This is a gazing ball that I refurbished when the metallic surface had deteriorated from years of sitting in the sun and weather in our birdbath. I just tried for a free-form autumn theme. When I finished and put it out in the birdbath, the birds made me smile, flocking around it as if they were giving me their approval. đ
We didn’t have any have-to errands today, but Brian texted me awhile ago, asking if I wanted to go for cash and chocolate. I get cash each week so I can pay for my massage and my housekeeper on Fridays. We enjoyed our chocolate ‘fix’ and then stopped in at a craft store I saw out of the corner of my eye a few days ago. The lady was really talented. I particularly liked one piece that looked like stained glass. There was another craft store right next door to this one, but it was closed. We’ll check that one out another time.
I’m flirting with the idea of taking some time one afternoon when we don’t have anything scheduled and going out by myself and taking a walk. This is a bit daunting since 1) this is still a very foreign country where I don’t speak the language, 2) my hearing is impaired and I have to be especially careful about traffic, and 3) I am geographically challenged, able to get lost in a box in the middle of my living room if you turn me around three times fast. (That’s a BIT of an exaggeration, but not much. I’m pathetic.
I don’t want to be afraid to go out by myself, particularly if I don’t go far from home and don’t have to cross busy streets. I talked to Brian about the idea today while we were out. I can see that the idea makes him really nervous, so I’ll move into this slowly. I’ll keep my outings at first where I don’t have to cross any streets (streets here are a challenge because there are at LEAST 4 lanes of cars plus more motorcycles than you can imagine darting in and out of the lanes. People go to the hospital all the time because they make mistakes trying to cross, or actually lose their lives.) I have promised Brian I’ll text him when I leave, tell him where I’m going, and text him when I get back to my condo. Baby steps.
I hope that you are having a happy day, too!
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Nice you sharing how & when crossing buzy streets. When you go outside you text Brain. Beautiful photo.
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I will be super careful.
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Yes, Linda . You are So smart and superb Care fully. I inspire you.
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Yes, indeed. Youâre trying to be a little independent, Linda. Itâs good. But also , though you can do it, it may not be worth the risk. You know?
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I had a suggestion that I install Google Maps, which apparently has a GPS feature, and Google Translate. Until I get those and understand how to use them, I’ll stick to walking places close by and won’t cross any busy streets alone yet.
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Thatâs excellent! And a good idea.
And donât think Brian and I are worried that you canât do it on your own, Linda. For me (because I donât know Brian or what heâs thinking), itâs just that you have been through so much already, with enough on your plate (mind), that if the least little thing would happen, it would be awful!
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You’re right. All it takes is a small distraction and your life is changed forever. Brian and I were talking about it today. I promised him that I would arrange to fall into the buildings rather than out into the street.đ¤Ş
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Oh, goodness! Well, at least youâre keeping your sense of humor about it, Linda! Ha!
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I have found that a healthy sense of humor is definitely a survival skill. đđ¤Ş
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It sure is! đĽłđ¤Ł
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đ
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Linda, I was thinking that, since you don’t speak the language–and might need to communicate with someone when going out by yourself–have you considered installing an app on your phone that can do voice translation? Google Translate is a popular choice that offers both text and voice translation between English and Thai, with pronunciation support. Other options include iTranslate, Naver Papago, and Talking Translator. I think it would help you practice, too!
Also, try using GPS on your phone when you want to go somewhere by yourself. Phones have GPS capabilities and can be used for walking directions and tracking. Apps like Google Maps and specialized walking apps offer navigation and route planning features specifically for walking. These apps utilize the phone’s GPS to determine your location and provide turn-by-turn directions, distance tracking, and other useful information for walkers.
Sending hugs! Susy đşÂ
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Thanks for your good information, Susy. I will install Google Maps and Google Translate on my phone and have Brian help me learn how to use them. Both will be very useful going forward. đ
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I also forgot to mention that you can share your location with Brian on your phone using different apps and features. For example, Google Maps allows you to share your real-time location with specific individuals for a set duration. Similarly, Apple’s Find My app enables location sharing. Talk to Brian about all of these. I think he would feel more comfortable with you going out by yourself if he knew your location and if he knew you were able to “communicate” in Thai! đ
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Until both Brian and I feel more comfortable, I’ll stick close by on my walks, plus give it time on crossing busy streets until I have more experience. Thanks for your good help.
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Baby steps are the best. To remind myself, I wrote in my book, Science and Spirituality, “Step by step. It may feel as though we are dealing with our own unmanageable minds or with outside minds bent on ruining us but become conscious for a moment that the very love and mind power that heals cannot be trapped in teachers or learners. We individually, with infinite good embracing our unique identity, can acknowledge the higher idea and live it.” And I read blogs like yours. Thanks
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Thanks for the encouragement, Cheryl. MUCH appreciated! In working toward my goal, I now have hearing aids so I can hear the traffic! I also have Google Maps on my phone, so I can tell where I am and see how I can get back home (though Brian showed me it’s not always the most direct route.) Now I have the tools I need, so I will start taking short walks soon.đ
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