Classes More Than An Education

Daily writing prompt
What was your favorite subject in school?
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Like many other students, favorite subjects change because of the teacher or course content. Believe that change is discovering how one can do well in a variety of subjects. Some classes that are more than an education were my favorites because they touched my spirit.

During high school and undergraduate, my favorite subjects that I did well in were English and psychology. Believe that not being accepted socially, writing was a release and psych taught me the reasons why I wasn’t accepted. Being a “free spirit” and an individualist, these classes were more than learning but also a safe haven.

Oddly enough for my graduate degree, anything math was my favorite subject. I liked it because the problems had only one correct answer that could be determined by logic. Straight forward and no sidelines. During these math classes, I felt connected with my grandfather who was an engineer at Ford Motor Company. So much so, I earned my Six Sigma Greenbelt certification from the University of Michigan, College of Engineering, Center of Professional Development. Truthfully, I was one of the eldest female students in the program at the time. Oddly enough, the class was fun. The professor also with some full time undergraduate engineering students did the stats during the University of Michigan football games.

My belief is that life is a learning experience no matter in the classroom or in the boardroom or in a manufacturing facility. The expansion of knowledge is never ending. Favorite classes and teachers touch our souls as well as our brains. Never stop learning.

Student for Life,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Truth or Consequences

Like the old television show, “Truth or Consequences,” you tell the truth correctly or face the repercussions of one’s actions. Below is a summary of a current situation pertaining to truth and consequences.

At work, I have a coworker who is constantly visiting numerous physicians who try to locate an illness or disease that she claims to have. Sometime ago, I casually mentioned that my Dad was a physician that changed how she treated me. To date, she does questionable actions trying to scare me into bowing down to her. Plus, for a “sick” woman, she looks quite healthy. Wasting time and resources for nothing that might affect all of the employees that are legitimately sick.

In closing, people will trust one’s actions over what one is saying. It’s important that what someone says matches to what is coming out of his/her mouth. Tell the truth or be prepared to face the consequences.

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Tech Time

Daily writing prompt
How do you manage screen time for yourself?
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Tech time is the term that I use to control the amount of screen time on my iPhone and iPad. Being an avid traveler and adventurer, life happens not being on the screen.

Like many parents and educators who are concerned that the younger generations are hooked on technology instead of playing outside after school and on the weekends. I believe that adults are the same who might need to set boundaries for themselves.

At home, I have responsibilities of taking care of my house, of my finances and, most importantly, of my felines Bella and Luna. All the above put limits on my time online along with my obsession with vintage British crime drama of Agatha Christie and other writers that I watch on television.

My setback is that I’m fortunate enough to be in contact with my former classmates and friends who I have known since first grade. With that being said, it is awesome but we bond on Facebook that adds to my screen time and theirs quickly and substantially.

Truthfully, I get tired of being online because I work on a computer all day long while folding outgoing mail and talking to customers on the phone. At lunch, I check my emails but cherish time not being online.

Life is meant to be lived fully for the unknown time that we have on earth. Setting boundaries for oneself and the next generation is critical to live a healthy life. Get outdoors and discover the beauty of our planet.

Yours Truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Time Management

Daily writing prompt
Do you need time?
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Time management is something that everyone needs to get the most out of a 24 hour day.

Truthfully, 8 hours sleep is a must for the human body to recover and to rest plus prevent illness. Lack of deep sleep can account for numerous illnesses such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

In addition, three square meals are a must which a “working lunch” can be quite harmful. The human body must slow down to process food in the system and to break from the routine thus a “lunch break.”

Eight hours of work no matter how physical or mental can take a toll on the human body so breaks are to be taken seriously. My Dad was an osteopathic physician who worked a twelve hour shift at a hospital then paperwork. Those who work in some industries like healthcare are the ones who need rest and breaks to benefit their patients. Educators tend to put in lots of hours too.

With 16 hours accounted for plus adding one hour lunch brings us 17 hours per day. That gives us roughly three hours before and after work to grocery shop, clean house, spend time with kids, make meals and other things. Spending time with the ones that we love normally get our leftovers of our time and energy during the week.

We get one life to live so each of us daily must decide what is important and determine how it’s going to happen. Myself, I work eight hours per day during the week with Saturday adjustments with a thirty minute commute each way. Then, I come home to make dinner, clean up, work on my online closet, visit here to blog or to read others beautiful stories then get ready for work the next day by making lunch and taking a shower.

Also, a person needs time to do nothing, absolutely nothing, that quiets the mind and soul. This time is when one dreams even during the week. Truthfully, for myself, my time to dream and to plan are a few spontaneous minutes throughout the day or on the weekends before or after doing laundry and cleaning the house plus spending time with my princess feline divas.

Take charge of your time! Make the changes needed to live a meaningful life not just a productive one. You deserve it!

Yours Truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Finding Old to Feel New Again

Daily writing prompt
What will your life be like in three years?
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In my early 60s with lots of energy and with dreams, I have my goal of moving across country one more time within the next three years. The purpose is to finding old to feel new again.

Since moving to north Texas, I learned quickly that I miss the water and the mature trees plus the old architecture found in Michigan. About seven years ago, I experienced a “vision” that I needed closure but never did so I traveled to the Long Island Sound region north of NYC and fell in love with the area. Since then, I have made two more trips which the last one was more of looking at properties and feeling the vibe of a couple of small towns. Prior to flight, I investigate and I learn as much as I can to narrow my geographic area to visit.

Me finding old to feel new again involves being near the water that is therapeutic and residing in a town where the architecture and landscape are mature is where I find my peace. Currently, I am praying and working diligently to make it happen the sooner the better. In three years, I hope to be living in Connecticut in a condominium and being about a mile or two inland from the Sound. Plan to keep busy by blogging and volunteering plus possibly content writing for others.

Yours Truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Saturday

Hope to be back soon. Working on my finances and shutting down an online closet so that I can donate my remaining inventory to causes that help people in need. Taking back my house one plastic storage bin at a time.

Doing it all so that I can travel and eventually move. Plan to leave Texas for a new frontier.

Thank you,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

October 1, 1908

Daily writing prompt
What historical event fascinates you the most?
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The first Model T rolled off the Ford assembly line in Detroit on October 1, 1908 being the vehicle for the common man. By 1927, more than 15 million were sold. (Source-WILX).

This has meaning to me because my great grandfather and grandfather both worked for Ford in various positions from assembly to engineering. In addition, my Mom’s ex fiancé family’s business is the largest A plan Ford dealership in the country.

Growing up in Detroit, autos were more than driving but a lifestyle of attending car shows and going to cruising down Woodward Avenue which had the first traffic light installed in the country. Visiting The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn next to the test track that the company uses to monitor vehicles.

In closing, the assembly line in production of the automobile influenced how many products are made globally thus reducing costs to allow consumers to purchase. Plus, the horseless carriage changed dirt roads into super highways thus neighborhood development.

Thank you,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Common Sense

Daily writing prompt
What’s something you believe everyone should know.
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The Oxford Dictionary describes Common Sense as good sense and sound judgment in practical matters.

Common sense to me is the shortest and quickest path to solving a problem. It doesn’t require much education or intellect but trusting your senses and judgment.

In about fifth grade, a teacher who tried to open the student’s eyes to common sense by teaching us that sometimes it’s not worth the time and effort to overthink a problem. At first, all of us chose educated answers to resolve the problem such as a clogged sink. Then, common sense came into play of trying a home remedy such as baking soda and white vinegar giving it 15-20 minutes to go down the drain or using Drano type of solution. Some classmates thought of calling a plumber to take care of it although expensive. The point was is that many problems in life can be solved by using common sense which doesn’t require a degree or experience.

My sister and her husband are both very smart and intelligent but lack common sense. They have discussions about problems that can be easily solved by their logic and intent not drawn out discussions on issues intellectually. Time consuming and irritating.

Common sense tells me that creating a morning routine of having breakfast with hot tea, getting my clothes out for work and giving myself more than enough time to commute will put me in the right mindset to do my job right and in a decent mood. For me, my mornings set the mood for the rest of the day.

Thank you,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Youthful Spirit

Daily writing prompt
What does it mean to be a kid at heart?
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Although, I’m in my early 60s, I have the energy and the mindset of someone who is much younger. Plus, I don’t look my age either.

Currently, I work full time plus I have an online closet and I am here. In addition, I travel as well in State and out. My youthful spirit has a mind for adventure and for trying new things. In addition, I plan on moving out of Texas to the east coast to be closer to my sister and back near the water. Originally from Michigan.

My philosophy is to live life to the fullest without regret because one has no guarantee of how much time God has given us. When I hopefully make it to Heaven, I want to say, “thank you for the ride, it was awesome,” so He will understand how thankful I am.

Truthfully, to maintain my, “youthful spirit,” I have to take care of myself to prevent illness like getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and physical activity. Sometimes, it requires staying in all day with my pj’s on watching vintage tv crime dramas, ordering food from Uber and napping with my feline divas.

Also, I believe that as the saying goes, “laughter is good medicine,” which because releases stress plus other physical benefits.

As one gets older and, hopefully, wiser to not take life so seriously plus distancing oneself from those who dampen your spirit.

Stay Young at Heart,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

Family Ties

Daily writing prompt
Describe a family member.
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From my experience with my biological family, I believe that God gives us friends who become more like family than those who share the same DNA. With that being said, I can share about the one family member who I still have contact with.

Being born premature who wasn’t supposed to survive or even succeed in life, I am much different than my siblings. Those differences have caused rifts between me and my siblings from being honest to being accountable. The one person who I still have sporadic contact with is my younger sister who seems more in need to have a relationship with her older sister (me). She lives in upstate New York and has a daughter who is now in college and who I believe that her friends have become more like sisters in times of need. When we communicate now that I always initiate, our conversations are mostly positive and non judgmental. After my first visit to Connecticut and have flown into BDL (Bradley International AirPort) located in Windsor Locks, I found some friends of hers from high school who lived in the general area to contact it I would have run into trouble in western CT. Personality wise is that she can be bossy and presumes she’s always right which is the opposite of me.

With my future, final and second cross country move in development to Connecticut, I believe that our relationship might be better with her daughter who attends UCONN outside of Hartford and halfway plus will be halfway between us. She is not aware of my plan but is aware of my trips to the nutmeg State. The distance between us physically will be far enough apart to not be talk about the petty things but more of what’s important.

Family ties. Proceed with caution.

Leslie Elizabeth David.