X is for cheating...A-Z Challenge 2017

My theme for the 2017 challenge is waffling on about random words!

That might not seem like a theme but if you read on you’ll discover it’s not quite as random as it sounds.  The words were generated using a word generator (https://randomwordgenerator.com/) and I opted for 4 words each day.  I might focus on one or try and incorporate them all into the post.

Choosing the words this way has given me a challenge and a common thread to my posts but it has also allowed me to be myself and just waffle!  It’s what I’m good at.  (Don’t worry, I’m aiming for around 500 words per post so hopefully you won’t get stuck here for too long 😉)

And the words for today are….

Not randomly generated - there seemed to be a problem with X words so I've cheated and resorted to an old dictionary (as in a Hardback version) and chosen the following:
Xerography (dry copying process - powder adheres to surface remaining electrically charged after exposure to light)
Xerophyte (a plant able to grow in very dry conditions)
X-ray &
Xenophobia (fear of foreigners) 

I have done a lot of xerography in my time.  Although we call it photocopying.  Having worked in a variety of clerical/admin positions during my working life the photocopier was a very useful machine.  Until it broke down.  Often because it was abused.  You probably know the scenario.  Someone is in a hurry.   The machine jams.  They think they've cleared it but it's still flashing up there's a jam.  Oh no worries.  Let's just turn it off and on again and it'll be fine.  Oops no.  Now it's totally jammed!  

I became pretty expert at clearing jams, installing new toner, working out the best way to copy complicated documents etc.  I was often the go to person if there was a problem.  I also got to know the repair guy pretty well in my last job.  We would share friendly banter.  There are definitely elements of my working life I miss.  But not enough to send me back into an office!

Now xerophyte is what all my indoor plants need to be.  I am pretty useless at remembering to water them.  I am improving though.  That comes from having more time at home.  Time to notice that the plants are starting to droop.  I don't actually have that many indoors, mainly because I do neglect them.  I have a spider plant that will cope with anything.  I also have an orchid that was in bloom when I received it and then I followed the instructions and cut it right back.  And then it did nothing.  For months.  I was on the point of throwing it out when I noticed new growth!  And it flowered!  Not at the top of a new elegant stem but close to the leaves.  But it flowered! 

I had two poinsettias at Christmas.  I've never managed to keep them far beyond the festive season but this year they seemed to be doing well.  There was new growth evident on the bare stems.  Until I stayed at my daughter's and forgot to issue hubby with watering instructions.  One has shrivelled and was beyond redemption, the other is hanging in there.  Time will tell if it's worth all my fussing around it.

I think my worst x-ray memory has to be when our daughter was about 15 months old and fell at my mother's house and bumped her head.  (The bump on her forehead came up like an egg.) The subsequent visit to the hospital was traumatic.  Partly because the staff seemed to give the impression we were terrible parents because we hadn't actually witnessed what she hit her head on (she was going to my Mum in the kitchen and fell somewhere in the hallway)  At one point I thought they were definitely considering contacting social services.  Then they decided Rebecca needed an x-ray.  Of course she wanted me with her but I was pregnant at the time, although it was early days so no obvious bump.  She had to settle for Dad.  Well she didn't.  She screamed the place down as I waited in the waiting area definitely subject to some disapproving looks from other people who clearly thought I was a bad mother not to be with my child.  I wanted to stand up and announce to the room why I couldn't be in the x-ray room but you know how I love being the centre of attention.  NOT!  Fortunately Rebecca was fine and I don't think she holds it against me.  Especially since I've now held her hand through childbirth.  Although the "yes you can, PUSH!" comments might not be so favourably remembered.

As for Xenophobia.  Not on my radar.  Born and bred in London it would be hard going through life that way. 

Are you an indoor gardener?  Got any funny bone stories to tell?