ah, you’ll never need that, let’s skip it. Whew! I had been practicing for months but was not very good at it and nervous as hell that day. Oh and btw, he was right. I never needed to parallel park.

Do you prefer early morning or late evening? Or something in between? Now I am a morning person but for years I was what my mom called a night owl. Something in between would ruin my day. Up is down and down is up. Get at it early and relax in the evenings, that’s my motto.

Do you like avocados? YES!!! in all forms. I know you’re thinking Jilly there’s not much one can do with an avocado but there are quite a few options.

Is mind or matter more real? Mind makes matter more real. ha! figure that one out. lol

and a bonus ‘deep’ question just because

Are people in this current generation less or more sensitive than people from past generations? Nope. Some people are sensitive. Some people aren’t sensitive. Then there is the spectrum of people in between. Then there are those depending on the situation who may react a certain more sensitive way because of triggers. Generation has zero to do with sensitivity. Anyway that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

GRATITUDE SECTION (as always optional)

Please feel free to share something inspiring that’s happened to you recently! I’ve been a bit down in the dumps but I took a stroll around SA Botanical Gardens this past Saturday. I was inspired by the beauty in nature. Like this picture that follows … where God dropped a paint brush. ❤

As always, more to come.

Share Your World ~ 8/17/21

Published on 08/17/202108/16/2021 by J-Dub5 Comments

Melanie and Evil Squirrel are kicking off a new feature. How fun is this!!! And awaaaayyyy we go 🙂

7-15-2021 When you just need to forget the world for a few hours, what helps you get away from it all? (Fuzzywig the Stoner Raccoon) I walk the stress off. Ever since I got my outdoor swing, I walk outside and go directly there under the pecan tree in the great outdoors swaying the cares away. Something about the change of scenery works as a nice re-set. And yes I can spend hours on my swing.

7-22-2021 If you woke up tomorrow with a unicorn horn extending from the top of your head, what would be the biggest advantage and disadvantage of your new appendage? (Mitzi the ~~Horny~~ FRIENDLY Unicorn) Hahaha. No idea but hopefully the horn would bring with it magic. Magic to make the world a better place. That would definitely be an advantage. If only …

7-29-2021 What is the creepiest thing you’ve ever seen someone do, that you’d be willing to talk about, of course? (Snuggle The ~~“I Like It Kinky”~~ Friendly Bear) I live a mild life. I steer clear of creepy and can’t even think of anything creepy from real life that I’ve seen. Now on TV or the movies, I’m shocked by what’s called entertainment. Plenty of creepy to go around.

8-5-2021 What’s the silliest or pettiest thing that tends to really upset you? (Rainy, The Wickedly Obsessive Rain Loving Skunk) I’m turning over a new leaf where silly and/or petty will no longer upset me. Only I can control how I react to things. Silly, I will laugh away and petty, I will rise above. Now lets just see how long that lasts. I’ll let you know how it goes.

GRATITUDE SECTION (Always Optional)

How comfortable are you with meeting others who are very different from yourself? (no judgment implied. Different in any way you’d like to think about – different cultures, different races, different mind set (opinions)? Very comfortable. I have always gravitated to what is unique, the underdog, those who march to a beat no one else can hear. I’m fascinated by what makes people tick which means my mind is opening to considering other prescribes. There always the possibility of a better way than anything I could create. Still learning something new every day.

As always, more to come.

Share Your World ~ 8/10/21

Published on 08/10/202108/09/2021 by J-Dub5 Comments

Melanie teased us with a new feature for next week. Woo to the hoo!! In the meantime, let’s get on with this week’s questions. And awaaaaayyyyy we go 🙂

QUESTIONS

Restrictions are being lifted all over the world. Do you feel it’s safe to go out and mingle in crowds in light of the Pandemic? Yes, no, maybe so, certainly. That was a jump rope verse we used on the playground in grade school. Now I’m kicking it way back. Too many variants are clogging up the works as “they” whoever “they” are say. And with all the information or misinformation out there, all I can do is follow my own safety protocols. I’ve gotten both jabs, I’m wearing my mask again, and sticking close to home. I’m back to “you do you” which is so outside my nature. I’m a semi-socialist, greater good kinda gal. Who is a bit nutty and is very afraid of catching something that is avoidable.

What are some things that are okay to do occasionally, but definitely not okay to do every day? I got this quote off a coaster at the oldest bar in San Antonio that sums up my feeling on the matter “everything in moderation including moderation”. Eat the cake and use the good towels. If you’re not hurting anyone else, do all the things you want to do when you want to do them.

Would you relocate for love (romantic or otherwise)? Yes, no, maybe so, certainly. I had so many chances to move and stayed put. First was to Norfolk in 1985/86. Phoenix in 1999. Colorado Springs in 2012ish. I always said thanks but no thanks. Family kept me rooted. I often wonder what would have happened if B and I had taken a leap of fate.

Do you believe in any conspiracy theories (no judgment)? I believe that perceptions are people’s reality. Which means anything can be true/real to YOU. Sadly good people do bad things and vice versa. Let’s just say nothing surprises me anymore. The depths of human depravity but also the height of human goodness/kindness. With everything in between.

GRATITUDE PORTION (Optional to participate, as always)

Please share something sweet (take that as you want) How about virtual cupcakes! That’s sweet. I’m grateful I had my week to re-set and re-charge. Now I’m back in the saddle again. lol 🙂

#WATWB ~ 7/30/21

Published on 07/30/202107/09/2021 by J-Dub9 Comments

Following the video, here are some thought provoking questions to ask yourself:

Who in the video had the most authority and what did you observe them doing?
Who in the video had the least authority in the video and what did you observe them doing?
Who in the video had the most influence?
What other challenges were faced?
How did others respond to the boy in the video?

When I watched this video, I cried. To be fair, I cry easily. Don’t worry, they were happy tears. Words not needed, pictures worth 1000 words.

#WATWB is a blog hop on the last Friday of every month. Here are the intention and rules which aren’t being maintained any longer but I’m using just in case. Find #WATWB on FB and Twitter.

As always, more to come.

Share Your World ~ 7/27/21

Published on 07/27/202107/27/2021 by J-Dub10 Comments

Yay! Time to answer some questions. Thanks Melanie for bringing us all together.

QUESTIONS

Do you believe in second chances? Why yes, I sure do! I’ve experienced second chances first hand and sometimes there is redemption while other times you’re only delaying the inevitable. Forgiveness can be a beautiful thing but there is also the adage of fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. Bet lots of second chances are folks getting fooled again. Cue the Who! Then I’ll get on my knees and pray. We don’t get fooled again …

Is your glass half full or half empty? Despite my sometimes Eeyore-esque way of being, I’m a glass 1/2 full gal.

Would you rather someone be honest and hurt your feelings or lie to protect them? LIE like a rug. I’m telling ya what. Lulu shared some things with us this past Thanksgiving that I could have gone my whole life not knowing. Sometimes ignorance is BLISS.

Another example, once upon a time, I was applying for my dream job. A friend on the committee told me that everyone voted for me except one person. She proceed to tell me what he had said. She was only looking out for me. So I could prepare for any interactions with him. What this meant to me was that despite my getting the job, he thought I didn’t deserve it. After that, every time I saw him I was tongue tied. I proved him right since around him, I turned into a blithering idiot. Awkward.

Now caveat to that, sometimes the truth hurts but for safety and personal well being, you need to “spill the tea”. Consider your motives, the other person’s ability to adapt to the news, and things like that. Actually maybe just ask them, do they want to know?

When have you felt your biggest adrenaline rush? Hmm. Isn’t it usually taking risks that gets the adrenaline jumping? Or running from them? Well as an insurance professional I mostly avoid risk. Any adrenaline I felt was by accident, like almost being in a car wreck. Crisis averted and heart beating out of my chest. Ugh. But the worst of the worst was the rattle snakes around this place. If you’ve ever been buzzed by a pit viper or dealt with the aftermath of your pup being bit, you know what I mean. Forget heart beating out of your chest, more like a heart attack.

GRATITUDE SECTION

What are you grateful for? I am grateful for my friends near and far, real or imagined. Haha! Basically a big shout out and thanks for being able to share and laugh our way through some of the most trying times ever. Ya buddy, now that’s the stuff.

As always, more to come.