‘Idál (Justice), 1 Sharaf (Honor), 165 BE – Wednesday, December 31, 2008 about 9:20 AM Pacific Time
I don't know how my Grandma and Grandpa Newland, celebrated New Year before the advent of television. I remember them having a T.V. in the living room when I was very young. Grandpa always bought the newest forms of technology when they came on the market. Therefore, he always had a T.V. in the living room when I was a child.
On New Year's Eve, we would stay up and watch specials that celebrated the arrival of the New Year. My siblings and myself didn't have to go to school the next day, so we could stay up late on New Year's Eve. I know sometimes Grandpa had to work the next day, but my memories of New Year's Eve always have him in them.
The shows we watched were variety show, all filmed before a live audience. Whether the shows were live when we looked at them, I don't know. As a child, I lived in Blackwell, Oklahoma, in Middle America and most of the shows were filmed on either the East Coast or the West Coast, so I doubt that they were live, but I don't know.
Young children don't worry about whether or not a show is live or canned. A child is more interested in the T.V. show then the technology behind it. Only after a certain age do most children become interested in the technology.
I enjoyed the dancers and singers. They wore such beautiful cloths, I always wanted to have dress like the female singers on those shows.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Winter in Las Vegas
Fidál (Grace), 19 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Tuesday, December 30, 2008 about 10:23 AM Pacific Time
It's winter in Las Vegas and I'm noticing the cold. I don't remember noticing the cold when I was growing up in Oklahoma. I don't think children notice the cold as much as adults. I don't think tourist notice the cold as much as locals. I'm a local. I wasn't born in Las Vegas, but I've lived here long enough to be considered a local.
I have the central heat on. I will either gripe or worry about the power bill when it comes in, but that will be after January 1, 2009. In the mean time, I'm not going to worry about the power bill. Since the New Year is close I have other things to occupy my time. I have to make a list of stuff I'm going to have to buy in the New Year.
One thing I'm going to have to buy is a refrigerator. I'd like to buy a new one because then I can get a rebate from the Power Company. At least, I think they still give rebates on stuff like that. However, I think I may have to opt for a used fridge. There are some second hand stores here that sell appliances, I'll check them next week and clean the fridge I have out on Friday or Saturday.
I took some leftovers out today and put them in the slow cooker. We're having Hobo stew today, which is good on a cold day like this.
It's winter in Las Vegas and I'm noticing the cold. I don't remember noticing the cold when I was growing up in Oklahoma. I don't think children notice the cold as much as adults. I don't think tourist notice the cold as much as locals. I'm a local. I wasn't born in Las Vegas, but I've lived here long enough to be considered a local.
I have the central heat on. I will either gripe or worry about the power bill when it comes in, but that will be after January 1, 2009. In the mean time, I'm not going to worry about the power bill. Since the New Year is close I have other things to occupy my time. I have to make a list of stuff I'm going to have to buy in the New Year.
One thing I'm going to have to buy is a refrigerator. I'd like to buy a new one because then I can get a rebate from the Power Company. At least, I think they still give rebates on stuff like that. However, I think I may have to opt for a used fridge. There are some second hand stores here that sell appliances, I'll check them next week and clean the fridge I have out on Friday or Saturday.
I took some leftovers out today and put them in the slow cooker. We're having Hobo stew today, which is good on a cold day like this.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Looking forward to a better year in 2009
Kamál (Perfection), 18 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Monday, December 29, 2008 about 8:53 AM Pacific Time
I am looking forward to a better year in 2009. Despite parts of 2008 being as stressful and difficult as 2007, for the most part it was a better year. My attitude was part of the stress; I did not attempt to look beyond the roadblocks that appeared in my path. Things happened during 2008 I could do nothing about and I did not take some of them very well.
I have come to realize that the only way to make 2009 better is to change my attitude and expect good things to happen. Tests and difficulties are a part of the transformation process and I must view them as such. Instead, I viewed some of those tests and difficulties as roadblocks intended to stop my progress.
I have noticed in the past few days, that the end of 2008 is much better then the end of 2007. At least, on a personal level, but I still have a long way to go. One thing I have been doing is making daily entries in my gratitude journal. I attempt to find at least ten things each day to be grateful for and list them in my gratitude journal. So far, I have found at least ten things to be thankful for each day.
I am looking forward to a better year in 2009. Despite parts of 2008 being as stressful and difficult as 2007, for the most part it was a better year. My attitude was part of the stress; I did not attempt to look beyond the roadblocks that appeared in my path. Things happened during 2008 I could do nothing about and I did not take some of them very well.
I have come to realize that the only way to make 2009 better is to change my attitude and expect good things to happen. Tests and difficulties are a part of the transformation process and I must view them as such. Instead, I viewed some of those tests and difficulties as roadblocks intended to stop my progress.
I have noticed in the past few days, that the end of 2008 is much better then the end of 2007. At least, on a personal level, but I still have a long way to go. One thing I have been doing is making daily entries in my gratitude journal. I attempt to find at least ten things each day to be grateful for and list them in my gratitude journal. So far, I have found at least ten things to be thankful for each day.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Everyone is making resolutions for 2009
Jamál (Beauty), 17 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Sunday, December 28, 2008 about 10:18 AM Pacific Time
All most everyone is making New Year's resolutions for 2009. I'm in the process of reviewing the goals I made during 2008. Normally I don't make or set any resolutions or goal until March 21, when I celebrate a New Year. However, 2008 was a weird and stressful year so I need to reevaluate my goals earlier then usual.
I have decided to focus on the goals listed in my personal "60 things to do in my 6th" decade list. I started the list when I turned 60 in 2006. In 2007, my mother went into the hospital and my world fell apart. In 2008, Mom and I spent most of the year recovering from 2007. I have reevaluated my 6th decade list, I have replaced some of the goals with others that are more important.
I have now begun focusing on the list and determining how to achieve it. I have the short term benchmarks in place and am working on the list now. True I am still having difficulties and distractions, but those are a part of achieving goals. Tests, difficulties and distractions are a part of the transformation process and always there. The ideas is to deal with them or overcome them as they appear.
I am looking forward to 2009. I always look forward to a New Year whether it begins on January 1 or on March 21. New Years are like new cars and new shoes, they have such sweet smells for the first month or so. After that the aroma changes and you have to begin spraying them with odor eliminators so that you can either drive them or wear them.
All most everyone is making New Year's resolutions for 2009. I'm in the process of reviewing the goals I made during 2008. Normally I don't make or set any resolutions or goal until March 21, when I celebrate a New Year. However, 2008 was a weird and stressful year so I need to reevaluate my goals earlier then usual.
I have decided to focus on the goals listed in my personal "60 things to do in my 6th" decade list. I started the list when I turned 60 in 2006. In 2007, my mother went into the hospital and my world fell apart. In 2008, Mom and I spent most of the year recovering from 2007. I have reevaluated my 6th decade list, I have replaced some of the goals with others that are more important.
I have now begun focusing on the list and determining how to achieve it. I have the short term benchmarks in place and am working on the list now. True I am still having difficulties and distractions, but those are a part of achieving goals. Tests, difficulties and distractions are a part of the transformation process and always there. The ideas is to deal with them or overcome them as they appear.
I am looking forward to 2009. I always look forward to a New Year whether it begins on January 1 or on March 21. New Years are like new cars and new shoes, they have such sweet smells for the first month or so. After that the aroma changes and you have to begin spraying them with odor eliminators so that you can either drive them or wear them.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
2008 a Weird Year
Jamál (Beauty), 17 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Saturday, December 27, 2008 about 4:37 PM Pacific Time
2008 has been a weird year. In February, the wind took out the elm tree. In March, someone tried to run me off the road and I ruined two new tires and a rim. A couple of months ago, the Toyota quit running completely.
On December 24, I received a 2000 Kia the tires were fine. On December 26, I went out to get the morning paper and one of the tires was flat. I had the spare put on and took the tire to Discount Tires to have it fixed or get a new tire. The Discount Tire employees checked the tire and found nothing wrong with it. They replaced the stem and put it back on the car. It didn't cast me anything to have that done.
I did find out the tires were about three years old. Therefore, I'm probably going to consider all new tires in a few months. In the mean time, I'm going to have the car registered in January. I can drive the car until January 23, 2009 before I have to have it done, but there isn't any use waiting until the last minute. Especially since I'm going to have to wait in line at the DMV and find a place to park before I even go into the building.
For the next several days I will check the tire every night and every morning to see if it is low. I think Sunday or Monday, I'll go to a full service station and fill the tank. I put $10.00 in today myself, but I like to go to a full service station about once a month to have the fluids checked. So I may as well get into the habit of going at the end of the month rather then the beginning.
2008 has been a weird year. In February, the wind took out the elm tree. In March, someone tried to run me off the road and I ruined two new tires and a rim. A couple of months ago, the Toyota quit running completely.
On December 24, I received a 2000 Kia the tires were fine. On December 26, I went out to get the morning paper and one of the tires was flat. I had the spare put on and took the tire to Discount Tires to have it fixed or get a new tire. The Discount Tire employees checked the tire and found nothing wrong with it. They replaced the stem and put it back on the car. It didn't cast me anything to have that done.
I did find out the tires were about three years old. Therefore, I'm probably going to consider all new tires in a few months. In the mean time, I'm going to have the car registered in January. I can drive the car until January 23, 2009 before I have to have it done, but there isn't any use waiting until the last minute. Especially since I'm going to have to wait in line at the DMV and find a place to park before I even go into the building.
For the next several days I will check the tire every night and every morning to see if it is low. I think Sunday or Monday, I'll go to a full service station and fill the tank. I put $10.00 in today myself, but I like to go to a full service station about once a month to have the fluids checked. So I may as well get into the habit of going at the end of the month rather then the beginning.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Dreaming about Spreadsheets and Budgets
Jalál (Glory), 16 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Friday, December 26, 2008 about 4:45 PM Pacific Time
This type of dream is unusual, even for me. However, this morning I dreamed about spreadsheets and budgets. The dream stayed with me all day and encouraged me to set up my budget spreadsheet for 2009.
It wasn't a spectacular or colorful. The spreadsheets and budgets weren't chasing me down corridors or anything like that. I did see the spreadsheet in my dream the way it should look. After I got up, I began setting the budget spreadsheet up and it looked pretty much the way it looked in the dream.
After I set up that spreadsheet, I went on to the spreadsheet for my 2009 writing goals. Normally, I don't set my goals to begin so early in the year. I celebrate Naw-Ruz as a New Year and I usually set my goals to begin around March 21. This year I've set my main goals to start in January and I think it was because of the dream.
There was one way the dream was unusual. I was in bed when I had the dream and I haven't dreamed or remembered a dream I had in bed for over a year. The dreams I usually remember occur when I doze on the couch or the love seat. I think something has changed in the past few days, but I don't know what it is. I feel more relaxed and confident then I have in a long time.
This type of dream is unusual, even for me. However, this morning I dreamed about spreadsheets and budgets. The dream stayed with me all day and encouraged me to set up my budget spreadsheet for 2009.
It wasn't a spectacular or colorful. The spreadsheets and budgets weren't chasing me down corridors or anything like that. I did see the spreadsheet in my dream the way it should look. After I got up, I began setting the budget spreadsheet up and it looked pretty much the way it looked in the dream.
After I set up that spreadsheet, I went on to the spreadsheet for my 2009 writing goals. Normally, I don't set my goals to begin so early in the year. I celebrate Naw-Ruz as a New Year and I usually set my goals to begin around March 21. This year I've set my main goals to start in January and I think it was because of the dream.
There was one way the dream was unusual. I was in bed when I had the dream and I haven't dreamed or remembered a dream I had in bed for over a year. The dreams I usually remember occur when I doze on the couch or the love seat. I think something has changed in the past few days, but I don't know what it is. I feel more relaxed and confident then I have in a long time.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Making strings of Popcorn for the Christmas Tree
Fidál (Grace), 12 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Tuesday, December 23, 2008 about 7:00 AM Pacific Time
When I was growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, I remember making strings of popcorn to put on the Christmas Tree. Grandpa or Grandma would pop the corn. Grandma would take long red or green wool threads and thread needles. Then my three siblings and me would put the popcorn on the threads and make wreaths for the Christmas Tree.
While we were making the wreaths, Grandma would bake Christmas cookies and make us hot chocolate. After we finished making the popcorn wreaths, we put them on the Christmas tree. Next Grandpa would put on electric lights and light the tree. Once the tree was lit, then the rest of the lights were turned out and we sit in the living room watching the tree light blink on and off.
When I was growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, I remember making strings of popcorn to put on the Christmas Tree. Grandpa or Grandma would pop the corn. Grandma would take long red or green wool threads and thread needles. Then my three siblings and me would put the popcorn on the threads and make wreaths for the Christmas Tree.
While we were making the wreaths, Grandma would bake Christmas cookies and make us hot chocolate. After we finished making the popcorn wreaths, we put them on the Christmas tree. Next Grandpa would put on electric lights and light the tree. Once the tree was lit, then the rest of the lights were turned out and we sit in the living room watching the tree light blink on and off.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Wind chill factor on a hazy day
Kamál (Perfection), 11 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Monday, December 22, 2008 about 3:10 PM Pacific Time
I don't remember hazy days in Oklahoma. Of course, my childhood was a long time ago. Perhaps I just remember the clouds and the snow. I enjoyed the snow when I was a child. Then the snow didn't seem as cold then as it does now. Perhaps I just didn't notice the cold then the way I do now.
I have a gift card for Chills and I'm going to use it for my birthday dinner. I don't think we'll go out on my birthday, which is on Wednesday. We don't go out to eat on my birthday. When I have a car I don't car to drive in the Christmas Eve traffic because there are too many last minute Christmas shoppers.
We'll either go out Friday, the day after Christmas or next Monday. This year I think I'll start with desert first instead of going for the main course right away. I've never eat desert before my meal before, it would be a new experience.
I don't remember hazy days in Oklahoma. Of course, my childhood was a long time ago. Perhaps I just remember the clouds and the snow. I enjoyed the snow when I was a child. Then the snow didn't seem as cold then as it does now. Perhaps I just didn't notice the cold then the way I do now.
I have a gift card for Chills and I'm going to use it for my birthday dinner. I don't think we'll go out on my birthday, which is on Wednesday. We don't go out to eat on my birthday. When I have a car I don't car to drive in the Christmas Eve traffic because there are too many last minute Christmas shoppers.
We'll either go out Friday, the day after Christmas or next Monday. This year I think I'll start with desert first instead of going for the main course right away. I've never eat desert before my meal before, it would be a new experience.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Winter Solstice 2008
Jamál (Beauty), 10 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Sunday, December 21, 2008 about 1:53 PM Pacific Time
It's winter solstice 2008 and I got a Sunday paper this morning. Last Sunday a young man came to my door selling the weekend edition of the Las Vegas Review Journal. I get a paper on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Today is the first day I've received a Sunday paper in over a year.
This morning I read the Sunday comics while I drink coffee, something I always enjoy doing. I like reading the Sunday paper because it has so many interesting and educational articles. Today a lot of the comics and articles had to do with Christmas, which is Thursday. I hope to get the rest of today's paper read sometime this week.
I don't think I'll get any more of the paper read today because I have a lot to do and it's been a difficult day. I suspect the rest of the week will be just as difficult, but maybe I should hold off on that opinion until Christmas Eve and I celebrate my next birthday.
I don't think we'll go out Christmas Eve. Instead I think we'll celebrate my birthday either Friday or Saturday. I have a gift card from a Mexican restaurant and we'll go there. I have to go to the grocery store either Monday or Tuesday, probably Tuesday because I'm going to be up all night tonight working in the house.
As I said, it's been a difficult day and we haven't gotten a lot done. Therefore, I'm going to have to work on part of it tonight. I don't like doing work in the middle of the night, but there is nothing I can do about it. It has to be done before Wednesday and I have to go to the store Tuesday, which will take most of the day.
It's winter solstice 2008 and I got a Sunday paper this morning. Last Sunday a young man came to my door selling the weekend edition of the Las Vegas Review Journal. I get a paper on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Today is the first day I've received a Sunday paper in over a year.
This morning I read the Sunday comics while I drink coffee, something I always enjoy doing. I like reading the Sunday paper because it has so many interesting and educational articles. Today a lot of the comics and articles had to do with Christmas, which is Thursday. I hope to get the rest of today's paper read sometime this week.
I don't think I'll get any more of the paper read today because I have a lot to do and it's been a difficult day. I suspect the rest of the week will be just as difficult, but maybe I should hold off on that opinion until Christmas Eve and I celebrate my next birthday.
I don't think we'll go out Christmas Eve. Instead I think we'll celebrate my birthday either Friday or Saturday. I have a gift card from a Mexican restaurant and we'll go there. I have to go to the grocery store either Monday or Tuesday, probably Tuesday because I'm going to be up all night tonight working in the house.
As I said, it's been a difficult day and we haven't gotten a lot done. Therefore, I'm going to have to work on part of it tonight. I don't like doing work in the middle of the night, but there is nothing I can do about it. It has to be done before Wednesday and I have to go to the store Tuesday, which will take most of the day.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A Snowy Day in Las Vegas
Istijlál (Majesty), 7 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Thursday, December 18, 2008 about 4:30 AM Pacific Time
It snowed in Las Vegas yesterday and snow is still on the ground this morning. I'm not sure how much snow the Las Vegas Valley received, but it shut the Airport down. There was even talk about a Snow Day at the schools, I'm not sure if the schools are shut down today.
The snow didn't shut the city down. It takes more then just one day of snow to shut Vegas down, but it cut the visibility down to one or two blocks. Driving on city streets was dangerous, more so because we're not used to snow here.
McCarran Airport doesn't have equipment to clear snow off the runways. Tourist were stuck at the airport last night. I don't know if there will be any flights out today or not. That depends on how long it takes the snow to melt.
As I look out my window this morning, I see snow on the ground. It isn't like the snow covered ground in Oklahoma. Here you can see patches of rock, grass and dirt around the patches of snow, but there is enough snow to cover large sections of the desert floor.
The flakes that fell yesterday were huge white beautiful fluffy flakes. The snow melted at first and there was some rain mixed with the snow, but eventually the snow accumulated. Eventually the snow fell without rain and the temperatures got below freezing. Soon the oak tree next door will begin to change color and its leaves fall. Autumn is finally here and the first day of winter is on Sunday.
It snowed in Las Vegas yesterday and snow is still on the ground this morning. I'm not sure how much snow the Las Vegas Valley received, but it shut the Airport down. There was even talk about a Snow Day at the schools, I'm not sure if the schools are shut down today.
The snow didn't shut the city down. It takes more then just one day of snow to shut Vegas down, but it cut the visibility down to one or two blocks. Driving on city streets was dangerous, more so because we're not used to snow here.
McCarran Airport doesn't have equipment to clear snow off the runways. Tourist were stuck at the airport last night. I don't know if there will be any flights out today or not. That depends on how long it takes the snow to melt.
As I look out my window this morning, I see snow on the ground. It isn't like the snow covered ground in Oklahoma. Here you can see patches of rock, grass and dirt around the patches of snow, but there is enough snow to cover large sections of the desert floor.
The flakes that fell yesterday were huge white beautiful fluffy flakes. The snow melted at first and there was some rain mixed with the snow, but eventually the snow accumulated. Eventually the snow fell without rain and the temperatures got below freezing. Soon the oak tree next door will begin to change color and its leaves fall. Autumn is finally here and the first day of winter is on Sunday.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
One thing I've learned about myself in 2008
I worry too much. Most of the stuff I worry about never occurs, so that means I worry over nothing. Worrying distracts me and affects my mood. In 2009 I am going to have to find away to handle the worry.
One way to handle the worry is through daily prayer and meditation. I have been praying, but I haven't been meditating. Therefore in 2009, I have to set aside a time to meditate. It is difficult to set this time aside in winter because I can't find a place alone in the house and it's cold outside, so that is distracting.
I think I also need to learn to handle the distractions. Distractions are constant and if I let them interfere with my writing. Normally I don't put specific goals in place until March, but I think I will change that. If I find I have to put a goal into action before March then I will.
One way to handle the worry is through daily prayer and meditation. I have been praying, but I haven't been meditating. Therefore in 2009, I have to set aside a time to meditate. It is difficult to set this time aside in winter because I can't find a place alone in the house and it's cold outside, so that is distracting.
I think I also need to learn to handle the distractions. Distractions are constant and if I let them interfere with my writing. Normally I don't put specific goals in place until March, but I think I will change that. If I find I have to put a goal into action before March then I will.
I found my Grandmother's shoe stretchers
‘Idál (Justice), 6 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Wednesday, December 17, 2008 about 4:25 AM Pacific Time
I found Grandma's shoe stretchers. My Grandmother had bunions on her feet and when she got a new pair of shoes she had to stretch them so that they would fit. I'm glad I found them, because I think I have a bunion started on my foot. I haven't talked to the doctor yet because my next appointment isn't until January 30 or 31, 2009.
I'm not going to go for that right now. I know that something can be done for it, but that costs money and I don't have health insurance. If I have to use the shoe stretchers I can, but I doubt I'll use them until I get another new pair of shoes.
I remember seeing the shoe stretchers in a pair of my Grandmother's shoes. However, I never saw her putting them in the shoe, so I'm not exactly sure how it's done. I think you put them in the shoes and let the shoes set with the stretchers in for about 24-hours or so. I'm not going to worry about the shoes I have now because they are almost broken in, but the next pair I'll use the stretchers in.
I found Grandma's shoe stretchers. My Grandmother had bunions on her feet and when she got a new pair of shoes she had to stretch them so that they would fit. I'm glad I found them, because I think I have a bunion started on my foot. I haven't talked to the doctor yet because my next appointment isn't until January 30 or 31, 2009.
I'm not going to go for that right now. I know that something can be done for it, but that costs money and I don't have health insurance. If I have to use the shoe stretchers I can, but I doubt I'll use them until I get another new pair of shoes.
I remember seeing the shoe stretchers in a pair of my Grandmother's shoes. However, I never saw her putting them in the shoe, so I'm not exactly sure how it's done. I think you put them in the shoes and let the shoes set with the stretchers in for about 24-hours or so. I'm not going to worry about the shoes I have now because they are almost broken in, but the next pair I'll use the stretchers in.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Cloudy and Looks like Rain
Kamál (Perfection), 4 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Monday, December 15, 2008 about 8:41 AM Pacific Time
There is a cloud cover and it looks like rain. I hope it does rain today because I'm not planning on going out. I have too much work to do around the house to go anywhere. It's difficult getting around Las Vegas without a car. Most of the time I have to walk to the bus stop and then back home again. When Mom goes with me or I go to work, I call the Paratransit bus and use that to get around.
I won't go back to work until January 5, 2009 so I have some time to do housework and other stuff at home. I have three appointments this week and I'm going to take the Paratransit bus. Then on Wednesday I'm going to take Mom to the dentist to get her dentures adjusted. This week is the first time I had time to arrange to take her to the dentist without having to make an appointment.
I'm cold this morning, but I think it's because there is a cloud cover. I'm not sure whether I'm looking forward to the next three weeks or not. Since I have no car I'm stuck at home most of the time. I don't think I'm used to taking the bus everywhere I go, I don't think I'd mind so much if I didn't have to walk between 1/2 to 3/4 mile to the bus stop. However, if it's just me going to the store or bank then it's cheaper to take the regular bus.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
My Legs are Still Tired this Morning
Jamál (Beauty), 3 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Sunday, December 14, 2008 about 7:49 AM Pacific Time
The wind blew and gusted yesterday. When I went to the bank about 10:30 AM the wind was not a problem. It blew and there was a wind chill factor, but it wasn't blowing hard and it wasn't gusting.
After I went to the bank, I caught a bus to Food 4 Less. The wind started picking up while I waited for the bus to take me to the grocery store. By the time I got out of the st0re, it was blowing hard. As I waited for the bus on Eastern, the wind not only blew harder, but began to gust. It blew dirt and sand from a vacant lot across from the bus stop.
The bus finally picked up the people waiting. I got off at the Oakey stop and the wind was still blowing hard and gusting. I walked to the cross walk at Oakey and Eastern. It was difficult to get across the street because of the wind. Once I got across the street the wind attempted to push me back into traffic.
I had difficulty walking up Oakey toward Burnham because of the wind. There were seconds at a time in which I couldn't move because the wind was blowing so hard. The gust kept pushing me back or impeding my progress all together. While I walked along Oakey the wind blew a plastic trashcan across the street.
Walking south on Burnham toward Bracken wasn't any easier. Once I turned the corner on Bracken, I noticed that the wind had pilled the leaves along the curb and piles of leaves hid the tires of parked cars. I finally got home and was too tired to get on line. My legs are still tired this morning.
The wind blew and gusted yesterday. When I went to the bank about 10:30 AM the wind was not a problem. It blew and there was a wind chill factor, but it wasn't blowing hard and it wasn't gusting.
After I went to the bank, I caught a bus to Food 4 Less. The wind started picking up while I waited for the bus to take me to the grocery store. By the time I got out of the st0re, it was blowing hard. As I waited for the bus on Eastern, the wind not only blew harder, but began to gust. It blew dirt and sand from a vacant lot across from the bus stop.
The bus finally picked up the people waiting. I got off at the Oakey stop and the wind was still blowing hard and gusting. I walked to the cross walk at Oakey and Eastern. It was difficult to get across the street because of the wind. Once I got across the street the wind attempted to push me back into traffic.
I had difficulty walking up Oakey toward Burnham because of the wind. There were seconds at a time in which I couldn't move because the wind was blowing so hard. The gust kept pushing me back or impeding my progress all together. While I walked along Oakey the wind blew a plastic trashcan across the street.
Walking south on Burnham toward Bracken wasn't any easier. Once I turned the corner on Bracken, I noticed that the wind had pilled the leaves along the curb and piles of leaves hid the tires of parked cars. I finally got home and was too tired to get on line. My legs are still tired this morning.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Christmas Season is an Interesting time to get new dentures
Jalál (Glory), 2 Masa’il (Questions), 165 BE – Saturday, December 13, 2008 about 8:22 AM Pacific Time
Christmas season is an interesting time to get new dentures. Last Tuesday, the dentist pulled all my upper teeth and put in a new plate. He put some stitches in and those are still there, so I have to be careful about putting any thing on the dentures to hold them in my mouth when I'm eating.
I don't celebrate Christmas, so you wouldn't think there would be a problem. However, people do give me candy and this year I've received more candy then in previous years. I have peanut brittle and chocolate covered pretzels in the fridge. I have chocolate candy, which isn't a problem since I can eat with hot coffee. The coffee melts the chocolate and I don't have to chew it.
The chocolate covered pretzels aren't a problem either, since I can dunk them in the coffee. The peanut brittle is going to be difficult perhaps even impossible for me to eat until after my gums heal the the stitches come out. I'm going to have to save that until after the New Year or give all the peanut brittle to Mom. She has dentures, but doesn't have the problem with her gums healing.
I have another appointment with the dentist on Friday, December 19, for him to check the progress of the healing. I'll know how well the gums have healed by then, in the mean time I'm just going to have to be careful and rinse my mouth out with salt water after I eat. I'll also brush my plate then as well, which will take care of any food particles under the dentures.
Christmas season is an interesting time to get new dentures. Last Tuesday, the dentist pulled all my upper teeth and put in a new plate. He put some stitches in and those are still there, so I have to be careful about putting any thing on the dentures to hold them in my mouth when I'm eating.
I don't celebrate Christmas, so you wouldn't think there would be a problem. However, people do give me candy and this year I've received more candy then in previous years. I have peanut brittle and chocolate covered pretzels in the fridge. I have chocolate candy, which isn't a problem since I can eat with hot coffee. The coffee melts the chocolate and I don't have to chew it.
The chocolate covered pretzels aren't a problem either, since I can dunk them in the coffee. The peanut brittle is going to be difficult perhaps even impossible for me to eat until after my gums heal the the stitches come out. I'm going to have to save that until after the New Year or give all the peanut brittle to Mom. She has dentures, but doesn't have the problem with her gums healing.
I have another appointment with the dentist on Friday, December 19, for him to check the progress of the healing. I'll know how well the gums have healed by then, in the mean time I'm just going to have to be careful and rinse my mouth out with salt water after I eat. I'll also brush my plate then as well, which will take care of any food particles under the dentures.
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Weather Reminds me of Oklahoma
Fidál (Grace), 17 Qawl (Speech), 165 BE – Monday, December 8, 2008 about 8:00 PM Pacific Time
I think I'm homesick for Oklahoma, because the weather in Las Vegas today is reminding me of my childhood home. Maybe it's because this is my birth month and everything reminds me of Oklahoma in December. That sounds like a good title for a poem.
I want to write myself a birthday poem. Not about the birthday coming up, but about the birthday's I remember from my childhood. True there are a few things about those birthdays I don't want to remember, but thinking back to my childhood in Oklahoma pleasant memories surface. The older I get the more pleasant memories I discover.
I'll have to do a little brainstorming to come up with some interesting memories or birthday presents. I have a few days before my birthday, so I should be able to come up with something interesting.
I think I'd like a chocolate ice cream cake this year for my birthday. I'd also like to go out and eat prime rib. Any way, as I was saying; the weather reminds me of Oklahoma. Today was cloudy and cold. It almost felt like snow.
I think I'm homesick for Oklahoma, because the weather in Las Vegas today is reminding me of my childhood home. Maybe it's because this is my birth month and everything reminds me of Oklahoma in December. That sounds like a good title for a poem.
I want to write myself a birthday poem. Not about the birthday coming up, but about the birthday's I remember from my childhood. True there are a few things about those birthdays I don't want to remember, but thinking back to my childhood in Oklahoma pleasant memories surface. The older I get the more pleasant memories I discover.
I'll have to do a little brainstorming to come up with some interesting memories or birthday presents. I have a few days before my birthday, so I should be able to come up with something interesting.
I think I'd like a chocolate ice cream cake this year for my birthday. I'd also like to go out and eat prime rib. Any way, as I was saying; the weather reminds me of Oklahoma. Today was cloudy and cold. It almost felt like snow.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
A Cloudy Sunday in Las Vegas
Jamál (Beauty), 15 Qawl (Speech), 165 BE – Sunday, December 7, 2008 about 10:34 Pacific Time
It's Sunday, December 7, a cloudy day in Las Vegas. I look out my living room window and see a cloudy sky. I'm not going anywhere today because I've went out for the past two days. Friday, December 5, I spent most of the day riding the CAT bus from one end of town to the other to pick up food from one of the food banks.
Reviewing Friday, from today's perspective, I should have called Paratransit and taken my mother with me to the food bank. Instead, I took the little push cart and Mom's ID. I got food for both of us at the food bank I went to. However, in January I'm going to take Mom with me. She hasn't been out of the house for several day, not even to take trash out. Mom's always much happier and in a better mood when she gets out of the house.
I asked her a couple of days before if she wanted to go with me. I have to make the appointment for the Paratransit bus a couple of days in advance. Mom said she didn't want to go, so I left it at that. No more, I'll just make the appointment for the bus and remind her the day before to roll her hair. That way she gets out of the house for a little while and Mom always enjoys the ride.
I did learn something from Friday, so that's a step in the right direction. Every new lesson is a step in the process of transformation. Today Mom is doing what she likes to do best, which is clean house. She enjoys doing dishes, laundry and stuff like that, so I let her do what she can.
It's Sunday, December 7, a cloudy day in Las Vegas. I look out my living room window and see a cloudy sky. I'm not going anywhere today because I've went out for the past two days. Friday, December 5, I spent most of the day riding the CAT bus from one end of town to the other to pick up food from one of the food banks.
Reviewing Friday, from today's perspective, I should have called Paratransit and taken my mother with me to the food bank. Instead, I took the little push cart and Mom's ID. I got food for both of us at the food bank I went to. However, in January I'm going to take Mom with me. She hasn't been out of the house for several day, not even to take trash out. Mom's always much happier and in a better mood when she gets out of the house.
I asked her a couple of days before if she wanted to go with me. I have to make the appointment for the Paratransit bus a couple of days in advance. Mom said she didn't want to go, so I left it at that. No more, I'll just make the appointment for the bus and remind her the day before to roll her hair. That way she gets out of the house for a little while and Mom always enjoys the ride.
I did learn something from Friday, so that's a step in the right direction. Every new lesson is a step in the process of transformation. Today Mom is doing what she likes to do best, which is clean house. She enjoys doing dishes, laundry and stuff like that, so I let her do what she can.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
My Mother Got Her Dentures Yesterday
‘Idál (Justice), 11 Qawl (Speech), 165 B.E. – Wednesday, December 3, 2008 about 4:28 PM Pacific Time
I didn't work yesterday because I had to take off to get Mom to the dentist. She got her new dentures and she tells me they feel good. It's nice to see her smile again. She didn't smile much with her old set because there were some teeth missing and she just never got them fixed. However, she smiles now and she has a beautiful smile.
I have a dentist appointment on December 9, to have my upper teeth pulled and a set of dentures put in. I'm going to work that morning and then go to the dentist in the afternoon. My appointment is for 1:00 PM and it will take two hours. I'm planning on going to work the next day. I don't car how bad the pain is, I'm still going to work. At least, those are my plans today; come December 9 at 4:00 PM I may change my mind.
I don't know why I would change my mind because I'm used to pain now. My right knee still hurts and it hurts worse on these cold nights. However, pain in the knee is different from pain in the mouth. I doubt that I'll change my mind because December 12 is my last day of work for this semester and this year. I'll have three weeks off without a paycheck. Oh well, the important thing is Mom has her new teeth and I will have part of mine next week.
I didn't work yesterday because I had to take off to get Mom to the dentist. She got her new dentures and she tells me they feel good. It's nice to see her smile again. She didn't smile much with her old set because there were some teeth missing and she just never got them fixed. However, she smiles now and she has a beautiful smile.
I have a dentist appointment on December 9, to have my upper teeth pulled and a set of dentures put in. I'm going to work that morning and then go to the dentist in the afternoon. My appointment is for 1:00 PM and it will take two hours. I'm planning on going to work the next day. I don't car how bad the pain is, I'm still going to work. At least, those are my plans today; come December 9 at 4:00 PM I may change my mind.
I don't know why I would change my mind because I'm used to pain now. My right knee still hurts and it hurts worse on these cold nights. However, pain in the knee is different from pain in the mouth. I doubt that I'll change my mind because December 12 is my last day of work for this semester and this year. I'll have three weeks off without a paycheck. Oh well, the important thing is Mom has her new teeth and I will have part of mine next week.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Sometimes Life Intervenes
‘Idál (Justice), 10 Qawl (Speech), 165 B.E. – Tuesday, December 2, 2008 about 8:49 AM Pacific Time
I haven't posted anyting in the past few day because events or at least I thought events intervened and prevented me from posting. Now I think it was just a bit of blog block caused by stress. Anyway something happened last night the made me think how short life really is and that I need to make more of an effort to post daily.
Lion, my yellow cat, died in my arms while I was holding him on the love seat. This isn't the first cat or pet that I've lost, but he is the first one who died in my arms while I was petting him. I knew he was ill, but I didn't realize he was that sick. He was about 12 years old, with a soft purr that got louder as you stroked his fur. When he didn't purr last night as I petted, I should have know something was wrong.
His death has caused me to think about the life changing events in my life. His death has caused me to think about writing my memoirs. His death has caused me to think about getting my mother to write her memoirs. I'm going to start by writing a chapter on Lion, I don't know how Mom's going to start her memoirs.
I haven't posted anyting in the past few day because events or at least I thought events intervened and prevented me from posting. Now I think it was just a bit of blog block caused by stress. Anyway something happened last night the made me think how short life really is and that I need to make more of an effort to post daily.
Lion, my yellow cat, died in my arms while I was holding him on the love seat. This isn't the first cat or pet that I've lost, but he is the first one who died in my arms while I was petting him. I knew he was ill, but I didn't realize he was that sick. He was about 12 years old, with a soft purr that got louder as you stroked his fur. When he didn't purr last night as I petted, I should have know something was wrong.
His death has caused me to think about the life changing events in my life. His death has caused me to think about writing my memoirs. His death has caused me to think about getting my mother to write her memoirs. I'm going to start by writing a chapter on Lion, I don't know how Mom's going to start her memoirs.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
My week in Review
Jalál (Glory), 7 Qawl (Speech), 165 B.E. – Saturday, November 29, 2008 about 4:32 PM Pacific Time
On Thanksgiving Mom and I went to Terrible Herbst hotel to the buffet. We had turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, potato salad, cream of pumpkin soup, and pumpkin pie. I never ate cream of pumpkin soup before, it was delicious. The Paratransit bus took us there and brought us back home.
Thanksgiving it also rained, which didn't do me a lot of good since my shoes had holes in the bottom and my feet got wet. All right, it's probably my own fault since I knew that I needed new shoes, I just didn't think the soles were that bad. Anyway I did learn something, I learned that I need to keep an extra pair of shoes on hand. Learning something is part of the process of transformation.
Black Friday I spent most of the day on a CAT bus going from one end of Charleston Blvd. to the other. I had to pick up Mom's meds at Walgreens and mine at Wal-Mart, when I originally took the prescription to Wal-Mart I had a car and didn't think there were be a problem. That prescription needs a doctor to refill it the next time, so I'll take the next prescription someplace closer.
While I was out yesterday I bought me a pair of shoes, but I'm wondering if I'm not coming down with a cold. A cold is the last thing I need because I don't want to take off work, but if I have a cold I'll have to. I think I'll fix me a cup of hot tea or coffee and have a chocolate candy bar or a cookie.
On Thanksgiving Mom and I went to Terrible Herbst hotel to the buffet. We had turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, potato salad, cream of pumpkin soup, and pumpkin pie. I never ate cream of pumpkin soup before, it was delicious. The Paratransit bus took us there and brought us back home.
Thanksgiving it also rained, which didn't do me a lot of good since my shoes had holes in the bottom and my feet got wet. All right, it's probably my own fault since I knew that I needed new shoes, I just didn't think the soles were that bad. Anyway I did learn something, I learned that I need to keep an extra pair of shoes on hand. Learning something is part of the process of transformation.
Black Friday I spent most of the day on a CAT bus going from one end of Charleston Blvd. to the other. I had to pick up Mom's meds at Walgreens and mine at Wal-Mart, when I originally took the prescription to Wal-Mart I had a car and didn't think there were be a problem. That prescription needs a doctor to refill it the next time, so I'll take the next prescription someplace closer.
While I was out yesterday I bought me a pair of shoes, but I'm wondering if I'm not coming down with a cold. A cold is the last thing I need because I don't want to take off work, but if I have a cold I'll have to. I think I'll fix me a cup of hot tea or coffee and have a chocolate candy bar or a cookie.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Trivia and Gratitude
Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Qawl (Speech), 165 B.E. – Thursday, November 27, 2008 about 8:05 AM Pacific Time
The first Thanksgiving celebrated in 1621 was a meal shared by Plymouth colonist and Wampanoag Indians. The meats at the First Thanksgiving Feast consisted of wild fowl and venison, the turkey didn't become a Thanksgiving staple until much later in American history. Another thing the Plymouth colonist didn't have was pies or other sweets. For more information about the First Thanksgiving, see The History of Thanksgiving.
We may not have the same same foods, which the Plymouth colonist and Wampanoag Indians had, yet one thing hasn't changed. This is a day for giving thanks and expressing gratitude. Thanksgiving is a form of Harvest Festival and harvest festivals are for expressing gratitude. True the modern Thanksgiving is sometimes called "Turkey Day", but it is still a time to give thanks and express gratitude. This is especially important if we haven't expressed gratitude the rest of the year.
So today say "Thank You" to someone in your life or make a list of the things you were grateful for in the past year. If you can't find anything else to be thankful for, be thankful for what you've avoided in the past 12 months.
The first Thanksgiving celebrated in 1621 was a meal shared by Plymouth colonist and Wampanoag Indians. The meats at the First Thanksgiving Feast consisted of wild fowl and venison, the turkey didn't become a Thanksgiving staple until much later in American history. Another thing the Plymouth colonist didn't have was pies or other sweets. For more information about the First Thanksgiving, see The History of Thanksgiving.
We may not have the same same foods, which the Plymouth colonist and Wampanoag Indians had, yet one thing hasn't changed. This is a day for giving thanks and expressing gratitude. Thanksgiving is a form of Harvest Festival and harvest festivals are for expressing gratitude. True the modern Thanksgiving is sometimes called "Turkey Day", but it is still a time to give thanks and express gratitude. This is especially important if we haven't expressed gratitude the rest of the year.
So today say "Thank You" to someone in your life or make a list of the things you were grateful for in the past year. If you can't find anything else to be thankful for, be thankful for what you've avoided in the past 12 months.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
One More Day of Work this Week
Fidál (Grace), 3 Qawl (Speech), 165 B.E. – Tuesday, November 25, 2008 about 2:55 PM Pacific Time
One more day of work this week and I have a four-day weekend. On Thanksgiving we're planning to go out for lunch and then stay home the rest of the day. On Black Friday, I think I'm going to have to go out, but not for Christmas shopping. I have two prescriptions to pick up.
One prescription is at the Walgreens on Las Vegas Blvd. and Charleston. The other is at the Wal-Mart on Charleston and Nellis. I will be traveling to opposite ends of Charleston on a CAT bus. I'm going to be gone most of the day. That is unless I change my mind and pick up one prescription tomorrow after work.
The only problem with that is I will be getting back home after dark. Not that it bothers me to walk in this neighborhood after dark; it's just that the walk from the bus stop to the house is a long one. If I go to Walgreens to pick up Mom's prescription, I won't be able to stop a the grocer store and get a couple of much needed items.
Let's face it, I'm just not looking forward to going to both the drug store and the grocery store in the same evening. When I went to Food 4 Less last week, I over estimated what I could carry home and pulled a muscle in my shoulder. The pain has just started to subside. I don't want to pull another muscle this week.
One more day of work this week and I have a four-day weekend. On Thanksgiving we're planning to go out for lunch and then stay home the rest of the day. On Black Friday, I think I'm going to have to go out, but not for Christmas shopping. I have two prescriptions to pick up.
One prescription is at the Walgreens on Las Vegas Blvd. and Charleston. The other is at the Wal-Mart on Charleston and Nellis. I will be traveling to opposite ends of Charleston on a CAT bus. I'm going to be gone most of the day. That is unless I change my mind and pick up one prescription tomorrow after work.
The only problem with that is I will be getting back home after dark. Not that it bothers me to walk in this neighborhood after dark; it's just that the walk from the bus stop to the house is a long one. If I go to Walgreens to pick up Mom's prescription, I won't be able to stop a the grocer store and get a couple of much needed items.
Let's face it, I'm just not looking forward to going to both the drug store and the grocery store in the same evening. When I went to Food 4 Less last week, I over estimated what I could carry home and pulled a muscle in my shoulder. The pain has just started to subside. I don't want to pull another muscle this week.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thanksgiving Plans
Kamál (Perfection), 2 Qawl (Speech), 165 B.E. – Monday, November 24, 2008 about 3:54 PM Pacific Time
Sunset is approaching. I can look out my living room window and see the autumn clouds change for white to pale peach. It's been an interesting day and I looks to be an interesting week. Thanksgiving is coming up and, thanks to my brother, Mom and I are going out for lunch. I think we're going to a Terrible Herbst hotel on Paradise Road.
Right now we're planning on going to the buffet, but we could change our minds when we get there. I called Paratransit today and they will pick us up about 10:42 from home. After we finish eating, the will pick us up about 1:42, with a 5 to 25 minute difference before or after. I thought about going somewhere else, but then decided that the Hotels have good buffets and coffee shop menus on holidays. You can always find the tradition holiday food and be assured that it's good.
After we finish eating then we will come home and spend the rest of the afternoon doing whatever. Mom enjoys cleaning house so we will do some house cleaning and maybe watch a little T.V. Since I don't have to be back to work until Monday, December 1, I will work on the December fantasy newsletter.
Sunset is approaching. I can look out my living room window and see the autumn clouds change for white to pale peach. It's been an interesting day and I looks to be an interesting week. Thanksgiving is coming up and, thanks to my brother, Mom and I are going out for lunch. I think we're going to a Terrible Herbst hotel on Paradise Road.
Right now we're planning on going to the buffet, but we could change our minds when we get there. I called Paratransit today and they will pick us up about 10:42 from home. After we finish eating, the will pick us up about 1:42, with a 5 to 25 minute difference before or after. I thought about going somewhere else, but then decided that the Hotels have good buffets and coffee shop menus on holidays. You can always find the tradition holiday food and be assured that it's good.
After we finish eating then we will come home and spend the rest of the afternoon doing whatever. Mom enjoys cleaning house so we will do some house cleaning and maybe watch a little T.V. Since I don't have to be back to work until Monday, December 1, I will work on the December fantasy newsletter.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
I have two new 2009 Calendars
Jamál (Beauty), 1 Qawl (Speech), 165 B.E. – Sunday, November 23, 2008 about 3:01 PM Pacific Time
I have two new 2009 calendars. One is a wall calendar show pictures painted by Norman Rockwell and the other is a desk calendar with photos of National Parks. Our insurance agent sent these calendars to us. They may be the only 2009 calendars we get, which is fine with me. I only need one calendar and Mom needs one.
There was a time when I thought we needed a calendar for every room in the house, but then I realized we only used two or three of them. The rest remained on the wall with show January for the next eleven months. I did download a 2009 calendar to my hard drive. I labeled that one Deadline Calendar, because I use it to keep track of writing deadlines and appointments.
2009 ought to be an interesting year, if for no other reason then there are three Fridays that fall on the thirteenth of the month. I'm not sure what else is coming up in 2009, but I'm looking forward to it. Of course, I always look forward to a New Year because it has so much potential for every individual.
I have two new 2009 calendars. One is a wall calendar show pictures painted by Norman Rockwell and the other is a desk calendar with photos of National Parks. Our insurance agent sent these calendars to us. They may be the only 2009 calendars we get, which is fine with me. I only need one calendar and Mom needs one.
There was a time when I thought we needed a calendar for every room in the house, but then I realized we only used two or three of them. The rest remained on the wall with show January for the next eleven months. I did download a 2009 calendar to my hard drive. I labeled that one Deadline Calendar, because I use it to keep track of writing deadlines and appointments.
2009 ought to be an interesting year, if for no other reason then there are three Fridays that fall on the thirteenth of the month. I'm not sure what else is coming up in 2009, but I'm looking forward to it. Of course, I always look forward to a New Year because it has so much potential for every individual.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday of a Long and Interesting Week
Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Thursday, November 20, 2008 about 6:40 AM Pacific Time
OK, I'll admit that I could probably do with less interesting, at least for a little while. Until I get caught up with everything I'm behind on anyway. Tuesday a neighbor took me to the bank and then to the store, so we have bread. Being without a car is a pain, but I think I've mentioned that before.
Anyway Tuesday when I was getting back in the neighbor's car, I opened the door and hit myself in the mouth. I don't think I've ever did that before, but that's what happens when I get distracted and don't watch what I'm doing another lesson and another step toward transformation. I have a lot of lessons lately, which I may or may not blog about. It depends on what the next week or so has in store for me.
I'm not going to work today because Mom has a dental appointment at 11:00 AM and the Paratransit bus gets here about 10:44 AM. I hope it's on time, however I'm not going to worry about that. For the past week or so I've taken the Paratransit bus to work and home. The morning buses came on time, but the ones taking me home were late. If I have somewhere else to go then one late bus throws the entire schedule off.
I carry a book to read and a pen and paper journal to write in, so waiting isn't the problem. Fortunately, the only place I had to go was the bank and the store. Today, while Mom's in the dentist, I'll walk down to Food 4 Less and get dishwashing liquid. I'm going to have to start making a grocery list when I go to the store because without a car I can't just drive there if I forgot something.
OK, I'll admit that I could probably do with less interesting, at least for a little while. Until I get caught up with everything I'm behind on anyway. Tuesday a neighbor took me to the bank and then to the store, so we have bread. Being without a car is a pain, but I think I've mentioned that before.
Anyway Tuesday when I was getting back in the neighbor's car, I opened the door and hit myself in the mouth. I don't think I've ever did that before, but that's what happens when I get distracted and don't watch what I'm doing another lesson and another step toward transformation. I have a lot of lessons lately, which I may or may not blog about. It depends on what the next week or so has in store for me.
I'm not going to work today because Mom has a dental appointment at 11:00 AM and the Paratransit bus gets here about 10:44 AM. I hope it's on time, however I'm not going to worry about that. For the past week or so I've taken the Paratransit bus to work and home. The morning buses came on time, but the ones taking me home were late. If I have somewhere else to go then one late bus throws the entire schedule off.
I carry a book to read and a pen and paper journal to write in, so waiting isn't the problem. Fortunately, the only place I had to go was the bank and the store. Today, while Mom's in the dentist, I'll walk down to Food 4 Less and get dishwashing liquid. I'm going to have to start making a grocery list when I go to the store because without a car I can't just drive there if I forgot something.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Sunset Approaches and I’m tired
‘Idál (Justice), 16 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Wednesday, November 19, 2008 about 4:48 PM Pacific Time
All right, waiting for a bus can be tiresome. True I have a book with me and a journal to write in, but waiting is still tiresome. I'm taking the Paratransit bus to work and back home again. For the last week the bus has been late picking me up from work, but reading and journal writing helps pass the time.
I'm not sleeping well, so perhaps that's part of the reason I'm tired. I think I just need to relax a little and unstress. I'm not sure how to do that, but I intend to find out. I would really like to have is a home office to do my work in rather then sitting in the loving room. We do have a spare room, but I think I'm going to make it into another bedroom and see if I can rent it out.
To turn the spare room into a bedroom would mean buying another bedroom set. Turning it into an office would mean having another telephone line put in. I'll have to check and see which is cheaper. It might be cheaper to turn it into an office. I already have a computer desk and chair, all I would need is another phone line put in.
Having a home office would mean fewer distractions. Having another phone line would mean that people could actually get through to me on my regular phone. On the other hand, renting the room out would mean more money. I'll have to check and see what else is necessary to rent the room out. Either choice would go a long way in helping me unstress and I wouldn't be as tired at sunset.
All right, waiting for a bus can be tiresome. True I have a book with me and a journal to write in, but waiting is still tiresome. I'm taking the Paratransit bus to work and back home again. For the last week the bus has been late picking me up from work, but reading and journal writing helps pass the time.
I'm not sleeping well, so perhaps that's part of the reason I'm tired. I think I just need to relax a little and unstress. I'm not sure how to do that, but I intend to find out. I would really like to have is a home office to do my work in rather then sitting in the loving room. We do have a spare room, but I think I'm going to make it into another bedroom and see if I can rent it out.
To turn the spare room into a bedroom would mean buying another bedroom set. Turning it into an office would mean having another telephone line put in. I'll have to check and see which is cheaper. It might be cheaper to turn it into an office. I already have a computer desk and chair, all I would need is another phone line put in.
Having a home office would mean fewer distractions. Having another phone line would mean that people could actually get through to me on my regular phone. On the other hand, renting the room out would mean more money. I'll have to check and see what else is necessary to rent the room out. Either choice would go a long way in helping me unstress and I wouldn't be as tired at sunset.
Monday, November 17, 2008
A Beautiful Autumn Day in Las Vegas
Kamál (Perfection), 14 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Monday, November 17, 2008 about 4:16 PM Pacific Time
It's a beautiful autumn day in Las Vegas. The temperatures got up to about 80 degrees. There is no wind to speak of, perhaps a little breeze but nothing more. When I go out to wait for my Paratransit ride to work in the morning I don't shiver with the cold.
It's a beautiful autumn day in Las Vegas. The leaves are still green and this morning I heard birds singing. I also heard a train whistle echoing. I saw a neighbor walking his two dogs.
It's a beautiful autumn day in Las Vegas. I miss the changing colors of the leaves. When I was a child in Oklahoma, the leaves changed color around this time of year. It's almost Thanksgiving and the leaves on the neighbors oak tree are still green.
It's a beautiful autumn day in Las Vegas. Thanksgiving is next week and I miss the change in the seasons. It doesn't feel like autumn rather it feels more like spring. I don't think I miss the snow, all though it hasn't snowed on Mount Charleston yet so I'm not sure whether I miss the snow or not. Right now, I miss the changing colors of the leaves.
It's a beautiful autumn day in Las Vegas. The temperatures got up to about 80 degrees. There is no wind to speak of, perhaps a little breeze but nothing more. When I go out to wait for my Paratransit ride to work in the morning I don't shiver with the cold.
It's a beautiful autumn day in Las Vegas. The leaves are still green and this morning I heard birds singing. I also heard a train whistle echoing. I saw a neighbor walking his two dogs.
It's a beautiful autumn day in Las Vegas. I miss the changing colors of the leaves. When I was a child in Oklahoma, the leaves changed color around this time of year. It's almost Thanksgiving and the leaves on the neighbors oak tree are still green.
It's a beautiful autumn day in Las Vegas. Thanksgiving is next week and I miss the change in the seasons. It doesn't feel like autumn rather it feels more like spring. I don't think I miss the snow, all though it hasn't snowed on Mount Charleston yet so I'm not sure whether I miss the snow or not. Right now, I miss the changing colors of the leaves.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Winter is coming
Jamál (Beauty), 13 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Sunday, November 16, 2008 about 3:44 PM Pacific Time
Winter is coming in a few more weeks. I spent most of the morning reviewing stories on writing.com. I reviewed fantasy and science fiction stories about winter. I think I like the idea of picking a theme or subject and then reviewing stories on that subject. I am hoping to get some more reviewed later today or tomorrow, but I think I will review poems.
I was born in winter. My birthday is December 24, so winter is a subject I enjoy reading and writing about. Perhaps I won't do any more reviews today. I still have a poem to write for today and I need to work on a novel or a short story. I also have to do a virus scan today.
It is getting close to sunset here in Las Vegas. I can look out my window and see the sun setting. My garage door is open, it won't shut, and the sun is reflected through the window in the garage. I think I will post this now and get off line for a little while. Finish off line writing or make some more coffee. Perhaps I'll write a poem about winter.
Winter is coming in a few more weeks. I spent most of the morning reviewing stories on writing.com. I reviewed fantasy and science fiction stories about winter. I think I like the idea of picking a theme or subject and then reviewing stories on that subject. I am hoping to get some more reviewed later today or tomorrow, but I think I will review poems.
I was born in winter. My birthday is December 24, so winter is a subject I enjoy reading and writing about. Perhaps I won't do any more reviews today. I still have a poem to write for today and I need to work on a novel or a short story. I also have to do a virus scan today.
It is getting close to sunset here in Las Vegas. I can look out my window and see the sun setting. My garage door is open, it won't shut, and the sun is reflected through the window in the garage. I think I will post this now and get off line for a little while. Finish off line writing or make some more coffee. Perhaps I'll write a poem about winter.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
It’s been an extremely frustrating morning
Jalál (Glory), 12 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Saturday, November 15, 2008 about 6:37 AM Pacific Time
It’s been an extremely frustrating morning following a frustrating week. I've made some stupid decisions and wasted time stressing over things that turned out to be illusions. This morning my internet connection wants to tip-toe through cyberspace without warning and then it disconnects. My browser sometimes gets lost and can't find the website I'm looking for.
Fortunately, I'm too stubborn to give up. If I wasn't I would have tossed in the towel, curled up in the fetal position and pulled the covers over my head. I haven't look at the checking accounts yet today, I will do that after I finish all my postings and a few other on line tasks. I haven't gotten my mother up yet, but I will soon.
I did get a couple of prayers said this morning, before looking at the bank accounts I think I will say a couple more. Prayer and meditation always seem to calm me and make any bad news easier to handle. Perhaps that was the problem with the past few days, I've been trying to handle things myself rather then relying on spiritual assistance.
It’s been an extremely frustrating morning following a frustrating week. I've made some stupid decisions and wasted time stressing over things that turned out to be illusions. This morning my internet connection wants to tip-toe through cyberspace without warning and then it disconnects. My browser sometimes gets lost and can't find the website I'm looking for.
Fortunately, I'm too stubborn to give up. If I wasn't I would have tossed in the towel, curled up in the fetal position and pulled the covers over my head. I haven't look at the checking accounts yet today, I will do that after I finish all my postings and a few other on line tasks. I haven't gotten my mother up yet, but I will soon.
I did get a couple of prayers said this morning, before looking at the bank accounts I think I will say a couple more. Prayer and meditation always seem to calm me and make any bad news easier to handle. Perhaps that was the problem with the past few days, I've been trying to handle things myself rather then relying on spiritual assistance.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I Miss my Grandparents
‘Idál (Justice), 9 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Wednesday, November 12, 2008 about Sunset Pacific Time
I miss my grandparents. I think it must be the time of year. Thanksgiving is coming up and then Christmas. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but I have fond memories of Grandma and Grandpa. Those memories always seem to come back this time of year.
Grandma always enjoyed making Thanksgiving dinner. She would bake pies before Thanksgiving and put them in the freezer. Then on Thanksgiving, after the turkey was done she would put the pies in the oven and warm them up.
On Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving she would begin decorating the house for Christmas. Grandpa would buy a live tree and we would decorate the tree. Grandma and Grandpa eventually got an artificial Christmas tree, but it wasn't a green tree. The artificial tree they bought was a silver aluminum tree. It looked pretty and you could decorate it just like a real tree.
I miss my grandparents. I think it must be the time of year. Thanksgiving is coming up and then Christmas. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but I have fond memories of Grandma and Grandpa. Those memories always seem to come back this time of year.
Grandma always enjoyed making Thanksgiving dinner. She would bake pies before Thanksgiving and put them in the freezer. Then on Thanksgiving, after the turkey was done she would put the pies in the oven and warm them up.
On Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving she would begin decorating the house for Christmas. Grandpa would buy a live tree and we would decorate the tree. Grandma and Grandpa eventually got an artificial Christmas tree, but it wasn't a green tree. The artificial tree they bought was a silver aluminum tree. It looked pretty and you could decorate it just like a real tree.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I finally got my Paratransit ID
Fidál (Grace), 8 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Tuesday, November 11, 2008 about 8:31 AM Pacific Time
I got the ID last weekend and I used it on the regular root on Monday to go to my meeting. I called the Paratransit yesterday afternoon and arranged for a ride to work on Wednesday. However, I didn't arrange for a ride to work on Thursday or Friday, so I'm going to have to call them to arrange for those two day.
Mom and I should go somewhere on Friday to pick up some food. I'm going to have to reschedule the food pick up until next week. I just can't afford to take off another day this week. I don't know why I'm posting this, because no body really wants to know about our financial situation. In this economy, everyone has financial problems to deal with.
At this point, I'm worried more about what to do with the car parked in my driveway that won't run. I've already put too much money into it, so I'm not planning on putting any more in, especially since I don't know if the engine is damaged or not. It won't run because of the timing belt, but it needs a new water pump as well.
The advantage to having a car that doesn't run is you don't have to buy gas for it. Of course, as soon as my car stopped running gas went down. All right, I think that was a coincidence. Still it makes me wonder just like it raining right after washing the car. Of course, I haven't washed my car myself in the past two years, because if I wash the car in the yard, I could get a ticket for wasting water. After all, I live in a desert in the middle of a drought.
I got the ID last weekend and I used it on the regular root on Monday to go to my meeting. I called the Paratransit yesterday afternoon and arranged for a ride to work on Wednesday. However, I didn't arrange for a ride to work on Thursday or Friday, so I'm going to have to call them to arrange for those two day.
Mom and I should go somewhere on Friday to pick up some food. I'm going to have to reschedule the food pick up until next week. I just can't afford to take off another day this week. I don't know why I'm posting this, because no body really wants to know about our financial situation. In this economy, everyone has financial problems to deal with.
At this point, I'm worried more about what to do with the car parked in my driveway that won't run. I've already put too much money into it, so I'm not planning on putting any more in, especially since I don't know if the engine is damaged or not. It won't run because of the timing belt, but it needs a new water pump as well.
The advantage to having a car that doesn't run is you don't have to buy gas for it. Of course, as soon as my car stopped running gas went down. All right, I think that was a coincidence. Still it makes me wonder just like it raining right after washing the car. Of course, I haven't washed my car myself in the past two years, because if I wash the car in the yard, I could get a ticket for wasting water. After all, I live in a desert in the middle of a drought.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
I Am Not Going To Microwave a Turkey This Year
Jamál (Beauty), 6 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Sunday, November 9, 2008 about 8:31 AM Pacific Time
For the past three or four years at either Thanksgiving or Christmas, I have microwaved a turkey for our holiday feast. I am not going to do that this year! Each turkey I have had microwaved has been too big for the oven. The turkeys were given to us, so I had no choice of the size. I had to work with the bird I had on hand.
However, this year the bird goes into the freezer and stays there, until I can cook it in a regular oven. Because the turkeys were too big for my oven, I had to carve the turkey before cooking it. That in itself is a project, which takes most of the morning. After I carved the bird, I picked the pieces I to fix for our dinner and put the rest in the fridge. However, I had to cook it later in the day because I could not put it back in the freezer until it was cooked.
I am not going to microwave a turkey this year. I am tired of Microwaved turkey. I am tired of carving the bird before it is cooked. This year Mom and I will go out for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I do not know where we will go, but we will go out to eat on those two holidays.
For the past three or four years at either Thanksgiving or Christmas, I have microwaved a turkey for our holiday feast. I am not going to do that this year! Each turkey I have had microwaved has been too big for the oven. The turkeys were given to us, so I had no choice of the size. I had to work with the bird I had on hand.
However, this year the bird goes into the freezer and stays there, until I can cook it in a regular oven. Because the turkeys were too big for my oven, I had to carve the turkey before cooking it. That in itself is a project, which takes most of the morning. After I carved the bird, I picked the pieces I to fix for our dinner and put the rest in the fridge. However, I had to cook it later in the day because I could not put it back in the freezer until it was cooked.
I am not going to microwave a turkey this year. I am tired of Microwaved turkey. I am tired of carving the bird before it is cooked. This year Mom and I will go out for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I do not know where we will go, but we will go out to eat on those two holidays.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Transformation is a Pain
Jalál (Glory), 5 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Saturday, November 8, 2008 about 7:01 AM Pacific Time.
Transformation is a pain! Lately transformation and learning patience has been a pain in my left knee. This morning I realized that my right leg is also hurting from all the walking I've been doing over the past several weeks. I'm not sure how long I've been without a car, but it's been a few weeks anyway.
I finally received notification that I can use the Paratransit bus under certain conditions. I haven't received my ID yet, but that should be here soon. When I do receive it, I'm going to get a 30-day bus pass so that I can use the CAT bus when I can't use the Paratransit bus. My mother has a Paratransit ID, so I'm going to get her a 30-day pass as well.
I'm behind on everything in November and today is the 8th. I think the best way for me to get anything accomplished is a "To Do List" and then check off the items as I accomplish them. I've never been a list maker, but at 61 almost 62, I'm going to have to start or I'm not going to get anything done.
It takes longer to get everywhere without a car. It's more painful (at least for me) to walk with my left knee. Now my other leg is beginning to hurt, but I think that's because of all the walking. I'll have to discuss that with my doctor at the next appointment, but before then I have a dental appointment to have my upper teeth pulled and new dentures put in.
Transformation is a pain! Lately transformation and learning patience has been a pain in my left knee. This morning I realized that my right leg is also hurting from all the walking I've been doing over the past several weeks. I'm not sure how long I've been without a car, but it's been a few weeks anyway.
I finally received notification that I can use the Paratransit bus under certain conditions. I haven't received my ID yet, but that should be here soon. When I do receive it, I'm going to get a 30-day bus pass so that I can use the CAT bus when I can't use the Paratransit bus. My mother has a Paratransit ID, so I'm going to get her a 30-day pass as well.
I'm behind on everything in November and today is the 8th. I think the best way for me to get anything accomplished is a "To Do List" and then check off the items as I accomplish them. I've never been a list maker, but at 61 almost 62, I'm going to have to start or I'm not going to get anything done.
It takes longer to get everywhere without a car. It's more painful (at least for me) to walk with my left knee. Now my other leg is beginning to hurt, but I think that's because of all the walking. I'll have to discuss that with my doctor at the next appointment, but before then I have a dental appointment to have my upper teeth pulled and new dentures put in.
Friday, November 07, 2008
It's getting light outside and colder
Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Qudrat (Power), 165 B.E. – Friday, November 7, 2008 about 6:02 AM Pacific Time
It's getting light outside and colder. When I woke up this morning it was chilly, but now dawn is approaching and it getting colder. From where I'm setting, at my computer, I can look out my living room window and watch the sky change colors as the sun nears the eastern horizon.
Yesterday was cold when I got up, so I turned the heat on. Then last night before going to bed I turned the temperature down so the heat wouldn't come on in the night. It didn't get too cold last night, but this morning I turned the temperature up to 65 degrees. I don't want it any higher then that, if the thermostat is set at 65 then the heat will go off when the temperature in the house gets to 70 degrees.
I have to be at work by 8:30 or 9:00 AM, but 8:00 AM I can get to work on time. Even walking I can get to work on time. My car is setting in my driveway, not running. I think I'm going to have to get another car because the engine in this one is damaged. However, I'll worry about that at the end of November. In the mean time, I'll just buy a 30-day bus pass. The only problem is walking to the bus stop, all of which are at leas 1/2 mile away.
It's getting light outside and colder. When I woke up this morning it was chilly, but now dawn is approaching and it getting colder. From where I'm setting, at my computer, I can look out my living room window and watch the sky change colors as the sun nears the eastern horizon.
Yesterday was cold when I got up, so I turned the heat on. Then last night before going to bed I turned the temperature down so the heat wouldn't come on in the night. It didn't get too cold last night, but this morning I turned the temperature up to 65 degrees. I don't want it any higher then that, if the thermostat is set at 65 then the heat will go off when the temperature in the house gets to 70 degrees.
I have to be at work by 8:30 or 9:00 AM, but 8:00 AM I can get to work on time. Even walking I can get to work on time. My car is setting in my driveway, not running. I think I'm going to have to get another car because the engine in this one is damaged. However, I'll worry about that at the end of November. In the mean time, I'll just buy a 30-day bus pass. The only problem is walking to the bus stop, all of which are at leas 1/2 mile away.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
I'm back
I'm back after a couple of days of not posting. I just finished downloading three days worth of e-mail, which I'm going to have to read. However, I won't get to it tonight.
I'm tired and I think the main reason is that I complain too much. I complain about the pain in my knee and it gets worse. I complain about being tired and it gets worse. I complain about not having any money and it gets worse. I'm going to stop complaining and I think everything will get better. I'm going to try it for a few days and see what happens.
My car is back in my driveway and it's still not running. However, walking is getting to be interesting. I'm going to have to get a 30 day bus pass because it's getting too expensive to pay the daily price.
I'm tired so I'm posting this and going to bed. Good night all.
I'm tired and I think the main reason is that I complain too much. I complain about the pain in my knee and it gets worse. I complain about being tired and it gets worse. I complain about not having any money and it gets worse. I'm going to stop complaining and I think everything will get better. I'm going to try it for a few days and see what happens.
My car is back in my driveway and it's still not running. However, walking is getting to be interesting. I'm going to have to get a 30 day bus pass because it's getting too expensive to pay the daily price.
I'm tired so I'm posting this and going to bed. Good night all.
Monday, November 03, 2008
I need to get organized
Kamál (Perfection), 19 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Monday, November 3, 2008 about 3:55 PM Pacific Time
Tomorrow Qudrat begins and I need to get organized. I have found it's easy to get things done when you have a car and gas in the take to take you home quickly. However, when you walk a mile to work and then back home again it takes a bit more time.
All right, so I've probably never been the most organized person in the world. Organization is not one of my strong points. However, in order to get anything achieved a person has to have a little organization. There was a time when I had a little organization, but lately it seems I don't have any. I think I need to take a different approach for one thing, I need to stop gripping and get organized.
I realized today on my way home from work how much I gripe. No to anyone else usually, but to myself. I don't know why I just realized this today, maybe it was because the walk was easier. It wasn't any shorter, but it was easier. Perhaps I'm getting used to the walk and I now have time to listen to my thoughts.
I thank that is a part of transformation, learning to listen to ones thoughts and actually consider what you are saying to yourself. Now all I have to do is take one step at a time and do a little each day. I don't know what I'm going to do about getting organized tomorrow, since I will spend the day working at the polls. Perhaps take notebook with me and write down the areas I need to focus on.
Tomorrow Qudrat begins and I need to get organized. I have found it's easy to get things done when you have a car and gas in the take to take you home quickly. However, when you walk a mile to work and then back home again it takes a bit more time.
All right, so I've probably never been the most organized person in the world. Organization is not one of my strong points. However, in order to get anything achieved a person has to have a little organization. There was a time when I had a little organization, but lately it seems I don't have any. I think I need to take a different approach for one thing, I need to stop gripping and get organized.
I realized today on my way home from work how much I gripe. No to anyone else usually, but to myself. I don't know why I just realized this today, maybe it was because the walk was easier. It wasn't any shorter, but it was easier. Perhaps I'm getting used to the walk and I now have time to listen to my thoughts.
I thank that is a part of transformation, learning to listen to ones thoughts and actually consider what you are saying to yourself. Now all I have to do is take one step at a time and do a little each day. I don't know what I'm going to do about getting organized tomorrow, since I will spend the day working at the polls. Perhaps take notebook with me and write down the areas I need to focus on.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Time Fell Back
Jamál (Beauty), 18 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Sunday, November 2, 2008 about 7:54 AM Pacific Time
Time fell back and I didn't set the clocks back until about 4:35 AM. I was up at 2:00 AM, but I didn't set the clocks back. I slept on the love seat last night because I was too miserable to go to my bed. I woke up feeling better, but I was still tired so I went to my bed. I slept a little while and got up about 3 something.
When I got up I ran SpyBot, which I had to update because I hadn't ran it in a couple of months or so. I know I should run it about once a week, but I don't always do that. Anyway while it was running I made coffee and set the clocks back. Actually, I should say clock because the only clock (other then the one on my computer) in the house working is the one on the dinning room table.
I have a wall clock I have to get batteries for and another electric clock I have to plug in and set. The electric clock I'll plug in this week, I'm putting it in Mom's room on her night stand. The wall clock will go in either the living room or the dining room. I'll move the clocking on the table to my room. I still have to get backup batteries for the two clocks.
I'm glad that daylight savings time has ended for the year. The problem is that my times sense is going to be messed up for a few days because I'll think it's later in the day then it is. Oh well, I'll eventually get things straight, so there isn't any use worrying about a smell matter like my sense of time.
Time fell back and I didn't set the clocks back until about 4:35 AM. I was up at 2:00 AM, but I didn't set the clocks back. I slept on the love seat last night because I was too miserable to go to my bed. I woke up feeling better, but I was still tired so I went to my bed. I slept a little while and got up about 3 something.
When I got up I ran SpyBot, which I had to update because I hadn't ran it in a couple of months or so. I know I should run it about once a week, but I don't always do that. Anyway while it was running I made coffee and set the clocks back. Actually, I should say clock because the only clock (other then the one on my computer) in the house working is the one on the dinning room table.
I have a wall clock I have to get batteries for and another electric clock I have to plug in and set. The electric clock I'll plug in this week, I'm putting it in Mom's room on her night stand. The wall clock will go in either the living room or the dining room. I'll move the clocking on the table to my room. I still have to get backup batteries for the two clocks.
I'm glad that daylight savings time has ended for the year. The problem is that my times sense is going to be messed up for a few days because I'll think it's later in the day then it is. Oh well, I'll eventually get things straight, so there isn't any use worrying about a smell matter like my sense of time.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
November has arrived
Jalál (Glory), 17 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Saturday, November 1, 2008 about 3:07 PM Pacific Time
November has arrived. I've began my NaNoWriMo novel. The day started out a bit odd and I had a "senior moment" when I was logging into a website. I forgot the answers to the security questions, which means I'm lock out for at least today. I was going to pay a bill using the site, since I was locked out of the website I attempted to use the phone payment. I put in the routing number of the bank and pressed the pound sign and got cut off, twice. Anyway, now I have to call their customer service or bill paying number Monday and see if I inadvertently made two payments.
Since there is nothing I can do about that bill, I'll worry about it Monday. This weekend I'm going to work on my novel and pray. So far today, I've written approximately 1,321 and the daily goal is 1,667 words. I'm going to have to go plug the porch light in before it gets dark. I unplugged it last night so we wouldn't get any Trick or Treater's.
It's cloudy outside and it looks dreary. It's not cold, actually the day feels sort of weird. That's the only way I can explain it. I don't know what the problem is maybe it has to do with the fact that I spent most of the day out yesterday riding city buses. Anyway, I'm going to take it easy the rest of the day and finish the novel prologue I'm working on.
November has arrived. I've began my NaNoWriMo novel. The day started out a bit odd and I had a "senior moment" when I was logging into a website. I forgot the answers to the security questions, which means I'm lock out for at least today. I was going to pay a bill using the site, since I was locked out of the website I attempted to use the phone payment. I put in the routing number of the bank and pressed the pound sign and got cut off, twice. Anyway, now I have to call their customer service or bill paying number Monday and see if I inadvertently made two payments.
Since there is nothing I can do about that bill, I'll worry about it Monday. This weekend I'm going to work on my novel and pray. So far today, I've written approximately 1,321 and the daily goal is 1,667 words. I'm going to have to go plug the porch light in before it gets dark. I unplugged it last night so we wouldn't get any Trick or Treater's.
It's cloudy outside and it looks dreary. It's not cold, actually the day feels sort of weird. That's the only way I can explain it. I don't know what the problem is maybe it has to do with the fact that I spent most of the day out yesterday riding city buses. Anyway, I'm going to take it easy the rest of the day and finish the novel prologue I'm working on.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween
Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Friday, October 31, 2008 about 7:56 AM Pacific Time
Happy Halloween
Happy Nevada Day
Happy writing.com account birthday.
Mom and I have to catch a bus to do some stuff today. Since this is Nevada Day, it should be interesting to see which stores and businesses are open. We're going to the mall, then to pick up some of Mom's meds and have a prescription for me filled. I know the schools and state offices are closed today. I think the banks, or at least some of them, may be opened, but I don't know that for sure. The pharmacy is open, but I don't know whether they open at 8:00 AM or at 10:00 AM.
For some reason I'm not stressed or in a hurry this morning, which is odd since we have so much to do and have to take a bus. I'm not even sure whether the bus is going by it's regular or holiday schedule. Therefore, we may have to wait a while on the bus and transfers. There isn't any use getting in a hurry anyway, it doesn't bring the bus any sooner or get me anywhere any faster.
It's cloudy outside right now and looks a bit like it may rain. I certainly hope not, but if it rains then it rains. I can't control mother nature. All things considered, there isn't a lot of events in this world I can control. Actually, the only thing I'm in control of is my emotions and the way I react to the events in my life.
Happy Halloween
Happy Nevada Day
Happy writing.com account birthday.
Mom and I have to catch a bus to do some stuff today. Since this is Nevada Day, it should be interesting to see which stores and businesses are open. We're going to the mall, then to pick up some of Mom's meds and have a prescription for me filled. I know the schools and state offices are closed today. I think the banks, or at least some of them, may be opened, but I don't know that for sure. The pharmacy is open, but I don't know whether they open at 8:00 AM or at 10:00 AM.
For some reason I'm not stressed or in a hurry this morning, which is odd since we have so much to do and have to take a bus. I'm not even sure whether the bus is going by it's regular or holiday schedule. Therefore, we may have to wait a while on the bus and transfers. There isn't any use getting in a hurry anyway, it doesn't bring the bus any sooner or get me anywhere any faster.
It's cloudy outside right now and looks a bit like it may rain. I certainly hope not, but if it rains then it rains. I can't control mother nature. All things considered, there isn't a lot of events in this world I can control. Actually, the only thing I'm in control of is my emotions and the way I react to the events in my life.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
My Next Dental Appointment
I had a dental appointment this morning and the dentist show me what my new teeth will look like. My next appointment is December 6, at that time my top teeth will be pulled and the dentures put in. Then after the gums heal, the dentist will pull my bottom and those dentures put in.
I am hoping to have a full set of dentures by New Years 2009. It would be nice if I could get them before December 24, 2008. A new set of teeth would be a nice birthday present.
I am hoping to have a full set of dentures by New Years 2009. It would be nice if I could get them before December 24, 2008. A new set of teeth would be a nice birthday present.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Random thoughts after a long day
Istijlál (Majesty), 15 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Wednesday, October 29, 2008 about 8:42 PM Pacific Time.
- I work at a school with an oak tree shading the metal picnic tables
- I saw three black birds today flying from the oak tree to the picnic tables
- I saw a scarlet rose on the way home from work today
- I think I will use the rose in a poem
- The black birds and the oak tree I will put in a story
- I am tired and my knee hurts
- I am in a much better mood tonight then after I got home from work
- I have two chocolate bars in the freezer
- I had cafe mocha this morning
Monday, October 27, 2008
I Smelled the Roses
Kamál (Perfection), 12 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Monday, October 27, 2008 about 4:52 PM Pacific Time
I smelled the roses this afternoon. When I got off work, I caught the bus on Sahara to go to the bank. After I made the deposit, then I caught the Maryland Parkway bus north and got off at Oakey. As I walked home, I thought perhaps it was a mistake going straight down Oakey instead of transferring to the Charleston bus and getting off at Burnham.
I made the right decision because when I got down to 17th street, I turned north and went up to Bracken. The roses I smelled were on Bracken planted in front of one of the houses I passed. The roses were pink, white, and light red, they looked so beautiful, their scent attracted and energized me. Before I smelled them I was wore out and tired. I could hardly put one foot in front of the other. After smelling the roses it I made it the rest of the way home without any problems.
Someone planted the roses right next to the sidewalk in a brick enclosed rose garden. There weren't very many bushes, but they were all in bloom. I didn't expect to see roses blooming this time of year in Las Vegas. It's been a dry and hot year, so I thought all the roses had bloomed in the early spring. If I were driving my car I wouldn't have gone that route and in the car I couldn't have smelled the roses anyway.
I smelled the roses this afternoon. When I got off work, I caught the bus on Sahara to go to the bank. After I made the deposit, then I caught the Maryland Parkway bus north and got off at Oakey. As I walked home, I thought perhaps it was a mistake going straight down Oakey instead of transferring to the Charleston bus and getting off at Burnham.
I made the right decision because when I got down to 17th street, I turned north and went up to Bracken. The roses I smelled were on Bracken planted in front of one of the houses I passed. The roses were pink, white, and light red, they looked so beautiful, their scent attracted and energized me. Before I smelled them I was wore out and tired. I could hardly put one foot in front of the other. After smelling the roses it I made it the rest of the way home without any problems.
Someone planted the roses right next to the sidewalk in a brick enclosed rose garden. There weren't very many bushes, but they were all in bloom. I didn't expect to see roses blooming this time of year in Las Vegas. It's been a dry and hot year, so I thought all the roses had bloomed in the early spring. If I were driving my car I wouldn't have gone that route and in the car I couldn't have smelled the roses anyway.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
I’m dreaming about my grandparents
Jamál (Beauty), 11 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Sunday, October 26, 2008 about 9:40 AM Pacific Time
I've been dreaming about my grandparents lately. I'm not sure why, maybe it's because the holiday season is here. Grandma enjoyed Halloween; she loved baking cookies for all the neighborhood children. Grandma would bake the cookies and wrap them in clear food wrap. When the neighborhood children came Trick or Treating, she would give them all cookies. Grandma backed two different kinds of cookies for Halloween. She would bake both oatmeal raisin and peanut butter cookies. She wrapped them seperately and gave one each to children who came to the door.
Grandpa would take my sibling and myself Trick or Treating. He begin with the neighborhood he and grandma lived in. After we went to all the houses there, then he took us to our own neighborhood. I enjoyed picking a costume and going from house to house. It was fun and grandpa never let us go by ourselves. I don't remember ever going to a Halloween party when I was growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
Another reason I may be dreaming about my grandparents is that I miss them so much. I don't remember missing this much at other holiday seasons, but this year I'm missing them very much.
I've been dreaming about my grandparents lately. I'm not sure why, maybe it's because the holiday season is here. Grandma enjoyed Halloween; she loved baking cookies for all the neighborhood children. Grandma would bake the cookies and wrap them in clear food wrap. When the neighborhood children came Trick or Treating, she would give them all cookies. Grandma backed two different kinds of cookies for Halloween. She would bake both oatmeal raisin and peanut butter cookies. She wrapped them seperately and gave one each to children who came to the door.
Grandpa would take my sibling and myself Trick or Treating. He begin with the neighborhood he and grandma lived in. After we went to all the houses there, then he took us to our own neighborhood. I enjoyed picking a costume and going from house to house. It was fun and grandpa never let us go by ourselves. I don't remember ever going to a Halloween party when I was growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
Another reason I may be dreaming about my grandparents is that I miss them so much. I don't remember missing this much at other holiday seasons, but this year I'm missing them very much.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
A new week begins on Sunday
Jalál (Glory), 10 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Saturday, October 25, 2008 about 4:57 PM Pacific Time
A new week begins on Sunday. October is almost over, which leaves two months in 2008. Then a new year begins. I am weary, perhaps part of my weariness comes from walking one mile to work and one mile home. I know since I've started the two mile daily walk my knee is more painful. When I come home I'm just so tired I can't focus on anything for a while. Perhaps I should have worked up to the two miles a day, but that isn't an option.
I have to get to work and I don't have a car. Sometime I can get a ride part way to work, which helps a little. Also I have increased my intake of protein and this helps some. However, nothing seems to help the knee pain. I suppose I should feel triumphant that I can make the walk, but for some reason I don't. Im tired and wore out after I arrive home.
Monday I'm going to have to go to the bank. Fortunately, there is a bus on Sahara, I can take, but I won't arrive home until late and days are getting shorter. I'm not afraid of walking in the dark, not even in Las Vegas. I'm more worried about being so tired after the walk. True I'm 61 years old and have a bad knee, still I don't think I should be as tired as I am. Oh well, next week I only have to worry about making the two-mile walk three days instead of five.
Thursday I'm taking off for a dental appointment and Friday is Nevada Day. That means I'll have a three day holiday before having to go back to work. In November I'm taking off the 4th because I'm working the election poles. The walk to that station isn't as far from my house as my normal work location. However, I'm going to have to go to one of the early voting locations and vote before then. Early voting ends on October 31.
Friday, October 24, 2008
I feel better Today
Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Friday, October 24, 2008 about 5:57 PM Pacific Time
I feel better today and I think it's because I ate more protein then yesterday. I also walk only a mile and a half today rather then two miles. Next week will be better, I think. I'll be off work two days, which means two days without the two-mile walk. Thursday I have a dental appointment in the morning and a doctor's appointment in the afternoon at the same clinic. I'll just stay at the clinic until after the doctor's appointment.
The clinic is about 3/4 of a mile from the house, which means less of a walk. The only problem is Mom has a dental appointment at the same clinic 1/2 after mine. I still don't have a car and I doubt that it will be back before the appointment next week.
Tomorrow we're going to the bank and then to Food 4 Less for some groceries. We didn't go to the bank today because I just couldn't face the half mile walk to the bus after the two-mile walk to work and home again. My knee bothers me when I walk on cement more then any other time. I've had a lot more protein today, so that may be why I'm feeling better.
I feel better today and I think it's because I ate more protein then yesterday. I also walk only a mile and a half today rather then two miles. Next week will be better, I think. I'll be off work two days, which means two days without the two-mile walk. Thursday I have a dental appointment in the morning and a doctor's appointment in the afternoon at the same clinic. I'll just stay at the clinic until after the doctor's appointment.
The clinic is about 3/4 of a mile from the house, which means less of a walk. The only problem is Mom has a dental appointment at the same clinic 1/2 after mine. I still don't have a car and I doubt that it will be back before the appointment next week.
Tomorrow we're going to the bank and then to Food 4 Less for some groceries. We didn't go to the bank today because I just couldn't face the half mile walk to the bus after the two-mile walk to work and home again. My knee bothers me when I walk on cement more then any other time. I've had a lot more protein today, so that may be why I'm feeling better.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
It's Wednesday and still no car
‘Idál (Justice), 7 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Wednesday, October 22, 2008 about 4:57 PM Pacific Time
I'm walking two miles a day for five days a week. It's one mile to work and one mile back home again. Today was a better experience then yesterday, but I think that's because I've resigned myself to walking two miles a day to work and back for the rest of the year. True, my right knee still hurts, but if I keep my mind busy on the way to work and back home, then I don't focus on the knee or the pain. When I came home today, I took a nap on the love seat.
I also increased my protein intake today. I had a tuna sandwich for breakfast, a meat dish for lunch and Sloppy Joes for dinner. Tomorrow I will probably eat a tuna sandwich or a cheese sandwich, but I'm not going to eat cereal with milk. I need iron in my body to walk the two miles so cereal is out for breakfast until Saturday and Sunday.
I'm a bit behind on everything because I went to bed early last night. However, I must have needed the rest because I didn't get up at midnight the way I usually do when I go to bed at 6:30 or 7:00 PM. I got up this morning as usual at 2:30 AM.
I'm walking two miles a day for five days a week. It's one mile to work and one mile back home again. Today was a better experience then yesterday, but I think that's because I've resigned myself to walking two miles a day to work and back for the rest of the year. True, my right knee still hurts, but if I keep my mind busy on the way to work and back home, then I don't focus on the knee or the pain. When I came home today, I took a nap on the love seat.
I also increased my protein intake today. I had a tuna sandwich for breakfast, a meat dish for lunch and Sloppy Joes for dinner. Tomorrow I will probably eat a tuna sandwich or a cheese sandwich, but I'm not going to eat cereal with milk. I need iron in my body to walk the two miles so cereal is out for breakfast until Saturday and Sunday.
I'm a bit behind on everything because I went to bed early last night. However, I must have needed the rest because I didn't get up at midnight the way I usually do when I go to bed at 6:30 or 7:00 PM. I got up this morning as usual at 2:30 AM.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
I am walking to work this week
Fidál (Grace), 6 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Tuesday, October 21, 2008 about 4:55 PM Pacific Time
I'm to and from work this week. It's about a two-mile walk both ways, but I have no other choice. I don't have a car and probably won't have one for a while, so I have to walk to work. I had an interview last Thursday to see if I could qualify for Paratransit. However, I have to go to work so I'm not waiting to see if I qualified.
I'm not sure that I will qualify. I'm not basing this on the interview, but on a dream I had last week before the interview took place. In the dream my mother went to work with me, so I suspect she will qualify, but I won't. If I don't qualify then I'll be walking to work for some time because I don't expect to get the car back for some time.
Because of my right knee walking is painful, but not impossible. I just have to focus on other things besides the knee and my negative thoughts. Today I saw a yellow spring flower blooming. This is autumn and the flower was the type that grew from a bulb. I think it might be related to a tulip, but I'm not sure.
If I had been riding in a car I wouldn't have saw the flower because it bloomed on a corner. The flower was hidden from the street and people in cars couldn't see it. The interesting thing is I walked past that corner this morning and didn't see the flower then, but I saw it coming home from work.
I'm to and from work this week. It's about a two-mile walk both ways, but I have no other choice. I don't have a car and probably won't have one for a while, so I have to walk to work. I had an interview last Thursday to see if I could qualify for Paratransit. However, I have to go to work so I'm not waiting to see if I qualified.
I'm not sure that I will qualify. I'm not basing this on the interview, but on a dream I had last week before the interview took place. In the dream my mother went to work with me, so I suspect she will qualify, but I won't. If I don't qualify then I'll be walking to work for some time because I don't expect to get the car back for some time.
Because of my right knee walking is painful, but not impossible. I just have to focus on other things besides the knee and my negative thoughts. Today I saw a yellow spring flower blooming. This is autumn and the flower was the type that grew from a bulb. I think it might be related to a tulip, but I'm not sure.
If I had been riding in a car I wouldn't have saw the flower because it bloomed on a corner. The flower was hidden from the street and people in cars couldn't see it. The interesting thing is I walked past that corner this morning and didn't see the flower then, but I saw it coming home from work.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Motif of my Life
Kamál (Perfection), 5Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Monday, October 20, 2008 about 4:13 PM Pacific Time
For the past two or three years change has been the motif of my life. Change and transformation accompanied by tests, difficulties and strife. The motif has not changed, all though this year the rhythm and speed of the change has become rather erratic.
Tomorrow I go back to work after five days off. I am going to walk to work because my car is still in the shop. I have no idea when the car will be fix and I am not going to call the mechanic until Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. I am not crazy about walking to work because of the pain in my right knee, but I have no choice.
The site where I work is about a mile away from my house, while the bus stop is about half a mile away. In order for me ride the bus and get to work, I have to leave about two and a half hours before I have to be at work. I catch the bus and then I make a change. The problem is before I leave the house, I have to make sure Mom is up and has her pills laid out.
It is counter productive for me to leave the house two and a half hours early, while it is still dark out. Walk half a mile and wait for a bus that may or may not be on time and stop for me. If the bus is full the driver goes right by my stop without picking me up. Then I have to walk to work any way.
For the past two or three years change has been the motif of my life. Change and transformation accompanied by tests, difficulties and strife. The motif has not changed, all though this year the rhythm and speed of the change has become rather erratic.
Tomorrow I go back to work after five days off. I am going to walk to work because my car is still in the shop. I have no idea when the car will be fix and I am not going to call the mechanic until Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. I am not crazy about walking to work because of the pain in my right knee, but I have no choice.
The site where I work is about a mile away from my house, while the bus stop is about half a mile away. In order for me ride the bus and get to work, I have to leave about two and a half hours before I have to be at work. I catch the bus and then I make a change. The problem is before I leave the house, I have to make sure Mom is up and has her pills laid out.
It is counter productive for me to leave the house two and a half hours early, while it is still dark out. Walk half a mile and wait for a bus that may or may not be on time and stop for me. If the bus is full the driver goes right by my stop without picking me up. Then I have to walk to work any way.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
I’m becoming impatient with my download time
Jamál (Beauty), 4 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Sunday, October 19, 2008 about 12:43 PM Pacific Time
I'm going to have to start looking into getting either DSL or Cable Modem. My download and upload time with a telephone connection is become too slow. I don't think it's any slower then it's always been, it's just that I'm becoming impatient with the time it takes.
Downloads take too long. Uploads take too long. Everything takes too long. I used to think I was a patient person, until I started dealing with a telephone line internet connection. There was a time when I thought that having the phone tied up while I was online was an advantage, no longer.
I don't want instant download time, I just want to be able to download a file during the day instead of having to wait until midnight. I want my phone free to take incoming calls, even if I simply let the answering machine pick them up. I still want the phone line free for the calls to get through. I want to be able to make a telephone call while I'm online. I want an Internet connection that doesn't cut out on me suddenly and in the middle of a blog entry. Are these things too much to ask?
My grandfather was a very patient person, but I suspect even his patience would wear thin dealing with the type of Internet connection I have now. I'm going to have to figure out a way to upgrade my connection by the end of the year.
I'm going to have to start looking into getting either DSL or Cable Modem. My download and upload time with a telephone connection is become too slow. I don't think it's any slower then it's always been, it's just that I'm becoming impatient with the time it takes.
Downloads take too long. Uploads take too long. Everything takes too long. I used to think I was a patient person, until I started dealing with a telephone line internet connection. There was a time when I thought that having the phone tied up while I was online was an advantage, no longer.
I don't want instant download time, I just want to be able to download a file during the day instead of having to wait until midnight. I want my phone free to take incoming calls, even if I simply let the answering machine pick them up. I still want the phone line free for the calls to get through. I want to be able to make a telephone call while I'm online. I want an Internet connection that doesn't cut out on me suddenly and in the middle of a blog entry. Are these things too much to ask?
My grandfather was a very patient person, but I suspect even his patience would wear thin dealing with the type of Internet connection I have now. I'm going to have to figure out a way to upgrade my connection by the end of the year.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A Cloudy Autumn Morning
Jalál (Glory), 3 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Saturday, October 18, 2008 about 10:05 AM Pacific Time
It's a cloudy Autumn morning in Las Vegas. The sky is a patchwork of ash gray-white clouds and blue. It almost reminds me of Oklahoma. I haven't been outside yet, so I don't know what the temperature is or what the air feels like out there. Inside it's chilly and we're having soup again today.
My grandmother always made soup on chilly and cloudy Autumn days. She made soup from scratch. I make soup by opening cans and using soup mixes. I do mix different types of soup together, so I guess that is sort of making it from scratch. It's creative anyway. I make what I call Hobo Soup, which is mixing different cans or leftovers together.
Today we're having the soup that was leftover from yesterday. After the soup is hot, I'm going to open other cans of soup or veggies. Sometimes I make Hobo Stew, which is similar to Hobo Soup except it has more meat in it then veggies. Today I think I'll check in the freezer and see what type of meat we have frozen. I'll take it down and let it defrost in the fridge tonight, then tomorrow make Hobo Stew.
I don't remember my grandmother making Hobo Soup or Stew, she did put leftovers in her soup sometimes. However, she didn't have a specific name for it and she didn't use leftovers in soup very often.
It's a cloudy Autumn morning in Las Vegas. The sky is a patchwork of ash gray-white clouds and blue. It almost reminds me of Oklahoma. I haven't been outside yet, so I don't know what the temperature is or what the air feels like out there. Inside it's chilly and we're having soup again today.
My grandmother always made soup on chilly and cloudy Autumn days. She made soup from scratch. I make soup by opening cans and using soup mixes. I do mix different types of soup together, so I guess that is sort of making it from scratch. It's creative anyway. I make what I call Hobo Soup, which is mixing different cans or leftovers together.
Today we're having the soup that was leftover from yesterday. After the soup is hot, I'm going to open other cans of soup or veggies. Sometimes I make Hobo Stew, which is similar to Hobo Soup except it has more meat in it then veggies. Today I think I'll check in the freezer and see what type of meat we have frozen. I'll take it down and let it defrost in the fridge tonight, then tomorrow make Hobo Stew.
I don't remember my grandmother making Hobo Soup or Stew, she did put leftovers in her soup sometimes. However, she didn't have a specific name for it and she didn't use leftovers in soup very often.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Slowly my mood is brightening
Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Friday, October 17, 2008 about 9:04 AM Pacific Time
It's taken half the morning, but my mood is finally optimistic. I took off work again today, this the fourth time this week. I'm going to have to go back on Monday even if I have to walk to work, which I'm not looking forward to. However, I have no other option because the car is in the shop and I have to get to work.
This morning I have written about six or seven poems. It seems almost everything I read, do or look at inspires a line or two of verse. This is unusual because normally when I'm depressed of despondent, I can't write. Therefore, perhaps things are looking up I certainly hope so.
My knee is still hurting, but not as bad as it did yesterday or the day before. It doesn't matter whether the knee is hurting Monday or not, I still have to go to work and that means I have to walk. Fortunately, the only traffic light between here and work is one of the new ones. It's one of those that shows how many seconds you have before the light changes from green to red and I have to be across the street. Las Vegas has a lot of these lights in and it appears they are eventually planning on putting them throughout the city.
The blinking hand counts
the seconds before the light
changes to "Don't Walk".
It's taken half the morning, but my mood is finally optimistic. I took off work again today, this the fourth time this week. I'm going to have to go back on Monday even if I have to walk to work, which I'm not looking forward to. However, I have no other option because the car is in the shop and I have to get to work.
This morning I have written about six or seven poems. It seems almost everything I read, do or look at inspires a line or two of verse. This is unusual because normally when I'm depressed of despondent, I can't write. Therefore, perhaps things are looking up I certainly hope so.
My knee is still hurting, but not as bad as it did yesterday or the day before. It doesn't matter whether the knee is hurting Monday or not, I still have to go to work and that means I have to walk. Fortunately, the only traffic light between here and work is one of the new ones. It's one of those that shows how many seconds you have before the light changes from green to red and I have to be across the street. Las Vegas has a lot of these lights in and it appears they are eventually planning on putting them throughout the city.
The blinking hand counts
the seconds before the light
changes to "Don't Walk".
Thursday, October 16, 2008
After a long and weary day
Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Ilm (Knowledge), 165 B.E. – Thursday, October 16, 2008 about 5:52 PM Pacific Time
After a long and weary day, I want to cry. My knee hurts, my legs are tired and I'm not sleepy. I'm not going to work tomorrow, which is probably just as well because I don't think I could make the one mile walk to work much less coming back.
Tomorrow I have to call the car insurance and make two doctors appointments. One for me and one for my mother. I'm going to change the clinic where I go because there is one closer to my house and easier to get to. I need to talk to a doctor about my right knee, which is in pain now. Fortunately, the pain is about a 1.5 or 2.0 on a 10 point scale; 1 being the least and 10 the worst.
I've recently (yesterday) started using a cane. I have to buy a tip for the cane, which I will as soon as I can get to a store selling them. It won't be tomorrow unless someone takes me there because I'm not going to walk to the store and back. Not with my knee the way it is. I have to go to work next week, so I'm going to have to keep from too much walking this weekend.
After a long and weary day, I want to cry. My knee hurts, my legs are tired and I'm not sleepy. I'm not going to work tomorrow, which is probably just as well because I don't think I could make the one mile walk to work much less coming back.
Tomorrow I have to call the car insurance and make two doctors appointments. One for me and one for my mother. I'm going to change the clinic where I go because there is one closer to my house and easier to get to. I need to talk to a doctor about my right knee, which is in pain now. Fortunately, the pain is about a 1.5 or 2.0 on a 10 point scale; 1 being the least and 10 the worst.
I've recently (yesterday) started using a cane. I have to buy a tip for the cane, which I will as soon as I can get to a store selling them. It won't be tomorrow unless someone takes me there because I'm not going to walk to the store and back. Not with my knee the way it is. I have to go to work next week, so I'm going to have to keep from too much walking this weekend.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I'm without a car and walking
‘Idál (Justice), 19 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Wednesday, October 15, 2008 about 11:44 AM Pacific Time
I'm without a car and walking. The car is in the shop for at least the next week, so that means I walk either to where I'm going or to the bus stop and take catch the bus. I've walked to work Monday, then to the dentist office and then home. Tuesday I road with the tow truck driver to take the car to the mechanic on the west side of Las Vegas, then caught the bus to bring me back to the east side and walked the rest of the way home.
I called in to work for today and tomorrow, but I can't call in Friday. I can't afford to take off any more. I'll just have to walk it until I get some sort of transportation. I'm tired and I still have to go to the bank today. Oh well, there isn't anything I can do about it unless I can scrape up some change for the bus. Even if I do take the bus the walk to the bus stop is about half a mile, then there is the wait and the transfer.
Actually, considering the mood I'm in maybe walking would do me some good. I've been in a crabby, miserable, depressed mood all day. So perhaps the walk will change my mood or at least my focus. The only problem with walking is my right knee, which hurts when I walk on cement. Perhaps I'm over thinking the entire situation.
I'm without a car and walking. The car is in the shop for at least the next week, so that means I walk either to where I'm going or to the bus stop and take catch the bus. I've walked to work Monday, then to the dentist office and then home. Tuesday I road with the tow truck driver to take the car to the mechanic on the west side of Las Vegas, then caught the bus to bring me back to the east side and walked the rest of the way home.
I called in to work for today and tomorrow, but I can't call in Friday. I can't afford to take off any more. I'll just have to walk it until I get some sort of transportation. I'm tired and I still have to go to the bank today. Oh well, there isn't anything I can do about it unless I can scrape up some change for the bus. Even if I do take the bus the walk to the bus stop is about half a mile, then there is the wait and the transfer.
Actually, considering the mood I'm in maybe walking would do me some good. I've been in a crabby, miserable, depressed mood all day. So perhaps the walk will change my mood or at least my focus. The only problem with walking is my right knee, which hurts when I walk on cement. Perhaps I'm over thinking the entire situation.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I Had A New Experience in an Interesting year
Fidál (Grace), 18 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Tuesday, October 14, 2008 about 6:18 AM Pacific Time
The best thing that can be said for 2008 is that it's been an interesting year. I had a new experience yesterday at the dental office. I went to my appointment extremely early because I still don't have a car and I had walked to work. I walked from work to the medical clinic where the dentist is located. I'm not sure what time I arrive because I don't have a working watch and I didn't look at the clock until after I got out of my appointment.
Yesterday was the grand opening of that clinic. There was a news crew from Channel 3 wanting to interview some of the patients, so I said yes. I appeared on the evening news last night. I've never been interviewed by a news crew or on T.V. I never expected anything like this to happen to me, but life is full of surprise and the unexpected.
I wasn't prepared for anything like that. However, I'm glad it happened because it taught me I need to expect the unexpected. I need to look for opportunities rather then difficulties. If the car were running I wouldn't have gone to the clinic early and the crew would have interviewed someone else.
The best thing that can be said for 2008 is that it's been an interesting year. I had a new experience yesterday at the dental office. I went to my appointment extremely early because I still don't have a car and I had walked to work. I walked from work to the medical clinic where the dentist is located. I'm not sure what time I arrive because I don't have a working watch and I didn't look at the clock until after I got out of my appointment.
Yesterday was the grand opening of that clinic. There was a news crew from Channel 3 wanting to interview some of the patients, so I said yes. I appeared on the evening news last night. I've never been interviewed by a news crew or on T.V. I never expected anything like this to happen to me, but life is full of surprise and the unexpected.
I wasn't prepared for anything like that. However, I'm glad it happened because it taught me I need to expect the unexpected. I need to look for opportunities rather then difficulties. If the car were running I wouldn't have gone to the clinic early and the crew would have interviewed someone else.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Hot soup on a chilly day
Jamál (Beauty), 16 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Sunday, October 12, 2008 about 5:58 PM Pacific Time
It's a chilly autumn day
and the sun is approaching the mountains in the west
we ate hot soup for lunch and dinner.
I made soup today. I made it as close to homemade and from scratch as I can come any more. I opened three or four different cans of soup and put them in the slow cooker. Then I opened a can of cut spinach. I then turned the cooker on and let the ingredients heat together. I enjoyed it and Mom enjoyed it.
This time I used chicken noodle soup, chicken rice soup, potato soup, tomato soup and spinach. I think next time I'll use tomato soup and one of the dry soup mixes I have in the cupboard. Then I'll add some peas and corn or maybe some green beans. I like making soup this way because it doesn't take it that long to heat in the cooker. If I put it on in the morning, then it's done by noon and we have soup the rest of the day.
I still have some leftovers in the fridge, so perhaps tomorrow I'll warm them over with the soup that's left. It should give the soup a interesting flavor. The leftovers consist of macaroni and cheese with enchilada sauce and a package of taco seasoning or something similar.
It's a chilly autumn day
and the sun is approaching the mountains in the west
we ate hot soup for lunch and dinner.
I made soup today. I made it as close to homemade and from scratch as I can come any more. I opened three or four different cans of soup and put them in the slow cooker. Then I opened a can of cut spinach. I then turned the cooker on and let the ingredients heat together. I enjoyed it and Mom enjoyed it.
This time I used chicken noodle soup, chicken rice soup, potato soup, tomato soup and spinach. I think next time I'll use tomato soup and one of the dry soup mixes I have in the cupboard. Then I'll add some peas and corn or maybe some green beans. I like making soup this way because it doesn't take it that long to heat in the cooker. If I put it on in the morning, then it's done by noon and we have soup the rest of the day.
I still have some leftovers in the fridge, so perhaps tomorrow I'll warm them over with the soup that's left. It should give the soup a interesting flavor. The leftovers consist of macaroni and cheese with enchilada sauce and a package of taco seasoning or something similar.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
It's taken me half a day to recover
Jalál (Glory), 15 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Saturday, October 11, 2008 about 1:51 PM Pacific Time
It's taken me half a day to recover from walking to the bank yesterday to cash paycheck. My knee still hurt when I walk. My knee is still stiff. I did learn something about myself though. I can do anything I set my mind to.
The interesting thing about the walk home yesterday was that I didn't let the negative and self defeating thoughts enter my mind. I simply walked and stopped periodically to drink some water. I was never so glad to get home in my life.
I'm going to have to cut down on the long walks like that. One way is all right, but going back home was a test of endurance. I did make it home. I am still tired. I don't think I got much sleep last night and to top that off we finally got autumn weather. I'm going to have to put a blanket on my bed instead of just the sheet.
I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, at least not in my bed. I finally gave up and came into the living room. I sit down on the love seat and then went to sleep. The only reason I can think for not being able to sleep in my bed was that I kept turning and tossing. When I turned over my knee hurt and woke me up.
It's taken me half a day to recover from walking to the bank yesterday to cash paycheck. My knee still hurt when I walk. My knee is still stiff. I did learn something about myself though. I can do anything I set my mind to.
The interesting thing about the walk home yesterday was that I didn't let the negative and self defeating thoughts enter my mind. I simply walked and stopped periodically to drink some water. I was never so glad to get home in my life.
I'm going to have to cut down on the long walks like that. One way is all right, but going back home was a test of endurance. I did make it home. I am still tired. I don't think I got much sleep last night and to top that off we finally got autumn weather. I'm going to have to put a blanket on my bed instead of just the sheet.
I didn't get a lot of sleep last night, at least not in my bed. I finally gave up and came into the living room. I sit down on the love seat and then went to sleep. The only reason I can think for not being able to sleep in my bed was that I kept turning and tossing. When I turned over my knee hurt and woke me up.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Holiday Memories
Istiqlál (Independence), 14 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Friday, October 10, 2008 about 5:05 AM Pacific Time
The holiday season is here and holiday memories are arriving, memories of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I suppose I should start the holiday writing season with Halloween Memories. I have a lot of those because Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed taking my siblings and me "Tricker Treating", as well as giving out treats to the neighborhood kids.
Thanksgiving is another holiday, which has good memories for me. Grandma loved to cook and she made her own pies for Thanksgiving for several years. I enjoyed Thanksgiving at my Grandparents' house. There were all sorts of good things to eat and the entire family sit down to meals at Grandma's kitchen table.
My birthday is on Christmas Eve, so my Christmas memories are a mixture of happy and sad. Let's face I have or at least had Christmas Issues. Since I no longer celebrate Christmas as a gift-giving or receiving holiday, those issues don't seem to matter except when I go to write about them.
There are other holidays or rather Holy Days I celebrate this time of year. I'll go into those in another blog entry. For those days I'll explain why I celebrate them and how I celebrate.
The holiday season is here and holiday memories are arriving, memories of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I suppose I should start the holiday writing season with Halloween Memories. I have a lot of those because Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed taking my siblings and me "Tricker Treating", as well as giving out treats to the neighborhood kids.
Thanksgiving is another holiday, which has good memories for me. Grandma loved to cook and she made her own pies for Thanksgiving for several years. I enjoyed Thanksgiving at my Grandparents' house. There were all sorts of good things to eat and the entire family sit down to meals at Grandma's kitchen table.
My birthday is on Christmas Eve, so my Christmas memories are a mixture of happy and sad. Let's face I have or at least had Christmas Issues. Since I no longer celebrate Christmas as a gift-giving or receiving holiday, those issues don't seem to matter except when I go to write about them.
There are other holidays or rather Holy Days I celebrate this time of year. I'll go into those in another blog entry. For those days I'll explain why I celebrate them and how I celebrate.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
This is going to be an interesting day
Istijlál (Majesty), 13 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Thursday, October 9, 2008 about 5:18 AM Pacific Time
This is going to be an interesting and memorable day transformation wise. It's going to show me what I'm still capapble of doing. My car is setting in my drive way waiting for me to have it towed to a mechanic. Yesterday, on the way home it ran out of power; since it still has gas in the tank the problem is something else. There isn't enough power to start the car.
I'm planning on walking to work and home again, unless something drastic comes up or God has something else in mind for me. Walking is going to be a test because I have a knee that gives me problems. I don't think I have any other choice but to walk. I don't have an appointment with the doctor until October 28 at 3:00 PM so I'm just going to have to endure the knee for a while.
If I want to see the doctor before the 28th, I have to go to the clinic and wait. The one I usually see a doctor is across town. If I have too much of a problem, then I'll go to the one closest to me and see a doctor there, but I'll have to wait and I'll have to get there before (I think) 2:00 PM. I'll have to call the clinic and find out.
This is going to be an interesting and memorable day transformation wise. It's going to show me what I'm still capapble of doing. My car is setting in my drive way waiting for me to have it towed to a mechanic. Yesterday, on the way home it ran out of power; since it still has gas in the tank the problem is something else. There isn't enough power to start the car.
I'm planning on walking to work and home again, unless something drastic comes up or God has something else in mind for me. Walking is going to be a test because I have a knee that gives me problems. I don't think I have any other choice but to walk. I don't have an appointment with the doctor until October 28 at 3:00 PM so I'm just going to have to endure the knee for a while.
If I want to see the doctor before the 28th, I have to go to the clinic and wait. The one I usually see a doctor is across town. If I have too much of a problem, then I'll go to the one closest to me and see a doctor there, but I'll have to wait and I'll have to get there before (I think) 2:00 PM. I'll have to call the clinic and find out.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
I’m without a car again
‘Idál (Justice), 12 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Wednesday, October 8, 2008 4:09 PM Pacific Time
I'm without a car again. I still have the car, but it's setting in my drive way unable to start because it's not getting any juice; I have no battery power to turn the ignition on. So I may as well not have a car. I mean what good is car if it won't start.
I went to work today, then I paid the internet connection fee and then I came home. On the way home it last power and wouldn't go any more. I called Triple A, using a barrowed cell phone and waited for the truck to come. He came and towed the car to my driveway. There wasn't any use going to the machanic because he's across town, which is more then 5 miles away.
I know there must be a lesson in this somewhere. I will find it as soon as I can figure out how to get the car fixed. I won't get paid until Friday, so I'm going to have to wait to have the car towed to the machanic and have it fixed. In the mean time, I'm going to be walking to work, which is not something I'm looking forward to.
I'm without a car again. I still have the car, but it's setting in my drive way unable to start because it's not getting any juice; I have no battery power to turn the ignition on. So I may as well not have a car. I mean what good is car if it won't start.
I went to work today, then I paid the internet connection fee and then I came home. On the way home it last power and wouldn't go any more. I called Triple A, using a barrowed cell phone and waited for the truck to come. He came and towed the car to my driveway. There wasn't any use going to the machanic because he's across town, which is more then 5 miles away.
I know there must be a lesson in this somewhere. I will find it as soon as I can figure out how to get the car fixed. I won't get paid until Friday, so I'm going to have to wait to have the car towed to the machanic and have it fixed. In the mean time, I'm going to be walking to work, which is not something I'm looking forward to.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Candy Corn
October is here and it means I can buy candy corn. I don't see it any other time of year, but in October around Halloween I can get it in stores. It's probably just as well I can't get it the other twelve months. If I could, then I'd eat it all the time and that wouldn't be good for me.
I saw an ad in a health magazine discouraging people from eating candy corn and other sweet treats at Halloween. I know too much of it isn't good for me, but I like it. A little bit of candy corn isn't going to hurt me. I'm going to get a bag or maybe two bags of it. Mom likes it as well, so I better get two bags. That will give each of us a bag of our own.
It's interesting when I was growing up nobody ever worried about things like that. We were more interested in other stuff besides the candy we ate. Actually, at present I'm more interested in other things besides whether the food I'm eating is good for me or not. I'm not going to deprive myself of something I like simply because it isn't good for me. As long as I eat candy corn in moderation, it's all right to eat it.
I saw an ad in a health magazine discouraging people from eating candy corn and other sweet treats at Halloween. I know too much of it isn't good for me, but I like it. A little bit of candy corn isn't going to hurt me. I'm going to get a bag or maybe two bags of it. Mom likes it as well, so I better get two bags. That will give each of us a bag of our own.
It's interesting when I was growing up nobody ever worried about things like that. We were more interested in other stuff besides the candy we ate. Actually, at present I'm more interested in other things besides whether the food I'm eating is good for me or not. I'm not going to deprive myself of something I like simply because it isn't good for me. As long as I eat candy corn in moderation, it's all right to eat it.
Monday, October 06, 2008
It felt like Oklahoma this morning
Kamál (Perfection), 10 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Monday, October 6, 2008 about 5:14 PM Pacific Time
It felt like Oklahoma this morning. When I went out to put water in the car about 6:00 AM there was a chill in the air. It reminded me of dawn in Oklahoma. I almost went back in the house and put on a sweater.
I've lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for over thirty years and I don't remember a morning with a chill like that. Of course, I don't usually get out that early. Normally I don't go outside until well after dawn, when the sun has begun heating the desert air. However, since I have to check the water in my radiator every morning, I've been getting out early. I'm going to have to put a sweater in the car or put one by the front door, the morning air is getting cold.
The crisp morning air
sends chills through my sleepy mind:
Did it rain last night?
The damp morning air
brings to mind an Oklahoma dawn
after a late night rain.
I inhale the desert's aroma
and wonder at the similarities
of Autumn dawns.
It felt like Oklahoma this morning. When I went out to put water in the car about 6:00 AM there was a chill in the air. It reminded me of dawn in Oklahoma. I almost went back in the house and put on a sweater.
I've lived in Las Vegas, Nevada for over thirty years and I don't remember a morning with a chill like that. Of course, I don't usually get out that early. Normally I don't go outside until well after dawn, when the sun has begun heating the desert air. However, since I have to check the water in my radiator every morning, I've been getting out early. I'm going to have to put a sweater in the car or put one by the front door, the morning air is getting cold.
The crisp morning air
sends chills through my sleepy mind:
Did it rain last night?
The damp morning air
brings to mind an Oklahoma dawn
after a late night rain.
I inhale the desert's aroma
and wonder at the similarities
of Autumn dawns.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
A Cloudy Autumn Day in Las Vegas
Jamál (Beauty), 9 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Sunday, October 5, 2008 about 6:00 PM Pacific Time
Today was cloudy, not completely overcast, but cloudy. We've had clouds for several day now and I think it rained last night. I did hear some odd noises before I went to bed. However, I didn't think it was thunder and I didn't see any lightning. When I went out to the car this morning the finder was still wet.
There have been a lot of strange and weird noises in this neighborhood lately. I can't seem to tell where they are coming from or what they are. Some of the noises I heard last night was probably thunder. I don't know what the other noises were.
Normally this is a quiet neighborhood at night. Some of the noises I can identify. For instance, the neighbor down the street has a Harley-Davidson I can identify that noise. Actually, I don't think the sound of a Harley is noise, it's more like music. Well it's music to my ears anyway. I like the sound of a Harley, it's a comforting sound. I think I'll write a Halloween story with a Harley in it, I haven't written a story about a Harley in some time.
Today was cloudy, not completely overcast, but cloudy. We've had clouds for several day now and I think it rained last night. I did hear some odd noises before I went to bed. However, I didn't think it was thunder and I didn't see any lightning. When I went out to the car this morning the finder was still wet.
There have been a lot of strange and weird noises in this neighborhood lately. I can't seem to tell where they are coming from or what they are. Some of the noises I heard last night was probably thunder. I don't know what the other noises were.
Normally this is a quiet neighborhood at night. Some of the noises I can identify. For instance, the neighbor down the street has a Harley-Davidson I can identify that noise. Actually, I don't think the sound of a Harley is noise, it's more like music. Well it's music to my ears anyway. I like the sound of a Harley, it's a comforting sound. I think I'll write a Halloween story with a Harley in it, I haven't written a story about a Harley in some time.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
October brings Memories of Halloween
Jalál (Glory), 8 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Saturday, October 4, 2008 about 3:14 AM Pacific Time
It's the first Saturday in October, the first full month of autumn. October always brings memories of Halloween and my Grandma Newland. Grandma and Grandpa lived in a much simpler and safer time. Grandma began preparing for Halloween seven days before the event.
All the living kids within three or four blocks of my grandparents called them Grandma and Grandpa. Halloween was a big event for Grandma, not as big as Thanksgiving or Christmas, which required more preparation, but Grandma gave Halloween a good chunk of her time the week before.
Grandma would bake cookies and put them in plastic sandwich bags to give to the Trick or Treater's on Halloween night. Every year Grandma always did this and she would stay home on Halloween night to pass the goodies out while Grandpa took us Trick or Treating. If she were alive today, she couldn't do that, but then everyone felt safe accepting and eating homemade treats from the neighbors.
It's the first Saturday in October, the first full month of autumn. October always brings memories of Halloween and my Grandma Newland. Grandma and Grandpa lived in a much simpler and safer time. Grandma began preparing for Halloween seven days before the event.
All the living kids within three or four blocks of my grandparents called them Grandma and Grandpa. Halloween was a big event for Grandma, not as big as Thanksgiving or Christmas, which required more preparation, but Grandma gave Halloween a good chunk of her time the week before.
Grandma would bake cookies and put them in plastic sandwich bags to give to the Trick or Treater's on Halloween night. Every year Grandma always did this and she would stay home on Halloween night to pass the goodies out while Grandpa took us Trick or Treating. If she were alive today, she couldn't do that, but then everyone felt safe accepting and eating homemade treats from the neighbors.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
September draws to a close
Fidál (Grace), 4 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Tuesday, September 30, 2008 about 6:20 PM Pacific Time
September 2008 has come to an end. October 2008 is on the horizon. I'm weary. I'm stressed. I have a full month ahead to become more weary and more stressed. Alternatively, I have a full month ahead to become less weary and less stressed. The choice is mine. I don't chose the events in my life, but I chose the way I react to them.
My mother and I just got finished having a long talk. Mom and I sit down on the love seat and talked for the first time in a long time. We talk everyday, but this talk was different. Mom told me how she felt. I told Mom how I felt. It was nice. We talked to each other and we listened to each other.
We put aside the things we had planned to do. Mom was going to do some laundry and I was going to do some writing, but instead we talked. We didn't worry about what whe weren't getting done. We sit on the love seat and we talked. It was wonderful. It was a great way to end a month.
September 2008 has come to an end. October 2008 is on the horizon. I'm weary. I'm stressed. I have a full month ahead to become more weary and more stressed. Alternatively, I have a full month ahead to become less weary and less stressed. The choice is mine. I don't chose the events in my life, but I chose the way I react to them.
My mother and I just got finished having a long talk. Mom and I sit down on the love seat and talked for the first time in a long time. We talk everyday, but this talk was different. Mom told me how she felt. I told Mom how I felt. It was nice. We talked to each other and we listened to each other.
We put aside the things we had planned to do. Mom was going to do some laundry and I was going to do some writing, but instead we talked. We didn't worry about what whe weren't getting done. We sit on the love seat and we talked. It was wonderful. It was a great way to end a month.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Where has the year gone?
Kamál (Perfection), 3 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Monday, September 29, 2008 about 6:04 PM Pacific Time
Where has the year gone?
It flew into cyberspace
Disappeared in time.
Where has the year gone?
It flew into cyberspace
Disappeared in time.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Something to Look forward to
Jamál (Beauty), 2 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Sunday, September 28, 2008 about 3:01 PM Pacific Time
According to the weather report I received in my e-mail box temperatures are dropping by the end of the week. That will be a nice change for Las Vegas because right now we're still in triple digits. I think the temperature today is supposed to hit 100, which doesn't sound like much in the desert. However, looking out my living room window I see clouds so it's a muggy 100 degrees.
I'm looking forward to the cooler weather especially with my car acting up. I have a new radiator, which makes the problem less of a problem. Now I don't have to worry about the radiator itself leaking. However, there are other problems. I have to put water or coolant in the radiator everyday. Driving of a morning isn't bad, but it's the afternoon driving that heats things up.
Anyway, in the afternoon when I go into the business and then I come back out I look under the car. If there is a lot of water there, I just drive straight home and forget any other business I have to conduct. I call the people and explain that my car is overheating and I'll have to reschedule. Normally, I just make one appointment each afternoon day unless Mom and I are going to the same place for different appointment.
The problem is either the water pump or the head gasket. It really doesn't matter which since I can afford to have either one of them replaced. I'll just have to look for another car or see if I'm eligible for paratransit. I know Mom is and I think I can go with her when she takes the buss. It's going somewhere by myself that's the problem. The regular bus stop is just too far for me to walk too and from with my knee in the condition it's in. Oh well, things will work out and cooler weather is something to look forward to.
According to the weather report I received in my e-mail box temperatures are dropping by the end of the week. That will be a nice change for Las Vegas because right now we're still in triple digits. I think the temperature today is supposed to hit 100, which doesn't sound like much in the desert. However, looking out my living room window I see clouds so it's a muggy 100 degrees.
I'm looking forward to the cooler weather especially with my car acting up. I have a new radiator, which makes the problem less of a problem. Now I don't have to worry about the radiator itself leaking. However, there are other problems. I have to put water or coolant in the radiator everyday. Driving of a morning isn't bad, but it's the afternoon driving that heats things up.
Anyway, in the afternoon when I go into the business and then I come back out I look under the car. If there is a lot of water there, I just drive straight home and forget any other business I have to conduct. I call the people and explain that my car is overheating and I'll have to reschedule. Normally, I just make one appointment each afternoon day unless Mom and I are going to the same place for different appointment.
The problem is either the water pump or the head gasket. It really doesn't matter which since I can afford to have either one of them replaced. I'll just have to look for another car or see if I'm eligible for paratransit. I know Mom is and I think I can go with her when she takes the buss. It's going somewhere by myself that's the problem. The regular bus stop is just too far for me to walk too and from with my knee in the condition it's in. Oh well, things will work out and cooler weather is something to look forward to.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Patience, Persistence and a telephone Internet connection
Jalál (Glory), 1 Mashiyyat (Will), 165 B.E. – Saturday, September 26-27, 2008 about 8:16 AM Pacific Time
My internet connection and browser are acting wonky this morning. It disconnects at random points and the browser sometimes can't find the website address. All right, I know part of the problem is my fault.
I have a telephone hook-up and I tab browse using Internet Explorer. This method works most of the time, when I'm patient and don't try to go to two different address at the same time. As long as I let the browser find the address on one tab before looking for another address on another, there isn't much of a problem.
There are a lot of disadvantages with my connect, but there are a few advantages as well. One of the advantages is to teach me patience and persistence without getting frustrated. I'm still working on the "not getting frustrated" part. In this case, it doesn't help to get frustrated.
The interesting thing about my Internet connection issues is assisting the process of the transformation. I didn't realize how much it helped this process until this morning, when, instead of throwing up my hands and wanting to quit, I just clicked on the address again and waited patiently for the connection.
My internet connection and browser are acting wonky this morning. It disconnects at random points and the browser sometimes can't find the website address. All right, I know part of the problem is my fault.
I have a telephone hook-up and I tab browse using Internet Explorer. This method works most of the time, when I'm patient and don't try to go to two different address at the same time. As long as I let the browser find the address on one tab before looking for another address on another, there isn't much of a problem.
There are a lot of disadvantages with my connect, but there are a few advantages as well. One of the advantages is to teach me patience and persistence without getting frustrated. I'm still working on the "not getting frustrated" part. In this case, it doesn't help to get frustrated.
The interesting thing about my Internet connection issues is assisting the process of the transformation. I didn't realize how much it helped this process until this morning, when, instead of throwing up my hands and wanting to quit, I just clicked on the address again and waited patiently for the connection.
Friday, September 26, 2008
My Shampoo smells good enough to eat
Istiqlál (Independence), 19 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Friday, September 26, 2008 about 3:16 PM Pacific Time
My shampoo smells good enough to eat. It smells like tropical fruit, which is just fine with me because I can wash my hair every day and not worry about damaging it. At least, I think I can; not that it could damage my hair any worse then it is now.
When I was growing up, if you want your hair to look good, You washed it with raw egg (I still don't know what that was suppose to do) or beer. I tried both as a teenager and neither one seemed to do all that much for my hair. I remember I had to rewash my hair after the egg to get all the egg-goop out of it. The beer seemed to make my hair shiny, but my hair smelled like beer and I had to rewash it to get the smell out.
At least with my present, store bought, shampoo my hair has a nice aroma to it and I don't have to rewash it to get the smell out. I'm trying think what else I did as a teenager that I would probably think twice about doing today. I've thought of several things, too many things to put in a single blog entry.
My shampoo smells good enough to eat. It smells like tropical fruit, which is just fine with me because I can wash my hair every day and not worry about damaging it. At least, I think I can; not that it could damage my hair any worse then it is now.
When I was growing up, if you want your hair to look good, You washed it with raw egg (I still don't know what that was suppose to do) or beer. I tried both as a teenager and neither one seemed to do all that much for my hair. I remember I had to rewash my hair after the egg to get all the egg-goop out of it. The beer seemed to make my hair shiny, but my hair smelled like beer and I had to rewash it to get the smell out.
At least with my present, store bought, shampoo my hair has a nice aroma to it and I don't have to rewash it to get the smell out. I'm trying think what else I did as a teenager that I would probably think twice about doing today. I've thought of several things, too many things to put in a single blog entry.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Another Beautiful Day in Las Vegas and goal setting
Istijlál (Majesty), 18 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Thursday, September 25, 2008 about 4:26 AM Pacific Time
Well, another beautiful day in Las Vegas has begun. I reviewed my 19-day goals last night and set up the spreadsheet to keep track of my accomplishments. I've changed the way I list my goals in the spreadsheet and my daily to do list. I wasn't placing them in the priority of there iimportance.
I've put the most important first on the list. In the upcoming 19-day period, the most important writing goal is completing my issues of the writing.com fantasy newsletter I help edit. Then comes other goals such as blog entries, submissions, novel, short stories, etc. The list isn't very long, because I've cut the list down to the nine most important writing projects.
It's another beautiful day in Las Vegas and I'm remembering my childhood. The one thing I don't remember learn is how to set goal. I don't think it was specifically taught in school and I don't remember it being discussed at home. It's something I've learn in the years since. After reviewing the difficulties I've had in setting goals, I really think it's something that should be taught to children.
Well, another beautiful day in Las Vegas has begun. I reviewed my 19-day goals last night and set up the spreadsheet to keep track of my accomplishments. I've changed the way I list my goals in the spreadsheet and my daily to do list. I wasn't placing them in the priority of there iimportance.
I've put the most important first on the list. In the upcoming 19-day period, the most important writing goal is completing my issues of the writing.com fantasy newsletter I help edit. Then comes other goals such as blog entries, submissions, novel, short stories, etc. The list isn't very long, because I've cut the list down to the nine most important writing projects.
It's another beautiful day in Las Vegas and I'm remembering my childhood. The one thing I don't remember learn is how to set goal. I don't think it was specifically taught in school and I don't remember it being discussed at home. It's something I've learn in the years since. After reviewing the difficulties I've had in setting goals, I really think it's something that should be taught to children.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I need to redo my priorities
‘Idál (Justice), 17 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Wednesday, September 24, 2008 about 3:04 PM Pacific Time
Part of the process of transformation is learning about oneself. I've learned a lot about myself in the past year. I've learned a lot about myself in the past month. One thing I've learned about myself lately is a tendency to do "make work" project that don't take me toward my ultimate goal. The things waste time, but they make the inner critic happy because they appear to take action while avoiding the challenging goals.
The 80/20 rule state that on a "to do list" of ten items two of those items return 80% of the value of the list. That is because two of those items lead a person to achieving he or she wants in life. I've found that to be true for me lately. Therefore, I'm going to change the way I make my "to do list" and the way I set my priorities.
Right now I'm reviewing the goals I have and rewrite my to do list. I set nineteen-day goals, so that I have a list that I can work with in a specific period. I'm going to rewrite that list for the next 19-day period because the way I'm doing it now isn't getting me anywhere near what I want.
Part of the process of transformation is learning about oneself. I've learned a lot about myself in the past year. I've learned a lot about myself in the past month. One thing I've learned about myself lately is a tendency to do "make work" project that don't take me toward my ultimate goal. The things waste time, but they make the inner critic happy because they appear to take action while avoiding the challenging goals.
The 80/20 rule state that on a "to do list" of ten items two of those items return 80% of the value of the list. That is because two of those items lead a person to achieving he or she wants in life. I've found that to be true for me lately. Therefore, I'm going to change the way I make my "to do list" and the way I set my priorities.
Right now I'm reviewing the goals I have and rewrite my to do list. I set nineteen-day goals, so that I have a list that I can work with in a specific period. I'm going to rewrite that list for the next 19-day period because the way I'm doing it now isn't getting me anywhere near what I want.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thoughts on an Autumn Afternoon
Fidál (Grace), 16 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Tuesday, September 23, 2008 5:34 PM Pacific Time
What is it about fall,
which bring to mind the joy
of my grandmother's homemade soup.
I have soup working in the slow cooker. To make it I mixed chicken broth with another soup mix. This isn't how Grandma Newland made soup. This isn't the way she taught me to make soup. Grandma made soup from scratch, without a recipe. I usually followed a recipe when I made soup from scratch.
Now, however, I don't make soup that way. When I make soup I either open a can or I use soup mixes and work from there. I don't think it taste like the soup Grandma made, but this is the way I cook any more. This is just soup, the kind I can put in a mug and drink.
I'm having my teeth extracted and it's difficult to chew. Lately I've noticed that I don't feel well after I eat. I think it's because I'm not chewing my food properly. The last time I went to the dentist, he pulled the teeth I used to chew with. I'm going to go on a liquid diet until I have my dentures. After the dentist puts my dentures in and my gums aren't soar anymore, then I'll eat solid food.
What is it about fall,
which bring to mind the joy
of my grandmother's homemade soup.
I have soup working in the slow cooker. To make it I mixed chicken broth with another soup mix. This isn't how Grandma Newland made soup. This isn't the way she taught me to make soup. Grandma made soup from scratch, without a recipe. I usually followed a recipe when I made soup from scratch.
Now, however, I don't make soup that way. When I make soup I either open a can or I use soup mixes and work from there. I don't think it taste like the soup Grandma made, but this is the way I cook any more. This is just soup, the kind I can put in a mug and drink.
I'm having my teeth extracted and it's difficult to chew. Lately I've noticed that I don't feel well after I eat. I think it's because I'm not chewing my food properly. The last time I went to the dentist, he pulled the teeth I used to chew with. I'm going to go on a liquid diet until I have my dentures. After the dentist puts my dentures in and my gums aren't soar anymore, then I'll eat solid food.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The first day of fall
Kamál (Perfection), 15 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Monday, September 22, 2008 about 6:05 PM Pacific Time
It's the first day of fall and leaves should be transforming from green to beautiful oranges, yellows and reds. They aren't because this is Las Vegas and we haven't had a freeze yet. I love the colors of autumn leaves. They remind me of my childhood and my grandparents' house in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
A cottonwood tree in the front yard of my grandparents' house, in the spring and summer it had beautiful shiny green leaves. In the autumn, right after the first freeze the leaves turned yellow and began to fall. Not all of the leaves fell some of them remained on the tree all winter. Those that remained were either brown or yellow. I remember in winter, when the wind blew those leaves would make noise. They rustled as the wind blew, this happened every year. Finally, in the spring when the new leaves were budding, the old ones would fall off.
Yellow cottonwood
leaves descend to the cold ground
scattered by the wind.
Grandfather raked them
into huge piles for burning
on a windless day.
It's the first day of fall and leaves should be transforming from green to beautiful oranges, yellows and reds. They aren't because this is Las Vegas and we haven't had a freeze yet. I love the colors of autumn leaves. They remind me of my childhood and my grandparents' house in Blackwell, Oklahoma.
A cottonwood tree in the front yard of my grandparents' house, in the spring and summer it had beautiful shiny green leaves. In the autumn, right after the first freeze the leaves turned yellow and began to fall. Not all of the leaves fell some of them remained on the tree all winter. Those that remained were either brown or yellow. I remember in winter, when the wind blew those leaves would make noise. They rustled as the wind blew, this happened every year. Finally, in the spring when the new leaves were budding, the old ones would fall off.
Yellow cottonwood
leaves descend to the cold ground
scattered by the wind.
Grandfather raked them
into huge piles for burning
on a windless day.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
I got out of my rut today
Jamál (Beauty), 14 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Sunday, September 21, 2008 about 3:22 PM Pacific time
I got out of my rut today I bought a Sunday newspaper. I haven't bought a Sunday paper in over a year. Normally, I get my news off the Internet or T.V., but today I decided that I needed a newspaper. The Sunday paper comes with a free weekly T.V. guide, for the past year I've watched T.V. without consulting a T.V. schedule.
All right, I've watched mostly talk shows and news. Not many dramas or anything like that, I do watch the public broadcasting station once in a while, but that's it. Now I can actually consult a schedule and see if there is anything worth watching.
The one thing I did miss about the Sunday newspaper was the comics. I have fond memories of Sunday comics. I remember sitting on my father's lap, while he drink coffee and read the Sunday comics to me. Maybe that's why I like the Sunday comics so much. I don't have a lot of memories about my father, he and my mother divorced when we were young.
I got out of my rut today I bought a Sunday newspaper. I haven't bought a Sunday paper in over a year. Normally, I get my news off the Internet or T.V., but today I decided that I needed a newspaper. The Sunday paper comes with a free weekly T.V. guide, for the past year I've watched T.V. without consulting a T.V. schedule.
All right, I've watched mostly talk shows and news. Not many dramas or anything like that, I do watch the public broadcasting station once in a while, but that's it. Now I can actually consult a schedule and see if there is anything worth watching.
The one thing I did miss about the Sunday newspaper was the comics. I have fond memories of Sunday comics. I remember sitting on my father's lap, while he drink coffee and read the Sunday comics to me. Maybe that's why I like the Sunday comics so much. I don't have a lot of memories about my father, he and my mother divorced when we were young.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Grandma and Grandpa Newland
Jalál (Glory), 13 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Saturday, September 20, 2008 about 10:29 AM Pacific TimeThis is a picture of my Grandma and Grandpa Newland, my mother's parents. It's the only professional photo of either set of grandparents. I'm not sure when the photo was taken or who the photographer was. I have another photo of Grandma and Grandpa with me in it, so it was taken sometime when I was living with them after a graduated from high school.
I posted this picture in my writing.com blog Snow Melt on September 19, 2008, with the beginning of a tribute to them. The entry was in response to a Leading Entry in a journal contest in which I'm participating. I also made the following blog entry Writing about my Grandparents on September 19, 2008.
So how am I coming along with the tribute? All right I think, it's started and I have some work done on it. I have two pictures I can post with it. I want to find other picture which aren't professionally done. I'm going to check in some Tupperware container of photos I have in my closet.
Friday, September 19, 2008
It's Fridag again
Istiqlál (Independence), 12 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Friday, September 19, 2008 about 5:45 PM Pacific Time
This week was stressful because of car problems. Next week I have a dental appointment. Next week I get paid. Next week my check will be three days short becasue of car problems. However, I now have a membership in AAA and a car that I can drive without worrying about it over heating. Of course, summer is almost over and fall begins soon.
Life goes on stress or no stress. I'm not sure what else I have to do next week, other then write a first day of autumn poem. I'm not sure how to approach an autumn poem this year. I live in Las Vegas and the trees haven't begun to change color. There are clouds in the sky and I think this weekend rain is expected or at least the threat of rains is expected. I have several things to catch up on Saturday and Sunday.
I haven't been sleeping well. Of course, part of that may be the fault of going to bed early. If I go to bed around 4:00 or 5:00 PM, then I get up at 10:00 PM the same day. This means I'm up all the rest of the night and I don't get any more sleep until I get home from work. When I get home from work I'm tired and take a nap. After the nap I'm up until midnight or so and the whole thing starts over again.
Thank God It's Friday again.
Another two day weekend,
Thank God It's Friday again.
Another two day weekend
This week was stressful because of car problems. Next week I have a dental appointment. Next week I get paid. Next week my check will be three days short becasue of car problems. However, I now have a membership in AAA and a car that I can drive without worrying about it over heating. Of course, summer is almost over and fall begins soon.
Life goes on stress or no stress. I'm not sure what else I have to do next week, other then write a first day of autumn poem. I'm not sure how to approach an autumn poem this year. I live in Las Vegas and the trees haven't begun to change color. There are clouds in the sky and I think this weekend rain is expected or at least the threat of rains is expected. I have several things to catch up on Saturday and Sunday.
I haven't been sleeping well. Of course, part of that may be the fault of going to bed early. If I go to bed around 4:00 or 5:00 PM, then I get up at 10:00 PM the same day. This means I'm up all the rest of the night and I don't get any more sleep until I get home from work. When I get home from work I'm tired and take a nap. After the nap I'm up until midnight or so and the whole thing starts over again.
Thank God It's Friday again.
Another two day weekend,
To get everything caught up again.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The temptation not to write
Istijlál (Majesty), 10 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Thursday, September 18, 2008 about 4:26 PM Pacific Time
I'm almost tempted not to make an entry, but if I don't I know I'll regret it. That's part of the process of transformation. Learning what you will regret if you don't do it. The only topic I have for a blog entry is my car. The mechanic put in a new radiator and hoses today. He also washed the car.
I'm weary and on the verge of tears myself, but I think I'm still recovering from yesterday. When I got off work, I walked to Food 4 Less to get some oil and dishwashing liquid. I needed the oil in order to drive the car to the mechanic this morning. I'm going to have to keep the 1991 Toyota running because I can't afford a new car. Let's face it, sometimes I'm lucky to afford the gas for the car.
However, I'm getting too old to walk from work, to the store and home again. It takes too much out of me. So I have to keep the car going, otherwise I'm walking. Even if I took the city bus, I'd still have to walk to the bus stops. One bus stop is ten blocks away and another is five. Both are too far to walk with my right knee the way it is.
I'm almost tempted not to make an entry, but if I don't I know I'll regret it. That's part of the process of transformation. Learning what you will regret if you don't do it. The only topic I have for a blog entry is my car. The mechanic put in a new radiator and hoses today. He also washed the car.
I'm weary and on the verge of tears myself, but I think I'm still recovering from yesterday. When I got off work, I walked to Food 4 Less to get some oil and dishwashing liquid. I needed the oil in order to drive the car to the mechanic this morning. I'm going to have to keep the 1991 Toyota running because I can't afford a new car. Let's face it, sometimes I'm lucky to afford the gas for the car.
However, I'm getting too old to walk from work, to the store and home again. It takes too much out of me. So I have to keep the car going, otherwise I'm walking. Even if I took the city bus, I'd still have to walk to the bus stops. One bus stop is ten blocks away and another is five. Both are too far to walk with my right knee the way it is.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
My car in my driveway
‘Idál (Justice), 10 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Wednesday, September 17, 2008 2:19 AM Pacific Time
My car sets in my driveway waiting for oil and a new thermostat. The car overheated Monday when Mom and I were out. Instead of stopping at the bank, I came home. I parked the car in the driveway and unloaded the food. Then I locked the car and came into the house.
I thought the car just needed water in the radiator and that once I added the water it would be fine. Tuesday morning I went out, popped the hood and began adding water. It wouldn't hold water, so I called into work. I called a couple of friends and got the phone number of a mechanic. I figured I would have the car towed; the problem was I didn't have Triple A. A neighbor took me to the Triple A office and a bought a years membership.
A friend came over and worked on the car. He stopped the leak, found out the problem was the thermostat. I still have to take the car to a mechanic, but I need to put oil in the car before I drive it. My friend checked the oil and it was at least two quarts low. Today after I get off work, I'm going to Food 4 Less and get three or four quarts. I will put the oil in the car and then figure out how to get it to the mechanic.
I think I can drive it with the thermostat acting the way it is, but I have to call the mechanic and set up a time to take it in. In the mean time, I have a Triple A membership scheduled for validation today. My life is getting interesting, to say the least.
My car sets in my driveway waiting for oil and a new thermostat. The car overheated Monday when Mom and I were out. Instead of stopping at the bank, I came home. I parked the car in the driveway and unloaded the food. Then I locked the car and came into the house.
I thought the car just needed water in the radiator and that once I added the water it would be fine. Tuesday morning I went out, popped the hood and began adding water. It wouldn't hold water, so I called into work. I called a couple of friends and got the phone number of a mechanic. I figured I would have the car towed; the problem was I didn't have Triple A. A neighbor took me to the Triple A office and a bought a years membership.
A friend came over and worked on the car. He stopped the leak, found out the problem was the thermostat. I still have to take the car to a mechanic, but I need to put oil in the car before I drive it. My friend checked the oil and it was at least two quarts low. Today after I get off work, I'm going to Food 4 Less and get three or four quarts. I will put the oil in the car and then figure out how to get it to the mechanic.
I think I can drive it with the thermostat acting the way it is, but I have to call the mechanic and set up a time to take it in. In the mean time, I have a Triple A membership scheduled for validation today. My life is getting interesting, to say the least.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Life is a challenge
Fidál (Grace), 9 ‘Izzat (Might), 165 B.E. – Tuesday, September 16, 2008 about 3:48 AM Pacific Time
Life is a challenge
24/7
a joyous experience.
I'm in a journaling contest at writing.com called "Follow the leader". Each day one of the participants writes a leading entry in his or her blog and the rest of the participants respond to the entry in their blogs. This contest started on September 11 and ends on October 1. I'm put my responses in my writing.com blog Snow Melt. My leading entry in this contest was on September 12 with the title "Coffee and Chocolate".
I'm also scheduled to participate in the "7 Day Journal Writing Challenge". I'm not sure when this challenge will start because there isn't enough participants yet. I'm going to use the same blog to write my responses to the challenges. Since the titles of each entry are a different format, there won't be a problem tell them apart.
I'm looking forward to the new contests. It's not that my life isn't challenging enough already, but sometimes I find myself search for blog entries and for subject for poems and stories. These journaling contests get me out of my rut and help me find new subjects and new approaches to old subjects.
Life is a challenge
24/7
a joyous experience.
I'm in a journaling contest at writing.com called "Follow the leader". Each day one of the participants writes a leading entry in his or her blog and the rest of the participants respond to the entry in their blogs. This contest started on September 11 and ends on October 1. I'm put my responses in my writing.com blog Snow Melt. My leading entry in this contest was on September 12 with the title "Coffee and Chocolate".
I'm also scheduled to participate in the "7 Day Journal Writing Challenge". I'm not sure when this challenge will start because there isn't enough participants yet. I'm going to use the same blog to write my responses to the challenges. Since the titles of each entry are a different format, there won't be a problem tell them apart.
I'm looking forward to the new contests. It's not that my life isn't challenging enough already, but sometimes I find myself search for blog entries and for subject for poems and stories. These journaling contests get me out of my rut and help me find new subjects and new approaches to old subjects.
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