The Magnificent Modern Mature Woman

Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on

My most ambitious project to date that I did mainly by myself was to move to the DFW metroplex in north Texas from west Michigan.

The decision to move here was because I couldn’t find a job in west Michigan after I lost my job after 21 years of employment plus I was so tired of hearing how great the area is when my experience proved otherwise.

My destination of north Texas was chosen by lots of research and trusting my gut feeling thus moving nearer Fort Worth than Dallas.

First, I started donating clothing and furniture because I planned to buy them down here that I purchased IKEA for living room, dining room and bedroom afterwards.

Secondly, I planned logistics of getting me and my fur babies down to Texas from Michigan. Flying rather driving because my Honda Civic was up in miles.

Next, my auto plus my bikes and the rest of my things were delivered by a moving company. The apartment managers and staff helped me with the move to make sure that me and my cats were happy. Relocation specialists for sure.

In the near future, I hope to reverse the above by moving to northern Michigan instead of the western side of the State. Doing it myself again from planning to execution. My felines safety is of most importance. No timetable set as of yet.

Hopeful,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why?

With some help, I have found that, “whatever,” brings a sense of laziness or indecisiveness that usually results in irritation or anger to the person on the receiving end.

Truthfully, if I had teenagers with one whom responded like that to me, I would likely ground them until he/she is 18 years old and take away their phone and their mode of transport being a bike or auto.

At the workplace, this word is cued to be one of defiance and attitude that could result termination or on probation although the person could be a senior employee who knows better.

Richard Marx used to word best in the song, “Waiting for you.” As in, “wherever you go, whatever you do, I’ll be right here waiting for you…” This is my only example when the word is properly used that adds value to someone else.

From my experience, I have learned to use my words carefully and wisely to avoid the confrontations like the word above will certainly bring.

Yours Truly,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?

Losing my job at the age of 64 with almost seven years of employment has presented me with a new set of challenges that replaced the headaches at work.

Truthfully, I’m happy to be away from the politics at work. With no legally binding guidance on professional behavior from Human Resources, it left the door open legally for both owners and management to act far less than professional.

Being well into my second month of unemployment, my age is a presumed hindrance because it is taken for granted that I will work until I’m 65 years old thus not worth the time and investment. Ageism is discrimination based on the presumption that age determines work life longevity.

Unemployment benefits don’t pay a livable amount in Texas so I had to find second income that doesn’t know me but only presumes wrongly. Yesterday, after getting my new driver’s license, I signed up to drive for Uber after passing their background checks for delivering food and people. My own hours and my own car that will help. Uber expects all drivers adhere to rules of the road.

The Texas Workforce Commission expects me to job hunt onsite thus being timed when I’m there. With my interview later this morning, I might go afterwards to fill my obligation for this week.

The saying of, “If God brings you to it, He’ll see you through it,” has been a test of my Faith to the max again. He’s opened doors already so grateful.

Already living the challenges of the next six months now unless I am fortunate enough to get gainful employment. Life is an adventure that needs to be lived fully.

Thank You,

Leslie Elizabeth David.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Having been born premature of low birth weight and size with the no hope for the future, my parents knew that my life wouldn’t be easy.

Growing up mostly being teased and was told that I was ugly and I didn’t deserve to live in upper elementary, junior high and high school. Participated in high school sports such as cheerleading and downhill racing and even writing most of my Senior yearbook but it didn’t help. Felt like I was singled out in my class but got along well with students a year ahead of me and below me.

During most of my working years, the behavior from others that I experienced growing up didn’t change much from the,”mainstream,” population. Being adults and acting like one were a challenge to some.

Grateful for a good life of travel to new places and to experience new foods. Seeking new adventures has filled my life. Have a few friends who stuck around as well plus my beautiful felines.

“Buckle Up, Buttercup,” you’re in for a hell of a ride. You will need to be strong to survive and to trust your instincts to live a full life.

Leslie Elizabeth David.

What bores you?

Truthfully, my life is rarely boring. Most of my days, I’ve been blessed with a full life of friendships, adventure, and learning new things. When I get bored, I use it as downtime to catch up on rest and sleep. A time to recharge and relax.

Yes, I sat through lectures from college professors that seemed boring until I started to actively listen. Plus, I lived through lectures from my parents that were repeats of them trying to reign in my free spirit. They got old quick so I listened then I followed my heart and soul.

Currently, there’s no time to get bored. Texas Unemployment pays less than a livable share so I’m seeking employment to supplement it plus full time work to get off of it. The amount of the benefit is inhumane from a State with the 8th largest economy in the world that needs to be fixed in changing times. I contacted the Governor about this because he acted quickly on a previous issue for me. Plus, continuous job hunting and having my first interview coming up.

Last night, it was placed in my heart to start going back to church again which I was given a name of one to attend. Then, I plan to take a nap afterwards. Later, review the job and company for my Tuesday interview and get ready for Monday visit to Texas Workforce.

In closing, I’m thankful to have a full life and I’ve learned that when I feel bored, it’s my signal to get lots of rest physically and to slow down to relax my mind peacefully.

In Gratitude,

Leslie Elizabeth David.