Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Wednesday News


"But what if I make a mistake?" Will asked.

Gilan threw back his head and laughed. "A mistake? One mistake?
You should be so lucky. You'll make dozens! I made four or five on
my first day alone! Of course you'll make mistakes. Just don't make
any of them twice. If you do mess things up, don't try to hide it.
Don't try to rationalize it. Recognize it and admit it and learn
from it. We never stop learning, none of us."

John Flanagan
Erak's Ransom
 

Good morning everyone, and a blessed one it is. Had a rough night last night, major pain flare, but all seems to be good this morning. Today my class doesn't begin until 12:10 so I have some time this morning to get a few things done. I usually cook the veggies and fix the plates before I go so I don't have to worry about it when I get home and can take a snooze if I want.

Ralph is taking his shower and is off to motor vehicles this morning to take the tests for his CDL license. He passed his physical yesterday and  studied late into the night. His  is feeling pretty anxious right now. I told him to stop thinking he will fail and think positive. After all, he only had one day of class and passed the practice exam that most of his classmates studied for a month.

But, I do know how he feels. I remember how I felt the day I took all my exams. Talk about nerves. Especially when I went for the oral on my CASAC. They used to have both an oral where you had to take a case from the day the client walks in until they complete your program. All the core competencies had to be included. Once we passed that we had to take a multiple choice test which didn't phase me at all.

But the oral. Oh, what a wreck I was...and to make it even more stressful, I had the worst cold I'd had in years. I was coughing, sneezing, had a runny nose, sore throat, cold chills. You name it and I had it. And I had to stand in front of 3 stoic faced men who where not allowed to show me any emotion, not a hello, not even a smile. They had to do it that way so as not to let on your passing or failure. Well, despite how I was feeling I managed to get it all out, but once I walked out of the room, the tears began to flow. A woman, a CASAC from another room walked up to me and said, "I'm not supposed to do this, but you really look like you need it", and she gave me a hug. Never forgot her.

A few weeks later I went online, and when I went on the OASAS website and saw my name and the word CASAC, I screamed and everyone from my office came running in. What a day. My license is retired now, but what a memory.

Have a good one.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Tuesday Thoughts

Drag your thoughts away from your troubles--by the ear, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it. It's the healthiest thing a body can do.
 Mark Twain 


Good morning everyone. Looks like we are in for another nice day. It's going to be a quiet one for me. No more Tuesday classes. Both have ended so today I'll just be hanging about the house. That's okay.  I've plenty of things to keep me occupied.  

Ralph finished his class as well. Not quite what I expected. I thought he'd have class awhile longer, but they gave a sample test yesterday, and he passed with flying colors. They told him that he doesn't have to sit through this part of it and referred him for his physical and gave him info on getting his permit. Once he gets his permit he returns to school to learn how to drive the big rigs and buses. I'm just a bit fearful about that physical, though. It's quite intense with certain things they look for--high blood pressure, heart problems, epilepsy....and amongst other things eye problems and lung problems, both of which he has. Will just have to wait and see.

Heard on the news last night that November and January are going to be above average in temperature, but come January and February we're going to be in for extremely cold temps and lots of ice and snow. Sure hope that doesn't come true. February starts the new semester and already I am looking forward to it. Already signed up for one class 'Psychology of Political Activism: Women Changing the World'. Can't wait for it to begin. Of course with the holidays in between, time should go quickly.
Here's some info from class Thursday. More to come.

We should drink one ounce of water for every 2.2 pounds of body weight.

Apple Cider vinegar helps digestion, bloating, gas, and heartburn.


Aging weakens our digestion. Taking Dietary enzymes BEFORE or AFTER meals is important.

Amino Acids should be taken on an empty stomach. One hour BEFORE or two hours AFTER a meal.

Herbs should be taken WITH meals.

The amino acid, NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) helps with lung conditions such as COPD.

For Macular Degeneration....Macular from Invite Health. Eat kale every day to keep it from progressing.

AHCC...mushroom blend used by over 700 hospitals around the world. For:
Cancer
Candida
Colitis
MRSA
Hepatitis
Stress induced high blood pressure

Increases NK cells by 300-to800%

Increases T Cells by 200%

Available in 500 mg tablets. 3000 a day for cancer. (Remember, my teacher had Stage 4 liver cancer and was given on two months to live 20 years ago. He is cancer free)
Have a good one.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Monday Morning This and That

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

  Martin Luther King Jr.


Good morning to my online friends. Another Monday has arrived. Looks like we are in for above average temperatures today. Just don't know how to dress anymore. Had a fairly quiet weekend.  Lots of at-home things to keep me busy.  Did my weekly cooking on Saturday,  and yesterday it was  off to church in the morning and then back home to do some work on a couple online courses I am taking. I've signed up for the final semester of "Curandismo" (Mexican Folk Healing) from the University of New Mexico and "Soul Beliefs" from Rutgers. 

I am still reeling from the events in Paris. As a New Yorker, once again fear has become a part of my life, and I find myself not only looking for anything suspicious, but at times allowing my imagination to run wild....as in church yesterday.  A man entered the church and stood in the back surveying the parishoners.  He moved no further into the church, just stood there looking around.  Then, I saw his hand move into his jacket and immediately I froze with fright, but all the poor man did was take an offering envelope out, hand it to the usher, and leave the church.  But this is what terror does to people, and I WILL NOT let it stop me from living my life.

 Today I have a fairly quiet day ahead. My Short Story class in the morning is the only thing on my agenda. My days in class are continuing to wind down so I really have to start looking for new things to keep me busy. I did run into an old classmate from my art class, and she said that there is still no teacher but encouraged me to come back. I don't think so. I can practice my art at home and don't have to go to a place that made me feel so uncomfortable.  I can't forget how I was ignored on that walking trip. 

I am so happy that Ralph found something to keep him busy. I had welcomed retirement. Actually, I was under so much stress at work, and my health was suffering from it, that I chose to retire. On the other hand, he was retired for medical reasons and hasn't found it as easy as I have. He gets bored and depressed. His little driver job helped for awhile, but the guy turned out to be a 'user' and he had to let it go.  

So, I asked him what he would like to do and after some thought, he said he would like to get his CDL. So, I went online and found a free school for him, and he started on Friday. He's beaming now and so proud of his homework and all he has to do. And most importantly it keeps his mind off all his medical issues.  

Well, that's about it for now.  Hope you all have a good one.  

Friday, November 13, 2015

Friday Roundup



For humans, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.

Edwin Way Teale
 

Good morning everyone, and a happy Friday to all.  We're in for a cool and windy, but rainless day here in Brooklyn. I've decided that I'm going to take the day to rest and heal. I've been doing so well, but yesterday had a major flare. Guess it was the weather, but there wasn't a part of my body that didn't ache. Feeling much better today, but not going to push it. We have to listen to our bodies. They always tell us what we need.

Took about ten pages of notes in class yesterday which I plan on sharing with you once I sort through them. 

I've got some Spanish homework this week. Have to learn to memorize a conversation and will have to stand in front of the class and put on the skit next week. Yikes!!!! Luckily I have Ralph to fall back on, and he'll be going over it with me this week. Only problem with him is he expects me to do all those fancy tongue rolls he does with some letters, and I can't do it. I may learn Spanish, but I don't have that accent.

Speaking of school, it's so hard to believe that only three weeks and the semester ends. So fast. I was telling Ralph last night it feels like only yesterday that I was buying my supplies, my first day outfit, and anxiously awaiting the first day. And just when I get used to the Thursday pudding parfait treat they sell in the cafeteria. GRRRR!!!

I had been planning to start Chair Yoga today, but decided to wait until after Thanksgiving. First off, I don't want to push myself and secondly, the Friday after Thanksgiving I'll have my Weight Watchers meetings. Most of my peers go on Wednesday since our regular meeting is cancelled on Thursday for the holiday, but I am one of those few brave ones who choose my weigh in the day after the holiday. Did pretty well last year. I actually only put on .2 pounds thanks to lots of Weight Watcher recipes....why, by the way, no one knew were Weight Watchers. 

Speaking of Weight Watchers, I stayed the same yesterday.  No gain, no loss.   Not going to complain, though.  Any week I don't see a plus is a good one.

So today I'll stay in and get an early start on my weekend Christmas movies. There is something so special about them that I can watch the same ones over and over again.

Have a good one.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

A Quick Note for Thursday.

Morning all. Boy, what a shocker yesterday. It felt like Winter had already arrived. Today we will warm up some with rain on its way. This is my busiest day so I'll be running around in it. Weight Watchers in the morning, CTown for a few items, home for a quick bite of lunch, and then off to my Holistic Healing class.

Speaking of Holistic Healing, I thought I would take a little time to share some info from class. Bear with me. So much info it's hard to take notes.

Grape Seed Extract for memory.

Turmeric is a digestive aid. Also good for high blood pressure and pain.

Bromelain in pineapple is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Flax meal is a good source of omega 3.

1/3 tsp a day for pre-diabetes.

White Willow Bark instead of aspirin. Mother Nature's aspirin.Tajes longer to begin acting than aspirin but effects last longer once it kicks in.

Garlic is a natural blood thinner amongst other things. Very powerful. Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, reduces blood pressure, etc.

Take minerals on an empty tummy, at least two hours after eating.

Take vitamins with a full tummy.

Be sure to take fat soluble vitamins --A,D,E, and K--with butter, oil or some sort of fat. Otherwise they won't work.

More to come.

Monday, November 9, 2015

Monday Morning This and That



There may be no trumpet sound or loud applause when we make a right decision, just a calm sense of resolution and peace.

Gloria Gaither
 

Good morning, and a happy new week to all.  Hope its a good one for all.  It's a fairly cool morning here, and it is feeling so good.   It's been awfully hot here in Brooklyn.

Didn't do much at all this weekend.  On Friday I went for my haircut.  Was a little annoyed because my appointment was the first one at 10 am and the moment she walked in she took two walk ins when there were four other hairdressers working.  I arrived ten minutes prior to my appointment.  Definitely on time.  But, I didn't act out and raise a stink.  Wouldn't do no good and only make me feel worse in the long run. 

What did annoy me was a FB comment.  See, one thing I do when I am flustered or angry is write down my feelings and then let them go.  Once written and sent out into the universe, they are gone. So, I wrote out my frustration on FB:  

'Don't you just hate this when it happens? I specifically called yesterday and set a 10 am appointment. I arrive ten minutes early and discover that she is just starting to cut and blow dry someone else's hair. So here I sit. Why set appointments if they are not going to be honored?'

Nothing really harsh there.  Just my feelings.   And most people agreed with me. Writing out my feelings is my way of letting them go, and if I'd had a journal with me I would have written them down.  Then on Saturday I get this from someone who NEVER comments on any of the positive things I write on my blog.

"i know- but things happen- n u have to remember - if it were u in the chair u'd hope n pray the next person in line would be understanding---i hate waiting too but i always try to remember n not to get sourfaced- cuz in the end- i'm just making a treat for myself turn into a bad day for myself- BUT I LOVE YA ANYWAYS!!!"

Maybe she meant nothing by it, maybe she meant to be critical.  I don't know, but I found myself annoyed by this. And from the PM's I got, I don't think I was exaggerating  I don't think her comment was called for because in no way did I say anything about being a sourface about the whole affair.  Just voiced my feelings.  I think it's time to unfriend.

I am even dreaming about this guy upstairs now. There hasn't been any middle of the night noise since the last time, but it's something that sticks with me. Well, that is not entirely true.  On Friday he started in at midnight and went on for an hour. When I go to bed at night, I wonder if I am going to be rudely awaken again.

So, the other night I start hearing the upstairs noise. I look at the cable box. It's 4:58, his usual time to begin stirring. Banging on the pipes and writing notes has not worked, so this time I figure I will throw a shoe up to the ceiling. (I have 12 foot ceilings so I can't even reach it with a broom.) So I get up and begin looking for a shoe to throw. All very realistic, and if I wasn't searching through my summer shoes, I would have thought it really happened, but I had packed them away in the beginning of October.

And now, onto other things.  Saturday I cooked all day.  Ended up making six meals rather than five.  Had all the ingredients for a rosemary chicken and potatoes ready when I discovered I already used the chicken in another recipe...so it was a quick defrost and in the oven it went.  On Sunday I went to church, and then came home for a much needed rest.  


Found a great way to enjoy some winter fruit.  Made some baked apples. Took a baseline recipe and made it my own.

Apples (to be honest I don't even know what kind I bought )
1/4 cup salt free butter
1/2 cup fat free maple syrup
About 1 tsp vanilla
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Cloves
Ginger

Peel, core, and slice apples. Put in greased bake pan. Mix all other ingredients in saucepan and stir while butter melts. Pour over apples and bake, covered for 20 minutes, uncovered for 10. Will warm and serve later with a dollop of fat free cool whip.


Have a good one. 


Friday, November 6, 2015

Friday Roundup

I am convinced that there are times in everybody's
experience when there is so much to be done, that
the only way to do it is to do it is
to sit down and to do nothing at all.

Fanny Fern


Good morning, everyone.  Wow, it is going to be 75 degrees on October 6th....and it is so humid.  Yukky weather, but this is the last of it from what I hear. Tomorrow back to the 60's, much more comfy in my book.

I am not going to begin yoga this week. Instead today I am off to get a much needed haircut. When I have to start using hairspray to make it look halfway decent, I know it's time. Pampering time again. Oh, I how I love those Chinese salons. They treat you like a million bucks. No such thing as 'just a haircut'. I'm also in for a full head, shoulder, and upper back massage as well.
 
I have gathered  some interesting information in my Holistic Healing class to share with you next week.  I wanted to share some this past week, but didn't get a chance. . Promise next week I will. One thing I have already incorporated is adding half a teaspoon of cinnamon to my morning oatmeal everyday. It has been shown to lower blood pressure.

So,I stopped at the Rite Aid by Weight Watchers yesterday to find out about having my RX transferred there, and they are telling me that it's best if I call my doctor and get new prescriptions, that transferring my two refills from the other Rite Aid is too difficult. Difficult????? What could be so hard? Isn't everything computerized? My doctor just gave me this RX last month.  This is totally ridiculous, and I am more than furious with Pathmark.  No way to treat a 'valued' customer, but, of course, since they are closing, they don't have to worry about their 'valued' customers anymore.

Speaking of Weight Watchers, took off another .6 pounds. That is 42 pounds altogether. Our new leader is a sweetheart. I think they made the perfect choice. It's nice to be able to sit and cross my legs, tie my shoes without a problem, and bend over and be able to touch the floor. 

Well, that's about it for this week.  Hope you all have a fantastic weekend. 

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Years wrinkle the skin. But to lose enthusiasm in life wrinkles the soul. 

 Unknown 


Good morning everyone on this warm November morn. No class today. Got the call yesterday that our Spanish teacher won't be in today. Lots of disappointment here. Spanish, along with Holistic Healing, are my two favorite classes, and the semester is winding down. That's one less lesson, but I understand that she wants to be with her sister during surgery.
 

I've decided not to go back to Tai Chi. To be honest, I am not enjoying it as much as I thought I would. Oh, in the beginning it was fun, but now it has worn out its newness. Not only are there too many moves to remember, but I can't even finish the hour without sitting because my back starts aching. I know it is good for you but I feel like I am getting nothing out of it.

My union offers chair yoga for us retirees at the same time on Fridays. I 'd like to give it a shot.Called the union yesterday and am now going to check out their courses. In December when Short Story ends, they have Qi Gong on Mondays so I'm going to give that a try as well. Not going this Friday, though. Desperate need for a haircut, and my girl is in on Fridays. I was going to go to class first, but time to take care of myself.

Since I am off today I am headed out to do my big grocery shopping rather than wait until Saturday. Already started buying the staples for Thanksgiving. Can't believe it is right around the corner.

Before I forget, I had a quiet night last night. I realize now that after these early morning bouts, my upstairs neighbor disappears fora few days which makes me think he might be packing a suitcase? But at that hour? And, if so, why not do it while people are still up instead of pacing back and forth in the living room for hours.

Well, have a good one.

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Tuesday Rant

In a world full of people who couldn't care less, be someone who couldn't care more. 

Author Unknown


Good morning all.  Another warm day in store for us here in Brooklyn. Had a great day yesterday.  Nice short story class.  I love discovering new authors.  My class is a late one today so I have a little time to spare this morning. So I slept in a little.

Having a problem with my upstairs neighbor, and I am trying to handle it nicely.  He is heavy footed.  And I mean HEAVY FOOTED.  It's like he stomps his feet as he walks back and forth. And he never stops.  He can go for hours. I often say to Ralph that I wonder if he ever sits down and watches a television show.

Yet, as annoying as it is, I realize that there is nothing really I can do about it in the daytime, but lately it has been happening at night.  The other day he woke me before 5 am walking back and forth in the bedroom and then going to the bathroom and flushing the toilet at least 25 times until he finally stopped until 6:30 am.  Since he never opens the door, I wrote him a note and slid it under his door. I really gave him the benefit of a doubt in that he didn't know how it all sounded downstairs. It worked and he stopped for a few days.

Then, last night it was the same thing.  Only last night he started at 4 am and it went on until 4:30....back and forth, back and forth, drawers open, drawers shut, more walking, footsteps into bathroom, toilet flushes. 

This is not normal behavior and I wonder if it is drugs or something else.  His pacing reminds me of my schizophrenic clients who could pace back and forth for hours.  Just don't know what else to do about this guy.  This is the same guy who caused my television to come off the wall and smash on the floor with all his jumping around.  I know I can call the police for loud music, but for pacing back and forth?  I don't know.  Going to write another note today and then call the building owners.  Already notified the super and he does nothing.  Heck, he isn't even here half the time.  Any suggestions?

Sorry for the ran this morning.  I'm just very upset with what's going on.  I'm tired of being so rudely woke up and feeling miserable the rest of the day.  Not fair.

Have a good one.

Monday, November 2, 2015

Monday Morning This and That

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.

 Carl Sandburg 


Good morning all.  Another week beginning.  Hard to believe it's already November.  Time is passing so quickly.  Already started shopping for Thanksgiving dinner.  It's going to be another warm one today.  Personally, at this time of year I prefer it a little cooler. 

I cannot believe how busy I have been since Friday.  Ridiculously busy. On Friday I went to two banks in two different directions, Walgreens, subway station to put money on my card, 99 cent store for glasses, Pathmark for my medications and a few needed items, and after dropping everything off, I headed back out to the fruit stand.  

That was to be my last prescription pick up at Pathmark as the pharmacy is closing on the 6th. Not sure yet when the store itself is closing, but the shelves are pretty empty. So sad. That was my favorite store. There is nothing like it around here. I also was not happy when they told me where they were transferring my prescriptions. I'd been told they would transfer me to a Rite Aid close to my home so why in the world would they transfer me to a Rite Aid that I have to take a bus and then walk 9 blocks to reach. Doesn't make sense when I have a Rite Aid 3 blocks from my home. I will have to work on that one.

So how was your Halloween/Samhain? Mine was very quiet. I've not given candy out in over 20 years. Not that I don't want to. It's just that times have changed and children here in the city just don't go out anymore. And when they do it is only to the stores. 

When my apartment was in the back of a house, no one knew we were there. I loved the privacy, but regretted that no one rang my bell for candy. Then we moved and had windows and door facing the front. I was so excited. Decorated the windows, the door, bought tons of candy and came home from work and waited for the doorbell. No one came. Then I realized that kids no longer trick or treated at night, and they probably had already come while I was still working. That, and the fact that I lived in a predominantly Hasidic neighborhood. So Ralph and I slowly began working through the candy.

Now I am in the building. The first year I bought one bag of candy for children in the building. I thought maybe the parents might allow them to trick or treat their neighbors. Nothing. That was the last year I bought candy. Last night I said if anyone should come I have plenty of change on hand to give out. I still have plenty of change. Sad that children miss out on what was so much fun for us. 

As for me, I donned my witch hat and cooked us a nice meal.   Hobo stew.  One of those throw everything into the pot sort of meals So yummy.



After dark I lit some candles and took out my family album and spent time talking to my ancestors.  I especially reached out to my mom this year.  I hope she heard me.

Well, that's about it.  Have a great day.