Over the last couple of years, I have been purging on my way to downsizing one day.
I just read two more articles on tips for downsizing today. Yeah same old tips.It often reads like bad boomers for having too much stuff.
Along with family members, I did help clean out my parents' home. So I know the work involved.
The younger generation will not want my stuff or your stuff so we are told.
But I am a believer in history. What is old sometimes becomes new again?
Little trinkets from ancestors may become treasures to someone.
Okay no one wants a house full of stuff but a few little things may be important to someone.
Photos usually are a keeper. But lots of albums, maybe not. So this boomer does scan and save and often posts those photos on Facebook, or email to family members.
If writing a family story, includes those photos in the story lines. Then others have copies but not the originals.
I have boxes of letters to review and perhaps share with family members in time.
Many household items have been downsized already.
I am reviewing my genealogical resources and have already donated to the History room at my local library.
I have made 6 storage boxes to put stuff in for well my 6 grandchildren of little trinkets, photos, memorabilia etc. This way my daughters do not have to sort all my stuff after my death. Nana has given things to my little pumpkins already. However, the boxes need some much needed organization. Right now I have put stuff there. They are manageable boxes so not a lot can be put into them so they do not become another place to throw stuff.
Some furniture items are gone already. I am still looking for homes for other things I know I will not move.
As we all know stuff does have an emotional attachment. It was accumulated for one reason or another. Sometimes just because we have room for it. Easier to put somewhere than get rid of it.
So this boomer will plod away. Hopefully some of my stuff can be sold. Or maybe a family member will want it.
#downsizingisemotional#accumulatingtakesalifetime#willanyonewantmystuff#whattokeepforthegrandchildren#photosareakeeper#photoalbums#takingtimetopurge#downsizingdilemmas#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Friday, February 21, 2020
5 DAILY ROUTINES FOR THE RETIRED PERSON
Being retired, means more time on one's hands.
Easy to do it later. So what are some ideas to keep life meaningful.
1. Get up early. Do not sleep longer.
2. Get washed, dressed, groomed. Look smart for the day. Clean track pants and a nice top work.
3. Make your bed. Have a neat bed. The rest of the room does not matter. The accomplishment of one task done.
4. Make that coffee or tea. Think about the meals for the day. Take food out of the freezer. Or using the slow cooker to have the meal on the go. I love my pasta sauce and the aroma in the house.
5. What needs to be done in the day. Grocery shopping. Picking up medication from the Pharmacy. Buying lottery tickets. Put out the garbage. Yes use lists. Works for me.Call a friend. Go out for lunch. Attend a meeting.
With simple routines, move on to the meaningful activities of the day.
Being retired can be a big time waster. So use your time wisely.
What are your routine activities? How do you get started for the day?
#5dailyroutinesfortheretiredperson#beingretiredisatimewaster#makethatbed#planyourmeals#dothoseerrands#whatneedstobedonetomakethedaymeaningful#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
Easy to do it later. So what are some ideas to keep life meaningful.
1. Get up early. Do not sleep longer.
2. Get washed, dressed, groomed. Look smart for the day. Clean track pants and a nice top work.
3. Make your bed. Have a neat bed. The rest of the room does not matter. The accomplishment of one task done.
4. Make that coffee or tea. Think about the meals for the day. Take food out of the freezer. Or using the slow cooker to have the meal on the go. I love my pasta sauce and the aroma in the house.
5. What needs to be done in the day. Grocery shopping. Picking up medication from the Pharmacy. Buying lottery tickets. Put out the garbage. Yes use lists. Works for me.Call a friend. Go out for lunch. Attend a meeting.
With simple routines, move on to the meaningful activities of the day.
Being retired can be a big time waster. So use your time wisely.
What are your routine activities? How do you get started for the day?
#5dailyroutinesfortheretiredperson#beingretiredisatimewaster#makethatbed#planyourmeals#dothoseerrands#whatneedstobedonetomakethedaymeaningful#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
BOOMER BARBARA ROCKS RETIREMENT- HAVING MEANINGFUL DAYS
Retirement has been a learning curve. Filling days with meaningful activities that replace work is always a challenge for retirees.
Yes I know many retired people claim they are busier than when working. I think that is crap.
Replacing a 10 hour work week- 8 hour day and travel/preparation time is the fact.
There are always normal daily routines that keep us all busy. But being busy may not be meaningful to everyone.
For example, I do have more time to do more housework. I can keep areas of the house neater.
For an intelligent woman that is not enough. A cleaner house. Big deal. So I keep my working cleaning schedule. I am not going to vacuum every day just because I am home. I am not going to make the happy homemaker my main role. Boring and boring again.
So what brings meaning.
Social outings and connections. Time with my husband and family and friends.
Reading more books. Trying to read anything and everything. Magazines like the Walrus, Canadian Living, Zoomer, Good Times as well as home renovation/decorating ideas. Of course the Internet is in my face with the streaming of so much information
I like reviewing what articles magazines publish. Does it give me some areas to submit my writing?
Crafts. Finishing projects in a timely fashion. I have different craft projects at different locations. Panels of a wall hanging by my computer to do while I watch a movie or documentary on Prime. A knitting or crocheting project in the family room while I watch TV with my hubbie. The trick for me if my hands are busy than I do not go to sleep while watching something.
Writing and more writing.
Research. The tedious work like City Directories for ancestors takes time but retired I have that kind of time. Newspaper research. Ditto. Tedious but have yielded some gold nuggets for my family stories. I like researching better than actually writing up the information. Remember genealogical articles and family stories are not creative process. They are methodical and must meet genealogical standards to be worth their weight in salt.
Fortunately many projects and activities can be done from home. God Bless the Internet and all the Facebook groups that provide information. Especially those Genealogy Groups. Places to post my articles and research so it is in la la land in case my computer decides to crash.
Yes I will write some more articles for Genealogy branch newsletters. My bug though is the amount of editing that needs to be done to satisfy the editor of the newsletter. When I post to my blog or facebook group, I can post a first final draft and to several locations. Then if I want to submit to a newsletter, I can edit and send a second final draft. I find the writing and compiling all the research is very cumbersome. So just getting it done, post then revise later works for me. Besides it is a family story. Not a submission for a Giller award. Since I have had some responses to those articles that have helped with my research and brick walls, I would rather send out the article to the world. For me moving along in my family lines is the bottom line as well as providing stories for family.
Am I rocking retirement? Sort of!
#retirementandallitsupsanddowns#writingfamilystories#postingfamilystories#genealogy#crafts#finishingprojects#workingonprojects#socialconnectionsandoutings#readingmorebooks#researchisfun#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#meaningfulactivitiesnotjustbusy
Yes I know many retired people claim they are busier than when working. I think that is crap.
Replacing a 10 hour work week- 8 hour day and travel/preparation time is the fact.
There are always normal daily routines that keep us all busy. But being busy may not be meaningful to everyone.
For example, I do have more time to do more housework. I can keep areas of the house neater.
For an intelligent woman that is not enough. A cleaner house. Big deal. So I keep my working cleaning schedule. I am not going to vacuum every day just because I am home. I am not going to make the happy homemaker my main role. Boring and boring again.
So what brings meaning.
Social outings and connections. Time with my husband and family and friends.
Reading more books. Trying to read anything and everything. Magazines like the Walrus, Canadian Living, Zoomer, Good Times as well as home renovation/decorating ideas. Of course the Internet is in my face with the streaming of so much information
I like reviewing what articles magazines publish. Does it give me some areas to submit my writing?
Crafts. Finishing projects in a timely fashion. I have different craft projects at different locations. Panels of a wall hanging by my computer to do while I watch a movie or documentary on Prime. A knitting or crocheting project in the family room while I watch TV with my hubbie. The trick for me if my hands are busy than I do not go to sleep while watching something.
Writing and more writing.
Research. The tedious work like City Directories for ancestors takes time but retired I have that kind of time. Newspaper research. Ditto. Tedious but have yielded some gold nuggets for my family stories. I like researching better than actually writing up the information. Remember genealogical articles and family stories are not creative process. They are methodical and must meet genealogical standards to be worth their weight in salt.
Fortunately many projects and activities can be done from home. God Bless the Internet and all the Facebook groups that provide information. Especially those Genealogy Groups. Places to post my articles and research so it is in la la land in case my computer decides to crash.
Yes I will write some more articles for Genealogy branch newsletters. My bug though is the amount of editing that needs to be done to satisfy the editor of the newsletter. When I post to my blog or facebook group, I can post a first final draft and to several locations. Then if I want to submit to a newsletter, I can edit and send a second final draft. I find the writing and compiling all the research is very cumbersome. So just getting it done, post then revise later works for me. Besides it is a family story. Not a submission for a Giller award. Since I have had some responses to those articles that have helped with my research and brick walls, I would rather send out the article to the world. For me moving along in my family lines is the bottom line as well as providing stories for family.
Am I rocking retirement? Sort of!
#retirementandallitsupsanddowns#writingfamilystories#postingfamilystories#genealogy#crafts#finishingprojects#workingonprojects#socialconnectionsandoutings#readingmorebooks#researchisfun#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#meaningfulactivitiesnotjustbusy
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
BACKYARD CANADIAN WINTER IMAGES 2020
Yes I would love a true drive in the country or an overnight somewhere. But the old adage a bird in the hand or should I say a camera can capture those images wherever they can be found.
#winterimages#takingpicturesinthebackyard#stayinghomeandtryingtomakethemostofit#missinggreatphotoopportunities#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
Monday, February 17, 2020
I SURVIVED THE SARS QUARANTINE IN 2003
SARS was a big scare in 2003. Like the 2019-2020 Corona virus there were lots of fears.
So I was working at York Central Hospital ( rebranded to Mackenzie Health) in Richmond Hill March 2003.
The first SARS patient came through our Emergency Department. I was working a Crisis shift and probably walked right by the patient.
March 27 2003
The hospital was one of two GTA hospitals closed. Grace was the other one.
We had patient zero.
I received my call at home. Given instructions on what to do.
We were put on work to home to work quarantine. We were wanted to come to work in case anyone was infected..
Given thermometers to take our temperature several times daily. Stay a safe distance from family members. Wash hands often. Use separate towels. Do not sleep in the same bed. Report any signs of fever, stuffed nose etc. Mostly do not leave the house other than to come to work. No being in the community. Staff obeyed those rules.
My married daughter and spouse were asked not to visit- it was part of the quarantine. No visitors other than immediate family members. In my case, my husband and younger daughter.
We reported to work through a big tent where our temperature was taken and health questions asked. We wore masks that made us all look like ducks as well as yellow gowns and gloves.
When I returned home, stripped my clothes, straight to the washing machine.
Wearing a mask all day actually gave a low grade headache by the time the shift was over.
There were daily memos on the progress of SARS. Local TV had daily reports from Health Professionals mostly in Public Health.
Work sucked. There was little to do. The Emergency Department gave their area a super clean. Not having patients was hard.
8 staff were infected from the initial exposure and were treated in a special unit along with any other infected people. They all recovered.
Since the hospital was closed and no visitors were allowed, staff were asked if they wanted to visit patients to give some company. Families could come to the property and wave at their loved ones looking out windows. They could phone but not see the patients personally.
Then 10 days after the initial closing, there was an expectation there would be a boom in infected staff. It did not happen. The Quarantine worked. Or probably staff were not infected. Remember we are talking about 1800 staff at the time.
Most doctors stayed away. But two psychiatrists came to the hospital regularly with treats for their staff.
What did happen was the fear. One nurse reported her children were taunted at school because her mother worked in the hospital.
A local video store was fearful their returned movies would have SARS on them.
Downtown Toronto where SARS did not happen experienced a down time.
It was a hospital borne infection. Once people knew what to do it was contained.
Quarantines work.
SARS was the huge learning curve. Our hospital created negative pressure rooms. Mask fitting became a staff requirement for not only hospitals but many work environments. We had to be tested after SARS every two years and wear the number on our name tag in case of any outbreak.
It was transmitted through droplet. Like a cold. Like a flu.
So hand washing. Sneeze into a tissue or sleeve. Cough into a sleeve. If sick stay away from others.
Even now, just be very vigilant of staying away from others who are sick with anything.
Old people, chronically ill and babies are more vulnerable. So if you have a cold, stay away from them. And wash your hands. Have hand sanitizer in your home and purse. Wash your fruit and vegetables. Clean any home surfaces that visitors may touch if worried.
Are you aware more people in Canada will die from a flu virus??
I know the people on the Cruise ship that will now have to go through another quarantine period are ticked. They will return to Canada and have 14 more days. But think about it. They will be monitored. They will be allowed to go outside. If any become sick, they will be treated immediately with good Canadian health care. Hopefully their workplaces will give them proper sick leave.
Fear prevails. Fear makes us crazy.
If you not sick, you do not need a mask. It just makes you touch your face more often.
Some of my habits did not change after SARS. I would change my clothes as soon as I came home from work up until my retirement. Who knew if I carried little germs with me? Especially after the grandchildren were born. No germs on Nana's clothes.
Always got a flu shot. Got the H1N1 shot. I think I was third in line at the hospital. The double dose Shingles shot. A pneumonia shot. Practice good hygiene myself. Wash my hands. Sneeze or cough into my sleeve. If I am sick, I stay away from others.
If you are afraid, then practice those good habits. If going to public places, go when less crowded.
Not sure how long this Corvid19 will be here with us.
But think of those who have recovered, what can we learn from them.
Condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
We will get through this.
#survivalofaSARSquaratine#Corvid19#fearisourgreatestenemy#yorkcentralclosedduringSARS#survivingacrisis#worktohometoworkquarantine#publichealthruled#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
So I was working at York Central Hospital ( rebranded to Mackenzie Health) in Richmond Hill March 2003.
The first SARS patient came through our Emergency Department. I was working a Crisis shift and probably walked right by the patient.
March 27 2003
The hospital was one of two GTA hospitals closed. Grace was the other one.
We had patient zero.
I received my call at home. Given instructions on what to do.
We were put on work to home to work quarantine. We were wanted to come to work in case anyone was infected..
Given thermometers to take our temperature several times daily. Stay a safe distance from family members. Wash hands often. Use separate towels. Do not sleep in the same bed. Report any signs of fever, stuffed nose etc. Mostly do not leave the house other than to come to work. No being in the community. Staff obeyed those rules.
My married daughter and spouse were asked not to visit- it was part of the quarantine. No visitors other than immediate family members. In my case, my husband and younger daughter.
We reported to work through a big tent where our temperature was taken and health questions asked. We wore masks that made us all look like ducks as well as yellow gowns and gloves.
When I returned home, stripped my clothes, straight to the washing machine.
Wearing a mask all day actually gave a low grade headache by the time the shift was over.
There were daily memos on the progress of SARS. Local TV had daily reports from Health Professionals mostly in Public Health.
Work sucked. There was little to do. The Emergency Department gave their area a super clean. Not having patients was hard.
8 staff were infected from the initial exposure and were treated in a special unit along with any other infected people. They all recovered.
Since the hospital was closed and no visitors were allowed, staff were asked if they wanted to visit patients to give some company. Families could come to the property and wave at their loved ones looking out windows. They could phone but not see the patients personally.
Then 10 days after the initial closing, there was an expectation there would be a boom in infected staff. It did not happen. The Quarantine worked. Or probably staff were not infected. Remember we are talking about 1800 staff at the time.
Most doctors stayed away. But two psychiatrists came to the hospital regularly with treats for their staff.
What did happen was the fear. One nurse reported her children were taunted at school because her mother worked in the hospital.
A local video store was fearful their returned movies would have SARS on them.
Downtown Toronto where SARS did not happen experienced a down time.
It was a hospital borne infection. Once people knew what to do it was contained.
Quarantines work.
SARS was the huge learning curve. Our hospital created negative pressure rooms. Mask fitting became a staff requirement for not only hospitals but many work environments. We had to be tested after SARS every two years and wear the number on our name tag in case of any outbreak.
It was transmitted through droplet. Like a cold. Like a flu.
So hand washing. Sneeze into a tissue or sleeve. Cough into a sleeve. If sick stay away from others.
Even now, just be very vigilant of staying away from others who are sick with anything.
Old people, chronically ill and babies are more vulnerable. So if you have a cold, stay away from them. And wash your hands. Have hand sanitizer in your home and purse. Wash your fruit and vegetables. Clean any home surfaces that visitors may touch if worried.
Are you aware more people in Canada will die from a flu virus??
I know the people on the Cruise ship that will now have to go through another quarantine period are ticked. They will return to Canada and have 14 more days. But think about it. They will be monitored. They will be allowed to go outside. If any become sick, they will be treated immediately with good Canadian health care. Hopefully their workplaces will give them proper sick leave.
Fear prevails. Fear makes us crazy.
If you not sick, you do not need a mask. It just makes you touch your face more often.
Some of my habits did not change after SARS. I would change my clothes as soon as I came home from work up until my retirement. Who knew if I carried little germs with me? Especially after the grandchildren were born. No germs on Nana's clothes.
Always got a flu shot. Got the H1N1 shot. I think I was third in line at the hospital. The double dose Shingles shot. A pneumonia shot. Practice good hygiene myself. Wash my hands. Sneeze or cough into my sleeve. If I am sick, I stay away from others.
If you are afraid, then practice those good habits. If going to public places, go when less crowded.
Not sure how long this Corvid19 will be here with us.
But think of those who have recovered, what can we learn from them.
Condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
We will get through this.
#survivalofaSARSquaratine#Corvid19#fearisourgreatestenemy#yorkcentralclosedduringSARS#survivingacrisis#worktohometoworkquarantine#publichealthruled#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
SUPPORTING OUR CHINESE COMMUNITY DURING THE COVID 19 SCARE
The Corona Virus or now called Covid19 has caused havoc in our Chinese and other Asian communities in Toronto and the GTA.
People are staying away from restaurants and stores. Fear. The chances of getting the virus from non-infected people is not there. Businesses are suffering
But fear prevails.
So Adolph and I had Chinese food from our favourite Chinese Food restaurant for Valentine's Day. Choice of the Orient in Richmond Hill.
Choice of the Orient
It is one small gesture. To support the community.
It was not difficult as we do love their food and have been a customer for over 30 years. But it just seemed the right thing to do.
What can you do to support the Chinese community? What can you do to keep safe and not live in fear?
#coronavirus#corvid19#eatingchinesefood#supportingtheChinesecommunity#notlivinginfear#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
People are staying away from restaurants and stores. Fear. The chances of getting the virus from non-infected people is not there. Businesses are suffering
But fear prevails.
So Adolph and I had Chinese food from our favourite Chinese Food restaurant for Valentine's Day. Choice of the Orient in Richmond Hill.
Choice of the Orient
It is one small gesture. To support the community.
It was not difficult as we do love their food and have been a customer for over 30 years. But it just seemed the right thing to do.
What can you do to support the Chinese community? What can you do to keep safe and not live in fear?
#coronavirus#corvid19#eatingchinesefood#supportingtheChinesecommunity#notlivinginfear#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
FAMILY DAY IN ONTARIO 2020
Created not long ago to have a long weekend in February. So Family Day was invented. Other provinces call it another name.
Some places are open while others are closed. We can get the mail but not buy booze at the LCBO.
When retired, long weekends have little credence. It is just another Monday. So I was up bright and early to start my work week. I call my writing and projects my work. It gives me some focus. I know it is a little nerdy.
Hopefully we may have a visit from our oldest grandchild. She wants to spend some time with us.
Spending time with family. Doing family activities.But every day should be family day. If you know someone who does not have a family adopt that person. Include that person in some family events throughout the year.
So what are you doing for family day!
#familydayinontario2020#familydayactivities#havingfunwithfamilyonfamilyday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
Some places are open while others are closed. We can get the mail but not buy booze at the LCBO.
When retired, long weekends have little credence. It is just another Monday. So I was up bright and early to start my work week. I call my writing and projects my work. It gives me some focus. I know it is a little nerdy.
Hopefully we may have a visit from our oldest grandchild. She wants to spend some time with us.
Spending time with family. Doing family activities.But every day should be family day. If you know someone who does not have a family adopt that person. Include that person in some family events throughout the year.
So what are you doing for family day!
#familydayinontario2020#familydayactivities#havingfunwithfamilyonfamilyday#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)