Monday morning and I'm raring to go. Been a busy week. I took the first step in going gray....getting the red out by putting an ash shade in. Next step...Silver Blonde
Tuesday was a quiet day at the center....and the first time they served such a nasty lunch that I could not eat it. They made cauliflower, chick pea, and bulgur as one would make lasagna. Even covered it with mozzarella. Nasty. It was tasteless and should have had some curry or Middle Eastern seasonings in it....and they definitely should have saved the mozzarella for an Italian dish. Fortunately now that I am on the council, I can sit in on the food meetings so I'll have some say in what is served.
Wednesday morning was a blast. We played our morning game of Yahtzee and had our afternoon Italian class. It was a bit better this week. The female was quiet, but the male continued to be a know it all despite being told several times to let the teacher say the words so we know how to pronounce them. He tends to say them with her.
Thursday was an interesting day, but not one to even mention aside from a delicious lunch.
Friday I sat in on my first food meeting and found it hard to even get a word in. So I listened...this time. Don't want to start pushing things before I know what the meeting is all about. Later in the afternoon we had jewelry class.
Not quite finished yet.
Saturday I had a doctor's appointment in the morning, but had to cancel. Had my worse IBS-D attack in years. Have no idea what triggered it, but it was bad, and I had to be near a bathroom at all times. Took Pepto Bismal and Imodium. Neither worked.
Yesterday I felt a bit better. Running to the bathroom constantly had stopped, but my tummy was still a bit crampy. But I did manage to get out and do some shopping.
Had to reschedule my doctor's appointment from Saturday to today. I
wanted to do next Saturday, but each year they send you a bonus for
attending your appointments and the deadline to send it in is the 31st
so I must go this week. It's a $50 Target card and it's actually for my
2019 annual checkup. However, they don't send these letters out until
near the end of the year so it sets one to scrambling to get appointment
in time. Doctor just has to sign that I attended last years
appointment.
Have a good one.
Had a long weekend what with Martin Luther King day. And boy, was it ever a cold one. So glad I didn't have to go out in it. It's cold this morning, too, but not as windy so it won't feel as bad.
Been doing a lot of reading this weekend. Bought a used book from Kindle about holistic treatment of arthritis.
'Arthritis Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment Program for Osteoarthritis'. It's a good book, but I've read most of this already. However, as my body continues to deteriorate I continue to look for ways I haven't tried before, and the author does offer some good advice while addressing the multiple causes of arthritis (unhealthy diet and
nutrition, poor sleep, stress, inactivity, environmental causes,
negative beliefs and attitudes, etc.
One thing I've done is started reading on my Kindle Fire again. I took a 3 month trial out on Kindle Unlimited and have been reading magazines and all kinds of books. It's up in March, but I do think I will keep it up as even at $9.99 a month it does save me a lot of money. You are allowed to borrow up to 10 books and magazines at a time, and as your return them, you get more.
Got a few cookbooks:
Poetry
Fiction
And non-fiction
Monday morning and no place to go. Center is closed for Martin Luther King day, and it is so cold and windy out there. Another day to just hang around the apartment.
Spent a lot of time with Isobel over the weekend. She really tempts me to get another one, but I'm really not up to it financially or healthwise. It's been nice playing and cuddling with her, but one must be prepared for many years of care...and I just can't make any promises.
Guess what! I got into a focus group that all happens from my home. All it involves is trying out a product for 5 days and talking about it with others on their blog. And it pays $300. And if you're chosen for a home visit it's another $150. Awesome. Really can use this money. As usual, I overdid Christmas.
I was also elected to the senior council at the center. I'll be it's secretary. Gives me some say in what goes on there. Also gives me the opportunity to sit in on the food committee. I have some ideas for that already.
Had a wee bit of snow on Saturday afternoon so I got out early and got all my shopping done. Have plenty of food so I have no need to go out until tomorrow. Much as I love going to the center, in this cold weather I welcome a chance to stay in.
I am wanting to get my hair gray. It's time. Spoke to my beautician (do we call them that anymore?) and she said my hair was light enough
but a bit too much red. She suggested I put an ash color on to mute it
so I bought ash blond. Now I'm scared. Don't know what it's going to
look like. I want to do it this morning, but.... Oh well, it will wash
out won't it?
And what a week it was!
I've been taking care of my neighbor's cat while they are away.
Her name is Isabella, and I am in love. She is the sweetest little thing. Purrs and rolls over to have her belly scratched.
Had a great time at the party....although dancing was out for me. I did do the Electric Slide and a bit of the Irish Jig but really felt it in my back. Seems I now have bursitis of the sit bone and my right hip is aching a bit. Grrr!!! What next is going to go wrong with this old body?
On a plus side, I did win second place with my socks. $20. I sure can put that to good use. And I did do a bit of the Irish jig with a friend....until it really started aching.
Let the dancing begin.
Henry is 86 years old, almost blind and deaf in one ear, but boy can he dance. He doesn't stop from the time the music begins until it ends. Even has to change his shirt because he works up quite a sweat. Lunch that day was baked potato, asparagus, and baked salmon. I don't eat seafood so I had the alternate--chicken cutlet.
This is my friend Mary. She had cancer surgery about six months ago and now is showing signs that it traveled. Her first step is a biopsy of her thyroid. She is so upbeat. There are no 'why me's' from her. Please say a prayer that all goes well for her.
We
have some new groups at the center. On Friday we have a group called
'Connect Through Creativity'. Each week we are given a question to
discuss. This past Friday we met for the first time and set the rules and each gave a word for the coming
year. Mine was "Hopeful". As my chronic pain condition deteriorates, I
continue to remain hopeful about my life. Then we discussed what we
wanted for the New Year. Each week a question will be asked and
important words noted. At the end of the 8 weeks of the group we will
take the important words and make a poem of them to be published in the
monthly newsletter.
We also have games on Wednesday mornings. First time I ever played Yahtzee. I love it and look forward to it.
A new group started on Wednesday afternoon--Pa Parla Italiano. The group will focus on Italian culture and cooking--right up my alley. However, same person is in it that ruined the Wellness Group, and they are doing the same thing--talking about themselves. And then there is a new guy who sat across from me picking his nose and flicking it off. Disgusting. Don't know how long I'll stay in this group unless changes are made.
Have a wonderful weekend.
What an awesome weekend we had. Springlike weather that made it hard for me to contain my spring fever. At this time of the year, once the holidays are gone, I start thinking Imbolc and making plans.
Of course, my holidays are NOT over yet. Still have two Christmases to go--with my goddaughter and our yearly family Christmas. My son and goddaughter had decided that tomorrow was a good day since both are off from work, but no one consulted me first. Tomorrow afternoon is the "Silly Sock" party at the center, and I already purchased my ticket....
...and my socks. So tomorrow is not good for me. Wish they'd consult me first before they made plans.
And we still haven't gotten out to Jersey for our family Christmas. It's just so hard to get everyone together with work schedules. My granddaughters are both nurses and although my granddaughter who had the stroke is no longer working, my other granddaughter has to work every other weekend, my son works most weekends with an occasional day off, my grandson works weekends, etc. You get the picture. And this year we'd had Christmas weekend all planned out when we all started getting sick....starting with me.
Last night we went to Olive Garden to eat. Yummy. Love that place, and they feed you so well.
I always get their whole wheat linguini with marinara and meatball topper. Splurged and had some of the lemon cake, too. A friend had recommended it, and it was oh so good.
Have a wonderful day.
Good Friday morning all. It's been a busy one for me. Went to the center each day and in the evenings took my time taking the Christmas decorations down. All that is left now is the tree.
Decided not to set up my fairy village for this season. My living room was becoming much too cramped. It's not that huge even though in this picture it looks so....
It also serves as a dining area because I don't have an eat in kitchen.
The other day I got an email from Capital One informing me that they had denied payment for an Amazon order because my new card had not been activated yet. It is actually a Walmart card, but Capital One had taken over and issued me a new card. The problem is, I hadn't received my new card....which they informed me was mailed to me on December 19th. Our mail has been pretty messed up lately, ever since our regular mailman retired. I am always finding other people's mail in my box so I imagine that someone got my new card in their box and were terribly dishonest. Fortunately for me it was caught in time. New card with new number is on the way.
I also called the post office and let them have it. When we find someone else's mail in our box we put it on the lobby window sill. One day I saw someone's bank statement there. That is not good at all...and now that I am aware that not all of my neighbors is honest, I shall be extra careful.
I'm not really a hat person and bought the above for a gift, then realized I already had a gift for that person, and being that I fell in love with this one, I kept it. Wore it the other day and forgot to take off the tag. No wonder people were looking at me.
Speaking of gifts, I know it is the thought that counts, but sometimes you just can't help being disappointed. I have a friend at the center who I gave a nice Christmas gift to. I purchased a gold chain and an amethyst pendant and made her a beautiful necklace, a bar of homemade soap I bought on Etsy, and a scented Christmas votive, also purchased on Etsy. She gave me 2 roll on pain relievers which I don't use and some face mask which went straight to the garbage because no one I knew would want it. Then on Wednesday I see she gave another peer her gift. It was a nice face cream and body lotion. I was kind of hurt. I believe Christmas gifts to friends should be something to let them know you think they are special, not something that makes them feel old. Am I wrong?
Have a wonderful weekend.
Good morning everyone. Ready for the new week? It's a bit chilly this morning, but can't complain about the weather temperature wise. It's been a pretty warm beginning to the new year. Friday and Saturday were wet, yes, but not torrential rains. Just that annoying misty rain that doesn't go away.
Had a busy weekend. On Saturday I went to put money on my metrocard, put cash in the bank to cover my bills, and do a bit of shopping. I needed the ingredients for my pernil soup.
Hubby had bought such a huge pernil, and I just hate to throw any away so two meals are in the freezer and we had the soup on Saturday. I have to make another to take to my Goddaughter's house...when everyone is finally well.
Speaking of cash. That's one of my goals this year. Pay off or pay down credit cards and stop buying so much. Online shopping has become quite addictive to me, and I can easily spiral out of control. Time to rein things in. I spend a lot on books so I enrolled in a 3 month trial of Kindle Unlimited for 99 cent a month. After that it's $9.99 a month. It's working out well, too. I can read as many books a month that I want.
Also made a pot of American goulash for this week. Had the sauce already made and in the freezer. Had to make some room.
I was busy, busy, busy in the kitchen. I felt like having something Mexican and found a great recipe for Black Bean Chelaquili. Of course, changed a few things around to make it mine....and so glad I did. It was a delicious meatless meal. Served it with a Greek Salad. Go figure.
Dinner last night for me. So yummy. Made with corn tortillas, black beans
made with salsa, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder,
and topped with Mexican 4 cheeses. Served with avocado and tomato
cucumber salad.
Had a bit of a scare yesterday. Woke up and found my balance was all off. Was staggering and holding onto the walls just to make it to the bathroom. As the day wore on it got better, and this morning it is gone. Seems to have been coming from the ear I have some hearing loss in. Must have had a fluid buildup.
Have a wonderful day.
The theme of December's Inked Goddess box is Shadow Working. So appropriate for this time of the year when utilize the longer nights as a time for self-reflection.
Each year at this time, when the chaos of preparing for the holidays subsides I make plans to spend my evenings shadow working, but just never seem able to get into it. This box offers all I need to keep myself motivated.
Shadow Working Envelope Spell Kit. Herbs, parchment, and directions to perform your own cleansing and banishing spell work.
Shadow Working Eclectic Witch Card Deck Expansion--Shadow Work, Snowflake Obsidian, and Journaling.
Snowflake Obsidian and Onyx Bracelet. Helps comfort, ground, and protect you during shadow work.
Shadow Votive Candle. Amber, Patchouli, and Ylang Ylang.
Altar Card.
Stickers for journal.
Metal Match Box with Shadow Working Matches. To light the way.
Beautiful Phoenix Journal. The phoenix reminds us that we, too, can rise from the ashes. It is really gorgeous.
And I bought this book to work with.
January's box will be Legendary Creatures of Myth. Should be interesting.
Good Friday morning everyone. Funny how this has been such a busy week, but this seems like any normal Friday. It's warm and drizzling out this morning. I am thankful it is not snow.
I went to the center on Monday and Tuesday. I hadn't been there the week before, and it was good to be back among my friends. Loneliness was getting to me. We all brought goodies left over from Christmas, and I am happy to say that I had only TWO cookies and NO candy. Getting sick last week made me realize how badly I needed to get back on track because not only did I come down with a tummy flu, but I had not been admitting to myself that my crappy diet was stirring up my IBS which has been in remission for years.
A very special friend gave me this gift. It means the world to me.
Been making simple dinners for myself.
Chicken broccoli stir fry. Simple. Very simple. Three ingredients--broccoli, chicken, and teriyaki. On days I go to the center I eat half the food there and bring the other half home for dinner.
There is an organization called "Bay Ridge Rocks". They go around the neighborhood painting large rocks. They gifted all of us at the center with a hand painted rock for the holidays. This is the one that I chose.
New Year's Day dinner consisted the the pernil I was too sick to cook on Christmas.
It was so good. Had it with arroz gondulas, carrots and string beans. Had the leftovers last night. Put some in the freezer for a future meal and put some aside for soup. I make it just like I make my turkey soup. Lots of veggies and seasonings. Can't wait.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi all. Thanks for bearing with me during my break. Everything was just catching up to me all at once. Still have issues, but working on them. Learning to deal better with my pain. In all honesty, I was really beginning to worry that I was going to lose my mobility, but that was just my over-active mind working. Even if I do, it will be a good long while.
As usual, our Christmas plans went awry, and we have yet to celebrate our big family Christmas nor my Christmas with my Goddaughter....but I get ahead of myself. Christmas Eve was wonderful. My two youngest, who live in New York, met me at church for Christmas Mass.
Afterwards, we headed to the house for a feast.
Shrimp sauteed in butter and garlic for hubby.
Two huge pans of lasagna.
Meatballs, sausage, and ribs. Yummy.
We also had buffalo wings, chips and dip, candy, cookies, jelly donuts (in honor of my Jewish ancestors), and Christmas cupcakes.
All in all, it was a wonderful evening....despite the fact that my Goddaughter decided to invite us to spend Christmas Eve there.....at the last minute....and then got mad at us when we said we couldn't do it. Now, I WOULD have invited them here, but my place is small, I have lots of breakables, and she has the most unmanageable kids in the city. I've mentioned them before. The littlest runs around non-stop throwing things at you and calling you a bitch, the 7 year old has been put out of two schools, and after school program, and told she can no longer attend the Fresh Air Fund. The teen age girl is a young prostitute. The only good one is the boy who does well in school and plans on leaving home as soon as he graduates. The problem is my Goddaughter DOES NOT discipline. And says it is all someone else's fault. Just can't understand why they are not wanted anyplace.
I woke up Christmas morning sicker than I have been in over 50 years. Stomach flu. The pernil went into freezer for another day, and I went right back to bed where I spent the entire day. We were supposed to go to New Jersey on the 28 for Christmas there, but the day before my granddaughter found herself nursing 3 sick children. One was vomiting, the other had a croup like cough, and the third a fever and ear infection so that was out. Then we planned on New Year's Day over there, but my daughter and my son are both sick. So, like last year, Christmas waits on us.
Whew!!! That was a lot.
Just put my pernil in the oven. It will only be hubby and I. A quiet day.
May you all have a wonderful New Year.
