The Walls have Pesky Ears

The sun was shining and it was the perfect afternoon to take my dog for a run at the off leash park. The trails were quiet with a few other souls walking their pups. As we reached the bank of the river my dog jumped in for a swim. 

I stood behind the bank and could hear two women talk, “I saw Esther at the club.”

“Did you see the work she had done?”

“I know! Did you hear about her husband?”

As I stood there listening to these two women talk I was able to connect the dots one plus one equals…Yes! I did know who they were talking about and was slightly appalled by the cattiness of the conversation. I would have liked to have feigned disinterest and pretend to ignore the gossip.  But It’s hard not to connect the dots or ignore a juicy discussion that is right in front of you.

As  my dog ran out of the water and we turned away. I was slightly surprised that they were so open and loud about the conversation.

I thought of the old saying “The walls have ears!”

I am human I have shared or savored a tidbit of gossip.I would like to think we are all enlightened individuals but sometimes it’s fun to discuss the time Norma had too much to drink and danced with a dirty old sailor. However, if word got back to Norma how would she feel  that we talked and chuckled about her amorous evening.

I have realized somethings should be left unsaid because you never know when that gossip can comeback to bite you in the butt. The walls always have those pesky ears and you never know who will hear it!

Have you ever shared a tidbit of gossip? Did it ever return to bite you in the butt?

Blogging: Where Do You Draw the Line?

Mr.MBA usually doesn’t read my blog but sometimes on the occasional chance he gets curious and visits my  little online world. This morning as we were eating breakfast we were having a discussion about his broken nose. He looked at me curiously, “You are not going to blog about this are you?”

“No! I’ll leave your poor nose alone.”

“Good!”

He then looked at me, “You know I’m thinking I might have to begin thinking before I speak. Maybe I should trademark everything I say?”

“Why?”

“Well! If you are going to keep mentioning me in your blog.”

I burst out into laughter “Yes! All insightful great one! Please do!”

It was with that we went about our morning business and making plans for the day.  As I looked over the morning newspaper I began to think there are many things I share with readers but also there is a line that I won’t cross in my personal life. I believe some conversations and some events in life are best kept private regardless of how good of a story it is to tell.

So, I want to know are there things you refuse to blog about it? Do you have a line that you don’t cross when it comes to life, family, and career? If so where do you draw the line?

What’s Behind a Smile?

A smile is more than just an upward curve of the mouth. It is the gesture which symbolizes joy, happiness, optimism, and laughter. A stranger with a welcoming smile can brighten your day! And a friend with compassion who listens without pursed lips is the one you lean on when times are tough.

One small gesture can mean so much in so many different ways. As I was leafing through one of my Father’s old poetry books. I came across this little poem – it brought a smile to my face.

A Smile

Let Others Cheer the winning man,

There’s one I hold worth while;

‘Tis he who does the best he can,

The loses with a smile.

Beaten he is, but not to stay

Down with the rank and file;

That man will win some other day,

Who loses with a smile.

~ Unknown

It was the eternal optimism of this poem which made me smile. It seems when things get grim the last thing anybody wants to do is smile. But what if we did? Would it change our own perspective on life? I want to know what hides behind your smile? 

Snow Drifts and Squeaky Joints

I looked outside the window it was grey, bleak, and lightly snowing. It wasn’t the dream elements I had in mind for Free the Dream Fun Run. I thought it might be more freeing to run in the warm sun on a paved sidewalk. It was at that moment the phone rang and at first instinct I knew who was calling me.

I picked up the phone, “Hey Grace!”

“Hey! Did you still want to do the 5km run tonight?”

“Of Course!”

“Damn it! I knew you would say that!”

“Well! We did pay to run in it! And just think of the reward knowing you ran two races this week.”

“Ugh! I knew you would say that! Fine. I’ll run!”

And with that we made our way to the Free the Dream Fun Run which was a great fundraiser to support youth from low-income families to be able to play sports without the added worry of cost and equipment.

As we walked over to the start line we felt a brief chill in the wind. It was one of those moments I felt like turning back and saying - maybe we should go for hot chocolate instead…

Grace gave me the look “I can’t believe you are making me do this!”

“I didn’t make you do anything! I’m just happy you are here to run with me.”

It was with that we made our merry way down the road and onto the city trail system. We were prepared for slow moments on the ice but not ready to run through snow drifts. It became an obstacle course of not tripping on top of the people in front of you, attempting not to sink up to your knees, and the odd bunny hop over a drift of snow.

But, once we made it to the clear part of the trail it was easy-going with a couple small hills.  Unfortunately we had to loop our way back through the winter wonderland obstacle course. It was within minutes of running through the snow. I felt a small jolt in my knee. I let out muffled swear word and kept running. It was at that moment I knew my squeaky knees were never destined to sludge through deep snow.

All in all it was still a fun run full of unsuspecting obstacles! However my knee still begs to disagree! They have  been squeaking and creaking since the chance wrestling match with the snow.

Do you have any issues with joints or back pain? How do you nurture your sore spots after a good workout?

Getting a Little Spring Back in My Step!

I woke up this morning dreading the St. Patrick’s day run! The sky was dark and there was a slight chill in the air. I wondered if this was an ominous sign? I haven’t run in over two and a half weeks and was clueless to how much conditioning I had lost in that time and was fearful of wheezing  to the finish line. So, I dropped out of 10km and moved to the 5km run.

I met up with my friend Grace and laughed that we were running in a winter wonderland on the first day of spring. We walked our way over to the start line and we came up with a game plan.  Our plan was simple it was to run, finish, and not worry about beating our own personal best. It was the no pressure approach that we needed to stick to the race!

Just before the start of the race there was a loud warning over the speaker,’Be careful under the bridge it is icy, I repeat, Under the Bridge is Icy!’

 I looked at Grace and sighed, “Great!”

I was envisioning a loud thud on the ice and once again bruising my tailbone. I  thought of many pillows in my future. However, that was not the case, we took our time on the treacherous ice, we slid, we laughed, and we ran. It was a fun 5km both of us just motivating each other to keep going!

As the snow lightly fell as we admired the winter scenery of the river valley. It was a beautiful morning!  I know it didn’t feel like the perfect first day of spring with a morning full of budding tulips  but on this morning run I did get back the little spring in my step. And that’s all the motivation I needed to keep going!

Our next fun race is this Wednesday night, The Free to Dream 5km, and it’s for a great cause with KidSport! If I can do one race this week – I may as well do another!

What helps to put the spring back in your step and keep you motivated?

An Idealistic Christmas List

As, I finish the last-minute wrapping, baking, and dream of boxing day sales. I look forward to a Christmas with an open heart, merriment, and wonder of a child.  And with those child-like eyes I’ve made my own idealistic Christmas list:

1.  End World Hunger

2. Free Effective Health Care for All

3. World Peace

4. Equality for All People

5. Good Governance

6. A Sustainable Environment

Now, my list is small, but in the world of back room politics, and let’s make a deal with the devil, I know these problems will never be solved. But it’s nice to look with a childs eyes knowing with full heart that there is simple solution to all of the world’s problems right in front of us.  But wouldn’t it be nice, if this wish list could come true?

I guess that’s why we wish, to hope for a better day, and brighter future. And that is what I wish for all of you over this holiday season. I also wish you all  a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

My Husband has Mistaken Me for Sarah Palin

Some men,  buy women flowers, expensive jewelry, or something pretty for their wives on their Birthday. Oh! But not my honey! He likes to think outside the box, to get in touch with his wives inner feelings, and get her the most surprising gift ever. Yes! It was surprising! Head – Scratching (and no it wasn’t head lice)! But it was one of those speechless presents that you wonder – do I really send off that kind of signal?

The past couple of weeks have been hectic with Mr. MBA recovering from a mild surgery. I’ve become nurse, taxi driver,cleaning lady, head chef, volunteer, and exterior Christmas decorator all wrapped into one.

It was just yesterday, I strung the outdoor Christmas lights, impaled myself with a tree branch,  fell backwards off the ladder, only to be tripped by Frosty the Snowman. It was one of those comical moments,  you know the neighbors, are hiding behind their curtains, laughing at the mad girl, swearing off a storm of expletives.

So, as I marched into the house, I fantasized this would  be the Birthday year I would get a punch card for hot yoga glasses, or a gift certificate to a luxurious spa to soothe away all of  my stress.

So, I woke up this morning, ready to open my present, imagining something glorious!

I ripped open the package, to discover a case of beer, and a hundred-dollar gift certificate to the shooting range. I was tired, speechless, I looked at the beer, and then looked at the gift certificate.

“You got me a hundred-dollar gift certificate to the shooting range?”

Mr. MBA eyes gleamed with pride, “Isn’t it great?”

“Ummm! I guess!”

“I thought you would like it! You’ve talked about going in the past.”

I half smiled “Oh! But I was kinda half-joking about it.”

“You  don’t like it!”

“It’s not that I don’t like it! It’s just I’m wondering…Do I look like Sarah Palin to you?”

“Well kinda.”

“What!?”

“Well in a good way!You like to camp, hike and fish. Plus, you kinda look like  her when you pull your hair back, and wear your glasses. Also, when you have a little too much to drink your little accent comes out.”

“Ugh! I don’t have an accent!”

“But I thought you would like it! It would be a good way to relieve the stress and have fun!”

I looked at the beer. I  looked at the gift certificate.  And thought what the heck!  

 I looked at Mr. MBA,  and with my best Scarlett accent exclaimed, ” I can shoot straight,  if I don’t have to shoot to far…Just don’t ever mistaken me for Palin, again!”

So, this hectic season, who needs spa appointments, hot yoga, and expensive jewelry. Hell! I got a gift certificate to the shooting range and I’m going to enjoy every stress-free minute of it!

Running Solo

It was just last week  temperatures plummeted to below-20 with a wind chill factor of -36. It was on those cold days I would bundle up and run. On most of the runs, I was fairly warm, with the right gear.  I enjoyed the brisk air, the snow-covered trees, and quiet trails.

I loved that there was not a soul in sight. I would just run with my thoughts and focus on my breathing. The problem maybe I enjoyed running solo a little too much.

Grace and I signed on to do the Resolution Run together. She doesn’t love running,  isn’t enjoying the cold weather, and since our last run she has become a bit of a thorn in my side.

We went out for a group run, the temperature plummeted, and it was obvious from her body language that she didn’t want to be there…The moment we embarked on our run, she started to complain, couldn’t breathe,too cold, her glasses were fogging up. I kept trying to be the cheerleader. But it wasn’t working. I could feel her negative energy seeping through her pores, festering all towards me.

I was beginning to get cranky, tired of cheering, being positive, and just wanted to get work out everything in my own head. It was hill training, it was hard, and I needed to focus on myself. The more she complained, the more tired I would become, within in minutes it all went downhill and became a very bad run. She just wasn’t in the right frame of mind and I didn’t have anymore energy to help her change her mind.  I would run ahead and then run back to check on her every few minutes. I was frustrated with her, and frustrated with myself for not being as patient or understanding as I should have been that night.

Needless, to say after we finished that run. She wasn’t happy, started to complain, I turned my ear, and went in a separate direction. The day had already been stressful with compromising with Mr. MBA, negotiating with the kids, and dealing other family issues. I just didn’t need anymore, all I wanted to do by this point was stretch, soak in a hot tub, and go to bed.

It was the  next morning she sent me a very nice email thanking me for cheering her on, checking on her, and she realized  that maybe she shouldn’t have run that night. She also recognized it wasn’t my fault that she was cold,  and her glasses kept fogging up. She also pointed out that all of her anger was festering from past  childhood experiences in phys ed.class, and I had become the target of it. I think this reflection was good. But for me it also made me realize maybe I’m better running on my own. It’s my time and I don’t have to deal with emotions, or other people’s baggage. Is it wrong to think this way?

The weather, has finally warmed, once again, but we decided to take a break from each other for the rest of the week. And maybe next week will be our week? It was our last run together which taught me  that sometimes running with a partner is like a marriage, it takes compromise, patience, and communication. But sometimes I just don’t want to compromise, communicate, or be patient. Sometimes,  I just want to run.

What do you prefer running solo? Or with a partner?

Procrastination Rears Its Ugly Head

One first draft of a novella, two half-finished short stories, and one personal essay, all looking at me, waiting for me to edit, rework, rewrite and then start the whole evil  cycle over, once again. Unfortunately, editing has become one of those  tedious labours which my red pen keeps getting interrupted by the telephone, the anxious dog, and the thumping of the washing machine. I’m looking, at the papers, looking at my red pen, and then looking out the window.

Heck! I’m even blogging about not editing! If this is not full-out procrastination - I don’t know what is? I do however know that my stuff needs work!  Lots of work!  The message I’m attempting to convey on paper  is not coming out  the way I visualize in my head! I wonder if today is one of those days in which  I should just throw my red pen down, step away, and take a break. Or, do I keep bamming my head against the brick wall?

I know if I walked into my sisters office and start bemoaning this whole neurotic issue to her. Her eyes would roll to the back of her head, she might sigh, and  then  respond with her most  compassionate tone,   ”Quit moaning, suck it up, and finish writing the frickin’ thing!”

Trust me! She never glosses anything over and she’s right!  Time to pick up that red pen,  and start slashing!

What do you to overcome procrastination?

Trash Talk Tuesday – The T-Disc Dilemma and the Dispute

It was just last week  I suffered from the great T-Disc dilemma!  I wasn’t sure if  T-Disc could be recycled?  But then I got an idea courtesy of Your Guide to  Green Living  which informed me that coffee grounds were full of nutrients that plants love. As I read I noticed  my lovely oregano, dill,  parsley and  basil looking a little hung over. I thought this would be  the perfect way to rescue my indoor herb garden from too much drink and very little nourishment.

So I have taken on this tedious task of recycling my T-Discs and saving the coffee grounds with vigor. Now, every time, I use a T-disc, I pop it open, scrape the coffee grounds into a can under the sink, and use it later as plant food. I then clean out the used t-discs and throw them  into the blue bag for recycling. This way I have my recycled cake and eat it too without the guilt!

However, Mr. MBA had issues with this whole process…

On Saturday morning he watched my T-disc ritual with bafflement and confusion.  He asked, “What are you doing?”

“I’m cleaning out the T-discs, so they can be recycled, and use the coffee grounds to nourish the plants.”

“Oh! Why?”

“It’s good for the environment.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!”

“I’m not!”

“Are you bored?”

“Bored?”

“Yes, are you bored?”

“No, I’m not bored!”

“Then why are you creating all of this extra work?”

“It’s not extra work.”

“It is!”

“Well I’m not asking you to do it! Just give me your T-disc!”

“I’m not giving you the T-disc.”

“Why not?”

“It seems like a redundant task.”

“It’s not a redundant task! It’s good for the environment!”

“Well! Who else does this?”

“I don’t know!”

“It seems like a waste of time.”

“Don’t you want to be a good citizen? Show your children that you are the green machine Dad?”

“I am a good citizen! And I’m a machine!”

“I mean global citizen! Just think of the future, our children, their children.”

“Don’t pull that argument with me!”

He then took the T-Disc and threw it in the wet garbage!

I gasped, “What are you doing?”

“ I’m throwing the T-Disc in the Trash!”

“But it’s plant food! Dig it out!”

“I’m not digging it out!”

“Yes You are ! Or no dessert for you tonight!”

“No dessert?”

“That’s right!”

“Fine.”  And with that he plucked the T-disc out of the and grumbled “Good Grief! Next week we’ll all be vegans!”

As he walked away, I secretly thought, not such a bad idea.  It would be good for the environment, a great way to lose weight and maybe I would get those slender vegan yoga arms. A girl can dream…..

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