Saturday Summary: I Need New Tires

Jalal (Glory), 13 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Saturday, March 14, 2015 about 3:20 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I went to Discount Tires this week to have air put in my tires. The young man who aired the tires also inspected the tires and informed me that there were cracks in the sides, which means I will have to purchase tires sometime withing the next two or three months. I already knew I would have to get tires this year because I had the two front tires fixed last year and have had to watch the air in the tires this year.

I will get the tires at Discount Tires because that is where I always purchase new tires. I had planned on November or December, but the cracks in the sides have changes that. Since I cannot qualify for a credit card or a payday loan (I have tried both) I will have to figure out how to get the money. I suppose I could go into a depression over this, but that is not going to help me find a solution to the problem. Instead of going into a depression I am going to put the issue in God's hands.

Foodie Friday: Salad and Fruit on Friday the Thirteenth

Istiqlal (Independence),12 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Friday, March 13, 2015 about 9:44 am Pacific Daylight Time

Today is green or chicken salad and fruit day. I do not feel like fixing or eating anything else. I woke up this morning with an upset or queasy stomach. I suspect it may have been something I ate last night. I am not sure what caused the feeling, but I know it was not salad or fruit because I did not eat either of those items yesterday. After saying several prayers and drinking a couple of cups of coffee I feel better.

I purchased a couple of those small bagged salads and a fruit mixtures when I went to the grocery store the other day. I will have one of the salads and the fruit for a late breakfast or early lunch. If I finish that then latter today I might cook a turkey patty and eat that with the other salad, but I do not want to eat bread today. I think part of the reason I felt bad when I woke up was the amount of bread I ate yesterday.

Fruit and Green Salad

Step 1: Put the green salad in a salad dish.
Step 2: Place the fresh fruit over the green salad.
Step 3: If you want to add some type of salad dressing go ahead; however, this is unnecessary with this salad.

Thankful Thursday: March 12, 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 11 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Thursday, March 12, 2015 about 3:00 pm Pacific Day Light Time

This afternoon I am thankful...

01. ...for the grayish-white clouds that move across the beautiful blue sky.

02. ...that I still have an internet connect so that I can attempt to earn some money on line.

03. ...for the dark shadows cast by the sun as it moves across the sky.

04. ...that I had a package of okra in the freezer that I could fix as part of my lunch.

05. ...for the wind that blows through the pine and palm trees in my neighborhood.

06. ...that I received a letter from the election department informing me where I will work on Tuesday, April 7.

07. ...for the birds singing in the pine and palm trees.

08. ...that the ice cream truck drives through my neighborhood every day playing pleasant music..

09. ...for the cars that drive the right way down the one-way street I live on.

10. ...that some of the people in my neighborhood walk their dogs on leashes.

Midweek Reflections: Birds Singing Under a Cloudy Sky and I am Depressed

Idal (Justice), 10 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Wednesday, March 11, 2015 about 5:20 pm Pacific Daylight Time

The sun did not penetrate the could cover today. A bird is singing in the pine tree across the street. The bird obviously has something to sing about. I am not sure if I have anything to sing about. I am depressed. I may have a reason to be depressed or it could be the cloudy day. I can never tell at times like this because the clouds usually show up when I have something to be depressed about.

I am I depressed because I need to get some money into my bank account by Monday? Am I depressed because it is a cloudy day and I cannot feel the sun on my face? Am I depressed because I do not have enough money in my savings account to transfer to my checking account? Why am I depressed? Is the dreary day making my depression worse?

I wish I had an answer to all these questions. I want a job that will pay me money once or twice a month. I am semiretired which means I do not make enough to supplement the monthly check I have coming in. I am depressed. I am semiretired. I do not have to worry about food, but I have to worry about other things. I know one action I can take now to help me next month, but it will not give me any help this month. I will take that action tomorrow after I returned from the food bank.

Fortunately, I will work outside my house one day in April and one day in June. That helps a little, but not very much. I am thankful for what I have. I have enough food to eat. I can scrape enough money together once a month for gas in the car, but I have to be careful about driving the car because it uses gas, which I can only purchase once a month. Usually writing helps my depression, but this blog entry is not alleviating. I do not think it is making the problem worse, but it is not making it any better.

I am going to post this entry and then I will take my vitamin D tablet. After taking the vitamin I will say some prayers. After saying prayers, I will attempt to write a story or poem. I hope that one of those things helps my depression. I will be so glad to see the sunshine again.

Tuesday's Topic: Ten Days Until Spring

Fiḍal (Grace), 9 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Tuesday, March 10, 2015 about 11:06 am Pacific Daylight Time

On Friday, March 20, 2015, at 3:45 pm Pacific Daylight Time the sun crosses the celestial equator and spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere. The birds are already celebrating the new season by building nests, singing, and starting families. The oak tree in the courtyard of my apartment complex is celebrating the season as well. It is leafing out and its limbs are turning green with the new leafage.

I am looking forward to spring. I can but away my heavy winter sweaters and sweatshirts. I can begin making iced tea and iced coffee. I can have my door open for part of the day. I know eventually it will get too warm for me to have the door open all day, but I can open the door in the early morning and late evening. I love spring because it brings pleasant memories from my childhood. I can stop making soup or I can eat the soup cold because it is getting too warm for hot soup.

There are only two problems with hotter weather. First, the power bill will increase because I have to use the air conditioner to cool my apartment. Second, my car does not have a working air condition so I have to drive with the windows down to keep cool. I am sure other things will come up during the late spring and summer, but I will handle them as they come along. Right now I am looking forward to the arrival of spring.

Meditation Monday: Attempting to Pray and Meditate

Kamal (Perfection), 8 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 171 BE - Monday, March 9, 2015 11:31 am Pacific Daylight Time


I've been in a mental fog all morning because of the spring forward. This always happens when the clocks are moved forward or back and it takes me almost half a day to get over the fogginess. it is difficult to pray, meditate, or do anything else when I'm feeling like this. Unfortunately, I have to go to the store this afternoon to pick up a prescription. I will say a prayer of protection before I leave the house. I may also sit in my car and say another one when I leave the grocery store.

If I didn't have to pick up the prescription I would stay home, but if I don't pick it up today then I'll have to go to the store tomorrow. I don't know if the fogginess I'm feeling is causing me to worry. I'm worried about everything this morning, which isn't like me. I normally just worry about a few things, but not today. i'm tired, not sleepy, so I will go to the store to get the things I need. I need to just take a deep breath and put everything in God's hands. Today I'm having difficulty doing that and I'm not sure why. It could be just the foggy effect of the time change. Whatever it is I wish it would go away.

I will post this and then get ready to go. The postal carrier just left so I can stop at my mail box on the way to the car to see if I got any letters or bills. I will be alright as soon as I get used to the time change and getting up an hour earlier each morning.

Spiritual Sunday: Daylight Savings Time Meditation

Jamal (Beauty), 7 Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Sunday, March 8, 2015 2:10 pm Pacific Daylight Time

I look at the sun,
I look at the clock
and the clock reads
2:00 pm.

My mind tells me
it shouldn't be that late
it feels like only one o'clock.

Then I realize
we sprung forward this morning
my alarm went off
at 3:00 am
instead of four o'clock.

The birds are singing happily
because they aren't
attempting to save daylight time
they enjoy the sun
while its shines.

Saturday Summary: An Interesting Week in Las Vegas

Jalal (Glory), 6 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Saturday, March 7, 2015 about 12:50 pm Pacific Standard Time

It's been an interesting and somewhat stressful week here in Las Vegas. I managed to accomplish some of my goals, but not all of them. I got the refrigerator and the freezer reorganized. When I reorganized them Thursday and Friday, I thought I would make the job a week goal. However, after thinking about it, I have decided to stay with the monthly reorganization of both the refrigerator and the freezer.

I still have a lot of housework to do this month. Because I can only stand on my feet for a certain amount of time before I have to sit down it takes me longer to do housework then it used to. I think that is normal because I remember my mother and grandmother slowing in that area as they aged. I always said getting old wasn't for wimps. Anyway I can do some stuff like cleaning off the desk or the side stand next to the couch while I am sitting down.

This week I also managed to submit a story to a contest. The story was shorter then I wanted it, but I did submit it. This coming week I have to watch the word count to make sure any story I write is longer then 1,000 words. One of my weekly goals is to write a short story of 1,000 plus words each week. I can write between housework chores if I can pull myself away from the story, poem, or blog entry I am working on. Blog entries and poems usually are not a problem, but pulling myself away from a story is difficult because I want to finish it in one setting.

Midweek Reflections: On the three signs of old age

Idal (Justice), 3 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Wednesday, March 4, 2015 about 4:39 pm Pacific Standard Time

An Old Joke

What are the three signs of old age?
Lose of sight,
Lose of hearing,
And I can't remember the other one.

Author Unknown

OK, that joke may only be funny to those of us who have recently encountered a Senior Moment. My latest encounter with this phenomena was today when wrote a poem for a contest on writing.com. I thought I remembered the rules unfortunately I forgot the one about the rhyming poetry only. I can and will write another poem for the contest.

The poem I wrote today is called Under the Snow. It is about the coming of spring. I am not sure what the rhyming poem will be about. I could write one about spring. I could write on about the Senior Moment phenomena. I could write one about ear plug. I could write a poem about music pounding through the walls of my apartment, which is why I want ear plugs.

The contest ends on March 28 or March 31 (I have to check the closing date). I want to write the poem before March 16. The music is still pounding through the walls. The words are... words I do not use. They are distracting and upsetting. However, that is another post. As soon as I get the ear plugs I will write about the music I hear every day that I do not have ear plugs.

Tuesday's Topic: Day Light Savings Time

Fiḍal (Grace), 2 ‘Alá (Loftiness), 171 BE - Tuesday, March 3, 2015 about 12:20 pm Pacific Standard Time

It is that time of year again when the clock jump ahead one hour and I spends the next seven days in a haze. It takes a little while for the human body and mind to get used to the new clock settings. In spring, my mind thinks that it should be earlier then the clock says. For about a week the both my mind and body make it make getting up at 4:00 am difficult when they think its 3:00 am. I have to get up early to take medication at least one hour before I eat my first breakfast.

My first breakfast usually consist of fruit or something light to go with my coffee. After that I can do housework, go online, or leave the house. There was a time, when I was much younger, that I could go without eating before leaving the house, but not any more. I have to have something, even if it is only a can of fruit or bowl of cereal before going out. The more I plan on doing while I am out of the house the bigger breakfast I have to eat.

Daylight savings time begins at 2:00 am on Sunday, March 8. and it ends at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 1. In November it will take me another seven days t o get used to the time change. I wonder if anyone has ever did a study on the effect of daylight savings time on the brain or body. If not, I think they should because I am sure that would be an interesting study and a good thing to know.

Meditation Monday: Silence, Tranquility, and Music

Kamal (Perfection), 1 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 171 BE - Monday, March 2, 2015 about 4:59 pm Pacific Standard Time

Silence encourages meditation and prayer. The house is never noise free, but sometimes the neighbors music stops pounding through the walls and the house becomes tranquil. At these times my mind feels the tranquility that accompanies the absence of modern music. I know that the music I listened to as a teenager and young adult was just as loud and distracting as that played by young adults today. I know that sometimes my parents and grandparents or their friends would shake their heads when I payed my music, but they never said anything to me about it. Therefore, I do not complain about the music I hear my neighbor play.

There are times during the day when I wish my neighbor would pick a different genre of music. I suspect my parents thought the same thing when I payed my music, but they never said anything. I know that my neighbor enjoys his music just as much I enjoyed and still enjoy mine. I accept all kinds of music because it reflects the culture and background of the individual.

As I write this the music has started again. The music is not as loud as before and this is the way the music goes all day. It starts, a song plays, it stops for a bit, and starts again at a lower volume. I think both my neighbor and I need to find jobs that get us out of the house during the day. I know that I need some time away from my apartment and I am sure he does as well.

Some of his music I enjoy listening to, but not all of it. There are some songs that are offensive; however, I am not the one playing the music. If it gets too offensive then I can t take a short walk to the alley. The problem with the offensive music is that it interferes with prayer and meditation. I have a blanket to put over my head so that I can cut down on visual distractions when I meditate. I think I need to purchase earplugs to cut down on auditory distractions.

Spiritual Sunday: A Day of Food, Fun, and Fellowship

Jamal (Beauty), 4 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há), 171 BE - Sunday, March 1, 2015 about 4:03 pm Pacific Standard Time

I spend the morning out talking with friends and eating. I enjoyed the relaxation and the fellowship. We laughed. We ate. We caught up on our life events. I came home, spent some time online, and then I went out with another friend. We laughed. We got food to bring home. I am tired. I have enough food to last me a two or three days. This is good because I am going to attempt to stop snacking.

My goal for the next nineteen days is to cut down on the snacks. This means that instead of spreading my meals over the day I have to sit down, consume the main course, and then have my desert then. I cannot eat between meals. This will be a bit difficult because I am used to snacking whenever I feel that I am hunger. I can have water or coffee between meals, but any other liquids such as juice, hot tea, or soda I have to have with my meal.

I should be able to give up the snacks for nineteen days without any difficulty, but I could be wrong. As I wrote, I am used to snacking. I usually do most of my between meal eating when I am at the computer. When I feel like I want a snack I will have to either ignore the feel or find something to distract me. I know that one thing I can do iw get up from the computer and do housework. I can also take a walk outside or pick up my prayer book and read a prayer.
 

Saturday Summary: At the End of a Hectic Week

Jalal (Glory), 3 Ayyám-i-Há (The Days of Há), 171 BE - Saturday, February 28, 2015 about 8:02 am Pacific Standard Time

The last week in February 2015 was a weird and hectic week. I believe part of the problem concerns the way I go about accomplishing my goals I establish. My housework goals need to bee more concrete, while I need to set a time limit on I know this because of what happened yesterday. I did some port housekeeping and editing in one of my books. I spent a couple of hours (I think) working on the same items and I got so mentally tired at the end that I could not think. When I do this type of work I have to set a time limit so that I have a break between editing sessions.

As for the housework, I am going to follow my mother's example on that. Mom always set a time limit on each task. If she did not get a task finished, such as cleaning out the cupboards, in the time allotted then she would continue the task either later in the day or the next day. Another thing Mom did is list the housekeeping chores she wanted to accomplish or had accomplished during the day (usually before she went to work). Mom always knew what she had finished and what she had to work on the next day or after she got off work. I should have known when she stopped doing this (after she officially retired) that something was wrong

Midweek Reflections: Sometime Miracles Happen

Idal (Justice), 19 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Wednesday, February 25, 2015 about 5:18 pm Pacific Standard Time

I experienced a miracle today. Yesterday I wrote a shopping list so that I could go to the supermarket today when I went to deposit a check in the bank. This morning I went to get my Senior commodities allotment. I got the food and came home, took it out of my pushcart, and then did some writing before checking the mail. I had not seen the postal deliver person, but I checked the mailbox anyway.

The check I was expecting arrived, so I came back into the house and got ready to go to the store. I thought I had everything in my purse I needed so I took my pushcart and went to the car. Come to find out, I had almost everything in my purse that I needed. I did not have the grocery list. When I put the check in my purse I neglected to put the grocery list in as well.

I went to the bank, deposited the check, and went to t he supermarket. I purchased several items and then came home. Once here I checked the grocery list to see what I had forgotten. I did not forget anything. I purchased every item on the list and then some. Since I purchased all the items on my list I do not have to go back to the supermarket tomorrow for anything.

Tuesday's Topic: A Windy Tuesday in Las Vegas

Fiḍal (Grace), 18 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Tuesday, February 24, 2015 about 4:20 pm Pacific Time

Sunday and Monday it rained. Today the wind is blowing. I have been cold for three days, two days because of the rain and one day because of the wind. It is warmer today then the past two days, but now there is a windchill factor. I have not turned the my air conditioning unit on all month because most of the days it was two warm for the heat and not hot enough for the cool air. Even though it was cooler (it felt cold to me) I did not turn the heat on because of the electric bill. I am hoping and praying I can avoid using it until the end of March.

On April 20 or 21 I will turn the unit on long enough to switch from warm air to cool air. I will then turn it back off so that I can enjoy opening my door. I like to have my door open because I can see who passes by my house and I hear the birds singing. The birds have been singing all month so they must think it is spring. I even hear birds sing yesterday when it was so cold out. I am thankful it is not snowing here in Las Vegas because I am not sure I could stand being cooped up in my apartment.

I do not go out much, but I can get out when I want to. If it snowed I would not be about to leave my apartment when I wanted to. The problem is not staying inside but not being able to leave when I want to.

Spiritual Sunday: A Cloudy Sunday

Jamal (Beauty), 16 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Sunday, February 22, 2015 about 11:24 am Pacific Standard Time

Gray-white clouds cover
the beautiful Sunday blue sky
and conceal morning's bright sun.

I give thanks for the cloud cover
and the patches of blue
peeking through.

Breakfast-brunch consumes,
dishes waiting for hot soapy water
and the leftover hotcake batter
waiting for me to decide
if I want an egg
or a spicy chicken patty
to accompany the hotcakes
for an afternoon snack.

I give thanks for the birds
singing in the pine tree
across the street
and for the pigeons
that walk past my front stoop.

A cloudy Sunday morning
is becoming
a cloudy Sunday afternoon.

I give thanks
for a day of rest
and a cup of
hot black coffee.

Saturday Summary: The Weather in Las Vegas, Nevada

Jalal (Glory), 15 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Saturday, February 21, 2015 about 1:23 Pacific Standard Time

There are seven more day in February 2015. There are twenty-seven days until the vernal equinox when winter is transformed into spring. It sounds like spring here in Las Vegas because the birds are singing. It feels like spring with temperatures ranging from the low fifties to the low seventies, but it is still winter. Even this late in the season the temperature could still turn frigid. I am prepared for almost anything.

I have not yet washed and put away my winter sweaters or blankets. I am not sure where I will store them since I do not have a lot of storage in this studio apartment. The storage I do have is out of my reach even with my step stool. I cannot store them in the cart I use to transport my groceries from my car to my apartment. I have three plastic storage containers that I could use, but I have to go through the stuff in them to see what the items are and then I have to figure out what to do with them. This means I will be doing the spring cleaning, which I started this week, until summer solstice arrives.

It takes me so long to do spring cleaning because I have to do it in sections. I clean little bit and then I write a bit. That way I get some writing and cleaning accomplished each day. That may not be the wash one should do it, but that works for me. It takes me longer to get the work accomplish that all right because I like alone. It also may take longer because I do not have anyone to help. There are advantages to doing your housework without someone to assist.

It is 67 degrees with a few scatter clouds. The high today is expected to be 72 degrees. The weather is nice and warm in the afternoons. In the morning the weather is nice and cool. I have not had the warm air on all month. I will turn the cool air on around March 20. which is the date of the vernal equinox this year. Now the only thing to figure out is whether or not I need to get a filter for the central air unit and then how to put it in the unit.

Foodie Friday: Grocery Shopping Memories

Istiqlal (Independence), 14 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Friday, February 20, 2015 about 3:57 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went grocery shopping today. As usual, it wore me out. I remember going grocery shopping with my grandparents and I do not remember them getting worn out from just walking down an aisle in a grocery store. I know that I am not in that good of health, but I do no think I should be this tired after purchasing food. I have to be doing something different then my grandparent to get this tired.

One thing that my grandmother always did, which I do not always do, is make a grocery list. Grandma would make the list the day before and then check it the day she went to make sure she had written down everything she needed or wanted. Another thing my grandparent did was to start at one side of the grocery store then work their way to the other side by going down each aisle. I am a bit more haphazard in my approach to grocery shopping. In fact, I sometimes find myself returning to an aisle because I thought of something that I needed. I have to go grocery shopping again next week, so I will try my grandparents method. I might not get as tired and I could get everything I want in one trip.

Thankful Thursday: February 19, 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 13 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Thursday, February 19, 2015 about 3:16 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

01. ... that the exterminator came to put traps out in the kitchen for the mouse I saw running through my apartment.

02. ...for coffee because it tastes wonderful while I am composing a blog entry.

03. ...that the February/March 2015 issue of The AARP Magazine arrived today.

04. ...for the bird that has been singing in the pine tree all day.

05. ...that there are beautiful thin white clouds sailing across the blue sky.

06. ..
.for beautiful warm and not hot weather we are experiencing in Las Vegas.
07. ...that I can have my door open so that I can look outside and watch the clouds sailing across the sky.

08. ...for the vegetables I have in the refrigerator to eat as a snack rather then eating sweets.

09. ...that I still have five bottles of ginger ale in the refrigerator to drink with my apple juice.

10. ...for the card I received through the mail today from a friend.

Midweek Reflections: On the Singing of Birds

Idal (Justice), 12 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Wednesday, February 18, 2015 about 5:28 pm Pacific Standard Time

Every morning when I open the door I hear the birds singing. They must think it is spring because they sound so happy. The weather has been nice. It's been so nice that I have not turned the warm air on all month. It is not warm enough to turn the cool air on, so the unit remains off. I suppose I will have to figure out how to put a filter in it this year. I am not looking forward to that, but perhaps if I purchase the filter then the rental agent will send their maintenance person to change it for me.

The birds stop singing after school lets out and the neighborhood children begin to play and make noises. I do not think the birds care for the noise the children make in the late afternoon or early evening. I, on the other hand, enjoy listening to the kids play and make happy noises. It takes my mind off the lonely feeling I sometimes get living by myself. All though I am not as alone as I thought I was.

I had an encounter with a mouse this morning. It was a bit of a shock because I did not think about a mouse or mice getting into my apartment. I knew there were mice in the desert, but I did not think about them getting into my apartment. Now every time I see a shadow out of the corner of my eye I take another look to see if it was a mouse or just a shadow. I called the rental agent so I expect to hear from their exterminator soon.

Tuesday's Topic: Rearranging the Freezer

Fiḍal (Grace), 11 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Tuesday, February 17, 2015 about 12:25 pm Pacific Standard Time

Every time I go grocery shopping, I have to rearrange the freezer two or three days later. I do not rearrange it the day I put the items away because I procrastinate. I could give another more logical or illogical reason, but the truth is that I procrastinate when it comes to rearranging the stuff in the freezer. I probably have the rearrange the lower part of the refrigerator as well, but that will h ave to wait a couple more days or a couple more trips to the grocery store.

I have to remove some chicken pieces from their original containers and put them in the Tupperware® meat keepers I have in the freezer. I also have to remove the toaster waffles from their containers and put them in one of the Tupperware® containers I keep in the freezer. My freezer isn't very large so I have to make sure everything is organized so that I can find it when I want something. This means I have to reorganize or rearrange the freezer every couple of weeks or so. Sometimes its a bit inconvenient, which is one of the reasons I don't do it immediately. The other reason is being tired after I get home from the grocery store.

Since I am planning to go to the grocery store either Wednesday or Thursday, I need to rearrange it today so that I can see if I need to purchase more frozen fruit or something like that. After I rearrange the freezer I will take the trash to the alley and I will not have to make two trips.

Meditation Monday: Growing Miracles - A Poem

Kamal (Perfection), 10 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Monday, February 16, 2015 about 12:15 pm Pacific Standard Time

Out of difficulties grow miracles.

Jean de la Bruyere

Valentine's Day is over
and a new week has begun.

The Monday blues
has come and gone
now it is time for a little fun.

I smile because I know
that difficulties grow miracles
that bloom from the stem of faith;
all that is necessary
is to open your mind to
the possibilities.

A mornng spent in prayer
produces a joyful afternoon.

I am not alone
because I have the Lord
and the revealed word.

Spiritual Sunday: Sunday Thoughts about Mood

Jamal (Beauty), 9 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Sunday, February 15, 2015 about 11:55 am Pacific Standard Time

I woke up in a good mood. I recited a prayer and intoned God's Most Great Name. I took my medication, I made a carafe of coffee and then I went to writing.com to do some work before eating breakfast. I have to wait about an hour after taking my medication before I can eat. I did some writing and a review before I started breakfast. Sometime after I took my medication and before I ate breakfast my mood began to change. It began to descend into depression.

I fixed breakfast and then I went to YouTube. I listened to Hank Williams Sr singing "I Saw the Light". Next I listed to a couple of Baha'i videos that had some of the prayer set to music. My mood lightened, but then my mood always gets better when I listen to spiritual music. I am in a better mood now so I heated up the soup I have been eating all weekend. I will finish it off today.

As long as I take some time to meditate and pray then my mood will stay positive. That is good because now I am not feeling very well physically. I am not sure what is causing the problem, so I am going to take a break in a few minutes to say the Long Healing prayer. I will not go to the ER or one of the clinics unless I absolutely have to so. If I am still feeling this way tomorrow then I will call one of my doctors to see if I can get an appointment.

Saturday Summary: Happy Valentine's Day

Jalal (Glory), 8 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Saturday, February 14, 2015 about 2:49 pm Pacific Standard Time

I guess it's a Happy Valentine's Day. For someone it's a Happy Valentine's Day. I'm in a mullygrubbing mood today, which means I'm an bit depressed and wanting to collywabble. I think part of the reason for my mood is Valentine's Day. Today is the day for couples to celebrate their togetherness and I am alone.

Being alone on Valentine's Day is no fun. All the couples in the neighborhood are out somewhere doing couple things to celebrate the day and their togetherness. It's been a long time since I had someone to help me celebrate Valentine's Day. It's been a long time since I celebrated Valentine's Day. I'm not in a relationship. I don't even have a secret admire (at least not one that I know about). Sometimes my horoscope mentions my love life and a relationship, but I think that is just wishful thinking on the part of the horoscope.

I haven't received chocolates or roses from anyone in years. I think the thing I miss most about not being part of a couple is the lack of sharing. I don't have anyone to share a carafe of coffee. The only one I have to make breakfast or any other meal for is myself. I like my cooking and I like cooking for myself, but once in a while it would be nice to cook for someone else. It would be nice to have someone to cook for me.

Thankful Thursday: What Am I Thankful for Today?

Istijlal (Majesty), 6 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Thursday, February 12, 2015 about 3:23 pm Pacific Standard Time

Normally, I list the things I am thankful for in numerical order. I do not feel like making a list like that today, therefor I will try something a bit different.

I am thankful for
homemade chicken apple soup
tomato garlic spice

I am thankful for
the pine tree across the street
partly cloudy sky

I am thankful for
the police cars that drive passed
afternoon sunshine

I am thankful for
the birds singing in palm trees
hot English black tea

I am thankful for
the sound of children playing
afternoon shadows

I am thankful for
the bright afternoon sunshine
gourmet candy corn

I am thankful for
the sound of the neighbors dog
music through the walls

I am thankful for
the perfume of late winter
the scent of clean clothes

I am thankful for
sound of Harley-Davidson
music to my ears

I am thankful for
pigeons walking past my door
and the new neighbors

Midweek Reflections: On Late Winter in Las Vegas

Idal (Justice), 5 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Wednesday, February 11, 2015 about 4:50 pm Pacific Standard Time

It doesn't feel like winter in Las Vegas. The temperature today was in the low seventies with scattered clouds. When I went to the grocery store about 10:30 am I wore a light sweater over my dress. I don't think I needed the sweater outside, but I did in the grocery store. It gets a bit nippy in the store especially in the frozen food department. I purchased some frozen berries to go with my breakfast or to eat as a snack.

I looked for some fresh okra or frozen okra, but the store I went to didn't have either. I will have to go to another store further south on Maryland Parkway to get the frozen okra. Maybe I will check at the Mexican supermarket to see if they have fresh okra. I prefer fresh okra, but the fresh frozen works just as well when frying and it's a bit cheaper then the fresh okra. I don't think I will go tomorrow, but you never know.

It is late winter here in Las Vegas, but it feels like early spring or fall. That is why I thought about purchasing okra. When I eat fried okra it reminds me of Oklahoma. My grandfather always planted okra in his garden. My grandmother would fix fried okra as long as we could pick it. I don't remember her canning the okra so I don't purchase canned okra. I can fix the fresh or fresh frozen okra easier, even when I don't fry it, then the canned okra.

I am enjoying the springlike weather here. I just hope it doesn't suddenly get cold because I h ave not turned on the warm air in about seven or eight days. I like it when I don't have to turn on the warm or cold air because I can have the door open most of the day without it getting either too hot or too cold in my apartment.

Meditation Monday: Meditation on Sunset

Kamal (Perfection), 3 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Monday, February 9, 2015 about Sunset Pacific Standard Time

The sunset behind Mount Charleston,
one day ends
as another begins
without fan-fair
or noisy celebration.

As the sunsets
the sky is transformed
from deep blue,
to pale blue,
to off white,
and then to black;
the sky is transformed peacefully
and calmly
from day
into night.

As the sunsets
behind Mount Charleston
the street lights come on
driving darkness outside
their pools of light,
shifts change,
people go home to rest,
but Las Vegas never sleeps.

Spiritual Sunday: A Beautiful Sunday Afternoon

Jamal (Beauty), 2 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Sunday, February 8, 2015 about 12:13 pm Pacific Standard Time

It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in Las Vegas. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the sky is a cloudless blue. It sort of reminds me of Sunday in Oklahoma. I remember when Grandpa Frank and Grandma Mary took us to church on Sunday morning and then in the afternoon we would play outdoors. Grandma always fixed fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed peas or spinach, and homemade apple or cherry pie with ice cream for desert. I loved Grandma's creamed spinach and homemade pies.

I remember that on Sunday morning we would attend Sunday school classes and then church services. I enjoyed singing in the choir. Grandpa Frank always smiled when he saw one of my siblings or me singing. This morning, I was on YouTube listening to different renditions of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". The memory of singing that song came back and I had to smile because I know that my singing voice could never do justice to it, but I like to sing it anyway. I always sing it enthusiastically, which may have been one of the reason I made the choir.

I have not been back to Blackwell, Oklahoma since I left years ago. I used to want to go back and visit, but now I am not sure. I would compare the city the way it is now with the way I remember it. I know if I did that I would be disappointed because the city, like myself, has changed. I am 68 years old and I no longer practice the same religion I did when I was in Blackwell. I still enjoy hearing the songs I sang in church, but I am no longer Southern Baptist.

Foodie Friday: February is National Canned Food Month

Istiqlal (Independence), 19 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Friday, February 6, 2015 about 3:29 pm Pacific Standard Time

In honor of canned food month I am posting a recipe for vegetable soup made with canned vegetable. When using canned vegetable drain the liquid off before using it in soup or any other recipe because this will cut down on the salt. A friend of mind said she also rinses the vegetables before using them because that helps cut the salt, since I have not tried this I cannot say how well it works, but it is worth a try.

1 can of green beans
1 can of corn
1 can of peas
1 can of mixed vegetables
1 can carrots
1 can potatoes
1 can beans
7 cups of water (that is one cups of water for each can of vegetables). If you want more water then go ahead and add it.
1 to 3 dashes of Tabasco® sauce for each can of vegetables (This depends on how "spicy hot" you want your soup.)
1/4 tsp. of Mrs. Dash® Original Salt-Free Seasoning Blend (If you prefer one of the other Mrs. Dash® blends then go ahead and use it instead.)

Mix all the ingredients into an electric skillet or soup pan and heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until it is hot and then serve it with your favorite crackers or put it over rice.

Thankful Thursday: The first Thankful Thursday in February 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 18 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Thursday, February 5, 2015 about 12:00 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

01. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn.

02, ...for the walnut and maple pancake mix a friend sent me for Christmas. I fixed myself two of the hotcakes this morning for breakfast with an egg. I have enough left over for breakfast on Friday or Saturday.

03. ...that I remembered to get a small bag of flour when I went grocery shopping yesterday. I can now fix fried eggplant properly. The last time I fixed it I did not have the flower to bread it so it did not turn out the way it should.

04. ...for the sale on Folgers' coffee that Smith's Food and Drug had yesterday. I was able to purchase a container of my favorite dark roast for less then normal when I went grocery shopping on Wednesday.

05. ...that I am now able to pay my rent online, which means I do not have to go to the bank or leave the house on the third of each month unless I want to.

06. ...for the check I received through the mail yesterday because it helped me purchase some much needed items.
07. ...that I was able get some snack items (candy and sweets) from one of the food pantries. I have enough to keep my sweet tooth happy for a while so I do not have to spend money on snack items.

08. ...for the jugs of apple juice I have in the refrigerator because now I do not have to purchase juice for a while. This means I can spend money on meat, vegetables, eggs, and other staples.

09. ...that I only have to have the warm air on for a little while in the morning to warm up the house a bit after I get up.

10. ...for the beautiful sunshiny afternoon because it will be warm when I take the trash to the alley.

Midweek Reflections: Handicapped Only Parking places

I don't get upset easily most of the time. However, today I saw something that really pissed me off. It was three young people (by young I mean somewhere in their early to middle twenties) parked in a handicapped only space and went into the grocery store. It was a man and two females. After he got out of the car he pulled his pants up so his butt crack would not show when he was walking into the store. One of the girls (I will not call them women because a woman would not let her man park where he did). All three walked into the store without difficulty.



It is difficult for me to walk, but I have not yet gotten a handicapped placard to put in my car so I do not park in handicapped only spaces. Those spaces are designated for people who have a hard time walking great distances. I know that there are some young people who have problems walking more then 200 yards without stopping to rest. If a person has a medical problem that prevents them from walking a long way then get a placard, but do not use those parking places unless you really need them. There are people who need them and if those spaces are used by healthy people then those who really need them have to either wait until a car moves struggle to walk into the store.

 

Tuesday's Topic: Rearranging Cabinets

Fiḍal (Grace), 16 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Tuesday, February 3, 2015 about Sunset Pacific Standard Time

I have to rearrange my Cabinets again. The last time I rearranged them I moved everything from the cabinets below the sink because it was difficult to get to t he canned goods. This time, when I wash them out, I will put the paper goods down there. The cabinets in the bathroom are difficult for me to reach without getting up on a stool so I am moving the paper towels and toilet paper to the cabinets below the sink. It is easier for me to bend down and get them then to climb on a stool and then reach above my head to retrieve those items.

I still have to find a place for my cookware, which is setting on top of the stove. I have no idea where I will put those items. If I leave them on top of the stove then I have to move them each time I want to cook something. This apartment is small, almost too small, but I cannot afford anything else. As it is I can barely afford this one without having difficulty paying some of the bills. I have to figure out how to do this, I know if I just work and pray then something will open up or the money will come. I have to increase my income and that is going slowly.

Meditation Monday: Groundhog Day

Kamal (Perfection), 15 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Monday, February 2, 2015 about 4:44 pm Pacific Standard Time

Punxsutawney Phil, the official prognosticator of spring, saw his shadow today. Another six weeks of winter with everything that goes with it. I am tired of winter! I am tired of the cold penetrating my bones. I am tired of wearing four or five layers of clothing just to keep warm. I am looking forward to spring and my shadow is looking forward to spring. I want to go outside, look up at Mount Charleston and smile because the mountain is not covered by snow.

the white mountain crest
glistens in sunsets gold rays
where is the green grass

I made soup again today because that is the only food that warms me up enough to get through the chilly desert days and cold nights. I will be glad when I can put my sweaters away (if I can find a place to store them in this apartment) and get out the few spring and summer clothes that I have. I thin my shadow and I will go clothes shopping at some of the second hand stores this spring to see if we can find something cool and comfortable to wear. I know that the arrival of spring means summer is coming, but I will deal with summer when it gets here.

six more cloudy weeks
filled with chilly rain and wind
I want warm weather

Spiritual Sunday: At the Beginning of a New Month

Jamal (Beauty), 14 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Sunday, February 1, 2015 about 2:32 pm Pacific Standard Time

At the beginning of a new month I sat in my studio apartment listening to the music echoing through the walls. The neighbor is playing his music, which is not spiritual or religious. I am considering getting earplugs so that I do not have to listen to it on Sunday. The music does not enhance or encourage a spiritual feeling. If I could afford something better then I would move, but living on a fixed income I am lucky to afford this place. As it is I am having difficulty paying the power bill.

That is enough complaining especially when it does not change my situation. The only thing I can do is pray and work. I can pray for my neighbor and I can work to increase my income. Eventually my situation will change, but it will not change as long as I continue to complain about it. At 68, I know that nothing stays the same. I know that God will open the way to a better life. I know that I am in this location and situation for a reason; I may not know the reason at this time, but God will reveal it to me as the days, the months, and the year advances.

At the beginning of a new month, I can feel a change approaching. I know that when I feel this way that something in my life has changed. Sometimes I do not know what that change is immediately. Sometimes I can see the change, but this time it is concealed from my eyes. I have to practice faith knowing that my situation is in God's hands and that God will take care of me.

Saturday Summary: At the End of a Good Week

alal (Glory), 13 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Saturday, January 31, 2015 about 2:02 pm Pacific Standard Time

The week of January 25 to 31 has been a good week. I created a new recipe which I posted yesterday. I have the To Do List for February 2015 completed. I still have an internet connection and electricity to my apartment. I my checking account was not overdrawn. I was able to pay for all the prescriptions I had filled. I was able to have my tag renewed and I have gas in the car. I have enough food in the house to last for a week or so. I have enough snacks to last a couple of weeks if I do not get depressed.

I ate chicken and rice today for lunch. This afternoon I am fixing the piece of beef I purchased at the supermarket. I put some sweet peppers and an orange in it. When the sweet peppers have cooked a while I will add a couple of apples and maybe a potato. Since I will not eat it today I may wait until I warm it up tomorrow or Monday to add the apples and the potatoes. I think I will add an onion as well, so I my put the onion in today instead of the other two items.

Foodie Friday: Eggplant and Apples

Istiqlal (Independence), 12 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Friday, January 30, 2015 about 1:42 pm Pacific Standard Time

Eggplant and Apples

1 medium to large eggplant sliced
2 medium to large apples (any type of apple) sliced or diced
1/4 to 1/2 cup broth (any type of broth)
1 or 2 small to medium green onions cut into small pieces
5 or 6 squirt vinaigrette dressing or marinade
3 or 4 dashes of green Tabasco® sauce

Mix all of the ingredients together in an electric skillet or a sauce pan. Put on low to medium heat and let it cooked until done. For those readers who are looking for an exact cooking time you will have to figure it out for yourselves. I fixed this by turning the electric skillet on low and then checking every few minutes to see if the food was ready to eat. I know that is not normally how one cooks, but that is the way I cook.

I will fix this dish again. When I do I know that the recipe will change because I never make anything exactly the same twice. I used chicken broth for this recipe, but the next time I may use beef broth or vegetable broth (I have to purchase vegetable broth the next time I go to the store). I do not know what kind of apples I used because they were given to me. The apples I used this time were yellow and red.

Thankful Thursday: The Last Thankful Thursday in January 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 11 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Thursday, January 29, 2015 about 12:37 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

01. ...that I found seven t-shirts that I can wear this summer. Three of the t-shirts have designs that Mama painted on them.

02. ...for the cloudy and nice late autumn day we are experiencing in Las Vegas.

03. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn.

04. ...for the pound of ground vanilla coffee I received when I picked up some free food yesterday because that means that, with the coffee I already hve, I do not have to worry about purchasing coffee for at least another month.

05. ...that I found two purple pajama tops which I can wear this summer to sleep in, with the two nightgowns I have this gives me four sleep items.

06. ...for cranberry apples juice. I make it by adding three cans of apple juices to one can of condensed cranberry juice.

07. ...that I received a jug of grapefruit juice when I picked up the free food yesterday because I can mix it with the apple juice I have in the refrigerator to make grapefruit apple juice.

08. ...for snack crackers because they make good snacks without adding anything to them.

09. ..
.that I was able to increase the points in several of my survey accounts this afternoon.

10. ...for ginger ale because I can add it to fruit juice.

Midweek Reflections: Sparkling Water

Idal (Justice), 10 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Wednesday, January 28, 2015 about 3:28 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went to a church this morning that gave away food. One of the things I received was a 1 liter bottle of Apricot & Peach Sparkling Water. I have not had any sparking water since before November 29, 2012. I did not know how much I missed the taste of fruit flavored water. I have a filter pitcher I use for water here at home and I keep small bottles of water in the refrigerator to take with me with I leave the house. I carry the small bottles with me because the large bottles are too heavy to carry in my purse.

The next time I go to the grocery store I will purchase some fruit flavored bottled water to drink at home. The 1 liter bottles are just the right size to sit on the wooden television stand beside my computer. I have to have some type of liquid to sip while I am working online. When I stop working to take a sip of water, juice, or coffee it gives me a chance to think about what I am working on or what I have to do next.

Tuesday's Topic: Getting Lost in the Supermarket Parking Lot

Fiḍal (Grace), 9 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Tuesday, January 27, 2015 about 4:33 pm Pacific Standard Time

I went to the supermarket today to pick up my eye drop prescription. I figured while I was in there I would purchase a few items to make stew. I got my prescription and my grocery item. I left the store to go to my car that is when I realized I forgot where I parked my car. I walked down the lanes in the parking lot looking for my car. I finally found it and then realized how I had forgotten where I parked it.

When I parked the car, I saw a shopping cart in another lane so I went over to get it. I got the cart and went into the store. Because I walked up a different lane to get into the store, I thought I parked in a different lane. I will be more careful from now on because it is scary to lose your car in a parking lot. True the experience brought back memories from my childhood. I remembered a grand uncle who was always losing his car. When he lost his car he went to the police station and the found it for him. That was a long time ago in a small town and in another state.

Meditation Monday: Never Give Up!

Kamal (Perfection), 8 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Monday, January 26, 2015 about 3:26 pm Pacific Standard Time

"Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."

Harriet Beecher Stowe

Never give up! Never give up on anything because Harriet Beecher Stowe was right. At the point of giving up something is about to change. In this case the mini food chopper I ordered on November 1, 2014 arrived. I checked the website I ordered it from and the projected shipping date was December 1, 2014 by t he manufacturer. I have waited, waited, and waited for this items. I checked the website every week and it always showed the projected shipping date as December 1, but, as of yesterday, I had not received it. Today I was ready to contact the website by e-mail because it had taken so long to ship it.

The food chopper arrived today. The deliver man must have thought I was crazy because I was so happy to get the package. I opened the package, removed the food chopper, and now I am ready to use it. I have to pick up a prescription on Tuesday, so while I am in the store I will purchase some fresh vegetables. I have two sweet peppers in the refrigerator and all I need for a salad is some radishes, celery, onions, and maybe some carrots. I am looking forward to making my first salad with the food chopper. I might purchase a small piece of beef to make some beef stew with the vegetables.

Spiritual Sunday: Why do I title Sunday entries Spiritual Sunday?

Jamal (Beauty), 7 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Sunday, January 25, 2015 about 11:06 am Pacific Standard Time

Spiritual Sunday is a leftover from my childhood. Every Sunday Grandma Mary and Grandpa Frank would take us to church where we attended Sunday School. The church my grandparents attended was the First Southern Baptist Mission located in the Smelter Heights in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Every Sunday morning we would put on our best clothes, usually the new Easter dresses Mom or Grandpa bought us, and go to church.

At church we would listen to the preacher, singing in the choir, and attend Sunday school classes. In the classes we would learn Bible verses and hear stories take from the King James version of the Bible. Perhaps this is why today I prefer to read the King James version or translation of the Christian scriptures. In the Sunday school classes I remember memorizing the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23. I am sure we learned other scripture verses, but those are the only ones I remember today.

As I grew up, I began to realize that the spiritual feeling I got from "going to church" should be carried over the other six days of the week. I also began to realize that this did not always happen. Sometimes I did not feel the Sunday spirit carried over to the other six days. Sometimes I witnessed the way the people in church acted when they were not attending church services. As I grew up I began to understand that neither of these things should have an effect on the way I live my life. That I should live my live, no matter how other people live their lives, according to the scriptures, which meant treating everyone equally and as member of my family.

I will continue to title Sunday entries Spiritual Sunday. Sometimes the entries will be meditations on scripture verses from various scriptures. Sometimes I will write a prayer or supplication in the form of a poem or prose entry. Sometimes I will write about something that I encountered during the week which caused me to think about a scripture verse.

Saturday Summary: At the End of a long week

Jalal (Glory), 6 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Saturday, January 24, 2015 about 10:26 am Pacific Standard Time

At the end of a long week I still have an internet connection and electricity. I have made several blog entries without making any of them rants. I still have to have the tag for my car renewed, so I will go the the bank to deposit the check I received yesterday. After that I will have the car smog tested and then see if I have time to go to the Department of Motor Vehicles today or have to wait until Monday.

I finished the carafe of coffee I brewed this morning. I will wait until I get back to decide if I want to brew another carafe or clean the coffeemaker before brewing more coffee. Since I have not cleaned the coffeemaker in 2015 I need to clean it before making any more coffee or hot water for tea. I will take the trash to the alley on my way to the car. There are advantages of parking a car behind the apartment building. I do not have to make an extra trip to the alley on the days I have to leave the house.

The weather in Las Vegas has been nice. It is cool, but not so cold that I have to run the heat all day. It does get a bit chilly at night so I think I will have to rearrange the blankets on the loveseat I sleep on. I need to get a day bed or a recliner to sleep on. I think I would sleep better and be able to keep the cover over me at night. Between the pain and the cold air waking me up, I do not get much sleep. This morning it took a while for me to work the stiffness out of my right knee. I can walk better, so I think it is probably time for me to get ready to go to the bank.

Foodie Friday: Eating healthy on a fixed income

Istiqlal (Independence), 5 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Friday, January 23, 2015 about 8:43 am Pacific Standard Time

It is difficult to eat healthy on a fixed income. It is difficult to follow a special diet when you get most of your food from food banks which give you a lot of canned goods. One of my doctors put me on a low phosphorus, low protein, and low potassium diet. Most canned goods list only the protein content, while a few cans list the potassium content. I have not found any that list the phosphorus content. This means that I have to search food websites to see what the phosphorus content might be, if that ingredient list on the ingredient labels on the website.

I have three handouts, which my doctor gave me, listing some of the foods that contain the forbidden ingredients. The problem is that some foods can be low in phosphorus and high in potassium. This makes choosing healthy foods even more difficult then it already is. Sometimes I get very frustrated when it comes to figuring out the contents and then making the portions small enough so that I can eat the food. The good thing about labels is that they list the serving in a can and also how many cups a serving contains. This means that I can cut down the serving size to an amount that my body can handle. At least I can if the amount of phosphorus, protein, and potassium are listed on the label. If the amount of those ingredients are not listed then I have to pray that the food either does not contain the forbidden ingredient or that the amount is so small my body can handle it.

On a positive note, since I do live on a fixed income I can get a food stamp card. This allows me to purchase fresh fruits and vegetable which are listed on my diet. Because some of items are more expensive then others, I still have to watch what I spend. Since I am 68 and living alone, I purchase the fresh frozen vegetables as much as possible. This allows me to measure the serving sizes and gives me a larger variety of vegetables to use in my recipes. If I had children or a spouse and was living on a fixed income I do not know how I would handle it.

Thankful Thursday: Thoughts on Gratitude and Thankful Thursday

Istijlal (Majesty), 4 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Thursday, January 22, 2015 about 12:59 pm Pacific Standard Time

I am tired. I am weary. I am worried. I need to find something to be thankful for, but the only things I can think of are the things I have listed before. I know that one should always be thankful for what they have. Gratitude for what you have means you are ready to accept the blessing of receiving something to do not have. The problem is that I think there is something else I should be putting on my gratitude list. I am not sure what that something else is at this time. Maybe I am too close to t he situation or item to see it clearly.

Today I am thankful...

01. ...that I was unable to get the loan I applied for yesterday because now I know that I have to check my credit report to find out what it contains.

02. ...for the cooked chicken quarters I have in the freezer because I can make soup out of them with canned peas and green beans for lunch and dinner.

03. ...that I still have electricity to keep the refrigerator and the freezer running because I have several food items in them that would spoil if I had no electricity.

04. ...for freshly brewed hot coffee. Yes, I know I have listed this before, but this is one of the things I am thankful for everyday.

05. ...that I was able to purchase $5.00 in gas yesterday. If I am lucky the gas in the tank will last me the rest of the month or I will be able to earn enough money to get another $5.00 or $10.00 in gas.

06. ...for the canned vegetable I have in the cupboard above the sink because I can make vegetable soup for the rest of the month without worrying about something to eat.

07. ...that my Bank of America checking account is not overdrawn.

08. ...for the beautiful warm January afternoon because the sun is shining and the warm air has not come on for the last few hours.

09. ...that I still have an internet connection so that I can attempt to earn some money online.

10. ...for the filter pitcher I have because I do not have to worry about using the bottleed water in the refrigerator. The bottle water is for me to carry when I leave the house.

Midweek Reflections: Credit Report and Other Stuff

Idal (Justice), 3 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Wednesday, January 21, 2015 about Sunset Pacific Standard Time

I am writing this sometime before or after sunset. I cannot seem to think because of a long and weary day. I spent the morning attempting to get a loan without success. I may find later that it was a good thing, but right now I am not sure. I have to call one of the companies that keeps track of credit to see what is going on. I thought I knew everything that was on my credit report, but I obviously do not. I will call the number on Thursday to get a credit report. At this point, I am lucky to write a blog entry much less deal with anyone about my lousy credit.

I do not seem to be worried, which is really weird because I normally worry about everything. I still need to get my tag renewed or give up the car. The advantage to giving up the car would be no more car insurance payments. The disadvantage would be getting around town. It is difficult for me to walk long distances and I have to walk several blocks to catch a bus. I have other bills besides the car tag and the car insurance; if I do no have a car then I would have some money for some of my bills. I will deal with this decision on Thursday or Friday. I have to get the tag on or before January 27, so I can make the decision this weekend if I cannot get the money from a family member before next Tuesday.

Tuesday's Topic: Depression on a Cloudy Tuesday Afternoon

Fiḍal (Grace), 2 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Tuesday, January 20, 2015 about 3:26 pm Pacific Standard Time

It is a cloudy Tuesday afternoon and I am depressed. I am not happy which means I need to take some type of action to solve the problems that may or may not be causing my depression. I have to find a dress clean dress or pair of slacks to wear when I go out on Wednesday. I have to attempt to find some help for my financial problems which are causing part of my depression. I am taking action on Wednesday morning to see if there is something someone can do to assist me in this issue.

I get the feeling there is a solution to my problem that I am not seeing. The only way to solve my problem is to take action of some type. The problem is that I am so low I believe or rather think that nothing I do will help. That may not be true. I need to take action instead of worrying. I am going to attempt to get a signature loan on Wednesday morning. I hope I can get it because I have to find a way to get my car tag next week.

I pray I am doing the right thing. I know that everything will eventually level out and I will be able to increase my income to pay for the signature loan. I have to keep an up beat attitude and avoid depression. Depression cause me to procrastinate, which does not help my situation. Procrastination only makes the situation worse. Procrastination is like clouds it only makes depression worse. Worrying works the same way as procrastination and clouds.

The only things that seem to help my depression is writing, praying, taking action, and sunshine. Since I suspect sunshine is a few days away the only other alternatives are prayer, writing, and taking action. I can deal with depression easier when I do one or all of those things. I wish everyone a happy Tuesday.

Meditation Monday: Taking the First Step

Kamal (Perfection), 1 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Monday, January 19, 2015 about 2:24 pm Pacific Standard Time

Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

I contemplate the quote. I ask myself if I have taken the step of faith in accomplishing my goals and getting myself out of debt. The answer I receive is an ambiguous "Yes and No". I solved one problem by taking the step of faith. I figured out why I could not transfer money from a survey account to my PayPal account. I called technical support and with their assistance solved that problem. Then I transferred the money to my PayPal account and then to my bank account. That only solves part of the issues because the next step is more difficult.

I take a deep breath and begin to get everything together that I need to go to the loan department on Tuesday. It is possible the answer will be "No". It is also possible the answer will be "Yes", I do not know unless I ask. I have to take the step of faith and do something I have never attempted before. I have ask permission of five people for reference, I have all the document I need. and I have figured out how I will pay the money back. It is just a matter of picking up everything I need and walking out the front door on Tuesday morning.

I intone a prayer.

I put everything in God's hands.

What more is th ere for me to do.

Spiritual Sunday: I Know God Loves Me

Jamal (Beauty), 19 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Sunday, January 18, 2015 about 1:24 pm Pacific Standard Time

Yesterday someone left a flyer on my screen door that read "God Love's You" (in all capital letters). I looked at it and then meditated upon the message. I have thought about the message of and on for the past twenty-four hours. I picked up the flyer again today and read the message along with the scripture verse printed on the flyer. The scripture verse reads "but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (in all capital letters) Joshua 24:14. Today, as I read the message and the verse, I thought about how I serve the Lord.

I prayer everyday. I attempt to meditate either on the prayer I read or recite or just silencing my mind. The question is "How am I serving the Lord?" Do I volunteer my service outside my home? Do I help my neighbors without expecting something in return? I know that one way I serve the Lord is by writing and blogging. Then I ask myself "How do my blog entries serve the Lord?" Are my blog entries positive? Do I encourage my readers to attend spiritual services? Do I write about the spiritual services I attend?

It has been a while since I attended a spiritual service. I read the scriptures and prayers of my chosen spiritual path. I have even memorized some of the prayers that I read everyday. I stopped attending spiritual services when I became caregiver for my mother. My mother died on November 29, 2012 and it is now 2015. I know that I have attended some spiritual services since Mom died, but not vary many. I am not sure why I have not attended regularly, maybe because I just got out of the habit. If that is the case then I have to make the effort to get back into the habit of attending spiritual service.

Saturday Summary: January is a Stressful Month

Jalal (Glory), 18 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Saturday, January 17, 2015 about 2:17 pm Pacific Standard Time

January is always a stressful month because it is the beginning of the Gregorian year and everyone is either looking forward to the New Year or dreading it. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2015, is the end of the second full week with about 50 weeks to go in the year. It is still winter with spring several weeks away, which I am both looking forward to and dreading.

I am looking forward to spring because I will not have to turn the warm air on when I get up in the morning. I am dreading it because it means that I may have to turn the cool air on in the afternoon. It is more expensive to keep my apartment cool in the summer then it is warm in the winter. In winter I can leave the warm air off and put on layers of clothing to keep warm, but in spring and summer I have to use the cool air in the afternoon to keep my apartment and computers cool.

I am still having financial issues. I have to have my car tag renewed this month which will cost between $90.00 and $100.00. I also have to pay the power bill, the internet bill, and a couple of other on-going bills. Fortunately, I do not have to worry about food. I do have to worry about purchasing nonfood items that I need to use for cleaning and other things. I know that if I keep praying and working things will work out, but sometimes it is difficult to keep a positive mental attitude. Especially when my back is hurting the way it is t his afternoon. I think I will post this and go wash dishes or say a healing prayer to see if the pain in my back goes away.

Foodie Friday: Fish twice a week

Istiqlal (Independence), 17 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Friday, January 16, 2015 about 2:14 pm Pacific Standard Time

Cans of pink salmon
sit in my cupboard waiting
a new recipe.

My doctor told me
I could have fish twice a week
I thought fresh frozen.

Went to the food bank
where I received several cans
of tuna and pink salmon.

How do I prepare
them so that I do not get tired
of eating canned fish?

Thannkful Thursday: Rearranging the canned Good

Istijlal (Majesty), 16 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Thursday, January 15, 2015 about 3:28 pm Pacific Standard Time

This afternoon I am thankful...

1. ...that I moved the cups I drink out of from the cupboard to the desk where I keep the coffee and tea canisters.
2. ...for the extra room in the cupboard I acquired when I moved the cups and glasses I do not use to the top shelf of the cupboard.
3. ...that, after moving the cups and glasses, I had one extra in the cupboards above the sink to use for my canned vegetables and meats.
4. ...for the extra shelf in the refrigerator I acquired when I moved the canned fruit from the top and bottom shelf to the middle shelf.
5. ...that I found my missing storage container when I rearranged the canned fruit in the refrigerator.
6. ...for the box of snacks I found when I empties a plastic grocery bag of canned goods. I forgot about the box of snacks being in the grocery bag.
7. ...that I now have a plastic bag full of other plastic bags under the sink. I use the plastic bags as trash bags and now I do not have to go looking for a trash bag when I need one.
8. ...for the two cardboard large boxes I have in the house because now I have something to put the clothes that I take out of the closet. The clothes in the boxes I will give to Big Brothers and Big Sisters in a couple of months.
9. ...that I still have two empty cupboards under the sink that I can store something in as soon as I wash them out.
10. ...for apple juice because I can use it for so many different recipes.

Midwek reflections on Cooking Chicken

Istijlal (Majesty), 16 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Wednesday, January 14, 2015 about 5:36 pm Pacific Standard Time

I cooked chicken today. I had about eight pieces of frozen leg quarters I got at one of the food pantries a few days ago. I took them out of the freeze and cooked them all. It took me almost all day, but I have enough chicken to last me the rest of the month. I put most of the cooked chicken parts back into the freezer, but I kept a couple out to go with the vegetable stew I made this afternoon.

I used frozen vegetables so the stew was easier and quicker to cook then the chicken. I divided the soup into storage containers so that I can freeze some of it. I will have a leg quarter tomorrow and another one on Friday. The rest I will eat next week because I want to open a can of salmon this weekend to fix with a green salad. I don't get large amounts of chicken often, but when I do I like to have some of it with soup.

A Turkey Burger Afternoon

Kamal (Perfection), 13 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Monday, January 12, 2015 about 3:34 pm Pacific Standard Time

I have a package of turkey burgers in the freezer, which I opened when I got home about 11:30 am. I cooked two of them, ate it, and then had to go out again. I have the other one waiting for me to make a sandwich. I need the protein because I spent the morning driving all over Las Vegas. I still have to go out again tomorrow because I have to deposit a check.

I went to the food bank this morning where I received a box of canned goods. I have not checked everything, but I do know one of the cans is pink salmon. I think I will fix that in the morning with some eggs and maybe a green salad. I also got a bag of frozen chicken part which I put in the freezer when I returned home.

I have to reorganize my freezer either on Wednesday or Thursday. It depends on when I go to the bank with the check I received through the mail today. I should go to the bank in the morning after I transfer some money from my savings account. I have a bill that I need to pay ASAP, but I am not sure if I have enough money because I am expecting something else to come out of the account this week. I will fix the other turkey burger and then see how much money I have to work with for the rest of the month.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Jalal (Glory), 11 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Saturday, January 10, 2015 about Sunset Pacific standard Time

I'm online today, but I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to get online. It is January and I'm having financial problems. I need to pay my Internet provider, my power bill, and get the tag for my car renewed. I don't have enough money to deal with all three items. I might be able to handle one or two if the check I'm expecting comes this week. If it doesn't then I'll have to decide which is more important.

I would ordinarily say the car and the electricity, but without Internet access it is difficult for me to increase my income by even a few dollars. Catching a bus is also difficult for me, but I am able to get paratransit buses to my apartment so I can go to doctor's appointments. Those are expensive as well at least with a car the only thing I usually have to worry about is filling the gas tank up.

The problem is that everyone I know is in about the same fix I am. Short of money and little chance of increasing the income this month. Perhaps I will just let the Internet drop, but then I would have to go to the bank, grocery store, or power company to pay the bills. At least with an internet connection I can pay bill online and earl a little money online.

I think at this point the best thing I can do is pray. There could be a source of money I'm not seeing because I'm so worried about the finances. By praying and putting the situation in God's hands I may be able to see through this financial fog.

Thankful Thursday: January 8, 2015

Istijlal (Majesty), 9 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Thursday, January 8, 2015 about 3:35 pm Pacific Standard Time

Today I am thankful...

1. ...that my checking account is not overdrawn.
2. ...for homemade okra soup with hot spices.
3. ...that it was warm enough today to turn off the hot air and open the front door.
4. ...for hot coffee to go with my homemade soup.
5. ...that the birds were singling all morning and part of the afternoon.
6. ...for the beautiful blue sky I can see when I look out my front door.
7. ...that I can place all my worries in God's hands and know that everything will turn out for the best.
8. ...for music I hear from the neighbor's apartment because it makes me smile.
9. ...that the police drive up this street at regular intervals.
10. ...for the noise of Metro's helicopter flying over my neighborhood.

Tuesday List: Ten Things to do on Tuesday

Fiḍal (Grace), 7 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Tuesday, January 6, 2015 about 11:48 am Pacific Standard Time

1. Get out of bed and turn on the heat.
2. Say prayers while snuggling under covers.
3. Take medication before brewing coffee.
4. Make breakfast in toaster while coffee is brewing.
5. Say more prayers while staring blankly at computer screen.
6. Respond to blog prompts on writing.com.
7. Check clock on computer to figure out what time I have to start getting ready for doctor's appointment.
8. Start lunch so it is ready to eat before seeing doctor at 2:00 pm.
9. Keep an eye out for the postal delivery person because I am expecting important bills.
10. Stir soup to see if it is ready to eat before getting ready to see doctor.

2015 Off to a good start

Jamal (Beauty), 5 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Sunday, January 4, 2015 about 4:00 pm Pacific Standard Time

I have decided to forget the New Year's resolutions and make a To Do List instead. That way I can check off each item off as it is accomplished. I have worried and fretted over the past five or six days about my New Year's resolutions for 2015. I am procrastinating so rather then make the resolutions I am writing To Do List and then checking the items off as I accomplish them.

There are a few items on the list that will take a few weeks to complete, but at least I have a  plan and an approach to solving my some of my problems. I have to stop procrastinating. I have to stop worrying because worrying causes stress and stress causes me to forget things. It also causes me to avoid opening mail that I need to read immediately upon receiving it.

I will make another post later with some of the items on my To Do List. I finished the To Do List for dealing with the items in my writing.com port. I now have to work on doing something around the house. I know that I can do whatever I set my mind on, sometimes I have to force myself do what I need to do.

Twenty Fifteen is off to a good start. I have the momentum going and I have to keep up the effort in order to accomplish something. I also have to say prayers because I need spiritual help to make myself do things and to take action.

2015 Resolutions

Jalal (Glory), 4 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Saturday, January 3, 2015 about 4:33 Pacific Standard Time

It's three days into 2015, I'm still considering my New Year's resolutions. I know that most people usually make their resolutions on either December 31 or January 1, which is what I normally do. However, this year I'm a bit slow in creating them. The problem is that I don't feel like doing the normal New Year's resolutions this year.

I've been feeling for several months that there is a change in my life. I'm not sure what has changed, but I know something has change. I have the feeling that there is something different, something out of the ordinary occurring in my life, but I don't know what it is. Perhaps it has something to do with the 95-Day Gratitude Challenge that I completed today. I'm not sure what is different, what has changed, but I know something has changed.

I think I will focus on spiritual goals this year instead of material goals. In the past I've focused more on the material side of my human nature. However, I need to focus more on the spiritual especially now that I'm 68 years old. Things that used to worry me don't bother me any more and the things that once didn't bother me now seem important.

One of the things that is now important is my spiritual life. Another is ending procrastination, which has bothered me all my life. Perhaps the problem is that I know I don't have very many more years to live and the spiritual has become more important then the physical or material aspects of my human nature. This year I will make spiritual resolutions instead of material resolutions.

Friday Evening Thoughts

It's Friday, January 2, 2015 and I'm a bit tired. I was yawning a few minutes ago, but now I'm wide awake. I'm awake and I'm tired. I think it's because this is Friday and I have a lot to do this weekend. Tomorrow I'm going to eat leftover soup because I made a large batch on Thursday, January 1. I want to eat that up before I purchase canned soup at the store.

A chilly evening
with temperatures in the high forties.
Tonight in the low forties
or high thirties;
a cold desert night.

After Sunset on December 31, 2014

Istijlal (Majesty), 2 Sharaf (Honor), 171 BE - Wednesday, December 31, 2014 about 5:46 pm Pacific Standard Time

It is after sunset on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 and in about seven hours a New Gregorian Year will begin in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am sitting at my computer writing this entry while planning the spinach and collard greens soup I will fix tomorrow. I have already cooked the pigs feet for the soup, which I will finish tomorrow.

I cooked two pigs feet with some spices. Tomorrow I will add the spinach, collard greens, and sweet peppers, but I am not sure what else I will add. I may not add anything else or a may add some frozen okra or what ever else I have in the freezer. Along with the soup I am planning on fixing a green salad with some type of dressing. I do not know what type of dressing yet because I want to wait until tomorrow to see how the soup taste before I decide on the salad dressing.

Monday Meditation: A Poem

Kamal (Perfection), 18 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Monday, December 29, 2014 about 4:54 pm Pacific Standard Time

Reading a poem
does not drive away winter's chill,
but it warms the cold nights of the soul.

Writing a poem
does not comfort the body,
but it describes the bone chilling
loneliness of  the soul.

Year End Thoughts

Jalal (Glory), 16 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Saturday, December 27, 2014 about 3:50 pm Pacific Standard Time

Four more days in 2014 and it it time to consider the lessons learned. What lessons did you learn this year? Did your faith increase or decrease? Normally we look at the increase or decrease in profits at the end of the year, but today I want to look at the increase or decrease in faith.

Faith
the evidence of things unseen
and the ability to move forward
through a dense fog while staying
on our chosen path.

Faith is important because it sustains an individual in difficult times and gives hope that the situation will get better. Faith is all that has kept me moving through 2014 because a fog seemed to surround me. I did not know how I was going to survive, but I did. I found help when I needed it. I still need help, however, I know that if I look and ask the help will come.

Christmas Day 2014

Istijlal (Majesty), 14 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Thursday, December 25, 2014 about 1:56 pm Pacific Standard Time

On Christmas Day
I made coffee from freshly ground bean
and sipped it from my favorite cup
while composing blog post
for my writing.com blog.

On Christmas Day
I made gingerbread pancakes
for breakfast.

On Christmas Day
I contemplated my Christmas Eve birthday
and turning 68 years young.

On Christmas Day
I fixed homemade spinach soup
for dinner.

On Christmas Day
I intoned God's Most Great Name
and smiled.

Eight Day and Counting

Fiḍal (Grace), 12 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 23, 2014 about 4:49 pm Pacific Standard Time

Eight days left in 2014. Eight days to review the years and set new goals for 2015. One of my goals for 2015 concerns the low phosphorus, low protein, and low potassium diet I am attempting to follow. I say attempting because sometimes I am successful and sometimes I fail following the diet. The problem I have is that I get some of my food from food banks, which means some of the items are high in either protein, potassium, or phosphorus. Unfortunately, most of the contents list protein and/or potassium, but not phosphorus. This means I have to look up the phosphorus content on the internet or take a wild guess and hope my guess comes close to being right.

I have three handouts my doctor gave me that list the protein, potassium, and phosphorous in fresh foods, but not in canned or prepared foods. Some of the canned foods list the potassium count, but not the phosphorus count. It is difficult to find the phosphorus count. I have almost cut beef out, I still eat a little beef when I fix some soups or stews, but not very much.

I have taken to making my own soups and stew, most of the time. Sometimes I get canned stew or canned beef with the food I pick up at the food banks. I usually use that when I fix soup because I can regulate my portions better. The coming year will be interesting when it comes to finding a way to stay on my diet, while getting enough to eat.

Sunday Morning Meditation: Sunday, December 21, 2014

Jamal (Beauty), 10 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Sunday, December 21, 2014 about 9:47 am Pacific Time

On the next to the last Sunday in 2014, I contemplate the numerous blessings I have received  I have received more blessing then I can count on the fingers of one or two hands. I have survived in a studio apartment for eleven months.

I have enough food in the house to last the rest of the week. I can afford to pay for my medication. I have an internet connection. I have electricity. I can purchase more food or coffee when I go the the store this afternoon to pick up my prescription.

I am going to purchase some more fresh vegetables and some chicken breast to go in the soup I am making for Christmas Even and Christmas. I will make soup for New Year's Day as well. I like soup in winter and it  is easier for me to each my fresh vegetables cooked then to eat them raw.

Is it the season or my age?

Istiqlal (Independence), 7 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Thursday, December 18, 2014 about 6:56 pm Pacific Standard Time

I feel rushed. I feel as if I do not have time to do anything. Is it the season of the year? Is it my age? I am not sure which one causes me to feel rushed. It could be that I have spend the last three days running all over Las Vegas, which put me behind (even farther) at home. I remained home today, but I still did not get everything accomplished that I needed to get done.

Tomorrow, Friday, I will be out of the house all afternoon because I have to have someone take me to Boulder City so that I can drive my sister's truck into Las Vegas. My sister will be in Sunrise Hospital for I do not  know how long. Tomorrow I will go to the hospital, pick up the keys to the truck, and drive it back into Las Vegas. Then I will see if I have to go to Searchlight on Saturday to take care of her house there.

I feel rushed

pushed to the limits

of my daily schedule.

I just need to trust in God that everything I have to do will get done. After I have the necessary stuff accomplished then I can do anything else I have time to accomplish or work on. I am going to post this now, so that I can go back to doing something else.

Shorter Days and Longer Nights

'Idal (Justice), 5 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 16, 2014 about 5:43 pm Pacific Standard Time

Shorter days fly by
Longer night tiptoe to dawn
The temperature drops

I feel rushed as the short days fly past and descend into evening. I have so much to do, so what did I do today? I spent the entire day in the car driving across Las Vegas and not getting anything accomplished in the house. Do I feel guilty? No! I am relaxed and unworried. I have things to do tomorrow which will take me out of the house, so I probably will not get back home until after dark.

Night driving stressful
But sometimes I enjoy it
I worry too much

It is past sunset here in Las Vegas. I am tired from my from my drive across the city. My back hurts because I was in the car so long. I enjoyed my day away from my apartment despite the pain and not  accomplishing much. I will get the dishes washed tonight. I will get the trash ready to carry out  in the morning. I will write. I will not  go to bed until about 10:30 or 11:00 pm.

Sunset a new day
The weariness moves on
The pain melts away

Sunday Supplication: December 14, 2014

Jamal (Beauty), 2 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Sunday, December 14, 2014 about 4:38 pm Pacific Standard Time

I give thanks
for all the blessing
I have received.

I give thanks
for the beauty of this day
and the cloudless sky.

I give thanks
for the warm hoodie
I wear when I leave the house.

I give thanks
for the shelf of music CDs
and for the CD player
I just purchased.

I give thanks
for the tests that
I encounter everyday.

For everything
I give thanks.

I went to the Laundromat on Friday

Jalal (Glory), 2 Masá’il (Questions), 171 BE - Saturday, December 13, 2014 about 10:45 am Pacific Standard Time

I went to the laundromat on Friday morning after I picked up my eye drop prescription at Smith's Food & Drug store. I knew rain weather report called for rain, but it was my understanding that the rain would not arrive until late afternoon. I figured I would have time to pick up my prescription and finish the laundry before the rains started.

I was wrong! I picked up my prescription and then went to the laundromat. I arrived at the laundromat before the rains started. I put clothes into one triple load machine and blankets in another. Then I went to the change machine to get $5.00 in quarters. Next I put one load of clothes into a single load washer. While the clothes were washing I went next door to Money Tree to get a new card from them because I lost my old one in the move.

I went back to the laundromat without getting wet because it rained. I relaxed a little while I waited for the clothes to finish washing. I took the clothes out of the washers and put them in dryers. Just as the clothes finished drying (about 1:30 pm) it begin to rain. When the clothes were dry, I put them into my push cart, covered them with a couple of sheets, and took them to the car.

After loading the clothes into my car, I drove home in the rain. I unloaded the clothes from the car and put them back into my cart. I pushed the clothes to my apartment, while it was still raining. It did not stop raining until after I got the clothes into the house. Fortunately, the blankets did not get wet. The sheet that did get wet I hung over furniture to dry. I do not have a drying rack in my studio apartment because I do not have room for one.

I am glad I can stay home today and recover from yesterday. I am eating hot homemade chicken soup. I am drinking hot tea or hot coffee. I cannot warm up the apple juice because my microwave throws a breaker when I use it and I do not  have a kettle to heat the apple juice on the stove. I do not want hot apple juice anyway. I would rather drink hot coffee, tea, or water to warm up.

Thankful Thursday: December 11, 2014

Istijlal (Majesty), 19 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Thursday, December 11, 2014 about 11:59 am Pacific Standard Time

I am on day 72 of my 95-Day Gratitude Challenge, which I have listed on Facebook and kept a separate journal on writing.com. I have struggled with writing, keeping the journal, and doing housework for the past 72 days. I do not think the housework issue has anything to do with the difficulty I have at finding things to be thankful for, but I could be wrong.

I am thankful for
cloudy skies in December
and cold autumn rain.

I have 23 days left in this 95-day Gratitude Challenge. I am going to finish the challenge and the entries in my writing.com journal Welcome to My Weird Life. One of the issues I am facing is making entries in this blog, Poet999 - A Butterfly Emerges from her Cocoon. I cannot do daily entries so I have attempted every other day entries, which seems difficult as well. I am pushing myself, but I don't think I'm pushing myself hard enough.

I am grateful for
a rooster's call at first light
the birds are singing.

This is catch up day because I have spent the last three days running around the city. On Tuesday and Wednesday I had doctors appointments, while on Monday I did grocery shopping. On Friday I have to do laundry and pick up a prescription. I'm not sure what else I will have to do that day, but I know something will come up.

Take it in the Ear Day

Kamal (Perfection), 16 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Monday, December 8, 2014 about 11:54 am Pacific Standard Time

This is Take It In the Ear Day it is one of those days that is celebrated for no particular reason. No one know who created this day or the reason it was created. I live alone, so I can understand why it was created and by whom. It was created by someone who lived alone and did not have a pet. That person did not have anyone to talk to so he or she created Take it in the Ear Day in order to find someone t o talk to. That may not be the reason, but it sounds good to me. At least it would sound good to me if I said it  aloud.

When you live alone then saying things aloud means you are talking to yourself. That is not a good idea when you live in a studio apartment and the walls are thin. You can hear everything through the walls or all most everything, so it is not a good idea to talk to yourself when you live alone in an apartment with thin walls.

A Stressful Time of Year

Jamal (Beauty), 15 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Sunday, December 7, 2014 about 2:01 pm Pacific Standard Time

Is December just a stressful time of year? I don't remember last December being this rushed or stressful, but then last year I still lived in the house instead of an apartment. I wonder if that could have anything to do with the stress. It could be that I feel the financial crunch more this year then last year.

I don't do Christmas shopping so the only financial issues I have are paying bills that are not holiday related. I feel rushed and when I feel rushed then I stress. Sometimes I just want to give up, but I know that I can't. perhaps the problem today is the need to fax some information on Monday or Tuesday, but the person I need to talk to hasn't called me back.

I think I'll get offline for a little while and do some housework to see if that relieves the stress I'm feeling. I'll also say some prayer because prayer always helps when I'm feeling stressed. I don't know what else to do at this point. I have to do something about the stress because it is interfering with my creativity.

A Cloudy Friday in Las Vegas

Istiqlal (Independence), 13 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Friday, December 5, 2014 about 10:46 am Pacific Standard Time.

It is a cloudy 56 degrees here in Las Vegas. I think my mood has something to do with the cloudy and dreary look of the day. I am feeling down, however, the birds are singing and chattering in the trees. The joy of the birds contrast the look and feel of Friday, December 5.

I have the front door open so that I can hear the birds. I hope they can brighten my mood because something has to otherwise I will not accomplish anything today. All morning I have felt gray and depressed, which is the way the clouds look. I am tired of feeling down because I do not  think I have a reason to be depressed..

I am going to take the trash out  as soon as the postman comes. Perhaps the walk to the alley and back will cheer me up. I have a lot to do today and this weekend, I cannot afford to be depressed because I will not accomplishing anything. I am posting this before it becomes a rant.

Happy Tuesday

Fiḍal (Grace), 10 Qawl (Speech), 171 BE - Tuesday, December 2, 2014 about 11:38 am Pacific Standard Time

It is a happy Tuesday
waiting for the postman to come
looking forward to reading
the mail.

It is a happy Tuesday
reviewing on writing.com
and considering the next chapter
of Mark of the Blue Wolf.

It is a happy Tuesday
saying prayers,
intoning the revealed word,
meditating on the beauty
of a cloudy day.

It is a happy Tuesday
looking forward
to taking out the trash
and then checking
my mail box
to see if I received anything
besides bills I need to pay.