Notes #55

Take note, "Notes" is taking a holiday, I am taking a holiday, Wayne is taking a holiday (editor). It's summer, and summer demands that we experience freedom from regular routines. Freedom to do what ever we like, as long as it means staying away from people outside our home bubble, wearing a mask, safe distancing, getting one's COVID shot, doing take-out from our favourite restaurant, and no planning of trips in or outside of the country (sorry Brad and Suzanne but no golf in the Caymans). Freedom--mm!

I am both bored with the COVID restrictions and lockdown, and yet totally upset with those self absorbed, self-centred individuals who ignore science and our health professionals and choose to ignore the health rules and by doing so choose to prolong this COVID nightmare. These "stand up for your rights" individuals, put us all at risk and have confused "rights" with "privilege".

I will be doing some thinking and writing in my time off but could certainly use some help, some motivation, so if you have any ideas, suggestions, stories, jokes, situations, memories you would like to share, please do so. danrosin@drcounselling.com

Have a great summer, remain diligent and safe, get your shot and we'll talk at you soon. I am going golfing (by myself).

Dan

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Reader Response
Great Resilience material with very appropriate timing!
I've experienced a lot of feelings this week... anger, blame, victim, then acceptance, learning, take control and empathy.
 One of my pandemic joys has been riding a bike to work.
Unfortunately, I left the garage door open ...and my $$ nice bike was stolen and my car was gone though.
 
Then instead of angrily obsessing with finding my own bike for sale on kajijii, I decided I'm working hard and will not do without something that brings me joy. Realistically I cannot rely on bike stores (many are all sold out) and the police are swamped with bike thefts.
 I found another great bike at a great price from a great guy that was moving. Overtime $ spent! Instead of feeling anger and victimization, I thought about gratitude that they did not steal my car, or the door openers. I have learned I need to be more diligent with doors and bike locks!
 In problem solving, I Chatted with neighbours and we all agreed to be more neighbourly and notify each other of open doors etc. I then considered it a life-lesson for children not to leave valuables visible.
 Today, I baked muffins for my cousin, an ICU nurse. Doing something for someone who has been struggling with bigger issues, else helped change my mood too. Grumpy...not grumpy!

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 Golf can best be defined as
an endless series of tragedies
obscured by the occasional miracle,
followed by a good bottle of beer.
 

You hit down to make the ball go up.
You swing left and the ball goes right.
The lowest score wins.
And on top of that, the winner buys the drinks.

If you find you do not mind playing golf in the rain, the snow, even during a hurricane,

here's a valuable tip: your life is in trouble.

A 'gimme' can best be defined as an agreement between two golfers ...
neither of who can putt very well.

Golf's a hard game to figure.
One day you'll go out and slice it and shank it,
hit into all the traps and miss every green.
The next day you go out and for no reason at all you really stink.

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Tiger Woods & Stevie Wonder are in a bar. Tiger turns to Stevie and says, "How's the singing career going?"

Stevie:  "Not too bad. How's the golf?"
Tiger: "Not too bad, I was feeling some stiffness in my backswing, but I've loosened it up.

Stevie: "It took me a few weeks to get the feel of my new Callaways, but I really like them.

Tiger:  "Stevie, you play GOLF?"

Stevie:  "Absolutely, been playing for years."

Tiger:  "But -- you're blind!  How can you possibly play golf if you can't see?"

Stevie:  "Well, my caddy gives me the right club, then walks out the appropriate distance, stands in the middle of the fairway, and whistles.  I listen for his whistle, take any breeze into account, and crush the ball in his direction.  I walk to where the ball sits and we do it again.  Putting's a little more challenging, but that's what makes it fun."
Woods, incredulous, says to Stevie, "We've got to play a round sometime."

Stevie:  "Well, people don't take me seriously, so I only play for money,  $10,000 a hole.  You ok with that?"
Woods: " Great, $10,000 a hole is fine with me. When would you like to play?"

Stevie:  "Pick a night."