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Showing posts from April, 2024

July 14: West Edmonton Mall

  I will be honest by the time we got here I was beat but it was our last day before returning home so we spent an hour or so looking around. I didn't take very many pictures The first thing I saw when I walked in was an Ice Rink and not a small one either, there was a hockey game going on. It was a peewee team but we didn't stop, it was cold in that hall. I took a photo of the Map but it didn't turn out well so this one is from their website. You can see how massive it is!  There was so much to see that I was sad that I was too tired to really enjoy it, maybe next time we'll do it first instead of last. I realize that this is nearly a year over due but it has been a very difficult time for me between dealing with the Cancer, GD #3's break down followed by my own, a bout of Covid and months stuck so deep in my head I wasn't sure I'd ever find my way out. I hope since then I have made some amends.

**The Power of Listening: 12 Essential Skills for Meaningful Connections**

In our fast-paced world, effective communication is key. Central to this is the often-overlooked art of listening. Listening isn't just about hearing; it's about understanding, empathizing, and truly connecting with others. Here are 12 essential listening skills to help you enhance your communication and relationships: - **Active Engagement**: Show genuine interest in the speaker by using both verbal and non-verbal cues. Maintain eye contact, nod, and provide feedback to demonstrate your attention. - **Empathetic Understanding**: Try to see things from the speaker's perspective and acknowledge their emotions. Reflecting their feelings back to them shows empathy and understanding. - **Non-Verbal Awareness**: Pay attention to the speaker's body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These cues can convey more than words alone. - **Respectful Silence**: Allow for pauses in conversation, as silence can be just as powerful as words. This gives the speaker time to g

Adult Autism Awareness Day 17

  Adult Autism Awareness Day April 18, 2024 Help spread awareness about Adult Autism this April 2nd by joining in on the conversation for Adult Autism Awareness Day! Introduction On April 18, join in to celebrate Adult Autism Awareness Day! This special day has been celebrated since 2006 and was created to raise awareness about adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is also a chance to recognize the contributions that these individuals make in society, as well as show support for their families. The goal of this day is to educate people about autism and provide resources and support for those living with it. So let's come together on April 18th to help spread understanding and acceptance of ASD! Adult Autism Awareness Day Timeline 1911 Initial Autism Identification Eugene Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, first used the term "autism" to describe symptoms of schizophrenia. 1943 Autism Defined as Separate Condition Leo Kanner, an U.S. psychiatri

It's still poetry month

  In my reflections, I've realized a startling truth—I've been inadvertently starving myself. It's not a deliberate choice, I assure you. Cooking has become a rarity in my routine; instead, I rely on Meals on Wheels and Walmart Grocery delivery for sustenance. My diet has dwindled to two meals a day, which might seem sufficient, except these meals only meet half of my daily caloric needs. Living on a fixed income, finances are always a concern. The soaring prices of fresh produce make it challenging to meet my nutritional requirements. The frozen dinners from the local grocery store offer a more affordable alternative, though I wonder if they match the nutritional balance of Meals on Wheels. My solution? Combining fresh produce with frozen meals. This way, I can ensure a more balanced diet, even if there's no guarantee I'll receive everything I order. This mix-and-match approach provides a variety that Meals on Wheels doesn't offer, allowing me to eat more prope

International Functional Neurological Disorder Awareness Day 13

 

Time

 I've missed a couple of days because I am not feeling well at all. I want to blame the rain but that I think is only part of it. I do not like where I am in my head right now so I figure if I write it down maybe it will stop bothering me. E once again denied me permission to move back in with him even though he says that he misses me when he is back there. At this point I have had enough, he says he loves me but that is not shown in his reactions. I am aware that I really don't have the right to live with him and I understand that after I left twice he doesn't trust me but if that is so why does he not just kick me out of his life once and for all. I have tangled him tight in the family drama I live with but he is more than capable of backing off and going his own way. Some days I wish he would, other days I don't know what I would do without his financial protection especially when it come to medications and stuff. I would manage without the phone I think as that is t

Its poetry month

 Embracing imperfection Embracing imperfection, we find our true art, In the flaws and the cracks, we reveal our heart. For perfection is cold, rigid, and stark, But imperfection is human, a light in the dark. In the beauty of chaos, we learn to let go, To embrace the unknown, to let our true selves show. For it's in our mistakes, our quirks, and our flaws, That we find our true beauty, our strength, and our cause. So let us embrace imperfection, with all its grace, For in its impermanence, we find our true place. In the tapestry of life, we are but a thread, Imperfect, yet perfect, in the story we tread.

International Day of Pink April 10

  How to Observe International Day of Pink Students, educators, parents, policymakers, and anyone who wishes to promote acceptance and equality can participate in the day. The simplest way to take part is to wear pink and to share the story about why you are doing so if given the opportunity. Encouraging others to wear pink is also important. Some other ways to take part include: Sharing the International Day of Pink website . Sign up for the International Day of Pink newsletter . Donate to support the day. Download and explore resources for the day. If you are a politician or community leader, you can become a Day of Pink Ambassador. Send an email for more information on how to become one. Organize an event such as an office lunch, fundraiser, bake sale, speaking engagement, documentary film showing and discussion, or flash mob. Volunteer for a 2SLGBTQIA+ organization in your community. Attend the gala that The Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity holds on the

It's poetry month

 I considered adding images for these poems but I think the words speak for themselves. A Place I Love and Metaphorical Journey are both done in free verse as it is always the easiest choice for me. Seasonal Change Here's a diamante for "winter to spring": Winter Cold, icy Freezing, chilling, snowing Transition, change, awakening, rebirth Blooming, warming, flourishing Spring And here's one for "spring to summer": Spring Blooming, blossoming Warming, refreshing, growing Transition, change, evolution, growth Brightening, warming, shining Summer Sadly my mind went blank when I tried to describe the changing of the seasons, this is as the AI made them. And yet it still managed to echo my own thoughts on the changes within the verses it truly is amazing. The second poem prompt I have is: A Place I Love In the evergreen haven, a child's retreat, A peaceful, perfect playhouse, a quiet seat. Beneath boughs of green, a sanctuary found, A little fort, a haven, on

Autism Speaks

 You might wonder why I advocate for Autism, it is simple my oldest grandson was born with it. It is hard to say because I can't completely blame his parents, not completely I could have fought harder for him. He has reached the age of 15 without basic self care training. By my daughters choice he and his brother were not encouraged to become independant in any way until he reached this year and started having real difficulty dealing with high school. His aroma can be quite pungent as he does not like showers and he can't really fit in the tub, he is about 5' 5" and over 150 lbs. One of the things that has occured to me since my daughter came to me to ask with help to get him to finish his education is that he can't learn what he isn't shown and our personal care could be much better. If we are to model the expected behaviour we have to make things like showering regularly as a necessity for us and through up to him. I am designing a program that will allow him

World Health Day 2024, “My Health, My Right” April 7

The right to health is a universal right of all human beings, regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or another status.  Below are three sheets which describe your rights to health care if you are female, disabled or other.

Poetry Month Day 6

 An Ode to an Object: My Computer Horatian Ode: O computer, silent sentinel of the digital age, With keys that dance beneath my fingertips, You bring the world to my fingertips, A window to realms both near and far. In your circuits hums the pulse of progress, In your screen, the stories of our time unfold, You are more than a machine, you are a gateway, To knowledge, to connection, to infinite possibility. Irregular Ode: O computer, you magical box of wonders, With your silicon heart and plastic shell, You sit upon my desk, a modern marvel, A tool, a toy, a treasure trove of knowledge. In your depths, electrons dance and swirl, Creating images, sounds, and words, You connect me to the world beyond, To people, to ideas, to endless information. O computer, you are more than a machine, You are a companion, a confidante, In your pixels, I find solace and inspiration, In your memory, I store my dreams and aspirations.

Its Poetry Month Day 5

I have two for you today because well one is a journal entry called Springtime Senses written using a Five Senses form and the other is called Lost and Found in Acrostic form Springtime Senses See: Flowers bloom in vibrant hues, Trees adorned in fresh green leaves, Nature's canvas painted anew, Spring arrives, a sight to perceive. Hear: Birds sing melodies in the air, Bees buzz as they gather nectar, Soft rustle of leaves, a gentle flair, Nature's orchestra, a sweet spectre. Smell: A bouquet of blossoms in the breeze, Fresh grass after a morning rain, Earth awakening from its winter freeze, Spring scents, a fragrant domain. Taste: The first bite of a ripe, juicy fruit, The sweetness of a floral infusion, Nature's bounty, fresh and acute, Spring flavors, a delightful conclusion. Touch: Soft petals, delicate and light, Cool breeze on a warm afternoon, Grass underfoot, a comforting sight, Spring's textures, a sensory boon. Lost and Found L ooking for answers, I wandered

It's Poetry Month Day 4

 Title: Dreamscape     Poetry form: Tanka   In dreamscape's embrace, Monochrome corridors stretch, Cash boxes and files, One opens, light spills forth, Illuminating memories.

Walk for Health April 4

  Walking Program for Seniors Day 1: Distance: 10 minutes Intensity: Easy pace, focus on good posture Notes: Pay attention to how your body feels during and after the walk. Day 2: Distance: 15 minutes Intensity: Maintain a steady pace, slightly faster than Day 1 Notes: Notice any improvements in stamina or comfort compared to Day 1. Day 3: Distance: 10 minutes Intensity: Easy pace, focus on breathing deeply Notes: Use this day as a recovery day if needed, listen to your body. Day 4: Distance: 15 minutes Intensity: Steady pace, aim for consistent strides Notes: Pay attention to your surroundings, enjoy the walk. Day 5: Distance: 20 minutes Intensity: Moderate pace, challenge yourself slightly Notes: Note any changes in energy levels or mood after the walk. Day 6: Distance: 15 minutes Intensity: Steady pace, focus on walking with purpose Notes: Reflect on your progress so far, celebrate achievements. Day 7: Distance: 20 minutes Intensity: Moderate pace, maintain a ste

It's Poetry Month Day 3

This is a diamante poem, it is a 7 line poem about opposites and since today's prompt was "Changing Emotions" it seemed like a good fit. This is what happens when you give the chatbot specific words to use.  Sad tearful, downcast weeping, sleeping, longing shift, alter, change, transform smiling, dancing, rejoicing joyful, blissful Happy  Just for fun I asked it to rewrite it in other words  and this is what it gave me:  Gloomy tearful, somber weeping, sighing, reflecting transition, turmoil, awakening, hope glowing, smiling, celebrating joyful, radiant Blissful I must admit I prefer it's choice of words as it flows much more smoothly than my effort and they are essentially my words only placed in a different order and using words that are the same but not. Yeah I can't remember the word though I know there is one for when you substitute a word with another word with a similar meaning. Moving on.

Its Poetry Month! Day 2

A Memory A Memory In the hazy corridors of memory, there lingers a moment from my childhood, a fragile age of four. It was a time of innocence, of tender steps into the world, where the simplest of interactions could shape the contours of a young heart. I remember the sun-dappled yard, where laughter danced like butterflies, and the promise of adventure beckoned from every corner. My cousin, a beacon of playfulness and generosity, offered me her trike, a shining chariot of freedom. Excitement bubbled within me as I eagerly accepted her offer, my eyes wide with anticipation. But fate, it seemed, had a different script in mind. As I skipped towards the promised trike, my joy was abruptly halted by a voice, sharp and cutting. It belonged to my cousin's step-father, a man whose disapproving gaze could pierce the thickest veil of childhood bliss. "No," he said firmly, "you can't borrow it. You break everything you touch." In that moment, the world seemed to still

World Autism Awareness Day April 2

The theme of World Autism Awareness Day this year is ' Empowering Autistic Voices ' which aims at providing more support and power to the individuals with this condition, in order to ensure they lead a meaningful life and even pursue successful careers. I have a grandson who is 15 and diagnosed as Autistic, I am trying to figure out a way to help him succeed in his life because right now he doesn't have a chance in hell 1. Priming: This prepares the student with autism for a situation or task. They may feel anxious if exposed to a sudden change or a new addition to their routine. A surprise class quiz or test, for example, can result in emotional meltdowns. However, if informed well in advance, they tend to take any test with utmost sincerity. Similarly, deciding on a signal for time to pause when in group conversations allows them to maintain unsaid social protocols. 2. Managing sensory stimulation: This is critical to keep the learning environment less stressfu

It is Poetry month

 Please join me. Write a poem about Natures song and add it to the comments if you want to play. Can't promise a prize but I would love to see them. Todays prompt was: Nature's song Nature's song sings in my soul, A melody that makes me whole. Each note a whisper, pure and clear, Nature's song sings in my soul. In every breeze, I feel it near, A harmony that's always here. Nature's song sings in my soul, A melody that makes me whole. It has been so long, I've missed its cheer, Nature's song sings in my soul. Yesterday turned into a wonderful day! Not only did I get to meet this little guy while I was putting Easter Eggs out but I also met a bunch of littles and spent time with them. The group to the right consists of from left to right: my niece Tori, Mordecai, Jackson, Damien, Athena & Tori's friend Aria  GS #1 and #2 (14 & 15) were also there but didn't want to get a picture taken still they enjoyed the egg hunt as much as the littles d