Day 13: If you had a billion US dollars, how would you spend it?
Firstly, I would check the exchange rate. Currently, that would give me half as much again in NZ currency. That is $157,000,000NZD. Hmm-probably this would be enough to splash out on a few trips around the world, donate to a few worthy causes, clear the extended family’s mortgages, etcetera, etcetera……..
Seriously though, I don’t give too much thought to having this huge amount of money . It’s either a pipe dream, or a nightmare in the making.
Money isn’t likely to buy happiness And that is my WOTY focus this year.
Day 14: What is your preferred mode of travel?
Shanks pony “One’s feet or legs, regarded as a means of transport” – yeah nah, not really just give me a car or ute these days. It carries my rubbish and my groceries though not at the same time. The Ute also tows the caravan which offers a slower mode of travel to explore the beautiful country views. And that makes me happy.
I used to enjoy horse riding but found it to be a bit too hazardous to my health after my horse bolted with me on too many occasions.
I did some cycling over my early years. I got a brand-new bike when I was 11 years old and I was so proud of it. I cycled everywhere – to school, and to the horse paddock each weekend. It was my only mode of travel until I got my driver’s licence in my early twenties. Then I drove everywhere instead.
I did a pro-drive course when I started a job that required extensive travel over rural roads. I remember driving home from the course practicing all that I had learnt. Then a few weeks later, I collided with a runaway cow on a dark night. My newly acquired skills kicked in and I almost avoided a head-on collision. I hit the cow but I survived -alas the cow did not.
I fell off an e-bike and tore a few rotator cuff tendons. Surgery followed by 6 weeks in a sling over summer cured me of that mode of travel.
Armchair travel is now my preferred mode of travel.
Day 15: What fear have you conquered?
My fear of falling from a great height. For much of my life, I had a fear of falling downstairs. At one stage, it got so bad I would just freeze at the top of the stairs. Taking that first step was just too hard. I envisaged myself falling and landing in a crumpled heap at the bottom for days, waiting for someone to find me.
Until I did actually fall. In the middle of winter, one morning when I was running to catch the bus, I slipped off that icy top step of our outside stairs. My life flashed before my eyes. That didn’t take long as I was only 18. I landed in a crumpled heap, but I picked myself up, brushed off my embarrassment, and made it to the bus on time.
Since then I have even mastered escalators!
Day 17: Describe the happiest day of your life.
This should be easier than I am finding it so far.
Happiness is my WOTY so why am I finding it hard to describe the happiest day of my life?
I have had a long and fortunate life (so far) and I have had so many happy days to be grateful for. I guess there are too many to count to specify any particular day.
The day we got married nearly 52 years ago, the birth of each of my three sons, the challenges of study and a new career, my many memorable travel experiences over the last 20 years, the birth of each of our seven grandchildren, and now having more time in retirement to pursue new creative activities. These have all brought me joy and happiness.
I’m forever grateful that the happy days have far outnumbered the sad, stressful days. I am thankful for them too as without sadness how can happiness be known or appreciated?
Day 18. What’s your favorite meal to cook and/or eat?
Smoked salmon, asparagus and creamy mushrooms. It’s delicious, its easy to prepare, it’s healthy (mostly). And asparagus is a springtime seasonal treat and that is my favorite time of the year.
Day 19: What color describes your personality and why?
Purple. I love purple although I can never quite explain why so I went searching for meanings.
Some definitions:
“The color purple has a variety of effects on the mind and body, including uplifting spirits, calming the mind and nerves, increasing nurturing tendencies and sensitivity, and encouraging imagination and creativity.“
And;
“Purple as a favorite color is said to represent an artistic and unique individual, who is often very intuitive and deeply interested in spirituality. Lovers of purple are said to be a good judge of character, and a visionary with a great need to participate in humanitarian issues.”
Well I’m not sure about the “deep interest in spirituality’ but I do try to be creative and artistic in many different ways. And perhaps, just maybe, I’m a good judge of character?? I’m definitely a unique individual. And I’m okay with that.
Day 20: What irritates you about the home you live in?
Nothing much irritates me about my current home except perhaps our recent road closures, and the ongoing isolation.
We have had 30+ years living our lives here at the beach. We have a warm and comfortable home. The birds flit through the native bush and along the seashore. The spectacular sunsets are often followed by dark skies which display a multitudes of stars to sparkle and intrigue me. Plenty of photo opportunities abound here.
That’s why it has been such a hard decision to sell up and move into town.
To be continued……….
#bloganuary #goals
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