Thoughts on Moving

Jalál (Glory), 14 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Saturday, February 1, 2014 about 4:17 pm Pacific Standard Time

I'm finally going to move into my new apartment (I think I mentioned this in yesterday's post), which means I have a lot to do on Saturday and Sunday. I put my four wooden television dinner stands in my trunk, but I think I left the trunk open after I put the last one in. I'll have to go out and close it in a few minutes.

I look out the living room window and realize that this is one of the last sunsets I'll see in this house. I will miss viewing the setting sun. The window in my apartment faces north rather then south, so I do not have a good view of the sunset. Watching the sunset is a good way get ideas for writing. All I have to do is sit and watch the sunset, while I mediate on t he sunset ideas come to me.

 I have a lot more work to do online and in the house before I go to bed tonight (actually I'm sleeping on a love seat). I haven't slept in a real bed in several years and I probably will not sleep in one for a few more years. I'm taking the love seat because its shorter and will fit better in the apartment then the couch.

I'll attempt to make another entry on Sunday, but with so much work to do I don't know if it will be possible. This may be the last entry I make for a couple of days because I'm not sure how difficult it will be for me to connect the computers and the modems. I've never moved computers from one house to another, so I don't know how difficult it's going to be.

The Ball is Finally Rolling

The ball is finally rolling, I signed the lease agreement for the new apartment this afternoon. I'm feeling more confident about moving then every before. I'm looking forward to a busy weekend of packing and changing addresses. I have a lot to do and I should be worried about everything I have to do, but I'm not.

Oddly enough, I'm not worried about anything this afternoon. I think signing the agreement took a lot off my shoulders, so that I can now focus on getting thing accomplished instead of worrying how much longer I will be in this house. I think I'll fix me a cup of hot tea and start making a "To Do List".

Moving into the new apartment will be fun. At least I hope it will be fun. I'm so excited right now that I can hardly think, but I have to focus because I have so much to do. I know that one thing I need to do is make a list of everything I have to put in my car. I also have to make a grocery list of the stuff I need to purchase to eat.

I'm rambling, but that's how I get when I'm excited. It's getting a bit chilly in this house so I have to put on another sweater or sweatshirt. I hope the new apartment is easy to keep warm without a big electric bill. I know I'll have to increase my income; however, I think I can do that if I just push myself to work and write a little harder and better.

I'll still be living in Las Vegas, so that will mean I won't be driving into town every two or three days to see a doctor. I need to finalize my budget and see what I have to purchase on a monthly basis. I haven't thought about this before and I knew I would have to face it. I'm a bit worried about handling a budget with just me because it's easier to budget for more then one person.

Friday Morning Shower

Istiqlál (Independence), 13 Sulṭán {Sovereignty}, 170 BE - Friday, January 31, 2014 about 7:15 am Pacific Standard Time

I look south, out of the living room window, and watch the charcoal rainclouds as the move across the desert sky. I noticed the clouds earlier, but I didn't realize that it rained until I took some trash out to the garage, saw the rain wet cement, and felt a few drops on my head.

This morning, the rain slipped up on me. It came silently, without the warning of thunder and lightning. That's the way showers come sometimes, the clouds drop their blessed water on the desert without announcing it's coming. It's a wonderful surprise when it happens because it shows that God has a sense of humor and gives us blessings without any warning of their approach.

charcoal gray rainclouds
angels escort each each raindrop
blessing the desert

As I glance out the window, I see white-gray clouds, charcoal gray, and blue sky. I think the rain may have passed, but it could rain again today or the sky could clear and become a beautiful post rainstorm blue. It's too early in the day to say what will happen and I don't have time to check the weather website right now. Maybe later in the day when I've finished writing and taking out all the trash.

Thankful Thursday: January 30, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 12 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Thursday, January 30, 2014 about 11:02 am Pacific Standard Time

On this last Thankful Thursday in January 2014 I am grateful...

1. ...for the whole bean Kona coffee I purchase last year because I had enough left in the bag to make coffee after my I ran out of my regular preground coffee.

2. ...for the chilly January days because they makes me appreciate spring and summer temperatures.

3. ...for what little patience I have left anymore because it makes waiting more tolerable.

4. ...that I earned enough Gift Points to extend my writing.com premium membership another three months to June 30, 2014.

5. ...that I have enough money to purchase some cooking oil so  that I can have fried eggs. I have to check  the ingredients to find out the potassium content in the oil, but I can afford  to purchase the oil.

6. ...that I have enough gas in my car to get me to  the bank, the grocery store, and the gas station today.

7. ...that I am learning to deal with my hoarder tendencies and as well as learning to downsize.

8. ...that  I feel better physically and emotionally today then I did earlier in January.

9. ...that I am able to afford  the co-pays for my medication.

10. ...that I have a working Internet connection so that I can research the affect of my medication on my low potassium diet.

Midweek Reflections: Downsizing and Letting Go

‘Idál (Justice), 11 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Wednesday, January 29, 2014 about 8:35 am Pacific Standard Time

Downsizing is letting go! It's learning to live a simpler life, with fewer things and more joy. It's looking at past hoarding of objects never used or dresses never worn as selfish, especially when those things can be used by someone else or recycled. Downsizing is recycling by giving away what I don't or can't use to someone who needs it and can use the item.

Downsizing is letting go of the past. I'm letting go each time a decide to throw away or give away something that no longer holds my interest or is too big for my new residence. It's learning to place the situation in God's hands by releasing the worry of owning things that I can't or won't use in the near or distant future. It's a commitment to my soul by removing veils that hide the reflection of God's Glory from the world of matter.

Downsizing is a commitment to earth and to the future of humanity. I let go of the past. I let go of the hoarding tendency of my ego. It's a difficult process, but it's necessary. It's like a root canal that hurts for a few minutes, but once it's done the mouth of the patient feels relief, which eventually spreads to the rest of the person's body and spirit.

Tuesday Thoughts: Stop Fooling around and get busy

Fiḍál (Grace), 10 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Tuesday, January 28, 2014 about 12:03 pm Pacific Standard Time

It's Tuesday afternoon, I have to stop fooling around and get busy. I haven't wasted the entire morning, but I haven't accomplished as much as I'd like. I still have to finish cleaning off one of the desk I'm taking with me when I move, which (I hope and pray) will be by the end of this month.

Time stands still
movement is thwarted
I feel
as if I am floating
in limbo.

I know that part of the problem is not feeling good or perhaps that is worrying. There is a worry lurking in the back of my mind and it won't let me focus on what I have to do. I'm not sure I can even name the anxiety that is hiding there, but I can feel it. It's like a cancer eating away at my peace of mind and curtailing my accomplishments. Therefore, I'm going to post this entry and then finish cleaning off the desk before I do anything else on line.

Monday Morning Epiphany: I Need to Purchase some 8 oz. coffee cups

Kamál (Perfection), 9 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Monday, January 27, 2014 about 7:45 am Pacific Standard Time

My kidney doctor has put  me on a low potassium diet, so I have to cut down on the amount of coffee I drink. Brewed coffee, which has 128 milligrams (mg.) of potassium, is on the low potassium food list, but only in 8 oz. servings. This morning I realized that I don't have any 8 oz. coffee cup in my house. I know this because my coffeemaker makes 5 cups, but when I pour the coffee into any of my cups I get between 3 to 4 cups before the coffee carafe is empty.Since the coffeemaker will hold five 8 oz. servings this means all my cups are larger then 8 oz.

Following the low potassium diet is essential if I want to slow the progress of my kidney disease.  Therefore, I have to purchase some 8 oz. coffee cups and get rid of the large cups and mugs I have now. I only need one or two cups because I normally use only two different cups when I drink coffee. I do have some glass cups in the cupboard that (I think) are 8 oz. I was going to leave them here when I moved, but I think I'll get them down and take them with me. At least, that way I will have the something I can drink coffee out of without worrying about the size of the cup.

If the glass cups are larger then I'll have to purchase an 8 oz. cup sometime in February, which will tighten my already tight budget. Maybe I can find some a cup or two at one of the second hand stores. I don't care if it goes with the mismatched set of dishes I'm taking with me. It's been so long since I ate out of a matching set of dishes that it doesn't matter as long as I'm not eating off of plastic or paper plates.

Reasons I am looking forward to moving

Jalál (Glory), 7 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Saturday, January 25, 2014 about 8:00 am Pacific Standard Time

These are the reason I'm looking forward to moving...

1.  ...no more going out before dawn or after sunset to roll the trashcan to the curb.

2.  ...no more worrying about whether I have all the recyclable in the bins before carrying them to the curb.

3.  ...no more worrying about falling down when I carry heavy recyclable bins to the curb.

4.   ...only one bathroom to keep clean.

5.  ...I can take a bath in a real bathtub instead of showing everyday.

6.  ...I can do laundry once or twice a week when I take the cloths to the laundromat instead of feeling that I have to do them everyday because I have a washer and dryer in the house.

7. ...no more looking out my living room window and watching the weeds grow in my front yard because I can't pull them myself or can't afford to pay someone to do it.

8.  ...getting to know a new neighborhood and new neighbors.

9.  ...having only a studio apartment to clean and take care of instead of six rooms and two bathrooms.

10.  ...having the choice to cooking food on a real stove or in a real oven.

Not Enough Time in The Day

There's not enough time in a day
to write everything I want to say
or do everything I want to do.

It's been a short day because I haven't gotten everything accomplished I wanted or needed to accomplish. I think part of the problem was depression and going to bed too early. Another part of the problem is wasting time playing silly games. I've tried several different ways to stop the game playing, but none of it  seems to work. I think I'm going to take a different approach by opening my prayer book and reading one of the prayers for tests and difficulties each time I want to play a game.

There's not enough time in a day,
so why do I wail it away
playing wasting time games.

I still have a lot to do tonight before I go to the couch (I don't have a bed so I sleep on my couch), which could be one reason I'm not sleeping properly. However, I can't find a comfortable and pain free mattress, so the only place I can sleep with out waking up in pain is on the couch. Of course, when I move to the new apartment I won't be sleeping on the couch. Instead I'll be sleeping on the love seat because the I'm moving to a studio apartment and the couch takes up too much room.

Thankful Thursday: January 23, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Thursday, January 23, 2014 about 7:30 am Pacific Standard Time

This morning I am thankful...

1. ...for the organic salad I purchased at Smith's Food and Drug store yesterday. I can have a green salad this afternoon with my grilled cheese sandwich.

2. ...for hot coffee to sip while I am typing this entry because each sip of  that hot ambrosia gives me a chance to contemplate my next gratitude statement.

3. ...that there is blue sky peeking between the scattered clouds that are floating in the sky above Las Vegas.

4. ...that yesterday, I received a list of foods low in potassium from the kidney specialist I saw on Monday. I can now get my new diet started with any further delay.

5. ...that coffee is one of the beverages low on potassium because I do not have to give it up or be overly careful about drinking it.

6. ...for the beautiful sunshine that is casting shadows across my front yard and onto the roof of  the garage. I will miss that sight when I move into my new apartment.

7. ...that I rolled the trashcan to curb on Tuesday night instead of waiting until Wednesday morning because otherwise I would not have enough room for the trash I am taking out  today.

8. ...that cranberry juice cocktail is on the low potassium list because that is one of my favorite none caffeine  liquid refreshments.

9. ...that I was able to get my car tag yesterday at the Las Vegas Department of Motor Vehicles on East Sahara Ave.

10. ...for the slight breeze blowing though the neighbor's olive tree because the limbs appear to be waving at me.

Midweek Reflections: A New Solar Day Has Begun

Istijlál (Majesty), 5 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Wednesday, January 22, 2014 about 6:18 pm Pacific Standard Time

The sun has sit
behind the western peaks
and a new solar day
has begun.

The days are getting longer and the nights shorter. I seems like just a couple of days ago it got dark about 3:30 or 4:00 pm and now the sun is setting between 4:30 and 5:00 pm. If I go outside tonight, I'm not sure if I will see the stars with I look up or clouds. All day the clouds have moved across the sky above Las Vegas and I've felt chilly.

The nigh pass slowly,
I wonder what morning
will bring.

I'll be moving out of this house soon and into a studio apartment. I'm a bit nervous about the move and the location, but I don't plan to stay there more the twelve months. I'm hoping a senior apartment will open up and I'll be able to move in when the lease on the studio is up. In the mean  time, my living quarters and my budget will be cramped.

The sun has sit,
dawn is several hours away
as I inhale the air
of a new solar day.
 

Thought on a Cloudy Tuesday Morning

Fiḍál (Grace), 3 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Tuesday, January 21, 2014 about 10:14 am Pacific Standard Time

I went to the kidney specialist yesterday, he told me that my kidneys are functioning at about 50% of normal. He also told me, that while I can't restore the lost function, I can slow the lose of function down, which is what I'm going to attempt to do. I have another appointment with this doctor in March and I have to get a blood test at his office in February.

I also have seven other doctor's appointments in February, which makes moving to Searchlight less of an option then it was. The appointments I have cover a four week period with two appointments a week. If I drive to Las Vegas and back to Searchlight that puts me and my car on the road for at least four hours each day. I'm not sure either the car or I could stand the stress. However, I'm getting flack about the apartment I decided to move to in Las Vegas, which increase the stress over moving.

All I want to do is move into the apartment and get my everything situated so that I have less stress. I'm beginning to doubt that here will ever be less stress in my life. Until recently, I thought I was a competent adult and capable of making my own decisions, but I'm beginning to wonder about that; especially with all the flack I'm getting.

I'm almost tempted to find an assisted living place where I have someone to watch over me at all times. At least, then I wouldn't be getting all this flack and no one would have to worry about me. All right, that's not a good idea, but I'm tempted. I'd be a lot less stressed if I wasn't getting as much flack. At this point, I think the best thing to do is stick by my decisions despite. All I need to do is stand up for myself and make my views clear to everyone giving me flack.

A Good Start to a New Week: Sunday, January 19, 2014

Jamál (Beauty), 1 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 170 BE - Sunday, January 19, 2014 about 10:13 am Pacific Standard Time

Feast of Sovereignty
a good start to a new week
and to a new month.

I attended the Feast of Sulṭán last night. It was held in the home of a friend, who picked out  some beautiful and spiritually charged readings. I am glad I attended feast because it changed my entire mood and cause me to feel better then I did yesterday afternoon.

The Feast of Sulṭán
a new nineteen days began
a joyful new month.

During the second portion of feast, I got an idea for a new piece of writing. I'm not sure yet whether the piece will be a story, a poem, or an essay because the only thing I have is the title. The tentative or working title is "Spiritual Climate Change". At this point, I think I will make it about spiritual transformation, but I could also use it as a metaphor for the physical climate change Earth is going through right now. I will have to say some prayers and meditate on this subject.

Saturday Thoughts: January 18, 2014

Jalál (Glory), 18 Sharaf (Honor), 170 BE - Saturday, January 18, 2014 about 1:54 pm Pacific Standard Time

It isn't the Monday blues
that has me sad,
but the Saturday blahs 

I'm not sure why I'm down this afternoon, maybe I need to go outside and stand in the sun. I backed the car out of the garage about 12:30 pm because I think I'm going to the Feast of Sultan this evening, but I could change my mind by the time 6:00 pm arrives. It isn't that I don't want to go to the nineteen-day feast or that I don't have enough gas in the car to get there.

Right now, the problem is the blahs, I just don't want to do anything. I'm not even sure I want to write anymore today and that isn't like me. Normally, I want to write no matter how I feel, what I'm doing, or what I have to do. I'm not sure what's wrong except I have the Saturday afternoon blahs and I want to cry.

If I were sleepy
a little nap would help
refresh and energize,
but I'm not sleepy...
I have the blahs.

Since writing about how I feel doesn't seem to be helping, I think I will close t his entry, go wash the dishes, and see if that  helps. Maybe making the paperwork out for my doctor's appointment on Monday would hep.

It's Friday and I'm still catching up from Wednesday

Istiqlál (Independence), 18 Sharaf, 170 BE - Friday, January 17, 2014 about 11:08 am Pacific Standard Time

It's Friday,
I'm still catching up from Wednesday
inactivity and nothing accomplished day.

It's Friday, I'm having difficulties focusing on what I have to do. I have sheets in the dryer to fold. I have trash to carry out to the garage. I have boxes to go through and empty.  I have to decide what furniture I can fit into my studio apartment. I have writing projects to work on. I have to get a few of these things accomplished today because tomorrow I have to get my car tag renewed.

It's Friday,
the only thing I want to do
is stand outside in the sun.

It's Friday, I posted to this blog yesterday so I don't have to post to it today. However, the only things I can concentrate on are prayers and writing. I've almost finished the fresh coffee I made today, so I have to decide if I want to brew another carafe, warm up the apple juice, or fix myself a cup of hot chocolate. Since I've drink one cup of cafe mocha this morning, I should warm up the apple juice.

It's Friday,
I'm distracted
I can't concentrate
on the things I have to do.

It's Friday, I think the best thing for me is to force myself to do what I have to do. I need to decide on something for lunch and I don't  know what I want  to eat. I think I'm just procrastinating because I can't concentrate on what I need to do. Therefore, I'll fix myself another cup of cafe mocha  and force myself to do go through a box, take out the trash, or something.

Thankful Thursday: January 16, 2014

Istijlál (Majesty), 17 Sharaf (Honor), 170 BE - Thursday, January 16, 2014 about 11:30 am Pacific Standard Time

Today I am Thankful...

1. ...for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah. Every time I read or recite on of these prayers I feel the Holy Spirit flowing through it.

2. ...for a coffee maker that keeps my coffee hot all the time rather then switching off before I have finished drinking the coffee.

3. ...that I am able to wash my dishes by hand instead of using a dishwasher because the hot water helps the arthritis in my fingers.

4. ...for the warm sun on this late winter day because each time I take trash to the garage I can stand in the sun and feel the joy of its rays.

5. ...for the cranberry juice I have left in the refrigerator because, even on a chilly day, it tastes so good when I pour myself a cold glass.

6. ...that there is a gentle breeze blowing this morning because it causes the neighbor's olive tree to look as if it is waving at me.

7. ...for the chocolate chip cookies I had for breakfast this morning. I enjoyed them with a fresh cup of coffee.

8. ...for my five pet rocks because I can talk to them and I don't have to worry about remembering to feed, water, change their litter box, or take them for a walk.

9. ...that I found the hairbrush, I thought I had lost because I would rather brush my hair then comb it.

10. ...that I still live in Las Vegas where all my friends and doctors are located.

A Good Day to Write and Pray

It's a good day to write,
it's a good day to pray,
it's a good day to worship God
in any way.

It's a good Tuesday morning! I look out my window and see the beautiful blue sky, the shadows cast by the sun as it ascends over Sunrise Mountain, and watch the cars drive past my house. I wonder where the people in the cars are going this early in the morning. I know some of them are going to work, but the traffic is heavier in t his residential neighborhood then normal.

It's a good day to write
about the beauty of morning
and to worship God
through the written word.

I haven't seen anyone walking the children to school yet, but I did see a yellow school bus drive past. Therefore, I expect to see parents and groups of children going to the grade school that's about three or four blocks away. When I move, I'll miss looking out my living room window and seeing parents walking their children to school each weekday morning.

Monday Evening January 13, 2014

Fiḍál (Grace), 15 Sharaf (Honor), 170 BE - Monday, January 13, 2014 about 6:01 pm Pacific Standard Time

It's Monday evening and a new solar day has begun. As I sit here looking out my window into the darkness, I wonder what tomorrow will bring.  It's been a stressful couple of weeks of packing and attempting to get a prescription I needed. I called the doctor's office myself this morning and picked up the prescription this afternoon, so I can begin taking it again on Tuesday morning.

This morning, I called in a prescription for my eye drops, which I hope I can pick up either Tuesday or Wednesday. I still have some stuff to pack tonight, but after the trip to the grocery store to pick up the prescription, nine cans of soup (the soup was three cans for $5.00 and I had an e-coupon on my customer card for $2.00), and a box of crackers I'm a bit tired. I'm also hungry so I think I'll open one of  the cans of soup for my supper. I think a can of soup with a peanut butter sandwich sounds good.

I should have gotten another box of crackers, but since I'm going to be moving soon I didn't want to have too much stuff to put in the box of food. If I need another box of cracker, I'll purchase it when I pick up the eye drops (that is if I don't have to wait two weeks for that prescription). I hope I don't because I may be moving to Searchlight and it's difficult to get into Las Vegas on a daily basis.

I have a new five-cup coffeemaker

Jamál (Beauty), 13 Sharaf (Honor), 170 BE - Sunday, January 12, 2014 about 1:39 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went to the store on Saturday, January 11, to purchase some necessities and to check if a prescription was in. I have waited for over a week for the doctor to fax that prescription, so tomorrow I will have to call her again to see why. While I was at the grocery store I purchased some necessities and a new 5-cup coffeemaker to replace the 12-cup that stopped working.

I like the new coffeemaker better because it is smaller and does not have anything fancy, such as a clock or timer; neither of which I need on a coffeemaker. The only issue I have is the size of my coffee cups because they are bigger I get only three cups instead of the five. All though, that could be an advantage because now I stop drinking coffee when to carafe is empty and I do not have to heat leftover coffee in the microwave.

This coffeemaker does not turn off automatically, so I have to check it before leaving the house or going to bed at night. Normally, I turn it off after I empty the carafe, but I will have to check it to make sure because sometimes I encounter senior moments. Another thing I have to start doing is using the carafe to fill the coffee maker with water especially when I fill it  in the morning before the sun comes up.

fresh cup of coffee
everyday without fail
and no leftovers

A Joyful, Sorrowful, and Chilly Saturday Morning

Jalál (Glory), 12 Sharaf (Honor), 170 BE - Saturday, January 11, 2014 about 6:36 am Pacific Standard Time

On this joyful Saturday morning
I place my trust in God,
I know that the pink clouds of dawn
are the start of a glorious day.

On this sorrowful Saturday morning
I place my trust in God,
I am entering a new stage of life
I know that the sorrow I feel
is caused by leaving
the past behind.

On this chilly Saturday morning
I place my trust in God.
because no matter what the weather
I know that the Divine Essence
is there for me to lean on.

The Second Thankful Thursday of 2014

Istijlál (Majest), 10 Sharaf, 170 BE - Thursday, January 9, 2014 about 10:30 am Pacific Standard Time

Author's Note: I am composing this between episodes of packing because I have difficulty standing up for very long at a time.

On the second Thankful Thursday in 2014, I am thankful...

1. ...that I can stand up for five minutes without difficulty or without one of my legs falling asleep.

2. ...that I still have 219 minutes left to use on on my cell phone before Tuesday, January 21, 2014;

3. ...that my old computer still works after the scare I had this morning;

4. ...that I found a copy of The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys by Baha'u'llah, which I can put in my purse;

5. ....that I found a clothes brush that belonged to my Grandma Mary when I was going through a file cabinet;

6. ...that I found a cigarette case that belonged to my Grandpa Frank when I was going through a file cabinet;

7. ...that I still have two cans of soup left so that I can have soup again on this cloudy Thursday;

8. ...that I found a penny when I was cleaning out a suitcase;

9. ...that I have electric clothes dryer to use on cloudy days;

10. ...for the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah.

And Then the Coffeemaker Stopped Working

Fidál (Grace), 8 Sharaf (Honor), 170 BE – Tuesday, January 07, 2014 about 12:22 pm Pacific Standard Time

When I fixed my breakfast, it took the microwave fifteen minutes to cook something that should have only taken eight to ten minutes. When I washed the dishes, one-half of the sink backed up while the dishwater was going down the drain. And the final straw of the day, the coffeemaker stopped working.

I suppose the next thing to go out will be the microwave, which will leave me with only the electric skillet. Without a microwave, I cannot reheat the leftover coffee in the carafe or heat water for instant coffee. I only hope and pray that the electric skillet keeps working until I find a new place and move.

There is an opening in Searchlight; unfortunately, it is beyond my budget especially since the utilities are all included. The house, mobile home, or apartment, whichever it is, is all-electric. The house I live in now, and am expecting to leave this month, is all-electric and the power bills are outrageous.

Even if I could figure out a way to afford both the rent and the power bill, I would have to give up the internet connection because I could not afford it. As it is, I may have to give up the internet connect and the internet when I move. If I can find a place I can afford, with the power bills I still have find a way to afford the internet connect or give it up. I suspect if I have to make a choice between paying the power bill and having an internet connection then the connection to the internet will have to go.

I just heard the mail carrier drop letters or something through my door slot, so I have to go see who wants money today. After that, I need to take out some more trash and see if the trashcan in the garage is full. I am posting this now and hoping it is not my last post.

Things I’m Tired of

Jamál (Beauty), 6 Sharaf (Honor), 170 BE – Sunday, January 05, 2014 about 10:46 am Pacific Standard Time

These are some of the things I’m tired of dong...

1. ...washing dishes by hand everyday, I want a working dishwasher. Sometimes I enjoy washing dishes the old fashion way and sometimes I would like to put them in the dishwasher and wash them once every two or three days.

2. ...doing laundry everyday, I would like to do laundry once or twice a week, even if it meant going to a laundromat (which I’m usually not crazy about doing).

These are some of the things I’m tired of...

1. ...high power bills, because I’m on a fixed income and it’s difficult to pay them.

2. ...taking a bath in a cold bathroom because I’m attempt to keep the power bills down (I don’t think it’s working).

3. ...living in a house that is too big for me to take care off and feeling like a failure because I can’t keep it clean.

4. ...dentures that need relining when I can’t afford to have them relines.

5. ...having a bad hair day everyday because I need my hair done and can’t afford it because of the high power and other utility bills.

6. ...hearing weird noises that I can’t identify coming from inside or outside the house.

A Bit of New Year’s Confusion

Istiqlál (Independence), 4 Sharaf (Honor).170 BE – Friday, January 03, 2014 about 8:31 am Pacific Standard Time

I encountered a bit of New Year’s confusion yesterday. I intended to post the following Thankful Thursday entry in this blog: Thankful Thursday: On the First Thankful Thursday of 2014. However, I posted it in Poet 999’s Thoughts about Writing and Other Stuff. I know what happened, when I went to compose it in the blog I didn’t notice which blog I was working with.

I hope to overcome this issue by changing the way I make my blog posts. I’m going to compose the post off line and, after the entry is complete, copy and past it into the proper blog. I know this is going to take a little more time, but I think it is worth it for two reasons. First, I’ll be able to catch both my grammar and spell mistakes at the same time. Second, there will be less confusion about which blog I’m posting the entry in.

Since I’m going to try having some of my poems and stories published taking a little more time on all my writing projects is worth it. I think that is all for today. I’m not sure which blog I will post to on Saturday, January 4.

My Tentative Plans for the first quarter of 2014

‘Idál (Grace), 2 Sharaf (Honour), 170 BE - Wednesday, January 1, 2014 about 3:23 pm Pacific Standard Time

I plan to post in this blog every other day, I know there may be exceptions. Days when I post everyday or even skip the day I plan to post, but on average (at least for the first quarter of 2014); I am planning on posting every other day. I may post in the morning, afternoon, or evening depending on what is happening and which writing project I am working on in any given day.

I also plan on giving myself time every afternoon between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm for a nap. My nap time depends on external issues such as doctors appointments, grocery shopping, and other miscellaneous things I have to do outside the house.  I find that when I am home, and writing, I get tired after I eat lunch, which is usually around 11:00 am.

If I go shopping or to a doctors appointment, I usually find myself getting sleepy when I get home. This is especially true if I go to the grocery store because walking up and down the aisles, even pushing a shopping cart, is tiring. I am not as young as I used to be and it takes more energy to do the things I could do easily when I was younger. However, I like walking down the aisles because I can see the items on the top shelves easier then riding a grocery store scouter or what ever you call those things that many seniors ride in the grocery store.

Old Traditions or Is It Habits Hard to Break

Fiḍál (Grace), 1 Sharaf (Honour), 170 BE - Tuesday, December 31, 2013 about 9:50 am Pacific Standard Time

Old traditions habits hard to break. I can remember Grandma Mary preparing for New Year's Day, she always finished the laundry on New Year's Eve because she didn't believe in doing laundry on the first day of a New Year. Grandma said "Whatever you do on New Year's Day you'll be doing the rest of the year." That is why she didn't do laundry or most housework on New Year's Day. The only type of household chores she performed on a New Year's Day was making beds and washing dishes.

I seem to find that habit tradition hard to break because today I'm finishing up all the laundry that I can find because I don't want to do laundry tomorrow, January 1, 2014. Another tradition I have difficulty breaking fixing black eyed peas on New Year's Day. When I went to the store yesterday, I purchased one can of black eyed peas for my January 1 menu. Grandma always fixed black eyed peas on the first day of the year.

Normally, Grandma made them from scratch. She would put the dried black eyed peas to soak the night before and then on the morning of January 1 put them onto cook. Grandma usually seasoned the peas she cooked with with pigs feet. I prefer to season mine (when I make them from scratch) with a honey baked ham bone and pieces of the ham. However, this year I'm going to have the canned peas because I have no way to fix the dried ones at this time. Maybe I'll fix black eyed peas in March for Naw-Ruz.

Grandma Mary always fixed black eyed peas on January 1 because she thought they were good luck. I'll have to do some research on that superstition, I don't believe what you eat on the first attracts good luck, but it would be nice to know where the superstition originated.

Planning My New Year's Day 2014 Menu

Kamál (Perfection), 19 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Monday, December 30, 2013 about 11:08 am Pacific Standard Time

To say that I'm excited about the beginning of a New Gregorian Year is an understatement, it's also out of character or at least a little weird for me. Normally, I get excited about Naw-Ruz (the New Year I celebrate), but seldom about the New Year that starts on January 1. However, this year is different because it will be 13 months and 3 days after my mother's death and I have the feeling that it will be the beginning of a new phase of my life.

For my New Year's Day lunch I have decided to have a cod fillet, with potato surprise (I'll post the recipe after I finish making it), a can of black eyed peas, and a green salad. I don't think I'll have a desert of any kind, but I may change my mind about that tomorrow. Since I have a pound cake mix in the refrigerator I can make the desert.  I'm also going to make a carafe of fresh ground whole bean coffee made with a kona coffee bean blend.

Setting Goals for the Coming Year

Jamál (Beauty), 18 Masá’il, 170 BE - Sunday, December 29, 2013 about 11:40 am Pacific Standard Time

The way I set my goals for the New Year is fairly straight forward. I decide on the goals between December 29 to December 31 and then I make the plan for achieving the goals. I reevaluate the goals on or before Naw-Ruz, March21, and then finalize the plans for achieving the goals. When the end of the Gregorian year approaches, I again reevaluate my goals to see if I need to make any changes. At this time I also decide what new goals I want to work on for the coming year.

This year I am making my goals more concrete then in the past. I am also keeping a separate list of things I want to do once I have accomplished my goals consistently or completely. Some of the goals are those that once I accomplish them, I can move on to something else.

Goals for the Coming Year

• Join Humana's SilverSneakers program and go to the gym once a week. I may change this to twice a week once I have attended for a month.
• Participate in the 52 week money savings challenge and deposit the money in my savings account at the end of each week.
• Write 2,000 words a day consistently for 3 months. In this case, I am defining consistent as 6 days out of 7 and if I make it  7 days each week for 3 months then I will raise the word count.
• Create a group on writing.com called United in Our Grief.
• Create a website.

Those are the goals I have decided upon for the first quarter of 2014. I will list the other goals I will list the backup goals separately after I have completed the plans for accomplishing these goals.

I ate the last of the leftovers for breakfast

Jalál (Glory), 17 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Saturday, December 28, 2013 about 10:35 AM Pacific Standard Time

I ate the last of the leftovers for breakfast, so I'm going to have to fix something else this afternoon. I'm thinking perhaps a  grilled cheese sandwich with a salad. I purchased stuff for a salad on Thursday, so all I have to do is make it. I'll do that as soon as the dishes by the sink have drained.

I washed my dishes the old fashion way, but I don't dry  them with a towel. I let them drain by the sink and then put them away. It works just as good and since I don't have any dishtowels it's the best way for me to do it. I'll have to purchase some dishtowels in 2014, that way I can dry the dishes and put them away immediately.

Hot soapy water
warms my arthritic fingers
drives away the pain.

I still have a lot of work to do this morning, both online and in the house. Now that  the dishes are done I can focus on something else. I know I have to check Mom's room to see if everything is out of there. Once I do that then I can unplug the light and carry it into the dining room where I'm putting everything I want to take with me. I also need to check the other two bedroom to make sure I don't have anything in their I want to keep.

A New Year coming
a new residence and life
in 2014.

I'm looking forward to the New Year and living some place where I can keep warm without an outrageous power bill. I will be happy if that bill is less then $200.00; I'd like a place where the power and water are paid, but I'll accept a place that has a lower power bill even if I'm still struggling to pay it. I just have to place my faith in God, pray, and keep on keeping on.

A Productive Friday Morning

Istiqlál (Independence), 16 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Friday, December 27, 2013 about 10:44 am Pacific Standard Time

It's been a productive Friday morning. I finished the last of the leftover coffee a few minutes ago and, right now, I'm sipping it while composing this entry. I found the canister containing my teabags and wrapped candy, so I placed it next to the coffee maker. I finally reset the clock on the microwave, so now it's close to the actual time on my cellphone.

Things I still have to do. I have to finish setting up the coffee maker for morning by filling the water tank and putting fresh grounds in the basket. I also have to do the morning dishes, but I need to do a room check before I start that because I don't want to find any stray dishes, cups, or flatware when the dishes are washed and sitting clean beside the sink. I also have to do a load of laundry, but I'm going to have to do a room check before I start the machine.

If I wait until starting the washing machine before I do the room check then I end up leaving the lid open through the entire wash cycle and have to run the clothes through again. If I don't do a room check before starting the dishes then I usually end up finding stray flatware or cups in the living room, next to the compute, or sitting beside the coffee maker.

Midweek Reflections: December 25, 2013

‘Idál (Justice), 14 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Wednesday, December 25, 2013 about 8:29 am Pacific Standard Time

It's a joyous Christmas morning,
I inhaled the scent of woodsmoke
when I rolled the trashcan to the curb
and smiled
at the realization
that even on a holiday
some people are blessed with work.

It's a joyous Christmas morning,
I heard a nightingale singing
outside my kitchen window
and realized
how blessed I am
because I have the love
of both Christ and Baha'u'llah.

It's a joyous Christmas morning,
with a slight breeze caressing
a neighbor's olive tree
and bird songs
echoing
through the neighborhood.

At 67 My Birthday Gratitude List

Fiḍál (Grace), 13 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Tuesday, December 24, 2013 about 6:41 am Pacific Standard Time

 Since I am 67 years old today, I decided not to wait until Thursday to post my gratitude list.

Today I am thankful...

1. ...that, several years ago, I accepted the Revelation of Baha'u'llah. My greatest joy each day is intoning the prayers revealed by Baha'u'llah.
2. ...that I have family that is worried about my spiritual, material, and physical welfare.
3. ...that I have an internet connection and provider so that I can access the Baha'i Scriptures online at anytime of the day or night.
4. ...for coffee and the memories of my Grandpa Newland drinking a cup brings to mind.
5. ...for the large can of chilli and beans I received when I picked up my monthly food allotment a couple of weeks ago. I can now have chilli and crackers on Christmas day.
6. ...for the 66 years I was able to have my mother in my life and watch her joy when she read or listened to someone read from the scriptures revealed by Baha'u'llah.
7. ...that I have a paid membership to writing.com, with a portfolio to hold my poems and stories.
8. ...that I live in Las Vegas and can go outside to see the snow capped peak of Mount Charleston.
9. ...that I survived 67 years.

I know that I normally have ten things to be thankful for, but I think that nine things on my birthday is a good list.

Monday's Changing Plans

Kamál (Perfection), 12 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Monday, December 23, 2013 about 10:30 am Pacific Standard Time

Monday's plans have changed again. All this month, I've planned to go somewhere on Monday, but come Monday morning my plans change. This morning, as every other Monday morning, it changed because of laundry. I still have one or two more loads to wash, if I can find something to use as laundry detergent.

I'm out of laundry detergent. I'm out of the other soap I was using as laundry detergent. The only thing I have left is some old bottles of shampoo (at least I think that's all I have left). I'm not sure about using it because I think I was allergic to the shampoo in those bottles, which is why I still have them leftover. As soon as the other computer finishes its virus scan, I'll check my checking account to see if (by some miracle) I have enough money in it to purchase laundry soap.

If I can't purchase soap this afternoon, then I'll just have to wait for a few days until I can figure out where to get the money. I know this is my own fault because the only time I run out of laundry soap is when I don't buy it at the first of the month. Unfortunately, I may have to wait until after January 1, 2014 to purchase laundry detergent.

Two Days and Counting

Jamál (Beauty), 11 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Sunday, December 24, 2013 about 8:24 am Pacific Standard Time

In two day, on December 24, 2013, I will be 67 years old young. I was born on December 24, 1946 at eleven minutes before midnight. I am the oldest of four children and I have two brothers and one sister. Neither of my  parents are still alive.

I'm not sure whether I'm dreading looking forward to my birthday. I could be looking forward dreading my birthday, which would explain the way I feel this morning. I would like to live to be 100; however, my health problems will influence not only how much longer I live, but how well I live those years.

I'm not sure what I can do about my health at this point in my life. However, I'm going to attempt to do something about them. I have two doctor's appointments scheduled for 2014 and at that time I will find out what I can do. I'm also going to join a gym where I can get more exercise. I will also attempt to change my eating habits. The only other thing I can do is say healing prayers.

Writing this has helped my mood, so I guess I should do a little more writing in 2014 as well. Right now, my daily word could goal is between 1,500 to 2,000 words. I put it at that range because I become frustrated when I don't achieve this goal and frustration leads to stress. I intend to give myself three months to determine if I can meet or exceed the 2,000 words on a regular basis. If I exceed the 2,000 words then I will raise the range on March 21, 2014.

Winter Solstice: The Shortest Day of the Year

Jalál (Glory), 10 Masá’il, 170 BE - Saturday, December 21, 2013 about 10:29 am Pacific Standard Time

It's winter solstice. It's the shortest day of the year. It's the day that the sun stands still. All right, the sun doesn't stand still any more then the earth stands still. The earth is always rotating on its axis and revolving around the sun. While the sun does rotate, it doesn't rotate in the same manner as Earth, but it doesn't stand still either. In addition, the sun along with its planets revolve around the center of the galaxy.

After today, the day become longer until we reach the summer solstice. In between these two astronomical events, in the northern hemisphere, winter becomes spring and spring becomes summer. Plants grow and animals give birth life moves at a faster pace as the days grow longer and the nights shorter. Poets are inspired to write odes to nature, love, or bitch about how fast time flies.

I'm looking forward to spring and summer more this year then in the past. I'm cold. I'm chilly. I'm tired of wearing three or four layers of clothes in an attempt to keep warm. True, I live in Las Vegas so it doesn't get at cold here (most of the time) as in other parts of the country; that doesn't make me feel better or warmer. I want to enjoy something cold instead of having to heat everything (all right, almost everything) in the microwave so it doesn't make me cold when I eat or drink it. I'm tired of bundling up when I go to eat something cold because it makes my body colder.

I'm going to close this before it becomes a rant. I've finished the hot tea I was drinking and I need to warm me up another cup of tea or apple juice. I'd fix myself some hot soup, but I'm full at present and couldn't eat another bit. I'll be lucky to finish my next cup of hot tea.

Groceries to put away plus other stuff equals a lot of work on Friday afternoon

Istiqlál (Independence), 9 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Friday, December 20, 2013 about 1:05 pm Pacific Standard Time

I left the house this morning about 8:00 am and drove across town to pick up my December senior food allotment. After picking up the two bags of food, I stopped at the grocery store because I need carrots and an onion to finish the chicken soup I'm making for this weekend. I also purchased some bananas, clam chowder (I don't make this type of soup for myself), a pumpkin pie, and whipped topping. I think I also purchased a can of mushroom soup because I won't make that for myself either.

After leaving the grocery store, I stopped at the gas station (because I knew if I went home before stopping there I wouldn't want to leave the house again). I got home about 9:30 or 10:00 am and put some of the stuff away. I still have more items to put away, but I had to rest after my outing this morning. This is why I prefer to grocery shop when I don't have anything else to do. Walking around in the grocery store tires me out, but it's good exercise.

I still have to cook the carrots, onion, and more potatoes for my chicken soup. I had to was the glass turntable in the microwave because something boiled over yesterday and I couldn't cook anything else in there until I cleaned the turntable. Now that the turntable is clean I'm going to put in the rest of the stuff for the soup. I hope I can have chicken soup sometime tonight; the next time I decide to do this I'm making sure I have all the ingredients before I start making the soup.

Thankful Thursday: December 19, 2013 Gratitude List

Istijlál (Majesty), 8 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Thursday, December 19, 2013 about 12:15 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

1.  ...for the nine chicken leg quarters I received last Friday from Lutheran Social Service. When I came home last week, the leg quarter were still froze so I put them in the freezer. I took them out of the freezer on Tuesday morning and put them in the refrigerator so that I could cook them when they thawed. They were thawed this morning, so I started cooking them this morning and just finished fixing all nine a few minutes ago. Now I can freeze them in baggies and have chicken the rest for the next three or four days (perhaps longer).

2.  ...for the three green pepper I was able to get last Friday. I am cooking them today so that I can have green pepper and chicken soup this weekend.

3.  ...for the 5 lb. bag of potatoes I receive last Friday, as well. I am going to cook them after the green pepper are done and put some of those in my chicken and green pepper soup.

4.  ...that my EBT card came in the mail earlier this month (I cannot remember the exact date) because I was able to purchase a container of coffee and some buttermilk. As soon as I rest up from being on my feet most of the morning, I will pour me a large glass of buttermilk.

5.  ...that I have an electric skillet because it is easier to cook chicken quarter in a electric skillet then in a microwave.

6.  ...that I have a microwave because I can cook the peppers and the potatoes in the chicken broth before I begin making my soup this afternoon.

7.  ...for the silence in the house because there are no noisy distractions to interrupt my meditation or writing.

8.  ...that I still have some yogurt with cranberry sauce mixed in it because I can have that for my afternoon snack.

9.  ...that I was able to make a fresh carafe of coffee this morning.

10.  ...for the beautiful, partly cloudy and warm winter afternoon in Las Vegas.

Midweek Reflections on Coffee and Buttermilk

Idál Justice, 7 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Wednesday, December 18, 2013 about 12:12 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went to the grocery store this morning to purchase some necessary and desired items. I intended to purchase only coffee with my food card, but when I stopped by the dairy section Smiths Food and Drug Store had buttermilk on the top shelf. Since I haven't had buttermilk this year, I decided to purchase a container. I bought the largest container on display because I knew I would pig out on it this week. I always do this when I haven't had buttermilk in over twelve months.

I also bought coffee, so now I don't have to worry about running out of coffee this weekend. I purchase a darker more full flavored coffee this time because I don't use as much of it when I make a fresh carafe. If I buy the lighter coffee I have to use five scoops in the coffee maker basket to get the flavor I want, but with a darker coffee I can use four scoops. If I use fewer scoops then I don't run out of coffee as quickly as using five scoop.

I still have the problem of warming the leftover coffee over in the microwave, but I will solve that problem in the coming year. Right now, the only thing that's important is having hot coffee on cold winter mornings. I'll just deal with the taste of the warmed over coffee, besides if I use only four scoops instead of five when I make fresh coffee the warmed over coffee may not be as bitter or taste as weird.

My Optometrist Appointment

Fiḍál (Grace), 6 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Tuesday, December 17, 2013 about 1:23 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went to the optometrist this morning for my normal six month eye examination. My appointment was for 9:45 am and I arrived at the office about 9:15. I sit in the waiting room for about 45 or 50 minutes before the nurse called me back to begin the normal battery of test. I enjoyed sitting in the waiting room because I could see the fish tank and watch the fish swimming around.

There were four fish nice sized small fish swimming back and forth, up and down in the tanks what was decorated with either faux coral or dead coral (I couldn't tell which). The fish in the tank were orange, striped, white with black spots, and charcoal. It was a pleasant wait sitting there watching the fish swim or sleep.

After the nurse or office assistant called me to begin the battery of tests my appointment moved rather quickly. I took a book with me, but I didn't have time to read much. I go out of the office between 11:00 and 11:30 am and drove back to the house because the doctor had my eyes dilated today and I didn't want to drive more then necessary. As a result, I still have to go to the grocery store which I'll probably do tomorrow morning.

A Blue Monday Afternoon

Kamál (Perfection), 5 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Monday, December 16, 2013 about 12:21 pm Pacific Standard Time

It's a blue Monday afternoon,
with a partly cloudy sky,
a day to remain at home
and complete
unfinished tasks.

This afternoon, the only thing that keeps me focused on any task is reciting the prayers reveal by Baha'u'llah or The Bab. This morning focus wasn't as difficult as this afternoon. Of course, this morning before starting word I prayed and meditated, so perhaps I need to stop what I'm doing to meditate and say prayers.

wisp of scattered clouds
decorates afternoon's sky
chilly a slight breeze

 I look out the window and watch wisp of clouds scattered across the blue sky. They don't seem to move while I'm watching them, but if I look away for a few minutes and then look back I can see that there is slight movement. I still have some newspapers to carry out to the garages, so I guess I should get up and do that. I think while I'm out there I'll stand in the warm sun for a little while.

Saturday Morning Thoughts: December 14, 2013

Jalál (Glory), 3 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Saturday, December 14, 2013 about 7:26 am Pacific Standard Time

Another weary morning,
after a short
and semi-sleepless night;
maybe,
another couple of prayers,
a second breakfast
(with a bite of protein)
and some more coffee
will make
the rest of the day right.

Another weary morning,
with a list of chores
that can't
be left undone -
perhaps
I should consider
an afternoon nap
or a walk in winter's
warm sun.

Thoughts on Friday, December 13, 2013

Istiqlál (Independence), 2 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Friday, December 13, 2013 about 3:50 pm Pacific Time

I spent most of the morning picking up food at one of the Las Vegas food pantries, which means I didn't get very much writing accomplished today. I'm attempting to catch up on what I'm supposed to write today without worrying about what I didn't get written yesterday.  Thursday was a busy day as well.

I had an appointment at 1:30 pm with wound care at UMC. I had to leave the house early because I need to stop by the bank and with draw some money to pay part of the power bill. After withdrawing the I went to the hospital and spent the rest of the afternoon in the outpatient waiting room or in an examination room. The doctor gave me a prescription for compression stocking, which I have to get filled as soon as I can raise the money.

Then last night, I went to the Feast of Questions with a friend. That was a nice experience and a refreshing break in my routine. I enjoyed the Feast and when I came home, I had a good nights rest. This morning's little outing wore me out and I've spent most of the day recovering and putting groceries away. I still have some canned goods to put away, but I may not get those done until tomorrow because I have a lot of writing to do tonight.

I had planned to go to the grocery store tomorrow, but I think I will stay home. I only have one item to purchase, but I haven't checked my bank account today so I don't know what came through. I'll probably check the account either tonight or in the morning. Since I know what's coming through there shouldn't be a problem.

Thankful Thursday: December 12, 2013

Istijlál (Majesty), 1 Masá’il (Questions), 170 BE - Thursday, December 12, 2013 about 8:43 am Pacific Standard Time

This morning I am grateful...

1.  ...for the Baha'i scriptures and prayers because they give me comfort and help me get through the day.

2.  ...that my car started when I went to back it out of the garage because that means I closed all the doors tightly when I put it in the garage earlier this week.

3.  ...for the chilly, but not too cold temperatures last night, because the heat did not come on all night.

4.  ...that I still have electricity in the house despite the huge electric bill I have to pay by Friday.

5.  ...for an automatic dryer because I can wash clothes and do not have to hang them over furniture to dry.

6.  ...that I received my SNAP card earlier this week because now I can get the makings for real homemade chicken soup instead of opening a can.

7.  ...for the feel of the warm sun on this chilly December morning.

8.  ...that I have enough gas in the car to get me to my doctor's appointment this afternoon and then to the bank to withdraw some money to pay on the electric bill;

9.  ...for hot coffee on a chilly December morning.

10.  ...that I have a cable modem to access the internet.

Midweek Reflections on Frustration

‘Idál (Justice), 19 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Wednesday, December 11, 2013 about 3:31 pm Pacific Standard Time

Since November, I'm been attempting to make appointments with specialist. I have three made, but the fourth one is taking longer then I thought and longer then it should. I've called my doctor twice with the proper fax number and, as of today, the  information still hadn't been faxed. I called my doctor again today with the proper fax number. I hope it gets faxed this time.

I'm frustrated! Part of the reason is the doctors' appointments, but that isn't the only thing that's causing my frustration. I'm still living in my mother's house because the house hasn't closed yet, which means I'm still saddled with bills I can't pay. I think I have enough for the power bill, but then I will still have to deal with the car insurance and other bills.

I'm tired. I'm cold. I'm frustrated . I'm repeating myself. Maybe I need to view this entire situation from a different perspective. The managers from the apartments, whose waiting lists I'm on, haven't called yet. Perhaps it's good thing that the house hasn't closed. At least, I still have someplace to live. All though next week I may not have insurance for the car if I pay the power bill. If I don't pay the power bill then I will have insurance for the car, but no power in the house.

A change in perspective doesn't help my frustration. It doesn't keep me warm. I think the best thing for me to do at this moment is post this. Then I will make myself a cup of hot tea with a candy cane in it. After I finish the tea, then I will say some prayer.

Thoughts on a Tuesday Afternoon in December

Fiḍál (Grace), 18 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Tuesday, December 10, 2013 about 3:51 pm Pacific Standard Time

Suddenly I want to cry,
I sigh,
I don't know why I want to cry.

This afternoon, I feel so alone. I'm still living in Mom's house wondering where I'll go when the sale of the house closes. I haven't heard from any of the waiting lists I'm on. Maybe I won't hear from them (at least, that's the thought going through my mind). I have to take some sort of action, but I don't know what .

I have bills to pay and I don't have the money to pay them. I may be without power after December 16 and I'm frightened. I have enough money to pay the power bill, but that will leave me short when it comes to the water bill and the car insurance. I don't know where the money for the car insurance will come from after I pay the power bill.

I'm so tired of worrying about bills. I'm so tired of being lonely. It's chilly in the house because I keep the thermostat down so low, but it doesn't seem to make any difference in the power bill. I just don't know what to do, except to write. Writing sometimes helps or at least it used to help me find a way to solve my difficulties.

Another thing that helps is prayer. I've been saying prayers off and on all day. They help when I'm saying them because then I don't want to cry. I'm rambling in this entry and that isn't any way to make a blog entry, but I don't know what else to do because I've started typing and I can't seem to stop. I think I'll close this entry and make me another cup of hot tea with a pepper mint candy cane in it.

At Sunset

Kamál (Perfection), 17 Qawl 170 BE - Monday, December 9, 2013 about 4:27 pm Pacific Standard Time

I may not be exactly sunset, but it's close enough to it. It's been a long weary day because I didn't want to get up this morning. Since I didn't want to get up, I didn't want to do much of anything. I accomplished a few things despite not wanting to get up.

I wrote, I downloaded an image from writing.com and then uploaded  it back to the website so that I could store it in my portfolio. I used the fleece throw that I purchased last week as an early birthday present to myself. The throw is black with a snowmen on it and, as soon as I can scan it into my computer, I will post an image of it on this blog.

Las Vegas sunset
sky fades from blue to off white
another day ends.

On a Cold and Windy Saturday in December

Jalál (Glory), 15 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Saturday, December 7, 2013 about 2:20 pm Pacific Standard Time

On this cold and windy Saturday in December,
the ice cream truck just drove by my house.

I heard the music playing
as he approached
with all his sweet cold treats that
in summer I would buy,
but today
it is too cold for an ice cream cone.

I think I'm getting old because today it's too cold for ice cream. The other day, I stopped at Marie Calender's to purchase a rhubarb pie. After I purchased the pie, I went to the grocery store to get a few necessities. I did not purchase any ice cream (which I normally eat on rhubarb pie) because it's winter and the ice cream with the pie would chill me.

When I was younger it didn't matter how cold it was outside if I wanted ice cream. I can remember eating ice cream on a snowy Christmas Eve because it was my birthday and I liked ice cream with my birthday cake. However, at 66 going on 67 I have stopped eating ice cream in the winter time. Now, when I eat pie or cake in the winter, I put milk on it and warm it in the microwave.

Thoughts at Sunset in Las Vegas

Istiqlál (Independence), 14 Qawl 170 BE - Friday, December 6, 2013 about 3:44 pm Pacific Standard Time

the sun is setting
neighbor's are returning home
from work and shopping

 I went to the store yesterday and wouldn't you know it, I forgot two of the items I went in to purchase. I forgot laundry detergent and dryer sheets. I have to check my account to see if I can purchase those this weekend. If I can't then I'm going to have to do without those items until the end of the month. Oh well, it won't be the first time I washed clothes without laundry detergent or dryer sheets.

the sun is setting
the cold day is cooling down
tomorrow hot soup

Setting up Doctor's appointments

Istijlál (Majesty), 13 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Thursday, December 5, 2013 about 1:44 PM Pacific Standard Time

I started on November 18, attempting to set up two appointment. I got one appointment, the one for the mammogram arranged almost as soon as I called. That appointment is for the early part of February 2014. The other appointment, was for wound care, which I was finally able to set up this week. That appointment is for December 12, 2013.

I went back to my doctor's office on November 26, for the results of a blood test. She gave me a referral to two specialist. One of the specialist called back on Monday and I made that appointment for the end of January 2014. I called the other specialist today and apparently my doctor's office has the wrong fax number, so now I have to call my doctor back and give them the proper fax number so they can send the paperwork that specialist needs to make my appointment.

I hope I can set that appointment up for January or February because I do not want to spend all of 2014 going to doctor's offices. As it is now, I suspect I will have to come into Las Vegas from Searchlight to keep the appointments I have already made. Oh well, that's life. I just need to take a deep breath and stop complaining because the only thing that complaining does is make  the situation worse.

Midweek Reflections on Fresh Brewed Coffee

‘Idál (Justice), 12 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Wednesday, December 4, 2013 about 6:12 AM Pacific Standard Time

Why is it that fresh brewed coffee tastes better then leftover coffee heated in the microwave? This morning, my first cup of coffee was leftover from Monday and I warmed it up in the microwave before brewing a fresh carafe. I finished the warmed over coffee and then poured myself a cup of the fresh brewed coffee.

The leftover coffee was hot and it was good, but when I tasted the fresh brewed coffee I noticed the difference.  Perhaps the difference in taste come from the fact that I let the coffee sit in the carafe since Monday or it could be that fresh brewed coffee simply tastes better then leftover coffee. I know it tastes better then instant coffee, but I did not think that there would be much of a difference between coffee that was brewed fresh on Monday and the coffee I brewed this morning.

Paradise
a cup of fresh brewed coffee
on a cold December morning.

The difference could also result from the fact that I warmed the leftover coffee up in a mug rather then my regular coffee cup. The cup I use for fresh brewed coffee is small then the one I use to heat up the coffee that is leftover from the day before, which could also be a reason for t he difference in taste. I usually finish the leftover coffee the day after I make it instead of letting it sit for two or three days.

I Wonder about the Temperature in Searchlight

Fiḍál (Grace), 11 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Tuesday, December 3, 2013 about 5:52 AM Pacific Standard Time

I wonder about the temperature in Searchlight,
is it colder there this morning
then here in Las Vegas.

According to weather.com, the temperature in Las Vegas, on this partly cloudy morning, is 44 degrees, but feels like 39.  After checking the weather in Las Vegas, I checked the temperature in Searchlight and its 42 degrees, but feels like 38. There doesn't seem to be that much difference this morning; however, I haven't moved there yet so I could feel a lot different once I'm living there.

The problem is isolation,
or at least the feeling of isolation.

I know that I have to accept the inevitability of moving to Searchlight, but I'm not looking forward to the experience or the isolation. All my friends are here in Las Vegas, true I can probably make new friends there but I can't find anyone there who is a Baha'i. In Searchlight, I won't be able to attend the nineteen-day Feast or the Holy Days. However, it's probably God's will that I move to Searchlight, so I may as well get used to it. Maybe there are advantages to living there that I haven't discovered.

Twentry-three days to go

Jamál (Beauty), 9 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Sunday, December 1, 2013 about 9:18 am Pacific Standard Time

In twenty-three days, I will be sixty-seven years old or perhaps I should say sixty-seven years young. However, I word it I will be celebrating another birthday. It is a birthday I both look forward to and dread. I look forward to it because it means I am still alive and writing. I would say kicking, but at may age kicking anything can be dangerous because I could break a toe or fall and hurt myself.

As anyone reading this entry can see, my sense of humor is still going weird and strong. The question arises, "Why am I dreading this birthday?" The answer is easy, this is my second birthday without Mom present in my life. I almost wrote this is my first birthday without her present; however, Mom died on November 29, 2012, so last year was my first birthday without her in my life. For some reason, I forgot my 2012 birthday.

Since I forgot my 2012 birthday, does that mean I can tell everyone I am only sixty-six years old? I doubt if that would work, but it could be a conversations started. I do not think I need any conversation starters because lately I have found myself with a lot say, but no one to say it to. Since I have no one to talk to my blog entries may be getting longer this month.

31 Days Left in 2013

Jalál (Glory), 8 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Saturday, November 30, 2013 about 9:56 AM Pacific Standard Time

The Good News: I wrote 54,658 words during National Novel Writing Month.

The Bad News: There are only 31 days left in 2013

and only about 5 months (19 days each) left in 170 BE.

A chilly morning
in late November when
oak leaves are turning orange.

The neighbor's oak tree has begun to change color and lose it leaves. Thanksgiving is past, while Christmas and New Year's Day 2014 is approaching. It is time to review my goals. It is time to consider what I have accomplished, what I have left to accomplish, and what I plan to accomplish in the New Year.

Falling leaves always
remind me of the New Year
and new aspirations.

I will not make any specific New Year's Resolutions until Naw-Ruz 2014, but I will consider everything I have accomplished since Naw-Ruz 2013. I will also look at everything I still have to accomplish and decide if it is worth the effort to finish the project or just toss it aside. I know one thing I need to do is to make my daily To Do List more specific and remove items from the C priorities.

One Year Ago Today

Istiqlál (Independence), 7 Qawl, 170 BE - Friday, November 29, 2013 about 8:46 AM Pacific Standard Time

One year ago today

my mother passed away

and ascended into paradise.

One year ago today,
I stopped writing
my 2012 NaNoWriMo novel
and it still lays in
my writing.com portfolio
waiting for completion.

One year ago,
I did not meet
the NaNoWriMo
50,000 word goal

This year,
on November 27,
I exceeded
the 50,000 word goal,
but I do not think
this year's novel
Midnight in Suburbia
is complete.

One year ago today

my mother passed away

and ascended into paradise.

Thanksgiving Day Thankful Thursday Gratitude List

Istijlál (Majesty), 6 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Thursday, November 28, 2013 about 10:44 AM Pacific Standard Time

On this cloudy and chilly Thanksgiving Day I am grateful...

1.  ...for Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen's Health Advice column, which appears in Thursday's Review-Journal, because today the main topic was Pain relief not limited to medication. Drs. Oz and Roizen give five self-care techniques to reduce the discomfort of chronic pain. I already practice one of the techniques on a daily basis, but today I will begin practicing more of them.

2. ...that I chose to spend this Thanksgiving by myself because now I can focus on prayer and meditation without interrupting anyone else's Thanksgiving Day. This gives me a chance to look at the changes of the past year and determine what I want to do for the next twelve months to make my life more productive.

3. ...for the turkey burgers I received when I went to one of the food pantries last week. For lunch I had two turkey and cranberry sandwiches. This is the first time I have ate a turkeys sandwich with cranberry sauce and they are delicious.

4. ...that I have a free senior cellphone with 250 free minutes each month.

5. ...for the beauty of a cloudy Thanksgiving morning with yellow and orange oak leaves falling to the ground.

6. ...that eggnog was in the grocery store when I went shopping yesterday. I had a cup of eggnog for breakfast for the first time in several years.

7. ...for the pumpkin pie I received when I went to one of the food pantries last Saturday.

8. ...that I have dentures so that I can enjoy a turkey and cranberry sandwich.

9. ...for being able to afford a cable modem so t hat I can stay connected with my family on Thanksgiving and every day of the year.

10. ...that I was able to enjoy a piece of pumpkin pie while watching the news this morning. This is a tradition that Mom and I started several years ago and I thought I might cry this morning but I did not. Instead, I remember how much Mom liked pumpkin pie.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States of America

‘Idál (Justice), 5 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Wednesday, November 27, 2013 about 8:46 AM Pacific Standard Time

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was 'Thank you', that would suffice."

Meister Eckhart

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America. Today the writing.com newsletter were published and arrived in my e-mail box and the above quote by Meister Echart, is in the spiritual newsletter. A Season of Thanksgiving is the title of this week's edition and it got me to thinking about Thanksgiving and gratitude.

This year, I am planning a traditional-nontraditional Thanksgiving dinner. I am having turkey, but instead of a whole turkey or a turkey breast I am fixing ground turkey. I have some potatoes, so I will fix those with the turkey. I have pumpkin pie, I have some vegetables that I can fix as a salad, and I have a couple of melons.

I will purchase a couple of cans of whipped cream (I cannot remember what it is called) this afternoon when I go to the store to pick up a prescription and a couple of other items. I have some chicken bullion to make grave with, but I do not think I have any flour. I may purchase a small bag of flour this afternoon or I may just get some sour cream and margarine for baked potatoes. Since I do not have much money on me or in my bank account this late in the month, I have to be careful and purchase only what I need.

Despite the fact that I am not planning a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, I am grateful for what I have. I am also grateful to those who gave me these items because without the generosity of strangers and food pantries, I would not have much of a Thanksgiving. Tomorrow, I will make a Thankful Thursday Thanksgiving entry after meditating on the ten things I am thankful to have or to have experienced this year.

A National Novel Writing Month Poem

Kamál (Perfection), 3 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Monday, November 25, 2013 about 1:35 PM Pacific Standard Time

An empty coffee cup
and I still have about 10,000
words to write.

Hunger awakes
the desire for food
a grilled cheese sandwich
with hot sauce.

Is it too chilly
for a cold
cherry Dr. Pepper;
it doesn't matter
because I will open
a can anyway.

An empty coffee cup
waiting for me
to fill it
and warm the coffee up
in the microwave.

The Feast of Speech

Jalál (Glory), 1 Qawl (Speech), 170 BE - Saturday, November 23, 2013 about 11:00 AM Pacific Standard Time

I attended the Feast of Qawl (Speech) at the Baha'i Center last night. At the Feast, I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and Baha'u'llah. It is such a calming feeling and this morning I still have that tranquil feeling even this late in the day.

This morning, I pick up some fruit, vegetables, bread, cookies, and a pumpkin pie from one of the food pantries. I had not planned to go this morning because of the rain, but after a couple of cups of warmed over coffee I changed my mind. On the morning after attending a nineteen-day feast, I usually end up changing my plans about something or other. I am glad I went to pick up the free food because one of the items I received was a watermelon, which I think I will cut later today after it has sit in the refrigerator for a while.

on the Feast of Speech
the raindrops whisper to earth
about God's Glory

Thankful Thursday; November 21, 2013

Istijlál (Majesty), 18 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Thursday, November 21, 2013 about 6:48 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

1. ...for coffee because I am going to have to pull an all nighter to catch up on my NaNoWriMo word count;

2. ...for the rain because it reminds me of a chilly autumn day in Oklahoma;

3, ...that I have been able to complete two thirty minute sprints today and, as a results, have written 1,604 words toward part of my catch-up word count goal;

4. ...for chocolate chip cookies because I have to catch up on my NaNoWriMo word count goal and I need the cookies to help me pull an all nighter;

5. ...that I have a microwave to warm up the leftover coffee to help me stay awake to catch up;

6.  ...for writing.com where I store my 2013 NaNoWriMo novel Midnight in Suburbia;

7. ...for the program Write or Die that I use to write my 30 minute and 15 minute sprint exercises;

8. ...for my afternoon nap because that may be the only sleep I get for the rest of the day;

9. ...for the oak tree, whose leaves are changing color, in my neighbor's yard;

10. ...that my cellphone has a calculator so that I can add my 30 minute and 15 minutes sprint exercise word counts together.

A Cloudy Tuesday Morning In Las Vegas

Fiḍál (Grace), 16 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Tuesday, November 19, 2013 about 8:23 am Pacific Standard Time

a cloudy Tuesday
charcoal gray clouds hide blue sky
the coffee is hot

I will be moving soon and one of the t hings I will miss is looking out this living room window at the sky. This morning, the clouds conceal the sun and the blue sky. There is a slight wind, blowing through the neighbors' oak and olive trees. The weeds in the front yard are turning from green to light gray, while the leaves on the oak tree next door are yellow and falling to the ground.

a cloudy Tuesday
the damp in the morning air
penetrates my bones

There are other things I will miss when I move out of this neighborhood, but then I will have new things to discover in my new neighborhood. I am, on one level, looking forward to the move and, one another level, I do not want to move. A move means changes and sometimes change is difficult or painful; however, it is necessary to the advancement of the individual soul and humanity.

Saturday Review of My Week: Encountering a few Senior Moments

Jalál (Glory), 13 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Saturday, November 16, 2013 about 9:42 PM Pacific Standard Time

It's been a stressful week, which may explain the senior moments I've encountered. The other possibility is that I didn't print off a To Do List, which I will do for the up coming week. I have to print off a print off a To Do List for the Week of November 17-23 otherwise I'm going to forget something. As it is, I'm not sure what I forgot this week.

I didn't realize I had been forgetting stuff until I go an e-mail message in my writing.com e-mail box about the Senior Center November contest. I had the check the forum because I couldn't remember if I entered a poem. When I checked, I found I had entered the poem Giving Thanks.

The only things I'm sure I haven't for got to do this week was write at least 1,667 words a day on Midnight in Suburbia. my NaNoWriMo novel for 2013. I also managed to achieve most of the goals I posted on writing.com, but that was only because I was keeping track of them in one of the journals I keep, in my portfolio, on that website. I obviously need to start keeping track of everything I want to accomplish and accomplish in a single week. I can do this when I print off a To Do List each day of the week.

Writing.Com is the premier online community for readers and writers of all interests and skill levels. Whether you are a casual reader searching for a good story or an enthusiastic writer looking for the perfect place to display your masterpieces, Writing.Com is the website for you!
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Thankful Thursday: November 14, 2013

Istijlál (Majesty), 11 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Thursday, November 14, 2013 about 1:18 PM Pacific Standard Time

This afternoon I am thankful...

01.  ...for the bananas I received yesterday when I went to pick up some food at one of the Food Pantries here in Las Vegas;

02.  ...that I had a black printer cartridge for my printer this morning when I went to print out a letter I needed to send;

03.  ...for the leftover coffee I warmed up in the microwave;

04.  ...that I got the trashcan rolled to the curb before the garbage truck began there run yesterday because if I had missed them I would not have anything to put my trash in today;

05.  ...for cottage cheese and tomatoes because I can eat them without worrying about there being a lot of salt in them;

06.  ...that I have a stool to put my left leg on when I am working at the computer because putting my leg up helps keep the swelling down;

07.  ...for the grayish sweater coat someone gave me because it keeps my arms warm when I have to go out on cloudy autumn mornings;

08.  ...that I received four sausages when I went to the food pantry yesterday, I at two of the sausages for my breakfast today and I can have the other two with eggs in the morning;

09.  ...for the inspiration of word prompts because they assisted me to write December Memories this morning, which I stored in my writing.com portfolio;

10.  ...that I can at least stand up for five minutes to wash some dishes.

Moving is a Traumatic Experience

Fiḍál (Grace), 9 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Tuesday, November 12, 2013 about 8:24 AM Pacific Standard Time

Moving is a traumatic experience, especially when moving from a three-bedroom house to a one-bedroom or studio apartment. I don't remember the last move being as traumatic as this one, but that was because we (Mom and I)  were moving from a three-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom house. I also wasn't doing most of the packing myself nor were we downsizing..

I decided this morning that "I do not want to move!" The reason is that I have to downsize and make the decision on what I have to give away, store, or throwaway by myself. Other people can help me pack, but I'm the one who has to decide what to do with the items that I don't want to keep. I can't consult with anyone about those items, someone else can suggest where to take them, but I'm the one who has to decide and that is difficulty.

I'll do what I have to do. I'll give away what I have to give away. I'll throwaway what I have to throwaway. I'll store what I have to store. I'll do all those things and all the while the thought in the back of my mind is that I'm probably going to regret throwing away or giving away something that I might need later.

My Left leg went to sleep

Kamál (Perfection), 8 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Monday, November 11, 2013 about 4:32 PM Pacific Standard Time

I an a frightening experience today, while I was standing at the bookcase removing books my left foot and leg went to sleep. This is the second time in the last 30 days this has happened. The first time I was waiting in line where I had to stand in one place for more then an hour. Today I was standing at the bookcase removing books for more then an hour. When I take more books out of the bookcase, I will have to watch how long I stand up. Fortunately, I do not have to do dishes this evening so I do not stand up for a long time any more today.

I am sure that this indicates a bigger problem, but I am not sure what it means. I will have to talk to my doctor about this at my next appointment.  In the mean time, I guess I should do an internet search to see what this symptom means. I do not think I have any other symptoms, but I could be wrong because it is difficult for me to walk and my knees hurt when I stand on my feet for about a half hour.

Saturday Morning and the Blue Screen of Death

Jalál {Glory), 6 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Saturday, November 9, 2013 about 8:24 AM Pacific Standard Time

The other computer, the one I use to download to and upload from, blue screened this morning while I was attempting to make my weekly scanner upload to a survey website. I upload this scanner every week without encountering the blue screen of death, therefore the problem did not have to do with the scanner or its software. I am not sure what caused the problem, but this is the second time this week I have encountered this issue.

The first time was a couple of days ago, when I turned on that computer and it did not come on in the normal manner. I do not know what caused the problem then either, but I suspect I have to schedule some maintenance in the coming week. Of course, this would be the week when the computer wanted maintenance because this is the week I have to find some place to move and move.

This is the middle of November and I have just finished paying some bills with more bills to pay, if I can raise the money to pay them. I do not have enough money in my account to pay rent, a move in fee, or anything else that I need to pay to move into a new place. In addition, I have two prescriptions to turn in today and I need gas in the car.

This afternoon, I have to go look at a place which I probably cannot afford; however, I am going to look at it anyway. There is no use rejecting the place until I see it and figure out if I can afford it and then figure out where I will get the money to move in. Yes, I am attempting to be positive about this even though the computer blue screened, which is not a good sign, but at least it blue screened on Saturday, the end of the week, instead of on Sunday, the start of a new week.

A Weary Friday Morning in Las Vegas

Istiqlál (Independence), 8 Qudrat, 170 BE - Friday, November 8, 2013 about 8:54 am Pacific Standard Time

What's wrong with me today?
I'm tired,
I'm yawning,
I'm unable to focus,
I don't want to go to sleep,
but I can't write,
I can't think,
I can't review:
 What's wrong with me today?

Do I need more to eat?
I ate a peanut butter sandwich,
perhaps something else
maybe warm up the soup
that's in the fridge,
or make an egg and cheese sandwich:
Do I need more to eat?

Do I need another cup of coffee?
Perhaps a glass of chocolate milk
will wake me up
and get me going:
Do I need another cup of coffee?

Thankful Thursday: November 7, 2013

Istijlál (Majesty), 4 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Thursday, November 7, 2013 about 3:22 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

1.  ...that I have enough coffee to last the rest of November.

2. ...for the jar o peanut butter I received with my senior food allotment.

3.  ...that I was able to purchase two loaves of sour dough bread when I went shopping this morning because now I can have a grilled cheese sandwich.

4.  ...for canned fruit.

5.  ...that I still have electricity this week.

6.  ...for the cooked turkey breast I have in the freezer because I can make a turkey and grilled cheese sandwhich.

7.  ...that I had a coupon for laundry detergent because I saved $1.50 on my grocery bill this morning.

8.  ...for the eggs I have in the refrigerator because I can have an egg sandwich for breakfast tomorrow morning.

9.  ...that I have dry milk so that I can have a cereal for a snack.

10.  ...for my internet connection.

Wordless Wednesday: Click on the link and check out my writing.com portfolio

Tuesday Morning Issues; November 5, 2013

Fiḍál (Grace), 2 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Tuesday, November 5, 2013 about 10:02 AM Pacific Standard Time

I've been up since 3:00 am, as a result I've accomplished a lot of writing. I complete 1,505 words of today's NaNoWriMo goal of 1,667 words. I completed five reviews on writing.com and made two entries in Snow Melt. I had to make two entries in (Snow Melt) my writing.com journal to meet the 200 words goal for that blog. Fortunately, I can divide the 200 word goal between my blogger blogs. I have to come close to the 200 word goal or I won't make the daily goal of 2,000 words written per day.

I have three cups of coffee, a candy cane, and two bowls of cereal this morning. I am about to fall asleep composing this entry, So I guess I better turn off the computer and take a short nap. I don't want to take a nap because I still have to finish today's NaNoWriMo writing goal for today. I have only about 100 words to write to finish today's goal and the chapter. I have to end this entry now because I'm about to doze off on my keyboard and I don't sleep well sitting up.

a cold wind blowing
tree limbs waving in the dawn
the house is silent

Monday: You Know it's Going to be a Good Day When

Kamál (Perfection), 1 Qudrat (Power), 170 BE - Monday, November 4, 2013 about 8:45 AM Pacific Standard Time

You know it's going to be a good day when...

1.  ...you see a neighbor riding his Harley-Davidson to work;

2.  ...you find the microwavable plastic container that has the leak before you put it in the microwave to reheat last night homemade chicken soup;

3.  ...you have enough left over coffee in the carafe to reheat four cups in the microwave before you have to make fresh coffee;

4.  ...you find enough laundry detergent to wash three or four loads before you have to purchase another bottle of liquid detergent;

5.  ...you don't have to put your cell phone on the charger before making the first call of the day;

6.  ...you find you have a large trash bag of aluminum cans ready to take to the recycling center to sell before Thanksgiving;

7.  ...you check the weather report to find out that there is 0% chance of rain even though there is a cloud cover;

8. ...your virus scan program doesn't take four hours to check you hard drive for threats;

9.  ...you access the internet and go straight to work instead of logging into your favorite online game website;

10.  ...you complete three blog entries before 9:30 AM.

A Painful Sunday Morning

Jamál (Beauty), 19 'Ilm (Knowledge), 170 BE - Sunday, November 3, 2013 about 9:23 AM Pacific Standard Time

It's a painful Sunday morning,
getting up every fifteen minutes
so that the osteoarthritis in my knees
don't lock the joints
or sitting down every twenty minutes
so that my legs don't collapse under me.

It's a painful Sunday morning,
trying to live another day without heat
because if I turn it on
the power bill will go through the roof
and I still have to pay
last month's bill.

It's a painful Sunday morning,
but this too shall pass
like winter
when spring's
warm smile appears.

The thrid time in as Many Weeks

Jalál (Glory), 18 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 170 BE - Saturday, November 2, 2013 about 4:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time

I just finished manually reboot my cable modem. This is the third time in three weeks that I have had to perform this action. I have had the modem for over a year and this is the first time I have to reboot it so many time in a four week period.

I left my computer on when I went to the couch to get my cell phone. While I was away from the computer I ate something and then called my brother. I was away from the computer for about an hour and the modem somehow lost its connection to the Internet. In order to get the connection back, I had to manually reboot the modem. It is not a difficult process it is just a bit irritating to have to do it so often.

From now on, if I think I am going to be away for more then thirty minutes, I will just turn the computer off and turn it back on when I am ready to work again. Normally, I only turn it off when I leave it to look at television, go to bed, leave the house, or do house work. If the modem keeps acting this way, I will have to call my cable provider and ask about the problem.

I need to go to the grocery store this afternoon

Istiqlál (Independence), 17 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 170 BE - Friday, November 1, 2013 about 10:40 AM Pacific Daylight Time

I have to go to the grocery store this afternoon between 12:00 and 2:00 PM because I have to be back to the house before 3:00. I got off to a slow started today, which means I haven't written very much and I haven't reached the 834 word count yet. This is half of today's NaNoWriMo word count goal of 1,667. I need to reach that before I can leave the house today.

My Social Security check hit the bank this morning, so I can purchase some necessities and a little gas. I don't know how much more I can purchase though because I still have to figure out how much I'm going to have left for the power bill after everything else comes out, but I have to purchase a few personal items. I also need laundry soap and maybe some dish washing liquid because I don't want to run out before the end of the month.

I'll write a few more words on my NaNoWriMo novel and then I will check to see how much money I have coming out of my account this month. I had better remember to get coffee while I'm at the grocery store or I will be completely out before the end of the month.