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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

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Monday, September 20, 2010

Just Call Me Pollyanna

Good news out of Bermuda:  no injuries and no mortalities because of Igor.   For such a massive storm, this is a blessing.  (Pictures of the waves amazed me).

We got our flu shots on Friday.  Coming out of the doctor's office, my husband mentioned he wasn't feeling well and his arm hurt and if he got sick it was all my fault.  I assured him that the side effects from the shot, while mild, would not have been evident in 10 minutes.  He's not sure...

And we're packing again.  We leave in a few days for a cruise to Canada -- something we've talked about doing for a long time.  The cruise we were initially interested in isn't offered from our port of choice, but this one, while not visiting the Maritime Provinces, does stop in St. John and Halifax, and a couple of ports in Maine. I love being at sea and sit for hours just staring at the water.  It is our habit to have an early dinner, and then hot tea with lemon as we watch the sunset.  Yes, I realize for some the excitement overwhelms, but that's just the way we are.  Hopefully, storms and their effects will be kept at bay (just not the Bay of Fundy ☺) and what Gilly and her husband experienced a few weeks ago, will not be the case. 

The visceral responses to my post on "Choosing Civility" and Dr. Forni's program surprised me.   After reading Bill's post and seeing how graciously he handled a bad situation,  I've decided that a change starts with me.  Remembering my favorite quote, "For it matters not how small the beginning may seem to be, what is once well done is done forever," (Thoreau) I will be out there being gracious and kind and never flipping off another driver or scowling at rudeness again.  I will simply bite my already bloody tongue, smile and handle caustic, obnoxious behavior with aplomb and gentility.  Maybe the latter will begin to come naturally.

12 comments:

Purple Flowers said...

Hi Kath - Here's wishing you a great trip. I've been to the Bay of Fundy and other places nearby. I am sure you and your husband will enjoy it and the cruise itself!

TAG said...

I hope this week and next my Braves will provide you ample opportunity to practice civility in the face of bitter disappointment for the Phillies. :D

TAG

Linda said...

Can't share your excitment over a cruise. I try not to make my bath water too deep so I'm out when it comes to an ocean of it. I don't care much for the stuff except for drinking. Have a great time.

happyone said...

Lucky you another cruise. Have a great time.
I have never had a flu shot!

George said...

I'm glad Bermuda came through Igor with no fatalities.
It sounds as if you'll have a wonderful cruise up to Canada. I hope you see many beautiful sunsets while enjoying your tea.

Kimberly said...

Enjoy your trip! I hope the weather is stupendous and you get to see some beautiful fall foilage.

Jay said...

"I will be out there being gracious and kind and never flipping off another driver or scowling at rudeness again."

Let me know how that works out for ya.

Have fun on your trip!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

We all need to practice civility better than we do... I was biting my tongue when two men cut in front of us at the KFC Buffet on Sat. night... I was SO mad and they were so RUDE. Oh Well---I was a good girl!

Have a wonderful cruise.
Hugs,
Betsy

Linda Reeder said...

Happy sailing!

Rick Rockhill said...

Ooooo now a cruise to Canada sounds just lovely! I know you'll enjoy it!

Gilly said...

Have a wonderful cruise! if I curled up very small, could I come with you??? ;)

Mage said...

Oh, what fun. Are you taking the laptop? We love cruizes too. I'll give a try to Pollyanna here also, but I don;t guarantee I won't pop an errant rude doc.