My Fave Five Addictions - Meme

Thistles in the sun.

I took up this challenge from Reb at Sibu Pegasus Power who issued it to persons sporting a “J” in their real names.
It’s my middle initial and I use it publicly. No way to pretend it ain’t there.
The meme is simple. I am to list five current addictions.

Here they are:

1. Writing – I’ve been hooked on it since I learned the alphabet. It’s to the point that I get weak and shaky- and sometimes mean-if I go to long without it.
2. Photography – I can go long periods without it, but I eventually need a fix. I can get by with a point and shoot, but I didn’t realize how much I missed using a camera with adjustable lenses, shutter, aperture, and ISO until a few months ago. I was used to a 35mm Nikon FM. I now have a Pentax K20D with 18-250mm lens. It feels good to play again.
3. Bacon – I love it. I have for as long as I can remember. I’ve switched to beef or bison bacon with the occasional foray into turkey bacon. It’s all good. I write better when I’ve eaten bacon.
4. Sweets –I have low blood sugar. I get weak and shaky–and mean-if I am deprived of sweets, especially chocolate.
5. The stars and the early morning– I have to go out in the early morning and see the constellations. I feel the best when I’ve seen Orion and followed it to Taurus and the Pleiades. In summer when the sun is up early I often miss out on the stars, but the early morning stillness more than makes up for it.

Under the rules of engagement I am to entice two others to play along.
I’ll leave that open for anyone who wants to join the fun.

P.S. Thanks, Reb. I enjoyed playing.

They have their own beauty.

Gratitude Monday – The Gift of a Day

I went on a successful cheese-collecting expedition to Edmonton last week and got to spend the day with Sibu’s human aka Reb from Sibu Pegasus Power.
Reb directed me away from Edmonton’s Top Construction Sites and made sure I knew in plenty of time what lane I had to be in. I’m grateful for that. We had a wonderful day together of laughing, eating, and ethnic food shopping.
We had lunch at a White Spot. It was the closest thing to a blemish on the day.
Our server greeted us as “guys.” Well, give our vintages it was inappropriate, but I can get past it.
She messed up my order. I’d pointed to the quesadilla with half-caesar salad as I ordered, but she bought me the appetizer version sans salad.
Server and I discussed it. Even as she offered to make it right she said, “Most people specify.”
The bill was $24 and a minor bit of change. I paid with a $20 and a $10 and we waited.
And waited. And then we waited a bit more.
Finally we flagged her down and I asked for my change.
She made us wait a bit longer and then brought it, noted it was the exact amount of change, and said, “Most people specify.”
Reb thoughtfully grabbed a brochure on the way out. I’m grateful because it helped when I searched online for contact info.
I emailed the restaurant’s manager the next day with my complaint which included a stern reminder that tips are earned, not assumed.
He called me within two hours. He was apologetic, suggested it was inadequate training, and apologized again.
These were proper, full, and clear apologies. He took responsibility for the incident and in no way minimized my experience.
I’m grateful for that, too, because it’s good to know there are people who still know how to treat a customer who’s irate for a legitimate reason.
After apologizing yet again he wanted the chance to make it up to me. I said sure and now some gift certificates are on the way.
I’m grateful for that, too.

Roses and Carnations

I've never thought of myself in terms of flowers so these results were a surprise.

You Are a Light Pink Rose

You represent sweetness and grace. Your vibe: Kind and gentle Falling in love with you: is like falling in love with a best friend

What Color Rose Are You?

You Are a Carnation

You are down to earth and grounded. You tend to be more traditional than trendy. Your confidence gets you through anything. People trust you and are very loyal to you.

What Flower Are You?

Reb at Sibu Pegasus Power had this on her blog today so I stole it for my own.
It was fun.
What are you?