Should I tell my story? Here is a bit

I am a person who has faced and continues to face many challenges in my life, but I never let them defeat me. Approximately 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with a metabolic bone disorder, which has caused 11 compression fractures in my spine. This disorder has greatly impacted my life, but I have never let it hold me back. I have always been determined to live a full and meaningful life despite my physical limitations. More recently, I underwent cancer surgery, but my determination and positive attitude remain unchanged.

An interesting fact about me is that in 1993, I was struck by lightning while visiting Disney World. It was definitely not part of the plan but it ended up being a funny story. Despite this event, I have never let it defeat me and it has become one of the many obstacles that I have overcome.

I like to think I am a kind and caring person who always puts others before myself. I have a contagious smile and a positive attitude that inspires those around me. I always tell folks I am "just happy to be here". I am known for my unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity. I am someone who always looks for the silver lining in any situation and that has helped me to maintain a positive attitude throughout my life.

Despite my physical challenges, my passion for life is evident in everything I do. I have a strong interest in reading and enjoy immersing myself in different worlds and perspectives. Reading has been my escape from reality and it has helped me to gain a new perspective on life. It has also given me the opportunity to learn new things and expand my knowledge. I also love spending time with my family and friends and cherish the memories made with them. They have been my rock and have been by my side throughout my journey.

My recent cancer surgery was a setback, but I still continue to fight and overcome my challenges. I am an inspiration to those who know me and my legacy continues to live on through my determination and positive attitude. I have been through a lot, but I have never given up and that is something that I am proud of.

Now, some ten years later, I am reviving my blog as a journey of updates on stories and events. I have many hurdles yet to conquer and I want to share my journey with others, in the hope to inspire them to never give up on their own dreams and aspirations. My blog will be a place where I can share my experiences and where others can relate to my struggles and triumphs.

My blog will be a journey of progress and not perfection. I believe that sharing my journey, will help others to see that despite the obstacles that come our way, it is possible to overcome them.

I hope that my blog will be a source of inspiration and encouragement to those who are going through similar struggles. My journey is not over yet, I still have many hurdles to conquer, but I am determined to never give up.

As with everyone, the pandemic has drastically changed my life. The isolation has been awful for me as for many others. Where we go from here is up to us all...

I guess i will leave it there for now and add more in future posts...cheers

"It's probably me"

If the night turned cold and the stars looked down

And you hug yourself on the cold cold ground

You wake the morning in a stranger's coat

No one would you see

You ask yourself, who'd watch for me?

My only friend, who could it be?

It's hard to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me

When your belly's empty and the hunger's so real

And you're too proud to beg and too dumb to steal

You search the city for your only friend

No one would you see

You ask yourself, who'd watch for me?

A solitary voice to speak out and set me free

I hate to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me

You're not the easiest person I ever got to know

And it's hard for us both to let our feelings show

Some would say I should let you go your way

You'll only make me cry

But if there's one guy, just one guy

Who'd lay down his life for you and die

I hate to say it, I hate to say it, but it's probably me

When the world's gone crazy and it makes no sense

And there's only one voice that comes to your defense

The jury's out and your eyes search the room

And one friendly face is all you need to see

Personal Safety devices and you. What to know and what to use. Begin this year by protecting yourself and your loved ones.

What are personal saftey devices? 

 Personal safety devices are devices or tools that are designed to help keep people safe in potentially dangerous or hazardous situations. They can be used to protect against physical threats, such as attacks or accidents, or against environmental threats, such as extreme temperatures or natural disasters. Examples of personal safety devices include safety alarms, personal alarms, pepper spray, and self-defense tools such as stun guns or Tasers. 

Personal safety devices can be carried on a person's person or kept in a nearby location for easy access in an emergency. Different countries have different laws and regulations regarding the use and possession of personal safety devices. Some countries may ban certain types of personal safety devices, while others may have restrictions on their use or possession. 

For example: In the United States, some states have laws regulating the use or possession of certain personal safety devices, such as pepper spray or stun guns. In some cases, these devices may only be legal to use or possess if the user has a valid permit. 

 In Canada, pepper spray is classified as a restricted weapon and is regulated under the country's firearms laws. Possession of pepper spray is generally only allowed for individuals who have a valid reason for needing it, such as law enforcement officers or individuals working in a high-risk occupation. 

 In the United Kingdom, possession of a personal safety device such as pepper spray or a stun gun is illegal. It is also illegal to carry any object that could be used as a weapon, such as a baseball bat or a hammer, with the intention of using it to defend oneself. 

 It is important to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding personal safety devices in your country or location. 

 With that said,lets take a look at some types... 

 1. Personal Safety Alarm 

 There are many different types of personal safety alarms on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some things to consider when choosing a personal safety alarm include:

• Type of alarm: Personal safety alarms can take the form of a loud, handheld device that can be activated manually, or they can be integrated into other personal safety devices such as a bracelet or keychain. Some alarms also have a panic button that can be pressed to quickly call for help. Volume: Make sure the personal safety alarm you choose is loud enough to be heard by others in the area. The louder the alarm, the more likely it is to attract attention and help. 
• Battery life: Consider the battery life of the personal safety alarm you choose. If you plan on using it frequently or in emergency situations, you'll want a device with a long battery life. 
• Ease of use: Choose a personal safety alarm that is easy to activate and use in an emergency situation. You want something that can be activated quickly and without confusion. 
• Size and portability: Consider the size and portability of the personal safety alarm. If you plan on carrying it with you at all times, you'll want something that is small and easy to carry. 
• Price: Determine your budget and look for a personal safety alarm that fits within it.

Considering these suggestions the best suggestion available on Amazon worldwide seems to be the 

KOSIN 3 Pack 145DB Personal Security Alarm Keychain.

2. Pepper Spray

There are many different brands and types of pepper spray available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Some things to consider when choosing pepper spray include:

• Strength: Pepper spray is rated in terms of its concentration of capsaicin, the active ingredient that causes the burning sensation. Higher concentrations are generally more effective, but they may also be more painful and potentially harmful. Consider the level of protection you need and choose a pepper spray with an appropriate concentration.
• Spray pattern: Pepper spray can be dispersed in a number of different patterns, including a stream, a cone, or a mist. Consider the type of spray pattern that will be most effective for your needs.
• Size and portability: Consider the size and portability of the pepper spray. If you plan on carrying it with you at all times, you'll want something that is small and easy to carry.
• Price: Determine your budget and look for pepper spray that fits within it.
• Legal restrictions: Be aware of any legal restrictions on the possession and use of pepper spray in your country or location. In some places, pepper spray may be illegal or may only be legal to use or possess with a valid permit.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the proper use and handling of pepper spray before using it. You may also find that if normal security pepper spray is unavailable in your area a quick search for a spray deterrant directed at an animal may be easier to find. Something like...

3. Self defence tools (physical)

There are many different types of self-defense tools that are portable and can be easily carried with you. Some examples of portable self-defense tools include:

• Stun gun: A stun gun is a handheld device that delivers an electrical shock to an attacker, causing temporary paralysis and incapacitation. Stun guns are small and portable, and can be carried in a purse, pocket, or on a keychain.
• Tactical pen: A tactical pen is a writing instrument that can also be used as a self-defense tool. It can be used to strike an attacker or to defend against an attack with its pointed end. Tactical pens are small and portable, and can be carried in a purse, pocket, or on a keychain.
• Keychain self-defense tools: There are also a number of self-defense tools that can be attached to a keychain, such as kubotans or self-defense keychains. These tools are small and portable, and can be easily carried on a keychain.
• Tatical Safety (Police) batons: An expandable baton (also referred to variously as a collapsible baton, telescopic baton, tactical baton, spring cosh, ASP, or extendable) is typically composed of a cylindrical outer shaft containing telescoping inner shafts (typically 2 or 3, depending on the design) that lock into each other when expanded. The shafts are usually made of steel, but lightweight baton models may have their shafts made from other materials such as aluminium alloy.

It is important to familiarize yourself with the proper use and handling of any self-defense tool before using it as well as the legality in your country.

STUN GUNS AND TASERS ARE NOT COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE. PLEASE REFER TO THE LAWS AND PRODUCT AVAILABILITY IN YOUR AREA. 😀

Origins of New year's celebrations!

New Year's Day, which is celebrated on January 1st, has a long and varied history that stretches back thousands of years. The origins of New Year's Day can be traced back to ancient civilizations, such as the Romans and the Babylonians, who celebrated the start of a new year as a way to mark the passing of time and to honor their gods. 

The Romans, for example, celebrated the New Year on March 1st and marked the occasion with sacrifices to Janus, the god of beginnings and endings. The Babylonians, on the other hand, celebrated the New Year in the spring, around the time of the vernal equinox, and marked the occasion with a festival honoring their goddess Ishtar. 

Over time, the date of New Year's Day has changed and the celebrations have evolved, but the tradition of marking the start of a new year has remained a constant in many cultures around the world. Today, New Year's Day is celebrated in a variety of ways, including with fireworks, parades, and parties, and is a time for people to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead.

History of Christmas

Have you ever wondered about Christmas?

Christmas, the holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, has been celebrated for over two thousand years. The exact date of Jesus' birth is not recorded in the Bible, so the celebration of Christmas was not initially tied to any specific date. The early Christians likely celebrated the life and teachings of Jesus, but it was not until much later that the celebration of Christmas became more widespread and became associated with the 25th of December. The origins of Christmas can be traced back to the ancient Roman holiday of Saturnalia, which was a festival in honor of the agricultural god Saturn. During this time, people would engage in gift-giving and feasting, and there were also elements of role-reversal, where slaves were treated as masters and masters were treated as slaves. The celebration of Christmas as we know it today began to take shape in the 4th century, when the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and made it the official religion of the Roman Empire. Around this time, the church began to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th, probably in an effort to Christianize the pagan festival of Saturnalia. Over time, the celebration of Christmas spread throughout the Western world and became a widely-observed holiday. Today, Christmas is celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike in many countries around the world, and it is a time for people to come together, exchange gifts, and celebrate the season of love and generosity.

5 major threats to humanity in 2023

 

Video generated using PICTORY.AI

     There are many potential threats to humanity, and the relative importance of each threat will depend on one's perspective and values. Here are five potential threats that are often cited as being among the greatest facing humanity: 

1. Climate change: The Earth's climate is changing rapidly due to the release of greenhouse gases, largely from human activity. This is leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, which can have devastating impacts on human societies and ecosystems. 
2. Nuclear weapons: The existence of nuclear weapons poses a potential threat to the survival of humanity. A full-scale nuclear war could result in the loss of millions of lives and have long-lasting effects on the environment. 
3. Pandemics: The rapid spread of infectious diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can have significant impacts on human health and economies. 
4. Bioterrorism: The intentional release of harmful biological agents, such as viruses or bacteria, could have severe consequences for human health and security. 
5. Artificial intelligence: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, there is concern that it could eventually surpass human intelligence and potentially pose a threat to humanity. It is important for researchers and policymakers to consider the potential risks and ethical implications of AI as it continues to develop.

The Perfect Storm

In 1991 there was a storm, some called "The Perfect Storm". So intense was this storm that it was even made into a motion picture.

The NOAA people who are responsible for the forecasting of such events defined it as "a collision between a high pressure system, a low pressure system and the remnants from a dying hurricane" that created immense waves averaging 50 feet or higher with great waves as high as 100 feet on occasion. In its wake it devasted fishing off the Nova Scotia coast and cost the lives of several people.

It may sound odd, but I have always likened myself to the Perfect Storm. I am, at heart, a dying hurricane that creates pressure systems around me. It may sound strange but this has been the case a long long time. Since nature made me, as it created that storm, I hold no ill will towards myself, but often have to look back at the devastation I leave in my wake as I pass though. Much as a storm does, only I seem to be extraordinarily good at it and hence become in my mind "The Perfect Storm".

If ever you watch the news after a storm like this passes through, and maybe Hurricane Katrina is a good example, you will find there are people who "feel they have lost everything, feel they have to start again. Those who accept the storm and commit to rebuilding, those who recognize it is a force of nature that is unchangable and accept their present situation with resolve. There are also those who blame the government as though somehow they created the storm or are completely responsible for the aftermath".

A storm is a force of nature. It is neither good nor bad at its core. It is only put on a path that can lead it directly into harms way, or sometimes out into the harmless ocean.

In my case, most of my life is spent in the ocean, blowing around where there are no people. I am content with that, and since nature put me there, I accept that direction. But sometimes, I am turned inward toward land and when I hit it starts as a rain shower, grows to a thunderstorm, then to me. In my wake, I often leave little left to salvage. If I could control nature, I would prefer it sent me into the ocean all the time. But it is unrealistic to think a human being can spend a life isolated from people. Unless that choice is made consciously. I have made such choices in the past, but have hit the great natural resistance any storm would face if it had the ability to change its course or dimensions. It would cease to be itself. Nature returns its stability by turning it back into what it wanted it to be in the first place, a storm. In the case of "The Perfect Storm" in human form everything is exactly the same, only it gives up trying after a while to battle nature to change. Nature then makes it stronger. The results can be acceptable or devasting depending of where and when and who is affected.

I am that Perfect Storm in human condition. I leave destruction in my path most time when I go through, but there are some who accept THAT I am WHAT I am. That aside from a lot of blowing wind and tough structure, I am unchangable and consisitent when conditions are right."

It is fancy way of saying I fail more than I succeed, but being a product of Nature I can only act myself and cannot change who I am. It is also a fancy way of saying that most of my life has been isolated from those who can't see me for who I am or dismiss me outright. But that is Nature, and who am I to argue with things more powerful than I am.

In the End I am unsure where I belong. I no longer have the strength to fight nature and accept whatever direction it points me in.