I really don't want to dwell on this subject but I have to make a note on my observation.
This past Wednesday I attended as already mentioned the bereavement gathering at the hospital. I also said that there was an unusually large turnout of people.
Now comes my observation and this is an opinion based on statistics is not a cold hearted comment.
Going to this place in the past year I came to observe that it seems that is a more difficult for a grownup to overcome the grief caused by the loss of a parent than the loss of a spouse.
I hear people describe the loss of a spouse in a much more calmer way than the others describe the loss of a parent. And I find this extremely curious.
Without exception surviving family members say that they are lost in the world without their mother or father while people who lost their life partners never say those words.
Unfortunately the rule of life is that parents go before their children and as tragical as it is that is the way it usually is. Now I am not fighting for equal time but I just don't understand these people who sit around this table and keep saying that they are now lost in the world, they lost their best friends and so on and so on.
And in the meanwhile the ones who lost their spouses or life partners are much more self controlled. I understand that a parent can never be replaced and a life partner can not be replaced either but the ones who lost their life partners always have the possibility to start a new life and get to know happiness once again.
This was my analysis of the situation as I observed it. Like I said at the beginning I will not dwell on this any longer.
Que sera, sera!
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Thursday
I love to eat stuff that I don't know where they are coming from. More accurately food that are described in a language that I do not understand but the food looks sympathetic and tasty. If I find that its origin is kind of unsavory, well I chalk it up for experience.
Knowingly I would not eat sheep balls, snakes, rooster balls, dogs, cats and maybe a few other and similar type of foods. However, I ate ostrich, turtle soup, snails (escargot), frogs' legs, calve brain, raw fish (sushi) and raw beef (steak tartare).
There is a Russian supermarket not far from where I live and today we went there to do a little shopping. The beauty of the store is that there are a lot of things there I did not understand. Like their cold cuts and prepared cold salads.
I bought cold cuts there before and without really knowing what they were I have to admit they all tasted great. The same applied to the salads. There were Russian, Ukrainian, Kazan salads and beside looking pretty appetizing they also taste great.
When ordering cold cuts it is hard to stop because of the multitude of varieties and one's desire to be adventurous. The prices are good so I just keep going and keep ordering.
There is another thing I find Russians like a lot and it is sweets. In this store there is a display of chocolates of such a magnitude that I have never seen anything like it. Chocolates, truffles, chocolate covered cherries filled with liquor. They are all packaged in beautiful boxes and look great even to a non-chocolate lover like me. Most of the chocolates are Russian or Polish or some other Baltic country made but equally taste very good.
Make a long story short we came home with six shopping full of foods after a casual "just stop to look" few minutes.
Knowingly I would not eat sheep balls, snakes, rooster balls, dogs, cats and maybe a few other and similar type of foods. However, I ate ostrich, turtle soup, snails (escargot), frogs' legs, calve brain, raw fish (sushi) and raw beef (steak tartare).
There is a Russian supermarket not far from where I live and today we went there to do a little shopping. The beauty of the store is that there are a lot of things there I did not understand. Like their cold cuts and prepared cold salads.
I bought cold cuts there before and without really knowing what they were I have to admit they all tasted great. The same applied to the salads. There were Russian, Ukrainian, Kazan salads and beside looking pretty appetizing they also taste great.
When ordering cold cuts it is hard to stop because of the multitude of varieties and one's desire to be adventurous. The prices are good so I just keep going and keep ordering.
There is another thing I find Russians like a lot and it is sweets. In this store there is a display of chocolates of such a magnitude that I have never seen anything like it. Chocolates, truffles, chocolate covered cherries filled with liquor. They are all packaged in beautiful boxes and look great even to a non-chocolate lover like me. Most of the chocolates are Russian or Polish or some other Baltic country made but equally taste very good.
Make a long story short we came home with six shopping full of foods after a casual "just stop to look" few minutes.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Wednesday
I am seriously thinking about enrolling in a university and study psychology on the highest level. It seems that I have a knack to give advise to people and the advise I give is appreciated.
What is the reason, you ask?
Today I went to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the monthly bereavement session which today had an unusually large turnout. We normally have about ten people at these sessions, today we had twenty one. It is sad because all these people are hit by their personal tragedies of losing a loved one.
To some people the loss is fairly recent to some it happened quite a while ago. But the common thread is that they all are hurting and everybody is trying to deal with their losses.
To some it is a parent to some it is a child to some it is a close friend and to some of us it is a spouse. Each one of us deal differently with the loss but the commonality is that everybody want to be able to deal with it.
Now I am the voice of calm reason at this gathering. I was hurting more than anybody can imagine at the beginning but slowly I came to terms with what happened. I had no choice but to accept it. Life went on and either I went with it or would have been left behind.
I chose the first, I went with life. I met a fantastic lady and started a beautiful relationship. I tell others that they should not despair, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Don't give up hope, don't get depressed because time is a great healer.
This does not mean that they should give up their memories but people should not give their life over to the memories. There are so many beautiful things out there that we all deserve to take some of it.
And, lo and behold more than one said to me once the session was over that they really liked what I was saying and they would try to remember it.
Too bad I can't charge for my good advice.
What is the reason, you ask?
Today I went to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the monthly bereavement session which today had an unusually large turnout. We normally have about ten people at these sessions, today we had twenty one. It is sad because all these people are hit by their personal tragedies of losing a loved one.
To some people the loss is fairly recent to some it happened quite a while ago. But the common thread is that they all are hurting and everybody is trying to deal with their losses.
To some it is a parent to some it is a child to some it is a close friend and to some of us it is a spouse. Each one of us deal differently with the loss but the commonality is that everybody want to be able to deal with it.
Now I am the voice of calm reason at this gathering. I was hurting more than anybody can imagine at the beginning but slowly I came to terms with what happened. I had no choice but to accept it. Life went on and either I went with it or would have been left behind.
I chose the first, I went with life. I met a fantastic lady and started a beautiful relationship. I tell others that they should not despair, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Don't give up hope, don't get depressed because time is a great healer.
This does not mean that they should give up their memories but people should not give their life over to the memories. There are so many beautiful things out there that we all deserve to take some of it.
And, lo and behold more than one said to me once the session was over that they really liked what I was saying and they would try to remember it.
Too bad I can't charge for my good advice.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Tuesday
Today I Tuesday and so far this is the best day of the week. Well it is easy because the week so far is only two days old, but still the day was just great.
I will not bore anybody by describing how hard it was to tear myself away from my G.F.'s loving arms at 6:30 in the morning but what a man has to do, a man has to do.
And this man had to get up, get dressed and drive 140 miles into the mountains to get in a day of good skiing. And good skiing it was.
It was clear and crispy cold. The temperature was about 5 degrees Fahrenheit and that is about -15 degrees Celsius. No matter how we look at it it is cold. But what made it bearable was that there was no wind.
I don't know if it was because of last week was a holiday week or the cold but the place was empty. No people, no kids. I came down on some slopes without seeing anybody. The snow was very well maintained and it was dry, good skiable snow.
I skied a lot and had a great time.
The drive home was very pleasant even though it took three hours. But when I got home my G.F. was waiting for me with a fantastic dinner. Dinner was Hungarian bean soup with pig knuckles. It was just great.
Since she was a professional athlete she knows all the muscles in the body. So, after dinner she gave me a massage that speaks several languages.
I just hope the rest of the week will be equally good or better.
I will not bore anybody by describing how hard it was to tear myself away from my G.F.'s loving arms at 6:30 in the morning but what a man has to do, a man has to do.
And this man had to get up, get dressed and drive 140 miles into the mountains to get in a day of good skiing. And good skiing it was.
It was clear and crispy cold. The temperature was about 5 degrees Fahrenheit and that is about -15 degrees Celsius. No matter how we look at it it is cold. But what made it bearable was that there was no wind.
I don't know if it was because of last week was a holiday week or the cold but the place was empty. No people, no kids. I came down on some slopes without seeing anybody. The snow was very well maintained and it was dry, good skiable snow.
I skied a lot and had a great time.
The drive home was very pleasant even though it took three hours. But when I got home my G.F. was waiting for me with a fantastic dinner. Dinner was Hungarian bean soup with pig knuckles. It was just great.
Since she was a professional athlete she knows all the muscles in the body. So, after dinner she gave me a massage that speaks several languages.
I just hope the rest of the week will be equally good or better.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Monday
Today is Monday and I didn't do much all day. Well, I went to the gym, my new gym and had a serious workout. Unfortunately I only go once a week but I should really go a few times. But with my busy social schedule I just have no time.
The rest of the day was quality time spent with my girlfriend.
Something else.
There are a million totally useless space needing things on the Internet and unfortunately people are using many of them. But there is something that I think is the greatest and the best entertaining web site and the good thing about it that it is free.
It is You Tube. I find YouTube a fantastic addition to the Internet world.
There is no music or movies or any other entertaining related or sometime weird subject that one can not find on YouTube. As I several times already noted I am Hungarian and I do like Hungarian music also Hungarian movies. By going to YouTube I can easily find anything my heart desires.
This afternoon we found a well known Hungarian singer who "entertained" us for about an hour by singing popular and old Hungarian songs. The only movies one can not find that are protected by the copyright laws but there are enough others to satisfy one's needs.
I just figured I'll mention this not for advertising YouTube but just because I like it.
The rest of the day was quality time spent with my girlfriend.
Something else.
There are a million totally useless space needing things on the Internet and unfortunately people are using many of them. But there is something that I think is the greatest and the best entertaining web site and the good thing about it that it is free.
It is You Tube. I find YouTube a fantastic addition to the Internet world.
There is no music or movies or any other entertaining related or sometime weird subject that one can not find on YouTube. As I several times already noted I am Hungarian and I do like Hungarian music also Hungarian movies. By going to YouTube I can easily find anything my heart desires.
This afternoon we found a well known Hungarian singer who "entertained" us for about an hour by singing popular and old Hungarian songs. The only movies one can not find that are protected by the copyright laws but there are enough others to satisfy one's needs.
I just figured I'll mention this not for advertising YouTube but just because I like it.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Sunday
Tonight is the everboring Academy Award and because of that there is really nothing worth watching on the TV. Bunch of Hollywood people sitting in a large auditorium in borrowed dresses and loaned jewelry sucking up to each other in the hope of landing their next juicy roles.
Clapping like seals on command and pretending to like their colleagues and looking happy when the other person wins the award. This about the only place where they can really show what good actors they are in one take for the viewing public who really believe what they see.
Something else.
Yesterday there was a considerable snowstorm in New York and because of that we decided to stay indoors even though we planned to do some supermarket shopping. I must say the time was spent very pleasantly and I didn't mind staying home at all.
Today, Sunday it was about three o'clock by the time we left the house to catch up with the shopping chores. Getting such a late start made the day kind of short but again I didn't care at all.
Come on, we are all adults and we spend our time as pleasantly as we wish. Right?
Clapping like seals on command and pretending to like their colleagues and looking happy when the other person wins the award. This about the only place where they can really show what good actors they are in one take for the viewing public who really believe what they see.
Something else.
Yesterday there was a considerable snowstorm in New York and because of that we decided to stay indoors even though we planned to do some supermarket shopping. I must say the time was spent very pleasantly and I didn't mind staying home at all.
Today, Sunday it was about three o'clock by the time we left the house to catch up with the shopping chores. Getting such a late start made the day kind of short but again I didn't care at all.
Come on, we are all adults and we spend our time as pleasantly as we wish. Right?
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Saturday
Yesterday I received an e-mail from the airline we are scheduled to fly to Europe in May that there was a schedule change. I immediately got nervous because I was afraid the flight might be cancelled and I put so much energy into finding it.
But fortunately no. All they advised us of that our flight is leaving 20 minutes later than it was originally listed. Since we have no connecting flight it does not matter at all. But it still made me curious.
At New York's Kennedy Airport it is not unusual for a departing plane to sit and wait on the tarmac for thirty to forty minutes. Now what does that do to the schedule? Twenty minutes seem like such a short time that it does not even merit a note much less a schedule change. Besides on such a long flight like a transatlantic one it is very easy to make up the time loss and arrive at the originally scheduled time.
I don't see why they even bother. Maybe it is the Norwegian punctuality (if there is such a thing).
Something else.
Today I bought two more tickets to the opera. This time we are planning to see Aida in the middle of April. Getting into the Metropolitan Opera's price structure it is interesting to see how they are changing the prices of the seats between different calendar times. I don't understand the reasoning behind it but since there is nothing anybody can do we just have to accept it. Still couldn't find any discounts and that irks me.
I never saw Aida in the Met. I did see it in Budapest but I heard it was always a spectacular production. Now at least I'll have a chance to see it first hand. I think Placido Domingo is conducting at least that's how I read it. I guess he is getting to be too old to sing.
Good for him, at least he is still working!
But fortunately no. All they advised us of that our flight is leaving 20 minutes later than it was originally listed. Since we have no connecting flight it does not matter at all. But it still made me curious.
At New York's Kennedy Airport it is not unusual for a departing plane to sit and wait on the tarmac for thirty to forty minutes. Now what does that do to the schedule? Twenty minutes seem like such a short time that it does not even merit a note much less a schedule change. Besides on such a long flight like a transatlantic one it is very easy to make up the time loss and arrive at the originally scheduled time.
I don't see why they even bother. Maybe it is the Norwegian punctuality (if there is such a thing).
Something else.
Today I bought two more tickets to the opera. This time we are planning to see Aida in the middle of April. Getting into the Metropolitan Opera's price structure it is interesting to see how they are changing the prices of the seats between different calendar times. I don't understand the reasoning behind it but since there is nothing anybody can do we just have to accept it. Still couldn't find any discounts and that irks me.
I never saw Aida in the Met. I did see it in Budapest but I heard it was always a spectacular production. Now at least I'll have a chance to see it first hand. I think Placido Domingo is conducting at least that's how I read it. I guess he is getting to be too old to sing.
Good for him, at least he is still working!
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Carmen Friday
Today is Friday but I have to talk about last night. As the world knows I and we went to the opera and saw and heard Carmen.
This was not my first time to the Metropolitan Opera but even if I were not there for many years it still overwhelmed me and us both. For one what a different audience then at the Mamma Mia!
Yes, there were people in jeans and sneakers but overall people were dressed a lot better then in any other place. I don't know if it was because these are better class people or because they give more respect to the artists then they do on Broadway.
We both saw this opera before so it was not the storyline. It never is in an opera. It was the music and the performance. I am not a connoisseur of classical music but I enjoyed this immensely.
The music is fresh and lively and the fact that they tell each other ninety nine times, not forty seven times, that they love each other does not take away from the event. There were a lot of very familiar tunes and we enjoyed them all. Our seats were good with a good view of the stage and orchestra.
I am not a nationalist but it still felt good and made me proud that the role of Escamillo the toreador was sung by a Hungarian bass-baritone straight from the Budapest Opera house.
The performance was over by 10 pm and it took us about a half an hour to get our car out off the garage. We had dinner in a very nice restaurant on Times Square. After that we drove home and ended a very nice day.
By the way, my cold is almost over and it is thanks to the TLC I received at the hands of my LGF (Loving Girl Friend).
This was not my first time to the Metropolitan Opera but even if I were not there for many years it still overwhelmed me and us both. For one what a different audience then at the Mamma Mia!
Yes, there were people in jeans and sneakers but overall people were dressed a lot better then in any other place. I don't know if it was because these are better class people or because they give more respect to the artists then they do on Broadway.
We both saw this opera before so it was not the storyline. It never is in an opera. It was the music and the performance. I am not a connoisseur of classical music but I enjoyed this immensely.
The music is fresh and lively and the fact that they tell each other ninety nine times, not forty seven times, that they love each other does not take away from the event. There were a lot of very familiar tunes and we enjoyed them all. Our seats were good with a good view of the stage and orchestra.
I am not a nationalist but it still felt good and made me proud that the role of Escamillo the toreador was sung by a Hungarian bass-baritone straight from the Budapest Opera house.
The performance was over by 10 pm and it took us about a half an hour to get our car out off the garage. We had dinner in a very nice restaurant on Times Square. After that we drove home and ended a very nice day.
By the way, my cold is almost over and it is thanks to the TLC I received at the hands of my LGF (Loving Girl Friend).
Friday, February 20, 2015
Thursday
Today is Thursday and the day of my and our excursion into the sacred halls of high culture. Tonight we are going to the opera and if that is not high culture then I really don't know what is. Maybe chamber music?
I can not fathom that Metropolitan Opera is advertising in all kinds of media that people should go and see their performances but on the other hand their prices are provocatively high. Also, it is very difficult to find evenings where there are still tickets available meaning that they are not sold out.
Unlike Broadway shows there are no discounts of any kind that can be found and believe me I did search pretty thoroughly. So, what is the point of advertising? They are just teasing the public because if I can not find anything I would like to see then I would just give up.
Speaking of opera, I do not understand why operas have to be sung in Italian or in their original languages. Every opera was already translated to English meaning they are available in that format. And guest artists can sing in English just as well as accented French or Italian or Russian. It's not that the text is so important because they always say about forty seven times that they love each other or similar but still it is good to know who is who in the performance.
Funny story.
Many years ago we went to the opera here in New York a few times and were annoyed by the fact that they were all sung in Italian. And back then there was no electronic translation available.
So, we went to Hungary in the late 1960s and while there decided to go to the Budapest Opera to see and hear an opera in Hungarian as they were always sung there. I think it was Mozart's The Magic Flute. Got good seats settled down and waited for the first artist to start singing.
When he started were totally stumped. He sang in German. We looked at each other and almost said oh sh.. here we go again. It turned out he was a guest singer from Germany and the rest of the opera was sung in Hungarian.
I am looking forward to tonight and hope that we will have a good time.
I can not fathom that Metropolitan Opera is advertising in all kinds of media that people should go and see their performances but on the other hand their prices are provocatively high. Also, it is very difficult to find evenings where there are still tickets available meaning that they are not sold out.
Unlike Broadway shows there are no discounts of any kind that can be found and believe me I did search pretty thoroughly. So, what is the point of advertising? They are just teasing the public because if I can not find anything I would like to see then I would just give up.
Speaking of opera, I do not understand why operas have to be sung in Italian or in their original languages. Every opera was already translated to English meaning they are available in that format. And guest artists can sing in English just as well as accented French or Italian or Russian. It's not that the text is so important because they always say about forty seven times that they love each other or similar but still it is good to know who is who in the performance.
Funny story.
Many years ago we went to the opera here in New York a few times and were annoyed by the fact that they were all sung in Italian. And back then there was no electronic translation available.
So, we went to Hungary in the late 1960s and while there decided to go to the Budapest Opera to see and hear an opera in Hungarian as they were always sung there. I think it was Mozart's The Magic Flute. Got good seats settled down and waited for the first artist to start singing.
When he started were totally stumped. He sang in German. We looked at each other and almost said oh sh.. here we go again. It turned out he was a guest singer from Germany and the rest of the opera was sung in Hungarian.
I am looking forward to tonight and hope that we will have a good time.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Wednesday
When a man has the COLD he is on his deathbed. Half seriously speaking I can not imagine a more annoying condition than having a cold. Right now I am sniffing, coughing, wheezing, blowing my nose, eyes watering. And most of these things at the same time.
I am tired, listless, uninterested about anything and I think I am seeing that proverbial light people who came back from the edge of death talk about. If left alone I could just sit in a dark room without moving, eating and drinking until ...
My nose is all stuffed up. Can not breathe and because of that my lips are chapped. In short I am a wreck. And, I feel extremely sorry for myself!!!!!
O.k. they can not cure cancer but why they can not cure the common cold? They can cure Ebola, but why they can not cure the common cold? Apparently they can not. And that is affecting more people than anything in this world.
I just made myself a cup of Lipton chicken soup and even if I don't feel any better at least the soup was good. I love that soup. I think whoever invented the Lipton chicken noodle soup (probably Mr. Lipton) should get the Nobel Prize. That soup is one of civilization's greatest achievement.
I don't know if that is the real Jewish penicillin or the real chicken soup is but I don't care. I just love the stuff. When I have a cold, which lately is a frequent occurrence, I eat that soup by the gallon. Even if it does not help I feel better afterwards or at least my taste buds do.
My G.F. argues that I shouldn't eat that stuff but rather the real thing but I can't help it. I am a Lipton chicken noodle soup addict!
Now I said it. All my secrets are out, there is nothing left.
I am tired, listless, uninterested about anything and I think I am seeing that proverbial light people who came back from the edge of death talk about. If left alone I could just sit in a dark room without moving, eating and drinking until ...
My nose is all stuffed up. Can not breathe and because of that my lips are chapped. In short I am a wreck. And, I feel extremely sorry for myself!!!!!
O.k. they can not cure cancer but why they can not cure the common cold? They can cure Ebola, but why they can not cure the common cold? Apparently they can not. And that is affecting more people than anything in this world.
I just made myself a cup of Lipton chicken soup and even if I don't feel any better at least the soup was good. I love that soup. I think whoever invented the Lipton chicken noodle soup (probably Mr. Lipton) should get the Nobel Prize. That soup is one of civilization's greatest achievement.
I don't know if that is the real Jewish penicillin or the real chicken soup is but I don't care. I just love the stuff. When I have a cold, which lately is a frequent occurrence, I eat that soup by the gallon. Even if it does not help I feel better afterwards or at least my taste buds do.
My G.F. argues that I shouldn't eat that stuff but rather the real thing but I can't help it. I am a Lipton chicken noodle soup addict!
Now I said it. All my secrets are out, there is nothing left.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
One Year later
Today is February 17, the one year anniversary that my Wife passed away. We had a quiet remembrance with my brother in law by visiting the place where Her ashes are being kept. We talked about Her we were telling stories to each other from times past. We laughed and we cried but overall it was a nice quiet day.
One year went by. In retrospect it seems it went by pretty fast but in reality it didn't. Most of the year went one day at a time. I was trying to keep myself busy both socially as well as physically. I succeeded to a point but the memories stayed throughout.
The good ones as well as the bad ones. Even though at this point I do not care about the bad ones I only want to remember the good ones. And the thirty plus years were full of those.
I still feel cheated out of life. I still feel Her death was not deserved. She could have lived many-many more years alongside of me and we could have both enjoyed the benefits of retired life.
But slowly I am coming to terms with what happened and trying to put my life back on the right track. I have a new relationship that I deeply care about but that does not mean I am being unfaithful to Her memory. Her love for me and Her memory will live in my mind and heart forever because nobody can take that away.
The love I am developing in my new relationship is not connected to my previous life. This is the new me who has absolutely no regret about the past and at the same time trying to live my life to the fullest.
One year went by. In retrospect it seems it went by pretty fast but in reality it didn't. Most of the year went one day at a time. I was trying to keep myself busy both socially as well as physically. I succeeded to a point but the memories stayed throughout.
The good ones as well as the bad ones. Even though at this point I do not care about the bad ones I only want to remember the good ones. And the thirty plus years were full of those.
I still feel cheated out of life. I still feel Her death was not deserved. She could have lived many-many more years alongside of me and we could have both enjoyed the benefits of retired life.
But slowly I am coming to terms with what happened and trying to put my life back on the right track. I have a new relationship that I deeply care about but that does not mean I am being unfaithful to Her memory. Her love for me and Her memory will live in my mind and heart forever because nobody can take that away.
The love I am developing in my new relationship is not connected to my previous life. This is the new me who has absolutely no regret about the past and at the same time trying to live my life to the fullest.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Monday
Today is Monday and when we awoke at ten the morning it was almost record cold. The official measurement was 4 degrees Fahrenheit which is about -16 degrees Celsius. That is really cold! Since the apartment was nice and warm on a day like today I wished I could just to stay in bed, cuddled up for the whole day.
But duty called and I went off to the gym. Today being Presidents' Day and that is a holiday the gym was more crowded than usual but I was able to find my machines and spots for a good workout.
I am getting to like this new gym not just because it is free but also because it is huge and there are always areas where there is no crowd.
When I am on the treadmill I am watching the people around me and I find this very entertaining. Not just because there is such a huge mix of different people there but because of everyone's devotion to exercise. No matter how old or what sex they are people work very hard at being well and looking good. Seeing how and what other people do is also gives a push to do my share.
I know I will not look like Arnold Schwarzenegger and I really don't even want to but if I can feel better and add a little muscle to my "scrawny" body I will feel pretty good.
I want to correct what I wrote in the third paragraph. FREE has everything to do with me liking the gym!
But duty called and I went off to the gym. Today being Presidents' Day and that is a holiday the gym was more crowded than usual but I was able to find my machines and spots for a good workout.
I am getting to like this new gym not just because it is free but also because it is huge and there are always areas where there is no crowd.
When I am on the treadmill I am watching the people around me and I find this very entertaining. Not just because there is such a huge mix of different people there but because of everyone's devotion to exercise. No matter how old or what sex they are people work very hard at being well and looking good. Seeing how and what other people do is also gives a push to do my share.
I know I will not look like Arnold Schwarzenegger and I really don't even want to but if I can feel better and add a little muscle to my "scrawny" body I will feel pretty good.
I want to correct what I wrote in the third paragraph. FREE has everything to do with me liking the gym!
Monday, February 16, 2015
Saturday-Sunday
This is Sunday but I have to write more about yesterday's St. Valentine's Day. As far as I am concerned it just turned out perfect.
As I mentioned it yesterday I was never a great fan of such a holiday but my current situation made me to change my mind. It was a beautiful day spent with somebody I care for very deeply.
My girlfriend came up in the afternoon and brought me a large box of heart shaped chocolate and a very nice wine collection in a wooden box. I also gave her some present and in the evening we went out to dinner to a very nice restaurant on Long Island.
I have never been to this place but knew of its existence. It was typical Americana. We had a choice of a la carte or a buffet dinner. We chose the buffet because it had a larger selection. Ordered a nice bottle of wine and the dinner turned out be superb.
At the end they gave every lady a long stemmed rose which I think was a nice touch.
By the way, there is a French restaurant in St. Maarten called La Vie an Rose (and they also play Edit Piaf music) where they also give rose to every female patron at the end of the dinner.
But back to Saturday's dinner. Anyway, we had a great time. By the time we got home to my place it was four o'clock in the morning and we were exhausted. But it was all worth it.
We didn't wake up until about noon today, Sunday and by the time we went out of the house and got to some place for breakfast it was almost four o'clock.
Not being able to do our regular Saturday chores on Saturday today we went to a few stores and by the time we got home it got pretty late again.
But all in all these past two days turned out to be very nice and calm.
As I mentioned it yesterday I was never a great fan of such a holiday but my current situation made me to change my mind. It was a beautiful day spent with somebody I care for very deeply.
My girlfriend came up in the afternoon and brought me a large box of heart shaped chocolate and a very nice wine collection in a wooden box. I also gave her some present and in the evening we went out to dinner to a very nice restaurant on Long Island.
I have never been to this place but knew of its existence. It was typical Americana. We had a choice of a la carte or a buffet dinner. We chose the buffet because it had a larger selection. Ordered a nice bottle of wine and the dinner turned out be superb.
At the end they gave every lady a long stemmed rose which I think was a nice touch.
By the way, there is a French restaurant in St. Maarten called La Vie an Rose (and they also play Edit Piaf music) where they also give rose to every female patron at the end of the dinner.
But back to Saturday's dinner. Anyway, we had a great time. By the time we got home to my place it was four o'clock in the morning and we were exhausted. But it was all worth it.
We didn't wake up until about noon today, Sunday and by the time we went out of the house and got to some place for breakfast it was almost four o'clock.
Not being able to do our regular Saturday chores on Saturday today we went to a few stores and by the time we got home it got pretty late again.
But all in all these past two days turned out to be very nice and calm.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Saturday
Today, Saturday is Valentine's Day. That's all they talk about on the radio and television. I have no clue who the hell was Saint Valentine and what he had to do with loving couples and why do they make such a big thing about his day.
And just to show how progressive and cosmopolitan the Hungarians are they picked this up even in Hungary. I never heard about it until landing in this country and never paid much attention to it.
The way we both felt if one loves a person that should be shown every day of every year and not just in one day, on February 14. Commercial interests blow this thing out of proportion just like Christmas and any other holiday to boost their greeting card, candy or jewelry sales. It is a dirty thing but I guess that is what capitalism is all about.
Well, since now I am living a renewed life and my girlfriend believes in St. Valentine's Day I decided to observe it and be very nice about it.
We are planning to go out and have a nice, romantic dinner in a nice restaurant just like any couple would do who care about each other.
I have friends who probably will do nothing special but I also have friends who I am sure will observe this day and will go out with their wives and celebrate the occasion.
They are expecting snow but I can not imagine that it would dampen our enthusiasm. Actually, lately nothing dampens my enthusiasm!
And just to show how progressive and cosmopolitan the Hungarians are they picked this up even in Hungary. I never heard about it until landing in this country and never paid much attention to it.
The way we both felt if one loves a person that should be shown every day of every year and not just in one day, on February 14. Commercial interests blow this thing out of proportion just like Christmas and any other holiday to boost their greeting card, candy or jewelry sales. It is a dirty thing but I guess that is what capitalism is all about.
Well, since now I am living a renewed life and my girlfriend believes in St. Valentine's Day I decided to observe it and be very nice about it.
We are planning to go out and have a nice, romantic dinner in a nice restaurant just like any couple would do who care about each other.
I have friends who probably will do nothing special but I also have friends who I am sure will observe this day and will go out with their wives and celebrate the occasion.
They are expecting snow but I can not imagine that it would dampen our enthusiasm. Actually, lately nothing dampens my enthusiasm!
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Friday
Big things happened today. Most importantly I had my hair cut. That is an important thing because if I didn't get it done I would have looked like an over aged hippy. This man I go to knows my head better than I do. I have been going to him for over forty years and fortunately for me he is still in business.
Many of my friends and acquaintances used to go him but I think it is only me and my older friend who still patronize his business.
Right now I still have enough hair to go once a month for a "stylish" cut and I hope they will stay with me for a while. I had a colleague who is a year older than I am and he had some sparse hair on each side of his head but none in the middle. He used to let a few strands grow very long and combed them from one side to the other for reasons we never understood. I met him recently and now he can relax. He has no hair on either side of his head much less to comb anything over.
But that's life.
Something else.
This morning I finalized our vacation plans for this Summer and now it is official. August 15 we are going to Las Vegas for two weeks until the 29th of August and we are staying in a timeshare unit over there.
I am really excited about this trip because as mentioned it yesterday I have never been there or any other place out west. I will probably miss St. Maarten but since I have been going there for about fifteen continuous years I will get used to it.
Since I have six months until that trip I have enough time to plan out the details. I just hope we'll both have a great time.
Many of my friends and acquaintances used to go him but I think it is only me and my older friend who still patronize his business.
Right now I still have enough hair to go once a month for a "stylish" cut and I hope they will stay with me for a while. I had a colleague who is a year older than I am and he had some sparse hair on each side of his head but none in the middle. He used to let a few strands grow very long and combed them from one side to the other for reasons we never understood. I met him recently and now he can relax. He has no hair on either side of his head much less to comb anything over.
But that's life.
Something else.
This morning I finalized our vacation plans for this Summer and now it is official. August 15 we are going to Las Vegas for two weeks until the 29th of August and we are staying in a timeshare unit over there.
I am really excited about this trip because as mentioned it yesterday I have never been there or any other place out west. I will probably miss St. Maarten but since I have been going there for about fifteen continuous years I will get used to it.
Since I have six months until that trip I have enough time to plan out the details. I just hope we'll both have a great time.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Thursday
Today is Thursday and true to tradition we cleaned house. I must say it was a very pleasant experience. What a difference between doing it alone or with someone one cares about. I almost like doing housework now.
Anyway, we decided that this year we are very likely will skip going to St. Maarten where I have my timeshare. So we spent an enormous amount of time looking for a fun place to go this Summer. My preference was sun and water but finding a place seemed to be very difficult.
I am talking about doing it through my timeshare company. It is only February but everything was already booked for the month of August. We tried Hawaii, California and some parts of Florida. No luck.
Eventually we decided to go to Las Vegas where neither of us have ever been. There seemed to be a few possibilities and tomorrow we will check them out by calling the company.
Neither of us is a gambler but I think we can still have a good time there and if we can do the side trips we should have a great time.
The more I think about it the more excited I am getting. I have never been west of Buffalo not counting one trip to Los Angeles in 1978. But this trip holds the promise of a really great time.
And I am taking it with someone I really care about.
Anyway, we decided that this year we are very likely will skip going to St. Maarten where I have my timeshare. So we spent an enormous amount of time looking for a fun place to go this Summer. My preference was sun and water but finding a place seemed to be very difficult.
I am talking about doing it through my timeshare company. It is only February but everything was already booked for the month of August. We tried Hawaii, California and some parts of Florida. No luck.
Eventually we decided to go to Las Vegas where neither of us have ever been. There seemed to be a few possibilities and tomorrow we will check them out by calling the company.
Neither of us is a gambler but I think we can still have a good time there and if we can do the side trips we should have a great time.
The more I think about it the more excited I am getting. I have never been west of Buffalo not counting one trip to Los Angeles in 1978. But this trip holds the promise of a really great time.
And I am taking it with someone I really care about.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Wednesday
Today I went skiing the second time this season. I had a great time, it was cool, sunny and being midweek not crowded. I made about thirteen runs total before I called it quits. That was ten runs before lunch and three after.
The ride up was pleasant until I got to the local road. Unfortunately I have to drive about forty miles on a one lane local road from the New York State Thruway to the ski place and that is harder than the rest.
The speed limit is 55 miles per hour on most of the road but if there is local yokel up front who is on his way to collect the eggs from his chicken coops then we, skiers are cooked. This person knows one speed and that is slow speed.
Unfortunately there are several locals on this road including school buses and delivery trucks who are really not in any kind of hurry.
Passing is not easy being this a two lane road, one in each direction and also pretty curvy. But I managed to make a few "egg collectors" eat my dust, thanks to my car's good power for acceleration.
When I got home good dinner was waiting for me spiced with a lots of love. I also got a massage that I can not believe any Olympic athlete got after the race.
It is nice to be appreciated and loved! One can very easily get used to this.
The ride up was pleasant until I got to the local road. Unfortunately I have to drive about forty miles on a one lane local road from the New York State Thruway to the ski place and that is harder than the rest.
The speed limit is 55 miles per hour on most of the road but if there is local yokel up front who is on his way to collect the eggs from his chicken coops then we, skiers are cooked. This person knows one speed and that is slow speed.
Unfortunately there are several locals on this road including school buses and delivery trucks who are really not in any kind of hurry.
Passing is not easy being this a two lane road, one in each direction and also pretty curvy. But I managed to make a few "egg collectors" eat my dust, thanks to my car's good power for acceleration.
When I got home good dinner was waiting for me spiced with a lots of love. I also got a massage that I can not believe any Olympic athlete got after the race.
It is nice to be appreciated and loved! One can very easily get used to this.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Tuesday
Monday I paid my first visit to the new gym. I really liked it because the place is enormous, well kept and have so many machines and other stuff that it is impossible to use every type at one visit.
It has a nice pool with I think six separated lanes, Jacuzzi, steam room and other stuff.
Their lockers work on individually set codes that one has to remember. Naturally, I couldn't open mine at the end of my workout. I had to as some staff person to come and open it.
But nobody said anything so it seems like that is a frequent occurrence.
There were two large rooms where people were playing basketball, there are several smaller rooms where people played racquetball.
There are several large rooms where people can do various exercises. Next time I go back I'll investigate a little more so I may be more familiar with the place.
One observation.
When I went to work with free weights and looked around I had the feeling I was in a prison's gym. There were guys from various ethnic groups with arms bigger than my waist (which is not small)lifting the 120lb and larger weights like they were feather.
This is how I imagined people spend their time in prison. They come out stronger and healthier than they ever went in.
Regardless of my impression I still had a good time and will go back s much as I can.
Have to keep myself in good condition!
It has a nice pool with I think six separated lanes, Jacuzzi, steam room and other stuff.
Their lockers work on individually set codes that one has to remember. Naturally, I couldn't open mine at the end of my workout. I had to as some staff person to come and open it.
But nobody said anything so it seems like that is a frequent occurrence.
There were two large rooms where people were playing basketball, there are several smaller rooms where people played racquetball.
There are several large rooms where people can do various exercises. Next time I go back I'll investigate a little more so I may be more familiar with the place.
One observation.
When I went to work with free weights and looked around I had the feeling I was in a prison's gym. There were guys from various ethnic groups with arms bigger than my waist (which is not small)lifting the 120lb and larger weights like they were feather.
This is how I imagined people spend their time in prison. They come out stronger and healthier than they ever went in.
Regardless of my impression I still had a good time and will go back s much as I can.
Have to keep myself in good condition!
Monday
Last night (Sunday) was night of the Grammys. Lacking any other entertaining program on TV we watched this on and off. The entire program is a joke and that is my opinion.
This is nothing else than a collection of degenerate druggies whose only claim is that they get rich because of the public's stupidity. The public buys their records which in most cases are nothing more than unintelligible screaming and barking. The audience which comprises the same caliber people are sitting around and make believe they enjoy the others' music, the other's winnings and the other's stupid jukes or remarks.
Interestingly, at least as far as I know, only pop music is nominated. No artists were there from the more serious music genre like opera or even operettas. But I guess that's today's culture.
I for one didn't enjoy any of the songs. I felt sorry for poor Tom Jones who had to stand up and sing a duet with a young woman and make it believable that he could still sing. The man lost his voice and he should leave it at that. It was a long and tedious show full of self adulation and I was glad when it was finally over around half past 11 at night.
Something else.
Since I am on the "I hate" trip here is something else I hate.
I hate school buses. Those big yellow lumbering giants who think they own the roads and just because they carry kids they should have some advantages on the roads.
Their drivers can not drive, can not maneuver narrow streets, can not pass double parked cars. Many times they drive faster than the speed limit while just as many times they crawl on the road.
When I went to school we never had a school bus system. We walked or took public transportation. Whichever was the more convenient. But today's kids don't know how to walk or even take public transport. If the kid is too young then let one of the parent take him or her. That would take all those ugly school buses off the road.
Anyway I just don't like them and that is the end of it!
This is nothing else than a collection of degenerate druggies whose only claim is that they get rich because of the public's stupidity. The public buys their records which in most cases are nothing more than unintelligible screaming and barking. The audience which comprises the same caliber people are sitting around and make believe they enjoy the others' music, the other's winnings and the other's stupid jukes or remarks.
Interestingly, at least as far as I know, only pop music is nominated. No artists were there from the more serious music genre like opera or even operettas. But I guess that's today's culture.
I for one didn't enjoy any of the songs. I felt sorry for poor Tom Jones who had to stand up and sing a duet with a young woman and make it believable that he could still sing. The man lost his voice and he should leave it at that. It was a long and tedious show full of self adulation and I was glad when it was finally over around half past 11 at night.
Something else.
Since I am on the "I hate" trip here is something else I hate.
I hate school buses. Those big yellow lumbering giants who think they own the roads and just because they carry kids they should have some advantages on the roads.
Their drivers can not drive, can not maneuver narrow streets, can not pass double parked cars. Many times they drive faster than the speed limit while just as many times they crawl on the road.
When I went to school we never had a school bus system. We walked or took public transportation. Whichever was the more convenient. But today's kids don't know how to walk or even take public transport. If the kid is too young then let one of the parent take him or her. That would take all those ugly school buses off the road.
Anyway I just don't like them and that is the end of it!
Monday, February 9, 2015
Sunday
Today is Sunday and until now it was a very nice day. We had brunch or more accurately lunch with my bro in law and his wife in Manhattan and after that we went in the Hungarian pastry shop for a little extra calories. The lunch was fairly good, Italian place but the pastry was superb. My G.F. had chestnut puree that she loves and I had my favorite which is a mocha cream roulade. Everything was just very good.
Last week I signed up to a new gym that is free because it is covered by my health insurance. It is a very large place with swimming pool and other amenities and I am planning to go there tomorrow to work off some of my newly obtained calories
This gym sent me an e-mail according to which I should download an their app and that will permit my entry into their facility. Easy, right? We have been working on that damn thing half the night without any success.
It sounds so simple yet we are unable to do it on my phone. The most annoying thing is when one gets into a cycle. No matter what we do we wind up without any explanation back where we started from. I can't take this any more. Tomorrow I'll tell them that they should assume I'm an imbecile and do it for me there at the gym.
As long as I pay nothing I should get the best service, right?
Last week I signed up to a new gym that is free because it is covered by my health insurance. It is a very large place with swimming pool and other amenities and I am planning to go there tomorrow to work off some of my newly obtained calories
This gym sent me an e-mail according to which I should download an their app and that will permit my entry into their facility. Easy, right? We have been working on that damn thing half the night without any success.
It sounds so simple yet we are unable to do it on my phone. The most annoying thing is when one gets into a cycle. No matter what we do we wind up without any explanation back where we started from. I can't take this any more. Tomorrow I'll tell them that they should assume I'm an imbecile and do it for me there at the gym.
As long as I pay nothing I should get the best service, right?
Sunday, February 8, 2015
My Saturday
All the good life that I am leading comes with a price. And the price is that my girth is increasing. Wednesday morning when I was getting dressed for going skiing I realized that the jeans I wanted to wear did not fit.
They just couldn't button at the waist. And that is a terrible realization for a man who prided himself that his waist didn't change for years and years. Every year when the seasons change and I changed my clothing I always fitted into my pants from the previous year. And now that is changing. I have to put those pants aside or give them away.
But honestly, I don't mind that at all. I will not become obese or just plain fat. I will become happy! Correction, I am already happy. I eat well, I am taken care of and I am loved. Not in that particular order but still, what else can a man ask or hope for?
Today is Saturday. We are planning to go out and do some food shopping for next week, get gas for the car then maybe go to a restaurant and have a nice leisurely dinner. Then come home and...
Tomorrow, Sunday we are planning to go to Manhattan for brunch with my bro in law then come home and...
That's my life in these days and I am ecstatic about it!
They just couldn't button at the waist. And that is a terrible realization for a man who prided himself that his waist didn't change for years and years. Every year when the seasons change and I changed my clothing I always fitted into my pants from the previous year. And now that is changing. I have to put those pants aside or give them away.
But honestly, I don't mind that at all. I will not become obese or just plain fat. I will become happy! Correction, I am already happy. I eat well, I am taken care of and I am loved. Not in that particular order but still, what else can a man ask or hope for?
Today is Saturday. We are planning to go out and do some food shopping for next week, get gas for the car then maybe go to a restaurant and have a nice leisurely dinner. Then come home and...
Tomorrow, Sunday we are planning to go to Manhattan for brunch with my bro in law then come home and...
That's my life in these days and I am ecstatic about it!
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Friday
I am sitting front of the computer starting to write this article when I just fell asleep. I realized that I was drooling and that woke me. But the nap was good and now I am totally refreshed for whatever the day will bring.
Actually it is early afternoon, about 2 pm. This morning I took the little girl to school and when I returned my G.F. was waiting for me with such a scrumptious breakfast that after that I just wanted to crawl back to bed and continue sleeping. But that was not to happen.
Mid morning I took my car back to the dealership because I had to have the Blue Tooth installed or connected or whatever. It was done and now I can take or make call from the car without using my cell phone which is a ticketable offense in New York.
I am so going with the times that I even surprise myself.
Because of the crappy weather in this and past week my car is so dirty that it is unbelievable. But I like it. To me that stuff looks like a macho achievement. I don't think I'll have the car washed until May. I know that the minute it gets washed there will be another storm. It happened like that every time in the past.
There is a Russian/Jewish fruit stand not far from where I live. They have good stuff with really good prices. A lot better than in the supermarkets. So I went in there on my way back home and bought a few peaches and a fairly large bag of roasted peanuts.
Peanuts is my weakness. This place has them by the pound in different varieties. Roasted salted, roasted unsalted or just plain raw. I can not go into this store without buying myself a bag of these. Well, today was no different. I bought a pound of roasted and unsalted type and while I am writing this I am munching on it.
It is soooo good!
Actually it is early afternoon, about 2 pm. This morning I took the little girl to school and when I returned my G.F. was waiting for me with such a scrumptious breakfast that after that I just wanted to crawl back to bed and continue sleeping. But that was not to happen.
Mid morning I took my car back to the dealership because I had to have the Blue Tooth installed or connected or whatever. It was done and now I can take or make call from the car without using my cell phone which is a ticketable offense in New York.
I am so going with the times that I even surprise myself.
Because of the crappy weather in this and past week my car is so dirty that it is unbelievable. But I like it. To me that stuff looks like a macho achievement. I don't think I'll have the car washed until May. I know that the minute it gets washed there will be another storm. It happened like that every time in the past.
There is a Russian/Jewish fruit stand not far from where I live. They have good stuff with really good prices. A lot better than in the supermarkets. So I went in there on my way back home and bought a few peaches and a fairly large bag of roasted peanuts.
Peanuts is my weakness. This place has them by the pound in different varieties. Roasted salted, roasted unsalted or just plain raw. I can not go into this store without buying myself a bag of these. Well, today was no different. I bought a pound of roasted and unsalted type and while I am writing this I am munching on it.
It is soooo good!
Friday, February 6, 2015
Good Thursday
I am trying not to make this into a diary but I do things that I think deserve an honorable mention. And since I am the author with 500 blogs under my belt I figured I write whatever I want. Isn't this a nice self serving introduction?
Today is Thursday and being true to Thursdays we cleaned house, again. I am saying we because now it is becoming a collective effort. And I love every collective minutes of it!
She is so thorough with this thing that she makes me clean in places I never knew existed. In the apartment, I mean!
I have to say that the fact that my girlfriend and her daughter stayed in my house all this week was a very pleasant experience. I had that warm and belonging feeling. I didn't come home to an empty place with nobody waiting for me. It also gave me a peek at what a family might look like.
My 92 year old friend lives alone and we visited him today. Only our visits cheer him up because nobody except robo calls call him. No friends and no relatives. My heart breaks for him and I find myself very lucky that I had the opportunity to live this particular lifestyle.
I used to dread the time when I would live like he does now. Not anymore! Because I hope that is not what awaits for me in the future.
Today is Thursday and being true to Thursdays we cleaned house, again. I am saying we because now it is becoming a collective effort. And I love every collective minutes of it!
She is so thorough with this thing that she makes me clean in places I never knew existed. In the apartment, I mean!
I have to say that the fact that my girlfriend and her daughter stayed in my house all this week was a very pleasant experience. I had that warm and belonging feeling. I didn't come home to an empty place with nobody waiting for me. It also gave me a peek at what a family might look like.
My 92 year old friend lives alone and we visited him today. Only our visits cheer him up because nobody except robo calls call him. No friends and no relatives. My heart breaks for him and I find myself very lucky that I had the opportunity to live this particular lifestyle.
I used to dread the time when I would live like he does now. Not anymore! Because I hope that is not what awaits for me in the future.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
500th
This is my 500th blog since I started to write this thing. So Happy 500th Anniversary!!
And what is the best way to celebrate than go skiing and have a fantastic day.
Today was the first time I went after a one year hiatus. I can't say that it was easy to return because it was not. I was a little shaky, I was apprehensive and I was very concerned about not to hurt myself. But aside from these minor issues I did have a good day. The weather was great even if it was overcast all day. But it was cold and thus the snow did not melt.
I made quite a few runs but in the afternoon when I felt I was getting tired I figured I better call it quits. Which I did an drove home.
Left the mountain just before 4 pm and got home a little after seven. And to my immense pleasure mi G.F. was waiting for me at home.
She was waiting for me with a hot embrace, a hot dinner, a hot bath and ...
Since I was complaining that my thighs ached from the skiing she also gave me such a thorough massage that if I get one a every time I go skiing I think I'll go pretty frequently.
Anyway, for me this day turned out to be pretty fantastic!
And what is the best way to celebrate than go skiing and have a fantastic day.
Today was the first time I went after a one year hiatus. I can't say that it was easy to return because it was not. I was a little shaky, I was apprehensive and I was very concerned about not to hurt myself. But aside from these minor issues I did have a good day. The weather was great even if it was overcast all day. But it was cold and thus the snow did not melt.
I made quite a few runs but in the afternoon when I felt I was getting tired I figured I better call it quits. Which I did an drove home.
Left the mountain just before 4 pm and got home a little after seven. And to my immense pleasure mi G.F. was waiting for me at home.
She was waiting for me with a hot embrace, a hot dinner, a hot bath and ...
Since I was complaining that my thighs ached from the skiing she also gave me such a thorough massage that if I get one a every time I go skiing I think I'll go pretty frequently.
Anyway, for me this day turned out to be pretty fantastic!
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Tuesday
Today I went to see my dermatologist because she wanted to check up on the thing she removed from my wrist in December. She was very satisfied with the process of healing. Why not, it is my wrist not hers. Anyway, everything was fine.
While I was there I showed her a spot on my face that I thought warranted a second look. I have some spots even though everybody at this age have spots but this one was a little different. And, since I do sun myself pretty intensely I was a little concerned.
She took a look at it and decided to take a biopsy. I swear, this doctor gets paid by the pound of biopsies she takes. Anyway she stuck a needle in my face that was supposed to take the pain away but instead hurt like hell and scraped off her samples.
Now I have hole in my face but I was told I look just as beautiful as ever! In one week's time I should find out what's the story.
Tomorrow, Wednesday I am planning to go skiing. This should be the first time since 2013. I am a little apprehensive but I do hope I will have a good time and nothing serious will happen. They are forecasting good, cold, wintry weather and this combination mean that it should be a good day.
I took out all the stuff I need and just hope that all my clothes will fit. Since my life changed I am putting on the pounds non stop. All that good food make me to pay the price.
That's why I hope that the clothes will fit.
While I was there I showed her a spot on my face that I thought warranted a second look. I have some spots even though everybody at this age have spots but this one was a little different. And, since I do sun myself pretty intensely I was a little concerned.
She took a look at it and decided to take a biopsy. I swear, this doctor gets paid by the pound of biopsies she takes. Anyway she stuck a needle in my face that was supposed to take the pain away but instead hurt like hell and scraped off her samples.
Now I have hole in my face but I was told I look just as beautiful as ever! In one week's time I should find out what's the story.
Tomorrow, Wednesday I am planning to go skiing. This should be the first time since 2013. I am a little apprehensive but I do hope I will have a good time and nothing serious will happen. They are forecasting good, cold, wintry weather and this combination mean that it should be a good day.
I took out all the stuff I need and just hope that all my clothes will fit. Since my life changed I am putting on the pounds non stop. All that good food make me to pay the price.
That's why I hope that the clothes will fit.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
A Nice Monday
Today, Monday was a real miserable day. Weatherwise I mean and not anything else. It is not that I have nothing else to write about it's just lately the weather plays such an important role in everybody's life around here.
All day yesterday they were harping about an impending snow storm that would start in the evening and go on easily into today making the morning drive a real hassle.
What really happened was that there was a little snow and a lot of freezing rain. And that's no fun either. I asked my G.F. to stay at my house with her daughter and not to drive to their home which is further away from the girl's school figuring it would be really bad in the morning. It was except it was ice and not snow as predicted.
The nice guy that I am and since my car was in the warm garage I offered to drive the girl to her school in the morning and her mother went off to work. I went to the gym for a little workout and I did see that the roads were pretty slick.
I came home, had lunch, sat down front of the TV and immediately dozed off. I woke at 2:45 and saw that we were having a major snow storm. I looked out the window but couldn't see the other side of the street it was coming down so hard.
Fortunately, my phone rang and the little girl called and asked if I could pick her up because her mother was still busy. I was really happy because that gave me an excuse to go out and drive around in the snow.
Now that the weather is still so questionable I told them to stay here another night because it would be crazy to drive home and back in the morning.
And I am getting to like this family atmosphere. My apartment is anything but quiet, the fridge is full and there is a lot of life all around. And now I realized how much I missed all that and how much I need it.
All day yesterday they were harping about an impending snow storm that would start in the evening and go on easily into today making the morning drive a real hassle.
What really happened was that there was a little snow and a lot of freezing rain. And that's no fun either. I asked my G.F. to stay at my house with her daughter and not to drive to their home which is further away from the girl's school figuring it would be really bad in the morning. It was except it was ice and not snow as predicted.
The nice guy that I am and since my car was in the warm garage I offered to drive the girl to her school in the morning and her mother went off to work. I went to the gym for a little workout and I did see that the roads were pretty slick.
I came home, had lunch, sat down front of the TV and immediately dozed off. I woke at 2:45 and saw that we were having a major snow storm. I looked out the window but couldn't see the other side of the street it was coming down so hard.
Fortunately, my phone rang and the little girl called and asked if I could pick her up because her mother was still busy. I was really happy because that gave me an excuse to go out and drive around in the snow.
Now that the weather is still so questionable I told them to stay here another night because it would be crazy to drive home and back in the morning.
And I am getting to like this family atmosphere. My apartment is anything but quiet, the fridge is full and there is a lot of life all around. And now I realized how much I missed all that and how much I need it.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Travel
Our Spring 2015 European trip is slowly taking shape. After some prodding from my friend I finalized the air portion of our trip. Actually, the place we will stay in Budapest is arranged, the place we will stay for two nights in Stockholm is arranged and the only thing missing was the air portion.
But now that is also done and now the only things missing are the travel insurance and the car rental.
The travel insurance has a 21 day window so I can not lag on that one and I always take out insurance whenever I travel. It is interesting to see how the travel insurance rates change from year to year. I am sure it has to do with age because mine is now in the stratosphere while a friend of mine who will travel in the Summer and is quite young paid a lot less for the same coverage.
Ah, that age factor again. Sometimes it is advantageous sometimes it is not. But, que sera, sera!
The car rental is not a problem, we just have to find the best rate available for our stay. There are all kinds of discount codes available but they need research. I have the time and I have the initiative so I will find them.
The interesting thing about European cars is that it is impossible to recognize their sizes from pictures and also even if the brands are known the models are totally strange. But we'll manage. Oh, also the normal cars over there are standard shift which I haven't driven in a while. But I am confidant that after a few blocks I'll get the hang of it.
Just have to be brave, that's all.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Birthday
Today, Sunday is the birthday of one of my dearest and "longest known" (instead saying oldest) friend. Actually he is my longest know friend. We met in elementary school that was just about before they started counting time.
We kept in touch almost all the way through except when life threw us in different directions and eventually onto different continents. But we met up again and since never lost touch. Thanks to the computer age we probably communicate more than if we lived in the same area.
He is the same age as I am, obviously three weeks younger. And me being the older I am trying to share my wisdom with him.
He has a beautiful family and he comes to the States once a year when we look forward to seeing each other. This next visit is now I'm hoping to take place in late March.
The only complaint I have is that he chose England as his home. Why couldn't he choose the US like almost everybody else? Then we would be much closer to each other and even if he would live in a far distance that would be drivable. And on the correct side of the road!
But I'll take it as is.
At the end I just want to wish him a very Happy Birthday and wish him many-many more filled with health, good luck and happiness! I guess money fits into one of these categories.
We kept in touch almost all the way through except when life threw us in different directions and eventually onto different continents. But we met up again and since never lost touch. Thanks to the computer age we probably communicate more than if we lived in the same area.
He is the same age as I am, obviously three weeks younger. And me being the older I am trying to share my wisdom with him.
He has a beautiful family and he comes to the States once a year when we look forward to seeing each other. This next visit is now I'm hoping to take place in late March.
The only complaint I have is that he chose England as his home. Why couldn't he choose the US like almost everybody else? Then we would be much closer to each other and even if he would live in a far distance that would be drivable. And on the correct side of the road!
But I'll take it as is.
At the end I just want to wish him a very Happy Birthday and wish him many-many more filled with health, good luck and happiness! I guess money fits into one of these categories.
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