Lance Armstrong and Arduinos

Lance Armstrong; how very disappointing.

The arduino, purchased as a Christmas present for one of my children, has been a huge success and will pass into family legend as one of the most successful Christmas gifts ever.  It has occupied minds and resulted in hours spent on the computer, not in addicted and anti-social game playing, but in thoughtful and detailed programming.

We have been treated to speakers blaring, lights flashing in a variety of combinations as well as for varying lengths of time, and planned projects for movement sensors and remote controlled everything.  I have learnt the importance of brackets, spacing and repeated lines of code; it’s all a foreign language to me, but the general air of industry is gratifying to behold.

I wonder if Mr Armstrong’s thirteen year old son, who has defended him so vigorously and for so long, is finding joy and comfort in the gifts which he received at Christmas.  I sincerely hope that there is something, during this very confusing and difficult period of his life, which is bringing interest, distraction and bright dreams.

As parents, our responsibility and duty to be role models brimming with integrity and authenticity can never be overstated.

Live well, not merely for your own sake, but for that of the vulnerable and hopeful folk who are watching you.

 

iammother

Customer Service

Having accepted the mission to replace my ancient and ailing fridge-freezer, I was forced to avail myself of an infrequently used retailer.  The reason?  My usual stores of choice have closed down.

Venturing out (with right hand man/son for support), I was stunned by the incredible quality of support and service given, unasked.  The whole experience from selection to delivery was delightful.

Mentioning my experience to colleagues at work, I was struck by the wisdom of one individual who, whilst sadly shaking her head, retorted to our group, “How tragic that we are all so interested and excited because people have done their jobs properly.”

What a difference it would make if we all just fulfilled our responsibilities and obligations properly.

iammother

Snow

I accept that there are many people who regard snow as the most wondrous substance but, frankly, they must be folk without responsibilities and/or a propensity to trip over their own shadow.

I watched the snow descending in its traditional and menacing silence and heaved a sigh of resignation.  (As Scrooge is to Christmas, so I am to snow.)  Within hours the whole world appeared blanketed in a white fluffy layer.  It twinkled by lamplight and seemed to charm everyone into cries of delight and cheerfulness – except me.  Numerous friends attempted, as usual, to highlight the wonders of the snowy scene.  As usual, their cheeriness dissipated long before the slushy grey snowflakes and black ice dissolved into thin air.

Snow

In the meantime; cars froze, cars crashed, schools closed, folk shivered and discovered that chilblains are a consequence of the romantic vision of snowman building and snowball throwing.  Boilers broke, walkers fell and starter motors ground to a halt.

The silver lining in my snow cloud was the installation of the wood burning stove during the previous week.  Tucked up, warmly, in the dining room, whilst I watched the blanket descend, I almost (only almost, mind you) welcomed the drop in temperature.

Now, as I peer out and spot the green fingers of bulbs emerging, come what may, I remind myself that it will soon be time to dust down the barbecue and this will be but a distant memory.

iammother