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Year Three, Day 329: "Auntie Em!"

It is Saturday afternoon.  I am safe and sound inside the library. But this branch must have a tin roof. It sounds like a monsoon!

Earlier, I was talking to my daughter and Baby Gracie (She says "Gah", "Gah-Ball", and "Ga-Ga" with much conviction!), when a gust of wind came and turned my umbrella inside out. It was so strong, I felt that it was going to whisk me up into the air like Mary Poppins.

I shrieked, "My umbrella! Auntie Em!' on the phone.

My daughter laughed and said, "Call me back later Mom."

She's used to my histrionic outbursts.  After all, she has had the pleasure of knowing me for 28 years!

Speaking of loved ones,  I am pondering how to interact with people close to me who have strong political convictions on either side.  I have always been somewhat left of center.  I can usually see both sides and am interested in hearing other viewpoints.

I should say, "was".

I am absolutely sick of politics.  So much that hearing someone rant and spew hatred makes my blood pressure rise.

I used to listen to talk radio on my long walks home.  A mixture of OPB, Clyde Lewis and the News.

No more.  I would come home wide awake, heart pounding.  Now I listen to Bach, or my online classical music class. I come home feeling peaceful and centered. I sleep much better. 

(Which isn't saying much. I usually wake up 2 to 3 times a night.  Hopefully my upcoming sleep study will provide some answers.)

Not that I don't care.  Not that I don't want to be informed.  I do care. I do want to be informed. I check breaking news a few times a day.  But I am trying not to get personally invested.

But how can I spend time with friends and family and stay neutral and calm?

I think I need to read the book by the author my son-in-law recommended that I downloaded onto my Kindle and have yet to read:

Need to read this book!

I found myself puzzling over myself as I taught today. I am so comfortable in my Teacher Zita role. I ask my students about their weeks. And I really care about their answer. I am supportive and encouraging as I listen to them play music for me. I give them helpful suggestions. I genuinely care.

But they are spewing hatred. There is a genuine bond there.

How can I be this person with my loved ones?  Am I just so comfortable that I am too honest?

Much to ponder on this rainy day.

But hey, my diet is rocking! I feel fantastic!  I had scrambled eggs with avocado, tomato and cheese, hashbrowns, applesauce and tea for breakfast. For lunch I had slice turkey and Harvarti cheese wrapped in romaine lettuce, an apple and yogurt. For a snack,  I had popcorn.

My head is clearer than it has been in weeks.  I hope it stays that way.  I have much Bach to study!

On that note, I wish you a lovely evening. Stay warm and dry.

I will be "Bach" tomorrow!

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

Love,

Zita




P.S. Here is today's hooping video. I had to cut it short.  The wind knocked down my cell phone!

Day 283!



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