Progress

According to a recently read article, several items formerly in our daily use will become out of use in my lifetime. Some people who forecast future trends list these items as becoming extinct:
1. old-fashioned light bulbs- I only have a few left and will replace them with the newer ones when they stop working.
2. answering machines- I hate to admit that I still have one, but I do.
3. tube televisions-I have one, but only one.
4. Rolodexes- I have one, and I actually use it several times a month because I don't yet have all my contacts in my cell phone.
5. subway tokens-I don't use the subway.
6. printed encyclopedias- I knew about this, but it's kind of sad. I remember when the salesman came to our house and my parents made the sacrifice to get a set so their children could do well in school.  Their answer to many of our questions was, "Go look it up in the encyclopedia."
Take care,
Sylvia

Deodorant

It's interesting how we lock into certain products.  We may gravitate to them because the adults in our childhood home used them when we were growing up.  We may like them because they work best for us or appeal to our taste buds. We may simply like the packaging.  When we run out of our preferred product, we promptly go to the store and buy more of  that same product.I bought the wrong anti-perspirant/ deodorant the other day. I grabbed the correct brand from the drugstore shelf, but it was the incorrect form of the brand.  I prefer a gel roll-on to a solid.  I prefer the shower fresh fragrance to the  powder fresh fragrance. At least, I correctly bought the women's version of the product. Because I'm too cheap to discard the product, and I can't give it away because I've started using it, I continue to apply it.   The product works, but it's not what I'm used to.  However, if this is the biggest problem I face for the next few days, I consider myself ahead of the game.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Monticello

A tour of Monticello, the famous home of  Thomas Jefferson, America's 3rd President, was part of a recent trip.  The grounds were remarkable, as were the features of the mansion. President Jefferson made many contributions to the country, ( especially the Declaration of Independence) and was innovative in so many ways. It was interesting to note, however, that at least one of the presenters appeared to be uncomfortable with the significance of the slave Sally Hemings and her role in the Jefferson family. Here's the thing: history is what it is. It's not always wrapped up in a cute little box. We should find the truth of it, tell the truth of it, and learn from it.
Take care,
Sylvia

Your Ex

Not too long ago, I had a conversation with a lady who told me she'd just run into her ex.  This was a man she thought she'd eventually marry. Things did not work out, and they parted ways several years ago as friends. She remarked," I am so glad we didn't get married, because now I know it wouldn't have worked out. We really weren't right for each other after all."
The conversation made me wonder, "How many women or men feel that way about one or more of their exes?"  Just a thought.
Smiles,
Sylvia

Sugar

I just read an article about the damage caused to Americans who eat major amounts of sugar. The article referenced how our government initiated taxes on alcohol and tobacco, as well as informed citizens about the dangers of these non-essential-to-life products.  These efforts impacted alcohol and tobacco consumption. Now, there is a movement to fight the overconsumption of sugar, because candy and soft drinks are wreaking havoc on our nation's  waistlines.  Obesity has become a major problem. Some propose a stronger fat tax.  From my side of the fence, that's not a problem.  I've mostly avoided sugar and totally avoided soft drinks since I learned what too much of either can do to my body. We Americans generally don't like to be told what to do.  However, given the health facts, many of us have adjusted to a healthier lifestyle. Now, it's up to us to guide the children.
Take care,
Sylvia

Soul Sing

Last weekend, I joined a few members of the church as we visited a local residential residence for seniors. We sang  hymns a cappella, read scripture, and prayed with the residents. It reminded me of when I was a teen and I tagged along with my mom and the other church sisters to sing at nursing homes and hospitals.  This Saturday past,  the residents enjoyed the gathering, and several of them took part in the singing. One woman, who appeared to speak  only Vietnamese, got so excited when we sang, Jesus Loves Me.  She sang this song with gusto, in her native language, while the rest of us sang in English. It's amazing what  a spiritual song can do for the soul, no matter what the language. I gained as much from this visit as did the seniors in residence.
Take care,
Sylvia

Embrace It

I heard a beautiful model say on television, "I have really large hands!" in a way that sounded like she was apologizing for them. It made me think that many of us have a feature or features that may not be our favorites because they aren't "perfect."  Maybe it's a crooked smile, bushy eyebrows, a generous backside, knock knees, a dental overbite, a pigeon-toed walk, bowed legs, a big nose, a high waist, skinny legs, etc.
Whatever you think your imperfection is, why not embrace it?  You were made that way, so why let others' rules for cosmetic perfection impact how you feel about how you were made?  Besides, as far as looks go, what appeals to one may not appeal to another.  It's really what's inside that counts.
And now, I'm patting my knock knees, and thanking them for working so well for me all these years!
Smiles,
Sylvia