Itchy

A few days after I posted my January 1 optimism piece, I noticed an itchy spot on my shin. In roughly the same spot as a big bruise I got in the summer from a fall.   The spot grew with alarming speed and was eventually, after being seen by 5 doctors (first two thought infection, third and fourth on the right track and sent me to a dermatologist.   Within 9 days it spread over most of my body. The only spot to escape so far, is my face.  Small mercies.

I still don't have a diagnosis but I suspect a type of eczema. I used to get it every winter as a kid. This rapid and widespread is, I believe, called an "Id Reaction."  The original spot on my leg now takes up most of my shin but with greasy coatings of steroid ointment I am healing. So...I wasn't feeling up to posting.

Managing Expectations & Happy New Year 2014

I was ready to retire again last week.  I was a bit discouraged because I felt like I hadn't set the world on fire at the new job right away.   I had to step back and realise I wasn't working for the same company.  Success will come again.  I can be patient. 

With my husband retired now, the temptation to pack it in is strong.  Especially when we start talking about travel.  Then I realised time off and travel will come again.  I can be patient.

During my 20 months off, I didn't get as fit as I wanted.  More walking, less chocolate is the solution.   I will be healthier again.   I can be patient.

I make New Year resolutions.  I don't often stick to them but this year I'm going to resolve only to be kinder to myself.  That should be easy to do and in so doing, the rest should fall into place again.  I will be patient.  

9 to 5

I've spent the last 10 working days crammed in a very hot meeting room with 8 strangers.  And loving it!  I've been training for my new job.  It's similar to the last one in that I'll be investigating possible financial shenanigans, but with a somewhat different focus.

I have found myself on the much despised subway with a smile on my face.  Going home is another matter because during training, I had to work 9 to 5 and the subway is so crowded around 5 that it is most unpleasant.  As I get to work early regardless of my starting time, the morning trip is pretty good.  This coming week, I will have switched to my regular hours of 8 to 4 so the subway will be a bit less crowded.

I'm looking forward to this continuation of my career.  The company is smaller and inclusive.  Lots of women and different cultures.  No offices, everyone including the boss are in cubes!  My adventure continues.

Not So Retired After All...

It appears I'm going back to work...at least for a year.  They came to me which feels kinda good.  Although I was ready to accept retirement, I would have preferred to work until I was ready to leave rather than being laid off.  This feels like redemption to me and I'm happy. Plus it means we can hold off on plans to move away from the city or to a condo.

I have been sitting on this possibility for 7 loooong weeks so I'm glad it's settled and I know what I'm doing, at least for the next year.  If it only lasts a year, that's ok, if it is longer, that's ok too.  

I have been packing in the travel for the past while in case I got the job as there would not be as much opportunity after I start.  My sister and I drove down to DisneyWorld and back which was an adventure in itself.  It was a bit tiring and it is unlikely we will do that again.  Then I went to meet a friend in Chicago which was great fun.  Then I went to Disney again with the husband, also great fun. 

I'm ready to go back to work.  I missed being downtown even though I didn't miss riding the subway.

The mayor...why won't he go away?

I'm going to keep this generic but most people will know what I'm talking about...

The mayor of my city...This is not someone I voted for and although I was stunned when he won the election, I always say that because of my own economic situation, it doesn't matter who is elected as me and mine will be ok.  

I am more than simply a taxpayer of my city, province and country.  I am a citizen.  I realise that if I want good roads, decent schools for children, civic infra-stucture, safe neighbourhoods, public transit, healthcare, pensions etc., I have to pay taxes.  These things are not free. I believe in helping out those less fortunate.  This is what separates the citizens from the taxpayers.   

That being said, I now I want this mayor to go away and get some help, for himself and for his wife and children.  He is not up to the job.  He has never been up to the job.  I'm going to go so far as to say that the job is beyond his capabilities.  He can't handle it without at least alcohol and possibly more.  I have read the police report  (400+ pages) and I don't believe the people, who have cooperated with the cops, are all lying when giving similar accounts of incidents described therein.  So, somebody else is lying.  

While we are at it, I would like his brother to go away too.  If he loves his mayor brother - and given his actions I don't think he does - he would get him into rehab.  If his mother loves her mayor son, she would urge him into rehab.  The goal with this family seems to be greater political aspiration for the brother.  God help us all.

Inertia Again

I am suffering from inertia again.  I can't seem to get much done.  I have a nephew who decided he was going to be a hotdog for Hallowe'en.  I have the fabric and the concept in my head for this costume, but it is not getting done.  I should clarify.  I'm not doing nothing as I've been very busy with family and household chores but not much in the creative department.  I think after Canadian Thanksgiving, things will settle down.  

We are reorganising the house a bit.  Cleaning out stuff and tidying up.  80% of the accumulated stuff is mine which I freely admit.  I have to let some of it go.  I went crazy on eBay a few years ago.  I bought stuff like there was no tomorrow.  Now I will probably end up selling some of it back on eBay again!  Full circle.  

I am loving the weather in Toronto right now.  Cool and crisp in the morning which is when I like to walk.  I found a new route with what I will call a "killer hill" about halfway.  It's not really all that steep but it is long and gradual.  It's like having the Walkfit (which of course I want) without having to pay for it, and I'm getting fresh air.

The Selfie and the Selfie Haircut

I had no idea what a "selfie" was until the cringe-worthy one by a certain moustachioed guy was plastered on the internet.  It turns out, I've been taking lots of them which I sometimes post on here.  

One of my latest projects - and my sisters advise me that it is not a good idea - is the do-it-myself haircut.  I have a short pixie that is well-behaved.  I slap some hair goo in, rub it around and I'm ready for public inspection.  I haven't used a hairbrush or comb since 1999!  It was getting longer than I liked but I didn't feel like going downtown so I started snipping off bits that were sticking out here and there.  I used proper haircutting scissors that I bought years ago and I think I did ok!  So here are some "selfies" of my haircut.