Little Luxuries
The little things we take for granted
Camping is an important part of my life, it’s great to pack up a tent drive to a remote lake and to live in a tent. The concept is very odd, like choosing to live without a home. I come home and every time something strange happens to me. I am overjoyed to stand under a hot shower and let the hot water envelop me and I huge smile spreads across my face because I never thought I could be so happy by just taking a shower. Then, I throw my dirty laundry in the washer and I smell the wonderful scent of my dryer sheets. Later, I sit in my own bed with a proper mattress and an over priced pillow and sleep takes me to the best dreams. These are all simple things which I never knew I would miss. These are all small wins and luxuries which we all take for granted. When I get back from camping all I want to do is throw out all my clothes keep three shirts, some underwear, two pairs of pants and that’s all I would need. Realistically that’s all we need. Yet, we spend money on clothes needlessly and make up, which is a scam, but that’s an idea for another story. Marketing and ads all convince us that we need more things when we don’t. What we do need are groceries, and paying our rent. That’s the basics, but then we all fall into a routine and we forget the everyday things in our lives like the daily coffee, the fact that our clothes are clean everyday, that we can sleep in our own bed are all wonderful things to have. I love camping because coming home is like entering a luxury hotel, which I forgot about.
I love this view that I was able to see every sunset for about six days straight, I love waking up to the cawing of crows and the scuttle of a squirrel in the forest. Then, I would breathe in taking in the fresh air of pine, the firs, the spruces and the smell of the fresh water lake. I don’t breathe in the car fumes of the city. I feel reconnected to everything that is good in the world, I forget about the fact that cancer and sickness exists for a little while. Being an admin for sick people has its challenges and it’s nice to just get a moment and forget the horrible things that are happening. I don’t worry about checking my social media accounts, I don’t worry about the news or what’s happening in the real world. I get to forget about the bad and enjoy my family time. I have the little luxury of forgetting the outside world and to disconnect with things that are negative. Then I reconnect with nature. But all the nature gets left behind and I get the enjoy the fact that I get to go to work, that I have the privilege of driving a car everyday to work. I get to go buy groceries, I get to replace my broken pair of shoes, I have the opportunity to get coffee. We need to remember that the little things in life is really where we find happiness. It’s so nice to have a warm shower, to have a cup of tea to smile to our co-workers and to celebrate the fact that we have wonderful jobs to get to because they need us there. We have jobs because we are needed there otherwise your job would not exist. We live in a world where people post funny memes about not wanting to work, but I am so happy that I have the opportunity and chance to work with doctors who change lives everyday. It’s a beautiful thing to have everything we have.
About the Creator
Ada Zuba
Hi everyone! here to write and when I’m not writing, I’m either looking for Wi-Fi or avoiding real-world responsibilities. Follow along for a mix of sarcasm, random observations, and whatever nonsense comes to mind. "We're all mad here"
Make-up is a Scam
Make-up can make someone average feel beautiful, make-up can change the way we look and the way we feel about ourselves. This post may seem hypocritical because I use make-up on special occasions and sometimes to work. I have used make-up on my wedding and even had fake eyelashes and the whole nine yards. However, I think we can also recognize that make-up is no friend to our skin. Think about the chemicals that are in that bottle of foundation:
By Ada ZubaExclusive • about a year ago
Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy draftsabout a month ago in Longevity
Leaky Dams Being Installed to Manage Flooding
Leaky dams are increasingly being installed across flood-prone regions as part of a growing effort to manage rising flood risks through natural and sustainable solutions. These small-scale structures, made primarily from wood, stones, and natural materials, are designed to slow the flow of water in rivers and streams rather than block it completely. Authorities and environmental experts say leaky dams could play a vital role in protecting communities as climate change brings more intense rainfall and unpredictable weather patterns. Unlike traditional concrete flood defenses, leaky dams allow water to pass through gradually. This reduces the speed and volume of water rushing downstream during heavy rain, helping to prevent rivers from overflowing their banks. By holding back water temporarily, the dams give drainage systems more time to cope and lower the risk of flash flooding in towns and villages. A Natural Approach to Flood Control Leaky dams are part of a broader strategy known as Natural Flood Management (NFM). This approach works with the landscape rather than against it, using natural features to store and slow down rainwater. In addition to leaky dams, NFM projects include tree planting, restoring wetlands, and reconnecting rivers with their floodplains. Engineers and ecologists involved in the projects say the benefits go beyond flood prevention. The dams also help reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and create new habitats for wildlife such as fish, insects, and birds. Over time, vegetation grows around the structures, strengthening them and blending them into the environment. “These are low-cost, low-impact solutions that can make a real difference,” said one flood management specialist. “Instead of forcing water into narrow channels, we allow it to spread and slow down naturally.” Why Flooding Risks Are Rising Flooding has become a major concern for many regions as climate change drives heavier rainfall and more frequent storms. Urban development has also contributed to the problem. Roads, buildings, and pavements prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, sending it rapidly into rivers and drains. In recent years, several communities have experienced repeated floods, causing damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Insurance costs have risen sharply, and some residents have struggled to rebuild after multiple disasters. Governments and local councils are now under pressure to find long-term solutions that are affordable and environmentally responsible. Leaky dams are seen as one answer to this challenge. They are relatively quick to build and cost far less than large flood barriers or concrete walls. In many cases, they can be installed by local teams using materials from nearby woodland, reducing both financial and environmental costs. How Leaky Dams Work A typical leaky dam consists of logs or branches placed across a stream and anchored to the banks. Gaps are deliberately left between the materials so that water can continue flowing. During heavy rainfall, the dam slows the surge of water, allowing it to pool upstream. Once water levels drop, the flow returns to normal. Importantly, the dams are designed not to trap large amounts of debris or cause dangerous blockages. Engineers carefully select sites where water can safely collect without flooding farmland or property. Regular inspections are carried out to ensure the structures remain stable and effective. In some areas, multiple leaky dams are installed along a single stream, creating a chain of barriers that gradually reduces water speed over several kilometers. Community Involvement Many leaky dam projects involve local communities, farmers, and landowners. Their cooperation is essential, as the dams are often built on private land or in rural areas upstream of towns. Farmers have shown growing interest in the schemes, especially where repeated flooding has damaged crops and soil. By slowing water flow, leaky dams can help keep valuable topsoil in place and reduce the impact of sudden downpours. Volunteers and conservation groups have also played a role, helping with construction and monitoring wildlife impacts. For some communities, the projects have created a sense of shared responsibility and environmental awareness. Challenges and Limitations While leaky dams offer many benefits, experts caution that they are not a complete solution. They work best as part of a wider flood management system that includes drainage upgrades, warning systems, and traditional defenses where necessary. Critics argue that leaky dams may struggle to cope with extreme weather events or prolonged rainfall. In severe storms, rivers can still overflow despite the presence of natural barriers. There are also concerns about maintenance, as damaged or poorly placed dams could increase flood risk rather than reduce it. Authorities emphasize that careful planning and scientific assessment are essential. Each project is tailored to the local landscape, taking into account soil type, slope, river size, and existing land use. Looking Ahead As governments seek to adapt to climate change, natural flood management is gaining political and public support. Funding has been allocated to expand leaky dam projects and evaluate their long-term effectiveness. Early results from pilot schemes suggest reduced peak water levels and slower flood waves reaching downstream communities. Environmental groups welcome the shift away from purely concrete-based defenses. They argue that combining engineering with nature-based solutions is the most sustainable path forward. For residents living in flood-prone areas, leaky dams represent hope that future storms may be less destructive. While they cannot eliminate flooding entirely, they offer a practical and environmentally friendly tool to reduce its impact. As more regions adopt this approach, leaky dams may become a familiar feature of river landscapes — quiet structures performing an important role in protecting both people and nature from the growing threat of floods.
By Fiaz Ahmed about 23 hours ago in Longevity
Comments (2)
Thanks for sharing
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