Today is Sunday, the weather was just fantastic. Sun and heat. But with the exception of going to the gym before noon I was home. I was watching the Netherlands-Mexico Wold Cup soccer game. Loving St. Maarten I was rooting for the Dutch.
It was so hot there that they called stop to the game twice so the players could have water. The announcers said it was about 104 degrees.
So in sympathy with them I had the windows open and no a/c and I really suffered with them. I also had to call water stop to my watching. But like them I survived.
Other thing.
I probably mentioned it a few times already that we had a timeshare in St. Maarten in the Caribbean. Beautiful place that we both loved. Not just the place but the people there. Throughout the years we made many good friends who were there at the same time as we and we just so looked forward every year going down there.
Now that my Wife is no longer I had a great problem about what to do. I really very badly wanted to go there but couldn't see myself sitting on the beach alone day after day, or going to dinner alone or just being alone, period.
I looked around who can I invite to come with me, somebody who likes the beach, the sand and the sun. Oh, and the good French food.
Well, my Wife has (or had) a very lovely niece in Budapest whom I know and who was already planning to come to New York in early September for a visit. I asked her if she wanted to change her schedule and spend two weeks in St. Maarten. Fortunately, she said yes and accepted my invitation.
Now it looks like we can be in St. Maarten as I was hoping to. I already purchased the tickets, I just have to get the rental car arranged and then all is set.
EXCEPT the packing. I have to decide what to pack all by myself. All the time including last year's trip my Wife always told me what stuff to take, what to wear and how to look nice. Now I have to act like I growed up and do it alone. Ain't easy!
I am very excited and at the same time very apprehensive. But with all the nice people there I'm sure we will have a great time.
What hurricanes?
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Nice Saturday
It is unbelievable how tiring can be doing not much. That was exactly what happened with me today.
I didn't do anything until noon except made and received a lot of phone calls. But that's really not tiring unless one counts being charming takes energy.
Afternoon, my friend and I did our usual Saturday routine. Gas, supermarket then late launch blended into an early dinner.
As I said routine. Nothing out of the ordinary, should be used to it by now. Yet, when I got home around sic o'clock I just collapsed.
Maybe it was the food. We went to a very lovely waterfront restaurant in the Long Island town of Port Washington. We were sitting out on the deck, under an umbrella and the sea air was coming in a light breeze. I have to tell it was extremely pleasant even though the place was pretty crowded.
This restaurant has its own marina that allows people to come in with their own boats and dock and eat. The place had the resort atmosphere with the sun shining and very pleasant warm air.
Being a seafood restaurant we both naturally had seafood. We started with oysters, then a nice watermelon/gazpacho soup followed with seared scallops for her and fried fillet for me. Everything was just great.
I love oysters. My friend never had any but very bravely she ate three and announced it that she liked them. I told her be careful because oyster are supposed to be aphrodisiacs.
This is one of the advantages of not living in Manhattan. Places like this one are nothing special but can not be found in Manhattan only out in Long Island (as far as I know).
I didn't do anything until noon except made and received a lot of phone calls. But that's really not tiring unless one counts being charming takes energy.
Afternoon, my friend and I did our usual Saturday routine. Gas, supermarket then late launch blended into an early dinner.
As I said routine. Nothing out of the ordinary, should be used to it by now. Yet, when I got home around sic o'clock I just collapsed.
Maybe it was the food. We went to a very lovely waterfront restaurant in the Long Island town of Port Washington. We were sitting out on the deck, under an umbrella and the sea air was coming in a light breeze. I have to tell it was extremely pleasant even though the place was pretty crowded.
This restaurant has its own marina that allows people to come in with their own boats and dock and eat. The place had the resort atmosphere with the sun shining and very pleasant warm air.
Being a seafood restaurant we both naturally had seafood. We started with oysters, then a nice watermelon/gazpacho soup followed with seared scallops for her and fried fillet for me. Everything was just great.
I love oysters. My friend never had any but very bravely she ate three and announced it that she liked them. I told her be careful because oyster are supposed to be aphrodisiacs.
This is one of the advantages of not living in Manhattan. Places like this one are nothing special but can not be found in Manhattan only out in Long Island (as far as I know).
Saturday, June 28, 2014
One Third
One third of a thousand done. That is what 333 is and that is what the total number of my written blogs are. That is a lot of totally useless but maybe interesting writings. If I had a lot of money I could publish it and that many writings might fill out a nice thick book.
But I have no money for this purpose, I don't write this to publish it I just write it to keep myself entertained, give my friends a view into my soul and occasionally voice my opinion about somethings.
A lot of things happened since I started. At the beginning I did it just out of boredom, to do something remotely useful. Then my and our lives took an unexpected turn and when I resumed writing it really felt good to be able to express my feelings and views.
Being alone is not that really good. If I couldn't write down these things and thoughts I would be sitting home and be talking to myself. I still do but not as much as otherwise.
Other thing.
Today, Friday, was a very nice day. The weather was unbelievably nice. Hot and humid. I didn't go to the beach because I was planning to meet a friend but it didn't t urn out exactly like that. I was there but he was a no show.
This was not a date, it was more like that he routinely goes to this cafe every day and I decided to join him today. Except, like I said he was no show.
That's O.K. I understand. He had some health problems and decided not to go out.
I had a cup of coffee and something to eat then I went home and relaxed.
I am so relaxed that probably be up all night.
I have to find something to do that exhausts me so I can sleep.
But I have no money for this purpose, I don't write this to publish it I just write it to keep myself entertained, give my friends a view into my soul and occasionally voice my opinion about somethings.
A lot of things happened since I started. At the beginning I did it just out of boredom, to do something remotely useful. Then my and our lives took an unexpected turn and when I resumed writing it really felt good to be able to express my feelings and views.
Being alone is not that really good. If I couldn't write down these things and thoughts I would be sitting home and be talking to myself. I still do but not as much as otherwise.
Other thing.
Today, Friday, was a very nice day. The weather was unbelievably nice. Hot and humid. I didn't go to the beach because I was planning to meet a friend but it didn't t urn out exactly like that. I was there but he was a no show.
This was not a date, it was more like that he routinely goes to this cafe every day and I decided to join him today. Except, like I said he was no show.
That's O.K. I understand. He had some health problems and decided not to go out.
I had a cup of coffee and something to eat then I went home and relaxed.
I am so relaxed that probably be up all night.
I have to find something to do that exhausts me so I can sleep.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Blog
Today I had the pleasure of tasting something that very few people have the exceptional luck to do. I went to diner to my friend's house and she made Hungarian goulash. That goulash was out of this world. It was so good that I had two helpings and could have eaten more. It had everything that was necessary in it. Meat, potatoes, spaetzle some vegetables and it just tasted superb.
I really feel sorry for those who can not taste these earthly joys and I consider myself lucky.
That was the highlight of my day. Today was cleaning day. I worked off my behind. But at the end the apartment is really clean. And it feels good that I did all that.
Other thing.
Today is the day that my cousin is coming out from the jungles of Pennsylvania where he went with his grandson. I hope he did well and I am very curious to hear his stories. At the end I will tell him that Jewish people do not go camping. They go to hotels in the Catskills.
Other thing.
I love doing this blog. I feel I'm doing something useful. Everyday I have this assignment I gave myself to do it like clockwork. Nobody is pushing me, if I miss a day nobody will complain yet, I do it because I like to do it.
It is like a diary. I describe my daily activities mixed in with other stuff.
The drawback is that friends who read it now know everything about me, what I do, how I feel, where I am going and other stuff. The result is that they don't call as much as before because they are all well informed about my affairs.
At the end I miss my contacts with my friends. But don't misunderstand this. Don't stop reading this blog but you can also call. We might not have anyting to talk about because everybody is well informed but then we just pick the phone up and breathe into it.
P.S. Today is the 333rd edition of this blog, but who is counting. If I would believe in numbers I would say 333 probably has some meaning. But I really don't care!
I really feel sorry for those who can not taste these earthly joys and I consider myself lucky.
That was the highlight of my day. Today was cleaning day. I worked off my behind. But at the end the apartment is really clean. And it feels good that I did all that.
Other thing.
Today is the day that my cousin is coming out from the jungles of Pennsylvania where he went with his grandson. I hope he did well and I am very curious to hear his stories. At the end I will tell him that Jewish people do not go camping. They go to hotels in the Catskills.
Other thing.
I love doing this blog. I feel I'm doing something useful. Everyday I have this assignment I gave myself to do it like clockwork. Nobody is pushing me, if I miss a day nobody will complain yet, I do it because I like to do it.
It is like a diary. I describe my daily activities mixed in with other stuff.
The drawback is that friends who read it now know everything about me, what I do, how I feel, where I am going and other stuff. The result is that they don't call as much as before because they are all well informed about my affairs.
At the end I miss my contacts with my friends. But don't misunderstand this. Don't stop reading this blog but you can also call. We might not have anyting to talk about because everybody is well informed but then we just pick the phone up and breathe into it.
P.S. Today is the 333rd edition of this blog, but who is counting. If I would believe in numbers I would say 333 probably has some meaning. But I really don't care!
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Today
Yesterday, Tuesday, was a beautiful day. Finally I went to the gym to work out a little bit. I didn't go since last week and I really missed it. It is also needed to keep my weight in check.
After the gym I went to the beach. This was my second "official" visit to my favorite beach. This time I was a little more prepared. Made some sandwiches, brought some fruits so I was comfy.
The sun was hot but the water wasn't. It felt colder tan the last time I was there. This time I was only able to go in twice. And even that was an effort.
The whole beach is empty and I am down by the water with my back turned toward my chair and towels. This bitch comes with two kids and sets up her stuff almost on top of mine, practically touching my stuff on the sand. In addition to that her two stupid kids are playing almost on top of my head without her telling them to go away.
Just because she thinks they are cute I don't have to think the same.
If my wife were there She would have scratched her eyes out for this, but the gentleman that I am, I just looked and moved my stuff away.
No wonder I don't like stupid kids (strange kids).
I think I got a lot of sun yesterday because I still felt it today. But I am getting a nice tan regardless.
Other thing.
Today, Wednesday, I was doing different things. First I went to the Crematorium where my wife's remains are and spent a little time there. Felt really good!
After that I went to the Yonkers Casino. Haven't been there in a very long time primarily because of traffic. But traffic today was very light and getting there and home was no problem. I had a pleasant time. The word pleasant is much lower than great and good. The reason is that at the end I walked away with a $50 loss.
It could have been more because earlier I was down $100 but slowly it did come back. Unfortunately not fast enough.
My favorite slot game is Sex in the City. Until today it was, for me, a costumer friendly game. But today it became the enemy.
That's all right. My belief is if one can not afford to lose a little then don't go to the casino!
After the gym I went to the beach. This was my second "official" visit to my favorite beach. This time I was a little more prepared. Made some sandwiches, brought some fruits so I was comfy.
The sun was hot but the water wasn't. It felt colder tan the last time I was there. This time I was only able to go in twice. And even that was an effort.
The whole beach is empty and I am down by the water with my back turned toward my chair and towels. This bitch comes with two kids and sets up her stuff almost on top of mine, practically touching my stuff on the sand. In addition to that her two stupid kids are playing almost on top of my head without her telling them to go away.
Just because she thinks they are cute I don't have to think the same.
If my wife were there She would have scratched her eyes out for this, but the gentleman that I am, I just looked and moved my stuff away.
No wonder I don't like stupid kids (strange kids).
I think I got a lot of sun yesterday because I still felt it today. But I am getting a nice tan regardless.
Other thing.
Today, Wednesday, I was doing different things. First I went to the Crematorium where my wife's remains are and spent a little time there. Felt really good!
After that I went to the Yonkers Casino. Haven't been there in a very long time primarily because of traffic. But traffic today was very light and getting there and home was no problem. I had a pleasant time. The word pleasant is much lower than great and good. The reason is that at the end I walked away with a $50 loss.
It could have been more because earlier I was down $100 but slowly it did come back. Unfortunately not fast enough.
My favorite slot game is Sex in the City. Until today it was, for me, a costumer friendly game. But today it became the enemy.
That's all right. My belief is if one can not afford to lose a little then don't go to the casino!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Yellow Star
During the War in 1944 the Hungarian Nazis ruled that Jews in Budapest could only live in certain apartment houses. In order to make their job of persecution easier those buildings had to be marked with the yellow Star of David. Anybody unlucky enough whose building was not determined to be a Jewish building had to move.
"Luckily" our building was a Jewish building so we stayed until they took us into the Ghetto.
Well, this year on June 21 they had a city wide (in Budapest) remembrance about those yellow star buildings.
I don't really know why June 21, maybe that was when the ruling in 1944 came out. So it was 70 years ago. That would explain it.
Anyway, my wife had a niece in Budapest whom I guess I adopted and she is my niece now. She was born long time after all those horrors, but she knows a lot about them. Like every Jewish family in Hungary she also lost family members even she never ever met them.
She told me that she was organizing the remembrance in the building she is living now. This is a very remarkable thing from a young woman.
The other day she wrote me that the affair went very smoothly. She made a speech, there was video presentation, there were other speeches and what's the most important there were two living survivors who still live in the building and they also made some speeches.
It had to be very moving, I wish I were there. The sad thing about this is that as time goes by there are less and less of us who still remember.
I am really proud of her to pull something like this off in such an unfriendly atmosphere.
"Luckily" our building was a Jewish building so we stayed until they took us into the Ghetto.
Well, this year on June 21 they had a city wide (in Budapest) remembrance about those yellow star buildings.
I don't really know why June 21, maybe that was when the ruling in 1944 came out. So it was 70 years ago. That would explain it.
Anyway, my wife had a niece in Budapest whom I guess I adopted and she is my niece now. She was born long time after all those horrors, but she knows a lot about them. Like every Jewish family in Hungary she also lost family members even she never ever met them.
She told me that she was organizing the remembrance in the building she is living now. This is a very remarkable thing from a young woman.
The other day she wrote me that the affair went very smoothly. She made a speech, there was video presentation, there were other speeches and what's the most important there were two living survivors who still live in the building and they also made some speeches.
It had to be very moving, I wish I were there. The sad thing about this is that as time goes by there are less and less of us who still remember.
I am really proud of her to pull something like this off in such an unfriendly atmosphere.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
A Nice Monday
Today, the first day of the week, I had a vary nice day. First, the weather was fantastic. Not too hot but sunny most of the day. My friend and I decided to hang out together all day which turned out to be a very good decision.
In the morning we had to go somewhere and do something that we took care of fairly simply. After we decided to drive up to Yonkers, New York and go to the Stew Leonard's supermarket there to do some shopping.
For those who are not familiar with Stew Leonard's it is an upscale supermarket where better quality stuff than at regular supermarkets are being sold.
So this was the plan. But Thanks to New York's never ending traffic jams we never made it. Instead we decided to visit the Italian neighborhood around Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. My friend was never there but I was earlier this year with my friends visiting from England.
Being a week day it was very pleasant. No crowds, no traffic there, parking was easy. Walked around a bit, looked at stuff but since we already had plans for an early dinner we did not eat there. Maybe next time.
By the time we finished rush hour traffic just about started but we made it back to our neck of the woods.
We drove out to Queens and went to eat in a Mexican restaurant. It was a treat for me because I never ever ate in a Mexican restaurant.
The place was very charming, with the side doors open and fresh air coming through. A lot of people were there and were watching the three TV monitors showing the ongoing World Cup soccer games. It just happen that one of the teams playing was Mexico. One can just imagine the excitement at every goal the Mexicans kicked.
Anyway, I had steak with onions, rice and beans and plantain. Extremely good and a lot. Couldn't finish my portion which was a first.
I almost forgot I also had a couple of drinks. First a mango Margarita then a nice glass of sangria. Boy, did I feel good after dinner!
I think now I do like Mexican food.
Other thing
Thinking about my cousin camping out in the wilds of Pennsylvania, without any luxuries of civilization I feel a little guilty. Sitting in my apartment with the airconditioning on while he is out there being eaten by mosquitoes I should feel sorry for him.
But do I?
In the morning we had to go somewhere and do something that we took care of fairly simply. After we decided to drive up to Yonkers, New York and go to the Stew Leonard's supermarket there to do some shopping.
For those who are not familiar with Stew Leonard's it is an upscale supermarket where better quality stuff than at regular supermarkets are being sold.
So this was the plan. But Thanks to New York's never ending traffic jams we never made it. Instead we decided to visit the Italian neighborhood around Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. My friend was never there but I was earlier this year with my friends visiting from England.
Being a week day it was very pleasant. No crowds, no traffic there, parking was easy. Walked around a bit, looked at stuff but since we already had plans for an early dinner we did not eat there. Maybe next time.
By the time we finished rush hour traffic just about started but we made it back to our neck of the woods.
We drove out to Queens and went to eat in a Mexican restaurant. It was a treat for me because I never ever ate in a Mexican restaurant.
The place was very charming, with the side doors open and fresh air coming through. A lot of people were there and were watching the three TV monitors showing the ongoing World Cup soccer games. It just happen that one of the teams playing was Mexico. One can just imagine the excitement at every goal the Mexicans kicked.
Anyway, I had steak with onions, rice and beans and plantain. Extremely good and a lot. Couldn't finish my portion which was a first.
I almost forgot I also had a couple of drinks. First a mango Margarita then a nice glass of sangria. Boy, did I feel good after dinner!
I think now I do like Mexican food.
Other thing
Thinking about my cousin camping out in the wilds of Pennsylvania, without any luxuries of civilization I feel a little guilty. Sitting in my apartment with the airconditioning on while he is out there being eaten by mosquitoes I should feel sorry for him.
But do I?
Monday, June 23, 2014
Grandpa!
The definition of a Grandparent must be very complicated. The way I see it grandparents do a lot more for their grandchildren then they ever did for their own children. Well, at least the way I see it.
Maybe the reason is that they do it until it is fun but then they can always say, enough now go back to your parents!
My cousin just let me know that today he was going on a camping trip with his nine year old grandson. This is a five day, four night trip where they would be sleeping in tents, sleeping on army cots and would be exposed to bugs, bears and anything between.
This is not the worst. The bad thing is that there are no electronics of any kind in the camp. No TV, no cell phones no contact with the outside world. Now that's going to be tough.
My cousin is the same age as I am and he has never ever done anything like this in his short life. The toughest he ever had was when we left Hungary way back then and in the refugee camp we had to fill our mattresses with straw. That was hard and not very sanitary.
The little boy had to go, the parents were not available, being both professionals so he volunteered for this task.
I am really curious to see how he will manage this exercise. I'm sure if a bear show up he will sit him down for a poker game and the bear will lose his fur coat.
Other thing
Today I had a very good day. I had brunch with my brother and sister-in-laws in Manhattan. The brunch was very pleasant. The restaurant that was also a bar had two TVs showing soccer games so the place was a little noisy but we still managed to talk and have a good time.
The only idiotic thing I did was that I misread the time and arrived in Manhattan almost an hour and a half before we were supposed to meet. Due to traffic I couldn't go back home so I decided to rediscover Manhattan. I drove up to Harlem and drove around.
I was like a tourist. Admiring at the improvements I saw. It didn't look like the dilapidated, dirty neighborhood I remember from years ago. Nice buildings, restaurants, cleaner streets.
I actually found a nice French bistro where we might go once.
This just proves that one is never too old to learn.
Maybe the reason is that they do it until it is fun but then they can always say, enough now go back to your parents!
My cousin just let me know that today he was going on a camping trip with his nine year old grandson. This is a five day, four night trip where they would be sleeping in tents, sleeping on army cots and would be exposed to bugs, bears and anything between.
This is not the worst. The bad thing is that there are no electronics of any kind in the camp. No TV, no cell phones no contact with the outside world. Now that's going to be tough.
My cousin is the same age as I am and he has never ever done anything like this in his short life. The toughest he ever had was when we left Hungary way back then and in the refugee camp we had to fill our mattresses with straw. That was hard and not very sanitary.
The little boy had to go, the parents were not available, being both professionals so he volunteered for this task.
I am really curious to see how he will manage this exercise. I'm sure if a bear show up he will sit him down for a poker game and the bear will lose his fur coat.
Other thing
Today I had a very good day. I had brunch with my brother and sister-in-laws in Manhattan. The brunch was very pleasant. The restaurant that was also a bar had two TVs showing soccer games so the place was a little noisy but we still managed to talk and have a good time.
The only idiotic thing I did was that I misread the time and arrived in Manhattan almost an hour and a half before we were supposed to meet. Due to traffic I couldn't go back home so I decided to rediscover Manhattan. I drove up to Harlem and drove around.
I was like a tourist. Admiring at the improvements I saw. It didn't look like the dilapidated, dirty neighborhood I remember from years ago. Nice buildings, restaurants, cleaner streets.
I actually found a nice French bistro where we might go once.
This just proves that one is never too old to learn.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Saturday
It is unbelievable how small the world got, and I am talking about sports right now. In my time and that was quite a while ago when somebody represented a country one could be sure that the person was born in that country and was able to speak the language.
Now all that changed. Professional athletes change citizenships as I change underwear. In the sports world the citizenship is closely related to convenience. One time I was looking to some Hungarian basketball teams and checking out the players. In some teams a large percentage of the players were definitely not born in Hungary, not even near the country. Some came from Africa but every one had Hungarian citizenship.
During the Olympic games there was an ice skating duo who skated for Japan even though both were born in the US. They couldn't make the US team but made the Japanese team. Received Japanese citizenship and lived happily ever after. Oh, they didn't speak Japanese either.
Right now the Nigeria-Bosnia Herzegovina soccer game is on and the announcer noted that one of the Bosnian player used to play for Switzerland but then changed his allegiance and now plays for the Bosnian national team.
I guess in the sport world they sell citizenships for athletes like in a supermarket.
Look at the big name tennis players. Most live here in the US but when they play they represent their own country like Russia. Is this right, is this fair?
Other thing.
Today, Saturday was a beautiful day. The first day of Summer and the day with the longest daylight hours. It was very pleasant, sunny, not too hot and certainly not humid. I don't even have the airconditioners on, just the windows open and I like it.
Today I was alone. Did some supermarket shopping and took my car on fumes to the gas station for fill up.
My friend from Budapest wrote me that all is set and she is definitely coming to NY toward the end of September. I am really looking forward to it.
If I am lucky enough I will have another young lady visiting from Budapest but I don't know just when.
Don't misunderstand, I am not inviting women from Hungary to visit. These are close good friends whom I am looking forward seeing. If I would have a male friend who wants to visit he would be also welcome but right now my only cousin whom I would love to see refuses to fly and there are no buses between New York and Budapest.
Now all that changed. Professional athletes change citizenships as I change underwear. In the sports world the citizenship is closely related to convenience. One time I was looking to some Hungarian basketball teams and checking out the players. In some teams a large percentage of the players were definitely not born in Hungary, not even near the country. Some came from Africa but every one had Hungarian citizenship.
During the Olympic games there was an ice skating duo who skated for Japan even though both were born in the US. They couldn't make the US team but made the Japanese team. Received Japanese citizenship and lived happily ever after. Oh, they didn't speak Japanese either.
Right now the Nigeria-Bosnia Herzegovina soccer game is on and the announcer noted that one of the Bosnian player used to play for Switzerland but then changed his allegiance and now plays for the Bosnian national team.
I guess in the sport world they sell citizenships for athletes like in a supermarket.
Look at the big name tennis players. Most live here in the US but when they play they represent their own country like Russia. Is this right, is this fair?
Other thing.
Today, Saturday was a beautiful day. The first day of Summer and the day with the longest daylight hours. It was very pleasant, sunny, not too hot and certainly not humid. I don't even have the airconditioners on, just the windows open and I like it.
Today I was alone. Did some supermarket shopping and took my car on fumes to the gas station for fill up.
My friend from Budapest wrote me that all is set and she is definitely coming to NY toward the end of September. I am really looking forward to it.
If I am lucky enough I will have another young lady visiting from Budapest but I don't know just when.
Don't misunderstand, I am not inviting women from Hungary to visit. These are close good friends whom I am looking forward seeing. If I would have a male friend who wants to visit he would be also welcome but right now my only cousin whom I would love to see refuses to fly and there are no buses between New York and Budapest.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Friday's Thoughts
I am a real drinker! A while back I really liked bloody mary and I was making one a few nights in a row. Quite few nights. After a while my stomach started to hurt so I asked my doctor that was that from the alcohol. She responded that no, that was from the tomato/V8 juice. She explained that the acid in the juice was hurting my stomach.
That meaning that if I just drank vodka I would have had no pain. That is a hell of a solution to a drinking problem! Regardless of the diagnosis I still like bloody mary. But now, being Summer I switched to vodka and tonic. Now, that's a nice summery drink. And it is so easy to make.
Whenever I order a bloody mary or vodka and tonic in a restaurant the server asks me what brand of vodka I want. They never ask what kind of tomato juice or tonic I want. I think the vodka is not important because one can not feel the taste due to the stuff it is mixed with. It's only asked so they can up the cost of the drink.
I always say house brand. I would love somebody to compare once an expensive brand and the house brand in a mixed drink.
Today is Friday and a beautiful day. Real summery! Actually tomorrow supposed to be the first day of Summer and the longest daylight day. Boy, how time flies. I remember a few months ago, when we were in the hospital there was a blizzard. Now they are occupied with the heat.
I had lunch with a friend of mine and his wife. We get together every few weeks and talk. Today we sat in the restaurant for over three hours and just talked. Not once our cell phones rang, not once we received any text messages. Just plain talked. That is also possible between friends, even if it is face to face!
We'll probably see each other in about two or three weeks and I am already looking forward to it.
That meaning that if I just drank vodka I would have had no pain. That is a hell of a solution to a drinking problem! Regardless of the diagnosis I still like bloody mary. But now, being Summer I switched to vodka and tonic. Now, that's a nice summery drink. And it is so easy to make.
Whenever I order a bloody mary or vodka and tonic in a restaurant the server asks me what brand of vodka I want. They never ask what kind of tomato juice or tonic I want. I think the vodka is not important because one can not feel the taste due to the stuff it is mixed with. It's only asked so they can up the cost of the drink.
I always say house brand. I would love somebody to compare once an expensive brand and the house brand in a mixed drink.
Today is Friday and a beautiful day. Real summery! Actually tomorrow supposed to be the first day of Summer and the longest daylight day. Boy, how time flies. I remember a few months ago, when we were in the hospital there was a blizzard. Now they are occupied with the heat.
I had lunch with a friend of mine and his wife. We get together every few weeks and talk. Today we sat in the restaurant for over three hours and just talked. Not once our cell phones rang, not once we received any text messages. Just plain talked. That is also possible between friends, even if it is face to face!
We'll probably see each other in about two or three weeks and I am already looking forward to it.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Thursday's Thoughts
Hungarians are great people. They invented (I hope) the goulash, ballpoint pen, and the chardash among other things. They also wholeheartedly adopted antisemitism and a few other good traits. They are really a very rare people. They do things no other civilized country is able to do.
For instance they bankrupted their own national airline that used to be called Malev. To me that is almost as stupid as cutting the tree branch from under one's self.
I can not understand ho can a country and its government can bankrupt its own airline. It is different here in the US where airlines are privately own but that was owned by their own government.
In March of 2012 this airline suddenly stopped operating, left people in the lurch and disappeared from the horizon.
Why am writing about this now?
Because ever since that time it became very difficult to travel to Budapest. Malev along with at least one American carrier provided non-stop flights between New York and Budapest. When Malev went belly up, American Airlines and Delta scrapped their plans for the non-stop service. Now the traveler has to find connecting flights which adds time to the already long flight.
Today a very good and close friend from Budapest informed me that she would come to New York in September but since the Hungarian airline disappeared it will be more complicated to get here.
I do know people who gave up going because of their physical condition transferring is more complicating than the whole thing is worth.
It also made me think because I am planning to go to Budapest next Spring with my lifelong buddy and we have to find a financially and physically acceptable route.
But then I still have year to worry about this. Who knows how life will turn out in that time.
For instance they bankrupted their own national airline that used to be called Malev. To me that is almost as stupid as cutting the tree branch from under one's self.
I can not understand ho can a country and its government can bankrupt its own airline. It is different here in the US where airlines are privately own but that was owned by their own government.
In March of 2012 this airline suddenly stopped operating, left people in the lurch and disappeared from the horizon.
Why am writing about this now?
Because ever since that time it became very difficult to travel to Budapest. Malev along with at least one American carrier provided non-stop flights between New York and Budapest. When Malev went belly up, American Airlines and Delta scrapped their plans for the non-stop service. Now the traveler has to find connecting flights which adds time to the already long flight.
Today a very good and close friend from Budapest informed me that she would come to New York in September but since the Hungarian airline disappeared it will be more complicated to get here.
I do know people who gave up going because of their physical condition transferring is more complicating than the whole thing is worth.
It also made me think because I am planning to go to Budapest next Spring with my lifelong buddy and we have to find a financially and physically acceptable route.
But then I still have year to worry about this. Who knows how life will turn out in that time.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Wednesday
Today was a gorgeous day. Very hot and totally sunny. I didn't go out to the beach because since I went yesterday today would have been too much. Maybe in a few weeks I'll be able to manage consecutive days.
Instead, I had lunch with an old friend of mine. He is 91 years old with a very clear mind. Lost his wife about eight years ago, lives alone and learned to manage his life. It was a pleasant lunch for the both of us.
Now an other subject.
Couple days ago a friend sent me an e-mail with a website that I find very interesting. The name of the site is http://showmystreet.com/ and as it says it will show any building whose address is given. And it supposed to work anywhere in the world. It's just like the Google map but I think more current.
Absolutely amazing what today's technology can produce. And this just the tip of it. It seems to me if one does not keep up with the improvement he will be left behind in a very short time.
I am ashamed to admit that I still do not understand Facebook, Twitter or any of the other so called social networks. I don't understand them therefore I don't know how to use them.
I have a smart phone but I am convinced that between the two of us my smart phone is the smarter one. To do this blog is just about all I know how to do on the computer. And I'm not even 100% on that either.
While I am writing this the news is on the TV and all they talk about is the heat. Barely a few months ago they were occupied on how cold it was. It seems they are never satisfied. There is no such a thing like the perfect weather?
Instead, I had lunch with an old friend of mine. He is 91 years old with a very clear mind. Lost his wife about eight years ago, lives alone and learned to manage his life. It was a pleasant lunch for the both of us.
Now an other subject.
Couple days ago a friend sent me an e-mail with a website that I find very interesting. The name of the site is http://showmystreet.com/ and as it says it will show any building whose address is given. And it supposed to work anywhere in the world. It's just like the Google map but I think more current.
Absolutely amazing what today's technology can produce. And this just the tip of it. It seems to me if one does not keep up with the improvement he will be left behind in a very short time.
I am ashamed to admit that I still do not understand Facebook, Twitter or any of the other so called social networks. I don't understand them therefore I don't know how to use them.
I have a smart phone but I am convinced that between the two of us my smart phone is the smarter one. To do this blog is just about all I know how to do on the computer. And I'm not even 100% on that either.
While I am writing this the news is on the TV and all they talk about is the heat. Barely a few months ago they were occupied on how cold it was. It seems they are never satisfied. There is no such a thing like the perfect weather?
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Tuesday
Today is Tuesday and I had a very bad night. I am totally exhausted from lack of sleep because I was sick with worry.
You see what happened yesterday was this.
I got a phone call around 11 o'clock at night from somebody who is very close to me and he gave me some real disturbing news.
He told me that a French economist wrote a book or an article, I really don't know where he stated that the wealth of the countries of the world shrunk by a few trillion dollars.
Now, this kind of bad news is enough to keep any red blooded American up all night. I was up and I am not even a red blooded American.
The reason for this poverty is the fact that many of the wealthiest in the world do not pay taxes and hide their monies in places where it can not be traced.
When I heard this news I immediately started to think of what could I do to help the world. I can donate my piggy bank, I can double my taxes, I can not use anything that has to be financed by public funds thus not to wear those things out.
But at the end I decided that I really just do not give a hoot about this. Let the people who have nothing else to do worry about such a problem.
After I put my mind at ease I decided to go to my gym and work out because a healthy body is already a wealth. After the gym, being a gorgeous day, I went to the beach.
I had a great time out there. Went in the water about three times and really loved it. The water was cool and refreshing but the air was really hot. I was out there for about two and a half hours.
The good thing about weekday that for old fogies like me it is free and there were really very few people there. That is why it was so pleasant.
I'm not saying that I enjoyed being there all by myself but since I have no choice in the matter I have to do with what I have.
You see what happened yesterday was this.
I got a phone call around 11 o'clock at night from somebody who is very close to me and he gave me some real disturbing news.
He told me that a French economist wrote a book or an article, I really don't know where he stated that the wealth of the countries of the world shrunk by a few trillion dollars.
Now, this kind of bad news is enough to keep any red blooded American up all night. I was up and I am not even a red blooded American.
The reason for this poverty is the fact that many of the wealthiest in the world do not pay taxes and hide their monies in places where it can not be traced.
When I heard this news I immediately started to think of what could I do to help the world. I can donate my piggy bank, I can double my taxes, I can not use anything that has to be financed by public funds thus not to wear those things out.
But at the end I decided that I really just do not give a hoot about this. Let the people who have nothing else to do worry about such a problem.
After I put my mind at ease I decided to go to my gym and work out because a healthy body is already a wealth. After the gym, being a gorgeous day, I went to the beach.
I had a great time out there. Went in the water about three times and really loved it. The water was cool and refreshing but the air was really hot. I was out there for about two and a half hours.
The good thing about weekday that for old fogies like me it is free and there were really very few people there. That is why it was so pleasant.
I'm not saying that I enjoyed being there all by myself but since I have no choice in the matter I have to do with what I have.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Monday
Today is Monday, the first day of the workweek. Oh, I forgot I don't work anymore. For me each day is just like the other. It does not make any difference if it is Wednesday or Saturday. Except maybe for the traffic on the roads.
Anyway, today I went to the dentist for my six month checkup. I received a clean bill of health. Have almost all my teeth and what I have didn't need any work except cleaning.
After the dentist I went to Target to buy a few things that I can get cheaper then in the supermarket. Here is an example.
Saturday I bought a large can of Maxwell House coffee for $7.99. Today I bought another can at Target for $6.00. Exactly the same kind. Good deal or not?
I also bought six boxes of cereal where the deal was that every second box was 50% off. I'm really watching my money!
That was my program for the day. Oh, I also had pizza for lunch.
I came home early afternoon and lacking anything to do I'm watching World's Cup soccer. Basically there is absolutely nothing on the television so the soccer comes on as a relief.
Earlier I was watching Nigeria against Iran. The match ended in a 0:0 tie but it was still very interesting.
Sometimes I am amazed at the sportsmanship these soccer players exhibit. They play tough and they play rough. Some of the opponents come from the opposite ends of the culture or political scale yet they still remain fairly sport oriented.
A player falls down because he gets a cramp in his leg, two players from the opposing team are there massaging his legs. Pretty amazing.
One guy knock over another then turns around and gives a hand to help him up. Well, granted many of these players know each other because they either play in the same professional clubs or at least in the same circuits. It's a small world and getting smaller.
During the Nigeria-Iran soccer game there was a public announcement that there was a taxicab parked outside the stadium with its lights on. The entire Nigerian team took off!
Anyway, today I went to the dentist for my six month checkup. I received a clean bill of health. Have almost all my teeth and what I have didn't need any work except cleaning.
After the dentist I went to Target to buy a few things that I can get cheaper then in the supermarket. Here is an example.
Saturday I bought a large can of Maxwell House coffee for $7.99. Today I bought another can at Target for $6.00. Exactly the same kind. Good deal or not?
I also bought six boxes of cereal where the deal was that every second box was 50% off. I'm really watching my money!
That was my program for the day. Oh, I also had pizza for lunch.
I came home early afternoon and lacking anything to do I'm watching World's Cup soccer. Basically there is absolutely nothing on the television so the soccer comes on as a relief.
Earlier I was watching Nigeria against Iran. The match ended in a 0:0 tie but it was still very interesting.
Sometimes I am amazed at the sportsmanship these soccer players exhibit. They play tough and they play rough. Some of the opponents come from the opposite ends of the culture or political scale yet they still remain fairly sport oriented.
A player falls down because he gets a cramp in his leg, two players from the opposing team are there massaging his legs. Pretty amazing.
One guy knock over another then turns around and gives a hand to help him up. Well, granted many of these players know each other because they either play in the same professional clubs or at least in the same circuits. It's a small world and getting smaller.
During the Nigeria-Iran soccer game there was a public announcement that there was a taxicab parked outside the stadium with its lights on. The entire Nigerian team took off!
Monday, June 16, 2014
Father's Day
Today is Sunday and it is Father's Day.
My social calendar was pretty empty so I decided to go to the gym. Because of my previous doctors' appointments I kind of abandoned going to exercise for a while. But since I didn't get any disturbing news I went back today. It felt really good.
Today the place was exceptionally empty. I guess not just because it was Sunday but because of Father's Day.
This is the day when everybody one day out of the 365 is nice to their fathers.
The way I see it fathers have three purposes in life.
One: make babies. Can not have a baby without a father.
Two: work and support the family to bring up the children
Three: make sure that upon their departures from this life they leave their hard earned valuables to their offspring.
To me Father's Day is a very commercial event and it seems that it was created just to get "even" with Mother's Day.
When I was growing up in Europe I never heard of Father's Day but always heard of Mother's Day. Fathers were never important enough to get their own day until somebody decided that they can make money out of it.
Just like on Mother's day this is the day when they take good old dad out of his comfort zone, take him to a restaurant, surround him with his family regardless if he wants to see them or not and continuously asking him if he is having a good time.
Good old dad would much rather be home watching baseball, golf or the World Cup soccer games than be in that awful restaurant with those noisy grand kids and lousy food.
At the end one of his sons will pay the tab with money he borrowed earlier from his father.
This is my cynical view of Father's Day.
To all the fathers out there, Happy Father's Day!
My social calendar was pretty empty so I decided to go to the gym. Because of my previous doctors' appointments I kind of abandoned going to exercise for a while. But since I didn't get any disturbing news I went back today. It felt really good.
Today the place was exceptionally empty. I guess not just because it was Sunday but because of Father's Day.
This is the day when everybody one day out of the 365 is nice to their fathers.
The way I see it fathers have three purposes in life.
One: make babies. Can not have a baby without a father.
Two: work and support the family to bring up the children
Three: make sure that upon their departures from this life they leave their hard earned valuables to their offspring.
To me Father's Day is a very commercial event and it seems that it was created just to get "even" with Mother's Day.
When I was growing up in Europe I never heard of Father's Day but always heard of Mother's Day. Fathers were never important enough to get their own day until somebody decided that they can make money out of it.
Just like on Mother's day this is the day when they take good old dad out of his comfort zone, take him to a restaurant, surround him with his family regardless if he wants to see them or not and continuously asking him if he is having a good time.
Good old dad would much rather be home watching baseball, golf or the World Cup soccer games than be in that awful restaurant with those noisy grand kids and lousy food.
At the end one of his sons will pay the tab with money he borrowed earlier from his father.
This is my cynical view of Father's Day.
To all the fathers out there, Happy Father's Day!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Medical Ethics
"Medical ethics is a system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to the practice of medicine."
This definition was copied from Wikipedia. As much as I know about it, it sounds about right. However, I do think this is something dreamed up by people who have nothing better to do but criticise.
Example: a while ago there was a family where a child had a very serious illness that only a bone marrow transplant would cure. But the problem was that none of the family members had matching bone marrow. The family then decided that the mother was to get pregnant and the new baby was sure to have the right bone marrow.
Even if this solution cured the sick child it was strongly criticised as unethical
Example: my wife was at the point when they already knew She was incurable. I was desperately looking for some kind of clinical trial that might have helped Her. When I inquired at the doctors they told me that She was too ill for any clinical trial. I inquired why, do they only do clinical trials on healthy people? I figured that at that point it couldn't have hurt and I said that to the doctors.
Their response was that it was not ethical to do anything at that time.
I am convinced that there are hundreds or even thousands of similar stories out there.
It seems to me that helping the sick at any cost is unethical!
Why am I on this tirade?
Now comes the business end of the medical profession.
Radio and television are full of advertisings by various hospitals claiming that they are the best on any given field. The purpose of such advertising is clearly to totally confuse the public. Cancer Treatment Centers of America claim that they have the best of the best as far as equipment, doctors and everything else needed to cure cancer, and so claim every other hospital who advertise.
These kind of statements are confusing and are clearly will put doubts in the patients' minds as far as their decisions as to where to go for help.
My wife passed away at the best cancer hospital I can think of. But, what would have happened if She went to another institute? This and a million other questions keep cropping up when these advertisements show up.
Choosing a hospital is not like going to Macy's or Bloomingdale's or Century21. Hospitals are serious business and our doctors have to know where to send their patients for the best care available. And they will certainly will not be swayed by idiotic advertisement.
Now my question is: are these advertisements and claims ethical?
I should certainly think no! Where are the critics now?
This definition was copied from Wikipedia. As much as I know about it, it sounds about right. However, I do think this is something dreamed up by people who have nothing better to do but criticise.
Example: a while ago there was a family where a child had a very serious illness that only a bone marrow transplant would cure. But the problem was that none of the family members had matching bone marrow. The family then decided that the mother was to get pregnant and the new baby was sure to have the right bone marrow.
Even if this solution cured the sick child it was strongly criticised as unethical
Example: my wife was at the point when they already knew She was incurable. I was desperately looking for some kind of clinical trial that might have helped Her. When I inquired at the doctors they told me that She was too ill for any clinical trial. I inquired why, do they only do clinical trials on healthy people? I figured that at that point it couldn't have hurt and I said that to the doctors.
Their response was that it was not ethical to do anything at that time.
I am convinced that there are hundreds or even thousands of similar stories out there.
It seems to me that helping the sick at any cost is unethical!
Why am I on this tirade?
Now comes the business end of the medical profession.
Radio and television are full of advertisings by various hospitals claiming that they are the best on any given field. The purpose of such advertising is clearly to totally confuse the public. Cancer Treatment Centers of America claim that they have the best of the best as far as equipment, doctors and everything else needed to cure cancer, and so claim every other hospital who advertise.
These kind of statements are confusing and are clearly will put doubts in the patients' minds as far as their decisions as to where to go for help.
My wife passed away at the best cancer hospital I can think of. But, what would have happened if She went to another institute? This and a million other questions keep cropping up when these advertisements show up.
Choosing a hospital is not like going to Macy's or Bloomingdale's or Century21. Hospitals are serious business and our doctors have to know where to send their patients for the best care available. And they will certainly will not be swayed by idiotic advertisement.
Now my question is: are these advertisements and claims ethical?
I should certainly think no! Where are the critics now?
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Friday
Today is Friday. I had some things to do and I did them. Most important was getting a haircut, which I did. After that had a few things to do then came home.
In the late afternoon I was watching World Cup soccer which I enjoyed but while watching them I noticed something.
I know that all the players are professionals playing in clubs all over the world. They return to their home countries for these international tournaments. They are all stars and making lots of money.
They are also young people who are probably dictating styles that are being followed by eager fans.
My complaint is about tattoos.
In the old days men came out of the military, mainly Navy and had tattoos on their arms saying Mother or a sweetheart's name or just a red heart.
Later people in jails put on various tattoos I guess to look more dangerous.
Now professional athletes like basketball players, soccer players place tattoos all over their bodies. All the way up on their necks, filling up the arms and who know where else.
To me they all look disgusting.
I am sitting in a restaurant and I see young women come in with their arms filled with tattoos and the same goes for young men also.
I just wonder what will happen when they get old or older, become grandparents and their grandchildren will ask about these idiotic body markings.
Maybe today these look acceptable on a younger person but in their later years they will look absolutely abnormal. But I guess they are just not thinking that far ahead.
Maybe I am just not in line with today's progress.
In the late afternoon I was watching World Cup soccer which I enjoyed but while watching them I noticed something.
I know that all the players are professionals playing in clubs all over the world. They return to their home countries for these international tournaments. They are all stars and making lots of money.
They are also young people who are probably dictating styles that are being followed by eager fans.
My complaint is about tattoos.
In the old days men came out of the military, mainly Navy and had tattoos on their arms saying Mother or a sweetheart's name or just a red heart.
Later people in jails put on various tattoos I guess to look more dangerous.
Now professional athletes like basketball players, soccer players place tattoos all over their bodies. All the way up on their necks, filling up the arms and who know where else.
To me they all look disgusting.
I am sitting in a restaurant and I see young women come in with their arms filled with tattoos and the same goes for young men also.
I just wonder what will happen when they get old or older, become grandparents and their grandchildren will ask about these idiotic body markings.
Maybe today these look acceptable on a younger person but in their later years they will look absolutely abnormal. But I guess they are just not thinking that far ahead.
Maybe I am just not in line with today's progress.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Thursday
We can all use good news. Today, after a very long time I got some good news. My dermatologist called and informed me that all the biopsies she took from my skin last week were good, no sign of cancers. She said something about keratosis that is the result of too much sun.
I was so relieved because lately nothing turned out good for me. It does not mean I can not go out to the sun just that I have to be more careful than in the past. Sunscreen is the answer and I better get used to it. i guess somebody is watching over me!
While I am writing this the TV is on and the Brazil - Croatia World Cup soccer is on. The popularity of this sport is unbelievable. Brazil just scored a goal and the crowd just went totally nuts. The stadium is filled to capacity and I am sure that all the games throughout the competition will be played before full houses.
After all these years that I am in this country I can still not understand why soccer never got popular here. There are huge number of immigrants who came from soccer countries yet the popularity of the sport never took off.
Somebody long time ago explained it that Americans are not intelligent enough to understand soccer. And the other version was that the television industry didn't like it because there are no stoppages for commercials. I don't believe this second one because in other countries the sport is thriving and so do television.
I guess people here want so much to be Americans that they start to "love" baseball and football. To me they are both boring and unnecessarily long. But hey, it is only my opinion.
Since I am complaining here is another one.
Why at the World Cup Opening Ceremony they had to heve Pitbull and Jenifer Lopez appearing? Brazil don't have any talents that they have to turn to Americans? This thing mekes me sick. No matter where one travels there is always American music heard.
I was in Hungary, Vienna, Caribbean and all I ever heard was American music. Turn on the radio in Europe and there is nothing else but American music. What happened to France or Germany. Don't they produce anything? And the same goes for Hungary. It seem that American music rules the world.
They don't like Americans but they like the music. Weird world we live in.
I was so relieved because lately nothing turned out good for me. It does not mean I can not go out to the sun just that I have to be more careful than in the past. Sunscreen is the answer and I better get used to it. i guess somebody is watching over me!
While I am writing this the TV is on and the Brazil - Croatia World Cup soccer is on. The popularity of this sport is unbelievable. Brazil just scored a goal and the crowd just went totally nuts. The stadium is filled to capacity and I am sure that all the games throughout the competition will be played before full houses.
After all these years that I am in this country I can still not understand why soccer never got popular here. There are huge number of immigrants who came from soccer countries yet the popularity of the sport never took off.
Somebody long time ago explained it that Americans are not intelligent enough to understand soccer. And the other version was that the television industry didn't like it because there are no stoppages for commercials. I don't believe this second one because in other countries the sport is thriving and so do television.
I guess people here want so much to be Americans that they start to "love" baseball and football. To me they are both boring and unnecessarily long. But hey, it is only my opinion.
Since I am complaining here is another one.
Why at the World Cup Opening Ceremony they had to heve Pitbull and Jenifer Lopez appearing? Brazil don't have any talents that they have to turn to Americans? This thing mekes me sick. No matter where one travels there is always American music heard.
I was in Hungary, Vienna, Caribbean and all I ever heard was American music. Turn on the radio in Europe and there is nothing else but American music. What happened to France or Germany. Don't they produce anything? And the same goes for Hungary. It seem that American music rules the world.
They don't like Americans but they like the music. Weird world we live in.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Traffic
Yesterday I wrote about my emotional trip into Manhattan. Today is the physical trip is the subject.
Anybody who drive into Manhattan during the day must have his/hers head examined, me included. But out of necessity I took my car. I went to two different places, my doctor and Sloan Kettering and they are not really close each other. So I took my car.
I decided to park at the Hospital garage and take public transportation to my doctor's office and back. This second part was the only part that worked really good.
I gave myself two and a half hours before the doctor's appointment and I just made it. The minute I got off the bridge at the Manhattan end it was stop and go. More stop than go.
Trucks, taxis, cars. The traffic people really have no clue how to direct traffic so it is a wild west of motor vehicles. If one does not know how to be a cowboy that person will not move. The result is that everybody cuts in front of the other. Total motorized mayhem.
Finally I got to the Hospital garage where I waited about 45 minutes on line before I got inside. Fortunately, it is a huge garage but the attendants move at snail's pace to receive cars. I congratulated myself that I allowed so much extra time but I knew the garage situation since unfortunately I spent a lot of time in that institution.
Interestingly it took 45 minutes to get in but later it took only about four minutes to collect the car when I was leaving. That's when they get the tip!
One has to be suicidal to drive in such conditions. Every road I was driving on had lane restrictions due to some type of construction. This really gives the impression that the City is crumbling at the seams.
It also gives the impression that nobody really cares and what is much worse that nobody is really controlling the situation. For the shortest distances in Midtown, like just circling a city block takes a lifetime.
I really feel sorry for the tourists because New York City is anything but tourist friendly as far as driving goes. And some people can not help it, they come by car. But They will learn. If they are smart they will not come to New York again.
Anybody who drive into Manhattan during the day must have his/hers head examined, me included. But out of necessity I took my car. I went to two different places, my doctor and Sloan Kettering and they are not really close each other. So I took my car.
I decided to park at the Hospital garage and take public transportation to my doctor's office and back. This second part was the only part that worked really good.
I gave myself two and a half hours before the doctor's appointment and I just made it. The minute I got off the bridge at the Manhattan end it was stop and go. More stop than go.
Trucks, taxis, cars. The traffic people really have no clue how to direct traffic so it is a wild west of motor vehicles. If one does not know how to be a cowboy that person will not move. The result is that everybody cuts in front of the other. Total motorized mayhem.
Finally I got to the Hospital garage where I waited about 45 minutes on line before I got inside. Fortunately, it is a huge garage but the attendants move at snail's pace to receive cars. I congratulated myself that I allowed so much extra time but I knew the garage situation since unfortunately I spent a lot of time in that institution.
Interestingly it took 45 minutes to get in but later it took only about four minutes to collect the car when I was leaving. That's when they get the tip!
One has to be suicidal to drive in such conditions. Every road I was driving on had lane restrictions due to some type of construction. This really gives the impression that the City is crumbling at the seams.
It also gives the impression that nobody really cares and what is much worse that nobody is really controlling the situation. For the shortest distances in Midtown, like just circling a city block takes a lifetime.
I really feel sorry for the tourists because New York City is anything but tourist friendly as far as driving goes. And some people can not help it, they come by car. But They will learn. If they are smart they will not come to New York again.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Tuesday
Today I had a very busy day. And by itself that was a rarity because I usually have no busy days.
First I had a doctor's appointment with my family doctor for my semi-annual check up. That went pretty uneventful providing that my laboratory results will not indicate any abnormalities in my system. But why should they?
Emotional conditions are rarely reflected in the blood. I don't think I am in such a bad emotional condition that my system is affected.
My heart aches, my soul hurts and something is lacking from my life. But these are not medical conditions, these are emotional conditions.
And any psychoanalyst would say, take two aspirins and call me in the morning!
After my physical exam I headed over to Memorial Sloan Kettering for the monthly bereavement get together. It is being held on every second Tuesday of the month. And honestly, I was looking forward to it.
This time it was really nice. Five people, four ladies and me and we all knew each other from previous months.
We all had very honest and frank discussions about our feelings, our lives and our situations. We all agreed on one point. This is the only place where we all can openly talk about the way we live, the way we feel, what we may expect from life or any other subject. We are not judged, we are not criticised by anybody.
This gathering if it were not for such a serious reason would almost be pleasant to be at.
We are all different ages, different backgrounds yet, our feelings are frighteningly similar. Some lost husbands, one lost a mother, one lost a father and I lost my wife but still we all have the same pains.
The gathering lasted an hour and a half and after that we parted company. I came home, will fix something to eat then watch TV.
Tomorrow is another day.
But in the meantime I am still waiting by the door!
First I had a doctor's appointment with my family doctor for my semi-annual check up. That went pretty uneventful providing that my laboratory results will not indicate any abnormalities in my system. But why should they?
Emotional conditions are rarely reflected in the blood. I don't think I am in such a bad emotional condition that my system is affected.
My heart aches, my soul hurts and something is lacking from my life. But these are not medical conditions, these are emotional conditions.
And any psychoanalyst would say, take two aspirins and call me in the morning!
After my physical exam I headed over to Memorial Sloan Kettering for the monthly bereavement get together. It is being held on every second Tuesday of the month. And honestly, I was looking forward to it.
This time it was really nice. Five people, four ladies and me and we all knew each other from previous months.
We all had very honest and frank discussions about our feelings, our lives and our situations. We all agreed on one point. This is the only place where we all can openly talk about the way we live, the way we feel, what we may expect from life or any other subject. We are not judged, we are not criticised by anybody.
This gathering if it were not for such a serious reason would almost be pleasant to be at.
We are all different ages, different backgrounds yet, our feelings are frighteningly similar. Some lost husbands, one lost a mother, one lost a father and I lost my wife but still we all have the same pains.
The gathering lasted an hour and a half and after that we parted company. I came home, will fix something to eat then watch TV.
Tomorrow is another day.
But in the meantime I am still waiting by the door!
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Tony
Sunday night lacking anything worthwhile to see on TV I was watching the Tony Awards. It was a slightly more than three hour show of self adulation of people from the theater business.
I am not saying that it was not entertaining because part of it was but still, in my opinion it was not for small children to watch.
First, I don't like to see a man kissing other man on the lips. That is not done and it should have not been shown. The other thing I found distasteful when one man thanked his husband for putting up with him. These two things turned my stomach.
I am not anti gay but please do not publicize it! We all know who they are and I have nothing against them but please don't jump on each other in public. If this world would be all gay there would be no next generation, or at least not the kind we would like. Think about it!
The other thing is that all these people are supposed to be performers, and I accept that. They are stage performers, playing before live audience which I'm sure is not easy. That means they are capable of controlling their emotions. Yet, when they win and go up on the stage they all put on an act of uncontrollable crying, babbling, being confused.
Like it was a total surprise that they received this award. Come on! They all had their little boring speeches in their pockets, wore the best dress possible and were prepared for anything but losing. So, what with the act?
Another thing. The performers tell the worst and stupidest jokes in the world. But the audience laughs so hard that they almost pee all over themselves. Some of the jokes wouldn't last ten minutes in a comedy club but these people seem to like them.
Either they have absolutely no sense of humor or they just laugh out of solidarity with their colleagues.
Oh, one more observation. Why most of the stage actors speak with a British (and that includes Australian and any other English speaking bloke) dialogue? Are there not enough performers in this country to fill the Broadway stages?
Anyway, now I know what shows are playing on Broadway and I am really not sorry that I haven't seen any of them.
I am not saying that it was not entertaining because part of it was but still, in my opinion it was not for small children to watch.
First, I don't like to see a man kissing other man on the lips. That is not done and it should have not been shown. The other thing I found distasteful when one man thanked his husband for putting up with him. These two things turned my stomach.
I am not anti gay but please do not publicize it! We all know who they are and I have nothing against them but please don't jump on each other in public. If this world would be all gay there would be no next generation, or at least not the kind we would like. Think about it!
The other thing is that all these people are supposed to be performers, and I accept that. They are stage performers, playing before live audience which I'm sure is not easy. That means they are capable of controlling their emotions. Yet, when they win and go up on the stage they all put on an act of uncontrollable crying, babbling, being confused.
Like it was a total surprise that they received this award. Come on! They all had their little boring speeches in their pockets, wore the best dress possible and were prepared for anything but losing. So, what with the act?
Another thing. The performers tell the worst and stupidest jokes in the world. But the audience laughs so hard that they almost pee all over themselves. Some of the jokes wouldn't last ten minutes in a comedy club but these people seem to like them.
Either they have absolutely no sense of humor or they just laugh out of solidarity with their colleagues.
Oh, one more observation. Why most of the stage actors speak with a British (and that includes Australian and any other English speaking bloke) dialogue? Are there not enough performers in this country to fill the Broadway stages?
Anyway, now I know what shows are playing on Broadway and I am really not sorry that I haven't seen any of them.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Triple Crown or Double Crown
Saturday was the day of the third leg of the triple crown races (those are horse races). It was held at the Belmont Park Race Track.
There was a horse by the name of California Chrome that won the two previous races and naturally he was the favorite. The hype surrounding this race was unbelievable. There were about a 100,000 people at the racetrack and that meant that every road leading there were totally filled with cars.
Unfortunately, I had to go in the same general direction and I had to take detours and side roads to avoid the mob and that way my trip took longer.
But back to the hype.
There was nothing else in the media but this horse. How he was going to make history, how rich he will make his owners, how he was the favorite. It was a good thing that the horse couldn't read because all this would have made him very nervous.
American media does this all the time. At the Olympic Games they start on somebody who is supposed to be the favorite and at the end when that person does not win he/she is forgotten. Yesterday's news.
I am sure with humans this kind of publicity really makes the person nervous and the anticipation of winning plays into losing. With non-humans let's say horses the publicity will affect the jockeys, the trainers and the owners. But fortunately not the horses.
Regardless, this star horse that was a shoo-in yesterday came in fourth. Not even third but fourth. that means he was not even in the money.
I guess all the publicity really go to him.
My advice to everybody is do not eat any frankfurters for a while because we really don't know where this horse will end up.
There was a horse by the name of California Chrome that won the two previous races and naturally he was the favorite. The hype surrounding this race was unbelievable. There were about a 100,000 people at the racetrack and that meant that every road leading there were totally filled with cars.
Unfortunately, I had to go in the same general direction and I had to take detours and side roads to avoid the mob and that way my trip took longer.
But back to the hype.
There was nothing else in the media but this horse. How he was going to make history, how rich he will make his owners, how he was the favorite. It was a good thing that the horse couldn't read because all this would have made him very nervous.
American media does this all the time. At the Olympic Games they start on somebody who is supposed to be the favorite and at the end when that person does not win he/she is forgotten. Yesterday's news.
I am sure with humans this kind of publicity really makes the person nervous and the anticipation of winning plays into losing. With non-humans let's say horses the publicity will affect the jockeys, the trainers and the owners. But fortunately not the horses.
Regardless, this star horse that was a shoo-in yesterday came in fourth. Not even third but fourth. that means he was not even in the money.
I guess all the publicity really go to him.
My advice to everybody is do not eat any frankfurters for a while because we really don't know where this horse will end up.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
D-Day
A little politicking.
My cable provider is Time Warner. This week, I think Wednesday or Thursday they changed the entire channel line up. Just when I almost mastered the channel numbers I have to memorize it again.
But it has some advantages. Like almost all the news channels are in one group. Meaning I can go from Russian news through European news all the way to Japanese news and, all in English, for a change.
I found a station called France24 that is broadcasting from Paris. Not from Paris, Ohio or Paris, Kentucky but from the real Paris in France. And, miracle of miracles all in English (mostly British English though, but good enough). I find their programs very interesting and educational and, very European.
They have a real European feature. They do not interrupt programs for stupid commercials like here but at the end of the show they announce that now there will be advertising. This is when one gets up and go to the fridge or wherever else. I saw this also on Hungarian television so I guess that's how they do it in Europe because I'm sure the Hungarians didn't invent it.
Anyway, today is June 6 and that is the anniversary of D-Day. And today is the 70th anniversary of D-Day. In remembrance there was a monumental event on Omaha Beach in France and it was broadcast live on C-Span.
Since I had nothing else to do I watched it even though it took several hours but it was worth it. All heads of states were there from countries involved in World War II. They didn't comment on who was who so I had to guess it but I pretty much figured it out. There were kings and queens and presidents and prime ministers and a whole bunch of other people.
It was very interesting for me to see how each arrived. They came to the back of the stand in mostly French limousines (Citroëns mainly) where an honor guard waited. They each walked up on a red carpet where they were greeted by the president of France, they greeted a group of old veterans then took their places on the stand.
President Obama was the one before last to arrive. Queen Elizabeth was the last. Now, while all other heads of states arrived in single cars Obama arrived in a convoy of about six or seven cars, all American cars and he came in a government license plate Chevrolet SUV. Oh, and with all the Secret Service entourage.
I found this very distasteful and the perfect picture of the Ugly American. Why they have to act this way?
I am sure that the president of Serbia is just as important to Serbia as Obama to the US. Or president Putin is just as important to Russia as chancellor Merkel to Germany. But they could all avail themselves to the transportation the French hosts provided. But nooo! Not the Americans! They have to be different from everybody else.
I see absolutely no excuse for acting like this. No wonder nobody like the Americans.
I got news for them, at the end theirs smell just the same as everybody else's.
My cable provider is Time Warner. This week, I think Wednesday or Thursday they changed the entire channel line up. Just when I almost mastered the channel numbers I have to memorize it again.
But it has some advantages. Like almost all the news channels are in one group. Meaning I can go from Russian news through European news all the way to Japanese news and, all in English, for a change.
I found a station called France24 that is broadcasting from Paris. Not from Paris, Ohio or Paris, Kentucky but from the real Paris in France. And, miracle of miracles all in English (mostly British English though, but good enough). I find their programs very interesting and educational and, very European.
They have a real European feature. They do not interrupt programs for stupid commercials like here but at the end of the show they announce that now there will be advertising. This is when one gets up and go to the fridge or wherever else. I saw this also on Hungarian television so I guess that's how they do it in Europe because I'm sure the Hungarians didn't invent it.
Anyway, today is June 6 and that is the anniversary of D-Day. And today is the 70th anniversary of D-Day. In remembrance there was a monumental event on Omaha Beach in France and it was broadcast live on C-Span.
Since I had nothing else to do I watched it even though it took several hours but it was worth it. All heads of states were there from countries involved in World War II. They didn't comment on who was who so I had to guess it but I pretty much figured it out. There were kings and queens and presidents and prime ministers and a whole bunch of other people.
It was very interesting for me to see how each arrived. They came to the back of the stand in mostly French limousines (Citroëns mainly) where an honor guard waited. They each walked up on a red carpet where they were greeted by the president of France, they greeted a group of old veterans then took their places on the stand.
President Obama was the one before last to arrive. Queen Elizabeth was the last. Now, while all other heads of states arrived in single cars Obama arrived in a convoy of about six or seven cars, all American cars and he came in a government license plate Chevrolet SUV. Oh, and with all the Secret Service entourage.
I found this very distasteful and the perfect picture of the Ugly American. Why they have to act this way?
I am sure that the president of Serbia is just as important to Serbia as Obama to the US. Or president Putin is just as important to Russia as chancellor Merkel to Germany. But they could all avail themselves to the transportation the French hosts provided. But nooo! Not the Americans! They have to be different from everybody else.
I see absolutely no excuse for acting like this. No wonder nobody like the Americans.
I got news for them, at the end theirs smell just the same as everybody else's.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Skin
Thursday I had a doctor's appointment. I had to go and see a dermatologist in Manhattan and as a result today I look like somebody who was in a bar fight.
She checked my body and found three items she didn't like. Right there and then she decided to remove them, can them and send them off for biopsy.
Now I am in a nervous state of waiting. I am hoping that all results will come back negative because I don't think I can deal with another C thing. Even if this is not as serious as the one we went through recently I still can't handle it.
The reason I look like I was in a bar fight is that my face has a few fairly obvious Band Aids on and it gives me scary look.
The procedure didn't hurt, she gave me three injections and I didn't feel a thing. Not even after the anesthesia wore off. But just the fact that I had two injections into my face, no matter how small, really bothered me. I just don't like it, that's it!
Up to this point I wrote this Thursday evening. Today it is Friday and I am recuperating from my medical procedures. I took the bandages off and I don't look as bad as it was yesterday. But still, the magic word is recuperating.
As such I decided not to go out to the street since I have really nothing to do outside. My face needs rest and that what it is getting.
There is nothing else I feel like doing at home either so I am resting even if the doctor did not order it. But she should have.
I was watching a lot of television during the day, mainly various news programs. I'll tell about it next time because I found them very interesting.
She checked my body and found three items she didn't like. Right there and then she decided to remove them, can them and send them off for biopsy.
Now I am in a nervous state of waiting. I am hoping that all results will come back negative because I don't think I can deal with another C thing. Even if this is not as serious as the one we went through recently I still can't handle it.
The reason I look like I was in a bar fight is that my face has a few fairly obvious Band Aids on and it gives me scary look.
The procedure didn't hurt, she gave me three injections and I didn't feel a thing. Not even after the anesthesia wore off. But just the fact that I had two injections into my face, no matter how small, really bothered me. I just don't like it, that's it!
Up to this point I wrote this Thursday evening. Today it is Friday and I am recuperating from my medical procedures. I took the bandages off and I don't look as bad as it was yesterday. But still, the magic word is recuperating.
As such I decided not to go out to the street since I have really nothing to do outside. My face needs rest and that what it is getting.
There is nothing else I feel like doing at home either so I am resting even if the doctor did not order it. But she should have.
I was watching a lot of television during the day, mainly various news programs. I'll tell about it next time because I found them very interesting.
Friday, June 6, 2014
No Young
I know that I did express my opinion about young people at least once before. But, I'm sorry I have to do it again.
Every time I turn the TV on to a talk or news program all I can see is young smart alecs voicing their opinions. Mainly they are quoting statistics and data to back up what they are trying to say.
To me that is the same as talking to a person whose entire intelligence is backed by the informations from The New York Times. That to me sounds totally stupid.
I don't need a thirtysomething to tell me what the stock market will do just because he or she has an MBA. Or, another thirtysomething to discuss child rearing because she has a PhD from child psychology but never had any children.
Whatever happened to life experience?
I guess it went out the window with all the older people they put out to pastures. Now a days and older person can only survive in his or hers own business. He will certainly not going to tell himself to take a hike you are too old!
One reason the young crowd replaces the old one is that the employers can get a "twofer". Two young new employee for the one old they replace. The old guy makes more money, has experience, been there for long and knows the drill and has a mind of his own.
The young one is cheaper, glad to have a job, can be bullied into doing anything and is afraid to think for himself. Oh yes, one thing he does not have and that is experience. But who cares as long as he knows the statistics.
It seems that life experience has no meaning any longer.
I'll be damned if I will trust any of my affairs to anybody who has not seen first run Happy Days in its early days.
Every time I turn the TV on to a talk or news program all I can see is young smart alecs voicing their opinions. Mainly they are quoting statistics and data to back up what they are trying to say.
To me that is the same as talking to a person whose entire intelligence is backed by the informations from The New York Times. That to me sounds totally stupid.
I don't need a thirtysomething to tell me what the stock market will do just because he or she has an MBA. Or, another thirtysomething to discuss child rearing because she has a PhD from child psychology but never had any children.
Whatever happened to life experience?
I guess it went out the window with all the older people they put out to pastures. Now a days and older person can only survive in his or hers own business. He will certainly not going to tell himself to take a hike you are too old!
One reason the young crowd replaces the old one is that the employers can get a "twofer". Two young new employee for the one old they replace. The old guy makes more money, has experience, been there for long and knows the drill and has a mind of his own.
The young one is cheaper, glad to have a job, can be bullied into doing anything and is afraid to think for himself. Oh yes, one thing he does not have and that is experience. But who cares as long as he knows the statistics.
It seems that life experience has no meaning any longer.
I'll be damned if I will trust any of my affairs to anybody who has not seen first run Happy Days in its early days.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Backroom Politics
Today is the anniversary of the Tienanmen Square thing that happened in China 25 years ago. Turn on the TV or the radio and in all the news programs that is all they talk about.
The news media is in a hysterical panic about it. Mainly because the Chinese do not let them broadcast this subject from China. They are being seriously censored. And censorship is sacrilege to CNN and all the other major broadcasters. They think they are dealing under American rules where mostly everything is broadcastable.
With all their international involvements and experience they can not fathom that some regimes are not in love with them or with Americans and will put some control over their operations.
The other thing is that beside the media people really do not care. Nobody remembers and nobody outside of China really cares.
This is typical of any event that happened a while back or just recently. It will be front page in the media then slowly it slips out of the public interest.
Look a the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls. Now one can barely hear about it. I am not saying that nothing is happening but not in the media at this time.
Yesterday's news is really yesterday's news.
Going back to China the US government really did not care much about the whole affair. With the exception of a few strong words nothing was done. Nothing could be done!
Same as in Ukraine. Words, words, words.
No way the US will have a unit of US Marines march in and make order. Only in Haiti and Granada where they were sure of victory.
I am reading a book in Hungarian about the 1956 October events in Hungary. It is a very informative political analysis about whatever happened.
It is very interesting to read that at that time the US had absolutely no interest to interfere or even just to provide help. In reality they were hoping the the Soviets would put those Hungarians back in their places and things would continue as before.
And all this was while that idiotic Radio Free Europe was blaring that keep on fighting help is on the way.
Americans are very good at these kinds of misinformation things. Look a Syria. They are helping some lame organization who probably has no chance at all to win their war. But they are getting weapons and tons of big words.
The problem is that Americans really don't give a damn about any other country's problems for the sake of those people. They only look at it to see what effect it might have on the security and the interests of this country.
Pretty immoral if one asks me.
Every day there are dirty decisions being made in the back rooms of this democratic government.
The news media is in a hysterical panic about it. Mainly because the Chinese do not let them broadcast this subject from China. They are being seriously censored. And censorship is sacrilege to CNN and all the other major broadcasters. They think they are dealing under American rules where mostly everything is broadcastable.
With all their international involvements and experience they can not fathom that some regimes are not in love with them or with Americans and will put some control over their operations.
The other thing is that beside the media people really do not care. Nobody remembers and nobody outside of China really cares.
This is typical of any event that happened a while back or just recently. It will be front page in the media then slowly it slips out of the public interest.
Look a the kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls. Now one can barely hear about it. I am not saying that nothing is happening but not in the media at this time.
Yesterday's news is really yesterday's news.
Going back to China the US government really did not care much about the whole affair. With the exception of a few strong words nothing was done. Nothing could be done!
Same as in Ukraine. Words, words, words.
No way the US will have a unit of US Marines march in and make order. Only in Haiti and Granada where they were sure of victory.
I am reading a book in Hungarian about the 1956 October events in Hungary. It is a very informative political analysis about whatever happened.
It is very interesting to read that at that time the US had absolutely no interest to interfere or even just to provide help. In reality they were hoping the the Soviets would put those Hungarians back in their places and things would continue as before.
And all this was while that idiotic Radio Free Europe was blaring that keep on fighting help is on the way.
Americans are very good at these kinds of misinformation things. Look a Syria. They are helping some lame organization who probably has no chance at all to win their war. But they are getting weapons and tons of big words.
The problem is that Americans really don't give a damn about any other country's problems for the sake of those people. They only look at it to see what effect it might have on the security and the interests of this country.
Pretty immoral if one asks me.
Every day there are dirty decisions being made in the back rooms of this democratic government.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Capitalism
Capitalism is fine and well.
My friend was terminated from her job last Friday, the last day of the month. I believe that terminating anybody is bad enough but to do it on last day of the month is the dirtiest of dirty deeds.
Their excuse was that there was not enough work that would warrant keeping the current staff. Along with her several others were let go, some employed as long as fifteen years.
The problem with being terminated on the last day of the month is that it is impossible to get health insurance continuation in such a short time.
Well, these people didn't care about that at all. All they cared was how to save their precious money. It was proven again that employers don't give a damn about the employees. They care only about their own pocket.
They expect loyalty and giving but when things turn sour the first to go are the employees. I worked for over forty years and I saw this over and over again.
It does not matter if the employer is a large company or a small one. The thinking is the same.
I was luckier. When I was "asked to retire" it happened at the beginning of the month and they gave me two weeks. Thus when I left the company I still had two weeks remaining until the end of the month. This way I was able to arrange all my health insurances which I did fairly easily.
But still, being told to leave a job is a very painful and hard thing. First of all very few of us work or worked because that was our hobby.
We worked because that was how we paid our bills. That was how we could afford our food, our homes and everything that we possess including our lifestyle.
When one losses that job that means a total stranger is forcing that person to change that lifestyle simply for that stranger's convenience.
I totally understand why terminations happen. Companies build their businesses on work they hope to get or they already are contracted for. These businesses do not always materialize and if the situation continues staff reductions are necessary.
Yet, it is sad that we are exposed to such situations and I feel this kind of action invades the life of the individual.
We hear this kind of action all the time. More in the last few years than before because of the situation of the economy. I always feel sorry the poor people who are on the short end of the stick. But when it hits close to home it hits a lot harder then in other cases.
Well, that's capitalism for us.
My friend was terminated from her job last Friday, the last day of the month. I believe that terminating anybody is bad enough but to do it on last day of the month is the dirtiest of dirty deeds.
Their excuse was that there was not enough work that would warrant keeping the current staff. Along with her several others were let go, some employed as long as fifteen years.
The problem with being terminated on the last day of the month is that it is impossible to get health insurance continuation in such a short time.
Well, these people didn't care about that at all. All they cared was how to save their precious money. It was proven again that employers don't give a damn about the employees. They care only about their own pocket.
They expect loyalty and giving but when things turn sour the first to go are the employees. I worked for over forty years and I saw this over and over again.
It does not matter if the employer is a large company or a small one. The thinking is the same.
I was luckier. When I was "asked to retire" it happened at the beginning of the month and they gave me two weeks. Thus when I left the company I still had two weeks remaining until the end of the month. This way I was able to arrange all my health insurances which I did fairly easily.
But still, being told to leave a job is a very painful and hard thing. First of all very few of us work or worked because that was our hobby.
We worked because that was how we paid our bills. That was how we could afford our food, our homes and everything that we possess including our lifestyle.
When one losses that job that means a total stranger is forcing that person to change that lifestyle simply for that stranger's convenience.
I totally understand why terminations happen. Companies build their businesses on work they hope to get or they already are contracted for. These businesses do not always materialize and if the situation continues staff reductions are necessary.
Yet, it is sad that we are exposed to such situations and I feel this kind of action invades the life of the individual.
We hear this kind of action all the time. More in the last few years than before because of the situation of the economy. I always feel sorry the poor people who are on the short end of the stick. But when it hits close to home it hits a lot harder then in other cases.
Well, that's capitalism for us.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Fast Times
Today is June 2. My question is where did March, April and May go?
Time is going so fast it is unbelievable. My days are kind of blending into one another with nothing noticeable happening and I was very surprised when I realized that May left and June came on.
My world stopped on February 17 and since then I am living in a haze or in the twilight zone.
I make no plans, I have no plans. I function which means I get up in the morning, I do things around the house, I pay my bills, I eat, see a few friends and just about that does it.
But one day blends into the next with no real difference between them. I know that they say it takes time but no matter what anybody says it is not easy but they do say it never gets easier, and I believe it.
Today having a gorgeous day I went to the beach. It was so crowded I had a hard time finding parking place. I went there after my morning gym visit so it was noon by the time I got out.
Did not go into the water because that is still cold but sat in the sun for a couple of hours. It was very weird being there all by myself. Never did it before and felt very alone. But I guess If I want to go to the beach I will have to get used to it.
This is the reason I don't want to go to St. Maarten this Summer, I don't want to be alone. As I was sitting there today I was imagining myself in St. Maarten, alone and my feelings reinforced my decision.
Maybe next year!
Time is going so fast it is unbelievable. My days are kind of blending into one another with nothing noticeable happening and I was very surprised when I realized that May left and June came on.
My world stopped on February 17 and since then I am living in a haze or in the twilight zone.
I make no plans, I have no plans. I function which means I get up in the morning, I do things around the house, I pay my bills, I eat, see a few friends and just about that does it.
But one day blends into the next with no real difference between them. I know that they say it takes time but no matter what anybody says it is not easy but they do say it never gets easier, and I believe it.
Today having a gorgeous day I went to the beach. It was so crowded I had a hard time finding parking place. I went there after my morning gym visit so it was noon by the time I got out.
Did not go into the water because that is still cold but sat in the sun for a couple of hours. It was very weird being there all by myself. Never did it before and felt very alone. But I guess If I want to go to the beach I will have to get used to it.
This is the reason I don't want to go to St. Maarten this Summer, I don't want to be alone. As I was sitting there today I was imagining myself in St. Maarten, alone and my feelings reinforced my decision.
Maybe next year!
Monday, June 2, 2014
Sunday
Due to yesterday's car trouble we had to postpone the planned Japanese buffet because it would have been too late by the time we got there. So now it is on for next week.
This means that since I said I would start my diet after the Japanese buffet, the commencement of the diet is postponed until next week. If I keep doing this trick my diet will not start until I am at the airport leaving for Hungary. Then what's the point, right?
Actually, right now at midday, I weigh 200 pounds. For those who are on the metric system it is 90.7kg or for my friends who might want to convey this to their sovereign it is 14.3 stone.
200 pounds is not the end of the world but 195 would be better. The trouble with men is that it only takes a little overeating to develop a belly, but it takes forever to get rid of it, if at all.
I went food shopping yesterday afternoon and it took all my strength not to buy any useless junk. It is so easy to get a bag of pretzels or a jar of peanuts or anything else but at the end it is just not worth it.
Today is Sunday. I couldn't sleep very well so I got up fairly early and went to the gym. I worked out vigorously because last week I only went once. My plan for this week is three or four times.
Working out is exhausting but at the end it feels great. I can not see any results, have no bulging muscles but still feel better after every workout.
I really had no plans for today so I did just that. After the gym I came home, fixed myself a nice lunch and just about does it.
Oh, I also wrote some checks which is extremely depressing because I hate to spend money. I am not cheap I just wish everything could be free so I would be able to keep my money.
I also fixed myself a drink.
Down in St. Maarten my favorite drink is the rum punch. That is a great Caribbean drink. Well, to get in the Caribbean mood I found a local version of it. It is my "copyrighted" recipe. Fruit punch flavored Zero (a calorie/sugar free version of Gatorade) mixed with rum and voila, the New York version of rum punch.
Can life get any better?
This means that since I said I would start my diet after the Japanese buffet, the commencement of the diet is postponed until next week. If I keep doing this trick my diet will not start until I am at the airport leaving for Hungary. Then what's the point, right?
Actually, right now at midday, I weigh 200 pounds. For those who are on the metric system it is 90.7kg or for my friends who might want to convey this to their sovereign it is 14.3 stone.
200 pounds is not the end of the world but 195 would be better. The trouble with men is that it only takes a little overeating to develop a belly, but it takes forever to get rid of it, if at all.
I went food shopping yesterday afternoon and it took all my strength not to buy any useless junk. It is so easy to get a bag of pretzels or a jar of peanuts or anything else but at the end it is just not worth it.
Today is Sunday. I couldn't sleep very well so I got up fairly early and went to the gym. I worked out vigorously because last week I only went once. My plan for this week is three or four times.
Working out is exhausting but at the end it feels great. I can not see any results, have no bulging muscles but still feel better after every workout.
I really had no plans for today so I did just that. After the gym I came home, fixed myself a nice lunch and just about does it.
Oh, I also wrote some checks which is extremely depressing because I hate to spend money. I am not cheap I just wish everything could be free so I would be able to keep my money.
I also fixed myself a drink.
Down in St. Maarten my favorite drink is the rum punch. That is a great Caribbean drink. Well, to get in the Caribbean mood I found a local version of it. It is my "copyrighted" recipe. Fruit punch flavored Zero (a calorie/sugar free version of Gatorade) mixed with rum and voila, the New York version of rum punch.
Can life get any better?
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Saturday
Today is Saturday and to say the least it was a very busy day.
This morning my friend called me that she was in her car waiting for service because the car had a flat tire. She told me where she was and I said I would go there immediately because I wasn't too happy with her sitting on the side of a very busy road.
I was there in about 25-30 minutes and she was where she said she would be.
She is a member of the AAA and naturally they were called for road service. Now, they are good but not fast. They said service would be there in an hour.
However there was a little problem. New York City has some roads called Parkways where service is provided by permit only. Meaning AAA can not just drive up on these roads and help the poor motorists.
After waiting for a considerable time AAA called and said that they accidentally sent service to the wrong address. How stupid! Just like New York's 911 operators.
But they called later and said that since they were not permitted to provide the service we would have to pay $150 for the tow truck that they dispatched. I think AAA would reimburse the money later but still this is unbelievable.
It is a rip-off on a grand scale using people's troubles to make money. It is disgusting to say the least.
Anyway, when I heard what it would cost I said forget the whole thing and decided to change the tire. I didn't change a tire in many-many years and honestly it was fun, I really enjoyed doing it.
The only danger is that the car is on the side of the road and other cars are whizzing by pretty fast. But fortunately the bad tire was on the far side away from the road so I was pretty safe.
Interesting note is the fact that we were there for about an hour and during that time not a single police car came by to stop and ask if there was anything they could do. I wondered where were they?
Having coffee and donuts?
This morning my friend called me that she was in her car waiting for service because the car had a flat tire. She told me where she was and I said I would go there immediately because I wasn't too happy with her sitting on the side of a very busy road.
I was there in about 25-30 minutes and she was where she said she would be.
She is a member of the AAA and naturally they were called for road service. Now, they are good but not fast. They said service would be there in an hour.
However there was a little problem. New York City has some roads called Parkways where service is provided by permit only. Meaning AAA can not just drive up on these roads and help the poor motorists.
After waiting for a considerable time AAA called and said that they accidentally sent service to the wrong address. How stupid! Just like New York's 911 operators.
But they called later and said that since they were not permitted to provide the service we would have to pay $150 for the tow truck that they dispatched. I think AAA would reimburse the money later but still this is unbelievable.
It is a rip-off on a grand scale using people's troubles to make money. It is disgusting to say the least.
Anyway, when I heard what it would cost I said forget the whole thing and decided to change the tire. I didn't change a tire in many-many years and honestly it was fun, I really enjoyed doing it.
The only danger is that the car is on the side of the road and other cars are whizzing by pretty fast. But fortunately the bad tire was on the far side away from the road so I was pretty safe.
Interesting note is the fact that we were there for about an hour and during that time not a single police car came by to stop and ask if there was anything they could do. I wondered where were they?
Having coffee and donuts?
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