Wrong Auto-Pilot
**July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
There is a danger in doing things that you have been doing enough times that it has become an auto-pilot activity. If you have two activities that are quite similar, your brain can't differentiate between these two similar events if you let it run on auto-pilot.
Let me elaborate. This morning, I have woken up earlier. I guess my mind is still a bit 'blurry' as I went about doing my normal routine.
I had breakfast, fed my puppies, sat on my personal throne to dispense off some ... ahem ... much-needed daily detoxification.
After doing all that, I thought I'm ready to face the day through the ever so powerful 10 windows in my study room. It's a race against time as these 10 windows and the architecture they sit on are no longer compatible. It is heating up too fast. 10 windows are not enough to aerate it's now considered pre-historic architecture.
I have been told to add another window making it 11 windows. It's the latest thing, they say. But I wasn't so sure. I've learned to be highly skeptical whenever someone mentions windows, especially those that have not passed the building inspector's specifications. My experience has taught me that 'incomplete' windows mean trouble.
10 Windows
Let me elaborate with this story.
I had my house renovated. The whole project was entrusted to a contractor. It was understood that the renovation would entail fitting the whole place with 10 windows. The renovation was completed two days ago but I have not have the time to check and move back in. During the renovation period, we had to make do with a lesser capacity 'architecture' (motel).
It was raining heavily tonight. The kind of rain that splashes instead of pitter-patters.
On this particular rainy night, my mobile phone rang. It's not uncommon to receive calls at night but this call was from an "Unknown" caller. Though it's not my habit to answer such calls, I made an exception tonight having a hunch that in such a heavy rainstorm, it could be an emergency call. I was right. The gentleman introduced himself, "I am from the windows company. I need to come over to your house immediately. It's highly urgent or you'll live to regret it!" Not a normal nor a conventional conversation. I was caught by surprise but without thinking, I said, "Ok", ended the call, and rushed home.
When I reached home, the Mr. window guy was already waiting at the front door. He was almost drenched due to the heavy rain. I sensed his urgency and opened the door for him to get in. I felt like he was delaying in telling me the whole truth when he told me that he needed to do 'something' to the windows...no extra charge. I thought to myself, "okay, as long as there's no additional charge". He rushed to the nearest window with me following close behind. Once there, we both noticed there was a pile of water inside the house. He then sheepishly told me, "err..the window is not complete. I need to add panes on them now." I nearly did a flip (not because of the water on the floor) but because I wasn't expecting he would say that. What? All the windows are not ready? What kind of windows are these? Seems he read my mind, and said, "these are the latest design but it's not fully complete. We upgrade them occasionally." I almost did another flip! It's too late, I'd already paid for and installed these windows in my house. In case you're curious, it took the fella a whole night to 'upgrade' the windows. And like an idiot, I sat there watching him work all night.
So, now you know why I'm skeptical of adding any more windows to my house.
Back on track
This article is not about windows. It's kinda related but not exactly. If my windows do not work, then I will not be able to tell you the "Wrong Auto-Pilot" story.
Let's get back on track on where we left off earlier on two similar auto-pilot activities.
Have you ever encountered this kind of scenario?
Say it's a routine for you to go to the market daily to get groceries. Once you step out of the door of your house, you're almost on auto-pilot. You don't need GPS, you don't need any driving app. You just go into auto-pilot and by some miracle, you'll end up at the intended market. In this scenario, I use the market as an example. It could have been your workplace, your school, or even getting home from anywhere. You put your mind on auto-pilot and your body (regardless if you're walking or driving) will go into action to get you to the destination. Sounds familiar?
This could also happen in using our devices. If we're not careful, we may press the wrong button or send a message to the wrong person (it's worst if you've sent the wrong message to the wrong person!) because your brain is on auto-pilot and your fingers just obeyed blindly? Yeah, it happens to all of us.
Article Prompt
What prompted this article was something I did this morning (*Wednesday, 28 July 2021*).
Before I explain what happened, do allow me to lay the foundation for the story.
For this platform, there are 3 images that I use regularly. The third one is nothing fancy, just a **Line image** to indicate the end of the article and to separate the main article from items such as links to sources used in the article, and links to other platforms I use.
It is also after this line separator that you'll find another of my regularly used image. I'll post that image below:
As you can see, it's my **Call to Action image** with my Avastar avatar. This image goes into each of my articles. Since we're here, do remember to subscribe. ;-)
And also, since we're talking about subscribing, do have a look at these wonderful sponsors of mine. You'll enjoy the different talent showcased here in one spot:
Alright, we're done with the commercial break. Let's continue...
The last image I use is my Avastar avatar that I use as my **Profile image**. This is also the image I use for sponsorships. This is what it looks like:
So, it's simple. I have been doing this every day that I write.
**Line image** and **Call to Action image** go into every article I write.
**Profile image** goes into the sponsorship widget of those I have the privilege to sponsor.
It goes without saying that the former is used more often than the latter. After each article, I'm almost on auto-pilot - click the 'add image' icon, followed by going to the relevant folder in my computer to add the image to the article. I instinctively do this for the **Line image**, and then for the **Call to Action image**. Simple. Can do it without much thinking. And...that is the problem.
This morning, I had wanted to sponsor @Pichi28. I went through the normal process of clicking "Become a sponsor" and followed the instructions displayed, one of which was to include an image for the sponsorship widget. Due to the familiarity of it, I went into auto-pilot. However, the problem was I'd engaged the wrong auto-pilot. It was the auto-pilot to attach my **Call to Action image**.
You see, if I had done everything right, the recipient's sponsor widget should look like this:
But because I went into the wrong auto-pilot mode, what came out was not what I have desired. Instead, this was what came out. See the problem there?
I was so embarrassed, I let Pichi know I had made a boo-boo. Here's that confession.
The good thing is that there's a silver lining in this cloud! As a result of that, I had an idea for a topic and this article is proof of that. This auto-pilot gone rogue experience wasn't detrimental to anyone involved. I could still sit back and have a good laugh at it. But not all such incidents are as forgiving. That is why you need to do a ...
Pre-flight check
Always do a pre-flight check before clicking "send". This is especially important for tasks that your brain may automatically take over without much thought. A rogue auto-pilot can be embarrassing at best and downright dangerous at worst.
Yeah, all those words and sentences above are to make this point - Do be extra careful completing tasks that you are too familiar with.
Thank you for reading.
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Honglin Shaw** https://unsplash.com/@mshaw_1234
All other images are either my own or screenshot from the Read.Cash site.
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Woke up to a day brightening surprise! Thank you @Eylz2021 for upping your sponsorship! I'm honored. Humbled. Inspired, Encouraged. I look into my ReadCash crystal ball - I see...ummm...errrr..oooo...more nonsense to come! LOL!
An article with no title (feat. Four Stress Management tips)
**28 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
Through mud & snow
This last weekend was an interesting one. I feel lethargic. Demotivated. Felt like dragging my feet through mud or knee-high snow. Just downright ... ugh feeling.
I almost couldn't write anything, especially on Sunday. Sunday is a day I don't do any posting but still aim to write. The articles that I write on Sundays go into my article bank. This was my article insurance in case I have an extended period of ... ughs. When that happens, then I can withdraw articles from this bank while I nurse my ... ugh feeling back to a yay feeling.
On Sandy Beach
Today is a Monday (at the time I am writing this, it is. Why would I lie about that?). This article that I'm writing now will not be posted on this same day. It may see the light of day a few days in the future (*as I'm reviewing this article prior to posting, it's now Wednesday, two days from when this article was written*), provided I manage to finish it and am self-satisfied with it. (*Since I'm reviewing prior to posting, it means that I did manage to finish it. And yeah, quite satisfied with it.*).
I feel better today, I think. Felt better than yesterday. Yesterday was kinda bad. Still, considering that I had set out to write an article and to clear my weekly accumulated notifications and sorta succeeded (with the help of "Mark these as read" button), I guess it's still a feather in the cap for me. Not quite a resounding success but nonetheless, accomplished (You'll have to read my "Success is Overrated" to understand this point). https://read.cash/@Just1dood/success-is-overrated-453645fe
Do not cross the line
Like I said, today is better. And as I sat down to write this, I wonder if this is what the onset of being burned out is like. I mean, I have experienced being at the end of my candle's wick when I was holding jobs in the past. But getting burned out for over engaging in a hobby or pastime? That's something new. Maybe like all things, there is a fine line that we need to be aware of. I always joke about 'imaginary' lines like these. **Don't cross it**. It will take hours to untangle later. Some may not be possible to untangle at all if crossed. I know it sounds silly but it's good advice.
Anyone here who's ever pursued anything will soon discover the law of diminishing returns. You'll soon be confronted with the line I talked about in the above paragraph. You'll have to make a choice then. I did. By that time, I'd already finished the article and was on my way to clearing notifications. My stress meter was at the red zone, nicely color-coordinated with the ReadCash red bell. Have you ever noticed that somehow when the bell is red, it's more glaring? It kinda gets under your bones, eh? Then your head starts spinning. LOL.
I'm very glad to say that NoiseCash provided me an avenue to release some of this pent-up pressure. This NoiseCash is almost like a pressure release valve for me. Being able to post my frustration helped relieve some pressure. It was a good distraction from the task at hand. I was able to post something like this there. Thank you, NoiseCash. https://noise.cash/post/lk75z927
With a clearer mind today, I'm doing a little reflection as to the cause of that ... ugh feeling. After going through a process of elimination, I have narrowed it down to the possible cause. I now believe it's due to certain neighbors making noise in the wee hours of the morning. This group of idiots (I'm being really nice here) would start gathering for get-togethers every night starting from 11 PM or 12 AM. (To make matters worse, despite the Covid-19 pandemic still not being under control, these idiots were not following any safety precautions). The ruckus will go on until the obscene hour of 3 or 4 AM. I know because one of those nights, I really couldn't sleep. I was so irritated that if I had a bag of sh1t handy, I'd throw it in their direction. My self-control was intact and like a civilized person, I had to get up around 2 AM and make myself a cup of coffee and see if I could write, staying up past 4 AM!
You may know this - lack of sleep can make one very edgy. I was highly irritable and it culminated on this Sunday. Even though the nightly ruckus had stopped since Saturday (3 days ago) but the damage due to lack of quality sleep was already done. My mind and body felt the brunt of it on Sunday.
Back on track
Like I said, today, I can feel myself getting back to normal though I'm still slightly irritable. I foresee that it may take another day or two before I feel fully rested and enough time for the effects of the damage to wear off.
I should be back on track this week.
Four Stress Management Tips
Though this is an article with no title, do not judge the book by the cover (title). I do have some learning lessons for all my readers. Tips that hopefully can help you to manage your stress level.
Guard your sleeping time like a hawk.
Lack of sleep or lack of quality sleep will impact the quality of your daily life. You'll not be able to function optimally and for the period, you will be like a porcupine. You'll drive people away. And you may be tempted to throw bagfuls of sh1t at people who irritate you.
Push through as much as possible
I really didn't feel like writing on Sunday. But I beat myself into submitting to my commitment to write. LOL. Talk about being a glutton for punishment! I'm glad I did it. Though it was not a top form article, I know that with the first attempt done, I can always go back to touch up later. If you're curious, it's titled "Your Expiry Date" for now. That may change. (*You'll notice that that article has not been published yet, even though it was written ahead of this one. Yes, it's still brewing and I'll need to do some upgrades before seeing fit for publishing*).
Have an escape (distraction)
NoiseCash was a good distraction for me. It channels me away from my normal routine. With NoiseCash, I get to switch gear a little and write some weird thoughts like - A Captain's Log, Never play Whac-a-Mole, and even a thought on the Olympics! A welcomed change. https://noise.cash/post/lp7knjng https://noise.cash/post/l3798q7x https://noise.cash/post/1p7kq567
If you have reached the apex of your endurance, always have a "Reset Button"
I'd reached that level after having written my article and going through the process of clearing my ReadCash notifications. I read as many articles as I can but at that critical point, before I go ballistic, I am glad the "Mark these as read button" is within easy reach. I could feel myself recovering somewhat the more I clicked this button. LOL. Life's simple pleasures.
Have Fun
I learn to be able to not take things seriously. Be able to laugh at me and others and at everything else. After all, it is not a life-and-death situation. So, why be so serious, right?
Although the examples I shared in items 2 & 3 above are writing-related, it is applicable for any situations.
I hope the above has been entertaining and helpful for you.
Stay safe and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Megan Byers** https://unsplash.com/@designelixir
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Dim Hou** https://unsplash.com/@dimhou
Image 2: Unsplash.com - **Hello I'm Nik** https://unsplash.com/@helloimnik
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
I just got back from a short break. I'll post about that in noisecash shortly. I wanna quickly thank @Bloghound, the Queen or Rhymes...the Lady of Live Raps for upping her sponsorship. Thank you very much. I'm very humbled. I'm now super inspired. I shall continue to spew out more bad rhymes and raps. LOL.
#UplandDoodMovieReview
Check it out at Noisecash. You won't be disappointed.
https://noise.cash/post/lq7m2v6w
A Blank Paper: Making sense of Block, Stock, Balk, Wok, Bedrock & Chalk
**27 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
A Writer's Block
People say it is a good thing to start with a clean slate. As I'm sitting here staring at a blank screen, it is hard to imagine how that can be a good thing. Not only am I presented with a blank screen but I'm also equipped with lots of invincible ink!
Would I consider this writer's block? Not really. Come to think of it, having writer's block is like saying I'm bored. There are a thousand and one things I can do to entertain myself or to keep myself busy. It's only a matter of making the decision to pursue any one of those to counteract my boredom.
[*Side note: As I review this before posting today, I've had the RandomRewarder visiting me multiple times in the last 12 hours. Re-invigorated, I will write about that but that article will come out another day. As it is, this Blank Page article is moving forward as planned.*]
A Writer's Stock
It's my fancy way of saying that I don't have writer's block. I have so many topics that I can write about but the motivation or the inspiration to write any is just not there. I'm sure many can relate to that. Or could it be that the lethargy is the residue effect of consuming too much pizza two days ago? That shouldn't be the case. The pizzas are long gone and properly have already ended up somewhere fertilizing the earth.
Potential topics are aplenty. I could write a book review. Maybe someone will tip me good for helping to summarize it for him/her/them. Ahem...@snapping.turtle?
I could also write about books that have had a big impact on my life. I have a few of those. It is a topic I will keep for a future date. But not now. I'm not inspired to write about that now.
I could expand further on my article about "**Plagiarism**". That's coming out sometime next week, maybe. Need to gather enough courage to publish something that serious and still live up to my motto - when it comes to writing, have fun poking fun.
I can finish the articles that have been sitting in my article closet for a while. There's an article in there about "**Dances"**. Yes, an unlikely article from someone like me but it's not what you think. You'll have to wait.
I have a few more unfinished and unpolished articles on "**Sheep**", "**Fears**", "**People**", "**Learning**" and a few more at the amoeba stage not worth mentioning. Some or all of these may not see the light of day.
A Writer's Balk
One reason could be that too much time is required to do research on them. Or that the reason could be these are too serious a topic for my comfort. I gravitate towards nonsensical goofy articles.
In truth, these are just excuses. Nothing is impossible. This platform is filled with individuals who made the effort to write articles that are out of their comfort zone. The only caveat is to make sure that you don't plagiarize. Huh. That's another story. You'll have to wait a little longer. Did I mention that it's coming out next week? Still mustering up my courage for that one. Although, the tickets are out. Make sure you get yours ASAP! It's gonna be a sell-out show! Then again, maybe not. It's so controversial (R-rated) that it may be outright banned after the first showing.
[*Note: Definition of R-Rated: R for Ridiculous]*
A Writer's Wok
One thing you can be sure of is that any writer worth his/her weight in salt will tell you that they are salty! Sorry, I meant ... survivors. It is not unlike a chef reaching into a cabinet of available seasonings and existing ingredients and putting together a delicious dish. Writers too can grab ingredients from their mind, sprinkle them with some of their experience; throw everything into the article wok, stir it till flagrant, and voila! An article to be served.
It may not be a Michelin Chef's output or a Pulizer worthy article but it's palatable. At least to the non-culinary snobs. If you're a snob, you can go somewhere where they have lamps on tables and blindingly reflective silverware for your meal. We're doing street food here. Do not come and consume and make a big fuss. You wok your cat, I wok my dog. I mean, I walk my dog, you walk your cat. Never the twain shall meet.
(*Warning on use of ingredients: Please do not use someone else's ingredients. You know where that would land you right? Do I need to spell it out? Oh well...okay, if you really want to know. Your name will be put on the Chef's Hall of Shame and you'll be put in the kitchen's blast chiller.)*
A Writer's Bedrock
The truth is that many of us write here because of the moral, emotional, mental, and of course, monetary support of fellow writers and readers. It is the solid foundation of mutual respect and generosity of this writing community that contributes to a conducive and more importantly, a fun learning environment.
We often forget that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword. Misuse it and someone will fall by this sword (and end up in a blast chiller). Wield it skillfully and it can be a surgical scalpel that can remove unwanted cysts and tumors and help someone to be better (and maybe end up in the Chef's Hall of Fame!)
That should be a creed we go by. The one who shouts the loudest may win, but how long can one shout at the top of his/her voice? Respect is earned, not 'demanded' and definitely not by stepping and stomping on another. We often forget that.
A Writer's Chalk
We all started with nothing. A blank paper, a clean slate. Like it or not, we are all equal. We arrive with nothing and one day, we'll leave with nothing.
Meanwhile, each of us is entrusted with a chalk. What we write on paper or on screen is not permanent. The message will fade over time. That's right. A few months or years down the road, your article and my article will be forgotten. However, the spirit of the letter we leave on another's heart...now, that is different. Good or bad, that imprint will be remembered.
We hold the chalk. The choice is yours and mine on how we wield it. Everyone is watching.
Thank you for reading and **Let the Fun Begin**!
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Kelly Sikkema** https://unsplash.com/@kellysikkema
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Petrebels** https://unsplash.com/@petrebels
Image 2: Unsplash.com - **Clem Onojeghuo** https://unsplash.com/@clemono
Image 3: Unsplash.com - **Brett Jordan** https://unsplash.com/@brett_jordan
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
I'd like to express my gratitude to a very talented ReadCash writer and photographer @ARTicLEE for his sponsorship. I'm truly humbled and now more than ever to write more nonsense. Hopefully I won't end up being banned. 😂 Thank you, my friend. You inspire me. I need to pick up my camera more often now besides writing.
Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting @Pichi28, my newest sponsor! Thank you very much Pichi. Sponsorships like yours make my burning out so much more bearable. LOL. I'd just finished an article with no title talking about that. Thank you, you inspire me to be better and write more goofy stuff. Cheers and have a pizza!
Success is overrated
**26 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
What is Success?
If the **Oxford Language** definition is to be believed, success is simply "***the accomplishment of an aim or purpose***."
When I wake up in the morning - I've accomplished my intent to wake up in the morning (by God's grace): That's a success.
Grooming is important to me - I brush my teeth, wash my face, put on a clean set of clothes - I've accomplished my aim to be clean and presentable: That's a success.
Many say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I only agree if it involves eggs and bacon and a big cup of hot coffee. Otherwise, it'll be hard to convince me. Anyway, I know that the purpose is to get some energy to jump-start my system for the long day ahead. Eat I do, then. That's a success, right?
I could say the same for lunch and dinner. My purpose in that is to maintain a healthy and consistent eating time and diet. That too should count as success.
Clearing my notifications at both ReadCash and NoiseCash so that they are manageable: That's a success.
The weather is hot, I feel like I needed something to cool myself down and a picker-upper like coffee. Aimed with this purpose, I went to the nearest McDonald's drive-through to get a cuppa hot latte and a McFlurry. That's a success.
I've made a commitment to put out an article every working day of the week, including Saturdays. So, writing is what I do in order to post from Monday to Saturday. That's a success.
Suck it Up!
I'd posted this at noise.cash as I was attempting to write this article. The link to the post is here - https://noise.cash/post/137p5xgn. But I've reproduced it here for your ease of reference:
I'm trying very hard to put together a successful article on the topic "success". So far, success sucks. In Britain and Ireland, cess means Bad Luck or Failure. My stupid mind is telling me that in order to get rid of this cess, one needs to suck it! Suck cess! Let's see how bad this B-rated article is gonna turn out. You'll have to wait a bit...maybe till next week. That is if I managed to suck all the cess and live to tell about it. If not, you'll get a cheap replacement article.
It has been a tough endeavor sucking it up! Alas, my face is turning blue and it doesn't appear that I am successful in the least bit.
Changing the game
This is my article so I make the rules. LOL. I'm changing the game. Success is OVERRATED!
I will prove it to you. I'll ask these simple questions and you answer each with utmost honesty. If your answer isn't what I was expecting, then you need to try again. Why? Cause you have not answered it honestly. Hahaha...
Would you rather have (hehehe...sounds familiar? And you thought the "rather challenge" has ended.): https://read.cash/@Just1dood/id-rather-not-rather-the-only-time-this-title-works-is-with-this-article-f7235247
Success (No money at all. In debt) or Money (beaucoup lots of money it spills out from your ears)
Success (biggest loser on earth in the love department) or True Love (happily ever after)
Success (less than 20 years) or Long life (over 80 years).
Success (hell on earth) or Health (Arnold Swazzerneggar & Jack Lalane x 2)
Success (people spit on you daily) or Respected (people almost worship the ground you walk on)
What" Do you think that I'll make this easy for you to not provide my required answer?
Okay, I think your 5 answers should be enough. Can you see now? Success is so overrated. Who'd want to be successful? Yeah, now you get my point.
Mission Accomplished
In the end, I was successful in completing this article. It's a mess, I know but it's no longer a cess. It's a success!
I'm still of the opinion that "Success is overrated" but "Accomplishment is underrated". Anyway, some may think it's a cope out but I can accomplish something I set out to do without being successful at it. Does that make any sense?
Just1Dood - Banned
Yeah. Hahaha...I was surprised I typed that too. I bet you nearly fell out of your chair when you read that. I won't be surprised though. After coming up with such an article, I'd be banned from being ever tagged for writing prompts again! LOL!
Thank you @Eylz2021 for tagging me in her article "Small Successes in Life". Not sure if it's too late for you to untag and dissociate the @Just1dood name fast enough though. LOL! https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/small-success-in-life-545c48f0
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Kind and Curious** https://unsplash.com/@kindandcurious
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Jordan Whitfield** https://unsplash.com/@whitfieldjordan
Image 2 Unsplash.com - **Chris Curry** https://unsplash.com/@chriscurry92
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Rhymes eat time; I eat Pizza
**24 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
I'm not used to writing my daily articles in the evening. Today was an interesting day. (*Fyi, this was written on the evening of 22nd July 2021 with some amendments right now before posting*).
Woke up early. Well, early compared to later. Later, means waking up without an alarm clock. Yes, I know early is relative but I'm too embarrassed to tell you the time. LOL!
Regardless, it's early in my book and you'll just have to take my word for it. The reason for waking up early was because I needed to take my dad to see the dentist.
He's had a toothache that needed attention. And what that means is that an appointment to sit in the very comfortable albeit highly undesirable dentist's chair is inescapable.
I was asked by my dad to take him for this appointment the night before. The next morning (i.e. this morning), when I got to the car, my dad was already there, waiting. So, off we go. The trip takes around 30 - 40 minutes following traffic limits.
When we arrived, we were early for the appointment. I opted not to go to the dentist's office. Why not? Well, for one, I don't enjoy the sound of drilling. Secondly, I try to minimize time spent in an enclosed environment during the pandemics.
I waited in the car, parked right outside the dental clinic. Waiting was no picnic but ***I have my phone, so I'm not alone***. LOL. (@Bloghound that sentence was for you!)
Before the trip, I'd already planned to buy lots of pizzas since, over the last couple of days, too many noizers had posted images of pizzas. It's so ingrained in my mind that ignoring this "great pizza urge" would be a travesty.
I fired up the Domino's Pizza app and noticed that the outlet was not opened. Even after taking into consideration the time it would take my dad for his dental consultation, I thought it would still be too long to wait to get the pizzas I wanted.
As it turned out, the appointment had taken much longer than I had anticipated and I thought...oh, what the heck. I'll just go ahead and make my order. Had to fiddle with the app for a few minutes as it wasn't too intuitive for me. Yeah, I'm getting too old for this kinda stuff. Especially app with bad UX.
In the end, I had managed to use two offer coupons for buying one regular pizza with the second one "free" with an additional 'X' dollars. There must have been a catch somewhere cause after I reached home, I did a rough estimate and didn't think it was that "free" after all. This reinforces the fact that I'm highly suggestible & prone to giving in marketing gimmicks. You should see the number of gadgets I'd gotten that's piling in my own private gadget graveyard.
Anyway, I think less than 10 or 20 minutes after I'd made the order, my dad's dental visit was over. We headed straight to Domino's Pizza. When we reached, I asked my dad to wait in the car while I go do the pickup from the outlet. As it turned out, they have not started preparing my order yet. I asked them to go ahead and not wait until the pick-up time to do so. After which, I quickly exited the store and waited outside.
Remember the "great pizza urge" I mentioned earlier? Seems like it was for from being satiated. The Pizza shop next door was calling and did its abracadabra on my highly suggestible mind. Before I realized it, I was standing in front of the Pizza Hut cashier. LOL! Went in and asked the cashier if there were any offers. She pointed to one on display in front of the counter. I ordered that on the spot. Didn't need much convincing. An easy sell. She told me it'll be ready in 15 minutes' time. Fifteen minutes later I returned to collect this order as the Domino's weren't ready yet.
Another 10 minutes later, I had also collected my Domino's order. Home we go. Can't wait to sink my teeth into these.
First thing I did once I reached home was put everything on the dining table and snap a photo, of course! The camera eats first. This resulted in this post on noise.cash (https://noise.cash/post/lv7rgr37)
Some of you already know the result of my consuming these delicious slices of pizzas! (https://noise.cash/post/lv7r0zp6). I managed to put a few more posts in at noise.cash before those slices took up all my blood from my brain. They were having an emergency meeting around my stomach leaving my brain not enough blood to properly function on. I had to take a nap. It was one long meeting. I was knocked out for 2 hours!
Well, here I am telling you this story after the meeting was over. My brain is somewhat back to its normal function. Don't be a wise guy. It's normal for me. ***You may think I'm a kook. But you're wrong to read me like a book***.
Before I started writing this piece, I'd thought that my whole day was spent eating pizza, drinking coffee, and typing rhymes indiscriminately.
Yeah, didn't know rhyming could be so addictive. I can hear it now, "it's not a crime for rhymes to steal time".
Check this post out (https://noise.cash/post/10k8pgx5#highlight=1rw7jvxr) and look at @wickedsould's reply and you have an idea how quickly this spirals out of hand. LOL.
Rhyming is something new to me. I'm very intrigued by it and probably will spend more time at it and see if I can develop a new skill there. NOT! LOL.
Thank you for reading. Come on, it's time to rhyme!
**Sources:**
Header: Own Image
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Maks Styazhkin** https://unsplash.com/@mstyazhkin
Image 2: Own Image
Image 3: Own Image
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder & Tips on how to be happy for the rest of your life
**18 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
There was a time not too far back in time where everything goes. There's no such thing as being politically correct or being under the microscope for writing or saying or singing something that may not necessarily be acceptable to the general public.
I mean, yes, there are certain acceptable norms as practiced at that particular time. So, yes, there are certain subjects that are taboo. They are acceptable as off-limits without broadcasting to the whole world that they are so.
The above two paragraphs are just a fancy way to segue into what I want to write about. Crafty little fella.
I want to preface this by saying that it is not my intention to offend anyone but just an open-minded view of a song that I heard many years ago and in fact, one of the funniest songs I'd ever heard because it's so ridiculous that it made sense.
I will post the lyrics here and you be the judge:
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
A pretty woman makes her husband look small
And very often causes his downfall
As soon as he married her and then she starts
To do the things that will break his heart
But if you make an ugly woman your wife
A-you'll be happy for the rest of your life
An ug-a-ly woman cooks meals on time
And she'll always give you peace of mind
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
Don't let your friends say you have no taste
Go ahead and marry anyway
Though her face is ugly, her eyes don't match
Take it from me, she's a better catch
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
Say man!
Hey baby!
I saw your wife the other day!
Yeah?
Yeah, an' she's ugly!
Yeah, she's ugly, but she sure can cook, baby!
Yeah, alright!
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
If you want to be happy for the rest of your life
Never make a pretty woman your wife
So for my personal point of view
Get an ugly girl to marry you
This song was written and sung by Jimmy Soul (Soul is a stage name). I highly recommend you check out the Wikipedia write-up about his life. It's an interesting short read.
You know that it's got to be some sort of a joke since he performed it on Dick Clark's American Bandstand TV Show back on 12th April 1963. This song subsequently hit #1 on 18th May 1963 for two weeks and stayed in the Top 100 for fourteen weeks.
If you're wondering if this song ever got into any trouble when released back then, wonder no more. It was allegedly banned in many radio stations due to the use of the words, wait for it..."Ugly girl/Woman"! Come to think of it, in today's context many would argue that this kinda song would not see the day of light but if you are honest about it, we can't have a double standard. If songs with 'b!tches', whore, etc in songs, this is more than mild in comparison.
Regardless, I think it's a funny song, and to get the full effect of how silly and funny it is, you just have to sing along.
Here's a clip to help with your sing-along:
https://youtu.be/Qh9ZZgDqzAg
Now, be nice. Please don't flame me for posting this. For some, you may not have been aware of this song before reading it here. So, consider this a lesson in music history.
I'll end by saying that the song alluded to the fact that beauty is truly skin deep. I'll leave it to you to find that phrase.
Oh, one more thing. The same holds true for an ugly husband!
As usual, thank you for reading my sometimes nonsensical musings. This one was completed without any subheadings. LOL!
Until next time, have a great day and stay safe!
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com -**Quentin Lagache** https://unsplash.com/@quentinlagache
Wikipedia - Jimmy Soul and If you Wanna be Happy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Soul https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_You_Wanna_Be_Happy
Songfacts.com - If you Wanna be Happy by Jimmy Soul https://www.songfacts.com/lyrics/jimmy-soul/if-you-wanna-be-happy
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Source
Wikipedia - Jimmy Soul and If you Wanna be Happy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Soul https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/If_You_Wanna_Be_Happy
Songfacts.com - If you Wanna be Happy by Jimmy Soul https://www.songfacts.com/lyrics/jimmy-soul/if-you-wanna-be-happy
Thank you @bloghound, my rhyme professor. Thank you for your sponsorship & topping up the amount. I'm sweating now...bloghound on the prowl. Tell me how, not to kow-tow! I'll do better with my rhymes, I promise. LOL.
Readers are Leaders
**22 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
Have you heard of this phrase before? What do you think? Do you think it is a true reflection? Are you a reader? If you are, are you a leader? Maybe for some, it is a little difficult to answer. I mean it's easy to answer if you are a reader or not. If you read and like to read, then you are a reader. But a leader? For that, you may need to define what a leader is.
The Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com defines a leader as "*a person who leads a group of people, especially the head of a country, an organization, etc.*"
I put it simply as "if you move, are you in front and when you look back, are there people following?"
But as we all know, people do not follow someone blindly. There has to be a compelling reason for them to do so. That compelling reason, in my humble opinion, and amongst other factors, is greatly dependent on how much a person knows. This in return is the result of how much this person reads.
Actually, the correct phrase should be "**Leaders are Readers**". Using some common sense, we can come to the conclusion that not all "readers are leaders".
Makes sense? Okay then. We can proceed. I just wanted to get this out of the way, in case you think that I'm some sort of a leader though I used to read a lot.
Once upon a time...
Long, long ago, I used to like to read and read a lot. It started with comic books. Back in the time that if I mentioned **Marvel**, you'd think that it's just a verb describing bewilderment or astonishment and **DC** is some kind of current that you learned from school.
Yes, it was the golden years of comic reading for me. It was the bronze age of comic books. I was reading and collecting so many titles that it'd take too much of your already precious time.
The reading and collecting carried over briefly to publications from the Modern Age of Comic Books.
I looked forward to each monthly copy of The Amazing Spiderman, the Uncanny X-Men, Teen Titans, Justice League to name a few. My appetite for more drove me to explore other non-mainstream comic books like those from Mirage Studios (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and some obscure knock off of TMNT called Adolescent Radioactive Blackbelt Hamsters (bet you haven't heard of that one) from Eclipse Comics.
I'd admired the art from these comic books. Each artist has their own style. In fact, most of them combine the talents of a few - the writer, the penciler, the inker, the letterer, and the colorist. A collaborative effort of a few individuals to put out a story each month.
I love reading comics. In fact, I'd partially credit the reading of comic books in my learning of English. Those dialogue bubbles helped me in conversing. I memorize some and use some expressions for my high school essays. E.g. Aarrggg, Cowabunga...and with great power comes great responsibility. LOL. Just kidding.
I was so into it that at one time, I'd drawn up a short one-page comic and another that was a few pages long. If I can find them, I'll make that a future article. I kinda doubt I still have them buried somewhere at home.
A moment later...(maybe around 5 years later, maybe not)
Comic books were becoming expensive and if I continued, I'll have to fork out money on a monthly basis. Coupled with the time demand of a new work life, I'd stopped my comics reading habit. Though, I still have many in my collection.
Work-life is another story. If you think that you'd stop reading and 'studying' after university, you're in for a rude awakening. One can never stop being a reader.
I found out that despite the lack of time, I need to continue reading. Regardless of whether my work required it or not, I need to continue to cultivate a reading habit. I know that by reading, I can equip myself to be a step ahead of non-readers! Hahaha...if you don't read, be warned.
If you're curious, here's a sample of the books I read:
First, Break All the Rules - Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman
The New Gold Standard - Joseph A. Michelli
The Leadership Handbook - John C. Maxwell
The 7 Habits of Highly Disgusting People - Sorry, I meant to say, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen R. Covey
A Taste of the Orient - The Complete Book of Eastern Cooking
I have no idea how the last one got on the list!
But those were just a few of the many books I had read and now display on my bookshelves gathering dust.
In my reading years, there is one book that I have read that changed my life completely and altered the course of my life. And that book is called "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki.
This book was responsible for turning my mindset of being an employee into not being an employee. LOL. Truth be told, it was just that. A turning point where I entertained the idea of doing my own thing.
Another moment later...(undisclosed years later)
The books that I read over these years have evolved. It has shifted more to self-improvement books. I have no idea why. Maybe subconsciously my mind is thinking that time had taken its toll on me. Some improvements (much like those DIY home improvements) are needed.
I then started to read books like "Put more time on your side". Now that I think of it, I have no idea how that is possible. We all have to live with 24 hours. How to put more on my side? I may do another article where I share all the books I have in my possession.
Anyway, here's another one and it's called "The 9 Dimensions of the Conscious Success". I don't know why it's 9 and not 8 or 10. If you ask me what I have learned from it and if I recall anything...the sad answer is NO. But the mind is a strange thing. I may have gems tucked in some corner of the mind as a result of reading this book. And my mind may recall this at the most opportune time. I can hope.
Back to the present time...
Looking back, I'd say that despite the fact that not all readers are leaders, the amount of reading has at least helped me to be a leader when the time called for it. The volumes of reading have created a "muscle memory" that kicks into action when the time is right.
At the present time, my reading habit continues. I read fellow writers' articles. I do some research reading when needed in order to write. Whenever I get a chance to visit bookstores, I may still grab a book (or two) if it catches my attention. Reading has become a habit for me. I feed my mind when I read. I know that I'll never stop reading. Why? Because I cannot afford to stop learning.
Happy reading and stay safe and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Adam Winger** https://unsplash.com/@awcreativeut
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Vlad Tchompalov** https://unsplash.com/@tchompalov
Image 2: Unspladh.com - **Erik Mclean** https://unsplash.com/@introspectivedsgn
Image 3 Unsplash.com - **Shiromani Kant** https://unsplash.com/@readerpreneur
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Introvert Assemble!
Calling all my introvert friends. Let me know how you like my third attempt at rhyming at noise.cash.
It's called "An Introvert's BCH Rhyme"
https://noise.cash/post/1m720v2m
I have branched out to writing rhymes at noise.cash. Did a silly one and hope I don't get flamed. Lol.
It's called: "Title: I need tips on how to rhyme (wink, wink)"
https://noise.cash/post/197072gj
Network = Net worth
**21 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
I don't know if this is an UplandDood original equation or not but I've been thinking about this lately.
It's actually been on my mind ever since I started my working life, eons ago and now seems like in a galaxy far, far away (if you follow my writings, you'll notice that I like to use this phrase. One reason could be that it was imprinted on my mind during my formative years. Anyway, that bit of extra detail has nothing to do with this article
In a manner of speaking, I no longer have a working life but then you know that one's work never finishes. It's never-ending one after another.
Learning **≠ Earning**
When I first graduated from school, getting a job was a big thing. Wasn't that what we have been preparing for all along? Time served day in, day out attending classes, lectures, and taking unending tests? Though I have a high suspicion that what I'd spend years learning would not be put to use at work. I mean, come one, when was the last time you used calculus at your workplace? Yes, when did you ever have to solve (a+b)² = a² + 2ab + b² in your office? What? You have? As recent as today? Okay, how about needing to dissect a dead and pickled frog then? Got you there.
Very soon, I discovered what was important in getting a job, maintaining one, and most importantly, excelling in one.
Network = Connection
When I say connection, I don't mean only in the traditional sense. I mean it's not about who you know, though I'll come to that shortly.
Please allow me to share a story to illustrate.
After graduating, I had written to apply for so many job vacancies, I'm embarrassed to put down the figure here.
It's a long time ago and I don't even recall how many actually called me for an interview. I do remember one though, the company has an office that was located next to a creepy cemetery in the middle of nowhere. I have no idea why they set up shop there. It could be cheap rent. Who knows. Like a wedding that wasn't meant to be, I had gotten cold feet at the last minute. I shudder to think of working late nights and going through the cemetery. Dying young of a heart attack didn't sound too enticing to me.
Finally, I received an invitation for an interview in what seems like a fun company to work for. I was well prepared. Put on my Sunday best and met up with the interviewing Assistant Manager of the unit that I had applied the job for. After the cordial expected rituals, we instantly connected. Wouldn't you want to know what connected? If I was reading this, I would. Believe it or not, we both graduated from the same University in a land far, far away from home. He was my senior by a few years. What kind of odds is that? It's like striking a lottery. Needless to say, the interview went well and I ended up being hired.
See? Wasn't that about a connection? What connects you to the other person? In my case, it was the University we both had attended.
Network + Nett Work
In the course of my working years, I've also found out that if you are good at what you do, people will notice you. Not just any people but the right people.
This is the part where you need to know how to market yourself. You need to build the groundwork before being able to network.
In the job market, this means having an outstanding resume. One that does not get lost in the mountainous pile. You have to know that anyone tasked with shortlisting candidates has only so much time to go through this pile. If your headings or summary do not catch the shortlister's attention, yours will end up in the "to be shredded/deleted" pile or at best in the "KIV" pile.
If you have planned your career well, you will stand out. How? For one, your accomplishments (Nett work). But more important than that is your referrals (Network). Your referrals are the people you had prior permission to have their names put down to be called by the interviewer, either for work or character reference. If these people whose names you put down do not know you well and cannot vouch for your character, you'll have a much tougher time getting the job even though your resume might have shined through. It's who you know and who knows you. Most company or at least the more progressive ones hire based on character, then skills next. It's easier to train skills.
In short, if you have not worked on establishing this kind of network, it would be near impossible to land a job.
Network > Net worth
Your network will always be an indicator of your net worth. It will be impossible for you to have a high net worth without having a well-connected network. It does not have to be necessarily a large network. It's not about quantity but rather the quality of your network.
Jim Rohn, a well-known motivational speaker said, "You're The Average Of The Five People You Spend The Most Time With". Though I personally think that that is an exaggeration, it is a reflection of an idiom, "Birds of a feather flock together."
Who you associate yourself with will rub off on you. In this sense, your network will have a high tendency to influence your net worth.
It is as much about who you know in your network as it is who knows you in your network.
Looking back to when I first started work, or even before that, it would have saved me much time if I'd known this back then. Someone in my network I know well enough to be my mentor and guide me through my work life.
It is much easier to do so today. We are exposed to so many tools and platforms to build our network, our connections. It is not so different here at Read.Cash. We are daily building our network, expanding our reach, making new friends. Some are doing it better than others. And some have started realizing the returns from their network, whereas some have just started.
One thing to remember is that no network is built overnight. It is a process and it takes time. One important question to reflect on is "Are you spending time building up or tearing down?" That is a character question. Character is critically important because it can add or detract from your network-building efforts.
Spread your **net**, and put some **work** into it, one day you'll find that it is well **worth** it.
Thank you for reading, stay safe and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com -**Ben White** https://unsplash.com/@benwhitephotography
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Erika Giraud** https://unsplash.com/@erikasayssmile
Image 2: Unspladh.com - **Sharon McCutcheon** https://unsplash.com/@sharonmccutcheon
Image 3 Unsplash.com - **Jonathan Francisca** https://unsplash.com/@jonathan_francisca
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
It's Tuesday afternoon. I've managed to read some articles, gave some comments and also done some noise.cash posts.
Normally, I'll continue to write an article to keep for rainy days. I now have 4 - 5 semi and fully completed articles saved. However, today my motivation just wasn't there. I am not inspired. Have nothing that jumped out shouting, "Write me, write me". I think I'll take a break and go play over at noise.cash today. See you there! Please remember to say, "hi".
https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Jabbed: It was like going through a dairy farm (I think)
**20 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
To get the Jab
When I started writing this two days ago, it's exactly 24 hours since I started queueing up for my first Covid-19 vaccination jab.
Before I go into the actual experience, let me give a little background on how it's handled in our country.
There is a government "endorsed" app that we need to download to track our movement and records a self-policing Covid-19 status update. Each of us is responsible for answering 6 questions that touch on whether we have had contact with a Covid-19 positive individual to if we've traveled overseas in the last 14 days.
The vaccination roll-out was broken down into 3 Phases with the Frontliners getting vaccinated in Phase I, followed by the High-risk groups, and lastly those from 18 years and above.
I wouldn't want to comment on whether the planning was going according to plan or not but I do want to say that there's much communication disconnect between the Federal Government and the different states. Information submitted to the Federal Government through the above-mentioned app. Despite this centralized data gathering, I have experienced no less than two times being asked to submit the same information to the state-level administration. This does not bolster confidence for those awaiting their vaccination appointment notification through this same app.
Fast forward to last week. I got wind that there is another method to submit a name for consideration and through this source, I had obtained my vaccination appointment.
Once I had submitted my name, I was told to frequently update the app and refresh it before checking if I have got an appointment. On the day that I received the appointment, I had set my alarm clock at intervals of 30 minutes and doing the above updating, refreshing, and checking.
At a few minutes after 2 pm, after I'd done the updating, refreshing, and checking, the appointment details were shown. My scheduled vaccination appointment was at 2 pm! And to get to the vaccination center, I have to drive for almost an hour and had to cross the state line. The comforting thought was that I'd been told the center opens until 8 pm and I was advised to be there by 4 pm.
Fortunately, I made it by that time. In fact, by 3.30 pm I'd already parked and was at the start of the whole process.
I must say that I was very impressed at the systematic approach to getting us through the process. All along each step, there were guides to help us along. It was impressively efficient.
The Jab
The very first station was for screening. Our app was scanned to enter the queue and our temperature was taken. The next station was for registration. Here, we need to complete the usual "indemnity forms". We were told not to sign the form yet.
Once we were ushered into the Consultation station, we were then carefully explained each term in the form and told to indicate we are agreeable to be vaccinated with the "XYZ" vaccine. Then only we were asked to sign the forms.
Having done that, all that's left is to wait for our jab. There were many smaller rooms and we were guided along in waves to fill these rooms once it's available for the next person to receive their vaccination.
After the successful delivery of the vaccination, we were then put in an area to wait for our turn to meet a worker with a laptop to advise us of our second dose appointment date. This is also the station where they will update our app to indicate that we've taken the first dose.
All that's left is to head to the observation area to be 'observed' for 15 minutes. This is just to ensure that no one has adverse effects before being released out into the wild.
All in all the whole process took around 30 minutes from the start of queueing to the observation station.
I now know what dairy cows feel like when ushered through a milking facility. Just follow the process. Enjoy it if possible and you'll safely come out the other end.
I'm a happy cow.
Having some fun with the Jabber
I want to share my experience when inside the 'jabbing' room. When I entered, I was greeted by I believe, a young medical intern. I didn't ask nor did I ask to see qualifications. I'm sure if he's been jabbing thousands daily, he's qualified to jab me.
I did ask him if I can take photos, to which he immediately replied with an emphatic, no! I pushed my luck and asked why. He said, "to protect ourselves". I acted dumb and asked what do you mean? He said, "he didn't want the video to go viral!" I laughed. He didn't think that was funny. The whole time since I sat down, he didn't even crack a smile. Must have been a very stressful job.
Then I tried to snap a photo of the vaccine form. This form shows the details of the vaccine, expiration date, etc. He said, "You can't do that". Oh well, I don't know what's so secret about that since the information will be entered into the system and appear on my app anyway.
I've learned to keep my mouth shut and don't snap any photos. He then proceeds to get the syringe and the dose ready. Before jabbing, he shoved the syringe close to me and showed me the dosage volume and voicing the volume out, and then looked at me. I looked at him and said, "okay?" I got my arm ready for the jab. He kept repeating, relax your arm. Relax your arm. I'm thinking, how the heck do I do that? I wasn't flexing my muscles. Jeez. Finally, I thought, okay. Maybe I leave my arm dangling at my side. That seems to appease him somewhat but once he started pushing this needle into my arm, he started saying, "relax, relax". I was like, what the heck? If I was any more relaxed, I'd be lying on the ground. Before I could reply with my smart-ass quip, he was done. Then he showed me the empty syringe. I think that was kinda funny. Where else would have the vaccine gone? Anyway, I asked him, "Is this the standard operating procedure?" He nodded.
I was done. I couldn't wait to get out of that room fast enough. I didn't want to be infected by his moody long horse-face. I said, "Thank you, Doctor" and quickly exited the room to be ushered to the second dose appointment station. (When I thank him, there was no response. Maybe he was shocked I called him Doctor).
See, I'm phlegmatic. I empathize. I do feel sorry for him because he has to sit there all day putting his life at risk to possible exposure to someone positive and slipping through the system. I'm grateful and thankful for these frontliners' service. I salute you. Thank you!
Thank you for reading, stay safe and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Diana Polekhina** https://unsplash.com/@diana_pole
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Christian Wiediger** https://unsplash.com/@christianw
Image 2: Unspladh.com - **Colton Jones** https://unsplash.com/@colt10jordan
Image 3 Unsplash.com - **Mufid Majnun** https://unsplash.com/@mufidpwt
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
I'd rather not rather - The only time this title works is with this article.
**19 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
Bzzzt - You're Tagged!
If the tags in read.cash were electrified, I'd be Electroman by now. I've been tagged so much in the last few days that I will be able to shoot electricity out of my fingers. Maybe toes too.
The latest such tag was from @emily2u. If you've read my article, "Never say Never. I've been tagged", you'll know that she's the culprit who started a series of tags with my handle. In fact, the latest one she had put me at the first tag! Aarrghh. The nerve! You can verify the tag in her article, "Would I Rather This/That" https://read.cash/@Just1dood/never-say-never-ive-been-tagged-a34515bd https://read.cash/@emily2u/would-i-rather-this-that-6408e0c4
The Excuse
If you've read the article where I was first tagged, I'd tried to wiggle my way out of taking the challenge with the excuse that I have a bad memory. Well, that didn't work. News gets around in this community and I have a suspicion that they ganged up on me. The rest is history. I've pooped the resulting "Never..." article. Hahahah...
This time around, she said I have no excuse. But little did she know that it's actually a more convincing excuse. Again, if you have read "An introvert in an extrovert's clothing", you'll find out that I'm an introvert with a high leaning towards the Phlegmatic personality type. One weakness is Phglematics have a hard time making decisions! https://read.cash/@Just1dood/an-introvert-in-an-extroverts-clothing-a4d3c901
So, if you ask me to choose between two 'rathers', it'll take me forever to make up my mind. Do you have that long to read this article? Hahaha...
The Journey Starts
Once I've decided to consider this challenge...*Wait, wait...Stop, stop*. Okay, let me explain what the challenge is first. Skip to the bottom if you can't wait to find out what the challenge is. Then get back here to continue with the rest of the article. My articles are interactive. No worries. I'll still be around when you get back here.
So, once I've decided to consider this challenge, which by now you know is to "choose between two nonsensical rathers" and write about it, something popped into my mind. I was reminded of something. A rare occasion. If you'd think that its cause for celebration, I'd say that you're pushing your luck there, buddy.
Fair warning: I never promised I wouldn't cheat. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to finish this article. So, there you have it.
Let's get this out of the way:
I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail! Yes, I would!
I'd rather be a hammer than a nail! Yes, I would!
Oh wait...that's a song!
It's called "El Condor Pasa" by Simon & Garfunkle. and here's the video clip and below is the lyric: https://youtu.be/pey29CLID3I
Lyrics
I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail
Yes, I would
If I could
I surely would
I'd rather be a hammer than a nail
Yes, I would
If I only could
I surely would
Away, I'd rather sail away
Like a swan that's here and gone
A man gets tied up to the ground
He gives the world its saddest sound
Its saddest sound
I'd rather be a forest than a street
Yes, I would
If I could
I surely would
I'd rather feel the earth beneath my feet
Yes, I would
If I only could
I surely would
Source: **Musixmatch** https://www.musixmatch.com/
If by a slim chance the questions generated match those in the song above, I'll just proceed to answer the remaining questions. Deal?
Okay, here goes nothing. Don't let me say I didn't warn you. It'll not be as what you expect. That's for sure.
1. **Would you rather find a hidden camera in your bathroom or in your bedroom?**
Do you want to know the truth? Okay, you said it. I would rather find the nincompoop who put them there and hope that he/she enjoys the CCTVs in jail.
2. **Would you rather use a phone that had an extremely weak signal and that was extremely slow?**
This is a tough one. It's like asking me if I'd rather eat my dog's poo or my cat's poo. What do you think? Yeah, see? Okay, I move to the next one. Not before I throw both phones into the river first though.
3. **Would you rather have lips made of teeth or teeth made of lips?**
Okay. If you can show me a person who have lips made of teeth and another who has teeth made of lips, then I'll answer this question. Not before then.
4. **Would you rather have a great significant other but o friends**
I'd rather have a great significant other. Cause your significant other can also be your best friend. Your best friend can't be your significant other. I know you can argue your case but that's just you. Not for me.
5. **Would you rather have other people think your smell like bacon or have every person you meet smell like bacon to you?**
Oh, come one. Who has ever heard of anyone smelling like bacon? Alright, let's entertain this nonsense. If push comes to shove, I prefer if everyone I meet smell like bacon to me. Then I can invite them when it's time for breakfast, they can sit across from me while I have my coffee and fried eggs. Then I'd feel like having bacon without the cost. You know what people say, ask a silly question, get a silly answer.
6. **Would you rather know when you're going to die or how you're going to die?**
I know that once my heart stops, that's when I die. And once my heart stops, my brain would be starved of oxygen and when starved long enough of oxygen, it's called brain dead (any doctors can verify this?). That's how I'll die...from oxygen starvation. I think that kinda answers when and how.
For the astute, you know that I'm squirming my way out of this one. See? Don't ask phlegmatics difficult questions. You'll never get an answer.
7. **Would you rather be in a room for a year with only one movie to watch or only one book to read?**
Obvious choice. Book. Cause if there's no current or the player breaks down, then I'm screwed for the remainder of the year.
8. **Would you rather die before your significant other or after your significant other?**
A good question. I'd rather die after my significant other. I know it'll be too painful to lose loved ones and painful though it is, I'd rather I experience it rather than her.
9. **Would you rather have your phone hacked or have your house robbed?**
Look, I'm not going around claiming bad things to happen.
10. **Would you rather work hard to earn $1 million or inherit $1 million?**
Let me tell you a secret. The easiest way to detect a liar is to ask him/her this question and get the answer, "I would rather work hard to earn $1 million". My foot, you liar! You go ahead and work. I'll just inherit. it.
Time Wastus, Money Spentus
That's it. Thanks for wasting your time here with me. Now, please spend some money before you leave. It will go a long way to build relationships. I promise. I have no choice but to work hard for my $1 million.
Hahahaha....
Tiny epilogue
Remember I said that I have no promises when it comes to cheating. Well, I didn't. Those were the original 10 questions generated. They were all so bad that I thought there's no point in cheating.
The Challenge
I'll not be tagging anyone. **Consider yourself tagged** if you read this article. Unless, of course, if you've already answered these stupid questions. Sucker! Hahaha!
For the uninitiated, all is good. Just proceed as follows:
Go to this link - RandomWordGenerator.com https://randomwordgenerator.com/would-you-rather-question.php
Under **Number of Questions**, at the top left corner of the page, enter "10"
Then click the **Generate Would You Rather Question** button to get your nonsense questions.
That's it. Let the fun begin. I look forward to reading yours.
Stay safe and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Tim Mossholder** https://unsplash.com/@timmossholder
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **ANIRUDH** https://unsplash.com/@lanirudhreddy
Image 2: Unsplash.com - **Tina Rataj-Berard** https://unsplash.com/@t_rat_max
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Found out that there are self professed article police on this platform. How interesting.
Sunday is for rest & some nonsense
**17 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
TLDR " ..."
That's right. Move along. Nothing worth reading here. Skip if you're busy. But if you have plenty of time to kill, proceed at your own risk. Hahahaha...
[*Note: I'd written this post last Sunday (11 July 2021). I do not post on Sundays but will write if inspired.*]
The day had started late and I wasn't about to rush it. Though I have made it a point to clear as many of the notifications as possible today, I have also decided to make it fun.
I started with 104 notifications to clear yesterday. Made an attempt to start and managed to cut it down to around 80 notifications. But by this morning when I checked, it'd gone back up to more than 90 notifications.
It is a double-edged sword, isn't it? I found out from a fellow writer that in just 3 days, she'd accumulated (*side note: I spelled it "accummulated" and it's got a red underline. However, my laptop is so hot, the Grammar check refused to give me the correct spelling! The nerve! Finally, after I'd typed "The nerve", it gave me the correction! I kid you not.*) 566 notifications! Hah! Mine sounds like a piece of cake compared to hers. Nonetheless, mine still needs to be cleared. Otherwise, I'll feel uncomfortable. It'll bug me like something is not quite done.
If you read this, you may know that I'd already published an article on how to handle notifications. That article came about the day it reached 104 notifications. You can read how I have decided to tackle this problem.
So, what do I do on Sundays then? For one, I continued to clear the notifications that had reached 90 odd. Second, I'll post some musings on noise.cash. Third, I'll read some articles and make some comments. Forth, I plan to bathe both my puppies. And guess what? That's pretty much a full day's work.
I'll plan to just chill and do nothing (if that's even possible) tonight. Just vegetate and binge on TV. How does that sound? Junk food on standby and soda to accompany.
I think that sounds like a good way to spend Sunday. No posting but still plenty of things to do.
Initially, I'd planned to write a more deep article (hahaha...you may laugh. That's a joke) but found out that my brain wasn't up to it. It needs to recharge (read: more junk food. Cheese, maybe?). So, instead of writing on something like how to solve this universe's problem or why the sky is blue, and why the ocean is also blue but sometimes green, I've decided to share with you how boring my Sunday is.
I'll answer those tough questions if I do decide to go back to school and get my doctorate. Until then, you'll just have to wait.
Sorry, I digress. Some of you might be wondering how come I don't attend church service on Sunday since I'd posted some "Christiany" stuff on this platform. Well, it's still lockdown and even if it's not, it's not advisable to live life as before until I'm very sure everything is under control. In such a scenario, we've chosen to attend the Saturday afternoon service. There is a simple explanation for that. Then we can sleep in on Sundays. Hahaha...
Truth be told, Sunday is a great time to catch up with online friends. Most are not working and just chilling. More time to chat and talk nonsense. It's time to release some steam, refresh, recalibrate, distract the mind from the stress of the week and get ready for the coming week.
It really is a great escape. You should try it. I've now reached the end of the article. Everyone is busy. By the time you read this, it's not a Sunday. You'll be at work or busy doing something. I won't take up more of your time. Besides, it's time to give my two puppies their weekly baths.
If you've been patient enough to read till the end, you have my gratitude. You're a buddy...or a busybody. You wanted to find out if I'll share any juicy bits of my life. Sorry to disappoint you. LOL.
Let me leave you with a challenge for this week: Pay it forward. Apply it how you want but "Pay it forward". Make a difference in someone's life this week. Thank you for reading.
(I'm making a personal first. Going against writing conventions, I've written this article without any subheadings).
Stay safe, have a great weekend, and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Jess Bailey** https://unsplash.com/@jessbaileydesigns
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Mark Eder** https://unsplash.com/@m______________e
Image 2: Unsplash.com - **Robert Bye** https://unsplash.com/@robertbye
Image 3 Unsplash.com - **Clay Banks** https://unsplash.com/@claybanks
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Earth calling @Emily2u. The Rather article is done. Not sure how I'm gonna add images though. The questions were so bad. Anyway, it's coming out on Monday.
An introvert in an extrovert's clothing
**16 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
An interesting thought, don't you think? Though not ridiculous. Humans are highly adaptable. I find that to be true from my personal experience.
Having said, that I'm now confused as to which I fall under. You see, I have this theory that there are two types of people in this world. Simply said, those who categorize people into two types of people in this world and those who don't. I'm trying to be one now but am confused while doing it. In my mind, one can only be an introvert or an extrovert. But that's not how it turned out.
Maybe if you've wasted your time reading until now, you are now confused too. LOL.
Why the confusion? It's because I have always thought of myself as an introvert. All the personality tests that I'd taken in the past pointed out to me that I am an introvert. The latest (though I had gotten the book back at the end of 2003) such assessment that I'd taken was due to reading best-selling author **Florence Littauer's "*****Personality Puzzle - Piecing Together The Personalities in Your Workplace*****"**.
I had also written an article asking Have you been sabotaging yourself? I had done a reassessment while writing that piece. And I'm re-doing it again while writing this piece. Why? It is because like an idiot, I did not do a screen capture of the results to be used in this article. https://read.cash/@Just1dood/have-you-been-sabotaging-yourself-e6e6a89d
So, kindly pause here while I go retake the assessment. You can follow along if you're interested. Here's the test link. https://www.gotoquiz.com/personality_plus_6
I'm back. Here's the result:
You'll have to read the earlier article to understand the different personality types. However, I highly recommend that you get your hand on a copy of the **Personality Plus** book as it will be a valuable addition to your personal library. It not only talks about the personality types but how to get along with each type. https://read.cash/@Just1dood/are-you-self-sabotaging-lets-find-out-connecting-the-dots-e6e6a89d
So, from my result, you can guess that I'm an introvert. Your result will be in a similar layout. You'll have a dominant type mixed with 3 other less dominant types. Mine is an introvert. Yeah, I may have OCD (i.e. Melancholy - tabulates everything. LOL) and a joker (Sanguine) mixed in somewhere in there. The least dominant is my bossiness quality, thus having a tough time making decisions unless it's a life or death situation (Choleric).
While doing a bit more research, I found this definition of a Phlegmatic from insighministsries.org: "The **phlegmatic** is an easy going, **adaptable**, all-purpose person." https://insightministries.org/pages/phlegmatic-extended#:~:text=The%20phlegmatic%20is%20an%20easy,inadvisably%20permissive%20to%20avoid%20conflict.&text=The%20Phlegmatic%20is%20non%2Dcombative,or%20energy%20to%20make%20decisions.
Guess what? I'm like all-purpose flour. LOL!
Anyway, I know you can't wait till I get to the 'clothing' part mentioned in this article title.
Extrovert's Clothing
If you've read some of my articles, you'd think that I'm a Sanguine, who's fun-loving, entertaining, and optimistic. Far from it.
I believe some of these personality traits could be due to a Phlegmatic's adaptability, traits that I'd picked up to survive in competitive work environments. Not all introverts have the privilege nor the opportunity to find a job that fits nicely into their personality type.
I for one did not. All my work exposure has required me to be somewhat outgoing and approachable one way or another. None of the introverts stay away from me nonsense is tolerated if I value my job. Maybe some of you can relate.
Given a choice, I'd likely revert back to my quiet, withdrawn self, though I secretly envy those who are at ease in large group settings.
But...
The good news is that Phlegmatics are adaptable and given enough time, we do what we do best - we adapt.
We learn to adapt. If not at work, in our leisure time. Give us an internet connection, and a keyboard, you'll find many of us on this platform! LOL. Introvert Unite!
I think introverts thrive in such an environment. Equipped with a keyboard, we can be anything. We can be an extrovert without any judgments. We are free to soar. We have time to put our thoughts down. There are no instant quips or responses needed. We have all the time we need to formulate a response. Best of all, we can be withdrawn but at the same time uninhibited in sharing our adventures online, real or otherwise
We can comfortably wear an extrovert's clothing and get away with it.
Parting Thoughts
I'm glad that I'd found this platform. To me, it is a haven for introverts because of the reasons mentioned in the last paragraph above.
I hope that more introverts will discover this platform and find it an outlet for their creative expressions.
To borrow a battle cry from Marvel's Avengers...calling all introverts - **Introverts Assemble!**
Stay safe and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
Header: Pixabay.com - **Andrew Martin**
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Leif Christoph Gottwald** https://unsplash.com/@project2204
Image 2: Gotoquiz.com - **Test Result** https://www.gotoquiz.com/personality_plus_6
Image 3 Unsplash.com - **TK Hammonds** https://unsplash.com/@tkristin
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
How to use QR code to tip in Noise.Cash
A Pleasant Surprise
**15 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
[*NOTE: My profile link at Noise.Cash -* *https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood*]
Yesterday, I noticed a different message when I clicked to check on my Noise.Cash notifications. There was an unfamiliar "**Challenge Message**" from an unknown sender. It sounded too good to be true. I took the risk and clicked on the message. Nothing happens.
The next logical step was to send out an S.O.S. asking if anyone know how to complete this challenge, which sounds simple enough - tip anyone any amount using the **QR code and be rewarded with** **$1.00 in BCH**!
A friend of mine @Eylz2021 messaged me with the instruction on how to tip using the QR code.
I tried it but unfortunately my Noise.Cash wallet was linked to an Atomic Wallet and I didn't want to figure out how to get it to work with the QR code when tired.
Since it was late, I'd decided to link my BCH wallet at Bitcoin.com to my Noise.Cash wallet before going to bed. I'd only signed up for a Bitcoin.com BCH a few days earlier and it has no funds in it. I'd decided to try again in the morning. I was thinking that I should have some tips in my new wallet by morning.
[*NOTE: If you don't have a BCH wallet and would like to get one, you can sign up for a Bitcoin.com BCH wallet through this* ***link****. It's a link from my Bitcoin.com app and I'm not sure if it's a referral link. I don't think it is.*] http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitcoin.mwallet
Some BCH in my Bitcoin.com Wallet
In the morning when I checked, I'd received $0.02 worth of tips and it's sitting nicely in my new BCH wallet!
It's only fitting that I try my first QR Code tip on my friend, Eylz, so I replied to her message and proceeded with the QR Code tipping steps.
For the benefit of those who are new and trying to figure out how to do this, let me take you through the steps, with a visual guide. I prefer to be guided visually so I assume my readers are the same too.
Step 1: Click on the "tip icon" at the bottom center of the message
Once you've clicked on the "tip icon", a new screen will pop up. Make sure your browser allows pop-ups.
You will then be presented with a screen with the QR code options as shown in the image below:
Step 2: Click on the "QR code" button (*refer to image above*)
Simply click on the QR code button at the bottom of this new pop-up screen and you'll be taken to a new pop-up with the QR code and the recipient's BCH wallet address.
Step 3: Click on the "QR code" image (*refer to image above*)
Next, click on the "QR code" image as highlighted in the red box per the image above.
You will then be finally taken to your Bitcoin Cash wallet. In my case, it's my BCH Wallet at Bitcoin.com. Here, you will see the recipient's address at the top. The amount will show $0 until you enter a value. You can select "SEND ALL" or enter an amount using the numerical keyboard below.
You will also see where the fund will be sent from. In my case, it'll be from "My "BCH wallet" and also the available balance in the wallet. In my case, $0.02. Noticed that the "Continue" button at the very bottom is greyed out. You will not be able to click that before a send amount is entered.
Step 4: Enter the amount to send & click "CONTINUE" (*refer to image below*)
The first time, I had tried entering $0.02 but it wouldn't let me. I think it's because that would mean I'll be overdrawing since I'll need to have some left for transaction fees.
So, I changed the amount to $0.01 worth of BCH and I was able to continue.
Step 5: "SLIDE TO SEND"
Once you've clicked to "CONTINUE", you'll be taken to the page where you can double-check:
The Recipient's Address
Type of Cryptocurrency you're sending (for Noise.Cash tipping, it's Bitcoin Cash)
The wallet the BCH is sent from (in my case, "My BCH wallet")
The network fee for this transaction
The amount the recipient will receive (in $ and in BCH equivalent)
And if all the above is correct, the last selection is to "SLIDE TO SEND" to the recipient
Once you've done that, the payment has been sent. That's it! It's as simple as that. You'll get the following screen to inform you that your tip has been successfully sent.
More BCH in my Bitcoin.com Wallet
Almost instantaneously, I had received the reward that was promised.
I received the following congratulatory message, "Congratulations on completing the QR code challenge! You've got $1.00 reward from us!"
In fact, I'm not sure why but I had received it twice. Whoever "us" is/are; thank you very much.
I hope this simple guide has been helpful to you. Stay safe and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
All images are mine.
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Thank you @snapping.turtle for your sponsorship! I'm humbled and honored in your believe in me. I shall continue to post more nonsense. LOL.
Never say Never. I've been Tagged!
**14 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
First Tag
This is the first time in my life that I've tagged so many times. Reminded me of the Tag-Team wrestling I used to watch when I was a kid. I recall that once a team member tags you, you have to get into the ring.
The first tag came from @Emily2U's post "TEN Random "Never Have I Ever Questions". https://read.cash/@emily2u/ten-random-never-have-i-ever-questions-f0766c6e
Her challenge was:
"Allow me to tag fellow Malaysian writers: @Denion @Just1Dood and @NosCha". Looking forward to reading your pieces, guys!"
I thought I had successfully escaped from her challenge when I diplomatically declined the challenge. Hahaha...coward.
My summarized response in her comment section was, "*This is definitely out of my league?*" I have no idea why I put that as a question. She then did a reverse psychology trick on me by replying, "*haha!! No problem. Dood! No pressure at all.*"
Aahh...the nerve.
I then tried to leave it at that. Hahaha..out of sight, out of mind. I thought that was it. I can continue with my life. But no, no...someone else had to tag me.
Second Tag
Fast forward to two days later. Another challenge came from @Eylz2021 as follows,
"*Now I want to challenge @Pichi28 @TengoLoTodo @Bloghound @mommykim and @Just1Dood to join this challenge and share some of your life experiences. Sorry for the tagged but I hope you'll enjoy answering 10 random questions just like I did.*"
Noticed the reverse psychology again? Yeah, the last sentence that starts with "*Sorry for the tag...*" Yeah, right.
What am I to do? I pushed it off by being nice by saying, "*I'm tempted to attempt it*" and then by delaying the now what seems inevitable. I said, "*still brewing...* " trying my best to still avoid doing this article. Hahaha...in which she delivered the final blow, "*its ok...i can wait*"
That's it. I'm done for. No escape now. Before I have time to process everything that had happened, I was blindsided.
Third Tag
I had gotten tagged by @Pichi28! She started her challenge by stating -
"That was fun... Is there anyone else not tagged in this never evers? hahah.
Tagging too: @Bloghound @ARTicLEE @SaraEscribe @Just1Dood"
Well, I have been tagged before. But then, she did the unexpected, tagging me even though I'd be tagged before.
Oh well, Thought I could stay outside the wrestling ring. The cattle prod's been used and I'm already standing on the rope and poised for the jump. Well, only one option left then. Jump in! I can almost hear people cheering, die, die, die. Errr, I mean, jump, jump, jump!
Excuse me, I'll be right back
[Headed over the "Never Ever" link that's been thrust to me a few times now] https://randomwordgenerator.com/never-have-i-ever-question.php
Okay, here goes nothing. Like I said when I was first tagged, my memory is so bad that if I do this, my answer will be a short "*I don't remember*". I assure you, it'll be like a guilty person in a US Court of Law. Every question will end up with the "*I plead the 5th*" answer.
1. **Never have I ever gone out in my pajamas.**
I had to think a little about this. Hahahaha...Cause I don't know if I have ever sleepwalked and gone out for a pizza. To the best of my knowledge, I don't sleepwalk. Yup. I would have remembered.
When I was in China, I had noticed that it's common to do this. In fact, even on the Bund in Shanghai, I'd noticed people strolling in their Pjs.
In case you are wondering, no, I did not have the urge to go back to the hotel change to pajamas, and go out for a stroll.
Phew, one down, 9 to go.
2. **Never have I ever I blamed a pet for something I did.**
I know I had but I can't recall for what. Definitely not for pooing and peeing around the house. Or destroying the sofa. I definitely wouldn't do that and blame the pet. I love my pet too much. I'd blame the neighbor's kids but not my pet. LOL. Told you my memory is bad.
Edit (added after publication): it happened today. I farted and was so tempted to blame my pet when I was asked, "did you fart?!" You know, the silent type. The worst smell. But I didn't blame my pet though. I love my pet. But truthfully, I might have in the past. 😂
3. **Never have I ever dressed up as the opposite sex.**
Actually, I had. When I was a kid. A long, long time ago in a land far, far away. I think that experience scarred me for life. I should still have a photo of that buried somewhere in the house. Sorry, no can do. I know what you're thinking. I won't show it to you. Unless of course I can tokenize it and sell it as a 1 of 1 NFT for say for, undisclosed beaucoup bucks?
4. **Never have I ever pretended to know someone I didn't.**
Of course, I have. Who hasn't? If my memory serves me right, I have, and not once but a few times. It's one of those embarrassing moments when I had mistakenly waved at someone that I thought was my friend but in return, I had gotten a blank stare. I can almost see him/her desperately accessing his/her memory trying to recall who the heck just waved. LOL. Obviously, my state-of-the-art self-preservation mechanism kicked in. Instinctively before it got out of hand embarrassing, I perform this standard face-saving maneuver where I acted as if I had actually waved to someone behind him/her. I then quickly turn around and find a hole to hide in. LOL.
5. **Never have I ever have I tripped for no apparent reason.**
I have. And it can be quite embarrassing. It happens when one foot encroaches into the airspace of the other. Sometimes, I feel like I have two left feet. Maybe it's two right ones. I can't be certain. Tripping happens frequently enough that I'm concerned about it. People may think that I'm doing the 80s breakdancing for no apparent reason. As I age, it becomes dangerous. Nothing to laugh about. Okay, let's move on to the next one. We're half done.
6. **Never have I ever enjoyed watching cartoons as an adult.**
I have and still do. I love cartoons. I love the Minions. Despicable Me was one of those rare movies that had made me laugh in a long while. Another cartoon series I used to watch and find funny is the Simpsons. That's a classic, in my opinion.
I also love Star Wars Rebels. I'm just biased when it comes to anything related to the Star Wars franchise.
I'm sure there are a few others I love watching but can't recall. Cartoons make me feel like a kid again. As you can tell, I especially like the funny ones.
7.**Never have I ever learned to read music.**
In fact, I have. I used to know how to read drum music. I think I still remember how to read guitar music. The last I tried was a year or two ago. One of the best things anyone can do is to learn music. Doesn't matter what instrument, at least learn one. It's good for the brain. Unfortunately, I stopped.
8. **Never have I ever traveled internationally.**
I have. And I'm thankful and grateful for the opportunities. It's helped open my mind to the different cultures and learn to appreciate diversity. When I do get to travel, I love to try the different street foods available in that particular country.
I look forward to traveling again soon.
9. **Never have I ever been bungee jumping.**
No, I have not. If the opportunity presents itself, I may do it. Don't know yet. In my younger days, I have enjoyed rappelling. I have rappelled off cliffs more than 15 meters (50 feet) high and once had rappelled off a 13-story carpark.
10. **Never have I ever eaten an entire large pizza by myself.**
Does eating two medium ones all by myself count? Well if 2 medium ones = 1 large one, then I'd say that I have. And I washed them all down with a bottle of Pepsi Cola.
I also remember eating at a pizza restaurant named Godfather's Pizza. They have an all-you-can-eat Pizza buffet. I can tell you that I eat no less than 8 slices whenever I visit.
This was during my college years. I have a bottomless stomach back then.
I love pizza. I can eat it every meal and every day.
Now, it's my turn
Done! I did it! I'd completed the challenge. Finally! Now, it's my turn to throw the gauntlet. Bwahahaha....
Let me see...hmmm...who shall I tag.
@RyanInSiam (Tagging him so that he gets to know the wonderful community here)
@snapping.turtle (Tagging her to see what kind of crazy answers she gives)
Okay, I think two is enough.
@ARTicLEE (On second thoughts and after a 'chat', I'm gonna tag him. I have a suspicion, he's trying to justify his way out of this. Hah! You're tagged.
Here's what you need should you decide to accept the **10 Never Ever Question challenge**:
Head over to Have I Ever Random Word Generator https://randomwordgenerator.com/never-have-i-ever-question.php
Under **Number of Questions**, at the top left corner of the page, enter "10"
Underneath that for **Question Type**: leave it at All or choose your topic, if you like.
That's it. Let the fun begin. I look forward to reading yours.
Stay safe and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Marek Szturc** https://unsplash.com/@marxgall
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Justin Lim** https://unsplash.com/@justinlim
Image 2: Unsplash.com - **Sarang Pande** https://unsplash.com/@chulbulpande_jiiii
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Having just posted an article for today "Are you self-sabotaging? Let's find out - Connecting the dots", my mind wanders. And in it's wandering, I thought of another topic. And for this topic, I'd just put about 4 bones. Keeping it in the closet for later addition of meat.
Meanwhile, I've been challenged to do the "I Never" series. Been tagged twice. I'm getting the feeling like it's one of those Tag-Wrestling. Once tagged, can't stay behind the robes. Have to climb over and get into the thick of action. I'm taking my time climbing the ropes. Soon will reach the top most rope before jumping in. LOL!
Are you Self-Sabotaging? Let's find out - Connecting the Dots.
**13 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
Did you know that we have a time bomb inside each of us? The moment we are born, it starts ticking. No one knows when the time is up. It is morbid but that's the truth.
Either we can focus on this ticking time bomb or we can focus on the time at hand. If you don't believe in salvation through the **Lord Jesus Christ**, and the prospect of an eternity in the life after, I suggest you give it a thought. Why? Because when compared to eternity, it gives us a new perspective of our lives on earth. It is very short. Imagine if eternity is one day, then you'll treasure every microsecond that you have.
Well, this article is not about that. Somehow the minds work in a mysterious way (just as some people describe that God works in a mysterious way). My mind somehow drifted in that direction and being the obedient writer that I am, I let it flow. LOL.
Now, my challenge is to connect the dots. Let's see if I'll be successful in doing so.
I think, therefore I am
Or in Latin, **Cogito, ergo sum**. Until today, I still can't figure out why English-speaking people like to interject Latin in their writings. Incidentally, Cogito sounds like a nice puppy's name, don't you think?). Pardon my wandering mind again.
So, now that I have proven that I exist, there is a danger. Can I prove others exist? What a thought! Even if I do acknowledge other's existence, do I give a hoot? Do not be surprised. There are those whose ego is so big that, the vastness of space isn't big enough to contain it. I've met a few who came close to fitting that description.
I am, therefore I think
Would that mean it's Ergo sum, cogito? I'm just plain curious there as I'm no Latin expert. Do tell, if you are.
Once "I am" is out of the question, the next is logical one is "You are?" I'm now thinking if this is what it's meant by philosophy. Am I dabbling in philosophy now? I've no idea. But do tell, if you're a philosopher.
Since there is an "I am" and a "You are", the world is no longer revolving around me. There are others. If there are others, I need to find ways to get along. Don't you think that should be a priority? Okay, if you are the 'big ego' mentioned above, then this article is not for you. Go play far far away. But if you are like me and the majority, then yes, it is a priority. Because I say so and it's my article. If you disagree, you go write your own. I need to connect my dots. So, please don't spoil my narrative.
So, let me justify the heading by saying this: If I don't know how to get along with others, I'm then sabotaging myself - both professionally and personally. No man is an island and in order for me to be a valued human being, I need to get along **very well** with others.
Get along guide
There are many "I am & You are" get-along guides out there. Of course, one that I believe in and follow is the **Bible**. Believe me, this life manual is not easy to follow without grace and faith. But with grace and truth, it is a life-saver. It is my guide to being an enlightened human being. But this article is not about that.
This article is about other guides.
I will proceed to share with you one such guides. My first introduction to this goes back almost 20 years. Then, I re-discovered it about two or three years back. I have found that it is one of the simplest and easiest guides to understand. From my experience, it is very accurate. It has helped me understand myself and those around me much better.
Personality Plus
**Personality Plus - How to Understand Others by Understanding Yourself** is a book written by best-selling author **Florence Littauer** about personality types. It is so good that it's used for pre-marriage counseling. I like its simplicity. She'd broken down the personalities into 4 types.
I'll briefly go through each. To delve into each any deeper is beyond the scope of this article.
**Sanguine**
This is the joker in any group. He or she is the life of a party. If you hear lots of laughter at a party, you'll find the Sanguine being the source.
Traits of a Sanguine: Emotional; Influencing; Socializer; Expressive
**Choleric**
This is usually the CEO of any organization. In an emergency or even at a party, you'll find this person taking charge, ordering, and directing others with specific tasks.
Traits of a Choleric: Volitional; Dominance; Director; Driving
**Melancholy**
In the above same organization, you'll probably find this person in the accounting department or the data analysis department. This person is methodical, analytical, and probably has tons of spreadsheets for everything imaginable.
Traits: Rational; Cautious; Thinker; Analytical
**Phlegmatic**
Again, in the above same organization, this will likely be the person in the Human Resource department. He or she is patient and a peacemaker. The phlegmatic is the best person to handle any conflicts in that organization.
Traits: Personal; Steadiness; Relaxer: Amiable
The above is by no means enough information to glean from in order to get along with everybody. We're only scratching the surface. Each temperament has strengths and weaknesses and there are ways to understand, relate and get along with each personality type.
It is possible for you to take the test without having the book. But that's no reason not to get the book. Anyway, here's a link by a third party if you're interested to take the Personality Plus test. Do note that it's done by a third party and I'd noticed some typos in some questions. The good news is that these few typos won't impact your understanding of the question and answer. https://www.gotoquiz.com/personality_plus_6
Once you've taken the test and hit submit, you'll see the result of your dominant personality type followed by less dominant ones. Most, if not all of us are have a personality that is a mixture of two or more types. Generally, you will have a noticeably dominant type.
I highly recommend you get a copy of **Personality Plus**. You will need it in order to understand yourself better and know how to get along with others, especially loved ones. The copy I have is written more for the work environment and is called "**Personality Puzzle - Piecing together the personalities in your workplace**"
Dots Connected
In order for us to be successful in any and all areas of our lives, we need to realize that we can't do it alone. But in order to reach our success with others, we need to know how to get along. How do we do that? It started with understanding ourselves first, then seek to understand others.
I believe I have managed to connect the dots together enough to show that if we don't know ourselves well enough, it will be very tough and near impossible to know others. Why go through trial and error when it's been clearly laid out for us to learn?
Thank you for reading and I hope you will take the Personality Plus test and get a copy of the book.
**It's time to stop sabotaging yourself.**
Stay safe and see you in the next article.
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Joshua Fuller** https://unsplash.com/@joshuafuller
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Aron Visuals** https://unsplash.com/@aronvisuals
Image 2: Unsplash.com - **K. Mitch Hodge** https://unsplash.com/@kmitchhodge
Image 3 Unsplash.com - **Brett Jordan** https://unsplash.com/@brett_jordan
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
Thank you @ARTicLee for our sponsorship contritbuion I'm grateful and your continued sponsorship makes me look forward to Mondays! Lol. Thank you, my friend.
How to tackle the tide of Read.Cash notifications
**12 July 2021, Somewhere in the Metaverse - UplandDood (@Just1Dood)**
This had started out as a short post asking other readers "How Does One Clear 104 Notifications" short post. https://read.cash/c/open-for-all-cc80/post-695e8595
I promise you this won't be a long article. There will only a few points that I've learned as I started clearing these notifications. I believe many who's been here long will go through this same challenge, albeit the number of notifications varies. Secretly, we all will be thinking that how nice it would be if these were BCH numbers instead of notifications you need to attend to. LOL. Wishful thinking. But, one can dream. And we are dreamers.
Have you ever been asked this question? How do you eat an elephant? The answer is simple - one bite at a time. Keep this in mind when we start tackling our notifications. It's gonna be one notification at a time.
However, if you have any IQ in you at all, you'll find an efficient way to do it wouldn't you? I bet you won't start chomping down on the toughest part of the elephant or take your bites indiscriminately all over the place. That's rude table manners.
Please allow me to take you through a free course on how to eat your elephant (in a manner of speaking).
Systematically One Bite at A Time
Let's quickly run through a system I'd put together to tackle this notification elephant. It is by no means exhaustive and you will probably have your own system or variation of my system.
Choose your mealtime
Part of being an organized person is doing things at a specific time. I've decided that for me to clear some of these notifications, I'll have to do that.
**Snacking**
Since notifications will keep on increasing, I will clear some each day in the evenings. However, there will be some that I respond to immediately if I'm aware. These are specifically related to comments on my article.
Next would be notifications on the response to my comments on another writer's article.
**Main Meals**
I've also decided to set aside a larger portion of my time to go through notifications for other items. This will mostly be notifications for articles published by writers I follow. I've decided to do this on Saturdays and Sundays. Sundays should work quite well since I will not be posting on Sundays.
Trim off fats and bones
Discard all parts like excess fats, bones, and anything that may cause you to constipate. Be careful, constipation means the inability to eliminate toxins and this can stifle the brain from creativity and results in bad writing or no writing at all.
Here's what you need to trim off and these can be done in the evenings so that it doesn't build up, contribute to the total tally, and cause you to panic. These are what you select to be ticked as read.
Select all short posts unrelated to you.
You can still glance through them quickly if you're curious but you should make it a quick process to eliminate.
On rare occasions, you may want to make a comment. Be warned, this may end up adding to your notifications count if the poster responds.
Select all posts that are not in a language you understand.
This is a no-brainer. If you can't understand it, you obviously won't read it.
You have to be careful with this next one. Select all articles with titles that may not interests you. I cautioned you to be careful because you should not judge a book by its cover. An unassuming or interactive title may not mean the article isn't great. For all you know, it could be a hidden gem and one that speaks to you a solution that you've been looking for. Or it could inspire you to write your next masterpiece.
If all else fails
If for whatever reason, your notifications had grown into such a volume that it's impossible for you to clear in this lifetime, then you need to do something drastic.
Throw the whole elephant into the river. Hit the red button. Hit the green button, It doesn't matter. What is important is that you hit one and do a reset. It's self-preservation. We don't want you to self-destruct and leave the platform. This is a great community. We are all very understanding. We won't send the "notification police" after you if you don't comment or reply. Though the temptation is there. LOL. Just kidding. We are really nice. Really.
So, the best thing for you to do in such a situation is to, and I quote @emily2u "Just mark all as read!!! AHAHAHA!"
Start afresh and remember to use some of my pointers in this article to help yourself manage.
That's it. Thank you for reading. I hope this has been helpful for you.
(Note: No elephants were harmed in the writing of this article)
**Sources:**
Header: Unsplash.com - **Oleg Devyatka** https://unsplash.com/@olegdevyatka
Image 1: Unsplash.com - **Anas Alhajj** https://unsplash.com/@anas_alhajj
Image 2: Unsplash.com - **National Cancer Institute** https://unsplash.com/@nci
Image 3 Unsplash.com - **Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez** https://unsplash.com/@joseantoniogall
Thank you again for dropping by. Have **fun with English**. Remember to share your experience in the comment section.
Do drop by to say hi at my following addresses. I promise I'll be at home :)
NoiseCash: **UplandDood** https://noise.cash/u/UplandDood
Twitter: **UplandDood** https://twitter.com/uplanddood
Publish0x: **UplandDood** (link takes you to site. You'll have to search for UplandDood to find me) https://www.publish0x.com/?a=zPdyP4BwbQ
@Just1dood
