dailyprompt – Page 4

My Top Three Pet Peeves

It is defined as “something that a particular person finds especially annoying.” I have plenty of those but I’ll try to stick to three that I find not only annoying but wants to make me pull my hair out!

Not being punctual is one of them. This is one of the top “pet peeves” because as a person who believes that being punctual speaks to your character, I seem to be surrounded by people who don’t give a hoot about being punctual. My first reaction is extreme annoyance, the second is to reel it in and to let it go. However, the letting go part doesn’t always work. It just gives the person more leeway to keep on doing what they do. Now, I give a few chances and then I pull the plug. Meaning it is a friendship lost instead of putting up with someone else’s tardiness.

Next on the list are liars. I can put up with one or two lies but when it is a constant and it is very evident, it becomes a pet peeve of mine. I’ve met people who make “lying” their motto and if they can get away with it, so much the better. However, once in a while they come across someone like me who can spot a liar even before they get close! My problem is, I give them enough rope to hang themselves but then I go back and take it away! Does that make sense? It does to me. Instead of sending them on the way, I play this “nice person” and try to find out why they are the way they are. No more playing “nice guy,” I am learning to be more assertive and to understand that you can’t change people. They are the way they are.

Last but not least are fake friends. People who claim to be your friend but are never there when you need them. They are there for the good times and are invisible when times get tough. I’m sure you’ve met them too. These days, I look for the “I’m with you all the way,” kind of friendship. Friendship is a hard thing to maneuver but it is made harder still when you come across fake friends. Choose carefully.

Those are three of my top pet peeves. I have plenty more but for now, these three take the cake!

Daily writing prompt

Name your top three pet peeves.

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My Current Favorite People

Jasmin Felicia Crockett

She is an American lawyer and politician serving as the U.S. representative for Texas’s 30th congressional district since 2023. The lady has chutzpah and “fireworks” should have been her middle name! I like her because of her no- nonsense and no holds barred style of politics. It is engaging and she brings humor into the equation. She is not everyone’s cup of tea but she is well-liked and she speaks directly to the people. Her down-to-earth manner is relatable and she is a fierce advocate for Democratic policies, protecting voting rights. public education and the lady knows what she is talking about. Her legal expertise and her articulate way of bringing her point across is refreshing. We need more people like her.

Meghan Markle (Duchess of Sussex)

Yes, her. I like her because the lady has class which is more than I can say for some people. The spotlight was trained on her when love stepped in and she married a member of the royal family and since then her life has never been the same. The girl who once wrote to Proctor & Gamble at only 11 years of age to “protest a sexist commercial that suggested only women belong in the kitchen,” has become everybody’s “whipping girl.” Nothing she does is ever right. Everything is shredded under a magnifying glass only to find her sorely lacking.

The Duchess of Sussex is featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Art Issue and it is drawing comparisons to images of Princess Diana. Here we go again, wait for it! There will be another onslaught against the Duchess, that’s for sure. However, the photoshoot shows a demure looking Meghan and it is hard not to overlook the sadness in her face. She knows as we all know that whatever she does, it will not be enough in a world that loves to bring people down for one reason or another.

I like her because even under tremendous pressure, she has kept her calm and she has chosen to let “silence” reign supreme. When others would have broken under the constant scrutiny and criticism, she has held her head up high and she is making her own way and that in itself speaks to who she is. A calm and collected individual with tremendous strength.

Those are my two favorite people at the current time. It might change in the future but that’s alright. People come and people go and others will step in to take their place.

Daily writing prompt

Who are your current most favorite people?

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My Favorite Animals

I’ll go with one. CATS! Not every cat but the one I have had and the current one I have, Mr. Know It All, are my favorites.

The first one I had was called Twitty. I met him one cold November evening when I saw him with his two siblings wandering around behind the apartment complex. He was an orange cat with deep dark eyes and his siblings were all black but unlike Twitty, they wanted nothing to do with me. Each time I approached them, they would hiss. My adorable Twitty would look at me with those big eyes and there was an instant connection. One day, a friend caught all three because they were just a few weeks old and winter was approaching. I had to take two of them away but I kept my sweet Twitty. He was a gentle and lovely companion. I lived in a “No Pets Allowed” apartment complex but the maintenance guys knew of his existence and said nothing! Twitty would spend his days sitting on the windowsill until I came home from a long day at the university and the minute he heard me opening the door, he would do this happy dance on two legs! I brought him to Europe with me but he passed away a few years later and it was a devastating loss.

A few years later, Chachi, the cat walked in. I wasn’t ready to embrace another cat because I didn’t want to feel that kind of pain again but life had other plans. Little cuteness walked in, took one look at me and decided “he was all in!” I love him to bits and I know it will hurt if and when he leaves but I am prepared this time around or maybe not.

I think cats are lovely creatures. They are smart, loving, make good companions and they listen or at least they pretend that they do! Chach is my second shadow and his world revolves around me as mine does around him. Some days, he is disgruntled because he wants to be out there like his girlfriend, Miss Ipanema, an all black cat with beautiful green eyes that roams the neighborhood. I bet she has seen more than Chachi ever will! Let’s keep it that way. Anyway, Chachi wants to go beyond the “garden fence” like Honey dreams of in my book. It’s not going to happen!

Cats are my favorite animals, not all but the ones I’ve come to know. There’s more to them than meets the eye.

Daily writing prompt

What are your favorite animals?

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Beach and Mountains

I love them both. They each have something different to offer. As a young girl, I loved the beach. Singapore was home then and being close to the beach was something I treasured. Weekends spent with the family by the beach was normal and mom always had a picnic basket packed with goodies. It is a memory that I treasure. When night came, the skies were lit with a thousand stars and all was quiet except for the soothing sounds of the waves rolling into shore. Sitting alone with my feet dug into the sand and gazing at the stars was something I loved doing and I still miss.

I now live in Europe and mountains are not too far off. When I take my walks in nature, I can see the outline of the mountain in the distance. It is always there, ever watchful. Sometimes it is shrouded in mystery when fog rolls in and at other times quiet but visible but no matter which persona it wears, it is always present. There is something about its quiet presence that captures my imagination. I sometimes wonder what mysteries it holds.

I like them both for different reasons. Each have something different to offer and sometimes I wish I was closer to a beach or to water but only for a moment because what I have now is complete and utter peace surrounded by beauty of another kind and that is enough.

Daily writing prompt

Beach or mountains? Which do you prefer? Why?

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Family Favorites

Back when I was cooking, there were many family favorites. I’ll go with the ones that my son loved and still loves. When he heads back home which is not often, he places the order a week in advance and then when he is home, he asks for the same dishes over and over again!

The first one and at the top of the list is Tuna Melt. This one takes the Blue Ribbon as far as family favorites go. It is a simple dish that doesn’t take much effort but I tend to pep it up so that it comes out finger-licking good.! He’ll ask for seconds and thirds and then asks me to make it again the next day! That is how good it is to him or is it just memories attached to it? I don’t know but it’s his favorite.

Next one on the list is homemade Lasagne with lots of sauce and with three kinds of cheese! This one takes more prep time but it is well worth the effort. It tastes better the next day but whenever is just fine with him. He doesn’t just eat it, he sniffs it in and it is gone in minutes!

Last but not least are pork ribs smothered in a rich dark red sauce that shimmers and dances! Okay, it is called BBQ ribs but done my way. The meat falls off the bone and it is messy to eat but both my ex and my son loved it. It didn’t matter if they had “sauce” running down their arms, it was all about the ribs. I must say, it was delicious.

Those are the three that I can think of and ones that I have on repeat redial when my son comes home. He loves feeling like a little boy again, although he keeps reminding me that he is not 8 anymore! After the meal, he reaches for my hand and lays it on his head like he used to as a little boy and looks up at me with those sweet adoring eyes enough to melt any heart! I guess they never grow up! I’m not complaining!

Daily writing prompt

What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?

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Trusting Your Instincts

Where do I start?!! I want to say that I trust my instincts because I have a good head on my shoulders but, alas, it’s the other part that I worry about. The part that sees and doesn’t want to see and does its own thing. So far, it has been running rampant and doing whatever it wants. I call it “my heart.”

I am a softie when it comes to matters of the heart. Deep down inside I know that the path I’m taking is not a good one and it will lead to trouble but still I keep on, sometimes out of curiosity and sometimes out of sheer stupidity!

This journey of self-discovery I am on has helped to keep me on the straight and narrow but the heart wants what it wants. It wants excitement, the feeling of danger, the throbbing that comes from the adrenaline rush and so it goes. I’m not an adrenaline junkie, never have been, but I go for the “bad boys!” The ones I know from the get go that they are better left alone. However, I want to play the “helper” or rather the person who wants to save them from their misery.

Self-discovery has helped me to see things with a clearer perspective. Still, I am not all the way there. It is going to take time. Do I trust my instincts? Absolutely!

These days, I’m giving the “good guys” more than a chance. They are boring but it’s time to take my boots off (the adventurous ones) and to give those house slippers a chance to reign supreme. Who knows I may just find what I’m looking for. A nice guy with a heart of gold and one who doesn’t need saving!

Daily writing prompt

Do you trust your instincts?

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December

I have a love-hate relationship with December The year is drawing to a close and I have a chance at making things better as year end approaches and a new one begins. Add Christmas to that and what’s not to like?

Plenty. I love Christmas, the sights, the sounds, the scents, and just the feeling of peace that is everywhere. The house comes alive with lights and there is this dreamy quality about it. The fireplace crackles, add a blanket or two on the couch and you’re ready to snuggle and watch the flames burn. There is just something about this time of year. I love it and yet, there is a certain sadness because the heart longs for Christmases past when loved ones were near and it was a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate the season. Christmas is no longer like it used to be. The circle has grown smaller and it is usually just Chachi and yours truly. Last year, I had a friend who came over but it wasn’t the same. This year, I might spend it with my “Little Buttercup” who is always ready to spend time with his mommy.

I have a love-hate relationship with this month. I love the cold, even better if there is snow outside, walks in nature are filled with wonder, and festive lights twinkling everywhere warms the heart and fills the soul with a certain something. I can’t put my finger on it. I call it “magic.”

However, there are definite downsides to this month as well and when you’re alone, it is magnified during this time of the year. I’m learning to cope with it and taking it in stride as I do with most things. Still, I do love December and all that it brings.

Daily writing prompt

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

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An Italian Ice Place

I learned about this place from a friend and at first I thought it was an okay place but nothing special. It was run by Italians and most of the staff there are young Italians from Italy. Some don’t speak English, no German whatsoever, and they loved speaking in Italian. The problem? Customers had a tough time placing their orders!

However, the place grew on me. It was nice and cozy, the ambience was comforting and the people friendly. I love the decor and the music playlist had some of my favorite songs on there. It slowly became a favorite place to hang out in whenever I met friends for coffee and sometimes breakfast. If we arrived early, the place was empty and you can hear yourself talk. However, come lunchtime, it gets crowded and very noisy. That’s when it is time to go.

In summer, they serve Italian ice but throughout the year, they have Tiramisu, cakes, cookies, breakfast dishes like Avocado Toast, American style scrambled eggs, toast, and to top it all great coffee.

I am a regular there so they know me well. Just recently, a server from Argentina who speaks English told me that he was leaving to go back home. He is actually an English teacher back home and he was going back for a year to help his family and to teach but he would be back next year. There are others there that I have come to know well.

I have a favorite spot by the window so that I can people watch and sip my coffee in silence when I am there by myself but when I meet a friend, we can talk and laugh like we are the only ones in the place! It’s a nice place and since I don’t like crowded places, it works just fine for those rare moments when I get myself out and about. Oh, the bakery is right across from the Italian place and that is an added bonus. It’s where I get my beloved cheesecake! Not a good thing in one sense but for those days when my willpower isn’t where it should be, I break down and get a slice or two of cheesecake before heading back home. Not a whole cake anymore. We are making progress!

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite place to go in your city?

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Confident

I want to give the impression that I am so confident that “I could sell ice to an Eskimo!” I have another saying I go by, “Walk in like God sent you!” The first one helps when I am jittery or feeling like I am not enough and that happens a lot. It comes from being an introvert from my younger days and some remnants of that period in my life are still visible or rather they tend to hold court and have a field day with it! The second one helps when I’m meeting someone for the first time and if I’m feeling nervous, I wear that outlook and let me tell you, it works like a charm.

These days I can psyche myself up so that I walk into a room with my head held high and with a confident smile on my face even if I’m quaking in my boots! People tend to look up to confident people, there is this certain something “Je ne sais quoi” that captures their attention.

I went on a date this past week. It was our first meeting and I was nervous. Just a meet and chat and see where it goes from here kind of thing. I was early as usual and he showed up on time. Dressed well and with a bouquet of flowers in hand, he seemed like a nice enough guy. We smiled and it took off from there. I wasn’t feeling too confident, first dates make me feel that way. However, three hours in and we were still talking and he said, “I’m not going to take off running! I have all day and I find you very interesting!” I was thinking, “You don’t know the half of it!” Anyway, that “Walk in like God sent you,” part seemed to work. He did walk me to my car, gave me a hug (not a bone-crushing one) and a kiss on the cheek. What happened next? Well, that is for another time.

Coming back to the topic in hand, the first impression I want to impart is confidence, then comes the “niceness” part. It matters to me. All the rest can fall in line as the meeting goes on.

Daily writing prompt

What’s the first impression you want to give people?

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NOTHING!

I am reading nothing right now. Surprising? I used to be a bookworm but those days are gathering dust somewhere. Ever since, I started writing books, reading has taken a backseat. I try, really try to get back into it but I go a few chapters and I put it aside. Not good I know but it’s where I’m at right now.

Perhaps, it’s because I have too many things going on. I am working on the sequel to, The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie, and I am also working on giving the novel a much needed boost. I’m stuck where that is concerned and there seems to be a blockage of some sort but I know it is just a matter of time before the ideas start flowing back in and I get going again. Until then, I’m not going to clutter my mind with books, meaning when I read I like to live the stories. Does that make sense? It does to me. I take on the personas of the characters who capture my imagination and they stay for a long time. So, for now books are on the back burner.

Daily writing prompt

What book are you reading right now?

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