Therefore By The Grace Of God Go I

     Well hubs got the news, he has 3 weeks left before he will need another job. Sigh...but we will get by, you do what you must.  But it got me thinking of those less fortunate.  Yes we are tight on money, we barely will make the bills. But we will do what must be done, but there are those who have nothing. We see them on the street, but do we really see them. They are people, they have families or had families. It may be a similar tale to ours,  but they weren't fortunate enough to keep the roof over their heads. We are fortunate. We have family and friends who love us and helped us.  Twice this evening hubs saw panhandlers. A woman asking for a few dollars and a man asking for donations to a very good cause. Hubs felt bad about the last one, the man from D.A.R.E. (Drug abuse resistance education) was very nice he said.  Hubs used to do work for them at the printing company he worked at years ago, the owner never charged them. The woman seemed sincere but how can you tell really? Yet if I had a few extra dollars I would have given her some of at least bought her some food. But I honestly didn't have one bit of cash on me.   I look at the ads for all the homeless children, animals and people out in the cold. I read about the abuse elderly people get in nursing homes. It's deplorable, and oh to have won that powerball.  The good that money would have done.  I always gave to The North Shore Animal League, and DAV (disabled American veterans)  I want to help.  There is no place nearby that has a physical place to help. I am thinking of volunteering at the county animal shelter, but right now my extra time would best be put to an extra job.  I'm getting in some OT this week which us a good thing.  NYC us my buffer, don't know what the next few months will bring but hopefully it's good.
     I never thought I would have this kind of struggle with money, but no one sees it coming. If you gave a good job, appreciate it.  A roof over your head, and friends and family to visit you, then smile and be very thankful.
     I still feel this Spring will be bring hood things. I don't know why, perhaps because I am seeing things in a better perspective, it just that I'm not going to host pity parties.  It's life, not always great but at least it keeps you on your toes. Dancing on my toes, oh how fucking awesome I'd be as a Ballerina.  Ha!! Pink tutu of course.  Maybe I'll dye my hair black, nah but perhaps a touch of pale pink? It's fun, why not?  I'm not old and yes, even though I'm not 20 anymore I can still have some flair.  But now it will take the form of stratigicaly placed strands of pale pink mixed with my blonde locks.   Oh I can't wait to run this past my hairdresser.  You think I'm daft right?  GOOD!!! I love tea so why not be a Mad Hatter once in a while?  This thought has me doing flippy flops inside.  I need to research colors...off to Pinterest I go....but first I must give cuddles to the cat. She just settled in next to me and is doing that kneading thing with her paws and purring......so fucking cute..Squeeeeeeee!!! I love her.  :-).    So ciao for now peeps.

Blizzard of 2016

      So the weathermen were correct, we got 30" of snow within a 2 day period. The official ruling for my area is 28, but it ended being 30.  Hubs went out to shovel and he's in a bit of pain. You know they still have not plowed our street.  You can't get out. You can walk to the main road, but there is no real way to get to work without the car.  He doesn't know anyone from work that can come get him. If they plow overnight he can go in. I took a vacation day as I didn't want to go in, as I figured it would be a right mess.
    All the photos on Facebook, including mine, showed all the snow that fell in drifts and prevented people from going anywhere far. My friend had a goodnight idea, and her kids were jumping off a small ladder into the snow. Looked fun. We had really high drifts, some taller than me.  I called my dad, because NYC got hit much harder than they originally said. They got basically the same as us.
     So I've been sketching, online, had great chats and here we are Sunday night.  It's not unusual to have nowhere to go on a weekend but the fact that there was no option,  made it weird. I really wanted to go out. Figures right?
      At 5:30 am this morning, it's now Monday, our street still had not been plowed. Checked in with a friend in NY to see if he was able to get into work. He's a teacher in Brooklyn. He lives in Staten Island and the mayor has opened the schools. How stupid. I know of others in the same area who got into work. And of course you have police, firemen, hospital workers. I hope they are safe. Here too, our emergency people and civil servents have to get in. I wish them all good luck.  I'm snuggled in my bed.  I'm fully awake, have brought up a cup of tea for me and for hubs (he's home today) but tomorrow I'm at work.  Message on my office phone said that the parking lot is not fully plowed so be careful. Hope it cleared by tomorrow.  I don't want to use vacation again. Schools and federal government offices all closed today. 30" of snow in 2 days is a lot to handle.
     Got some good sorting done on my laptop actually. Deleted old files and cleaned it up. Looks brand new. Backed up all my files and transferred music. Been wanting to do that for a long time.
So I'm baking today, looking st Pinterest to get inspired. Meatloaf tonight, chicken chili tomorrow. I want to go out and play in the snow but no one wants to. Boo!! What good is snow if you can't have s snowball fight? Lol. Well ciao for now peeps

Bit Nippy Out

     So everyone is all a Twitter about the snow that's coming.  I must admit, I'm looking forward to it myself. Watching it fall gently, but they are saying Saturday may see gusts of wind at 40 mph. Breezy. Lol. Who knows. The Euro model has us getting pounded, the American model about 6" to a foot, still sizable. East coast is in a watch and wait. Called my dad, he is going to the store tomorrow. He's pretty self contained, minimal living makes times like these seem not as crazed.   We are going mellow. I did ask hubs to get cheese and tomato soup si I can make grilled cheese sandwiches Saturday.  Movie marathon, grilled cheese and tomato soup, then throwing some snowballs, good day     {goofy smile}
     Well hubs got word, he will not be working more than about another month st this place. I'm hoping he gets something else. Sigh, I hate going back to stressful days. I'm already being garnished, I can't afford to have more taken. As it is I will have to put hubs back on my medical benefits. I have no problem doing this but my check is going to be minuscule. I'm talking just about able to pay the mortgage.  Not counting car payment, utilities, and the bankruptcy fees. This must be paid or they take the house.  Well saving every penny, which is why that cheese is not the fancy cheeses I would have liked, but it is food that is needed. I'll be juggling again :-)
      Just stopping in folks, I'll be back. Lol. Ciao For Now

Powerball

Powerball closer now to almost 1.6 billion dollars.  That's obscene!! Yes of course I bought some tickets. I won $4 last time.  Lol what would I do with all that money? Shake the economy that's for sure. The usual, pay bills, pay off house for my family and us. Buy a few houses for people. Sis for one, would have a house near the water, south shore of Long Island. I'd have my Long Island home also. Put money in a tax free something or other. Then build a new place for the no kill animal shelter  I love so much so they could keep a thousand or so animals, with top rate vet  care. Homeless shelters and children's hospitals, veterans hospitals too. Where to start? I'd give to my friend to help him start his dream, I'd set my niece & nephew up with college money. I'd drive cross country with the hubs just enjoying all the different places. I'd travel too.
But in reality I will wake up tomorrow, no better or worse than I am right now.  Things are tight, hubs job is helping but tonight even that bright spot got a bit of a tarnish.  Just think positive for us - okay? I'm still so grateful for what I do have. My job, a roof over our heads, clothes, cars that get us where we need to go. Yes we are already richer than many. I try to keep it in perspective.  So good night all, sweet dreams, and ciao for now.

A Day In Queens

     So i find myself back in NYC, its been a two week break yet again. I am done after this trip until the end of February and i think thats okay, have things to do in VA. So Once more I made very good time and thats a plus as just as i pulled into the driveway I got such a leg cramp, oh man it hurt. Can't really show Dad how badly as he kind of freaks out if I'm in pain. Went right up to go to bed and I took some magnesium pills which usually helps but not last night. Hopefully better tonight.
    Off I went to get pastries for tonights gathering. As I passed by a church i could see a lot of cars and limos. Either a wedding or funeral. It was the later. At the point I was passing by the were bringing the soul down to the awaiting funeral car. I heard the church bells start to toll. I felt that I was intruding on a very private moment and as I drove past I could hear the bells still chiming in metered ringing. Very somber indeed, the gloomy weather just added to it. I felt a sense of passing grief, no I did not know the person, but I know loss. I was immediately struck at how hollow the chimes sounded, almost as if they were crying along with the family. Its interesting to note that around 4PM or so those same bells will most likely chime to mark the happy occasion of a wedding. There will be smiles on those church steps instead of the grief i saw today. I wonder what made those bells sound so hollow, and yet will sound so full and bright later on?
    More observations as I made my way along Tulip Avenue in Floral Park. Lovely little town. It still has a small town feel, signs that read Village Florist or Village Diner. Not big conglomerate names. Even the druggist, not a CVS or Duanne Reade, no this one said Floral Pharmacy. You can just imagine that the druggist knows the patients he dispenses the medications too. I went farther along and I noticed the deflated Santas and Snowmen on the front lawns. Christmas is over, even The Epiphany is past, if you follow that. Yet the last remnants remain. Maybe if by holding onto these decorations will keep the "Christmas Spirit" alive. Hey it could be that the weather is finally getting colder, or that this weekend they will indeed be packed away until next year. Thats how it is by where i am headed tonight.  A good pal in Lake Peekskill, and his partner are keeping up their decorations so we can see the house in all its holiday glory. He is even going to make another figgy pudding to add to the celebration. We will toast the holidays, there will be a small gathering of about 8 or so. One last toast to this New Year and then tomorrow the decorations come down. At least the outside lights wont be on. Im looking forward to tonight. Sis has never been up that way. I have no problem getting there, its at the top of the mountain, getting down is okay too, its just that teeny section of when you reach the bottom which way do you turn  lol
     Hey my friend got a new car, I'm beyond happy for him. It's always a great thing.  He has basically an identical car to mine now.  He originally had the Fiesta which made me look into one and i can understand why he likes it. Its very roomy for its size and its a sweet looking car too. So I test drove one and bought one. Our front fascias were different though, but now with his new one, they are the same. Except of course the steering wheel is not on the proper side. LMAO  I wish him many happy and safe driving miles.
     So the 800 million dollar powerball is tonight. Can you imagine??? yeah I'll let ya know how that goes! :-D
Well, I need to do a few things then hop into a shower to get ready, Sis will be her in just over 2 hours. So enjoy the rest of your weekend peeps. Ciao For Now

VERDICT? Thumbs Up

     Well we saw Star Wars and I really liked it, I will agree that they set it up for the next movie but that's to be expected.  I enjoyed it so much in 3D.  The technology blew me away and even hubs was very impressed at the way it was filmed. He thought it was very well done. he wasn't as thrilled as I as but he did still like it. I think it didn't help that he had to sit in the theater for almost 45 minutes as I didn't want to be late  LOL  Im going to try to get back to go see The Jungle Book in 3D  it looked really good.
     Im actually going into the kitchen, its one of those days when I need to get away from my computer screen. Tomorrow I go to NY and Im so looking forward to it so I will have some new things to blog about. My silly little world.  So until that time , ciao for now peeps

Window Shopping Online

I need to get some clothes. I'm not talking a lot, just adding to things I have so I can wait for the spring when I can get things. I am saving some cash, so I'm looking at sale items.  I love so many dresses but this one would have to be worn with a shrug as I don't like my arms uncovered. I give it to women who are confident enough to go sleeveless when they have large arms. I'm not saying I don't do it at home, just out and about I prefer to cover. I'm going to get a pair of capris me thinks plus a few pair of jeans. Those I need, I have work slacks, need casual ones too.   

     Oh I picked up our tickets for Star Wars tonight, so yay, finally getting to the cinema. I'll give you my thoughts tomorrow.  I'm excited for the movie but I'm also happy to be going out with hubs. We are having a bite to eat before the movie so it's a nice date night. Been awhile. 

     Just took off my make up with coconut oil, ladies it's so gentle and works really well. I used these pads I got at the drug store, they are more like cotton pads. Did that, then washed my face and it feels so smooth. Try it gals, you'll like it, promise. I know boring blog but it's my blog, it's been a quiet night. So I will leave you some photos.  Here's a few pics of what I looked at to purchase.  And ciao for now 

 M

 M

Will We or Won't We?

Hubs is pretty sick. He's got just over 100 fever and is under 3 blankets.  I'm stroking his head as he makes the weirdest noises while he's sleeping.  Sitting upstairs in the bedroom with him in case he needs something.  So Star Wars tomorrow? We shall see.  Crossing fingers.  All in a day.   Ciao peeps

So Far

    Not bad....lmao.  So it's now almost 5 am, I just can't sleep tonight. Hubs is having a time of it and I think I'm having sympathy insomnia. It's only Saturday, and that's good. Why? It just is, no reason needed.  I think today calls for a glass of ice cold lemonade. I know it's January, cold out, and others are thinking hot chocolate or coffee, nope not me.  I want something super refreshing. None of that fake powder shit either, I'm talking real lemon juice, ooh my mouth just puckered thinking of it. Ha! So as you have seen, I'm all about me.  I did some soul searching about 2015.  It ended better than it started. Dare I tempt fate and shout out I made it through a holiday season without residing in a hospital bed. Fingers crossed as I say that, I am most grateful to the powers that be, this has not occurred. Going to do my fucking damnedest to not have it occur again. Oh and I'm going to say FUCK a lot more in 2016. Fuckin' ay, Fuck off, Fuck yeah and Fuck you!! Fuck Fuck Fuckity Fuck Fuck :-D
      I've decided that in the last few years, I was hurt by things. Not the actual occurrence, but the way it was handled. I have a right to be a little angry about it too. But in the big picture, and I always like to take in the big picture, things went as they should. Lesson learned, I passed - move on to next level.  We all hurt each other at some point, we try not to, but it happens. We are such fragile beings. Oh don't give me that I'm not fragile bullshit. If you have a pulse and a conscience, you are fragile.  The strongest person on this planet, at one point in time is alone in a room and will allow a shadow to cross their minds, a moment of weakness we say. It's allowed and it's our right as humans. Over the course of the last month, I've had more than a few people tell me I'm funny, and one tell me I'm special.   That's another tale, as I think someone may be crushing on me. How the hell do ya like them apples!?  On me!! It's helped put a few things crystal clear to me. Interesting to look through the mirror to the other side. I'll say that for sure.  
     It's so weird. I'm tired and wired at the same time.  I have this energy running through me, I can feel it. It's not for this moment in time, later today perhaps.  The upcoming week it will be needed.  Work is going to be crazy. We had issues with the new timekeeping system. Total SNAFU. Between that and the fact that this Friday is the first payroll off the new year, the calls will be nuts. At least I may get some overtime out of it.  I can use it, it offsets the garnishment. Which will be over in 4 months. It's fine, one more bill I can then say good bye to. It's for my lady hospital visit, last December. I know, how the hell did I not pay it.  Well, when you have your little pay and hubs used to bring home more than double your pay and that one stops then severance runs out and you are now trying to pay all the bills, plus whatever fun house issues pop up all on one little salary, it happens. But now there is another income. Not what it was but it's still another income. I want to zero out bills, get my credit back in good standing. It's still poor but at least it's not very poor anymore so that's the right direction. It's orange now, soon, yellow, then green, eventually blue. Lol color codes, they dumb down everything these days.
       So food, remember how thus all started. It will be lifelong, I'm down with that, I'm down to being a big girl the rest of my life, just want to be a bit less big and feel a lot more healthy.  I am feeling less sluggish, yay, and I'm not giving in to bad choices, BUT,  I will live my life as I need to. Do what I can, for myself. I need to gain strength as I think I'm going to need it towards the middle/end of the year.  I also need to walk better in heels. My friend, he walks better in them than I do.  Sigh....bwahahaha.  Bit of levity thrown in there.  Seriously though, I have to get this ass to the gym again. My back tits are better than my front ones at this point.
     So, it's now half 5 in the morning and I've been rambling about 40 minutes. So now that my brain is fully awake, the it's time to go scrub my face and great the day. So peace out ( I'm so street LOL) and Ciao For Now