Just a short update on the first step of my pilgrimage as I described it yesterday. Today I seriously started my diet. I went to lunch with a very good friend of mine to a restaurant where there was a buffet. The lunch was very good and I ate very responsible.
But, that's all I will eat today. My diet started right after the lunch. With the exception of some fruit there will be no dinner tonite.
And this will be the same tomorrow. Tomorrow we are planning to have lunch in a Japanese sushi restaurant where there is buffet again. But for my excuse there will be no dinner again.
You see, I do know how to diet!
===================================
I mentioned it before that we went to a casino the other day. I have been to this place more than once and I was very disappointed with the changes they made since my last visit.
There was a very pleasant and reasonably priced buffet that, I was very surprised to see, closed. That left the food court only for eating where the selections are limited and overpriced.
Stupid move from management.
The other beef I had was with the parking. The place has a pretty large garage for indoor parking and easy access to the casino.
I have "frequent player" card. But since I visit very frequently it is the basic card with really no benefits.
Up to my last visit parking was free with this type of card. The other day I found out that the casino that makes money hands over foot is now charging $5 for the parking in the garage. How cheap can they get? They are making millions of dollars profit and they have the nerve to charge $5 for parking.
Shame on them!
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
Pilgrimage
Today I made a major decision. O.k. its not that major because it is far in the future but its a decision.
I will make a pilgrimage. Not to Jerusalem, not to Rome and not to Mecca.
I will make a pilgrimage to Hungary. People who never went there can not image the beautiful places of worships they have there. And I plan to visit as many as possible.
Now before anybody will think that I went totally bananas I will explain. These places of worships that I am talking about are places where people worship food.
To me Budapest has the best restaurants in the world. I said it before and I will repeat it again, I love Hungarian food and where is the best place to get it? Hungary of course.
It is a sad reality that New York that some people claim is the center of the universe has no real Hungarian restaurants. Which means that anybody who wants to eat well must visit Hungary. In addition to the food the pastries are an entire different world. Not this muffins and pies and cupcakes that are the top of the American pastry art, but real pastries with real fillings.
Granted, it is instant diabetes but one has to do it with some measure of self control.
My plan is that right after I finish my buffet lunch on Friday I will start a serious diet in order to be ready by next Spring! Of course there will be some exceptions when I will have to eat well but I have to control myself.
This trip is only being talked about and is subject to nothing happening to me and my cousin I plan to go with.
We will be two pilgrims visiting those epicurean holy places.
I will make a pilgrimage. Not to Jerusalem, not to Rome and not to Mecca.
I will make a pilgrimage to Hungary. People who never went there can not image the beautiful places of worships they have there. And I plan to visit as many as possible.
Now before anybody will think that I went totally bananas I will explain. These places of worships that I am talking about are places where people worship food.
To me Budapest has the best restaurants in the world. I said it before and I will repeat it again, I love Hungarian food and where is the best place to get it? Hungary of course.
It is a sad reality that New York that some people claim is the center of the universe has no real Hungarian restaurants. Which means that anybody who wants to eat well must visit Hungary. In addition to the food the pastries are an entire different world. Not this muffins and pies and cupcakes that are the top of the American pastry art, but real pastries with real fillings.
Granted, it is instant diabetes but one has to do it with some measure of self control.
My plan is that right after I finish my buffet lunch on Friday I will start a serious diet in order to be ready by next Spring! Of course there will be some exceptions when I will have to eat well but I have to control myself.
This trip is only being talked about and is subject to nothing happening to me and my cousin I plan to go with.
We will be two pilgrims visiting those epicurean holy places.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Pope
It is amazing what politicians do for some face and airtime.
Tuesday I was watching a recap of the pope's visit to Israel. More precisely to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.
It was a very sad and somber occasion to a place that memorialize the victims of a shameful time in our or at least my lifetime.
I watched it for about ten or fifteen minutes and I was puzzled. At the front there were the pope, the president and the prime minister of Israel and some other high officials.
There was somebody speaking in Hebrew that was very poorly translated to English, I guess for the TV only. After that person a cantor came up who sang in Hebrew. Then, eventually the pope came to the lectern and spoke I think in Italian without any translation to the attendees.
The TV cameras paned over to the faces of the attendees several time and that made me wonder. I was wondering how much those people really wanted to be there. I was sure that they all thought to themselves that they would have liked to be somewhere else and do something more useful with their time.
But this is the price politicians have to pay to be in the limelight.
I love to watch the Midnight Mass from Rome and from Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York. I watch it mainly for the pomp. But I always wonder if the main participants really do believe in what they are doing or they just doing it because it is part of their job.
Maybe I am just a bit too cynical to think this way but I can't help it. Well, actually now I am a lot more cynical than I ever was.
Tuesday I was watching a recap of the pope's visit to Israel. More precisely to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.
It was a very sad and somber occasion to a place that memorialize the victims of a shameful time in our or at least my lifetime.
I watched it for about ten or fifteen minutes and I was puzzled. At the front there were the pope, the president and the prime minister of Israel and some other high officials.
There was somebody speaking in Hebrew that was very poorly translated to English, I guess for the TV only. After that person a cantor came up who sang in Hebrew. Then, eventually the pope came to the lectern and spoke I think in Italian without any translation to the attendees.
The TV cameras paned over to the faces of the attendees several time and that made me wonder. I was wondering how much those people really wanted to be there. I was sure that they all thought to themselves that they would have liked to be somewhere else and do something more useful with their time.
But this is the price politicians have to pay to be in the limelight.
I love to watch the Midnight Mass from Rome and from Saint Patrick's Cathedral in New York. I watch it mainly for the pomp. But I always wonder if the main participants really do believe in what they are doing or they just doing it because it is part of their job.
Maybe I am just a bit too cynical to think this way but I can't help it. Well, actually now I am a lot more cynical than I ever was.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Good Tuesday
Today was a good day. First it was extremely hot. Real summer day in the spring. I could have gone to the beach to soak up some sun but since we had something else planned I stayed home until midday.
What we planned to do was to go to a casino. There is one in New York City, more precisely in Queens that is not very far from where I live. I have been there several times but my friend never did.
Thus, today was the chosen day to go there.
We got there just before 2 pm and since we were both hungry we immediately went to lunch. One of the better attractions the place had was a fairly good buffet. Well, like a lots of things that I got used to the buffet was no more.
It turned out they closed it last January claiming it wasn't making any money. Therefore we were forced to eat in the food court. The selection was not great but we chose a good looking Chinese place. Amongst all the eating places in the food court this Chinese place was the only one doing really good. Actually, it was mobbed.
We stood in line almost a half an hour before we were able to order. But truthfully it was worth it because the food was good. The casino has an overwhelming Chinese clientele and that's the reason the Chinese eatery is doing great.
After eating we visited the machines. There are only machines in this casino, there are no table games except electronic roulette and baccarat.
My favorite machine is the Sex in the City machine. I find it very player friendly (until now). I played this machine in another casino and it never disappointed me.
I put in $10 that I lost fairly quickly and then another $10. Oh, this was a penny machine. But that is a gimmick because the minimum bet is 50 cents. I played for $2 per play. That's my "usual" style.
Anyway, the second $10 worked great. Things started to go my way. I was up to $80 plus when slowly the tide turned.
When I stopped playing I was still had $20 more than when I started. We walked around a bit and little by little my $20 became $10.
Parking was $5 so I finished with a net gain of $5. Better than a negative gain and we both had a good time.
What we planned to do was to go to a casino. There is one in New York City, more precisely in Queens that is not very far from where I live. I have been there several times but my friend never did.
Thus, today was the chosen day to go there.
We got there just before 2 pm and since we were both hungry we immediately went to lunch. One of the better attractions the place had was a fairly good buffet. Well, like a lots of things that I got used to the buffet was no more.
It turned out they closed it last January claiming it wasn't making any money. Therefore we were forced to eat in the food court. The selection was not great but we chose a good looking Chinese place. Amongst all the eating places in the food court this Chinese place was the only one doing really good. Actually, it was mobbed.
We stood in line almost a half an hour before we were able to order. But truthfully it was worth it because the food was good. The casino has an overwhelming Chinese clientele and that's the reason the Chinese eatery is doing great.
After eating we visited the machines. There are only machines in this casino, there are no table games except electronic roulette and baccarat.
My favorite machine is the Sex in the City machine. I find it very player friendly (until now). I played this machine in another casino and it never disappointed me.
I put in $10 that I lost fairly quickly and then another $10. Oh, this was a penny machine. But that is a gimmick because the minimum bet is 50 cents. I played for $2 per play. That's my "usual" style.
Anyway, the second $10 worked great. Things started to go my way. I was up to $80 plus when slowly the tide turned.
When I stopped playing I was still had $20 more than when I started. We walked around a bit and little by little my $20 became $10.
Parking was $5 so I finished with a net gain of $5. Better than a negative gain and we both had a good time.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Perseverance
Perseverance is very important. If one can not succeed try and try again. I think that's how the saying goes.
Well, I succeeded today.
A few days before I wrote how annoyed I was that it was impossible to find certain things that I needed to replace at home. The reason was that they were purchased a while ago and now these items are either discontinued or just plain hard to find.
I decided to replace my bedroom curtains because they were a few years old and I just didn't like them. Deciding is easy, finding what I wanted turned out to be almost impossible. The type of curtains I needed they did not make anymore. They just decided I guess that it was not worth making it even though we purchased these only a few years back.
I tried everything. Went to all the department stores and specialty stores that I knew of with no result. I tried the Internet but couldn't find what I wanted anywhere in the world.
But today I won and simply because I persevered!
After I finished my morning gym I figured I have nothing else planned so I visited a few more stores and finally I found the right (almost right) curtains in one.
I quickly bought what I needed, took them home an hoped that they would be good and I won't have to take them back.
Worked on them for over an hour and at the end they look beautiful. Well, they are not perfect but beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I like them.
Now I am back looking for something else that I can not find easily. I want a new, inexpensive robe to wear around the house. Inexpensive is the key word and today looking at five stores I saw them only in one place.
But I won't give up and I know that at the end I will prevail.
You see, these things keep me going.
Well, I succeeded today.
A few days before I wrote how annoyed I was that it was impossible to find certain things that I needed to replace at home. The reason was that they were purchased a while ago and now these items are either discontinued or just plain hard to find.
I decided to replace my bedroom curtains because they were a few years old and I just didn't like them. Deciding is easy, finding what I wanted turned out to be almost impossible. The type of curtains I needed they did not make anymore. They just decided I guess that it was not worth making it even though we purchased these only a few years back.
I tried everything. Went to all the department stores and specialty stores that I knew of with no result. I tried the Internet but couldn't find what I wanted anywhere in the world.
But today I won and simply because I persevered!
After I finished my morning gym I figured I have nothing else planned so I visited a few more stores and finally I found the right (almost right) curtains in one.
I quickly bought what I needed, took them home an hoped that they would be good and I won't have to take them back.
Worked on them for over an hour and at the end they look beautiful. Well, they are not perfect but beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I like them.
Now I am back looking for something else that I can not find easily. I want a new, inexpensive robe to wear around the house. Inexpensive is the key word and today looking at five stores I saw them only in one place.
But I won't give up and I know that at the end I will prevail.
You see, these things keep me going.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Me Fat
Don't let the title confuse anybody. This is not a Chinese name I am writing about, it is a condition.
As I keep mentioning it I am self sustained. I have nobody coming to to my place to keep things going. Well, I am an adult and should be able to take care of myself. I clean, sometimes make my own dinner (not too frequently, very thankfully) and do my own laundry.
And that is where the puzzle is. I do know what detergents and how much to use and that's why I was puzzled for a while.
Lately I noticed that some of my thing that I wash in the washing machine are a little too tight. And that made me wonder what makes my "stuff" shrink.
Eureka! I found the answer to this overwhelming mystery.
My underclothing are not shrinking, I am gaining weight!
I basically eat like a small horse. My friend's cooking is so great that I just love every bite of it. Plus we eat out at least once a week. Plus I occasionally treat myself to some junk-food lunch and once in a while I buy something in the supermarket that I shouldn't but it is soooo good.
Take this weekend for instance.
Friday night I had dinner (and a great one!) at my friend's house. Saturday we went out, six of us, to a very lovely Czech restaurant where unfortunately the food is great and the beer is even better. Let me tell you, I didn't go home hungry. Can't wait to go back again because there are still things on the menu I would love to try.
Today, Sunday, we went to a Czech/Hungarian restaurant for brunch where again the food was good and also the beer. Honestly, yesterday's food was better by far!
But tonight I will have to eat something because the brunch just wasn't enough. Probably will make sandwich with some cold cuts and cheese which I have plenty in the fridge.
There is nothing planned for tomorrow, Monday. Probably will go to the gym to ease my conscience.
But we are planning a trip to a nearby casino that has a very nice buffet. Now, when one is in a buffet it is very difficult to resist any kind of temptations. And I have been there before. It is a very nice buffet!
So here is the problem. It is so easy to put on the pounds and it takes forever to get them off.
Friends that I meet feed me and I love them for that. I also love what they feed me with. But I will have to be very strong when I am alone not to stuff me unnecessary and calorie rich foods.
If nothing works, I will ask my doctor to prescribe that liquid people drink before a colonoscopy. The last time I drank it it cleaned me out so well I lost five pounds.
Drastic situations require drastic measures.
As I keep mentioning it I am self sustained. I have nobody coming to to my place to keep things going. Well, I am an adult and should be able to take care of myself. I clean, sometimes make my own dinner (not too frequently, very thankfully) and do my own laundry.
And that is where the puzzle is. I do know what detergents and how much to use and that's why I was puzzled for a while.
Lately I noticed that some of my thing that I wash in the washing machine are a little too tight. And that made me wonder what makes my "stuff" shrink.
Eureka! I found the answer to this overwhelming mystery.
My underclothing are not shrinking, I am gaining weight!
I basically eat like a small horse. My friend's cooking is so great that I just love every bite of it. Plus we eat out at least once a week. Plus I occasionally treat myself to some junk-food lunch and once in a while I buy something in the supermarket that I shouldn't but it is soooo good.
Take this weekend for instance.
Friday night I had dinner (and a great one!) at my friend's house. Saturday we went out, six of us, to a very lovely Czech restaurant where unfortunately the food is great and the beer is even better. Let me tell you, I didn't go home hungry. Can't wait to go back again because there are still things on the menu I would love to try.
Today, Sunday, we went to a Czech/Hungarian restaurant for brunch where again the food was good and also the beer. Honestly, yesterday's food was better by far!
But tonight I will have to eat something because the brunch just wasn't enough. Probably will make sandwich with some cold cuts and cheese which I have plenty in the fridge.
There is nothing planned for tomorrow, Monday. Probably will go to the gym to ease my conscience.
But we are planning a trip to a nearby casino that has a very nice buffet. Now, when one is in a buffet it is very difficult to resist any kind of temptations. And I have been there before. It is a very nice buffet!
So here is the problem. It is so easy to put on the pounds and it takes forever to get them off.
Friends that I meet feed me and I love them for that. I also love what they feed me with. But I will have to be very strong when I am alone not to stuff me unnecessary and calorie rich foods.
If nothing works, I will ask my doctor to prescribe that liquid people drink before a colonoscopy. The last time I drank it it cleaned me out so well I lost five pounds.
Drastic situations require drastic measures.
Saturday
Today is Saturday, the first day of the long Memorial Day weekend. I am really glad that I am not committed to go anywhere because the weather is really crappy.
A few decades ago along with a few friends we rented a summer house at Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey. We did this for quite a few years. All winter long we were looking forward to going out and spend our weekends there. Actually it was always very pleasant.
Our seasons started with the Memorial Day weekend. Every single year we went out there at the time and spent the weekend wondering if we would freeze to death there or just go home early. Never ever had nice weather this early. But since it was paid for, we were with good friends we all stuck it out and went home at the end of the weekend.
Actually later on conditions always improved and we forgave Mother Nature but we never ever forgot the cool Memorial Day weekends. That is why we never ever made any plans to go anywhere this early in the season. I am not a gambling man so I will not gamble with the weather.
On the other hand people are so desperately fed up with winter that they really do not care about the possibilities they just want to get away and kind of unofficially start the summer season.
=====================================
On another totally different subject, this today is the 300th article since starting this blog on October 3, 2009. What a different world it was then and how much happened since I started writing. How different everything looked then and how much happened since. Back then we lived in an ignorant bliss, with not a care in the world.
And then slowly our world changed and brought us misery. It was pain and hope and then pain and hope again. At the end there is no us anymore only me.
Life is a very interesting game. Nobody knows what the future holds and nobody is really prepared for it.
I like to write this little thing here. I can really open my heart to an extent and at the end it makes me feel good.
A few decades ago along with a few friends we rented a summer house at Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey. We did this for quite a few years. All winter long we were looking forward to going out and spend our weekends there. Actually it was always very pleasant.
Our seasons started with the Memorial Day weekend. Every single year we went out there at the time and spent the weekend wondering if we would freeze to death there or just go home early. Never ever had nice weather this early. But since it was paid for, we were with good friends we all stuck it out and went home at the end of the weekend.
Actually later on conditions always improved and we forgave Mother Nature but we never ever forgot the cool Memorial Day weekends. That is why we never ever made any plans to go anywhere this early in the season. I am not a gambling man so I will not gamble with the weather.
On the other hand people are so desperately fed up with winter that they really do not care about the possibilities they just want to get away and kind of unofficially start the summer season.
=====================================
On another totally different subject, this today is the 300th article since starting this blog on October 3, 2009. What a different world it was then and how much happened since I started writing. How different everything looked then and how much happened since. Back then we lived in an ignorant bliss, with not a care in the world.
And then slowly our world changed and brought us misery. It was pain and hope and then pain and hope again. At the end there is no us anymore only me.
Life is a very interesting game. Nobody knows what the future holds and nobody is really prepared for it.
I like to write this little thing here. I can really open my heart to an extent and at the end it makes me feel good.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Smart Me
I am very proud of myself. I'm a real computer whiz.
Yesterday I did my weekly housecleaning being Thursday. I don't know why but it was always Thursday that we did the cleaning. And, I don't know any reason to change it. It is as good a day as any.
Anyhow, every week I stand in the middle of the apartment and contemplate what is it that I have to do. I mean I know what has to be done but there are certain things that I decided to do every two or three weeks.
But the problem is that I don't remember what I did the previous week thus it is difficult for me to plan the work. And certainly don't want to do things that are not needed to do. I have enough to do as is.
So what did smart me do? Created a scheduling spreadsheet with all the tasks on it and all the dates ahead. This way I can see what needs to be done, what not and at what frequency.
After I was done with the spreadsheet I was very proud of myself. Maybe there is a way to survive this avalanche of responsibilities said I.
Don't misunderstand, I am saying surviving the avalanche of physical responsibilities not surviving the emotional hurt that has been caused!
The more time goes by the more I realize that maintaining a decent apartment or household is a major task. My wife and I'm sure all the wives make it look easy. But wait until it becomes a man's task.
I did all my chores without arguments but it was always she telling me what to do. Now I have to think for myself and believe me it is not easy.
I am only tasked with the upkeep of an apartment and even that is difficult. I can not imagine what it would take for a man to keep a house going.
All I can say is that hope that it will never come to that. And, read what I wrote carefully. Hope, I said and not pray. Because praying will not help at all! Believe me, I tried and it didn't work for us!
Yesterday I did my weekly housecleaning being Thursday. I don't know why but it was always Thursday that we did the cleaning. And, I don't know any reason to change it. It is as good a day as any.
Anyhow, every week I stand in the middle of the apartment and contemplate what is it that I have to do. I mean I know what has to be done but there are certain things that I decided to do every two or three weeks.
But the problem is that I don't remember what I did the previous week thus it is difficult for me to plan the work. And certainly don't want to do things that are not needed to do. I have enough to do as is.
So what did smart me do? Created a scheduling spreadsheet with all the tasks on it and all the dates ahead. This way I can see what needs to be done, what not and at what frequency.
After I was done with the spreadsheet I was very proud of myself. Maybe there is a way to survive this avalanche of responsibilities said I.
Don't misunderstand, I am saying surviving the avalanche of physical responsibilities not surviving the emotional hurt that has been caused!
The more time goes by the more I realize that maintaining a decent apartment or household is a major task. My wife and I'm sure all the wives make it look easy. But wait until it becomes a man's task.
I did all my chores without arguments but it was always she telling me what to do. Now I have to think for myself and believe me it is not easy.
I am only tasked with the upkeep of an apartment and even that is difficult. I can not imagine what it would take for a man to keep a house going.
All I can say is that hope that it will never come to that. And, read what I wrote carefully. Hope, I said and not pray. Because praying will not help at all! Believe me, I tried and it didn't work for us!
Friday, May 23, 2014
Handshake
Today, while doing my weekly chores of housecleaning I heard something on the radio. You know what radio is, right? I am old(er) so I still occasionally listen to the radio.
Anyway, they said that some medical journal came out with the results of a study according to which only about 40% of doctors wash their hands with a good disinfectant after each patient. So, they recommend that doctors abstain from shaking hands with patients since this would be the best way to infect other people.
I'm getting sick and tired of all these new discoveries. They come out with things that have been around for thousands of years and now they are telling us that we should stop doing it.
Instead of concentrating all their efforts on important research like curing cancer, they spend money on researching the effects of handshakes. That will not help any cancer patients!
I am surprised that nobody came out with the smart idea that we should stop breathing. I mean let's be realistic. We breathe in germs and then we exhale the same or different germs thereby infecting other people. Isn't just right that we should start breathing or at least breathe into a paper bag.
I have plenty of time, maybe I'll publish this idea in a medical journal. I'll just have to find a lot of unpronounceable medical or Latin words then I am home free. How do they say paper bag in Latin?
Anyway, they said that some medical journal came out with the results of a study according to which only about 40% of doctors wash their hands with a good disinfectant after each patient. So, they recommend that doctors abstain from shaking hands with patients since this would be the best way to infect other people.
I'm getting sick and tired of all these new discoveries. They come out with things that have been around for thousands of years and now they are telling us that we should stop doing it.
Instead of concentrating all their efforts on important research like curing cancer, they spend money on researching the effects of handshakes. That will not help any cancer patients!
I am surprised that nobody came out with the smart idea that we should stop breathing. I mean let's be realistic. We breathe in germs and then we exhale the same or different germs thereby infecting other people. Isn't just right that we should start breathing or at least breathe into a paper bag.
I have plenty of time, maybe I'll publish this idea in a medical journal. I'll just have to find a lot of unpronounceable medical or Latin words then I am home free. How do they say paper bag in Latin?
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Revenge
Revenge is sweet, the saying goes. It might be true depending on what is being revenged.
Day before yesterday, Monday I was on a warpath with nothing but revenge on my mind. I was blinded by my anger, I couldn't tell the right from wrong, I just wanted blood!
Yeah, that's me all right. Mild mannered me. But I was still looking for revenge.
With that on my mind, on Monday after finishing my exercises in the gym I decided to go out to the beach again. The weather was very pleasant, sunny and not exactly summery but o.k.
Last week a hooligan seagull mugged me and robbed me of my hot dog. Right out of my hand in daylight. So the other day I decided to go out there, look for the bugger and punish him. I had no idea how but at least that was on my mind.
Well I went to the same place looking for the bum. But how can one tell one seagull from the other. This one had no distinguishing mark on his face, no limp or anything else. So, how could I tell him from the others.
I even waved another hot dog in the air hoping to see that he would again jump at the opportunity and then I might be able to smack him on the jaw. But this time there was no taker. I wound up eating my hot dog.
I was very disappointed but at least I was able to get a little more suntan. The trip was not for nothing after all.
Day before yesterday, Monday I was on a warpath with nothing but revenge on my mind. I was blinded by my anger, I couldn't tell the right from wrong, I just wanted blood!
Yeah, that's me all right. Mild mannered me. But I was still looking for revenge.
With that on my mind, on Monday after finishing my exercises in the gym I decided to go out to the beach again. The weather was very pleasant, sunny and not exactly summery but o.k.
Last week a hooligan seagull mugged me and robbed me of my hot dog. Right out of my hand in daylight. So the other day I decided to go out there, look for the bugger and punish him. I had no idea how but at least that was on my mind.
Well I went to the same place looking for the bum. But how can one tell one seagull from the other. This one had no distinguishing mark on his face, no limp or anything else. So, how could I tell him from the others.
I even waved another hot dog in the air hoping to see that he would again jump at the opportunity and then I might be able to smack him on the jaw. But this time there was no taker. I wound up eating my hot dog.
I was very disappointed but at least I was able to get a little more suntan. The trip was not for nothing after all.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
A Sad Event
Today was a kind of a sad day for me. Don't get upset, nothing really serious.
Today I drove into Manhattan (big mistake) to have lunch with my brother in law. We usually lunch together every few weeks. He is just about the only family I have left here in on this side of the ocean.
The mistake was not to have lunch with him but drive into Manhattan. Today was nothing special, ordinary working day accompanied with beautiful weather. The problem was that it took me almost an hour to find a parking spot in a side street. In short the city is a disaster.
I have been in the area a million times but today was by far the worst.
Anyway, that wasn't what made the day sad. It was a lot more serious thing.
We had lunch in the only Hungarian restaurant left in New York and the lunch was very good. I have not been there for many months and I really enjoyed it since I love the stuff.
I had a very summery cold cherry soup and for main course veal paprikash with dumplings. It was very, very good.
Here comes the problem. After finishing the main course I could not eat my dessert because I was full. That really shook me up because I used to be able to eat everything that was put front of me.
Maybe my stomach shrunk? That's not good. If I ever go away somewhere where there is good food in abundance I will not be able to eat to my heart's content. That is very sad!
I think I will have to start some serious exercise for stretching the capacity of my stomach but I don't know how to do that without putting on pounds.
Today I drove into Manhattan (big mistake) to have lunch with my brother in law. We usually lunch together every few weeks. He is just about the only family I have left here in on this side of the ocean.
The mistake was not to have lunch with him but drive into Manhattan. Today was nothing special, ordinary working day accompanied with beautiful weather. The problem was that it took me almost an hour to find a parking spot in a side street. In short the city is a disaster.
I have been in the area a million times but today was by far the worst.
Anyway, that wasn't what made the day sad. It was a lot more serious thing.
We had lunch in the only Hungarian restaurant left in New York and the lunch was very good. I have not been there for many months and I really enjoyed it since I love the stuff.
I had a very summery cold cherry soup and for main course veal paprikash with dumplings. It was very, very good.
Here comes the problem. After finishing the main course I could not eat my dessert because I was full. That really shook me up because I used to be able to eat everything that was put front of me.
Maybe my stomach shrunk? That's not good. If I ever go away somewhere where there is good food in abundance I will not be able to eat to my heart's content. That is very sad!
I think I will have to start some serious exercise for stretching the capacity of my stomach but I don't know how to do that without putting on pounds.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Samson
I hate to shave. I always hated to shave. When I was a young boy around 17 - 18 years of age I already started shaving. At the time in Hungary my Father and I used double edged razor blades. American made because they were better or longer lasting than the ones publicly available.
First I didn't really know how to shave, second I was always full of cuts and scrapes after every shave. So, the first thing I bought when I came out to this country was an electric razor and I have been using those ever since.
My Grandfather as far as I remember always used the old fashioned straight edge razor but I never learned how to use it. Maybe just as well. I probably would have cut my throat at the first try.
Why am I telling all this?
Because when I have no pressing social engagements in my calendar I do not shave. Right now I did not shave my face since last Saturday and I do begin to look like a homeless man. Old homeless man.
This morning or rather mid morning I went to the gym to try to shed some of the pounds I put on over the weekend. End result: the pounds stayed.
Anyway, we all know the Samson and Delilah story from way-way back in ancient times. Samson's strength was in his beard. When Delilah cut off his beard his strength disappeared.
So today I figured I'll try the Samson trick in the gym. I had the beard already but unfortunately the weights felt just as heavy as when I was clean shaved.
Again, my beliefs were shaken!
First I didn't really know how to shave, second I was always full of cuts and scrapes after every shave. So, the first thing I bought when I came out to this country was an electric razor and I have been using those ever since.
My Grandfather as far as I remember always used the old fashioned straight edge razor but I never learned how to use it. Maybe just as well. I probably would have cut my throat at the first try.
Why am I telling all this?
Because when I have no pressing social engagements in my calendar I do not shave. Right now I did not shave my face since last Saturday and I do begin to look like a homeless man. Old homeless man.
This morning or rather mid morning I went to the gym to try to shed some of the pounds I put on over the weekend. End result: the pounds stayed.
Anyway, we all know the Samson and Delilah story from way-way back in ancient times. Samson's strength was in his beard. When Delilah cut off his beard his strength disappeared.
So today I figured I'll try the Samson trick in the gym. I had the beard already but unfortunately the weights felt just as heavy as when I was clean shaved.
Again, my beliefs were shaken!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Sunday Again
Today is Sunday and true to tradition I have nothing planned. That meant that today I did just exactly that: nothing!
Well, almost but I still did something that I set out to do about a week ago.
It is May 18, we are deep into Spring and if custom prevails Summer can not be far behind even if our current temperature is only 64 degrees Fahrenheit. That is in the middle of the day, not exactly Spring like.
But regardless one day we'll wake up and the temperatures will be in the 80s and I will not be prepared.
Therefore, true to past practices I decided that today is as good a day as any to review my wardrobe which means put away the winter stuff and take out the summer stuff.
Now living in an apartment we never had the luxury of too much storage space. So we had to improvise. We bought these plastic bags that supposed hermetically close. Placed all the unwanted or unneeded clothing in them, sucked the air out with the help of a vacuum cleaner and placed the bags in places where they were not visible. Like behind a curtain and under the bed.
So, today was the day that I did just that. The change in the routine was that I had to deal with only my stuff which fitted in one solitary bag.
I put away all my ski sweaters, turtle necks, long sleeve polo shirts, other sweaters, heavy warm up pants and some other stuff. Managed to fill the bag pretty well.
Took out all my summer and those are all my short sleeve polo shirts, tee shirts, some shorts and a few other stuff. Separated which go to the cleaners and which can I do in the laundry.
Now I am ready for the summer heatwave. Now that I said that I am sure we will have a blizzard on of these days and I'll be in it with my shorts on.
These hermetically closed plastic bags are great. The bag is huge, suck out the air and it is half the size and stiff as a brick. The problem is that I place it behind the curtain and leave it there but when I look at it again the air is back and the bag is huge and bulging. Like many other things I am convinced this is also a ripoff.
Here is a funny story that I don't know if I ever mentioned it. There was a young Hungarian woman who came out of Hungary many-many years ago. She packed all her belongings in suitcases but in order to be able to put more in she used these plastic bags with the air out.
Upon arriving at JFK in New York she found that all her suitcases were busted open with her clothing all over. What happened was that maybe because of the pressure change these plastic bags opened up in the luggage compartment and forced her suitcases open. She told me that at least she got new suitcases from the airline. Maybe she wasn't such a dummy after all.
Well, almost but I still did something that I set out to do about a week ago.
It is May 18, we are deep into Spring and if custom prevails Summer can not be far behind even if our current temperature is only 64 degrees Fahrenheit. That is in the middle of the day, not exactly Spring like.
But regardless one day we'll wake up and the temperatures will be in the 80s and I will not be prepared.
Therefore, true to past practices I decided that today is as good a day as any to review my wardrobe which means put away the winter stuff and take out the summer stuff.
Now living in an apartment we never had the luxury of too much storage space. So we had to improvise. We bought these plastic bags that supposed hermetically close. Placed all the unwanted or unneeded clothing in them, sucked the air out with the help of a vacuum cleaner and placed the bags in places where they were not visible. Like behind a curtain and under the bed.
So, today was the day that I did just that. The change in the routine was that I had to deal with only my stuff which fitted in one solitary bag.
I put away all my ski sweaters, turtle necks, long sleeve polo shirts, other sweaters, heavy warm up pants and some other stuff. Managed to fill the bag pretty well.
Took out all my summer and those are all my short sleeve polo shirts, tee shirts, some shorts and a few other stuff. Separated which go to the cleaners and which can I do in the laundry.
Now I am ready for the summer heatwave. Now that I said that I am sure we will have a blizzard on of these days and I'll be in it with my shorts on.
These hermetically closed plastic bags are great. The bag is huge, suck out the air and it is half the size and stiff as a brick. The problem is that I place it behind the curtain and leave it there but when I look at it again the air is back and the bag is huge and bulging. Like many other things I am convinced this is also a ripoff.
Here is a funny story that I don't know if I ever mentioned it. There was a young Hungarian woman who came out of Hungary many-many years ago. She packed all her belongings in suitcases but in order to be able to put more in she used these plastic bags with the air out.
Upon arriving at JFK in New York she found that all her suitcases were busted open with her clothing all over. What happened was that maybe because of the pressure change these plastic bags opened up in the luggage compartment and forced her suitcases open. She told me that at least she got new suitcases from the airline. Maybe she wasn't such a dummy after all.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Growing Old
Just like taxes, one can not escape growing old. Well, it is possible but that is not the recommended way.
Growing old or being old is not the greatest thing in the world. Only in the AARP magazine one can see those stupidly grinning old people who claim that their life is a lot better than when they were younger. If they would pay me I would say those same things, too.
Having an older body is like driving an old car. One waits when and what will be the next thing that breaks down. Oh yeah, and how much it will cost.
The body does not work as well as it should and as it used to even if we don't wan to accept it. Things that were easy to perform now take longer and with more effort or can not be done any longer.
So, the golden years are really marred by rust as I can see from where I sit.
The other thing that made me write this diatribe is something else.
When one, like me, has years behind him he also possesses things that are not entirely new. Now, replacing those things become a major obstacle in life.
I don't remember if I ever mentioned that I have a small Panasonic stereo with two tape players and CD player. This stereo perfectly fits into a glass cabinet where it stays and I am using the remote control to operate it. One day I decided to replace it with a similar but new unit. When I went to a few stores and asked about this type of unit they looked at me with a "hey pop where did you come from" look. They claim they don't make these anymore.
So now one of my missions is to find one like mine somewhere in this world.
Here is another problem. I have two pairs of sheer curtains in my bedroom that were purchased a few years ago. I want to replace those also. I went to JC Penney where the current one were purchased ant tried to buy new ones. Good luck with that!
My problem is that these are pleated and hung from the rod with hooked pins. Well here is another thing they do not make anymore or at least not that I know of. I went to about a half a dozen places and everywhere I got that sorry look that I am getting used to.
My only two choices are keeping the current curtains or take down the original rods and put up the new types that I am convinced will be obsolete in a few years again.
I wonder if I would need a replace part for my body for medical reason would I be told that sorry it was discontinued years ago?
Growing old or being old is not the greatest thing in the world. Only in the AARP magazine one can see those stupidly grinning old people who claim that their life is a lot better than when they were younger. If they would pay me I would say those same things, too.
Having an older body is like driving an old car. One waits when and what will be the next thing that breaks down. Oh yeah, and how much it will cost.
The body does not work as well as it should and as it used to even if we don't wan to accept it. Things that were easy to perform now take longer and with more effort or can not be done any longer.
So, the golden years are really marred by rust as I can see from where I sit.
The other thing that made me write this diatribe is something else.
When one, like me, has years behind him he also possesses things that are not entirely new. Now, replacing those things become a major obstacle in life.
I don't remember if I ever mentioned that I have a small Panasonic stereo with two tape players and CD player. This stereo perfectly fits into a glass cabinet where it stays and I am using the remote control to operate it. One day I decided to replace it with a similar but new unit. When I went to a few stores and asked about this type of unit they looked at me with a "hey pop where did you come from" look. They claim they don't make these anymore.
So now one of my missions is to find one like mine somewhere in this world.
Here is another problem. I have two pairs of sheer curtains in my bedroom that were purchased a few years ago. I want to replace those also. I went to JC Penney where the current one were purchased ant tried to buy new ones. Good luck with that!
My problem is that these are pleated and hung from the rod with hooked pins. Well here is another thing they do not make anymore or at least not that I know of. I went to about a half a dozen places and everywhere I got that sorry look that I am getting used to.
My only two choices are keeping the current curtains or take down the original rods and put up the new types that I am convinced will be obsolete in a few years again.
I wonder if I would need a replace part for my body for medical reason would I be told that sorry it was discontinued years ago?
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Walking With the Enemy
I wrote something earlier today that I planned for tomorrow but this one has to take precedent.
Today I went to the movies. That alone is a very rare thing for me because I do not go to the movies. First, there is no movie worth watching, second it is so expensive that it is not worth it.
But this time I made an exception to my rule. I can do that since it is mt rule.
There is a movie titled Walking With the Enemy that I wanted to see. It happens during World War II and it happens in Hungary. It is about the persecution of Jews by both the Hungarian Nazis and the Germans. As one can guess this is not a happy movie but it is very enlightening. With all the cruelty and killing this not for the faint of heart.
Interestingly the entire subject is about Hungarians, it was filmed primarily in Hungary but there are absolutely no Hungarians playing in it. This is an American production with almost all British cast.
The plot is based on a true story of how Jews were helped to survive the cruelty of the Arrow Cross that were the Hungarian Nazis.
I can understand why the producers did not want any Hungarians in the movie.
Hungarians are such a dirtbag group of people where antisemitism is going from one generation to another through their mothers' milk that they would have forgotten that this was a movie and hoped that the good old days are back.
I am sure that wherever they saw the swastikas and Arrow Cross symbols during the filmings they were nostalgic for that long bygone era.
Miklos Horthy was the regent of Hungary at the time. Actually since 1919. He was no friend of the Jewish people because under his regime that the discrimination against Hungarian Jews started. But in this movie they made him look like a real humanitarian which was obviously not true.
This was a real drama. It is a shame that the way movies are today every film have a very short theater life. I had to go into the Internet to find out where it was being played. But I prevailed.
But I wholeheartedly suggest to anybody who lived through those times or had family effected to go and see this movie.
Today I went to the movies. That alone is a very rare thing for me because I do not go to the movies. First, there is no movie worth watching, second it is so expensive that it is not worth it.
But this time I made an exception to my rule. I can do that since it is mt rule.
There is a movie titled Walking With the Enemy that I wanted to see. It happens during World War II and it happens in Hungary. It is about the persecution of Jews by both the Hungarian Nazis and the Germans. As one can guess this is not a happy movie but it is very enlightening. With all the cruelty and killing this not for the faint of heart.
Interestingly the entire subject is about Hungarians, it was filmed primarily in Hungary but there are absolutely no Hungarians playing in it. This is an American production with almost all British cast.
The plot is based on a true story of how Jews were helped to survive the cruelty of the Arrow Cross that were the Hungarian Nazis.
I can understand why the producers did not want any Hungarians in the movie.
Hungarians are such a dirtbag group of people where antisemitism is going from one generation to another through their mothers' milk that they would have forgotten that this was a movie and hoped that the good old days are back.
I am sure that wherever they saw the swastikas and Arrow Cross symbols during the filmings they were nostalgic for that long bygone era.
Miklos Horthy was the regent of Hungary at the time. Actually since 1919. He was no friend of the Jewish people because under his regime that the discrimination against Hungarian Jews started. But in this movie they made him look like a real humanitarian which was obviously not true.
This was a real drama. It is a shame that the way movies are today every film have a very short theater life. I had to go into the Internet to find out where it was being played. But I prevailed.
But I wholeheartedly suggest to anybody who lived through those times or had family effected to go and see this movie.
Friday, May 16, 2014
9/11
A week ago on Friday I was going somewhere and I saw a crowd gathering. Being the curious type I ventured over to see what's cooking. It was the ceremonial opening of a subway station handicap elevator, from street level down to the station.
The damn thing was talked about for about twenty years, was being constructed for about three and finally it opened up for public use. This supposed to make easier for people with handicaps or with luggage to get down to the station.
What was curious was that instead just to open that thing and let it ride everybody who thought themselves important were there. There were handshakes, smiles, photo opportunities and mutual congratulations.
That was pretty much when my stomach started to churn. I know that politicians don't give a hoot about what the people want. All they want is to be reelected and for that they need the subway elevator, the handshakes and the photo ops.
On that note, today was the ceremonial opening of the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Speaking of politicians. The subway elevator is for the lower class of local politicians. The 9/11 thing is for the elite class with the President there. There was mutual congratulations, speeches, handshakes, meeting with families etc. Everything just to be seen!
I think the whole thing is disgusting. As one might surmise I am against the entire circus. First of all I'll be damned if I pay $24 admission to go in there. Why should I pay to see what I lived through. Second the World Trade Center Survivors mafia is making everybody feel guilty if they do not agree with their demands. Where will all that money go that they plan to collect from the museum? I didn't realize that this was a profit making undertaking.
It is a shame that it took thirteen years to finally open a memorial place after what happened in 2001. And who is responsible for all the delays? The World Trade Center Survivors mafia. It was their constant and unreasonable bickering, demands that delayed the project. To me now it is disgrace.
I lost somebody very close to me in that attack and I remember him very fondly. But his widow told me years ago that they should just stop this constant and forceful reminding. Let people who lost loved ones do the remembering in their hearts or within their families but don't force people to listen to all the names read by individuals who sometimes can not even pronounce the names they are reading.
Just a final note. At the start of the ceremony a chorus sang the National Anthem and everybody visible on TV were singing along or at least mouthing the words. Everybody except Michael Bloomberg. He was standing there, next to President Obama with his lips tightly shut. O.k. he has more money than everybody together in that gathering but still, he should have made an effort just for the sake of publicity.
The damn thing was talked about for about twenty years, was being constructed for about three and finally it opened up for public use. This supposed to make easier for people with handicaps or with luggage to get down to the station.
What was curious was that instead just to open that thing and let it ride everybody who thought themselves important were there. There were handshakes, smiles, photo opportunities and mutual congratulations.
That was pretty much when my stomach started to churn. I know that politicians don't give a hoot about what the people want. All they want is to be reelected and for that they need the subway elevator, the handshakes and the photo ops.
On that note, today was the ceremonial opening of the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Speaking of politicians. The subway elevator is for the lower class of local politicians. The 9/11 thing is for the elite class with the President there. There was mutual congratulations, speeches, handshakes, meeting with families etc. Everything just to be seen!
I think the whole thing is disgusting. As one might surmise I am against the entire circus. First of all I'll be damned if I pay $24 admission to go in there. Why should I pay to see what I lived through. Second the World Trade Center Survivors mafia is making everybody feel guilty if they do not agree with their demands. Where will all that money go that they plan to collect from the museum? I didn't realize that this was a profit making undertaking.
It is a shame that it took thirteen years to finally open a memorial place after what happened in 2001. And who is responsible for all the delays? The World Trade Center Survivors mafia. It was their constant and unreasonable bickering, demands that delayed the project. To me now it is disgrace.
I lost somebody very close to me in that attack and I remember him very fondly. But his widow told me years ago that they should just stop this constant and forceful reminding. Let people who lost loved ones do the remembering in their hearts or within their families but don't force people to listen to all the names read by individuals who sometimes can not even pronounce the names they are reading.
Just a final note. At the start of the ceremony a chorus sang the National Anthem and everybody visible on TV were singing along or at least mouthing the words. Everybody except Michael Bloomberg. He was standing there, next to President Obama with his lips tightly shut. O.k. he has more money than everybody together in that gathering but still, he should have made an effort just for the sake of publicity.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Poem
As I said earlier I am right now in a kind of depressed mood. I don't know why, maybe the whole situation is just now sinking in. Maybe I am just now starting to realize the magnitude of what happened because until now I was in a daze. I have no answer because I always thought I lived fairly normal life. The fact that I can not sleep is another issue that probably will solve itself in time.
But generally, I am in very mellow mood and yesterday's session at MSKCC did nothing to reduce my feelings or provide me with a reasonable explanation for the situation I am in. But still it felt good to open up honestly without any reservation.
I "stole" the poem below from the Internet. I hope the author will not get mad at me.
The Leaving
© Colin Jarratt
Is it truly selfish to want you back again?
I could not calm your mind, I could not ease your pain;
I thought my love would be enough to keep you here with me;
But now I know that was never going to be.
I loved you, I disliked you, we argued and we kissed;
Your face, your touch, your scent forever I shall miss;
To hold you in my arms again, my soul no longer lost;
I'd pay the price and gladly have no worry to the cost.
They say that life gets better and time will ease the pain;
They're fools who cannot see the truth, it can never be the same;
No daytime and no nighttime just hour on hour on hour;
And time has no more meaning now life's not sweet it's sour.
Some think we have a life-force or a soul some others say;
If I had one I know it died that dreadful, dreadful day;
Sometimes I know I hurt you, I know that was so true;
But please forgive me for those wrong
FOR I ALWAYS WILL LOVE YOU!
Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/the-leaving#ixzz31Jc1Eyip
Family Friend Poems
But generally, I am in very mellow mood and yesterday's session at MSKCC did nothing to reduce my feelings or provide me with a reasonable explanation for the situation I am in. But still it felt good to open up honestly without any reservation.
I "stole" the poem below from the Internet. I hope the author will not get mad at me.
The Leaving
© Colin Jarratt
Is it truly selfish to want you back again?
I could not calm your mind, I could not ease your pain;
I thought my love would be enough to keep you here with me;
But now I know that was never going to be.
I loved you, I disliked you, we argued and we kissed;
Your face, your touch, your scent forever I shall miss;
To hold you in my arms again, my soul no longer lost;
I'd pay the price and gladly have no worry to the cost.
They say that life gets better and time will ease the pain;
They're fools who cannot see the truth, it can never be the same;
No daytime and no nighttime just hour on hour on hour;
And time has no more meaning now life's not sweet it's sour.
Some think we have a life-force or a soul some others say;
If I had one I know it died that dreadful, dreadful day;
Sometimes I know I hurt you, I know that was so true;
But please forgive me for those wrong
FOR I ALWAYS WILL LOVE YOU!
Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/the-leaving#ixzz31Jc1Eyip
Family Friend Poems
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Second Tuesday
Today (when this is being written) is May 13, second Tuesday of the month. Second Tuesday means there is a bereavement session at Memorial Sloan Kettering Or MSKCC.
In a kind of weird way I was looking forward to this session. It is being held every second Tuesday of the month. There is no end to it because sadly there are always people who pass away.
This was mt third time I went and so far there were no two similar sessions. Each is different in its own way.
Today there were six ladies and me, one solitary man. One woman was there the last time otherwise all newcomers. Two lost parents, one lost a fiance and four of us lost spouses. My wife passed away three months ago and I was not the one who's loss was the most recent. There were others.
It was very interesting to hear other people describing how they deal with their losses. Made me feel a little better knowing that we are all pretty much in the same boat. The thoughts, the symptoms, the indications, the effects are very similar to each others.
We all talk openly and honestly. Being the only man I didn't want to be macho so I told them just the way things are with me. There was no reason to hold back, neither I or anybody was being judged there. And honestly, this is about the only place where I for one can open up and describe my true feelings without feeling that I am imposing on people to listen to me.
These sessions are being conducted by a clinical social worker who lets us talk and open up about our feelings but she offers advice when asked for.
She told us MSKCC would start weekly bereavement sessions for a duration of eight weeks for those who need it. I told her I was not interested because once a month I am very gladly attend. I don't want to hear these problems weekly. That would not help me at all.
But once a month is all right for now. I am looking forward to June 10 already.
In a kind of weird way I was looking forward to this session. It is being held every second Tuesday of the month. There is no end to it because sadly there are always people who pass away.
This was mt third time I went and so far there were no two similar sessions. Each is different in its own way.
Today there were six ladies and me, one solitary man. One woman was there the last time otherwise all newcomers. Two lost parents, one lost a fiance and four of us lost spouses. My wife passed away three months ago and I was not the one who's loss was the most recent. There were others.
It was very interesting to hear other people describing how they deal with their losses. Made me feel a little better knowing that we are all pretty much in the same boat. The thoughts, the symptoms, the indications, the effects are very similar to each others.
We all talk openly and honestly. Being the only man I didn't want to be macho so I told them just the way things are with me. There was no reason to hold back, neither I or anybody was being judged there. And honestly, this is about the only place where I for one can open up and describe my true feelings without feeling that I am imposing on people to listen to me.
These sessions are being conducted by a clinical social worker who lets us talk and open up about our feelings but she offers advice when asked for.
She told us MSKCC would start weekly bereavement sessions for a duration of eight weeks for those who need it. I told her I was not interested because once a month I am very gladly attend. I don't want to hear these problems weekly. That would not help me at all.
But once a month is all right for now. I am looking forward to June 10 already.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Summer?
Today was a gorgeous day. It was really like the middle of summer. It was clear sky, sun, humidity and warm temperature all day long.
In the morning I went to the gym. Actually morning is my definition because it was after ten o'clock by the time I got there. But technically it was still morning. I had to start working off all the calories I absorbed over the weekend.
Anyway it was a good workout, I sweated like a pig. I think the place was a little warm too that's why I sweated. But it still felt like an achievement.
After the workout I got in my car and drove out to the beach. By anybody's count today was a real beach day. This early in the season the beach is free but it doesn't matter because during the week it is always free for us, senior citizens.
I was very surprised to see so many people there. I have a handicapped parking permit and I had a real hard time finding parking space. As I always say all the cripplies were there. But fortunately, there was ample room on the sand.
I took my beach chair and went close to the water and sat down. It was very relaxing and pleasant. I sat there for an hour and that was enough. Actually for the first time that's even a little too much. But I really didn't care. I don't have any plans to go out again this week so by next week my skin will be all right.
When I got home and looked in the mirror I did see that I got some little color. Too bad that I don't know what color. But hey, a tan is a tan.
A little event that happened to me there.
I went in where they sell food and bought myself a hot dog. Put mustard on it and went outside to eat it, really desiring it. Well, I was attacked from up above by a giant seagull who ripped the food out of my hand. That thing came down like a dive bomber without any warning and stole my food. I hope he choked on it.
In the morning I went to the gym. Actually morning is my definition because it was after ten o'clock by the time I got there. But technically it was still morning. I had to start working off all the calories I absorbed over the weekend.
Anyway it was a good workout, I sweated like a pig. I think the place was a little warm too that's why I sweated. But it still felt like an achievement.
After the workout I got in my car and drove out to the beach. By anybody's count today was a real beach day. This early in the season the beach is free but it doesn't matter because during the week it is always free for us, senior citizens.
I was very surprised to see so many people there. I have a handicapped parking permit and I had a real hard time finding parking space. As I always say all the cripplies were there. But fortunately, there was ample room on the sand.
I took my beach chair and went close to the water and sat down. It was very relaxing and pleasant. I sat there for an hour and that was enough. Actually for the first time that's even a little too much. But I really didn't care. I don't have any plans to go out again this week so by next week my skin will be all right.
When I got home and looked in the mirror I did see that I got some little color. Too bad that I don't know what color. But hey, a tan is a tan.
A little event that happened to me there.
I went in where they sell food and bought myself a hot dog. Put mustard on it and went outside to eat it, really desiring it. Well, I was attacked from up above by a giant seagull who ripped the food out of my hand. That thing came down like a dive bomber without any warning and stole my food. I hope he choked on it.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Mother's Day P.S.
This is a post script to my yesterday's Mother's Day observation.
Now that I am writing this the day is almost over. Today my best friend and I went out to the cemetery to visit her parents', grandmother's and my first wife's graves. They are all in one nearby cemetery.
The place was really crowded. Not just because there were Jewish funerals held today but because people came out to ease their consciences. This is the one day when they visit their mothers' and grandmothers' graveside.
This does not apply to us because we do go out fairly regularly. But other people came from Connecticut, New Jersey and who knows from where else. After leaving they feel they did their duties and everything is o.k. for another 364 days.
After the cemetery I had things to do so I went out to Long Island. I had lunch at McDonald's. At that place I even saw a man who took the sacrifice a step further and took his mother out to lunch to McDonald's. Now this was a real good son! I even heard him to ask her if she wanted another milkshake. Real gentleman!
On the way home I saw a guy with some flowers in his hands obviously on the way to good old mom. He had THREE red roses, yes THREE red roses in his hands. And I'm sure he would bring this up later if there is any argument that he brought flowers. What a putz!
This holiday lost its meaning a long time ago. Now it is all commercial. First wherever cars stop there are street vendors selling flowers (at inflated prices). Restaurants changed their regular Sunday menus to special Mother's Day menus. These menus have limited selections at escalated prices. And, if one does not make an arrangement early it is impossible to get in anywhere.
Next week they will roll out the red carpet for anybody who wants to come in. Today, they don't even want to know you.
Just like the taxi drivers. When it is raining they get very selective and rude. When the weather is nice and no rush hour they kiss one's behind to get a fare.
Anyway, I am glad this day is over and we can start to get ready for the next one: Father's Day.
Now that I am writing this the day is almost over. Today my best friend and I went out to the cemetery to visit her parents', grandmother's and my first wife's graves. They are all in one nearby cemetery.
The place was really crowded. Not just because there were Jewish funerals held today but because people came out to ease their consciences. This is the one day when they visit their mothers' and grandmothers' graveside.
This does not apply to us because we do go out fairly regularly. But other people came from Connecticut, New Jersey and who knows from where else. After leaving they feel they did their duties and everything is o.k. for another 364 days.
After the cemetery I had things to do so I went out to Long Island. I had lunch at McDonald's. At that place I even saw a man who took the sacrifice a step further and took his mother out to lunch to McDonald's. Now this was a real good son! I even heard him to ask her if she wanted another milkshake. Real gentleman!
On the way home I saw a guy with some flowers in his hands obviously on the way to good old mom. He had THREE red roses, yes THREE red roses in his hands. And I'm sure he would bring this up later if there is any argument that he brought flowers. What a putz!
This holiday lost its meaning a long time ago. Now it is all commercial. First wherever cars stop there are street vendors selling flowers (at inflated prices). Restaurants changed their regular Sunday menus to special Mother's Day menus. These menus have limited selections at escalated prices. And, if one does not make an arrangement early it is impossible to get in anywhere.
Next week they will roll out the red carpet for anybody who wants to come in. Today, they don't even want to know you.
Just like the taxi drivers. When it is raining they get very selective and rude. When the weather is nice and no rush hour they kiss one's behind to get a fare.
Anyway, I am glad this day is over and we can start to get ready for the next one: Father's Day.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Mother's Day
Sunday is Mother's Day.
All year people can abuse (verbally of course) their mothers, be nasty to them, use them and then don't respect them. But on this day all is forgiven if they give her flowers or candy and take them out to a nice restaurant.
That is the picture one gets when watches all this hype that surrounds Mother's Day.
If one goes to a restaurant inevitably will see a large group sitting around a big table and at the head of the table sits good old mother. She was taken out of the nursing home where they stashed her away. She was dressed up in her nicest clothes pinned some flowers to her jacket and placed her at the head of the table.
The entire family is there: her children, the in-laws, the grand kids and and maybe the great gran kids and anybody else who wanted to be included. Oh yes and if he is still alive also her husband.
Everybody is happy, everybody is talking mostly at the same time. The noticeable thing is that nobody talks to good old mother. She is sitting there like a decoration with a light and tired smile on her face and wishes she was back in the nursing home or in her own home.
Once in a while somebody ask her if she is having a good time for which she responds "oh yes, thank you".
When this whole charade is over all the siblings feel that their conscience is clear. They did their duties, they honored good old mother and she is good for another year.
The way I look at it people who are lucky enough to still have their mothers should honor and respect her every day of every year that she is around and even after that, too not just on the second Sunday of May.
And that also applies to Father's Day.
All year people can abuse (verbally of course) their mothers, be nasty to them, use them and then don't respect them. But on this day all is forgiven if they give her flowers or candy and take them out to a nice restaurant.
That is the picture one gets when watches all this hype that surrounds Mother's Day.
If one goes to a restaurant inevitably will see a large group sitting around a big table and at the head of the table sits good old mother. She was taken out of the nursing home where they stashed her away. She was dressed up in her nicest clothes pinned some flowers to her jacket and placed her at the head of the table.
The entire family is there: her children, the in-laws, the grand kids and and maybe the great gran kids and anybody else who wanted to be included. Oh yes and if he is still alive also her husband.
Everybody is happy, everybody is talking mostly at the same time. The noticeable thing is that nobody talks to good old mother. She is sitting there like a decoration with a light and tired smile on her face and wishes she was back in the nursing home or in her own home.
Once in a while somebody ask her if she is having a good time for which she responds "oh yes, thank you".
When this whole charade is over all the siblings feel that their conscience is clear. They did their duties, they honored good old mother and she is good for another year.
The way I look at it people who are lucky enough to still have their mothers should honor and respect her every day of every year that she is around and even after that, too not just on the second Sunday of May.
And that also applies to Father's Day.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Life Sentence
I saw a movie on TV the other night where somebody was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. That made me think about the hopelessness and aimlessness of life in a situation like that.
Then I realized that what I am going through is very similar to such a sentence.
I should have warned everybody who read this that right now I am in a very depressed mood!
Back to life without parole.
I am alone and that is the sad truth. At the age that I am now there is very little chance to expect any change from life. And that is exactly what a life sentence without the possibility of parole is.
I function, I socialize, I am going through the motions but when I turn the lights off at night and sleep eludes me there is only me and my memories locked into that prison cell of my mind. And that is the painful thruth.
Maybe I am watching too many crime shows to think like this but no matter what this is how I feel.
There is a man in my building who lost his wife about 35 years ago. I think he is older than me, lives alone. Every time I see him I can't help thinking that this is what awaits for me? Except I don't have 35 more years to go because then I'll make the Guiness Book of World Records.
I have a friend who is over 91 years old. Lost his wife about ten or twelve years ago. Lives all alone, no family, only friends and he is not very healthy. His only independence is that he is still able to drive. But how long?
For me, I am still waiting by the door!
it is very depressing to see such people because I can not help but see myself in the future.
Then I realized that what I am going through is very similar to such a sentence.
I should have warned everybody who read this that right now I am in a very depressed mood!
Back to life without parole.
I am alone and that is the sad truth. At the age that I am now there is very little chance to expect any change from life. And that is exactly what a life sentence without the possibility of parole is.
I function, I socialize, I am going through the motions but when I turn the lights off at night and sleep eludes me there is only me and my memories locked into that prison cell of my mind. And that is the painful thruth.
Maybe I am watching too many crime shows to think like this but no matter what this is how I feel.
There is a man in my building who lost his wife about 35 years ago. I think he is older than me, lives alone. Every time I see him I can't help thinking that this is what awaits for me? Except I don't have 35 more years to go because then I'll make the Guiness Book of World Records.
I have a friend who is over 91 years old. Lost his wife about ten or twelve years ago. Lives all alone, no family, only friends and he is not very healthy. His only independence is that he is still able to drive. But how long?
For me, I am still waiting by the door!
it is very depressing to see such people because I can not help but see myself in the future.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Thursday
I am sitting here in my clean apartment and I'm afraid to move.
Today is Thursday and that is traditionally cleaning day. And, just like Tevye said "tradition, tradition..." Thursday is still cleaning day.
I am afraid to move because I worked very hard, everything is spic and span and I don't want to stir up dust or disturb things. It is true that every Thursday is cleaning day but it is now a modified schedule. I do certain things only and then other stuff the following week.
I mean how much dirt can I produce? But what bothers me is that ten minutes after I dust off the furniture there is dust on them again. Where the hell it is coming I don't know. The windows are always closed so it can not come from the outside. This is an eternal mystery.
I started around ten in the morning and finished about 2:30 in the afternoon. But don't feel sorry for me because I stopped several times.
Played on the computer, talked on the phone, ate, played more on the computer and then cleaned also.
Interesting that even though I was helping with the cleaning for years it was always under supervision and with guidance. Now that I am doing it all by myself I am getting better and better with it. I make my own plans, do what I think is necessary at my own pace. Unfortunately nobody will complain if the work is not perfect.
After all these weeks I still don't know when to use Pledge and when to use Liquid Gold on the furniture since I have them both at home.
I am taking a psychological approach to house cleaning. Actual I always did but now more than before. It is a physical exercise just like going to the gym. It must be since after finishing every bone and muscle in my body hurt.
Since I am good at this maybe I should do other people's homes, too. I'll advertise myself as "Cleaning Hunk".
Today is Thursday and that is traditionally cleaning day. And, just like Tevye said "tradition, tradition..." Thursday is still cleaning day.
I am afraid to move because I worked very hard, everything is spic and span and I don't want to stir up dust or disturb things. It is true that every Thursday is cleaning day but it is now a modified schedule. I do certain things only and then other stuff the following week.
I mean how much dirt can I produce? But what bothers me is that ten minutes after I dust off the furniture there is dust on them again. Where the hell it is coming I don't know. The windows are always closed so it can not come from the outside. This is an eternal mystery.
I started around ten in the morning and finished about 2:30 in the afternoon. But don't feel sorry for me because I stopped several times.
Played on the computer, talked on the phone, ate, played more on the computer and then cleaned also.
Interesting that even though I was helping with the cleaning for years it was always under supervision and with guidance. Now that I am doing it all by myself I am getting better and better with it. I make my own plans, do what I think is necessary at my own pace. Unfortunately nobody will complain if the work is not perfect.
After all these weeks I still don't know when to use Pledge and when to use Liquid Gold on the furniture since I have them both at home.
I am taking a psychological approach to house cleaning. Actual I always did but now more than before. It is a physical exercise just like going to the gym. It must be since after finishing every bone and muscle in my body hurt.
Since I am good at this maybe I should do other people's homes, too. I'll advertise myself as "Cleaning Hunk".
Thursday, May 8, 2014
The Other Cheek
Let bygones be bygones is for the forgiving types. It is not for me. No other cheek for me either.
There are things that happen in life that I just can not forgive or forget and, that's it.
Why am I saying this?
Because today I received a letter, actually an annual notice, from my wife's gastroenterologist advising Her to contact his office because it is time for a new gastrointestinal examination or in common words for a colonoscopy. And he goes on saying this is essential in maintaining good health and decrease chances for a serious medical ailment.
This irked me to no end. In previous years when we received such a notice we just threw it out but now this is a different situation.
The idiot does not know what he did or what he did not do and what were the consequences. He does not realise that because he was so busy telling us jokes he did not notice that the cancer was already there. Had he notice it all this tragedy might have been prevented and my wife did not have to suffer and at the end die.
He was very jovial throughout the examination, he was telling us jokes and kept telling that everything looked fantastic. Later when he needed to take biopsy and that turned out positive he was still telling us there was nothing to worry about because that little cancer can be easily removed.
How wrong he was! His little cancer turned out to be an incurable metastasized cancer that spread to the liver.
It took over three years of treatments and false hopes until the irreversible finality.
He had no clue of what he did or didn't do. He is sitting in his office convinced that he is one of the world's greatest doctor.
In my anger I wrote him a letter today where I pretty much conveyed the same thoughts. If he gets insulted to bad! Honestly, I hope he does.
Because as long as I live I will never forgive him for taking my wife away from me.
There are things that happen in life that I just can not forgive or forget and, that's it.
Why am I saying this?
Because today I received a letter, actually an annual notice, from my wife's gastroenterologist advising Her to contact his office because it is time for a new gastrointestinal examination or in common words for a colonoscopy. And he goes on saying this is essential in maintaining good health and decrease chances for a serious medical ailment.
This irked me to no end. In previous years when we received such a notice we just threw it out but now this is a different situation.
The idiot does not know what he did or what he did not do and what were the consequences. He does not realise that because he was so busy telling us jokes he did not notice that the cancer was already there. Had he notice it all this tragedy might have been prevented and my wife did not have to suffer and at the end die.
He was very jovial throughout the examination, he was telling us jokes and kept telling that everything looked fantastic. Later when he needed to take biopsy and that turned out positive he was still telling us there was nothing to worry about because that little cancer can be easily removed.
How wrong he was! His little cancer turned out to be an incurable metastasized cancer that spread to the liver.
It took over three years of treatments and false hopes until the irreversible finality.
He had no clue of what he did or didn't do. He is sitting in his office convinced that he is one of the world's greatest doctor.
In my anger I wrote him a letter today where I pretty much conveyed the same thoughts. If he gets insulted to bad! Honestly, I hope he does.
Because as long as I live I will never forgive him for taking my wife away from me.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Day Trip
Today is Tuesday and I had a great day. Today was the first time that I went to a further distance away from home to meet friends.
I have a very great friend whom I know practically from the day I left Hungary. That would be more than 57 years by now and counting.
She is a lovely lady who had her own shares of problems in life and I went to visit her. I had to go to New Jersey southbound from New York and travel on the New Jersey Turnpike. My Google map plotted her place about 99 miles and one and a half hour trip.
In reality it was more than 110 miles and took me well over two hours to get there and I only had one short stop.
But no matter how long the trip was it was worth it. First it was a beautiful day, good for traveling. Second she is a lovely person and I loved and love being in her company. We talked and talked, exchanged miseries and at the end I think we both felt better.
New Jersey Turnpike is not a bad road. Most of the time the speed limit is 65 miles per hour but if one drives "only" at 70 miles per hour he is being pushed off the road. The only thing that makes the trip long and tedious are all the various construction areas where signs advise you to reduce speed to 45 miles per hour. That is not very easy when everybody is flying at 70 plus. So, in the 45 areas speeds are reduced to 65!
The town she lives in is a beautiful little town nestled against the Delaware River. Beautiful and tasteful homes on the waterfront, no McMansions at all.
We had a very pleasant late lunch, talked some more than went back to her house for a little more chatting. After six o'clock I got ready to go home.
I figured by the time I get to New York rush hour would be over and it would be an easy sailing. And exactly that happened. The trip home was not that long, traffic was not existing and 65 miles per hour speed limit was all the way. I put on the cruise control and let the car do what it does best while I took a nap!
Stopped once, ate some and was home by 9:30 in the evening. I know that when I go again, now knowing the route it will take less time.
All in all I had a very good day! I think I deserve it.
I have a very great friend whom I know practically from the day I left Hungary. That would be more than 57 years by now and counting.
She is a lovely lady who had her own shares of problems in life and I went to visit her. I had to go to New Jersey southbound from New York and travel on the New Jersey Turnpike. My Google map plotted her place about 99 miles and one and a half hour trip.
In reality it was more than 110 miles and took me well over two hours to get there and I only had one short stop.
But no matter how long the trip was it was worth it. First it was a beautiful day, good for traveling. Second she is a lovely person and I loved and love being in her company. We talked and talked, exchanged miseries and at the end I think we both felt better.
New Jersey Turnpike is not a bad road. Most of the time the speed limit is 65 miles per hour but if one drives "only" at 70 miles per hour he is being pushed off the road. The only thing that makes the trip long and tedious are all the various construction areas where signs advise you to reduce speed to 45 miles per hour. That is not very easy when everybody is flying at 70 plus. So, in the 45 areas speeds are reduced to 65!
The town she lives in is a beautiful little town nestled against the Delaware River. Beautiful and tasteful homes on the waterfront, no McMansions at all.
We had a very pleasant late lunch, talked some more than went back to her house for a little more chatting. After six o'clock I got ready to go home.
I figured by the time I get to New York rush hour would be over and it would be an easy sailing. And exactly that happened. The trip home was not that long, traffic was not existing and 65 miles per hour speed limit was all the way. I put on the cruise control and let the car do what it does best while I took a nap!
Stopped once, ate some and was home by 9:30 in the evening. I know that when I go again, now knowing the route it will take less time.
All in all I had a very good day! I think I deserve it.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Cleanliness
I take a shower whenever it is necessary which is usually every day. But I do skip a day once in a while. I also shave regularly which is also every day, most of the time.
When I worked there was never any question about when to shower and shave. Every day was the rule. Also my wife was here to remind me if I inadvertently missed a day.
Women love to bathe, might that be a bath or just a shower but with them it is always a major undertaking. Since they like to pamper themselves it is natural that it takes a lot longer than for men.
Me? I go into the shower and by the time the commercial is over in my shower radio I am done. No pampering for this dude. I live with what god gave me.
Now that I am alone things are a little different. With my wife we used to go out every single day. Never stayed home. Might that be just to walk around some stores but still went out.
Now I don't go out if I have no reason to. I don't go to stores just to look around because frankly, they bore me. So, since I do not go out I have the tendency to skip some routines. Who will complain? Sometimes I do stay in two or three days, except for going to the gym.
Sometime early last week it just happened that I had no reason to go anywhere and I decided that I would not shave until it was absolutely necessary.
That lasted about four days. Even though it was great for my face but when I looked at my reflection in the mirror I got scared. And, when I took a selfie of me I got even more scared. I looked like somebody on a police wanted poster besides the fact that I looked ten years older than I really am.
So very quickly I shaved and got nice and clean and suddenly looked only as old as I really am.
This does not mean that I will not skip a day here and there with my shaving which I will but never as long as it was the last time.
But pampering is still out of the question.
When I worked there was never any question about when to shower and shave. Every day was the rule. Also my wife was here to remind me if I inadvertently missed a day.
Women love to bathe, might that be a bath or just a shower but with them it is always a major undertaking. Since they like to pamper themselves it is natural that it takes a lot longer than for men.
Me? I go into the shower and by the time the commercial is over in my shower radio I am done. No pampering for this dude. I live with what god gave me.
Now that I am alone things are a little different. With my wife we used to go out every single day. Never stayed home. Might that be just to walk around some stores but still went out.
Now I don't go out if I have no reason to. I don't go to stores just to look around because frankly, they bore me. So, since I do not go out I have the tendency to skip some routines. Who will complain? Sometimes I do stay in two or three days, except for going to the gym.
Sometime early last week it just happened that I had no reason to go anywhere and I decided that I would not shave until it was absolutely necessary.
That lasted about four days. Even though it was great for my face but when I looked at my reflection in the mirror I got scared. And, when I took a selfie of me I got even more scared. I looked like somebody on a police wanted poster besides the fact that I looked ten years older than I really am.
So very quickly I shaved and got nice and clean and suddenly looked only as old as I really am.
This does not mean that I will not skip a day here and there with my shaving which I will but never as long as it was the last time.
But pampering is still out of the question.
Monday, May 5, 2014
Sleep or No Sleep
I could not sleep this morning. Proof of it is that right now it is just before 8 am and I have been up since 5:30.
I went to sleep a little after midnight Saturday, got up at 4:30 then back to bed but couldn't go back to sleep. I don't know why. I was nervous, I was tossing and turning and sleep just eluded me. So, by 5:30 I said heck with this and got up.
Even my coffee maker was still sleeping. Set for 7 am I had to start it manually. So, what does one do at 5:30 am when the rest of the world is still asleep on a Sunday morning?
I started up my computer and was on it for a while, then at seven I took a shower and after that I made my first telephone call.
Not for here in the US but to Hungary where by that time it was almost two o'clock in the afternoon. I talked to my cousin for almost a half an hour. Thanks to a good telephone plan a half hour of overseas conversation costs only 30 cents. And me being a big spender we just talked!
Today is Mother's Day in Hungary (first Sunday in May) and he was very depressed. Lost his mother, my aunt, about sixteen years ago and he misses her a lot.
He also had a minor stroke a few months ago and now he is afraid of everything. Afraid to go out alone, afraid to take medications, afraid not to take medications, afraid to do anything and plus he is not a young man. Bottom line is that he is extremely depressing. He lives alone because he is a confirmed bachelor and now he is lonely, now he misses family.
Right now I really do not need somebody who is very depressed. I have enough on my plate to deal with but the nice guy I am, I wound up trying to cheer him up.
I also told him I couldn't sleep this morning, he said neither could he. He always tries to up my misery with his. Do I really need this?
He is my father's brother's son thus my first cousin and I love him as miserable as he is.
Whenever we visited Hungary he was a great companion,loved to go out to restaurants and eat whatever we dreamed up. Right now I am thinking going there next year for a visit and I am looking forward to seeing him and spending time with him.
Oh, yeah and, going out to eat with him.
I went to sleep a little after midnight Saturday, got up at 4:30 then back to bed but couldn't go back to sleep. I don't know why. I was nervous, I was tossing and turning and sleep just eluded me. So, by 5:30 I said heck with this and got up.
Even my coffee maker was still sleeping. Set for 7 am I had to start it manually. So, what does one do at 5:30 am when the rest of the world is still asleep on a Sunday morning?
I started up my computer and was on it for a while, then at seven I took a shower and after that I made my first telephone call.
Not for here in the US but to Hungary where by that time it was almost two o'clock in the afternoon. I talked to my cousin for almost a half an hour. Thanks to a good telephone plan a half hour of overseas conversation costs only 30 cents. And me being a big spender we just talked!
Today is Mother's Day in Hungary (first Sunday in May) and he was very depressed. Lost his mother, my aunt, about sixteen years ago and he misses her a lot.
He also had a minor stroke a few months ago and now he is afraid of everything. Afraid to go out alone, afraid to take medications, afraid not to take medications, afraid to do anything and plus he is not a young man. Bottom line is that he is extremely depressing. He lives alone because he is a confirmed bachelor and now he is lonely, now he misses family.
Right now I really do not need somebody who is very depressed. I have enough on my plate to deal with but the nice guy I am, I wound up trying to cheer him up.
I also told him I couldn't sleep this morning, he said neither could he. He always tries to up my misery with his. Do I really need this?
He is my father's brother's son thus my first cousin and I love him as miserable as he is.
Whenever we visited Hungary he was a great companion,loved to go out to restaurants and eat whatever we dreamed up. Right now I am thinking going there next year for a visit and I am looking forward to seeing him and spending time with him.
Oh, yeah and, going out to eat with him.
Sunday, May 4, 2014
To Tell The Ttruth
In the 1980s there was a quiz show named To Tell the Truth. I think it was once a week in prime time. Seemed to be very popular at the time.
The synopsis of the show was that there was a fairly famous person and two impostors. The famous person was not physically known so nobody really recognized him or her. The two impostors also claimed to be the famous person and the panel had to find out who was the real person.
For any incorrect vote money was awarded. In the panel at the time as I remember was Peggy Cass and Bill Cullen. Both well known TV personalities. Bill Cullen was actually the original host of the Price Is Right TV show.
To make it short, this was a very popular show with a large viewership and it ran continuously from 1956 through 1981, I think.
Well to get to the point, through some acquaintance at my office I volunteered and was accepted as an impostor for the show. The big problem was that I was supposed to be Pete Gogolak a very famous place kicker for the New York Giants amongst other teams. He played between 196 and 1974 so by the time the show was being taped he was already retired.
He was Hungarian and he played soccer in Hungary. His claim to fame was as I remember that he was using the European style soccer kick that was very new and achieved good results.
So I and another fellow had to pretend that one of us was him. That seemed fairly easy, me being Hungarian right? But the problem was that I had absolutely no clue about American football. I didn't know any players, didn't know any of the teams and didn't any of the rules.
When they started asking me I was trying to make up some answers but it became very obvious that it wasn't me who was the football player.
When I found out, a few days earlier, who I was supposed to be on the show I was scared out of my wits. I tried to learn as much as I could about football in a very short time but the information was overwhelming. So, I figured I'll just wing it. My life didn't depend on this except my reputation.
The day of the taping was a whole day affair and it was fun. They taped several shows and I met a few very interesting people. One that stands out was the man who was the first to enter into the nuclear plant in Three Mile Island after the explosion.
My fiancee and my future mother in law were there cheering for me. The taping was in the NBC studio in New York's Rockefeller Center. There was food prepared for us and we were allowed to come and go as we liked and were treated as important people. The only ones isolated were the celebrity panel. We only met them once the show got under way.
It is interesting when we see these game shows now they give the impression that everything is very spontaneous. No way, everything was very controlled down to the color of my jacket I worn.
Anyway due to my ignorance of football I was found out fairly easily and Mr. Gogolak won. I received a check for $25 for my appearance which was more than nothing. Oh the show was taped in November 1980 and broadcasted shortly after.
One day I got a phone call from my niece from Pennsylvania that she saw me on television. I was very grateful and proud that somebody who knew me at least saw me.
The synopsis of the show was that there was a fairly famous person and two impostors. The famous person was not physically known so nobody really recognized him or her. The two impostors also claimed to be the famous person and the panel had to find out who was the real person.
For any incorrect vote money was awarded. In the panel at the time as I remember was Peggy Cass and Bill Cullen. Both well known TV personalities. Bill Cullen was actually the original host of the Price Is Right TV show.
To make it short, this was a very popular show with a large viewership and it ran continuously from 1956 through 1981, I think.
Well to get to the point, through some acquaintance at my office I volunteered and was accepted as an impostor for the show. The big problem was that I was supposed to be Pete Gogolak a very famous place kicker for the New York Giants amongst other teams. He played between 196 and 1974 so by the time the show was being taped he was already retired.
He was Hungarian and he played soccer in Hungary. His claim to fame was as I remember that he was using the European style soccer kick that was very new and achieved good results.
So I and another fellow had to pretend that one of us was him. That seemed fairly easy, me being Hungarian right? But the problem was that I had absolutely no clue about American football. I didn't know any players, didn't know any of the teams and didn't any of the rules.
When they started asking me I was trying to make up some answers but it became very obvious that it wasn't me who was the football player.
When I found out, a few days earlier, who I was supposed to be on the show I was scared out of my wits. I tried to learn as much as I could about football in a very short time but the information was overwhelming. So, I figured I'll just wing it. My life didn't depend on this except my reputation.
The day of the taping was a whole day affair and it was fun. They taped several shows and I met a few very interesting people. One that stands out was the man who was the first to enter into the nuclear plant in Three Mile Island after the explosion.
My fiancee and my future mother in law were there cheering for me. The taping was in the NBC studio in New York's Rockefeller Center. There was food prepared for us and we were allowed to come and go as we liked and were treated as important people. The only ones isolated were the celebrity panel. We only met them once the show got under way.
It is interesting when we see these game shows now they give the impression that everything is very spontaneous. No way, everything was very controlled down to the color of my jacket I worn.
Anyway due to my ignorance of football I was found out fairly easily and Mr. Gogolak won. I received a check for $25 for my appearance which was more than nothing. Oh the show was taped in November 1980 and broadcasted shortly after.
One day I got a phone call from my niece from Pennsylvania that she saw me on television. I was very grateful and proud that somebody who knew me at least saw me.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
If a tree falls in a forest...
"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" is a philosophical thought.
This is the question that baffled mankind for many years. I have other similar philosophical questions that might not have baffled mankind but they certainly baffled me.
When one drives on the road and gets to an intersection and there is nobody around, meaning no cars, no people and the person wants to make a turn is it necessary to signal?
When one drives on a highway and wants to change lane and there is no car in view anywhere is it necessary to signal?
When one parks into a very tight spot and there is nobody in the car next to his and when he opens his door that door hits the car next to his, does he say "sorry"?
When one backs into a very tight spot and there is nobody sitting in the car behind does he hits that car or try not to?
These are very important questions that affect or driving techniques.
Speaking of driving techniques, I wonder how many of us old time drivers would pass a driving test today. Probably none of us.
I got my drivers license in 1961 and I passed my driving test at the first try. In those days we had to use hand signals. Signals for turning, for slowing down and I don't know for what else. Today there is only one hand signal every driver is familiar with and that one is not using the entire hand. It is using only one finger!
A few years ago I got a ticket from a very "friendly" policeman for making an illegal left turn. I live in this neighborhood for over fifty years and I made thousands of turns at the same spot with no problem.
So this Erich von Stroheim look a like waved me over and asked me if I knew what I was doing. I said no. I was making a left turn in a business district which apparently is illegal in New York City or State. I told him that I was living here longer than he was alive but to no avail. Smilingly he still gave me a ticket.
I fought the ticket and eventually went to traffic court. This jerk of a cop was there with a bundle of tickets. He must have surpassed his quota because in that courtroom almost everybody was his victim. I argued with the judge and eventually I won! But she asked me very interesting question. She asked me how did I get my license if I didn't know that no left turn was permitted in a business district.
That made me think that what do we know of today's driving regulations. All I know is to go forward, park, stop, go, turn and a few equally important things. Oh, yeah, and don't go over the speed limits (by much).
This is the question that baffled mankind for many years. I have other similar philosophical questions that might not have baffled mankind but they certainly baffled me.
When one drives on the road and gets to an intersection and there is nobody around, meaning no cars, no people and the person wants to make a turn is it necessary to signal?
When one drives on a highway and wants to change lane and there is no car in view anywhere is it necessary to signal?
When one parks into a very tight spot and there is nobody in the car next to his and when he opens his door that door hits the car next to his, does he say "sorry"?
When one backs into a very tight spot and there is nobody sitting in the car behind does he hits that car or try not to?
These are very important questions that affect or driving techniques.
Speaking of driving techniques, I wonder how many of us old time drivers would pass a driving test today. Probably none of us.
I got my drivers license in 1961 and I passed my driving test at the first try. In those days we had to use hand signals. Signals for turning, for slowing down and I don't know for what else. Today there is only one hand signal every driver is familiar with and that one is not using the entire hand. It is using only one finger!
A few years ago I got a ticket from a very "friendly" policeman for making an illegal left turn. I live in this neighborhood for over fifty years and I made thousands of turns at the same spot with no problem.
So this Erich von Stroheim look a like waved me over and asked me if I knew what I was doing. I said no. I was making a left turn in a business district which apparently is illegal in New York City or State. I told him that I was living here longer than he was alive but to no avail. Smilingly he still gave me a ticket.
I fought the ticket and eventually went to traffic court. This jerk of a cop was there with a bundle of tickets. He must have surpassed his quota because in that courtroom almost everybody was his victim. I argued with the judge and eventually I won! But she asked me very interesting question. She asked me how did I get my license if I didn't know that no left turn was permitted in a business district.
That made me think that what do we know of today's driving regulations. All I know is to go forward, park, stop, go, turn and a few equally important things. Oh, yeah, and don't go over the speed limits (by much).
Friday, May 2, 2014
May 1
Today, when I am writing this it is May 1 or May Day. When I lived in Hungary this day was always a big holiday. Besides having a political significance it was always the official start of the summer season. Even if we froze our asses off the pools opened up, amusement parks became fully functional and summer was here like it or not.
I think the observance of this was inherited from the Soviets because they always had big May Day parades. Well if they had it Hungarians had to have it, too. Actually I do know the history of May Day but I don't want to show off how smart I am.
In Budapest all the party and government big shots showed up at the official reviewing stand and the faithful and happy workers marched and waved and sang and danced and everybody was deliriously happy.
The only reason people were happy because on that day nobody worked. And if Hungarians loved and still love something that is not to work.
Most of the time this day was combined with a possible long weekend or at least another off day. Maybe give time to the delirious people to sober up.
This year May Day falls on a Thursday. So what do the good Hungarians do? Make it a four day weekend. Isn't that just natural, right?
Even though capitalism replaced socialism and capitalism is rampant there some good old habits are hard to shed. Like May Day and August 20. August 20 was the celebration of the new constitution after WWII. Now it is called Saint Stephen day and still a holiday. Saint Stephen was the first christian king of Hungary for those who care.
April 4 used to be a holiday too. It was celebrating the liberation of Hungary by the Soviet Army in 1945. For obvious reasons that day is not observed anymore. Mainly since the good old Hungarians would have preferred the Nazis to stay and finish what they started so there was nothing to celebrate on April 4.
But going back to good old habits hard to shed. My former countrymen hate to work. They will grab at any opportunity to shorten the workweek by extending holidays and at the same time also getting paid. No dummies!
I can say one thing. May 1st is not the beginning of summer here where I am no matter how I look at it. It was raining, cold and we had heat in my building.
But just to show my solidarity with the working proletariat, I did a lot of work today. It was cleaning day at my household. Actually, I am getting to be pretty good at it. The fact that every bone in my body hurt is another problem but I'll get used to it.
It is a psychological issue. I keep telling myself that the cleaning is just an exercise and no pain, no gain. It really works at the end.
I am so gullible, I believe anything!
I think the observance of this was inherited from the Soviets because they always had big May Day parades. Well if they had it Hungarians had to have it, too. Actually I do know the history of May Day but I don't want to show off how smart I am.
In Budapest all the party and government big shots showed up at the official reviewing stand and the faithful and happy workers marched and waved and sang and danced and everybody was deliriously happy.
The only reason people were happy because on that day nobody worked. And if Hungarians loved and still love something that is not to work.
Most of the time this day was combined with a possible long weekend or at least another off day. Maybe give time to the delirious people to sober up.
This year May Day falls on a Thursday. So what do the good Hungarians do? Make it a four day weekend. Isn't that just natural, right?
Even though capitalism replaced socialism and capitalism is rampant there some good old habits are hard to shed. Like May Day and August 20. August 20 was the celebration of the new constitution after WWII. Now it is called Saint Stephen day and still a holiday. Saint Stephen was the first christian king of Hungary for those who care.
April 4 used to be a holiday too. It was celebrating the liberation of Hungary by the Soviet Army in 1945. For obvious reasons that day is not observed anymore. Mainly since the good old Hungarians would have preferred the Nazis to stay and finish what they started so there was nothing to celebrate on April 4.
But going back to good old habits hard to shed. My former countrymen hate to work. They will grab at any opportunity to shorten the workweek by extending holidays and at the same time also getting paid. No dummies!
I can say one thing. May 1st is not the beginning of summer here where I am no matter how I look at it. It was raining, cold and we had heat in my building.
But just to show my solidarity with the working proletariat, I did a lot of work today. It was cleaning day at my household. Actually, I am getting to be pretty good at it. The fact that every bone in my body hurt is another problem but I'll get used to it.
It is a psychological issue. I keep telling myself that the cleaning is just an exercise and no pain, no gain. It really works at the end.
I am so gullible, I believe anything!
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Another Sunday
I know it is Thursday when this is published but I just had to write about my last Sunday.
Two weeks ago I drove into Manhattan to Macy's to exchange a belt that was my birthday present for another size. Well, this Sunday I drove in again to exchange that same belt but this time to another color. The original belt was brown and I realized I have oodles of brown belts and only one black belt. Now, I have two black belts!
You see, I may not know how to cook but I can think for myself when necessary.
The drive in was pleasant just like the last time but parking this time was a lot more difficult. Macy's is between 34 and 35th streets and I finally parked in 43rd Street. When one is looking for a parking spot it is very easy to go further and further away from the place one wants to be close to.
The good thing was that the weather was pleasant and I didn't mind walking. I crossed Times Square and walked around like a tourist.
I haven't been there on foot in years and I found the area very interesting and busy. I walked up and down 42nd street and gawked at the signs and curbside vendors. I was glad that I was not a tourist. I would have been totally lost. As a New Yorker I just looked at things and kept saying to myself that these things are for the tourists.
No self respecting New Yorker would fall for any of the come ons.
Two weeks ago I saw an Iranian New Year parade. This time there was a remembrance on Times Square for the 1912 Armenian genocide. I watched that for a while then I realized how much politicians love to hear themselves speak so I left.
This is a big city, every week something is happening somewhere.
I had lunch at Macy's again, this time it was for $18. Man, nothing is too good for me!
Two weeks ago I drove into Manhattan to Macy's to exchange a belt that was my birthday present for another size. Well, this Sunday I drove in again to exchange that same belt but this time to another color. The original belt was brown and I realized I have oodles of brown belts and only one black belt. Now, I have two black belts!
You see, I may not know how to cook but I can think for myself when necessary.
The drive in was pleasant just like the last time but parking this time was a lot more difficult. Macy's is between 34 and 35th streets and I finally parked in 43rd Street. When one is looking for a parking spot it is very easy to go further and further away from the place one wants to be close to.
The good thing was that the weather was pleasant and I didn't mind walking. I crossed Times Square and walked around like a tourist.
I haven't been there on foot in years and I found the area very interesting and busy. I walked up and down 42nd street and gawked at the signs and curbside vendors. I was glad that I was not a tourist. I would have been totally lost. As a New Yorker I just looked at things and kept saying to myself that these things are for the tourists.
No self respecting New Yorker would fall for any of the come ons.
Two weeks ago I saw an Iranian New Year parade. This time there was a remembrance on Times Square for the 1912 Armenian genocide. I watched that for a while then I realized how much politicians love to hear themselves speak so I left.
This is a big city, every week something is happening somewhere.
I had lunch at Macy's again, this time it was for $18. Man, nothing is too good for me!
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