Well, I have been a little delinquent here. There’s no real reason other than being busy with a visit to France and spring fever distractions – more happening to me rather than by me.
So, this is a just a brief Hello to check in and wish any readers here a very Happy Easter! Will write again soon, I promise. π
~Tπ₯πβοΈ
The mood swings are real today and it’s not yet 10 am. π«€ I didn’t post on Friday either because I couldn’t quite figure out what to write about or how to formulate my thoughts. So, this may just be a random post of ups and downs, ins and outs.
A friend is going in to surgery today for his prostate. Yesterday, we saw another friend who just had prostate surgery and is still recovering even after a month.
Although I was in for a very different reason, I find myself heavily empathizing with these folks who have to spend any time in a hospital, worry about surgery, and cope with recovery. It’s been just over a year now since I had my ankle drama and yet I still suffer from stiffness and a little fear of breaking it again. I can remember the days in the hospital, the near tears over the thought of another hospital meal, and the creeping despair that one day I might die alone in a room with no one knowing. Of course, the latter sounds overly dramatic, but the thoughts do run the gambit when stuck in unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and unsatisfying circumstances. π¬
In any case, some of my thoughts and energies are going towards them in hopes of swiftness and ease.
Then, there is the grey of today. The weekend was actually quite lovely with sun shining and warmth in the air. Yet, I still had little clouds lingering over me. π One reason was the need to get out and away from the house.
Lately, M has been content to potter around the garden, planting vegetables and flowers, mowing the lawn and doing all things domestic outside. He did get me to plant a few things in pots that we moved around the patio, so that was my brief outdoor activity. However, I also pushed for getting into town for garden center shopping on Saturday and lunch in town on Sunday. We took the pups in for lunch for the first time in almost a year and they were little stars – no major barking or even pulling on the leads. Phew was that a relief! π
Another reason was lasting triggers from childhood. My dad always wanted me to be outside. If it was sunny, it was expected that I would want to be outside. Yet, I never really did. I mean, I love the sunshine and being warm, but in the spring when it seems most get the fever, I just want to hide indoors. My nose itches, my eyes water, and so being out on a “beautiful spring day” equals misery unless it is in town with a cup of coffee or over a delicious meal – ha! π
Of course, I shouldn’t let these things cast shadows. I am an adult now fully in control of my own actions and moods. Still, the mind is a mysterious control center that can surreptitiously push the spirit off balance. Then, before we are aware, our moods have fallen into a valley with only one way out – through it. πͺπ½
So, that is perhaps where I am. Fortunately, I have plenty to distract myself with in terms of work and other activities. I have managed to find some outlets for myself to get involved in, but more on that later.
With that, I feel better now. Thanks for reading me through the process! π€ͺ
Until next time,
~T π₯πβοΈ
I’m in a bit of a post-travels slump. The weather isn’t helping as it is pouring rain as I type this now. It has been a little chilly, though not overly so, but the rain π§οΈπ§οΈ and thunderstorms βοΈβοΈ and wind π¨π¨ have not been inspiring. π
Although it is likely to sound spoiled of me to complain about the weather after having been away on travels for three weeks, I am doing it anyway! π€ͺ We had thought that by now we would have escaped most of the bad weather as we are indeed “fair-weather” people. Apparently, this is the tail end of spring’s entrance and we are hoping for sunnier skies soon. βοΈ
So, keeping with the doom and gloom theme – today’s post is about the use of words and tone.
There are any number of quotes or song lyrics about how words can be weapons. While some people use them freely without thought or care, others take so much time to consider each one before speaking or sharing. Somewhere in the middle, as is the case for most things in life, is the balance of expressing ourselves adequately yet with consideration on how they might be received.
In this day and age of being told that it is not for us to worry about how others respond to what we say or do, the need for taking responsibility in affecting the response has been shirked away as “not my problem”. However, imagine how just the simple tone of statements can be received in such different ways. Then, add on all the nuances of meanings behind words that vary person to person and see the complication of communication. So, why make it even harder or worse by being unkind from the beginning?
Kindness in heart. Kindness in intention. Kindness in gestures. Kindness in words.
This should be our starting point for all conversations. Follow this with the feeling of respect and I can guarantee that even the most contentious of discussions can be had without belittling, dismissing, or hurting the other person’s feelings or sense of identity.
It is really no wonder that our world is in a constant state of tension, anger, and frustration. Humans have lost the art of kindness and respect yet crave it to the point that it is commanded rather than demanded through presence and etiquette. These days, I feel very old or of another world. Social and personal standards are dropping, but if I express my lamentations of it I am seen as the odd-ball. So, I have started to withdraw from society and others.
Unfortunately, this is not working for me either. Now that we are back home and returning to our regular lives, I am finding that I need to adjust my strategy in building a lifestyle that is fulfilling. I’ve let myself carry on limiting beliefs; thus limiting my chances at experiences, friendships, and who knows what else.
Therefore, I am determined to break out of my self-created box. With my own words of kindness and respect, I hope that I can create a bit of sunshine in the rainy and stormy lives of others as well as my own. π₯°
~T π₯πβοΈ
Well, the remaining six days of Australia were full of more adventure. I’ll try to do a short sum up here and then later prepare another post on the whole trip.
Adelaide
We were mostly here to see P!NK in concert. During the planning of our trip, we knew that we wanted to see the city, if for no other reason than it is the capital of South Australia and we were about seeing the highlights of the country. So, we adjusted our route to hit the concert.
The concert was great! Funnily enough, though, that wasn’t the real highlight of the trip! While we were on the Uluru and Kata Tjuta tour, we had a chat with some other ladies in the group over dinner. They mentioned seeing koalas in the “wild” on a hike outside of town. Well, that decided it for us.
After seeing six in various stages of sleep or walking, we were content with our visit to the south. There was other wildlife as well to make it fun. We also did a wine tour in the Barossa Valley on one of the days along with meeting an old friend of M’s from his hometown. So, it was an excellent stop that might have been just mediocre.
Cairns
What is a tour of Australia without a visit to the Cairns? It’s the more common place to go to see the Great Barrier Reef. While the town itself is a little run down, no thanks to COVID, it has the usual beachside charm expected of such places.
Of course, it did not disappoint with sea life views and sea sickness! I’m very glad that we did the snorkel boat tour, though I fully appreciated land again upon our return.
Sydney
Our trip ended back in Sydney where we did a bit of shopping and relaxing before our long journey home.
Oh yeah, and I added to my tattoo with a little commemoration of our trip. π
So, we are now home. It’s a bit of recovery mode around here, but it was an amazing time and now it is nice to be home again.
~T π₯πβοΈ
We are now two full weeks in. This means just a week left, but still so much to do and see.
Even since the weekend, we have done quite a bit. From Alice Springs, we headed to Darwin which is popular for seeing the crocodiles. Obviously, we made sure that we did a tour.
It was great fun. We also did a hike in the Litchfield National Park, which was very hot, but also worth the visit.
Now, we are in Adelaide. More updates on our activities here later!
~T π₯πβοΈ
Itβs definitely a lot warmer here in Australia than in Italy at the moment. Luckily, the sightseeing has been so enjoyable that it has made the temperatures bearable.
We had a lovely time in Byron Bay after a rather challenging night in Brisbane. We stayed in an area near the airport, which I wouldnβt recommend. It also encouraged us to adjust our schedule a bit to stay longer in Byron Bay rather than rushing back to the city.
It was fortuitous that we did so as M and D got to meet up with a cousin neither had seen, or perhaps met, for years. It was, of course, my first time to meet them as well. So, it was a nice family catchup visit along with the chill vibe of a beach life.
Upon our return to Brisbane, we stayed in a different area at a nicer hotel. Although two nights would have been OK, one was sufficient in giving us a taste of the city and appreciating the luxurious conveniences of life before heading to the middle of the country.
Then, it was off to Alice Springs where we spent two nights. The first full day was a long bus tour out to Uluru (previously known as Ayerβs Rock) and The Olgas, or Kata TjuαΉ―a. It was worth the long day of travel to see this amazing natural wonder and to learn a bit more of the history, culture of the original people of Australia.
We are now in Darwin – updates on that and our next moves after the weekend.
By the way, click on the pics for the link to our Instagram account where more pics can be seen. Eventually, Iβll try to put together a full Australia tour summary post when we get back home.
~T π₯πβοΈ
Itβs not actually Australia Day, but it was the only image available that worked for the theme. π
As our second visit, it is nice to be back. This time, though, we are going to be seeing more of the country than before. It will actually be a busy tour, but that is part of the fun – in my opinion. After the length of the travel to get here (about 36 hours door to door and then having to wait three hours to check in to our hotel room), I am not sure how eager we will be to come again. Of course, if there is a reason, we never really say no to traveling. π
Anyway, the first day was just arriving, waiting for our room, and trying to adjust to the new time zone. We did manage to go for a lovely dinner with D and her friend R. Easy and stress-free is the way to be!
Yesterday was Day 2/20 and so went in to the Sydney Opera House area (Circular Quay) where we had a little wander around.
It was a chill day as we were basically just waiting to get our flight out to Brisbane, where we will be heading to Byron Bay for a couple of days and then back to Brisbane for another day or so.
Soβ¦not much to add for now, but will try to share a bit here and there as we go along.
~T π₯πβοΈ
It’s award season. π Whether or not she would agree, I always felt that watching the Grammy’s or Oscar’s was something my mom and I bonded over. Probably, at the time, it never seemed like it meant much to me and over the years, she wouldn’t know that I make a point of watching these shows as an act of nostalgia. (Now you know, Mom!) π₯°
For the most part, I barely keep up with the latest of anything. I feel pretty content in my life that it is not important for me to know who’s who. However, I had heard that there were some legends performing at this year’s Grammy’s so I tuned in (after it aired live). π
I was not disappointed by the performances. Even the newbies to me were entertaining.
Yet, I was disappointed by those who have today’s spotlight amongst the youth. π«€ Now, I realize that I might be showing my age (gasp!), but I felt a real un-relatability to the likes of Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift. While the masses seem to enjoy jumping on the bandwagon of either hate or love for these two, especially TS, I could really care less. I enjoy some tunes from both and dislike many tunes from both. That is not the age gap, in my opinion.
What is the issue at hand, is the lack of class. π Both of these ladies, who are touted as being role models for young females of today, gave acceptance speeches that were contradictory and lacking humility. “I accept this award, but I don’t need this award.” “Thank you for this, but it doesn’t mean anything because I’ll keep doing what I do.” “I’ve already won so many of these, but I make my music for you.” These kinds of words are so strange. π
At the crux of it for me, was the lack of etiquette, appreciation, and humility to be recognized. In this growing entitled, social media is everything world, I cannot relate to the inability to simply say “Thank you. I appreciate the recognition and I hope to keep making music that you all continue to enjoy.” That’s all they need to say. Nothing more. π€«
Anyway, as my dad likes to repeatedly point out, giving them time and attention feeds into the problem. Or, at least I choose to turn his words into a more proactive statement. π€ͺ So, this is all the attention I will give to them for now. I’m sure I’ll have some words about the Super Bowl and the media’s obsession over TS… I mean seriously, who really cares?? Ooops, getting ahead of myself. In my usual tradition, I shall be spending some time on YouTube watching the adverts, highlights of the game, and then will pontificate in a later post – perhaps.
We leave tomorrow for three weeks in Australia, so I just might have better things to do with my time! π
~T π₯πβοΈ
There are certain cultural elements that I have acquainted myself with as it relates to my Asian heritage. While I do not lament that I never knew about these aspects of my original roots, I find that there is a sense of familiarity in acknowledging them. Take, for example, the Lunar New Year.
Thanks to modern times forcing people to stop calling it Chinese New Year, I have found more comfort in embracing the zodiac calendar (which seems to still be called the Chinese Zodiac) where there are 12 different animals that are attached to the Lunar year in a cyclical fashion.
For some reason, I have always been fascinated by the fact that I was supposedly born in the year of the dragon – supposedly because I am not convinced this is true based on certain facts. In any case, it is the year I choose to accept as my spirit animal, so to speak. Really, it’s just another way – like the Myers-Briggs, or astrological horoscope – to somehow connect with others in this world; to feel as if I’m not completely alone in my uniqueness.
Just like Joseph Campbell suggests, there are hero and antihero stereotypes. Just like Carl Jung defines, we all have certain personality types in common. Just like you, or the person next to you, or me, we are all trying to fit in with each other, with this space, with this community of mankind, with this planet, with this universe and beyond.
So, it is for that reason that I take advantage of my ability to pick and choose what elements of my Asian background I want to embrace. The Lunar New Year is harmless, a celebration of hope for what is to come, a reminder for the past, and a sign that all is temporary yet cyclical. In that circle, we find that any gaps we think exist, are actually enwrapped in unity.
Happy Lunar New Year! May the year of the dragon bring peace, prosperity, and promise.
~T π₯πβοΈ
It was many years ago when fell in love with rugby. π I had many male friends from Australia and New Zealand who introduced me to the game. Having grown up with sports always on TV and an appreciation of the community that is involved in watching it, I was interested in this very international one that resembled American football – but better. π€ͺ
Perhaps it was because I was living in Japan where it can often be hard to distinguish between a man and a woman when looking at them from behind, but I came to truly appreciate the rough edges of a rugby player. Soon, the New Zealand All Blacks became my favorite team due to their pre-kick-off tradition of the haka.
If you’ve never seen one, here is a sample:
What’s not to love?! β€οΈ
Anyway, then I met an Englishman who also loves his sports including rugby. So, we make sure to enjoy matches live where we can. Last year was the Rugby World Cup, so we saw a match in Nice, France.
This year, we took in a Six Nations opening weekend match in Rome of England vs Italy.
It was fun to see the Italian way of supporting their team and watching the crowd get involved. There were also a lot of white-shirted English team supporters as well, which made it lively. I told my partner that it seemed as if the Italian fans were “fair weather” cheerers while the English were “foul weather” fans – cheering more when they were down than up. π
All in all, it was a good time and I think we might make a regular event of it if we are around to watch matches in Rome. π₯°
PS Sorry for the weird photo of us, but I didn’t want to post with the other unknown faces in the background. π¬
~T π₯πβοΈ
