Recovering Restlessly When Things Go Green in Spring

In 2017 we have been blessed with an early spring in Texas. 

Everything is green again.

The birds have been singing and flitting about at a feverish pace. 

Squirrels are scurrying across lawns, leaping up trees and chasing across my roof.

The bunnies are hopping about at dawn and dusk, driving the dogs in the neighborhood crazy.

Neighbors are trimming trees, landscaping, gardening and taking strolls.

Kids are playing outside, riding bikes, skateboards, scooters and hover boards.

Spring fever is in the air. Hay fever is the air.

This week has been spring break for the Plano kids. Next week is spring break for Garland kids and my grand kids. Because I teach aquatic fitness for the City of Plano, I've had no water classes this week. I've still worked at Milestone, but mostly from home this week. I get to do that 

sometimes.

Unfortunately, as seems to happen almost every spring break, I've been under the weather with a sinus infection. Sinus infections are insidious. They sneak up on you. A headache or two, then fatigue. You wonder why you're dragging your feet, why you're tired.

Suddenly, one afternoon, you're utterly exhausted, your face hurts, the glands in your neck and under your jaw are painfully swollen, and you have trouble sleeping that night. It's the next morning when you look in the mirror and a raccoon is staring back at you that you know what's plaguing you. 

One of my duties is cleaning a couple days of the week, but I was able to rearrange my schedule to work on writing and marketing from my home office. I've put in my hours. I've been productive. Just not doing much physical activity, since I feel exhausted if I do.

I'm coated in vapor rub. Drinking herbal teas. Breathing steam. Taking Tylenol for my headaches and facial pain. I purchased a flushing syringe to help unclog my ears and rinse my sinuses. I have nose strips to help me inhale the vapor rub at night.

Yet, I feel like I'm playing hooky from school!  Is this the echos of the Ghost of Spring Fevers past? Or, is this the nagging guilt that I'm not doing enough, being productive enough, being helpful enough? Maybe, it's not guilt, but the ingrained conviction that unless I'm working hard, physically and mentally, I'm not working.

There's also the mom factor. For years we moms are on duty 24/7, even when we're sick, on vacation, sleeping, in the bathroom, in the middle of a project, we rally to the call of duty. Just because I'm a grandmother doesn't mean that programming isn't still active or necessary. When one of my kids calls or comes by, I'm mom.

I guess there's a multitude of programming that play into this restlessness and spurious guilt. It all boils down: Matthew 6:34 - "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own." & Mark 6:31 - "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he (Jesus) said to them (the disciples), "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." 

These two verses are among many in the Bible that speak of the destructiveness or pointlessness of worry, and the need for rest: including one of the ten commandments about honoring the Sabbath day. The Sabbath is a day of rest from everyday labors and a day of fellowship and trust in the Lord--alone or with others seeking to do the same.

Laziness is idleness when things must be done now, and being disinclined to exert yourself or put forth any effort in a productive manner.

Rest is a necessary scheduled break for my health and well-being--and yes, when I'm resting, it is okay to be totally lazy. I don't have to do a thing. I can - and probably should - sleep all day if I choose.

So can you. So don't worry, rest easy, and be lazy once in a while--it's not only okay--but a prescription for a well-balanced life.

Have a blessed and lazy day!

Lori Vidak

 

Green Nemesis

NEMESIS

Be for warned, this is a personal beef against common marijuana use. Not that the my opinions and grievances are not founded in reason, but they are fanned into a passion of my own against, not necessarily the legality or illegality, but the smoking and ingesting of it for recreational or social use.

I don't drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, do narcotics or use marijuana. I am highly sensitive to all of these. My body is intolerant of them. And my life has been greatly affected by the use of these substances by others. My mind, however is not so intolerant.

I cannot absolutely bluster against the medicinal use of marijuana. If some have found some form of relief from this plant, which has not been found in any other alternative that is within their reach of affordability or accessibility, then I am happy for their sake that they have such relief. Yet I would argue that many who claim the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes do not need it, or could access other safe and natural alternatives, but choose to use marijuana for the high that goes along with the "medicinal" effect.

Let me state: every human being has been given free will by the Creator. Therefore, I agree that a person has the right to choose to do what is right or good, or to choose what is wrong or bad. That does not mean that either choice should be treated as equal. Every choice has consequences, and it is in the consequences that good and bad are defined and bad is rightfully regulated by bodies of governance: family, corporate, community, state or nation.


The natural consequences of marijuana use are what I despise! The legal consequences I admittedly question; but, due to the natural consequences and the selfishness of others, believe that some regulation must remain in place.

Natural consequences to the individual:

• Short term memory problems
• Impaired thinking
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Decreased concentration
• Changes in sensory perception
• Impaired ability to complete complex tasks
• Decreased alertness
• Decreased reaction time
• Loss of energy
• Potential due to the above for loss of life, limb or health in general.
• Loss of interest or motivation for beneficial tasks such as work, education, relationships, etc. with long term and/ or frequent use.
• Loss of jobs, sales, educational opportunities, family relationships, etc. due to poor performance and attitudes with long term and/ or frequent use.

Natural consequences to family, friends, co-workers, etc.:

• Exposure to second hand smoke, which has the same consequences as the above except for the last two in the list which are attributed more to long term or frequent use.
• For some, adverse reactions such as: allergic reactions, headaches, nausea, irritability
• Changes in relationships due to changes in user's personality, reason, viability, accountability, philosophy, etc.
• Potential for loss of life, limb or health in general when in the presence of users that are under the influence of marijuana while performing different tasks, for example: driving, operating machinery, handling dangerous substances.
• Subject to abusive behavior or neglect

Natural consequences to corporate, community or society:

• Increase in unemployment due to job losses.
• Increase in auto insurance rates due to accidents
• Increase in health insurance rates and medical care costs due to injuries and negative effects on health of users and others exposed to them
• Increase in STUPID
• Increase in WHO CARES
• Increase in crime rates because of the increase in STUPID (While there are studies that show a connection to pot use and criminal activity, not including the illegal use of pot, there are others that dismiss the connection as coincidence of lifestyle. So, while pot use may not lead to a life of crime, it does lead to many stupid choices while under its influence.)
• Decrease in profitability due to increased errors in judgement of employees or employers under the influence of marijuana
• Decrease in public safety due to the errors in judgement of those under the influence of marijuana

While I am sure that many users may object to the validity of some or all of the above natural consequences, such objections are based on biased opinion. These consequences as listed are based upon not only a multitude of studies, but also upon personal observation and experience.

Am I biased against, as might be claimed? No. Here's why, because I can acknowledge that marijuana as a plant may have some benefit on a personal and industrial level. And, that if all users were capable of occasional, unselfish use of the plant for "relaxation" or a high, the  use of the plant would not be an offense. But because most users selfishly use the plant, (exposing themselves or others to the negative effects, at home, in public, at work, etc., including the awful stench of the smoke or breath, even the body odor in some cases), there is merit in society requiring regulations of some kind to deter the exposure of the family or public to the dangers.

Any argument comparing pot to cigarettes, which are legal, is like comparing apples to oranges. Cigarettes, while having negative effects on health to the smoker and to those exposed to second hand smoke, do not have the same impairments of judgement, motor skills and motivation as does marijuana. No legal comparison can be made.

Arguments of alcohol use compared to marijuana use, while legally could be treated similar, are not the same due to the fact that others around the drinker do not get intoxicated by simple exposure. Yet those around a pot smoker, while the smoker is smoking or breathing on them, can get high, sick or at least experience some form of impairment because of inhalation of the second hand smoke or fumes.

Legal consequences, as most laws in most states stand at this time, involve heavy fines, jail time, and prison time. I believe that they always should, but based upon the same fines and prison terms for public intoxication, driving under the influence and sales to minors of alcohol. Public ban on pot smoking should be the same or stronger as for tobacco. Agriculture and sales of marijuana should be under the same regulations as alcohol and tobacco, making it heavily taxed to help compensate for the negative public and social effects.

Whether or not users agree or disagree with standing laws, these laws exist and the use of marijuana comes with even greater risk to themselves and others. Using it, growing it and selling it comes with that risk, and if your philosophy and the importance of the use of the plant is worth the risk to you personally, well, I think that goes along with my assessment of more STUPID. However, it is  your choice and your STUPID, disguised by your rationalizing it as "principle."

Yet, consider that your STUPID, or "principle" is also exposing your family and friends to the consequences that they have not chosen. They will not only suffer the natural consequences but also may full well suffer the legal ones because of you. You could cause the break up of your family, the arrest of those of legal age within your household, etc. What right do you have to do that!

What right do you have to put your desire to smoke or ingest and/ or grow this stuff over the consideration of your family and others? What right do you have to force a wife or child or neighbor to smell what is offensive to them? What right do you have to subject them to headaches and nausea, justifying it because you think its all in their heads, that they are imaging it. What effects you in one way effects others differently.

If you insist upon your right to do as you will, then you should have the guts to admit that your love for weed is stronger than your love for family and friends and move on to a place where your habit, your love, is shared by others and your poor habits no longer put your family at risk; a place where all risk is yours alone.

I stand by this. After being exposed to this STUPID, for years, I declare my rights to express not only my opinion, my observations, the facts , but also my declaration of independence from being subject to the negative effects and the general STUPID of the selfish users of marijuana.

Lori Vidak
8-21-2016

Green is for the Congo--The Legend of Tarzan--A Review

Wow! As a fan from my youth of the Tarzan books, I say again, "Wow!" The Legend of Tarzan, did not disappoint me. My mother Diane and I went together today. It is not often that either of us goes to a new movie on opening weekend. However, this was special. As I mentioned, I've been a fan from my youth, and apparently so has my mother, which is a few decades longer at fandom than me.

Until my mid thirties, I use to dream of making a Tarzan film that would do justice to both the character and the author Edgar Rice Burroughs. Of course, I had hoped to play the role of Jane. Obviously, at 55, that opportunity is long past. Yet, viewing this film sent me back thirty years to the days when I first read all the Tarzan novels, 26 or 27 of them. Many movies borrowed the character's name, but not his true character or his legendary status.

As a kid, I enjoyed Johnny Weissmuller, Tarzan films. They did not however capture Tarzan's genius, the savage heart of a beast that lay just beneath the thin veneer of civility learned in a only few short years of his early adult life. Like Batman was the dark, yet heroic alter ego of Bruce Wayne; Tarzan is the darker alter ego of Lord John Clayton, Earl of Greystoke. I say darker, for his animal instincts and survival training made him a ruthless enemy.

This movie captured the Legend, and hinted at the darker side of Lord Greystoke. The enemies were despicable, the natives and animals exploited, (which was a bit of a tribute to the old Tarzan films), but the natives were also brave warriors, some friendly, others less so and with good reason. And, Tarzan's love for Jane was both his civility and his savagery.

The acting was great. Alexander Skarsgard was the best Tarzan of all that preceded him. He was subdued, as was John Clayton, until the beast was unleashed, and then he was as lethal as was necessary. Christoph Waltz seemed to really enjoy his role, as the power driven Leon Rom. And, Samuel L. Jackson as George Washington Williams was a combination of confident supporting hero and awe inspired friend. Margot Robbie's Jane was spunky, a bit fearless, yet not reckless, and adamant that Tarzan would be a frightening foe when he came to her rescue.

I enjoyed the special effects, and the fact that it was not overly action, action, action! Those who criticize the movie's pace can't appreciate the simmering plot until it boils. This was not a summer action movie, it was a Tarzan movie. Tarzan books were not all about action, and trust me there was plenty when appropriate. If you enjoyed the Tarzan books, and still appreciated the old Tarzan films, as a true fan, you should love this film. A true fan will in the very least enjoy it. It is rated PG-13 because some scenes might be frightening to younger children. Otherwise, I would say that it is a family film.

I give it five stars, because it both entertained and captured the heart of Tarzan, one of my favorite characters of all time. I highly recommend it.

Lori Vidak,
7-03-16

Soggy Froggy Green

Smiley Frog

Photographer Christine Buske

   Lush velveteen green summer reluctantly relinquished it's reign to a late Autumn exploding with bedazzling reds, oranges and golds in the tree tops which shaded the still lush lawns. The green ground cover fought like a small child to stay awake long past bedtime. Finally, winter arrived, sending heavy frosts to blanket the ground. The Summer's green faded into a dormant sleep; only the evergreens  remained vigilant to provide shelter and shade for the shorter days ahead. The chilly rains continued to drench the sleeping earth. Relatively mild in temper this year, Winter saved it's climatic performance of sleet, ice and snow for the finale of it's time on the seasonal stage.  The curtain dropped, the scenes rearranged, then once again a new act began.
   Spring blustered in with torrential rains and raging winds, which upstaged the sun's performance, only giving him a token moment or two. The ground drank its fill until saturated and still more rain fell. Puddles and pools stood everywhere. Ducks swam in the yard. Lawns became swamps. Mud covered everything. Blooming flowers and budding trees cried with hunger for the sun's brilliance. At the director's command, Spring had to bring Old Sol center stage for a few solos. With his warmth, he charmed the blossoms open and the buds to burst forth. His serenade awakened the well watered grass. The scene ends as the standing water recedes.
   To the showers and storms were added fog, drizzle and mist into the next scene. The waters rose even higher than before. Lakes in fear of drying up from years of drought, now waved and splashed with greater depth; boats now danced across them once again. So, the storms would blow in, the torrents would fall, the clouds would linger and drop to kiss the ground.
    Worms multiplied by the thousands, ant hills sprang up all around to aerate the soil. And in the dark cover of night, the creature most benefited by the sogginess was the amphibian.
   Tromping through the sogginess in the predawn hour with Mila pulling me as she splashed about, I listened to the myriad of singing birds and the new addition to their chorus, the beat of the croking frogs. Mila began to sniff and snort in the puddled grass. She poked her nose at something, and drew back with a start. She pounced and poked, pounced and poked, until I reached down and discovered the object of her attention, a small frog. He was frozen  in place, so I was able to easily pick him up and hold him. Mila sniffed at him. I gave the back of his head a pet and spoke softly to him to allay his fears, then I set him down, and he tried to hop away. Mila gently played with him for a short time until he managed to lose her in the boggy lawn. I then tread carefully as there were many frogs about that morning. On the following walks in the wee hours we encountered more froggies in the froggy green grass. I enjoyed their croaking. And, as an added bonus for rising early, I enjoyed the rising sun casting its glow upon the gray mist which slowly dissipated to reveal still waters, heavy dew laden grass, glistening roses and a canopy of brilliant green leaves. I feel blessed with such a Soggy Froggy Green spring.

Lori Dawn Vidak
5-5-15

Evergreen

     Autumn has passed. The colorful array of leaves have fallen and turned brown, now trodden underfoot or sunk to the bottom of the lakes. The grasses have faded to brown. Yet, left is the evergreen trees and bushes so familiar to Christmas time. Such deep, rich shades of green are often decorated with nature's ornaments: the artful pine cone, the chandelier-like mistletoe, brilliant berries of red, sometimes blue, or the nuts of varied earthy shades and shapes. Before the memory of the green summer and colorful fall has faded, the holiday season brings the evergreens indoors and decorates the world with a rainbow of colors.
    Hanukkah and Christmas were filled with faith, family and fun.The end of 2014 has given me extra special memories to hold onto for the rest of my life. But, sadly, the holidays have passed. While many have taken down their Christmas trees and lights, mine are still up. I usually keep them up for a couple of extra weeks to hold onto a little of the magic as the routine of the new year, a busy schedule and the dead of winter take hold of me.
     Yet, in the midst of sometimes bitter cold, winter storms and boredom, I look to the evergreens. Thoughts of mountain pines--or perhaps palm trees along a golden beach--bring a respite from the mundane.

Lori Vidak 1-8-15

The Fading of the Green

     Early on a chilly Sunday morning in early November, I woke early and took Mila for a walk. The sun had already risen above the horizon to cast a golden glow upon the trees, highlighting the newly painted leaves of yellow and red, yet leaving contrasting shadows that make for more brilliant sparkles in the dew upon the grass. An ethereal mist veiled the middle pond on the back stretch of the park trails, and the water was still, reflecting the morning as perfectly as a mirror.
     The air was brisk, as was my pace; Mila pulling me along to eagerly greet new scents and chase after the foraging squirrels. The grass is still mostly green, after a couple of days of soaking rains. Yet, the fade to brown has begun. While there is a sadness in the passing of summer, there is such beauty in the arrival of autumn with its golden, flame red, and orange shades of leaves adorning the trees in a brilliant display of life before the long sleep of winter. The mists that shroud the fields, lakes and roads at sunrise add a sense of calm to the new day, encouraging a deep breath and a few moments of meditation before the frenetic activities of work or play crowd the mind with stress.
     Though cars and trucks were already motoring to some unknown destination, they only interrupted the pleasant melodies of the mockingbirds, robins, jays, ducks and a few geese that played in the background, leaving the walk relatively quiet.
     In mornings like these, I strongly feel the presence of the Lord and am awed by the wonder of His creation. This, for me, is a form of worship that can only be appreciated in the stillness of the dawn. My heart and soul are filled with love and peace. Inspiration follows. I now write to share the precious experience with those who could not see, hear, smell and feel it. I encourage the reader to seek out these moments for they are a priceless blessing.




    May the Lord richly bless you,


    Lori Vidak   11/10/14

Velveteen Green Summer of '14

Brilliant green grass as lush as velvet

Leafy trees as bushy as cotton candy

Waters blue and forest from sky and tree

Colorful bursts of red, pink and yellow buds.

Welcome, needed rains to quench the earth.

Brisk breezes to keep all things cool.

God's blessed gift of relief and awe

Was the North Texas Summer of 2014.