What Makes a Person unique?

I looked at this prompt and decided it was asked backward. I really can’t think of anything that isn’t unique in us all. Granted, some things are quantitative while others might be more cut and dry.

It is both a strength and a weakness in the armed forces. While in Marine boot camp, much of the training is to create a standard, uniform Marine out of each recruit. It frequently works out that one man’s weakness is another’s strength. And so it is that the strength of a platoon is far greater than the sum of its parts.

And so, every Marine meets certain standards while each excels in certain things. While we would never expect civilians to live under such standards, it does still work in similar ways. And the good leader sees those strengths and weaknesses and deploys his personnel in much the same way as the commander of a company. In this way, his personnel all pull in one direction instead of in opposing directions.

While the context may extend beyond the original inquiry, it illuminates my perspective on the matter. Upon completing Marine boot camp, individuals maintain their distinctive qualities, despite the standardized training that initially seems to homogenize their experiences.

Before the first training day, the group would display remarkable individual differences. Each person would stand out with distinctive characteristics, raising the intriguing question: What truly defines human uniqueness?

Daily writing prompt
Which aspects do you think makes a person unique?

California Seaside

No bout adout it. If I had about fifty million dollars in the bank, I’d find somewhere near San Diego by the sea, and I’d walk among the waves every day, even if it were raining, as long as it wasn’t too severe.

It has but one problem. In order to afford it, I would have to tie my rowboat to the dock, put my bed in one place, and the fridge in another. I’d need to use a public BBQ for cooking.

Along the coastline stretching from the Mexican border to Camp Pendleton, numerous large boats crowd the marinas, creating a challenging landscape for boat owners. Despite having substantial financial resources, securing a suitable mooring spot remains a complex endeavor, highlighting the competitive nature of maritime real estate in this region.

Ironically, these lavish vessels seldom venture beyond the harbor’s protective barrier, with hired crews inhabiting their decks far more frequently than their affluent owners.

Squandering prime coastal real estate and perfect meteorological conditions feels like a missed opportunity. In retrospect, pursuing a maritime career during my younger years might have offered an escape from mundane routines, allowing me to embrace the sea’s allure without the need of immense wealth.

Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite type of weather?

Simple Question, Complex Answer

Memories eluded me at first, a blank canvas of experience. Yet, as I delved deeper into the recesses of my mind, a handful of extraordinary moments emerged, standing against the backdrop of my past.

Nonetheless, they all had one big failure. While I was never diagnosed as dyslexic, I definitely have many of the symptoms. By the fifth grade, certainly by the sixth grade, I should have been tested. I went all the way through high school, and apparently not one teacher suspected anything.

Before I go further, I should probably say that the influence does go both ways. My seventh-grade world history teacher did so much to discourage me that I virtually threw my hands up in frustration and gave up. It did have a bleed-over effect into other subjects, but, well, I did get my high school diploma. This post would have to be too long to explain it all. However, he essentially made it impossible for me to succeed. Try or not, I failed. So, why try?

During my eighth-grade year, my US history teacher stood out as an exceptional educator who possessed a remarkable ability to engage students and inspire learning. Her teaching style was so compelling that I developed a solid understanding of US history, with a particular depth of knowledge about the Constitution. Despite her instructional prowess, she, like the others, did not recognize the underlying signs of my lifelong struggle with dyslexia.

Dyslexia often manifests through slow reading speeds. Despite my best efforts, I can only manage around 150 words per minute, which is significantly below average. Auditory learning is my strength; I can effortlessly retain information from hour-long lectures with remarkable clarity. In contrast, reading the same material proves challenging, with comprehension and retention markedly reduced. This learning difference created significant obstacles, particularly in my seventh-grade history class, where the teacher predominantly relied on reading assignments rather than engaging lectures.

Actually, I deviated from my original destination. The meandering nature of my journey speaks volumes about my perspective on the experience.

Daily writing prompt
Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

By Car Definitely

At one time, I really liked flying. Not so much anymore. It’s not nearly as safe, this in spite of all the inconvenience I have to go through.

It’s not just the rise in incidents, but more the type. It’s just plain sloppiness. It’s just blind luck we haven’t had a great deal more loss of life. I mean when that plug came off that plane, that wasn’t carelessness but plain sloppy maintenance. (I’m not so much interested in who forgot to put the bolts in, but who it was that was suppose to check it.) Now we have wheels falling off. (was that design, maintenance Anyone want to write that one off to negligence. It’s just simply sloppy in every aspect, from maintenance or just lack of interest in safety and design to flight planning and tower personnel. Really, do you want helicopters flying close to your runway approaches. How in the world did that one happen. Just where is the next one getting ready to surprise us all.

It’s going to catch up and I don’t want to be on a plane when it does. Why would anyone?

Personally, I’ll wait until they work out these efforts at equalizing, instead of making decisions based on skill and ability.

Daily writing prompt
You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?

One Step at a Time

Life can overwhelm you when challenges pile up relentlessly. While navigating difficult times isn’t simple, unexpected opportunities sometimes emerge from setbacks. The journey may feel frustrating, and success isn’t guaranteed. Drawing from personal experience, I understand the complexity of such moments. Despite the uncertainty, resilience can help you move forward, one step at a time.

However, it does help to know that God knows our problems before they become problems. He will be with His children as He promised.

From my experience, I’ve discovered that procrastination narrows your problem-solving options. Addressing challenges promptly not only provides more potential solutions but also alleviates associated stress and anxiety. Taking immediate action transforms obstacles into opportunities for resolution and personal growth.

In the face of challenges, finding strength comes from a supportive network of compassionate friends, heartfelt prayers, and a grateful heart that recognizes even the smallest acts of kindness.

Daily writing prompt
What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

What I do After I Receive Good News

Naturally, it does somewhat depend on the news. However, I can still make a guess, maybe something of a dream too. I could sell the house, buy a motorhome, and go on a long sightseeing tour.

Well, there is another possibility. Maybe go on a perpetual cruise. Considering my allergies, finding a place without pollen would be wonderful. I mean unobstructed breathing is nice. I know. There have been a few times I’ve experienced that.

However, I know better. It’s no more than a dream, little more than a thought. That kind of good news is rarer than hen’s teeth.

Daily writing prompt
You get some great, amazingly fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?

Project Teardown

I guess it was about twenty or so years ago when I bought a storage shed. It seems we never have enough storage space in the house. I was still working at the time, and it seems I remember spending at least four weekends putting it together.

It would not have taken so long, but I found the instructions confusing. Several times, I had to undo things before doing them right. Some aspects I found irritating.

Nonetheless, I did finish the little 10-by-12 steel building, and I must say it did turn out well. However, I only had the use of it for a little over a year and a half.

During an ice storm, I heard a horrible sound. When I went to check the cause, I saw two large branches from a pine tree had fallen. They did not flatten the building, but they did render it unusable.

Ever since, the disassembly of the building has been on the to-do list. The problem, of course, is that other things keep coming up with other higher-priority projects.

Besides, I need somewhere to move the contents. I have thought about renting a storage unit, but I have no idea about the cost.

Then again, if I actually decided to make the right decision, I would sell the house and anything else I can. Then I would buy a 35-foot motor home and concentrate on getting away from Memphis, going a long way away.

It has been some time since I have accessed my storage shed and attic. While I may need to repurchase a few items, I have found myself in a position where my possessions have become a burden rather than an asset. A more streamlined approach to managing my belongings may be beneficial.

Furthermore, I would not have to address the task of dismantling the shed. I am reaching an age where such physical labor is becoming increasingly challenging.

Does anyone know of a good motor home for sale?

Daily writing prompt
Something on your “to-do list” that never gets done.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators

I’m sure many will disagree, but I’m thankful for the invention of those little things, even though they don’t directly affect my existence.

Allowing patients to carry oxygen bottles was a significant advancement. Now, concentrators have made bottles seem outdated.

The concentrators are smaller, lighter, and safer, making them a convenient option. Without them, some people might be constrained to their home.

It will be nice to have something like that for heart patients. Alternatively, maybe they will come up with something that will make both unnecessary.

Daily writing prompt
The most important invention in your lifetime is…