Grief

My daughter passed away in November from leukemia. I’m grieving hard. I don’t know what to do or what to think or how to act or what to say. We spent 5 months in and out of the hospital. Often, that is what I think about. She was 31. Maybe I’ll blog some more. Maybe not.

Hyperbole and a Half: Depression Part Two

And this is exactly how it can feel:

Hyperbole and a Half: Depression Part Two

Yoga!

I've been going to Yoga class and am struggling because of my age, weight, weakness since I broke my foot in September etc etc.  The instructor is very encouraging with class members at different levels, so that keeps me going.  I've discovered Social Workout and joined a challenge team.

The Tinies of Raglan Shire – a web comic - Adventure!

The Tinies of Raglan Shire – a web comic - Adventure!

The Tinies of Second Life are up to something.

You can hear about it on BBC it's the March 12 podcast.

You can visit their site JazzPaws

Pinterest

Pinterest is the 'new' thing - a fun, easy, interesting - Pin-teresting social network thingy.
I have a Pinterest board. Hey! You can follow me if you'd like!

There are many boards and pins about things that I thought I was the only weirdo interested in like:
Doors - or portals, entryways
Repurposing - using stuff in a different way it was intended
Tattoos - usually ones the pinner likes, not that they have any themselves

And of course there's: Home Decor, DIY, Photography, Travel, Books, Art, Recipes, Crafts, Weddings and yes, there are even  boards that have manly stuff (sometimes created by MEN!)

In the few weeks that I've been using Pinterest, brands have jumped on board.  Those pesky marketers, they just can't leave us alone!

So here are the tools I use to Pin.  First the Pin It bookmarklet. Then wherever you are on the web, you can Pin right then and there!  I also use the Pin Page bookmarklet if just one picture won't do.  But the best tool I use is the 'search Google with this image' because many popular pins have be 're-pinned' over and over again.  When you click on a Pin, it takes you to the address it came from which will be on someone's Pinterest page.  Now if you'd like to actually go to the site that the pin is about (for recipes or instructions, etc.) you can hopefully get there from where you are (where was I?) If I think that will be the case AND I can find the original site, that's where I want my Pin to take my  followers to (are you following this?) PLUS there has been much conversation about copyright violation, SO I use the 'search Google with this image' in order to:
Find out where the original pin came from and/or find out if it's copyrighted.  Sometimes it's difficult to find out and if so, I can go back and 'repin' the Pin that I saw in the first place hoping it's not illegal.

There a lots of other tools; you can search for 'Pinterest tools' either in Pinterest or a search engine to investigate.  For web sites, you can add buttons allowing visitors to Pin something or follow you on Pinterest.  (That's the next thing I'll do) So far, everything has been easy-peasy.  If you have any questions or would like me to follow you - just give me a shout out here with a comment or repin, comment or follow me on Pinterest.  I try to visit and follow everyone that has stopped by so I hope to see you around!

St. Paul's Cathedral, London

What a delight!  Having been to many churches, cathedrals, chapels, etc in Europe for somewhere to really stick out for me it has to be extra special.  First, the free audio/video guide is top-notch.  The touch-screen multi-media guide is easy, fun, informative and has maps you can 'pinch' to enlarge - wow factor of +10.
There were a couple of architecture students sketching (quite well) the interior.  That's the first time I've seen that inside a building and the reason is obvious, even to a layperson (of architecture) like me.  St. Paul's design is breathtakingly perfect.  The awesome mosaics on the ceilings above the quire were added later and the combination with the unadorned main aisle is a perfect balance.  It was great learning about all the ceremonial things held here like coronations and royal weddings.  My favorite fun fact is that during the women's suffragette movement, a fire was lit under the bishop's chair.  I thought that went well with the Occupy London protesters camped outside St. Paul's.  The down side to that was no tours on the upper floors.  Our tickets are good for a year, so hopefully we'll get back to visit the rest of St. Paul's.  You can take a virtual tour here.

But  the Number ONE thing I loved about St. Paul's was the American Monument Chapel.  From the website:

At the east end of the Cathedral behind the High Altar is the American Memorial Chapel. The Chapel is also known as the Jesus Chapel, as the space was known prior to World War II.

This part of the building was destroyed during the Blitz and as part of the post-war restoration it was decided that the people of Britain should commemorate the 28,000 Americans who were killed on their way to, or stationed in, the UK during the Second World War. Their names are recorded in the 500-page roll of honour encased behind the high altar. This was presented by General Eisenhower in 1951 and a page of the book is turned every day. 

Teen who made encouraging video on bullying commits suicide

It is difficult to know what to do when someone you love is struggling with depression. This story reminded me that we should always watch out for others.  Even though we cannot control their thoughts and actions; cannot prevent tragedy - we can do some things and perhaps it will help.  Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:

• Approach, don't stay away.  
• Ask: how do you feel emotionally?  Ask: can you tell me a thought that seems to run through your head?  Ask: have you talked to a doctor?  Ask: what, if anything, seems to help?
• Advise someone who is deeply depressed and/or suicidal to call their doctor.  If they are already being treated, urge them to call their doctor to give them an update.  If they don't have a doctor, see if they will call a helpline or let you call for them and find out how to get a doctor.  

Especially for teens, acknowledge the reluctance to get help.  Explain that it is necessary the same way that getting treated for a broken bone is necessary.  Make sure they have access to a hotline.  Have them put a post-it note on their computer.  They can write the number backwards and say it is a password.

SAFETY:  Someone who is having thoughts of suicide should be taken to the hospital.  Someone who is having suicidal thoughts should not be left alone.  Those who are suicidal don't get over it quickly - it takes time to treat depression.  Medication and counseling can and will help but not overnight so remain vigilant.

Note:  I am not a mental illness professional!  Please seek help from your doctor, pastor, school counselor or other professional whether you are the depressed person or someone who is concerned and wants to help.

Budget Trip to Prague

Our latest trip to Prague was enhanced by some money savers!

• We flew WizzAir from Charleroi airport in Belgium.  Discount airlines do not use our local airport Findel.  Total cost for both of us round trip = 133.96 euros
• To get to Charleroi from Luxembourg, we took the Flibco shuttle bus. Cost 5 euro pp each way = 20 eur
• Since our flight left early (budget airline schedules often don't fly every day), we stayed at Charleroi Airport the night before our flight.  Hotel for 55 euros
• We belong to the A|Club and stayed at the Ibis Praha Wenceslas Square for 4 nights (no breakfast, which was 11 euros extra)  Total price = 253.11 euros
• On our way home, we spent the night before at the Marriot for 45.94 euros which I thought was a great price for the Marriot!

So not including our daily expenses for food, metro and touristy stuff our cost for the trip:   373.35 euros