Author: Belinda O

Well, the laptop that I told you all was kaput the other day shall henceforth be known as Lazarus, because it has been raised from the dead. Okay, it still dies now and then, so it isn’t as reliable as I’d like and I should probably get a new one. But I need to wait for my tax refund anyway so I’m going with the flow with ol’ Laz here.

Going with the flow seems to be the story of my life these days. I’m living in an apartment I’m not thrilled with because that’s what I can afford. The pandemic has limited my social life (we’re all in that boat, I know). It seems I spend a lot of time at home and that can make me a bit stir crazy.

Still, I remain proactive about some things, which brings us back to the laptop and why I’m likely to get a new one even if Lazarus remains alive. I’m active in my writing group and need a reliable computer to maintain my good standing. Not that anyone would kick me out if my attendance and writing were spotty, but I want to stay active and be a consistent, contributing member.

I’m also proactive about the health of my cats, which can be costly. They each need to have their teeth cleaned, and that’s expensive–but necessary. So I’m saving my pennies and hoping this latest stimulus package goes through so I can get that done soon. Poor babies. They need to go back to the vet (high trauma) and get put under to have their teeth cleaned. 

I’m lucky enough to have a couple of great cats, snugglers both of them, so I want them healthy and happy.

I may not like my apartment and I may be bored quite a bit of the time, but overall, I’m happy with life. Sometimes you have to put up with something for awhile to make way for better things. I’m hoping I can move up in my job sometime soon, although I really like my manager and the group I work with so I’m a bit hesitant to get too proactive there.

So yes, I’m going with the flow on my job–a job with great benefits and respect for its employees, so the flow is easy.

And I’m lucky enough to say right now with my life, the flow is easy.

Image Credit: © Oceloti--stock.adobe.com

Some of my longer-term followers may remember the last time my computer went kaput. I got a new laptop then, but time has flown by and my “new” computer has died.

So I’m writing a short post to let all of you know you won’t be hearing much from me for a couple of weeks.

The timing is okay, however, as I’ll be getting enough of a tax refund to afford the laptop I want. Nothing fancy, but definitely more powerful than what I’ve been working with lately.

I still have my phone so I can respond to comments you leave. So for now, thanks for being there for me!

Image Credit: © vladwel–stock.adobe.com

Like the rest of you, I’ve had my share of both good and bad luck.

I have the worst luck with socks. No matter how many I buy, I never have enough–they just disappear. I got a pack of six last week and the first time I wore a pair, I noticed a hole. Of course I’d thrown out the receipt so I can’t return them. I just have to hope this is a fluke and the remaining socks will hold up well.

My love life has been decisively unlucky. Okay, I bear some responsibility here, but looking at it from the great vantage point of age, some of it is also a matter of luck. Frankly, at this point I’ve given up and I’m planning for the future with the expectation I’ll be single for the rest of my life. Thirty years ago I would have been depressed beyond measure, but I’ve outgrown that thinking.

Despite my bad luck with socks and love, I consider myself lucky in most ways. Those of you who’ve followed my blog know how crazy I am about my cats, Walter and Mimi. They chanced into my life (read “Here’s Your Baby” for that story) and are two of the sweetest cats I’ve owned. As companions I couldn’t ask for more.

I have a job. I have a home. I have a reliable car that’s paid for. Given the current economic situation, I consider all that tremendous luck. My parents are both living and they love me, as does my brother (I won’t speak for my sister out of respect for her feelings and actions). I have intelligent, thoughtful friends–and I count several of you in that group.

Some people don’t believe in luck, rather, they see everything as part of God’s grand plan, and maybe they’re right. I have a strong faith and I consider that a gift from God, so call that good luck. I think personal responsibility is a big part of our fate. But I can’t help but believe some of it just comes down to the luck of the draw.

We have to accept the good and bad in our lives, and know that both will come and go. I know I’m not the first one to say this, but what you believe in will save you. Believe in being grateful. Believe in sharing love. Like the rest of you, I’ve had my share of both good and bad luck. But I’m choosing, with gratitude and love, to put my eggs in the good luck basket.

Image Credits: Socks ©Julija – stock.adobe.com; Eggs ©Nitr – stock.adobe.com; Heart © Belinda O; Cats © Belinda O; Friends ©Rudie – stock.adobe.com.