For whatever reason I was thinking of the word “integrity” yesterday.  As a result, I thought I would look up its meaning and do a bit of study on it today.
I guess when I first considered it, I was thinking of those who made deals on the shake of hands.  A person’s word was their bond.  If a person said something it was a commitment and while all paperwork was necessary, the saying and the shake of the hand meant it was agreed upon.
That really ties in with what I have been reading about the word. 
Things as well as people have integrity and it is a desirable state in every circumstance.  A rickety bridge for example lacks integrity and represents a “cross at your own peril” situation.  Same with a plane.  I am very unlikely to board a plane that is obviously not well maintained.  I do remember an astronaut saying it was a risk entering a spacecraft knowing that the parts were supplied by the cheapest bidder.  One definition I read on integrity said it was “the condition of being sound in construction”
In regard to a personal quality the Cambridge Dictionary defined it as “honesty, wholeness and unity.”   I thought the inclusion of the word “unity” was interesting and something I was not expecting.  But I do think it is applicable in a shared desired result sense.  Integrity to me can be the combined pursuit of a desired mutual outcome.  A combined pursuit does not guarantee integrity but if those in pursuit are people of integrity a desired result is more likely to be achieved.
Meriam-Webster defined integrity in part as “firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values”
It seems to me the synonyms to integrity it list tells a story of integrities desirability.  Honesty - implies a refusal to lie, steal, or deceive in any way.  Honour - suggests an active or anxious regard for the standards of one's profession, calling, or position.  Probity - implies tried and proven honesty or integrity.
To me where it says in another place, “uprightness of character or action” says it all.  As per usual I need help with that, and having obtained help I need to positively reinforce being a certain way so it becomes second nature.  I need help with that too.

Yesterday was a goodie.
I see someone at N3C every Wednesday and I did that as usual.  Merril came down to the centre too and did some things there. 
I was not there long and as usual we went and got some lunch afterwards.  While going to lunch someone saw Merril and said hello and they had a discussion.  Poor Merril did not know who the person was or where she knew her from.
While we were out the person staying at the moment in our independent room was working in our yard. We had not asked him to do what he did, but he offered and it was a huge relief to us.  There are tasks I would have been in like Flynn to do once that we look at these days and say one day.
He moved soil and mulch for us.  He did heaps.  I did thank him for the work he has given us to do as I now have no excuse not to do what I have in mind.  It is such a relief to have it done.
After Merril and I had lunch we did some shopping for things we needed.  Even having done that we still had time to go home as it was still too early to go to an appointment I had with a podiatrist.
It was the first time I have ever been to such a person.  The reason I went was I have a care plan as a result of being diagnosed with mild diabetes.  It really comes as no surprise as my bro who has passed had it and my other bro on the Sunshine Coast has it.  I am doing what is recommended.
Something I did not know but found out as a result of the podiatrist visit is I have an infection under my toenails.  That explained something to me.  It is actually an easy fix and believe it or not it is cured with the application of Vix on the top of the nails.  Results take about 5 months.  Worth a shot.
I have no problem with lack of feeling in my legs and it was great to have the toes and feet looked after.  They have never looked as good.
We then came home, had a rest and went out for the evening.
Pretty ordinary and extraordinary day but a goodie.

I have felt for a long time that too much is better than not enough.
In some circumstances too much is not a good thing – like eating something, or having chocolate or engaging in some activity to an excessive amount. I have had to have a realistic self-assessment that tells me to stop rather than continue. (Getting older is a downer, and having a stroke has meant I have had to slow down.)
But there are some activities where I feel it is important to go above and beyond in order to achieve what is expected - and often more than is expected.
It may seem to be the dim and distant past thing and we may have been perceived to be just emerging from caves, but I do remember doing an assignment and the teacher giving me extra marks because what I presented was what he had taught and something I had discovered in my reading.  That was a case of having a grip on what I was taught and making discoveries on the topic for myself.
To me that is like a case in point.  When it comes to studies or presentations, I prefer to be over prepared than underprepared.  I have experienced both and for sure being over prepared is better.  When over prepared I can cut back as necessary.  Underprepared involves thinking on the run and a hope (built on a flimsy foundation) that all will be ok.
Being over prepared involves assessing what is in front of me and gathering what is needed to overwhelm what can prevent me from achieving my goal.  If it is an unrealistic assessment (built on facts - not fear) it is better I come to terms with the reality that presents itself.  Sometimes a win is not a “never” thing but a “not now” thing.
Whatever the case I need to assess what is before me, determine if I really want to achieve something, work out what I need to do it and then go for it.  Sometimes it is whittling away and other times it is like a torrent.
A new reality always emerges after a success but that is part of my planning and something to face another day.