Honestly? I’m on the fence on this one…
Lazy days always come with a little bit of guilt attached, as in ‘you should do this, that or the other thing’, instead of resting and being unproductive. At the same time, I don’t subscribe to this ‘the busier and more rushed your day is, the better and more fashionable’ you become as a person. Because you do want to keep up with, and be acknowledged as “equally busy” by your family and social circle.
I don’t have that problem anymore. My busy and stressful days with long work hours, having time for my animals and friends, chores and errands are over. Do I miss them? Nope, to be perfectly blunt. Sure, looking back on a productive day gives you a good feeling. But since I’m retired, and my days have become a lot more chill than before, I feel so much better and am not the least bit ashamed to admit that. I have days now when I’m bursting with energy, and don’t want to slow down until everything on the agenda is accomplished. And I have days, especially when ‘the sadness’ comes, where the simplest of things become a huge effort and I’m ‘lazy’, but not by choice. Most often, however, I’m perky and eager to get things done in the mornings. The afternoons are reserved for Lilly and our lovely, relaxing walks. When we return it’s time for crafting, diamond painting [newly discovered], reading, YouTube, etc. In other words, it’s a little of both and I’m okay with that. I don’t need anyone’s approval with regard to my productivity level. If I’m too lazy in your opinion, then twirl yourself into oblivion for all I care – no offense, but deal with your own existence and leave me to mine. Thanks!!
But you know what’s truly awesome about lazy days – no matter how frowned upon and unpopular they may be? Those are the days, when I come up with the best ideas, find great solutions to problems and make sense of the emotional chaos in my head. And the more I stop fighting those unproductive, lazy days during my ‘sad periods’, the more easily I get throught them. Ridiculous, but true. It’s a balance between both, that works best for me. You certainly are entitled to your opinions, I just don’t have to care. Peace and laziness for us all 🥰🤣
Category: Blogging
All Around The Globe
Daily writing prompt
When you think of the word “successful,” who’s the first person that comes to mind and why?
If you…
– try to be a good person
– live life according to your needs and wishes
– do not disrespect or harm others
– abide by the law
– are at peace with yourself
…then you may call yourself successful [at living] by my definiton. Congratulations to millions of people around the globe, you’re awesome!
A Disappointing Morning
Up in the attic are still toys and books from childhood, that I stubbornly refuse to let go of. Other treasures from the 70’s, my heart is not quite so attached to, were taken to the local thrift store to be donated. That was our goal this morning, and then…
The employees were overly picky and disrespectful, saying things like “that book is old, no one wants to read that” and “the box is not in perfect condition, we won’t accept that” or “those toys have little blemishes, we have no use for them”. I had my “verbal guns” at the ready, when one of those men said to his co-worker “gosh, the kind of crap these people bring us, do they think we take everything”? [I know that I have an anger problem sometimes. Justified or not, but that disrespect and ungratefulness was really setting me off]. Lucky for them, I did not have to “aim and fire choice words” at them, because my terminator face mirrors my emotions. They could clearly see, that I was not amused by their behavior. Such a disappointing morning.
Am I wrong, thinking, that thrift stores are geared towards people, who specifically look for items you can’t buy in other shops because they have the value of being old(er) and are perhaps no longer produced? Aren’t those stores also in existence for people, living on a tight financial budget? And if so, I doubt very highly, that these people mind very much, if things have little nicks and dents, so long as they still work properly and are affordable! How do I know the latter? Let’s call it personal experience. When you have to turn every penny twice, you simply can’t afford to be that picky. Even if something isn’t exactly what you would like and the item is everything, except new and perfect, you still appreciate having found it at a much more affordable price. A small monthly budget will teach you gratitude right quick, let me tell you.
Where is this ungratefulness coming from? What is up with disrespct for toys and books our parents, and we ourselves grew up with? Why are items from decades ago not appreciated and valued for their age? You probably think that I’m overreacting, and that’s fine.
I would really like to support our local thrift store and its good cause. Unfortunately they lost my respect this morning. I won’t take precious-to-me items there to donate any longer. And I won’t shop there either in the near future. Being ungrateful for offered donations is one issue. Being disrespectful to the people, who want to do a good deed, is another. Both is equally disappointing and I refuse to support such an attitude, simple as that.
On Friendly Terms
It is wise, to be on friendly terms with your neighbors. Animosities in closer proximity make everyday life unnecessarily complicated. Obviously, some people are easier to get along with than others. Ideally, you can have a polite chat on the sidewalk or across the fence and help each other out in times of need, but always with respect for the boundaries and privacy of those around you.
Damn Near Perfection
Just recently I mentioned, that I’m rarely, if ever, able to meet or exeed the expectations I have of myself. This, in turn, immediately leads down the road of procrastination. I do exceptionally well with putting things off. This is true especially, when I demand damn near perfection from myself with regard to the finished product…
My mind is made up. I would like to make a handmade book for my hairdresser, as a thank you. And no, not for cutting my hair, that’s what tips are for. No, this personal and from the heart gift is supposed to express my thanks for her patience with me, for listening and giving good advice, for a hug on a bad day, for our deep and meaningful conversations. I mean she goes well beyond the usual chit-chat, and always takes her time with me. That’s a whole lot to be thankful for, am I wrong?
So, the last time I had my hair done I asked her about color preferences and other details to help me get ideas and inspiration. That was almost three weeks ago. Did I get started in the meantime? Oh no, no! I do have ideas tumbling about in my head, but I’m afraid to begin. Afraid? Yes. Because I have the expectation of myself, that this handmade book for my hairdresser needs to turn out damn near perfect. At the same time I already know that it won’t. Questions arise, like if I am not going to be satisfied with the result, why should she be? Or will I make a fool of myself, giving her something like this? My saving grace is, that I didn’t promise to have it ready when I visit next time. I don’t necessarily have to give it to her before Christmas, either. Time is on my side, and that helps a lot. Not with procrastinating any longer, but instead, to focus on the details.
In the end, I’m using food packaging that would end up in the bin otherwise. That’s what the lovely ladies of my favorite YouTube channels say time and again. And they’re right. Why does it have to be damn near perfect anyway? This book will be handmade, with my heart put into it. Doesn’t that make it more valuable than perfection? And why can’t I get that through my thick skull?
All Grown Up Now!?
Daily writing prompt
When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?
Without overthinking this question, two days come to my mind, when I truly felt like a grown-up:
👰 the day I got married
🌎 the day I moved to a different continent, not knowing anyone except my then husband
…and now a little humor 😂
I found these quotes at Your Tango. Have a lovely Saturday 😊
In Support Of Animals
Daily writing prompt
If you had a million dollars to give away, who would you give it to?
If I had a million dollars to give away, I would love to support local animal shelters with that money. In particular, the shelter where Lilly was being taken care of before she made her way into my heart and home. I witnessed first hand with how much love and enthusiasm the volunteers care for their furry guests. Money is always an issue, because there is simply never enough for medical care, toys, food, blankets and all other needed care products.
I do support local shelters financially as it is, but a million dollars would really make a big and much needed difference. My heart beats for animals, especially dogs, and it always will.
Make It Work
After my ex-husband and I separated, I had to start over. My own family was far away in Germany and his family wasn’t all that interested in how I was going to manage my life in the future. So I was on my own in a rundown, unsafe neighborhood because I could not afford anything better on minimum wage. Everyone back in Germany thought that I should just come back, to have mom and dad take me in and help me get back on my feet. But I was determined to make a good life for myself, without the help from anyone else. It was a long, rocky road through quite a few valleys. In the end, I have proven to myself and all the people in Germany, who never believed in me to start with, that I can get on just fine on my own. With lots of determination I made it work and reached the hardest personal goal I have ever set for myself. Dare I say it? I am a little bit proud of myself, too. [Gosh it feels wrong to praise myself – won’t happen again].
Fire In Your Heart – Bluskay
It’s been a while since I shared music around here. And after another one of those days no one needs [sad/worried/unmotivated], how about some upbeat tunes to get those brighter spirits up and running again?
What did I write about two days ago? The only way is up…And on that note, have a positive and perky start to your week. I hope to see you here again soon 🕊🍀😊
Excessive Tolerance
Let me begin by stating very clearly, that it is not my goal to potentially make enemies here today. But, I am entitled to my opinion as much as the next person. You, dear reader, are certainly entitled to dislike and disagree. What I am writing about is specifically tailored to the goings-on here in Germany. No offense intended towards anyone!
Generally, I still stand firm by my belief, that people in need, no matter the reason, should be offered help, shelter and security. However, judged by the numerous problems and challenges we are facing these days it becomes apparent -to me, anyway- that we’ve been way too tolerant and lenient for far too long. – It is very important to mention at this point, that the majority of refugees here in Germany really do a fantastic job with integration, they accept our way of life and respect our cultural differences. – But what about the men and women who refuse to integrate themselves? They won’t learn our language, may get involved in criminal activities, instill disrespect towards teachers and women in general into their children. They come here with high expectations, even impudent demands in some cases. For example: My mom took in a woman from Africa and her young daughter. Nothing we offered her was good enough. We gave toys to her daughter to play with. They ended up in the bin, while she went out and got very expensive things instead, even though her financial budget was very limited. Such ungratefulness and discontent was very disappointing and difficult for us to understand. I could list several similar examples just from people in our social circle. Some refugees get here, thinking, that a nice apartment, a car and job are just waiting for them to arrive. Where do such expectations come from? Anyway…
Due to a different cultural and/or religious background, there have been issues with women being harassed because here, they don’t have to hide. They are not secondary to men, they are allowed to do and wear what they please. Especially younger men continue to have difficulties with tolerance and respect towards our way of life. And that is unacceptable. I know I’m coming around the bend with a highly overused example, but if German people were to seek refuge in those countries, I doubt very highly, that the locals would be even half as tolerant towards us. I truly hope to be wrong, believe me.
Excessive tolerance and being too lax about enforcing rules, or dealing with disrespect and misconduct accordingly from day one, backfired in due time and is not conducive with regard to living together peacefully and with mutual respect. Everyone is welcome in Germany. But the desire to live here comes with responsibilities and the expectation on our end, that rules and regulations are being adhered to. For our politicians it is high time to be more strict about reinforcing both. Although some say, that we may have lost control already a few years ago and that it’s a little too late now. And that right there is something, that frustrates me to no end about Germany. We always react to the “damage” already done, instead of being proactive. Because heaven forbid we offend anyone or are viewed as intolerant by other countries.
Okay, I’m done. Hate me if you have to, but have a lovely weekend regardless.
PS: I may not have been able to get my thoughts and views across clearly and properly. I’m sorry if I failed at doing so. And again, no offense intended towards anyone.
Trivialities & Intricacies 
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