I am Dancing as Fast as I Can

I am just going to post a bunch of unrelated photos while I breathe.

My first comment is to post my thankfulness for Blogger allowing me to meet Mage in person several times. We were strangers and have little in common and have so much in common. She loves life as do I. She loves history as do I. She has fun with photography as do I. She is an adventurer and I like to think I am but in a different way. She is more sophisticated than I as she came from a name family while I came from a farming family.  She is on the journey to another place. That journey sounds painful and stressful and also hard on George, her husband, now. That journey that we all will make at some time.  I am so glad I was brave enough to meet her and George when she came to the city near me. I will miss the insight she has on so many things. I am so glad that her family is close with her now.  

My second comment is that I am home from the Roads Scholar trip that I took with my second-to-youngest grandson.  We explored the islands of Georgia.  We experienced the culture, nature, and each other.  The trip started with a small disaster that could have been more difficult but we managed to survive.  They survived my anger and I survived all else.  There were other dangerous surprises.  I will post a brief review if you are interested.

My saga of dead appliances continues.  The dishwasher that died is still not replaced because the brand I selected is not available at any time in the future.  Since I ordered from Best Buy, the college student that helped me failed to tell me that!  I finally had to go back and cancel and order another brand.  In between, there were a number of failed appointments regarding disconnect and removal in an installation that ruined the week.  I realize that the supply lines are heavily compromised, but retail outlets have to communicate that and not let you find out weeks later!  I also had issues with the electrician who came this week to preview our electrical panel for the installation of our backup generator.  With the more dramatic weather, we decided it was a good investment(?).

Not checking my privilege, I will also complain about having to replace both boat lift motors this month as well.  Our nest egg that my husband was concerned about just sitting in a small non-interest bearing account is somewhat depleted and I am glad I did not let him invest it elsewhere.

We have a step-cousin on a visit in a few days.  He is not close to my husband but we are happy to have him stay on a planned overnight.  Then the next weekend my son and his daughter and new baby are coming for a two-day visit.

I have been working for hours trying to find out why our process for getting a renewed TSA (Transportation Security Administration) KTN number is not working.  There is absolutely no way to talk to a living person except by scheduling another appointment and driving up 30 miles and I dread that the lady there will say she has no power over that database even though they took my $140.00 for a five-year renewal within days after our first appointment with her.  If those of you who live outside this privileged country think this makes this sound like a bureaucratic nightmare you have NO idea.

Summer days are hot and humid and that is why I have posted photos that make you think it is nicer here than it really is!

Lost in Thought?

Came across the word "Compartmentalizing" the other day.  (the Brits spell it with an 's'.)  I remember first hearing-reading that word many years ago when they were describing former President Clinton and his approach to discussing issues.  I wasn't sure if they were denigrating or admiring him for this skill.

I guess it is important if you want to keep from going emotionally crazy.  Oh, Merriam-Webster's definition is" to separate into isolated compartments or categories. "  That definition is not really in-depth enough unless you think about it in context.

I found this on the web which has a bit darker definition:  "In psychology, compartmentalization is a defense mechanism our brains use to shut out traumatic events."

Wikipedia- "It may be a form of mild dissociation; example scenarios that suggest compartmentalization include acting in an isolated moment in a way that logically defies one's own moral code, or dividing one's unpleasant work duties from one's desires to relax. Its purpose is to avoid cognitive dissonance or the mental discomfort and anxiety caused by a person having conflicting values, cognitions, emotions, beliefs, etc. within themselves."

EXAMPLES:

"Recent Examples on the Web

Candace has that ability to compartmentalize and sort of dissociate from the things that are bothering her.

— Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2022

After an intense ending to the Halloween party, Spencer tries his best to compartmentalize everything and focus on the big Homecoming game.

— oregonlive, 23 May 2022

His attempts to compartmentalize are further complicated by interactions with grieving families. — Washington Post, 20 Apr. 2022

I think we may lose this skill as our lives get longer with more complicated events and actions by us and as we become less flexible in changing approaches.  Are we more sure of what our actions should be?  What do you think?  I also think I have trouble falling asleep at night due to my inability to compartmentalize.  Hubby closes his book, turns off the light, says "goodnight" and in 5-8 minutes is breathing deeply in his sleep and is out for the next nine hours.  He is great at compartmentalizing.

Are you good at it?  Do you have some trick that works?