‘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.
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