As I grow older, life continues to throw its surprises, some more scented than others. While many revelations have struck me over time, three have truly stood out, each offering its own lesson in endurance. Firstly, my grandmother—a pillar of strength. She nearly made it to 100, and reflecting on her life has been nothing short of inspirational. The things she's seen and survived, the love she gave without hesitation, it's remarkable. Losing her was tough, but it brought into sharp relief just how tough the human spirit can be. And let's be honest, the thought of living nearly a century makes life hard. Living as she did, earned her extra bonus points for patience and perseverance. Next, let's discuss the salt-and-pepper invasion taking over my scalp. I’ve discovered that no amount of hair product can tame these silver warriors. They stand up with a discipline, I can not only learn from, but that would make a drill sergeant proud. Whether it's high humidity or a windy day, my gray hairs hold their ground with a firmness that’s both admirable and slightly annoying. They are less "50 shades of gray" and more "50 strands that won't lie down." Finally, the third unyielding force in my life: the mysterious and enduring odors of my pre-teen son. This kid, standing at a mighty 5'9, 6 feet inches, has developed an olfactory force so powerful, it challenges natural science. The boy likes to spend his weekends glued to video games, marinating in his own unique blend of pre-teen spirit, which he apparently thinks is a suitable substitute for a shower. It’s a scent so resilient, it seems to cling to the walls long after he's left the room. As someone sensitive to smells, this has led me to frequently (and frantically) double-check that it’s me. Seriously, no one prepared me for this aspect of parenting a boy. These experiences remind me of the importance of a smile and humor in coping with life's challenges. Whether it’s admiring the legacy of a beloved grandmother, waging a silent battle against rebellious hair, or tackling that biohazard of a boy’s bedroom, it's clear that strength comes in many forms. And sometimes, you just have to laugh to keep from crying (or in the case of my son's room, from gagging). Here’s to more surprises, more resilience, and hopefully, never a shortage of water for showers (and air fresheners). Cheers!
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Gone are the days when dining out was seen as a relaxing way to start winding down from work to the weekend. Nowadays, the experience has shifted dramatically. With fewer employees and reduced food portions, dining out now often comes with longer wait times to be seated and to place an order, along with higher prices. Waiting for the waitstaff to show up to take your order feels like waiting for a professor who is notoriously late. At 19 minutes, you start packing up, and by the 58-second mark, you prepare to leave. The lack of service is disheartening, with no incentive for a tip and no sight of a manager, just the chatter of staff talking loudly, perhaps about each other or even cursing each other out. Is this another unfortunate outcome we have to thank COVID-19 for? After four years, perhaps it's time to consider staying home, watching cooking shows, and learning to cook a variety of meals. The landscape of dining out has changed, and maybe our approach to enjoying food needs to change with it. |
AuthorMeet Veronica, the voice behind "The Calculated Mind". She's the Beethoven of balance sheets, orchestrating harmonies between assets and liabilities with a symphony of spreadsheets. Veronica's love for excelling (and Excel) knows no bounds. In her world, numbers don't just add up; they tell tales of triumph and learning. Join her as she turns ledgers and balance sheets into compeling tales of fiscal adventure! Archives
November 2024
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