Big grin--I am so excited that I can use my wireless connection this time. I am sitting on the bed typing and loving it. This means that I don't have to pay a connection fee. I don't mind, but I am online for hours and worry that I will miss a telephone call.
I just don't get it! I saw a sign the other day that stated, "Now live, nude dancers." You have to wonder what condition their previous 'nude dancers' were in (smiling).
Will Smith is brilliant in this movie.
An odd thing happened while was at the movies. I have probably mentioned here that I think the concession stand prices are outrageous. When I found that the movie had just started I decided that I would forego lunch and just eat later, but as soon as I walked into the theater I thought I would get just a bite of something. I looked for the least expensive non-sweet product and saw french fries. I asked what size they were because I really wanted pasta later, so I just wanted a few fries. The young woman seemed puzzled that I would ask such a question but she came back with the container and I said o.k. When another person brought the fries out I was counting my change. She leaned toward me and asked if I would like a special dressing for my fries. For some reason I said yes, but I eat my fries as they are, no ketchup, etc. At this point she gives me one packet of something, then decides that I should have all three. She smiled and said "enjoy the movie". I thought how strange and really sweet. This morning I took the packets from my purse and saw that they were BBQ, honey mustard and sweet n sour sauce. Do folks really put those on fries? It was then I realized that she must have thought that I was a low on money senior, probably because I stared at those outrageous prices for so long. Maybe the fries at $3.50 were the cheapest item on the menu. At any rate, what a kind and loveley thing to do.
Last week while talking my good friend who lives out of state, we discussed lonliness and feeling alone. It came up again last night while a friend I were out. I personally believe that this is true to some extent.
I believe that it was the July, 2006 article that opened this can of worms. The topic came up again this or last month on a news show. The NYT article stated,
"There is a new installment in the annals of loneliness. Americans are not only lacking in bowling partners, now they're lacking in people to tell their deepest, darkest secrets. They've hunkered down even more, their inner circle often contracting until it includes only family, only a spouse or, at worst, no one.
And that is something the Internet may help ease, but is unlikely to cure.
A recent study by sociologists at Duke and the University of Arizona found that, on average, most adults only have two people they can talk to about the most important subjects in their lives — serious health problems, for example, or issues like who will care for their children should they die. And about one-quarter have no close confidants at all."
I started writing an article on the subject of loneliness for Work and Family last year but never finished it, I will finish it for a later issue this year. My personal take on this is that you need solid and absolute support from at least one person to keep you from being lonely and put a smile on your face. I have been very lucky to have had that. My dad was my champion and through the years I have had friends who toasted my smallest achievements. I have always reciprocated--you have to do that. I once had a friend who was so excited that she was stuttering when she told me of her new position, I was excited too, even though she would be making 3 times my salary. I found a greeting card that showed a woman sitting prettily and grinning on the top of a very small ladder. I typed my own greeting and pasted it over the real one that said "Congratualtions." Mine said "There you've done it, now rub your money in their low-level faces. (oh--not me of course)." She told me everytime she looked at that card she laughed out loud and loved me more, cuz some people never said anything to her about her promotion. We have been friends for over 40 years.
I think if you have two or three wonderful friends who are always there to give you a "that's great" or "I am proud of you" lift, loneliness won't exist for you. Like the women on "Sex and the City or "Girlfriends"--when things go bad all they want are 'their girls' and once they are arrive, life is pretty good again.
So Mr. Bloggie you want to know if I am lonely. Yeh. Sometimes.
I met a friend for drinks last night. It was pleasant but I had too much to drink, I make it a point to drink only a glass or two of wine, never three. Why?? not sure, I think I read that two should be the limit. I think it's a good idea and try to follow it.
It has been an odd and productive month. I have a new client (Yah!) This past Tuesday I attended the Annual Friends of East Orange Library meeting. New officer's were named and I was appointed Vice Chair. It is a two-year run. When this potential was brought to me earlier I said no, but I am not surprised that my answer was ignored. We do have an aggressive team. I will do everything I can, because I do love the EO library--we were given a copy of an article that appeared in the Star Ledger on January 18, titled "East Orange Library offers oasis for teens". I am there a couple of times a week and it does me proud when I walk in and see the place over-flowing with young people.
More on the subject of volunteering, now that my senior client has been placed in a nursing home, I am stepping back from accepting another senior. It seems that I remain on the Volunteer Services Committee at Jewish Family Service. If anyone wants to volunteer for telephone reassurance, friend advocate (that's what I do), or project connect call 973-467-3300 ext 275 and the coordinator will answer your questions.
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish. I think the American southern equivalent of haggis is (are??) chitterlings.
So many other things have been going on that I told a friend that I felt that I was being tested, I meant it when I said it, but today is a better and brighter day. Fortunately, I have remained healthy and fit enough to stay in stride with everything going on around me. Plus I think I have finally found a church that I like and can relate to. I attended a couple of services when my senior had Sunday morning visitors. My reason for liking this church? In early December they had a collection tables right outside of the Pathmark Supermarket entrance in South Orange. You saw them as you walked in and knew that they would be there when you walked out. How could you not buy something extra to place in the church basket? For some reason this not only touched me it made me laugh out loud. I did buy their suggested "Christmast dinner" product and continued to smile while I was shopping :-) I have not joined yet, but I suspect that I will.
Mmm--maybe that's why I was moved by Joel Osteen service the other day.
It is official--I have become my mother. I have to do some visiting this afternoon, but plan to have collard greens, black eyed peas and rice before I leave the house. O.K. it's rice pilaf but it's still rice. And meatloaf. Deep sigh! Yum
You know, I can't believe that I forget to take the mystery books to the nursing home.Well, I do like rain :-( Ooops--gotta go, The Honeymooner's are on. Looks like my morning is getting better and better. Ralph and Alice? Boy, I am doing the Snoopy dance. Who has time to pays bills?
