No wonder I'm all tired out!

Bob Hope once said, "Today my heart beat 103,369 times; my blood traveled 168 million miles. I breathed 438 cubic feet of air, I ate three pounds of food. I drank 2.9 pounds of liquid, I perspired 1.43 pints. I generated 450 tons of energy. I spoke 4,800 words. I moved 750 major muscles, and I exercised 7 million brain cells. No wonder I'm all tired out!"

I found that quote a few minutes ago (on a single page torn from a magazine) as I shifted, sorted, discarded and/or packed. My strong helper ("Ed") will be back on Tuesday to put the finishing touches on loading the last minute items (bed, rocker, table, computer chair, etc.). Most of the boxes have been stacked in the POD and--wonders of wonders--there is still ample space for the remaining items. I had some anxiety that I had more "stuff" than available cubic feet in the POD!!!!!!!! ~~ I have three days to finalize the packing and, time permitting, do my Income Taxes.

Now I'm beginning to rely on the clothes, bath towels, kitchen utensils, etc., destined for extended travel in the teardrop trailer. Everything else (kitchen, clothes, etc.) is being packed. I did another small load of laundry so those things can be packed away.

I want to run away from my apartment this afternoon!! I want to visit Panera, or some favorite food establishment, and forget the clutter, cleaning, sorting, packing, etc., etc. But I'll stay and dutifully plug away at the project. In a week I'll have time for leisure.

Repeating Bob Hope: "No wonder I'm all tired out!"

Disaster in my apartment !!

I may have unwittingly committed suicide?!?! I've been so diligent in my project of packing for a move!! (and diligent in my recovery from acute ozone poisoning). So many things have been packed--and boxes labeled. I was full of energy and progressing full-speed this morning. Then I bumped the floor lamp and it crashed to the floor. All three energy-saving bulbs broke and shattered all over the living room floor. I was cautious (so I thought) but cut my thumb. (Sure is difficult to type when I can't use my thumb to press the space bar!!). I knew I should use gloves but they are packed and I don't know where they are!! I picked up the shards with a piece of tissue and then came to the Internet to check regarding a hazard. (In the back of my mind I had heard there was a danger from broken energy-saving bulbs.) For your information, it was over half an hour before I read the following article. It was over half an hour before I opened the front door to air the apartment. It's snowing but I have the front door open!! Only time will tell whether I have subjected myself to long-term health problems.


An energy saving bulb has gone - evacuate the room now!
By MARTIN DELGADO
Last updated at 06 January 2008

Danger: The new eco-friendly bulbs contain toxic mercury (picture posed by model). Energy-saving light bulbs are so dangerous that everyone must leave the room for at least 15 minutes if one falls to the floor and breaks, a Government department warned yesterday.

The startling alert came as health experts also warned that toxic mercury inside the bulbs can aggravate a range of problems including migraines and dizziness. And a leading dermatologist said tens of thousands of people with skin complaints will find it hard to tolerate being near the bulbs as they cause conditions such as eczema to flare up.

The Department for Environment warned shards of glass from broken bulbs should not be vacuumed up but instead swept away by someone wearing rubber gloves to protect them from the bulb's mercury content. In addition, it said care should be taken not to inhale any dust and the broken pieces should be put in a sealed plastic bag for disposal at a council dump ? not a normal household bin.

None of this advice, however, is printed on the packaging the new-style bulbs are sold in. There are also worries over how the bulbs will be disposed of.

Under new regulations for hazardous waste, councils are obliged to recycle them. At present, they should be placed in special bins also used for batteries at a council dump. But in future, councils will have to provide a collection service or install special recycling banks for the bulbs.

There are fears that without a proper disposal system, the mercury content could contaminate water supplies.

But disposing of one municipal recycling bin full of bulbs costs about £650 each time, adding to fears of higher council tax bills.

The warnings cast a shadow over Government plans to begin phasing out traditional tungsten lights this month.

Ministers hope that using the more environmentally friendly bulbs will save at least five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year.

The bulbs are due to become compulsory in homes in four years. Campaigners are calling for an opt-out so that people with health problems can still use old-style bulbs.

Others are thinking of hoarding the familiar pear-shaped bulbs so that they can keep on using them even after they have disappeared from the shops.

Independent environmental scientist Dr David Spurgeon warned yesterday: "Because these light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, they could cause a problem if disposed of in a normal bin. "It is possible that the mercury could be released into the air or from land-fill when they are released into the wider environment. That is a concern, because mercury is a well-known toxic substance."

And dermatologist Dr John Hawk, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that some people already find it difficult to tolerate the fluorescent-strip lighting that is widely used in schools and offices, which works in the same way as the eco-friendly bulbs. He said: "Fluorescent lights seem to have some sort of ionising characteristic where they affect the air around them.

"This does affect a certain number of people, probably tens of thousands, in Britain, whose ailments flare up just by being close to them.

"Certain forms of eczema ? some of which are very common ? do flare up badly anywhere near fluorescent lights, so these people have to just be around incandescent (old-style) lighting."

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Read more: Energy-Saving Light Bulbs Could Present Danger

Are Energy-Saving Bulbs Dangerous?

Consumers in dark over risks of new light bulb.

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Postscript, 3 o'clock 3/02/2010: I did not vacuum the carpet. I used dozens of strips of packaging tape (wrapped around my hand, individually) and picked up every little speck of glistening glass, lint, tracked-in blades of grass, etc., etc. I've certainly been side-tracked from my intended projects today!!

4:50 PM: Still snowing!! Oh! how I look forward to Spring and the opportunity to start traveling!! Winter weather has been very unusual for North Carolina!! I've been "apartment-bound" for three months!! Sometimes seven to ten days between trips to the market. Meanwhile, fortunately, I've eaten from a well-stocked pantry (and ideally reduced the amount of things to pack).

Back to the subject of this message: I "chickened out" after an hour and had to close the door. If the weather had been fifty degrees or warmer (customary for this time of year) I would have had the door--and windows--open for hours.

Happy First Anniversary !!

It is such a joy to advertise that this is the first anniversary of my diagnoses of the source of my major health problem!! A year ago I was at death's door and could not seem to recover. On February 9th, 2009, I resolved to sit at the computer and search the Internet until I found an answer. I wrote all the details in a lengthy document that you can read by clicking here.

Today I am in remarkably good health. I am in the process of "downsizing" my possessions, giving up my apartment, with plans to travel extensively. Oh happy day!!

Shelby Snow

The early morning sun glistening on the ice & snow-covered tree branches.

From my front porch, looking across the grass toward the Church. The sidewalk was a ribbon of ice; I did not venture off the porch! Aren't the ice & snow-covered trees beautiful?

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Was it the National Enquirer magazine that used the expression "Inquiring minds want to know"?? Perhaps you, too, want to know my status regarding Little Guy.

I've been home from Northern Indiana since October 7th (55 days). I haven't received a subsequent phone call from the owner of Little Guy, and no call from Little Trailer Company. I have not received the reimbursement that I was promised.

I miss "doing" this blog. However, I don't want the topic of my Little Guy Teardrop trailer to get buried under information about health and nutrition, etc., etc.

Inquiring minds OUGHT to know that I had problems with my Little Guy. Charlie had problems with his Little Guy. Numerous others sent their Little Guy to Elkhart for repairs.

FYI: I'm slowly "downsizing." Lots of nice things have been transferred from my apartment to local Thrift Shops. Today I took a load to a thrift shop that helps support local shelters for the homeless. ~~ I have also donated a large number of new items to the Senior Center--items suitable for door prizes.

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Postscript, 01/01/2010: Repeating "I've been home from Northern Indiana since October 7th. I haven't received a subsequent phone call from the owner of Little Guy, and no call from Little Trailer Company. I have not received the reimbursement that I was promised."

Inquiring minds OUGHT to know that I had problems with my Little Guy.
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Putting events in chronological order

Truthfully, I labored for hours last weekend compiling the following message (below the lines). Here I am, days later, ready to publish... but only after I prepared the blog / message that follows this one. Today's message from BeliefNet about "apologies" really spoke to my heart and conscience. I want to apologize if I have hurt anyone with my messages regarding my experience with my Little Guy Teardrop trailer. Notice: "my" experience with "my" Little Guy. ~~ Putting events in chronological order.
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There is one thing I find frustrating about a "blog": Reverse order!! The most current message is at the top. The readers may be confused because they don't know the events that went in to the current comments. I'm going to attempt to put the details in chronological order.

The first problem appeared in late May 2009 when I opened Little Guy for the first time after the long winter. No help... because "your warranty has expired."

The second problem was repaired in July. Later, I published pictures of the repair project.

The reoccurring problem, and a solution.

The owner of the company that manufacturers Little Guy spoke to me (on the phone) several times regarding scheduled pick up of my trailer. I emptied it completely and stayed home waiting for the truck. I wrote this e-mail message.

I had plenty of time so I published a series of blogs titled How-I-Do-It (September 6th through September 14th). Off topic, yes, but valuable reading for someone new to camping with a Teardrop trailer.

It seemed to me there would never be a truck to pick up my Little Guy. During a phone conversation regarding another delay, I quite unexpectedly asked if I could take Little Guy to Elkhart. The owner seemed delighted by my suggestion and offered to pay all my expenses. Then I was undecided.

I published numerous blogs about my trip to, and from, Northern Indiana. Here is my Greetings from Elkhart.

I checked on the progress of the repair.

I did a lot of sightseeing while waiting for the trailer.

Eight days later my Little Guy and I were reunited. OK, Lorraine, if you said the repairs were excellent, why are you writing negative blogs??

I'm not the only owner of a Little Guy Teardrop trailer that has experienced problems. I saw many units at the manufacturing site, in Elkhart, awaiting repairs. Mine seemed insignificant compared to others I saw. And "Charlie" had a tail light fall off and drag along the highway--while he was pulling his Little Guy!!. He had only had his Little Guy for about three months!! He bought it because he talked to me while I was camping at Lake Powhatan. His unit was already showing water damage.

I stopped writing blogs and published an apology. I explained that I was so sick. Feeling an obligation to my readers, I published What Happened to Lorraine?? . Perhaps I had too much time to think!! No phone call from Little Guy in Canton, or Little Trailer Company in Elkhart, to see if I was happy with the repairs. The receipts had been photocopied, and mailed, and I have proof they were delivered--but no reimbursement. Charlie phoned several times to tell me about the "run around" he was getting regarding repairs.

I wrote, and published, Time for brutal honesty!! followed three days later by Time for brutal honesty!! (continued).

The owner of Little Guy read my recent blog and called to explain that everything had been resolved. I expressed my appreciation.

Charlie's trailer was not picked up on Thursday as promised!!

In conclusion, I wrote Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Tales--What he said is not what he meant.

The Power of a Sincere Apology

The Power of a Sincere Apology

By Ariane de Bonvoisin, author of The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier, now available in paperback.

Apologies happen—sometimes multiple times a day. We apologize when we unintentionally say something hurtful, when we make a mistake at work, or when we bump into somebody on the street. And then there are the bigger apologies—those what we should have addressed months or years ago. Maybe we said something to alienate someone, perhaps we judged too quickly or did something that we regret. Saying “I'm sorry” remains one of the hardest things to do. We justify our actions, we present half-apologies, we blame the one we’ve hurt, or we expect something in return. Yet a true apology can clear the air and potentially heal a relationship.

Here are 10 guidelines on how to truly say "sorry."

Align Head and Heart

It’s easy to say “I’m sorry,” but meaning it is another story. A true apology occurs when the heart and head are in alignment, when you intellectually and emotionally accept the responsibility for causing another person pain, even if you’ve done it unintentionally. Becoming accountable for your actions is the foundation of an honest apology.

Write Before Speaking

If you are struggling to find the right words, write your apology down first. Writing gives you the space and time to see how you really feel—for instance, you’ll discover whether you are truly sorry or whether you harbor any lingering hostility toward the person. Its important to deal with these feelings before approaching the one you’ve hurt, or you may reopen the conflict.

Don't Expect Anything in Return

A true apology is a selfless act—an apology is insincere when it is about wanting (forgiveness, attention,) and not about giving. If you hurt a loved one with words or actions, take a moment to accept your role in what has happened and to imagine how you would feel if the same was done to you. At that point you can begin to make an apology that requires nothing from the one who is receiving it. Keep it simple: “I understand that I really hurt you and I want you to know that I am truly sorry.”

Don't Respond Defensively

When you apologize you are tapping into humility by acknowledging your weaknesses and recognizing the grace of another human being. For example, if a friend tells you that you hurt her feelings by saying something insensitive, acknowledge the slip without becoming defensive or blaming (i.e. “I thought you wanted me to be honest with you!” or “You always speak like that to me”). When it’s time to apologize, experiment with something like this: “I didn’t realize that my words were so hurtful, but I can see now how they must have stung. I truly am sorry that I caused you any pain.”

Create a Clear Intention

Be sure to clarify the intention of your apology—even when the person you’ve hurt is not open to receiving your words. Ask yourself if you truly are sorry that you’ve inflicted pain and when the answer is “yes,” work to find the appropriate words to illustrate your feelings. Regardless of the words you choose, your true intention will shine through—so be honest with yourself before approaching another with an apology.

Be Present

A sincere apology can be spoken, written, or simply felt strongly (for example, when directed at somebody who has passed on). There is no right way to articulate your feelings of apology. All you need to do is acknowledge your part in the other person’s pain without rushing through the moment.

Commit to Being Better

A sincere apology also includes a commitment to become a better person—to avoid making the same mistake again. After acknowledging the ways in which you hurt another, make an effort to express the ways in which you will act differently in the future. For example: “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. Now that I know that speaking in that tone of voice rubs you the wrong way, I will work to change the way I approach you.”

Remain Grounded and Accepting

As you prepare to say you’re sorry—and during the actual apology— stay grounded and strong; be with the uncomfortable feelings that arise within you; and accept whatever reaction you get from the other person.

Drop Your Justifications

Our tendency is take things personally, so personally that our egos and minds convince us that we were justified in acting in a way that hurt another person. We focus on the “why” instead of their feelings. Instead of acknowledging that we’ve contributed to sadness or anger or disappointment in another, we hide behind reasons for doing what we did. An apology is sincere when we are able to recognize the feeling and move past the “why.”

Release Guilt, Soothe Pain

Though a true apology is selfless, by nature it is also mutually beneficial. A sincere apology releases the heart from guilt while soothing the pain of another. Guilt robs the soul of joy and inner peace. By making a heartfelt apology, you acknowledge the hurt you’ve inflicted on another, releasing his or her pain while also defusing your guilt. This can also begin the process of restoring the trust that’s been broken.