FaceTime, Zoom & Video Conferencing; Technological Innovation for Positive Social Outcomes

 Communication through video calling advances in technology have created positive social outcomes, especially during the Pandemic but in ways to help all of us who get busy living life. I often video conference using FaceTime with my immediate family. It brings a sense of closeness to a phone conversation. During the Covid Closure of 2020, I learned to use Facebook Messenger with my android friends and family. Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meets, and other formats have added social interactions to phone calls and added to our message of togetherness, even when we can’t actually be together. 

I know that some people had Video call fatigue, however, without it we would have lost valuable connections with our workplace, colleagues, friends, and family during the Pandemic. The fatigue comes with all staff meetings.  I feel that the effects of loneliness during the Pandemic would have been worse without video calling. I remember playing video games with groups of people through Facebook Messenger and the laughs were nonstop. I know that the service of the internet showed inequities in certain neighborhoods during the Pandemic, but overall most found ways to communicate using some type of video platform. 

I do not have statistics on the positive effects at the moment, but I feel that video calling is here to stay and has positively impacted our personal and professional phone conservations. I did find this quote, 

“VIDEOCONFERENCING HAS BECOME TOO BIG A PART OF LIFE FOR APPLE TO TREAT AS A MINOR PART OF ITS PORTFOLIO (Fast Company 6-9-2021).” 

This confirms that video calling platforms are in need when articles are mentioning that companies need to invest more time to improve them. Many people have to work far away from beloved family and friends, so video calling can connect us and has made a positive impact on our relationships. 

What are your thoughts?

-Rebecca McGrath-Hinkle

mrs.mcgrathh@gmail.com

Well we didn't find cancer!

When you don’t feel well, but no one really has answers. 

Send me to this test, then to this specialist. 

Let’s schedule some more test. 

Colonoscopy.

Endoscopy.

Then 18 months go by.

You have written, every day, write down every meal you ate and what happened when you went to the bathroom, 

This is known as your Food Journal.

Well, then 1 day comes, you bring your food journal and the specialist says well, 

“We didn’t find cancer.”

What?

You were looking? 

Well, we had to rule that out and we have. 

Now we have 1 more test because we now know that it is all with your small intestine.

Breathe test and then prep for swallowing a pill camera. 

You have a rare condition, SIBO. 

You can try to treat it with medicine to calm the gut. Most importantly, reduce stress and learn to relax more. 

You can do a food elimination diet and follow LowFodMaps for 6 months.

Keep Food Journal. 

After 6 months try other foods but see how your body tolerates them. 

If you react then avoid.

SIBO is usually from a severe case or cases of food poisoning. Person has IBS.

People with SIBO have inflammation, allergies and other chronic issues. 

It is not curable but controllable. 

For me, the next step was RA specialist and so far no confirmed RA diagnosis and Lupus was ruled out. 

2021-2022 is my first winter in warmer weather.

June 2022 My inflammation AnA markers will be looked at.  

MS was discussed but my brain scan and cognitive ability seems normal with a little brain fog due to age etc. 

I take 1 day at a time. Stretch a lot. Swim, Swim, Swim and take 1 meal at a time. 

This is my truth. Thanks for the support.                                                                      -Mrs Mc, Rebecca McGrath-Hinkle

Book Proposal - Freshwater Mermaid

 Book Proposal/Synopsis/Manuscript - Freshwater Mermaid

-Who I am as an Author;

I am a 25+ year Teacher, who just resigned from her 22 year assignment as an urban, inner city public school teacher. I have taught students aged Preschool-12th grade; My high school students could earn college credit from Columbus State Community College, where I was an adjunct professor in 2019. Also, I was an alumnus of this same district and college. During this time I became a divorce survivor and single mom. Mom of an almost 19 year white male. 

As an aspiring writer, during the Covid Crisis, I spent time working on my writing again. First, I met with a song lyricist and shared a piece I wrote. I have a BMI account but I am not sure, write songs, short stories or a book. I read books and am always researching. 

Freshwater Mermaid, started as a biographical lyric. 

I see her as a leader for young girls who love to swim. 

She will be a nameless character. For example, “Pete the Cat,” is a cat with the name Pete. I see Freshwater Mermaid having adventures and hardships in life as she struggles to be away from water. 

Freshwater Mermaid has 2 younger siblings. 

Her father works nights. Her mom works days. 

Her family dynamics are dysfunctional, but I want to showcase how she is resilient and focuses on the good. 

Similar Books;

-Pete the Cat

-Winnie the Pooh 

I know that there are girls who are on the swim team and have memberships at local YMCAs with pools. I have seen first hand the power in the activity of swimming. 

My book/story-line proposals include;

-Freshwater Mermaid Christmas Time

It’s too cold outside. What’s a mermaid to do. She asks her parents about an indoor pool, but their car is broken down. Thus, she starts filling the tub up and soaking. She has to be careful because her Dad gets mad when water splashed over the side. Also, she has to wait until everyone else is done, so she doesn’t use all the hot water. She stays in there so long, that everyone keeps knocking on the door to hurry her up. She begs, Please just a little longer. She goes under and practices her breathing. 

-Freshwater Mermaid Summer Days

She arises with the sun and hears her Dad coming in from work. Mom has already left for work. 

She runs downstairs. Dad, will we go to the pool today? He is mumbling while bent over in the fridge. He arises over the fridge door, holding a beer. “Yes, we will go but remember they don’t open until noon, let me sleep until 11:00am, clean up the toys and can you do these dishes?”  Yes, I will clean and get everything ready for the pool. 

-Freshwater Mermaid and Roy G. Biv 

This is a story about the colors in the rainbow. ROY G BIV = Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. The rainbow introduces itself with a song/lyric.

This is my original story/lyric. It is written for older, dating ladies. I would change the Introduction for the young girl. 

Freshwater Mermaid

Raised as an Ariel, no Prince yet. 

Some can be mean, selfish, liars, even narcissists.

Thank God Disney finally has Muana,

That girl followed her gut instinct, that feeling, just like me.

Chorus

What if a love story is how you chose to live?

What you give, to be kind

…to smile, give a helping hand, 

an ear to understand, 

That not everyone splashes or swims, 

Cause, even little mermaid didn’t want her fins. 

Nope she didn't want her fins.

Dads can be Titans, but mine he had a soft spot.

He knew I needed a pool, a lake water because

that is a freshwater mermaid's fate.

Dreamer I am.

Dreamer I must. 

Chorus repeat 

Now don’t lust. 

Somethings aren’t meant to be

That’s not the future I see

Freshwater Mermaids grow up 

Wading, floating, swimming, boating

Lake Erie, Ohio River or Little Darby Creek.

Thus, It takes a special Merman to not use his feet. 

Chorus repeat 

By -Rebecca McGrath-H.

mrs.mcgrathh@gmail.com

http://mcgrathhblogspot.com

@mrs.mcgrathh TikTok

@BeckMcGrath Twitter

MCGRATHHINKLE Instagram

Rebecca McGrath H. YouTube Channel

Beck Mcgrath-hinkle/Mrs Mc FACEBOOK

http://linkedin.com/in/rebecca-mcgrath-hinkle-289856b8

A Menstrual Cycle Story; I'm 43 years Fabulous & still Menstrating !

 1-10-22

Disclaimer; this is for a mature audience.

This week I discovered the Menstrual Cup. 

I was Uber ing a Shop order for a young lady, the app had a glitch while I was trying to explain to her what was in stock. I ended up viewing products at CVS and Walgreens. 

I posted pictures of these products as available at the CVS & Walgreens on my Facebook;

-Flex Menstrual Disc

-Ziggy Cup

-Diva Cup

-Walgreens Menstrual Cup 

I had comments from 18 women, 17 in favor of using one!

I am a tree-hugging recyclable gal, so I am all for the less waste and save $ factors. 

I found this article from 12-22-20 (link is below;

First, 

I am a little confused because the article used glass cups to stimulate the vagina. The article highlights how difficult it was to find the right item to simulate a vagina. Was it a man testing these for the article? I mean you just couldn’t survey some women who could actually use and report back? Of course, you can’t video or ask them to share because that would equal pornography, I think, or could it be exempt for educational purposes? Probably, no because some pervert would get off on it. 

However, I do agree with the low or high cervix explanation. 

This is a part of the article that I chose to share;

“Over the span of just three cycles, a reusable menstrual cup can save you money. And switching to a cup can immediately reduce the number of disposable tampons or pads you’d ordinarily toss in the trash. The best cup for you largely depends on your anatomy. After testing 33 different cups and two menstrual discs from 21 manufacturers since 2016, we’ve found that the Cora cup is the best cup for first-time users because it’s easier than most to fold, insert, and remove. For more size, shape, and stem options, consider our long-time recommendation, the MeLuna Classic. We also have picks for low cervixes, high cervixes, and wide vaginas.”

Copy and paste this link to review for yourself. 

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-menstrual-cup/#best-menstrual-cup-for-low-cervixes-meluna-shorty

I have a low cervix, so after reviewing this article, I am going to purchase the MeLuna, https://meluna-usa.com/

Size Large because I have given 1 vaginal birth. I thought medium, but upon reading further, it would be Large because I did birth that boy who just turned 19. 

Side story;

They warned a c-section and I was like oh excuse me, I’m going to push and stuff first, they said you got 1 more hour and thank God he came down, I thought I was gonna puke him out, so yes I had the vaginal birth. 

The Meluna cup comes from Germany for $32.15.

Another story;

I learned that I had a low cervix 20 years ago while being pregnant because my Doctor informed me that it was low, teachable, and asked if she could show a few Doctorate students. Being the Teacher that I am, of course, I agreed to let them see my cervix. Teacher by trade and a teachable cervix. 

I’ll let you know how my next menstrual cycle goes with the Meluna Cup. 

I read a tip, from WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/menstrual-cup)

that you should carry a bottle of water while out, just in case you need to check it/clean it while in a not your home public bathroom, especially at first, in case it wasn’t in right… but you should be able to wait 12 hours. Hopefully, at 12 hours one would be home to remove, clean, and reinsert. That sounds interesting but doable. A couple of bottles of water instead of pads & tampons. 

Hopefully, my last 5 ish years of menstruating can go better. 

Please God, let me have 5 years or less, I have PCOS and my eggs have been no good since age 26, pretty please and thank you. 

I mean…

For the love of God, I started almost 30 years ago, well as of March of 2022, my Aunt was getting married back then and I was reading a passage during the ceremony. 

I was so freaked out that everyone could tell I was walking with this gigantic pad on. 

Thus, I will never forget it, it added a whole other nervous level to my performance. 

My Mom promised me that I looked normal because I swore I was walking funny. 

My Aunt has been happily married ever since and just became a Grandma in 2021.

So here’s to my Pre-menopausal, 43 years Fabulous but still menstruating life but now with a menstrual cup !

Relationships; My Ship is Friendship First

 Looking back to 9 years ago. 

Journal Entry 12-18-2012;

As Americans, I hope that we can address the underlying issues behind violent incidents and carry ourselves as being more understanding, less judgmental and offering words of kindness to all; including people, we don’t understand or like. Have you ever tried to have a positive thought, or speak positive words about someone who you think negatively about? Change is not easy but it has to start with each and every one of us.

I shared this summary on Facebook, thanks for the memory notifications, I’m revisiting it today. 

I wrote this after much reflection on the end of relationships and or the changes of, specifically due to my decision to end my marriage; that officially occurred 13 months before 12-18-2012.

I had seen a few counselors for relationship help and attended different Christian sessions on marriage, I tried the "Love Dare." I had prayed for years,

 “God please save my marriage. Help me be a better wife. Why can’t we be a family like everyone else?.”

As I prayed, I realized my husband wouldn’t pray with me. 

As I prayed, I felt like to be his wife meant I couldn’t be a mom or have friends. 

I was drowning and lost. You know, freshwater mermaids swim, swim, swim… they don’t do drowning. 

I was getting information, including opinions, from religious leaders, medical health specialists & friends. 

God, began to show me that my marriage was not working & I needed to end it. 

If it’s meant to be then it will be. In the year I gave myself to focus on myself & being a single mom, God continued to show me that being a divorce survivor was my path.

Thus, to my December 2012 journal entry. 

I was preparing for another holiday season as a divorced single mom.

I would send my son off. He was 8 and I trusted my in-laws but my son was use to me going. He was not good at communication, preferred his room, reading, drawing and video gaming. 

I’d help him pack his favorite items. They had legos at their houses and he had cousins, it would be fine and it was.

I didn't know how’d I miss catching up with my in-laws and the being of an Aunt things. I send a small gift from me, but I lost time. 

Thus, started emotions of anger and hurt. 

I was in a program, Divorce Care, at a local Wesleyan Church. 

I was able to start healing & grieve the loss of not having a family-like others or the fairytale. 

I had to accept my story. I wanted to be a Mom & I was, God picked me for this. 

I had to get myself to trust again but to build friendships first. Divorce Care said stay away from attraction & lust, which lead to more unhealthy relationships. I know that children are more likely to be abused by a step-parent or Mom’s boyfriend. 

I knew I couldn’t handle more drama, I decided to be a person of Chasity. I had to shut the thought of just dating out. 

I had to learn who I was now. One day at a time. 

Temptations arrived but I stood with my faith. 

I didn’t want to play house, I didn’t want my son to meet strangers. 

My choice was lonely but not in a bad way, I began to see a lot of ugly and good about myself in the lonely. I learned not to be afraid of lonely. 

I began to walk more & invite others to walk with me. 

I began to set goals of my interest for things to do. I got scuba diving certified.

I went to restaurants by myself. 

I feel more comfortable sitting at the bar when I do. I learned to politely turn men or women down who tried to hit on me. I’m she/her who will date a man when I’m ready, but friendship first. 

You tell them that, they stop trying, change the subject, chat about the sport game on the TV, smile and part ways.

I have watched movies by myself, yes even going to a theatre by myself. 

Inspiring Quotes, on 12-18-21 posted;

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive.” -Anaïs Nin

“In a beautiful meditation on the power of friendship, French diarist and essayist Anaïs Nin wrote in 1937 that each person we meet and befriend invites us to explore more of ourselves and discover new insights. Our interests, personalities, dreams, hopes, and thoughts are made richer and brighter when shared with someone else, and sometimes it takes the arrival of a new friend to awaken our truest identities.”

I have learned this. 

I have learned that sometimes friendships aren’t meant to last for a long time and that friendships change.

The other night I was talking to my best friend of 25+ years, we met in high school.

Her husband is also my best friend, I don't think he had a choice, so I often refer to myself as their third wheel. I’ve been around since their beginning. I’ve learned to be a 3rd wheel.

She was talking about love languages, what I thought my love language is. As I’m sharing my single online dating trials with her and I told her probably quality time. 

I found the love languages quiz and I am 37% quality time so that means;

“nothing says I love you to me then undivided attention being there for me with the TV off and everything else on standby … failure to listen can be accessed and especially hurtful” to me and that is from the five love languages.

Www.5lovelanguages.com

I’m not settling or in a hurry for love. 

I’m not afraid of lonely. 

I’m not sure I can take another failed love relationship, so I’m not playing house. 

Dude, I’ll meet up with you as a friend, doing the things I like to do, walk and swim to start. It’s going to take a long time and frankly a miracle from my God, if I decide to give you more than friendship. 

Lastly, I think I’ll need my own bedroom, woman cave for the rest of my life. 

Relationships are complicated but I’m trying to have healthy ones, full of celebration, happy memories with endings or parting ways peacefully. Agree to disagree. 

I'm trying to walk with a clear heart and mind.

 “If you owe me, don't worry about it - you're welcome. If you wronged me, it's all good - lesson learned. If you're angry with me, you've won. If we aren't speaking, its cool (I love you and I wish you well). If you feel I wronged you, I apologize. Life is too short for all the pent-up anger, holding grudges and extra pain!”  -Unknown 

In a “Lifetime” movie a guy just said the best ship in life is a “Ship of Friendship.”

Now, go and make new friends but keep the old too.

By -Rebecca McGrath-H.

mrs.mcgrathh@gmail.com

Beck Mcgrath-hinkle/Mrs Mc FACEBOOK

mcgrathhblogspot.com

@mrs.mcgrathh TikTok

@BeckMcGrath Twitter

MCGRATHHINKLE Instagram

          BMI # 550916280

Rotisserie Chicken’s

12-20-21

This week I was at the grocery store and I decided to buy a rotisserie chicken. 

No big deal right, have you ever bought one? 

Kroger Grocery in my hometown of Ohio, usually has them right by the registers and they smell yummy.

Well it became an issue, you see this is my first time on SNAP/food-Stamp card. I found out I had to pay for a Rotisserie Chicken, why? Who decided that a person of poverty can’t buy this food item ?

I immediately was flooded with emotion, I shockingly paid for it, instead of removing it; however the stories of my former urban public school students, some who lived in cars, hotels or talked about only having a microwave to cook, immediately set me off into anger. 

I remembered a Cincinnati FCCLA teacher who was recognized for having fundraiser drives for crockpots.  She taught crockpot cooking due to the number of her students whose only cooking source was a microwave. She had partnered with getting free produce & teaching them how to cook that in crockpots too. 

All of a sudden her efforts & the necessity of her purpose became more vivid to my mind! 

Some families are not able to buy a rotisserie chicken from the grocery ?  or Cooked foods from a deli that have less additives than precooked frozen meat? 

 

The rotisserie chicken that is convenient for busy parents and promoted in a lot of store fronts ? 

Seriously? 

Rotisserie Chicken is for the privileged ?  

Congress ? I mean who comes up with this stuff? 

The SNAP card can buy processed pre packaged junk food, jerky & soda but not a rotisserie chicken? 

Is it assumed that on SNAP that the person is just sitting at  home, not working & that they have resources for major kitchen appliances?

This is not the reality of many people in poverty. 

I know many families on SNAP who are working 2 or 3 part time underpaying jobs & taking care of children who can’t afford an oven or appliances to cook a raw whole chicken. 

It takes money to buy an appliance and electric to operate such an appliance. 

Can one cook a whole chicken in the microwave? 

How about the prepackaged individually wrapped foods given to school children. 

That’s a whole other issue. 

Any questions regarding SNAP policy should be directed to: SM.FN.RPMDHQWEB@usda.gov.

Shelly Pierce

Acting Director

Retailer Policy and Management Division

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

I’m contacting her & members of Congress.

Also, this week I called Ohio Medicaid back because I still have not seen anything in the mail. They told me 7 to 10 days for instructions to provide them of my income change for eligibility, since it is so different from last year's taxes. They have to mail it. It’s not on their website and can’t be sent electronically? 7 to days should of been December 8th, but I was told they are showing mailed out 12-12-21, which is a Sunday.

This is after I waited 8 weeks for a response & when I called back they said I was denied due to lack of information, so they reprocessed my application over the phone. I started in July before my health insurance ended. 

The process to apply for assistance is more ridiculous than I could ever imagine. 

I’ve given numbers to families and referred them to help in the past, not realizing how difficult this process actually is. 

My faith is what guides me, I need to try to change this and make others aware.

I have spent 2-4 hours a week on the phone or online trying to complete assistance paperwork, since my income has drastically changed.

I’m literate and have technology sources. 

I know this is not true for many people.

Thus, who is helping them figure this mess out ? 

God I’m woke and I’m listening. 

I’m not liking what I’m seeing. 

I’m seeing too much hopelessness & darkness. 

I’m walking everyday being a light & staying positive. 

How are you? 

Let me know what injustice you see.