I decided to learn a little bit about Kwanzaa and discovered that my new calendar book starts on December 26. How perfect. In the meantime, Merry Christmas everyone. 😎
You have to give credit to anyone who would wear this holiday hat. He says that it was a gift and he will wear it until Christmas.
Antonio
Meet Antonio. He is such a lovely man. I used to see him at different locations around town. He uses a walker to get around and it serves as a chair too. We have gradually become acquainted and he always welcomes me with a smile. When I asked to take his photo he put his shirt on proceeded into the serious pose. Learning Spanish has allowed me to make new friends and learn of their lives. He used to be a diver and we share an interest in maps.
I meet really great people here on the Costalegre. Francisco takes care of the pool a few times a week. He is kind enough to answer my questions about Spanish idioms. I love interacting with him because he is simply a warm person.
staying positive
Having any ailment and forced to rest is not fun. I’m missing my daily swim which energizes me mentally and physically. This is not an “oh poor me” whine, it’s just a what is. I recently had a basal cell lesion removed from the tip of my nose and a skin graft taken from my ear. I am just one week post op and hoping the graft was successful. Honestly, I worry that I will have to have a second graft; those shots to the nose were extremely painful.
I try to keep my situation in perspective. So many people live in pain daily. I think about that a lot and especially now as people are being bombed out of their homes or dying from hunger. We fight over abortion rights while tiny, malnourished babies all over the world fight for one more day of life. Humankind can be kind but it seems that we have really fucked up.
Anyway, my stuff is small. I am going to focus on the positive and try to get some light exercise. I do need to figure out how to wash my hair and not get these bandages wet because a woman’s got to do what she’s gotta do.
This is the house that I grew up in, in San Francisco Richmond district. It had been modified some by the time I lived there. I loved the area and that it wasn’t too far a walk to my favorite spot, China Beach😎
One job, washing the dishes and 2 fiascos occur. I broke the handle off this lovely bowl and then two forks stuck together and won’t budge. 😬
being sober
I am an alcoholic. I have been sober for 17 years and I’d say that I’m pretty happy about that. I have never thought to write about it until now. I am not going to share any details of my story only a few insights into being me.
Sometimes I wonder what people think about me when I tell them “I’m an alcoholic”. Do they think perhaps that I’m judging their alcohol consumption.. That answer is absolutely not. Do they think there is something wrong with me as “does that girl ever have any fun and let loose?” Well, no problem there. Do folks wonder if it’s ok to drink around me? I say, “drink up” ‘cause it doesn’t bother me. I even keep a few beers or a bottle of wine in the house in case I have a guest.
I am an alcoholic. I am one of the lucky ones who made their way to AA. That support group was a big help to me. I remember at my very first meeting I was surprised to see such a healthy group of people. No kidding. AA is packed full of heathy people because those who are there can’t afford to stuff their feelings or not deal with daily issues. People may come in at a low place, maybe even be rock bottom. I sure was. But, I showed up. I mustered up the courage and took the fork in the road.
Anyway, I don’t feel broken. I do think that my brain may be wired a little different than so-called normal people. I do what I need to do to be healthy. I lead a joyful life and I share myself with others.
