November 11th thankfulness

Today is Veteran's day, so naturally, I thank God for those men and women who have served in the armed forces. They've sacrificed much to serve their country, and I thank them!

I'm also going to thank God for doctors. My mom, who has gone through extensive surgery to remove cancerous tumors in her face and neck just found out that the cancer has come back. After 5 months of grueling recuperation she faces surgery again. Her surgeon, after the last surgery, said that if it comes back there isn't anything they can do. Another surgeon who had been following her case feels that there is a chance he can help. They're calling him tomorrow for a consultation.

Please keep my mom, Helen, in your prayers, as well as the doctors and the nurses that heal us and make our bodies well.

My heart isn't really in a rant today, but here goes. Stop going to tanning salons. You increase the risk of skin cancer later in life everytime you tan. If you want to look healthy, put healthy foods in your body, exercise and drink lots of water. You don't need to change your color to look healthy. I'm not going to protest outside tanning salons. If you could see my mom and what she's going through, you may change your mind.

November 10th thankfulness

(One day late)

Today I am thankful for soy beans. As a recent vegetarian convert, I've relied on these marvelous fruits of God's earth to ease my transition. You can buy fake chicken nuggets, fake hamburgers, fake ribs, fake cheese, fake cream cheese, fake turkey slices- fake everything- all made out of soy products! Some of them aren't even that bad! What a wonderful, versatile vegetable! Go, edamame, go!

I'm in a good mood , so I'm not railing against anyone today.

November 9th thankfulness

Today I'm thankful my daughter came home. 'Nuf said.

November 8 thankfulness

Today I am thankful for my parents. My mom has gone through alot with cancer and the subsequent surgery. Her face is swollen, she can't eat, she can't talk very well and she's lost alot of weight, but she is being very brave in the face of uncertainty and adversity. I can't imagine what she's going through and feel helpless that I can't do anything to ease her pain or help her eat. But through all this, she doesn't forget her family and they are both willing to help out when their family needs something. I thank you, Mom and Dad, and Beena thanks you as well. Love you both! Be strong, Mom!

Today I'm going after the feminine products companies. Obviously, since some companies are producing tampons with cardboard applicators, it's a possibility. For crying out loud- O.B. doesn't even NEED an applicator. Why then, are these companies still producing plastic applicators? Ladies- is it really that important that your applicator "glide?" I won't go into how many pads end up in the landfill. Why must our applicators end up there too? I'm demanding that tampon companies that still make plastic applicators cease production and go green. A research trip to Walgreens tonight will be necessary for me to get a good idea on which products are increasing my carbon-footprint. I'll post links soon if you want to join my "bloody crusade!"

And by the way...I switched to cloth sanitary pads. They're cute, really comfortable, washable and best of all, I'm not sending around 300 pads a year to the landfill! I love Claire de Lune's cloth pads on Etsy.com. I've got my eye on those cute rocker skull pads!

November 7th

Today, I am thankful that this week has come to an end. I guess that doesn't count, really, because every Friday I'm grateful the week is over.

Okay- today I am grateful for Autumn. Walking to and from the bus stop every day, I have to wade through inches of unraked leaves. I don't mind, though. Walking through them brings up a crisp, fall smell which I love. One house I pass has a beautiful peach colored tree on their front lawn, and the leaves on the sidewalk form a colorful mosaic. It really is breathtaking! If I could make a quilt that reflects those colors, it would be beautiful!

The majesty of God!

What am I ticked off about today? The approach to Jamaica Station on the LIRR! The workers leave all their construction debris piled all over the place. Shovels, water bottles, railroad ties, metal plates, etc. What an impression it gives to all the tourists coming in on the Train to the Plane! Why doesn't anyone take pride in their work anymore? What would it take to find someplace else to pile all this crap? Why in between the tracks? It's such an eyesore. So, I'm writing a letter to LIRR President Helena Williams. I'll post the letter and the answer if/when I get it.

More tomorrow...

Thankfulness With Added Attitude

I surf the web. I surf the web alot. My job requires me to sit behind a computer, and sometimes run routines on Autocad. This takes awhile- if I smoked, I could go downstairs and smoke 20 times a day. So, instead of inhaling, I surf.

I run across alot of stuff on the interwebs. That's the main reason why I started this blog- to have all the links I've found over the years at my fingertips, instead of in my Favorites at work. What if I was laid off? Gasp! I would never find some of my favorite websites/blogs/lolcats!

Anywhoo, yesterday while I was surfing, I found this blog where the owner said she was going to post what she was thankful for each day of November. Well, I thank God privately in my prayers each day for what is given to me in my life. But I'm going to follow that woman's lead and actually say out loud what I am thankful for- one for each day in November. Okay, okay, I'm a little late- it's already the 6th. I'll catch up.

November 1st- I'm thankful for my Soccer mom friends. See this post to know why. I'm thankful today for them because I'm watching Zombiegirl and the Soccergirls play their semi final game, and even though we're in last place playing the first place team, the moms never give up cheering and rooting for the girls. Hugs go all around when the girls lose 5-3 but the encouragement never stops. These moms are awesome, and I'm blessed to have them as my friends. Even Ronnie, who wasn't there on for the game, made up for it with laughs Saturday night at Jason's party.

November 2nd- I'm thankful for St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in West Hempstead. It was All Saint's Sunday, and " take a friend to church" day. Zombiegirl took Haley and Tyler to church, then to music, then to Sunday School class. The teachers and the ushers and especially Pastor were so kind and welcoming that the kids want to come back this week! It is truly "a caring church for all people, sharing God's love!"

November 3rd- I'm thankful for my job. I know I complain about it, and it's really not the greatest job in the world, but at least I have one. As I see all the layoffs in the other divisions, and get word that my friends have been let go, I have to step back when I get aggravated and be thankful that I'm still employed.

November 4th- Election day. I'm thankful that I live in America and have the right to choose who I want to be President.

November 5th- I am thankful for my work "wife", and her sweetheart of an officemate. They didn't throw it up in my face that Obama won the Presidential election even though I did exhibit some childish, peevish behavior that McCain lost. I love these two, and I think they like me for who I am, even though I'm 20 years their senior and Republican.

November 6th- I am thankful for cilantro. Yes, I said cilantro. I just had a Veggie Burrito Bowl at Chipotle, and I think the crisp, clean taste of cilantro is one of my favorite flavors! Note to self- grow cilantro in the herb garden next year.

See- I've caught up. Now for the attitude portion of this blog...

I am so tired of being a wimp. When you work in NYC, you have to put up with so much crap from so many arrogant, ignorant people. It's hard to put people in their place, though, without risking a broken nose or a rabbit punch to the kidney. But there are little things that irk us that we can voice an opinion or complain about! So each day in November I'm going to post about something that ticks me off, and what I'm going to do to rectify it, or at least make me feel better that I did something about it. No violence- I'm not ready to punch the woman who keeps hitting me in the head with her bag on the F train. And I'm NOT grumpy. Just fed up. Feel free to peruse my "causes" below, and join in the protest and petitions! Once again, I'll catch up...

November 1st- I Contacted Stop and Shop about not having soy cream cheese and yogurt in their organic aisle. Stores actually listen to their consumers, so if your store doesn't carry want you want- ask for it!

November 2nd- I received a letter and check in the mail yesterday from Bank of America. I think it was for a referral for when Biggz opened her student checking account. I say think because the letter I received, as well as the insert WAS IN SPANISH! Now those who know me know my name is the least sounding Spanish name there is. It's German. I have no idea why BOA would send me a letter totally in Spanish. If they had a doubt as to whether or not I was Spanish, shouldn't they send it in English since THIS IS AMERICA? Taking time out tonight to write a letter to Mr. Kevin Miller, Vicepresidente of BOA. Should I write it in Spanish?!? I'll post it and the response when/if I get one.

November 3rd- I contacted The Town of Hempstead Highway regarding the bus stop shelter where I get the N6 in the morning. The glass is hanging out of the frame, and rattles every time a truck goes by. It's just a matter of time before it falls out. I'll post the letter and the response when/if I get one.

November 4th- I'm planning this weekend to take some "recycled" campaign lawn signs and post them in the creek area behind my house. All with the message "Curb your dog". People, myself included, walk their dogs in this area. It's owned by the county, so technically, we're not supposed to walk down there. Our family always cleans up after Spencer, but recently, there has been alot of poop down there- right on the pathway! Maybe people just need a gentle reminder. I hope so. I hate poop.

November 5th- I'm contacting my neighbor to ask him to clean up all the construction debris they left in above-mentioned creek area when they tore up their backyard.

November 6th- I contacted Pathmark about putting in a bike rack in front of their store. Since I'm walking and biking everywhere in the neighborhood, it would be nice to be able to do a little grocery shopping and know my bike would be there when I'm done. If they respond back, I'll let you know.

So I'm caught up. Check back daily! And I AM NOT GRUMPY!

BTW- SS23 is the winner by default for Hump day Hypothetical Question #1, and Beena is the winner of question #2! They'll each receive a $10 Dunkin Donuts Gift Card on Friday, November 7th! They'll be more Hump Day questions coming up next week. I'll announce the gift at that time- maybe we can get a few of the shy readers to comment!

My baby

My oldest, Beena, turns 20 years old today. How is that possible, when just yesterday, I was taking her to Kindergarten? When just yesterday, I was dressing her in a witch costume to go Trick-or-Treating tomorrow? When just yesterday, the dentist said she needed braces?

When did she become the woman I am so proud of?

When did I become old?

This past week, she's had off from work- she works at Mandee's- so she's been hanging around with the family until her boyfriend gets off from work, around 10 o'clock. Usually, since she works retail, I don't see her often. She goes to Adelphi University full time, then works until 10ish, then goes to eat with her BF. She's oftentimes not home until I'm in bed, and if I happen to be up, it's a quick hello, then off to bed. So it's been a real pleasure to have her home, eating with us, watching TV instead of treating home like a hotel. We've actually been able to talk and laugh and shop. I know Zombiegirl misses her if she doesn't see her for a stretch of time. They're very close. Beena even asked if she could go Trick-or-Treating with them tomorrow!

Last night we celebrated her birthday, because the BF has plans with her today- taking her into NYC for dinner and a cruise.

As I'm watching her open her gifts, I'm struck that this kid has grown up into someone special. We talked about how she's doing in school, and what her plans may be when she graduates. She's a math major, with an education minor- she wants to teach High School math! She's currently enrolled in a 5-year program combining her Bachelor's degree with a Master's degree. She still has her faults (she knows my pet peeves, but yet still continues to ignore me when I say anything. I AM still her mother, after all!) and her quirks, but she's developed a maturity that kind of snuck up on me. She's always been mature- she always helped out when Zombiegirl was born, and taught Sunday School, and babysat. I saw her last night however as a peer, or a friend, someone I would like to hang around with. The baby daughter is gone. The woman daughter has arrived.

I love you, Beena! Happy Birthday!

Don't forget the Hump Day giveaway here!

Hump Day Hypothetical Question #2

I can't believe a week's gone by since my last post! I have to post about the weekend...it was an awesome weekend of Halloween thrills!

Okay, since my only reader won last week's Hypothetical Question by default- don't worry SS23, you'll get your prize- I'll give her a shot at this week's Question:

If you could move anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be and why?

Comment by midnight Sunday, November 2, and I'll pick the winner by random (HA!) drawing.

Don't forget to turn the clocks back on Saturday night!

Hump Day Hypothetical Question

It's hump day. We're starting on the downward slide to Friday. This weekend should be lots of fun. Zombiegirl has her first Girl Scout outing Saturday morning. Much to her dismay, they're going to see High School Musical 3. Now this is a kid who would rather watch Dawn of the Dead right before bed, and who is going as Sweeney Todd (the Demon Barber of Fleet Street) for Halloween. Having to go see one of the "popular" tweeny movies is tantamount to pulling out her fingernails. But she said she'd go because her whole troop is going. Who knows- maybe she'll replace the song "Bones" by the Killerz with "Right Here, Right Now" from the movie on her MP3 player!

(I looked that song up. I really have no idea what the movie is even about!)

We also have a Halloween party for Soccergirl K (Mandy's daughter) Saturday night- I get to be a Fortune Teller! Last year I was a witch- see my myspace page. On Sunday, we get to celebrate my nephew Raymond's 4th birthday. My SIL Paula usually does a Halloween party for him because his birthday is the 29th. Funny- Beena would NEVER let me do a Halloween birthday party for her growing up. She was born on the 30th! Maybe for her 21st....

Anyway, I'm happy it's Hump Day. And I'm going to start a new tradition! Answer the Hypothetical Question in the comments section by October 26th, and the next day I'll pick someone (all one of you) at random for a giveaway! Here is Hypothetical Question #1:

If you could have coffee with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Comment by October 26th, and I'll email the winner on the 27th. Happy Hump Day!

Update to the Epiphany

It's been one month since my life-changing epiphany. How is my new vegetarian life going? Not as hard as I thought it would be. I'm still cooking meat for the family, but it's practically no effort to cook something else for me to eat. I do feel it's hypocritical of me to cook animals for everyone else while I'm protesting the meat industry, but my family is not going to change. One less person is better than none, I guess.

Healthwise, I feel great. I've lost 5 and a half pounds. I'm not as hungry as I used to be. I don't feel as grouchy as usual (people may dispute that, but that's how I feel!) For the first few weeks I didn't have any migraines, but then they showed up like bad realtives at Christmas. The changing of the seasons, and the fact that I haven't been to see Dr. Evelyn, my chiropractor, probably has a lot to do with the frequency of occurences. I just found a video that totally captures my "aura"- the time when the migraine shows up visually. Link is here.

To recap, I'm:

• not eating meat.
• not eating dairy, except for 3 mozzarella slip-ups, for which I paid for in bathroom visits.
• trying to eat organic.
• not eating refined sugar, except for finishing up the package of Twizzlers I bought.
• limiting myself to 1-2 cups of coffee a week, in dire emergencies.
• trying new veggies. Broccoli IS good!

I'm also taking my vitamins every night, and walking to and from the train/bus stop every day.

It's evident that this can be a healthy way of life for me. It takes a little planning, and things cost a little more, but the way I feel is totally worth it all for me!

Goals for next month:

• Try 5 new vegetables
• Have dark greens every day
• DRINK MORE WATER!
• Make a large meal on the weekend for lunches for the rest of the week.

Thirty days. That's what it takes to change a habit. And this is one "habit" I'm glad I changed!