Friday Roundup

Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments,
embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.

John Boswell

Ah, another Friday.  A cold one to be sure.  Yesterday was brutal.  Winter has truly arrived.  Hard to believe that on Sunday we hit 60 and yesterday when I woke up it was 8 degrees.  But nothing keeps me from WW and my weigh in.  Lost another pound.  That makes 23 altogether and I'm about to break the 200 pound barrier and enter one-derland. 

Today I'm headed to another WW meeting.  I really enjoyed the Friday trainer, and since it doesn't cost extra to attend another meeting, I might as well go. I have nothing else on my calendar and I really do like this week's topic--portion control. I know I don't always follow it properly basically because I don't understand it all.  For example, when they say 3 ounces of steak is the size of a deck of cards, what of the thicker steaks?  How do we handle them?

Oh, I forget to tell you what happened with my eye doctor appointment on Wednesday.  I'm fit to be tied.  I woke up early Wednesday and after hearing the weather report, really didn't want to go anywhere.  But I hate canceling appointments at the last minute so I piled on all the clothes and went.  After all, I'd had my chance to cancel when they called to remind me of my appointment on Tuesday evening.

So I trudged the seven blocks in the brutally cold weather.  Some people hadn't shoveled or laid salt so in some places it was pretty darn slippery.  I get to the office and find out the second floor had been flooded and they weren't coming in.  Of course I was annoyed, but I also understood that sometimes things happen that we have no control over and perhaps they hadn't had time to call me yet.  Actually, that was giving them the benefit of a doubt because I WAS the first appointment of the day.

As I was leaving, the guard asked, "Leaving so soon?"  "Yes", and I explained what happened.  "Well, you'd have thought someone would have called you.  It's been a whole week."  Now, I am furious.  I went home and called and let them have it.  

Hubby started his new medication and so far, no side effects.  That's good.  He also saw his pulmonologist who prescribed a stronger medication for him. Hope this helps him.  It hurts seeing him struggling to catch his breath.  

I could shoot myself.  You'll never guess what I did.  Last year when I was getting out the winter clothing I had a couple bags of clothes for hubby to take to the Goodwill.  Well, either I made the mistake, or he picked up one bag too many, but my black and my beige winter coats are missing. We tore the house apart yesterday, and they are definitely gone. I only have one heavy coat.  If the zipper on that breaks or something else happens, I'll be stuck so I have to purchase another coat.  Can't believe that happened.  Just when money is getting tighter.

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

The Lives of Rachel

Life is a moment-to-moment happening;
any attempt to possess it, save it,
or store it, is to lose the present moment.

A Spiritual Warrior

The temperature is brutal out there today. I am so dreading stepping outdoors, but today is WW and weigh in day, and I won't miss it if I can help it. Cold temperatures aren't enough to keep me home.  I must admit, though, I would much rather stay home and read. 

I've been reading the most interesting book, "The Lives of Rachel" by Joel Goss.  Actually, this is a prequel to and written after "The Books of Rachel" which I also purchased, but I am reading this one first because it covers an earlier time period.  As you know, I've always been quite fascinated with Jewish religion, especially its mystical side so this book is right down my alley.  I love reading about their traditions and holidays.

"The Lives of Rachel"  is divided into five parts, each one a depiction of the life of a Jewish  girl named Rachel.  In every generation of this Jewish family, Jewish family one first born female is named Rachel.  When she passes on, a new one takes her place, and  passes on the legacy of courage, self-sacrifice, jewelry, and healing, of honoring the Jewish beliefs and traditions

Here is a book description...

This richly detailed novel of family, of tradition, and of faith, sweeps across a thousand years to chronicle the lives of five women -- each named Rachel and each a rare human spirit.

In every generation of this proud and ancient Jewish family there is only one Rachel, the firstborn daughter. But the name is only part of Rachel's legacy. Each bearer of the name adds, in her own way, to the legend of strength and courage that is her birthright.

There is Rachel of Judea, who defies a half-mad and lustful king to save her husband's life. Rachel of Rome, who is sold into slavery, but rises up to take just revenge on her cruel and corrupt master. Rachel of Byzantius is a miraculous healer who risks death to stop the spreading horror of the plague. A Rachel plays a crucial part in the destiny of Arthurian England; another cleverly escapes a Rhineland pogrom.

Once I get started with it, I can't put it down.  Totally recommended.

Have a good one. 

Origami and a Bit of Japanese Tradition

Boy, is it ever cold outside.  Yesterday we had our first snow of the season.   Nothing really major, but enough to make it slippery, so I took it quite slow when I went out.  I wasn't going to miss art class, but when I got there I discovered that the teacher was ill and not coming.  

My Japanese friend was there though , so we both took out our origami, and she began teaching me.   It's a lot harder than I thought it was.  The first thing she taught me was how to make the crane which is a symbol of luck and longevity to Japanese people. Not very good, but it's only my first try.  

We got to talking so much that actually we didn't get much done.  I'd ask her how her holiday was and she began explaining old Japanese traditions to me.  So fascinating.  She said they don't celebrate Christmas although the more Americanized do.  New Years is the big event for them, and there are certain foods that 'must' be eaten, each dish serving as a symbol or wish for the coming year. 

Some of the foods  include black beans (as a symbol of health during the coming year), some type of tiny fish, including head and eyes (symbolize a bountiful harvest), an egg dish which symbolizes prosperity, red and white fish cakes (red for happiness and white for purity, a mixture of sweet potatoes and chestnuts  symbolizes prosperity and some type of long, skinny noodles which symbolize long life.   She mentioned a few more, but I can't remember them.  Oh, I almost forgot, at breakfast on January 1st they 'must' drink saki which is also  believed to ensure a long life.

I love learning about the different cultures, their traditions, and customs they have passed on down through the ages.  It definitely was NOT a wasted trip.  I look forward to learning more.

Last night I made some pork cutlets on my grill pan.  I'm still learning, but they were pretty tasty.  Still haven't taken my Crock pot out of the box.  Probably will begin using it this weekend. 

Well, that's about it. I'm off to get ready for my appointment with the eye doctor.  Have a good one....and stay warm.

Tuesday Ramble

Just a quick shot of the winter sky as I was waiting for the bus early yesterday morning.  Here in Brooklyn it is almost impossible to get a picture without wires, buildings, or poles.

Well, the cold temperatures are descending on us.  Snow is on the way today.  Not much, an inch or two. Probably just enough to make it slippery. By mid-week we should be entering the teens.  Brrr!!!  Time to bundle up.   I am grateful that I get good heat in my apartment, unlike the last one that was so cold that one froze when they made a middle of the night potty run.  Thank goodness I wasn't on water pills back then.  I usually take them in the morning, but they don't seem to start working until I go to bed at night.  

I've been playing around with budget dinners and tried a new one out last night. Tasted real good.  It was not only budget (only about $7 for two), but it also added up to only 6 WW points. 

Beef Kielbasa
Veggie Pasta
Onion (diced)
Red and green peppers
Garlic  (I love it so I use lots of it)
Oregano (La Flor makes and excellent cheap oregano.  Stronger than the regular brands)
Basil
Chives
Low fat Mexican cheese
Olive Oil

Saute onions, garlic, and peppers in olive oil until softened.  Chop kielbasa and saute with veggies.  Sprinkle with oregano, basil, and chives.  Meanwhile, cook macaroni.  Mix all together and sprinkle in some low fat Mexican cheese.  Even hubby loved it. 

Not much else going on around here.  Hubby has an appointment with his doctor today for an explanation on his new medication and how he is to take them.  I'm praying they work for him.  His breathing difficulties are, however, becoming worse, and I am fairly sure he will be placed on oxygen before long.  How one many can take so much--emphysema, Hep C, cancer, glaucoma, and now a problem with his kidneys--and still stay so strong and motivated.  He is my hero.  

Well, I'm off to the shower right now.  Snow or not, I'm heading to art class.  That and WW are two meetings I will not miss.  Have a good one.

Monday Morning This and That

Monday morning.  The beginning of a new week.  The first full week of the new year.  Wow, yesterday was in the 60's and by Thursday we'll be down in the teens.  Crazy weather patterns, for sure.

Went to WW on Friday.  I was really feeling anxious when I stepped on the scale, moreso than on other weeks because I had gotten into the cookies and candles.  Not much.  About three cookies and two candies a day, but I know myself and how easily I could just let myself go.  How many times I tried to stop smoking and ended up sabotaging my quit!  The same with losing weight.  I tried so many times and  once I started doing well, I'd find a way to sabotage myself. So, I tossed the cookies and the candy.  Hubby wasn't eating them, and I have no company coming, so best to get rid of them before they got the best of me.  By the way, I lost .04 pounds.  What a relief that was!

On Saturday they had the funeral for the second police officer who was assassinated.  It was only a few blocks from my home.  All afternoon I heard the helicopters flying over.  I thought about going to pay my respects, but decided to do so from home instead.  Not only was it raining, but I just can't handle crowds, and there were thousands of people there. 

Some of the comments to the news made me sick, and I decided it best not to read them anymore.  Don't know whether it's just trolls trying to get a rise out of people, or if there is just that much hate in the world.  I tend to think the latter.  There are far too many to be trolls.  I mean people saying 'good riddance' about the death of ex-governor Cuomo or 'no pity here for those pigs'.  And those are just a couple of the calmer ones.  There were hundreds more and the nastiness turned my stomach.  Furthermore, it wasn't just New Yorkers, people were commenting from around the country.  What is becoming of this world when we can't even show any respect for the dead?

Finally, on Saturday I made the first of my budget recipes, and it came out so good.  This one I made up by myself.  

1 package of pork for stew (on sale for $5.29)

1 can of white of Goya Great Northern Beans (on sale 4 for $5)

carrots

celery

onions

garlic

red and green peppers

1 can of Campbell's low sodium chicken broth

Spanish paprika

Turmeric

Black Pepper

Served with a little white rice on the side, some sliced tomatoes, and it was no more than $12 for two people...and there is still some left for lunch.  Also have plenty of the veggies left for future meals.

Friday Roundup

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going
to put words on them ourselves. The book is called
Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Well, one New Year's Eve tradition was changed this year.  For the past 15 or so years, hubby has gone to a Dominican Restaurant for a whole rotisserie chicken and boiled yucca with red onion.  The best rotisserie chicken in, I tell you.  And we have enough for two days so I don't have to cook on New Year's Day either.  Well, hubby headed out for our dinner, and about twenty minutes later I get a call from him.  "You'll never guess what."  "Oh no.  They can't be closed.  Not today." I reply.  "The restaurant burned down.  It's all boarded up.  I have to go someplace else."  So much for that tradition.

I wrote the first chapter of my book yesterday.  I sat down and added up my income and how much I pay out in bills each month.  Something I should have done a long time ago.   Then, I spent about an hour making about a monthly budget, and I'm really feeling much better than I was going into the new year.  I do believe we can make it.  And now that the building owners finally agreed to send me the copy of my lease renewal that I have been requesting for so long, I will be able to apply to SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption).  They freeze all future rent increases for seniors living in rent stabilized apartments. It's too late for this year, but hoping next year to get a freeze put on.

Speaking of budgeting.  My youngest gave me a $100 gift card for Christmas.  He knows how I love my shopping sprees.  But this year I didn't go out and buy any new clothes.  As much fun as it is, I really don't need anything.   So, instead I got hold of a Rite Aid flier and took advantage of all their sales on toiletries--body lotion, shower gel, hair coloring, shampoo, deodorant, etc.   I am happy to say I am now stocked up with supplies enough to carry me through March.  

I also went through my recipes and picked out a few budget recipes that I hope to try this week.  In fact, I can honestly say right now that I am looking forward to this learning experience and handling this challenge.

Yesterday I sat in on an online conference  from Astrology Heals on setting intentions for 2015 which focused on "How can I love myself more?" and "How can I support my intentions?"  by working with natural cycles and energies that support and heal us.   Very interesting.

Well, I'm off to the shower.  Going for my weigh-in and a meeting today, and then it's off to do my food shopping.  Should be quite interesting working with my new budget.  Have a good one.

Happy New Year

The year like a ship in the distance
         Comes over life's mystical sea.
    We know not what change of existence
         'Tis bringing to you or to me.
    But we wave out the ship that is leaving
         And we welcome the ship coming in,
    Although it be loaded with grieving,
         With trouble, or losses, or sin.

    Old year passing over the border, -
         And fading away from our view;
    All idleness, sloth, and disorder,
         All hatred and spite go with you.
    All bitterness, gloom, and repining
         Down into your stronghold are cast.
    Sail out where the sunsets are shining,
         Sail out with them into the past.

    Good reigns over all; and above us,
         As sure as the sun gives us light,
    Great forces watch over and love us,
         And lead us along through the night.
    Look up, and reach out, and believe them -
         Believe in your infinite worth.
    Do nothing to wound or to grieve them,
         And you shall find heaven on earth.

    The body needs conflict and tussle,
         To render it forceful and grand;
    The soul, too, has sinew and muscle,
         Which sorrow alone can expand.
    Though troubles come faster and faster,
         Rise up, brace yourself for each blow;
    It is only Fate's great fencing Master
         Instructing your spirit to grow.

    The new ship comes nearer and nearer,
         We know not what freight she may hold;
    Hope stands at the helm there to steer her,
         Our hearts are courageous and bold.
    Sail in with new joys and new sorrows,
         Sail in with new banners unfurled,
    Sail in with unwritten to-morrows,
         Sail in with new tasks for the world.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Happy New Year.