TGIF

The world is full of men and women who work too much, sleep too little,
hardly ever exercise, eat poorly, and are always struggling or failing to find
adequate time with their families. We are in a perpetual hurry--constantly rushing
from one activity to another, with little understanding of where all this
activity is leading us. . . . The world has gone and got itself in an awful rush,
to whose benefit I do not know. We are too busy for our own good.
We need to slow down. Our lifestyles are destroying us.
The worst part is, we are rushing east in search of a sunset.

Matthew Kelly    

New York City is an expensive and  busy city where everyone is perpetually bustling about as they struggle to make a living. Rents are high and food prices are through the roof.  One has to work  hard and long hours just to survive...unless, of course, you were born with a 'silver spoon' in your mouth, and they, too, tend to overwork just like the rest of us because it is as they say, 'the more you have, the more you want'.

They tell us that we should eat dinner no later than 6 pm and get at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Perhaps that was possible in our parents and our grandparents day, but it is only a pipe dream for those of us who are up at the crack of dawn and out the door sometimes before the sun even comes up...and I'd say that is about 90 per cent of us. I can't even remember the last time I got 8 hours sleep, let alone sleep right through the night. (Sigh) Perhaps it I could retire....but March 23, 2014 is a long way off. That's when I can collect my full benefits, and I am determined to stick it out. 

And now, as another Friday rolls around, I begin to think of weekend plans, and unfortunately, there will be little time for rest. This is a cooking week for me so Saturday will be spent shopping, chopping, and cooking. Last time I made lots of soups and stews and plan to do much the same this time around. I really enjoyed them, even without the sodium. They were great for dinner and even better for my lunches. And cut up a slice of avocado and put it on top? Heck, I'd better stop talking about food right now.  I sure am making myself hungry.

I put in this morning for a vacation day on Monday.  Hurricane Sandy is headed our way.  So far they say it will not be a direct hit, but it is going to hit us with heavy rain and wind nonetheless.  And the more I hear about it, especially when they speak of 'the perfect storm', the more anxious I become, especially after reading items such as the following: 'An unusual nasty mix of a hurricane and a winter storm that forecasters are now calling "Frankenstorm" is likely to blast most of the East Coast next week, focusing the worst of its weather mayhem around New York City and New Jersey.' 

Needless to say, I'm not about to let worry ruin my weekend.   I'll prepare for the worst, but I won't allow myself to be stressed over something I cannot control. Hallmark  has a wonderful lineup this weekend in its countdown to Halloween.  On Saturday, there will be a marathon of all the "Good Witch" films, including the debut of "The Good Witch's Charm". Sunday will feature such films as "Time After Time" and "Edge of the Garden" along with a redo of the "Good Witch's" films.

And speaking of Halloween/Samahin?  Is everyone ready?I know I am.  I love this holiday, absolutely love it.  Won't be doing much. It's a late work night for me, so I am not expecting to have any  'trick or treaters'. But, I do plan to have some fun at work.  Then, in the evening, after a quiet dinner, it will be a night for candles, reflection, and honoring the ancestors.  

Well, it's off to a training for me today.  Will see you all later.

I wish you all a great week and take care my friends and visitors. Thank you all for being there for me and putting up with my rants. Love you all. See you on Monday.