If I were to go on a cross-country trip through America, then definitely by car.
Generally speaking, it very much depends on the country in Europe. Some of them may well be safe enough to go by car, others not so much. For the latter, the option of either bus or train would be preferred.
What is the best pair of shoes you have ever owned?
I’m not one of those I-love-shoes kind of gal. They are a “necessary evil“, nothing more.
However, back in the States I had a pair of Skechers mule sneakers that I loved a lot. I wore them everywhere, all the time. Those shoes were so comfy and durable, just awesome. In fact, when my favorite shoes started to fall apart, I was actually upset about having to throw them into the bin. Sadly I never found shoes again, that I enjoyed wearing as much as those Skechers.
What, besides good posture, do you have to remind yourself about regularly?
A big problem is my daily water intake. All too often I barely manage to drink one liter throughout the day. Ridiculous as it is, I have to set a timer in 30 minute intervals to ensure, that I have a sip of water regularly.
Good morning and happy Sunday!
Sorry for being MIA. Lilly was unwell with a tummy ache these past few days. And while she is always my top priority, she needed additional care and comfort to help her feel better again.
How about a new question, generated at random? It’s been a while, let’s see what comes up today…
How do you feel about cars becoming fully autonomous and
having no steering wheel, breaks, or accelerators?
Generally speaking I don’t do well with giving up control. Correspondingly, the thought of being in a car without the possibility to intervene in a potentially difficult or dangerous situation, makes me feel anxious. As long as I have other alternatives, that’ll be a “no thank you” from me.
“Why did you stay”?
This is the question I hate to be asked more than any other. Why did you stay in a psychologically abusive relationship, twice? You know what? To this present day I ask myself the very same, even though the second relationship ended eight years ago…
My car was parked right in front of the house. He was gone often enough. I could have packed up the most important things, grab my puppy girl and leave. Plenty of chances. But I stayed. The sad thing is, that if it weren’t for my mom, getting me out of there, I would probably still be this man’s prisoner today. He conditioned my brain into thinking:
that I’m not lovable.
that I can’t do anything.
that he is the only one, able to put up with me.
that my family is thrilled to be rid of me.
that I’m nothing but a burden to society.
that I’m stupid
…and so forth
I don’t think that I will ever be able to sufficiently explain what it was like to be manipulated and to live with these invisible chains. This man cut me off from everyone I knew and made me believe, that I could not live without him and his loving care. A few years ago, I was in an online support group for a short while, with people sharing similar experiences. After the failure of so-called therapy, it was my way of trying to make sense of this “relationship” and to try and find closure. One thing we agreed upon was, that it is difficult [if at all possible] to explain “the why” to people who’ve never been conditioned, threatened and controlled by a partner. This is the kind of experience I would not wish on my worst enemy. It may come across as overly dramatic, but I think the only way to fully understand these invisible chains, or how much psychological abuse changes you and wares you down would be, to experience it. But again, I don’t wish that helplessness and pain, the self doubt and fear for anyone. May love and kindness embrace you, always❣️
“Life never made a promise to be fair or easy, yet every challenging mile was worth the effort…”
My response is based on the premise, that these three objects in question refer to non-essential lifestyle items…
Nearly every single one of us is in possession of objects, which hold immeasurable value. They may be handed down family heirlooms, or very special gifts from friends and loved ones in our social circle. You can’t put a price tag on pieces you are emotionally attached to. Still, over two decades ago life taught me in a very unkind way, that everything I truly need in day-to-day life is replaceable. So there are quite a few things I enjoy having, and don’t really want to do without, but they are definitely not a necessity in my daily life.
Dang woman! One hundred years old and still annoying the world around you? Awesome!
It definitely took a lot of living and learning in order for you to finally love and accept yourself, one million flaws inclusive. The list of people, who weren’t helpful along the way is quite lengthy. There’s no need to count how many times a mean-spirited person tried to knock you down. What matters is, that they did not succeeded in the long run. Because giving up was never an acceptable choice. Good for you!
It is my sincere hope for you, that the golden years will be less challenging and instead, hold a few lovely and special moments. Hey, you better have a sweet and loving dog from a local shelter by your side? What am I thinking, of course you do! Life without a cold nose and a wagging tail? Not in a thousand years.
By the way, did you finally overcome the fear of being overheard singing? Girl, have at it! Who cares what folks around you think? Get your iPod, turn it up loud and sing along from the bottom of your heart. Pitch-perfect or not, at this age it makes no difference! Enjoy your life, you are allowed.
Are you still failing miserably at pleasing everyone around you? Dang woman, why the fluff are you even still trying? Knock it off, right this minute! The other people certainly don’t live to make you happy, either, do they? Do what you should have done for decades: Live Your Life For Yourself! Do I have to cuff you upside the head? [I wish I could].
How many hamsters did you outlive, because they kept your “worry-wheels” turning? [Raised eyebrow]! Did all that overthinking and all of that worrying do anything positive for you? No! Well stubborn, the way you’ve always been, gosh darn it…
And most importantly, because I don’t think you were told often enough by the people, supposedly nearest and dearest to you: I love you. Yes, you! As imperfect and difficult as you are. God and I may have our differences, but he made you the way you are for good reason. You certainly are an acquired taste and that’s okay. Some people stubbornly refuse to ‘acquire some taste’. Ignore them, because they are the ones you were, and always will be better off without. Love has always been your motivation and encouragement, not just each time life got a bit rough. The chase may not have been successful on your end, but hopefully love found you by now, even late in life. That’s my wish for you, along with good health. Are you finally able to take life with a grain of salt at this old age? Did you realize by now, that it’s the best way how to deal with this daily insanity? Lastly: You are better, than you ever gave yourself credit for. Nope! Don’t you even think about questioning that statement. Just believe me. And now put a smile on that wrinkly face and raise some hell…
Love ya, always.
Although the daily prompts are still reliably on repeat, I do have a different answer for today’s question…
In a recent post I discuss an irrational [?] fear of my mom’s house going up in flames within the next two years. I keep seeing a mental image of us standing on the opposite side of the street, as our house burns to the ground. The write-up in reference is called Please, Not Again!, in case you missed it. My biggest challenge in the foreseeable future, as of right now is, to keep this fear of a possible fire in our house “under control”, instead of these truly frightening thoughts taking charge of me, and everything I do in the coming months. In the end, heaven forbid my worries should become reality, everything will be okay as long as my mom, Lilly and I remain unharmed. Positive thinking needs to be my goal, no matter how challenging that is at present.
SERVED UP!
– tough lessons, bite size –
Trivialities & Intricacies 
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