Where is everybody?

So the entire world is in a pandemic crisis, and because of mainstream news headlining and social media, information is spreading faster than the disease. Many are calling this pandemic a wake up call. We can't really say what will happen after the worst is over, but I wonder if we as a human race become more concerned for each other, including countries where poorer and distressed populations live. Will the human race become more caring and considerate or resort to our usual ways of dealing with disasters, being kinder for a short while then fall back into our self centred and isolating patterns.Maybe this is sounding pessimistic, but I don't see any reason why there would be change in the human psyche, not even if this whole thing got much worse or vanished tomorrow. Our past track record has not shown evidence of sustainable positive changes.Do you think a change is possible?

Hey Where Have I Been?

Hi, anyone. Just checked my stats, nobody reading these posts. No wonder, and no worries since I haven't written one for over 2 years. So, time to put on my typing fingers and get you caught up. Are you wondering what's been up with me for the last couple of years? I didn't think so. I'll tell you anyway: I was working and now I'm not.

"How can you survive, if you aren't working?" you ask. "Are you living on the street?" Okay, I see you are somewhat concerned about my welfare, and I appreciate you caring. Let me assure you I am fine. To answer your question about income let me explain. Once established, there is a very simple method for receiving guaranteed income every month, year after year and not have to work a day for it. If you are guessing it's  some form of a tiered marketing scheme, or pyramid formula with residual income I assure you it isn't.  No, it's much less complicated and almost anyone can do it. Here's how. The answer is to look after your health then simply grow old and collect your government pension(s). However, be smart, unlike myself, and make sure your CPP contributions are topped up every year so you can receive your maximum benefit when you reach retirement age.

So, that's it for now and I will end with a word of advice. While you're young, think about getting old. Chances are, if you live a long life, you'll need some money around to enjoy it. Hope you are appreciating life and getting wealthier and wiser.

What you did on your day off ( What do you mean day off?)

It's Tuesday morning which for me, means back to work after five days off. The nice part was only having to book one vacation day. Working a rotational shift means alternating between a four and five day week which sometimes turns into a mini holiday if you play your cards right. Having Friday off and "Civic Holiday" Monday, the long weekend got longer when I booked Thursday off. Five days and they're just a memory now. BTW for those living in Ottawa, the August civic holiday is called Colonel By Day, which this year happened to fall on August 7th,; Colonel By's birthday. Maybe many people in the area knew this, I didn't until doing a little research.

The weekend wasn't so kind for my roommate who had to work this past Monday. Unfortunately, working in retail sometimes means missing out on days off when others are entitled to them. It doesn't seem fair, does it? And she's a good worker too, which translates into; if you work hard, your reward is getting to work harder or at least longer. Now there's a real incentive, isn't it?

I wish retail store customers and restaurant patrons would recognize employees who have to work while they are shopping or eating out on their day off. Maybe a kind word would be helpful as simple as "I know you probably didn't want to work today, but thank you" or "I hope your day is going well" would make them feel appreciated. Sometimes it only takes a simple gesture to make someone feel good about themselves. Hey, while we're on the subject, it wouldn't hurt for managers to do something special for their employees also.

Hold all my calls I'm having lunch.

If you read my last post, you’ll know I’m kind of a people watcher, especially when visiting the local mall. The last two weekends I’ve visited the mall food court, a man, probably in his mid-fifties, is sitting at the same table he sat at previously. The reason is obvious when you watch him. The table is located right beside a large cement pillar with an electrical outlet installed. His laptop is connected to the outlet with his charging unit.

The gentleman appears to have set up a mobile office when you see what sits on the table. He has a laptop, a large pile of paperwork, a bottled drink and an article of clothing resting on it.  A large carrying bag for his computer sits beside him on a chair. He hunches over and is continually writing in his notes while only occasionally looking up.

While continuing to write with head remaining close to the table, he notices a woman sitting down at the smaller table located very close right behind him. A serious look of concern overtakes his face when he looks down at the floor and realizes the woman has set her rolling suitcase bag right on top of the wire connecting his laptop to the outlet. He stares at it for a moment, surely contemplating about saying something to the woman. He raises his head slowly but does not turn to look at her. Instead, he continues writing his notes with some relief that the situation is not critical.

I would have liked to see how it turned out, whether the woman or man left their table first and if there was a confrontation. However, I couldn’t stay as I had some business of my own to contend with.

Yes waiter, may I have a toothbrush?

In the food court at the mall, you can see people doing the same thing you are, that's right: watching other people. Besides being a spot to grab a quick and reasonably priced meal, it's a hub of activity and free entertainment. I don't know where you can find that combination anywhere else.

Let's take the lady who looked to be in her mid to late forties presumably sitting with her son and his wife and the couple's infant son. Finishing her meal, she reached into her purse and pulled out one of those small plastic dental floss tools and preceded to open her mouth and reach the deep recesses of her back molars. Thankfully it was a brief operation and done gracefully (yes, not intended as sarcasm). You might think she was finished with the dental hygiene cleansing but no, and followed up by delicately picking something out of her front teeth with her fingernail.

Moral of this post: there are some things you just don't need to watch.