Just a little more than usual
I learned a bit about anatomy when we dissected a frog in Biology class. I contributed to the noxious aromas wafting through the hallways when we created esters in Chemistry class.
Mostly, what I remember to this day was learned in Spanish class with Mr. McGregor. I learned a bit of the language and witnessed what passion for one’s work looks like.
Probably turning the occasional and well-intentioned trip to the YMCA into something more regular, to the point of realizing some of the benefits of regular exercise. Better late than never.
I don’t very often equate exercise with fun. It’s not that I don’t derive satisfaction from knowing I’m doing myself some good by getting to the Y on a regular basis. It’s just that I don’t spend much time trying to figure out how to make it fun. I just do it, and feel good when I start seeing progress and an increase in strength and stamina.
I suppose the fun quotient is raised when I’m giving horsey rides to the grandkids, throwing a football or playing catch, golfing, working in the yard, or taking a hike with friends.
There aren’t many that would fit that bill. Maybe To Kill A Mockingbird, or something by Hemingway. Certain passages of Scripture might be worth revisiting– in search of a spark.
The low hanging fruit might be Tom Sawyer or Atticus Finch, from the days when I read something besides non-fiction.
But since it’s fresh in my mind, I’d have to go with Dr. Martin Ellingham, from the British tv series Doc Martin. He’s a quirky GP, a former top surgeon in London who developed haemophobia, a brilliant diagnostician, a person with impeccable credentials but also a product of an unhappy childhood– at least with his parents. He seems to know only one way to be– rigid though honorable and forthright in his speech and behavior, learning his way in his role in the small but charming English seaside community of Portwenn.
I guess I identify with the Doc’s cold professionalism, or his strict understanding of his purpose, his work– which doesn’t mean he doesn’t have room to grow in matters of the heart, or work on his sense of humor or his ability to read a room.
I would think anything other than the conventional dog, cat, or bird wouldn’t make the list of best pets. A horse is a beautiful animal, but it’s difficult for me to consider a horse a pet. It’s more like a companion, or 4-legged colleague.
I’ve seen the YouTube clips of “pet” mountain lions and wolves and deer, etc. But in general, worst pets would probably be a ferret, snake, most any wild animal– any big cat, bear, wolf, chimpanzee, alligator, wolverine, shark, jellyfish, or a tick.
And I’m sure there’s disagreement on most of this. Except maybe the tick.
First thing that comes to mind is a taste tester at Starbucks.
Winter– ski jumping, Biathlon, for some reason, maybe hockey and luge. Summertime– certain track and field events, and gymnastics. I’m not as glued to the TV during the Olympics as I used to be.
I’m heartened by the stories of good sportsmanship, and I like the underdog stories– the medal winners who surprise everyone because they defy certain odds and perform beyond expectations.
Advocate for and support the music and arts efforts and the multi-purpose theater, vote for wise land use and open space; utilize our location next to a river, remind people that we live in a beautiful area that has a certain character and its own bit of fascinating history.
Remote learning or working from home are no longer things I need to consider. Apart from sometimes feeling apprehensive over when the next one will arrive and if we’ll be close to ready for it, I guess there hasn’t been a lot to which to adapt, personally. The memories are still relatively fresh, though, with regard to supply chain vulnerabilities and the counter-productive divisiveness, i.e. the plethora of opinions that existed and still exist concerning precautions, vaccine efficacy, etc.
Maybe it’s made me more aware of hygeine considerations and taken away the stigma of wearing a mask in public if I’m sitting in the doctor’s office with a cold. I still have and use my Zoom subscription, and I’m liking the contactless payment option when I get gas or check out at the grocery store.
3 Cents' 