Imagination

Superstitions

Jeanna GLeave a comment

As I was waiting in the intersection to turn left, the light turned amber and the driver of the car coming from the opposite direction kissed his hand and then tapped his car’s ceiling as he sped past. I don’t know what the name for that practice is, but I know I’ve been doing it since I was a kid. But why? Do I think it will prevent me from getting T-boned? Or that it will stop a cop from giving me a ticket? 

I’ve also avoided stepping on cracks for most of my life, I drink out of my Penn State mug for all of football season, and I used to tape a Tootsie Pop wrapper to the strap of my shinguards before each soccer game. Some of my behaviors could probably be better labeled as obsessive-compulsive, rather than superstitious. Even so, what keeps me doing them? I’m sure at some point I felt as though they eased my worries or would bring me good luck. Some, I’ve heard, keep away evil spirits, like tapping my glass on the bar before I take a shot, or tossing a pinch of spilled salt over my left shoulder.  

As Halloween approaches, so do the images of spooky spirits, and I can’t help but get caught up in the superstition of the season. If a black cat crosses my path, will a witch be close behind? Maybe, maybe not, but I’ll be sure to light my Jack-o’-lantern just in case. 

Give Yourself a Timeout

Jeanna GLeave a comment

When we were kids and did something wrong, we’d get a timeout. “Go sit over there and think about what you did wrong. You can come back when you know how to act right.” Oftentimes I am so busy taking care of other things and people that I forget to take care of myself. Sure I eat and shower and whatnot, but am I also nurturing my social, spiritual, and emotional wellness? Am I taking the time to remember who I am and to honor myself by doing what I truly enjoy?

As a kid, I loved being outside. There was so much to take in, so much to feel and wonder about. My daughter and I went on vacation to a lake house with our friends this past weekend. Together we floated in the lake, warmed by the sun and cooled by the water, talking and laughing, rolling over the wake sent our way by the passing boats. The sky stirred our imaginations as we watched the clouds morph into different shapes, wondered about the low-flying helicopters, pretended to be birdwatchers who knew the difference between an egret and a heron, oohed over the distant fireworks, and were mesmerized by the full moon rising and the way its reflection reached across the water to touch us. We breathed the fresh air and felt a close affinity for the world around us. I played, it made me happy, and now I feel recharged and ready for whatever’s next.

Do you forget who you are sometimes, too? It’s time to be your own wellness coach, so blow the whistle and give yourself a timeout! What do you miss doing? Think about it and then go act right!

Antiques for Hire

Jeanna G1 Comment

My friend and I, both Gen Xers, were talking about the job market and what makes us seasoned veterans qualified versus those who are just now entering the workforce. The world is changing so quickly, and we are feeling very outdated. Even so, we know we’re valuable. I guess we can sympathize with antiques?

Honestly, I don’t even know what I’m qualified to do outside of my degree and the career path I’ve been on for 20 years. What skills do I have that are even relevant anymore? There are parallels between what my daughter, an Alpha, and I both learned in elementary school, but I can’t help but notice that some things I think are important are being disregarded.

My friend and I questioned if anyone actually reads résumés, and then imagined what would happen if everyone’s résumés were based on what we picked up in elementary school. Here’s mine:

Education:

Elementary

⁃ Achieved “Moonbeams” reading level

⁃ Memorized the multiplication table

⁃ GPA: Outstanding

Job experience:

⁃ Dog walking

⁃ Lawn mowing

Skills:

⁃ Plays well with others

⁃ Rides a 10-speed with no hands for long distances

⁃ Fifer (Yes, I know it’s an instrument that hasn’t been popular since the American Revolution.)

⁃ Check writing

⁃ Nice penmanship, including cursive

⁃ Colors inside the lines

⁃ Juggles citrus fruits

⁃ Knows how to carry on a face-to-face conversation

⁃ Washes hands for 30 seconds with soap and warm water

⁃ Follows directions, especially when baking cookies

⁃ Great whistler

⁃ Reads analog clocks

⁃ Utilizes polite manners and social etiquette

⁃ Demonstrates that sharing is caring

Accomplishments:

⁃ Won the 50 yard dash at field day

⁃ Caught an 11” rainbow trout

⁃ 1st place in a cow hair clipping contest at the county fair

⁃ Spelling Bee class champion

Volunteerism:

– Lots of chores around the house

References:

Ms. Sturges, Kindergarten Teacher:

“Jeanna is an interesting girl. She matured as a sharing, contributing, helpful member of the group.”

Ms. Davis, 5th Grade Teacher:

“Jeanna is tops all around – pretty, bright, conscientious. The world could use some more like her.”

Now how would this compete with the résumé of a Millennial, Gen Z, or Alpha? Would I have the edge? Sounds like the makings of a new game show!