I prefer a little background noise in my studio while I sew – podcasts, audiobooks or a playlist on Spotify. This way, I can continue listening as I move around the house or need to travel somewhere in my car. I did learn that I cannot listen to foreign language lessons while driving. I get too involved listening to the speaker and don’t pay enough attention to driving.

As mentioned in previous posts, I’m making the most of my library cards. If I see a book at Barnes & Noble or on amazon.com that interests me, I check to see if one of the regional libraries has a print or digital copy available. One of them usually does. My hold on The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz audiobook finally came available this week. I tried to read the actual book as part of a professional development initiative at the former day job, but just couldn’t get into it. My neighborhood book club leader suggested listening to audio versions of books we couldn’t seem to get into, so I gave it a try. The particular version I checked out was a condensed version of the actual book. In less than an hour, I listened to all the main ideas and important takeaways from the book. Perfect!

In case you’re wondering, the Four Agreements are essentially:

(1) Your word (communication) should be impeccable. [No gossiping, keep opinions to yourself]
(2) Don’t take anything personally.
(3) Don’t make assumptions.
(4) Always do your best.

I liked the book summary in e-audiobook format. Going to have to see what else is available!

Keep quilting!

Fortunately, I don’t get too many spam comments thanks to the authentication process in place in the comments section. Reading through my spam comments is always an adventure. I can only imagine what a FB group admin must encounter when moderating posts for various groups.

One of yesterday’s spam comments led me to believe the poster may actually know me somehow (a former student perhaps?). If you wrote the profanity laced missive of yesterday – get a life. Keep on scrolling, my friend. Clean up your language. Doubt your grandma would be happy with your choice of words.

The delete key is a powerful thing.

Keep quilting!

Masked up and went in for my annual physical this morning. Really wish I’d checked my stats from last year’s visit before today. Turns out I gained only 4 pounds in the eighteen months since my last visit, not the 20+ pounds I thought I’d gained, (Wait, what?)

I’d actually steeled myself for a lecture about my weight. No lecture was forthcoming. When I reviewed my previous visit data, I learned that I gained a total of 16 pounds since April 2019, with the bulk of those pounds gained the first year of teaching during COVID, which was reflected at my January 2021 visit. Virtual teaching, stress, easy 24/7 access to my fridge and pantry? Need I say more?

Yes, I do need to lose weight. The doctor reminded me that the shifting body shape I’m experiencing is a normal part of aging. Diet and exercise will help me feel/look better; but there is no potion that will magically erase my meno-belly. So, I’ll get back on my modified WW points plan that I know works and incorporate the doctor’s suggestions. He asked me to report my progress back to him via the app in 3 months. On it!

My takeaway here is stop making assumptions, getting all worked up and worrying about something until I have all the facts, data and pertinent information in hand.

Now back to quilting!