Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 10: Describe an item you were incredibly attached to as a youth. What became of it?

Oh boy, interesting question. I had a collection of stuffed animals. We are talking over a hundred at one point I am sure. Some of them I think I was more attached to than the others, but I can’t remember specific ones except for three large stuffed dogs I believe were gifts from grandparents and such. I also was attached to some books, a couple I still have today. One is about a flying pig. Loved that book. And another was an audio book (tiny record) called a Duck called Ping or something. Loved that book. Probably drove mom nuts playing it over and over.

When I got older, I don’t remember what I became attached to. Books most likely. I don’t like to get too attached to things these days, although I admit a certain attachment to my devices. And my vehicle. And my spot on the couch (call me Sheldon!)

Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 9: What is your mission?

My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to enjoy every day as it comes and breathe! Oh, and enjoy every meal…

Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 8: What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?

Well, it kind of depends on the kind of life you want to live. I mean, the concept itself is interesting as no one wants to die, at least you don’t when you are living well. But if everyone lived a long long time, the world would be pretty crowded, and if those long lives were spend not being able to “live”, well where is the fun in that?

Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 7: What could you do differently?

What COULD I do differently? When? Where? With whom? There are many things I could do differently, but different is not always better. Yes, I could do some things differently, but since so many things change and become different outside of my control, I don’t know that there is much need to me to add to all that confusion and stress. Last year one of my team said she just wanted change to stop. We have had so much of it at work, especially since March 2020 when we all moved online and everything changed at once. We all know that one of the only things inevitable in life is change, but wouldn’t it be nice to settle into a nice groove for longer than a day or two?

So, for right now, while there are probably things I could do differently, I am fine with status quo for awhile. So is Elliot.

Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 6: If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?

Reading this billboard is strictly prohibited by law.

Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 5: Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?

Yes. And that is the essential problem, right? I spend time worrying about what is to come and time fretting about what already was. When really I need to spend time in the present. And that is what I am working on. What I have been working on, and what I will be working on. Past and future in the present.

Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 4: What is the greatest gift someone could give you?

How could I possible say what the greatest gift would be without either sounding trite, pompous, or insulting to a whole lot of people. Maybe it’s better to say I have everything I could ever want right now. Or maybe I just want pizza…

Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 3: What colleges have you attended?

Should I be obstinate and say no college only universities? Well it’s true, although I now work for a college and wait, I have taken some classes in photography at my college, so I guess one college.

Other than that, I have attended the University of Regina, the University of Ottawa, the University of Manitoba, Athabasca University, the University of Toronto, the University of Victoria.

I think that covers it. The bigger question is: what do I have to show for all this? Three degrees and some fun learning in photography and creative writing. Not that the degrees didn’t have their fun moments, but I think I much prefer to learn things I want to learn now – and avoid exams at all costs!

Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 2: What says “playtime” to you?

Well, I can tell you that it is not the same for me as it is for kitties. Playtime for them is the second I begin a meeting online at home. Then my desk and all upon it is fair game. Sigh…

Something to get me going for January, Bloganuary.  Day 1: What are your biggest challenges?

Biggest challenges? Today, the thought of going back to work tomorrow is challenging me. Getting into a new year routine is challenging me. But most of all, I am challenged by the realization that I did not think of this…

Happy New Year!