Short term memory problems

Seems like my memory has been extra bad since my recent bout of food poisoning. I ask people if I just asked them something. So far, no one has mentioned it except for myself.

I would like to figure out a better way to record books that I have read. I put them here but no one reads this and I can't really SEARCH it so what is the use?

The happiness advantage (book): the seven principles of positive psychology that fuel success and performance at work, by Shawn Achor. Not sure why I keep reading books about the workplace even though I am retired. It sort of went in one eye and out the other (short term memory problems as I mentioned before).

The night of the gun (book) : a reporter investigates the darkest story of his life, his own, by David Carr. I wanted to read this because he recently dropped dead too young at work at the New York Times and I wasn't really familiar with his work. He looks into his history with addiction by interviewing many people in his life ad nauseum.

LOL, all by myself

Got up at my usual time, 9 AM. Made breakfast and was not happy with the $2.97 coffee I bought yesterday at the C-town.
Like most every day, I sat in front of the TV to eat, even though I know that is a big NO-NO. Jon Stewart making fun of John Boehner and other Republicans and Tea party people during the President's speech was HILARIOUS and Oh-so-right-on!
Then I read two pages of a David Sedaris article in The New Yorker. My day was off to a good start!

Returning this book to the library today. It was a bit ridiculous. The tapping solution for weight loss and body confidence (book), by Jessica Ortner. There were some helpful suggestions in there but the idea of tapping various parts of your head and neck while you recite affirmations is just too dumb.

Today is my "self-indulgent" day. On Thursday, I come to Vineland and get a manicure and a massage and use the best library in Cumberland County. Heard a good story the other day. My doctor said that her father wanted her mother to move to the Friends Village in Woodstown. Her mother wouldn't go because the libraries over there are limited.

Is this my website?

Should I claim this blog as my "website"? Would more people read it if I mentioned it somewhere?

Sylvia Beach and the lost generation (book) : a history of literary Paris in the twenties and thirties, by Noel Riley Fitch.
Really loved this book since I love Paris and history and since Sylvia Beach lived briefly in my neighborhood in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Of course, she left and became an agnostic and a lesbian. I find most of the semi-famous people from my town are no longer here. Oh well. Sylvia ended up in Paris and had a bookstore/lending library. She concentrated on books in English, while her long-time companion, Adrienne, had a French bookstore on the same street. They fraternized with many famous writers, artists, etc. Her main claim to fame was as the first publisher of James Joyce's Ulysses, which was considered obscene in America. Joyce was, alternately, a blessing and a curse.

Going on a trip tomorrow. Can't decide whether to car-pool with a friend or drive to North Carolina by myself. By myself I can visit Hollins University (my alma mater) to see the new library or take any other side trips that occur to me and stay away an extra few days. With my friend, I will go along with what HE wants to do and have other adventures and save money. What to do, what to do?

Trying to drown out the sound of losers

Sade video of Soldier of love on Youtube helping to drown out the sound of losers cursing and carousing in the computer area. Sadly, there is nothing to be done about the odor of stale smoke emanating from an old man near me.

Peaceful day...hot and quiet in the neighborhood. Nothing I like more than watering the back yard and the bird waterer with NO NEIGHBORS. I did a few things in the back yard today in spite of the hideous temps. Tied a string around the fence, had someone put up lights that didn't work, tested lights. Garage door broke but I got it down manually.

I think I must return home. Can't take the unwashed public. Spend most of my life recently trying to AVOID irritating people and places.

Getting kicked out...again

Thought it was nice that the library had put up a sign saying that the printer was broken. (They are never that thoughtful). Once I was in here, though, it seems that another printer is working. When I mentioned it to the librarian, she referred me to the circulation desk. Grrr...I give up! Am getting kicked out of the lab as there is a class happening in here at 2 PM.

Seeking peace (audio book): chronicles of the worst Buddhist in the world, by Mary Pipher. I kept thinking that maybe I had read if before? The author describes how her success brought her into a life style which was ruining her life. Her most successful book was Reviving Ophelia. She doesn't really go into the subject of her books at all. In the end, I did enjoy it, although I thought it went on too long. (AUD CD B PIPHER) Got it from the Vineland Public Library.

Feeling like a party pooper. Complained to a friend about a restaurant that he likes (Sweet Lula's in Pitman, NJ). To me it was just CACOPHONY. The are playing a movie on the wall (Little Rascals in black and white). The room is filled with large groups of people drinking and being very rowdy. Then, the hostess commences to sing and she has to sing really LOUDLY to overcome the noise of the patrons. I was with a group of five and we could barely hear each other talking. This, to me is not fun. So, I guess I AM a party pooper. Spend my time trying to AVOID parties and social situations, unless I know the people well.

Semi-famous people I have been told I look like

- Ali MacGraw (in her/my younger days)
- Jeanne Moreau (same downturned smile)
- Glenn Close (I never saw any resemblance)
- Laurie Metcalf (who plays Sheldon's mother in The big bang theory and Roseanne's sister in Roseanne) - (6/23/14)

Nice relaxing days in the air conditioned library looking up stuff as it strikes my fancy...Jersey boys, Laurie Metcalf, how to spell azalea, etc. Went to get a fig newton that I brought in but they had all been devoured.

Jersey boys (movie): directed by Clint Eastwood. Could see it again. All of the boys pretty charming, even the "bad" boy. I never felt that interested in going to see the play that others raved about so I finally got to see the movie. Fascinating. The family situations were a bit glossed over. Most of the focus was on the relationships between the band members. A bit of (suppressed) violence and interesting Jersey and mob references.

Niggas vs. Black people

This is a VERY FUNNY routine on the Chris Rock album Roll with the new. Today I went to a talk on Laughter as the best medicine. So, I got this album on Hoopla to assist me in getting laughter in my life. It is really doing the job.

It is a gorgeous day outside but I have been spending a lot of time indoors. Breakfast at the Amish market, lunch and a lecture at the health club, lifting weights at the health club and now stuck in the library using the Internet.
Looking forward to getting home tonight and staying there. I love being home when it is sunny. I have quite large windows and I enjoy the sun coming in them. When I get kicked out of the library, I will take a little "Vitamin D bath".

Found out that the wildflower workshop I signed up for tomorrow is OUTSIDE. I guess that is better than inside.

The goldfinch

Remembered a little bird I saw in a museum so I tried to find it online. I believe it IS what gave the idea for the book The Goldfinch. It is in the Frick Gallery in New York City. I started the book and only got 1/3 of the way through it before it became overdue. Then started all over again with the 26 CD audiobook. It is quite compelling!

Finished Then again, by Diane Keaton. I love reading autobiographies and finding out who knew whom and such like that. I am eager to read her new book as I enjoyed this one on my Nook. She never married (I like THOSE role models) and adopted two children. She also went through a lot with the decline of her mother.

Someone has been in my yard and it gives me the creeps. Came home and found one of the wooden pieces broken off on my gate. Then we found a SWEATER and a CELL PHONE under the steps. Just what I need, a careless, vandalizing trespasser. I have enough dislike of my neighbors without them invading my space. Called the policeman and he was very polite and took the cell phone although he thought it was broken and useless.

A lot of things on my mind

Trying to THINK while listening to Moves like Jagger on Youtube. Couldn't get a CD to play on this computer so I switched to Youtube just to see if it was the sound? (It isn't) I LOVE Youtube, except for the fact that you can't find any Prince old music videos on it. Wonder if I still have that VHS tape from the early days of MTV when it was all videos all day. I know I had him singing Little red Corvette.

Started the day with Yoga, trying to forget that I didn't get up early enough to shovel the snow or feed the birds. The snow wasn't very deep and the birds will just have to wait until tomorrow. Also had a one-hour massage. Living the life of Riley. Commented on Facebook and now my email is filled with junk mail about all the people who commented after me. Sigh....I really don't get (or like) Facebook. Anyway, Yoga was great except that she made us do the Cobra THREE times. I don't like the Cobra...I only like the Sphinx. But she switched it up today with a few surprises and the music was on "shuffle" which created some more interest. We did the 4th chakra which is about the heart. Good timing with Valentine's day. Forgot the great quote we repeated 6 times....but we created a lotus flower with our hands and this chakra focusses on compassion and self-love, two things I really need more of.

Was supposed to go out to a Downton Abbey viewing party last night but it started snowing. So we all stayed home and watched it and had a conference call afterwards to discuss it.

Can I sit next to you when I come back so I can listen to your music?

Overheard from a patron at the computers at the Vineland Public library. Of course, he wasn't saying that to ME. Guess I do not know the secrets of meeting men.

New book about assassination of JFK. Kind of shocked to read that over 40,000 books have been written on this topic? How is that even possible? I must say the details do sound MIGHTY suspicious.

Amusing comment from some guy about the new curved phones...."a solution looking for a problem". Why didn't I think of that? Still procrastinating about getting a new phone. A friend just switched to Sprint and got a new LG phone. She also got a FREE tablet!
I wouldn't mind having one of those. I was so looking forward to becoming eligible for an upgrade (it has been a YEAR now) and ending my servitude to Sprint (it has been 10 months now). Yet, here I sit, having NOT taken any action on the subject. I liked the comment I read in the Sunday New York times that marriage should be like cell phones, with a two year contract and an option to upgrade!

Listening to one of my favorite L'il Wayne songs on Youtube. Oh yeah, No love involves Eminem, too.

Reading a book about a song

There is a new book about a BOOK (The Koran of Thomas Jefferson). I thought THAT was amazing, but then I found myself reading a book about a SONG...The holy or the broken : Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley and the unlikely ascent of "Hallelujah", by Alan Light, traces the history and phenomenal explosion of this song. After being around already for decades, the song ended up TWICE on a top ten list by two different artists. This song has been interpreted by over 100 artists. I already have the Rufus Wainwright version and the Leonard Cohen version in my Youtube playlist. Must make sure I listen to the Jeff Buckley and Cale versions.

Listening to Mr. Brightside by The Killers.

My regular deli must cringe when they see me coming. I actually LOOK at date on the Diet Coke and demand one that has not expired. They are not removing the old ones, hoping someone will buy them who does not look at the date. I would go elsewhere but they have the cheapest ones. Also the idea of Diet Coke having some ingredients that expire is rather hilarious!

I miss bumper stickers

I saw two good bumper stickers today. There were quite a few on this car and you don't see THAT any more either! 

- "I listened to NPR before it was cool".
- "Are you hearing voices of crazy people?  Turn off FOX news".

Holiday weekend approaches.  I don't like holidays.  Nothing is ever happening due to the holiday.  I never have any plans.  I emailed my sisters and none of them have any plans either.

Torrential rains yesterday.  Ceiling leaking again.  I guess a leaking ceiling never gets any better, only worse.  (One can always HOPE, can't one?)  So here are my main problems today...

- a leaking ceiling (roof)
- a dead bat somewhere in my house
- a barking pit bull next door
- cell phone battery is inexplicably dying and I need to make some phone calls
- rash on my leg is starting to itch again

Other than that, life is just hunky dory.  I will try and think of some GOOD things now...

- the competition at the health club is almost over so I can stop feeling inadequate
- I am starting to walk better due to losing weight
- everybody is very well behaved over here at the Vineland Public Library
- I rebooted my laptop and overcame the nonfunctioning
- Serena Williams is one hunk of a woman (I just perused Tennis magazine)

You want weapons?

On NPR this AM I learned that there have been 12 guys who have played Dr. Who and that Dr. Who is the hero of the millenial generation. He is a pacifist and a cerebral guy. Not really familiar, myself, but I liked this quote:
"You want weapons? We're in a library. Books are the best weapon in the world. This room's the greatest arsenal we could have. Arm yourself!"

Just ate a peach. A white peach from a local farm market. It was pretty delicious. Cantalopes rumoured to be mostly tasteless this year. And I paid $3.50 for one.

Things I would like at the moment:
- a vacation (but I have too many appointments)
- to live on a cliff alone overlooking the water
- more classical music in my life (finding it very restful)
- to be surrounded by well-spoken, informed people
- some new and more friends

It is hard to get ENERGIZED for Monday morning yoga

OK, it DOES work in the lab. For some reason, blogger does not work on SOME library computers. Drat! This is where I DO blogger. So, the tech guy suggested that I try it in the LAB. I told him I had the same problem at the Cumberland County Library and also at the Millville Library but that on my laptop it works.

It is hard to get energized for Monday morning yoga after taking an anti-anxiety pill due to barking pit bull of neighbors. Can't believe that Dan Gottlieb is talking about BAD NEIGHBORS right now on NPR. But it is not being broadcast right now. I love that man. He is in a wheelchair and has the most valuable insights about psychological and spiritual matters. He is also PSYCHIC about my own personal problems! Voices in the family may be on the radio every day at noon. I recommend it!

The weather is so unbelievably perfect, I can't stop thinking about it and talking about it. Also obsessed with the topic of neighbors, but weather is so much more enjoyable. Going down to the shore tonight to see my sister and her family for a few hours. We are all too busy to get together. Actually, I am glad to have a reason to not be home as my home is not an enjoyable destination right now. Passive/aggressive neighbors with obnoxious pit bull and too much noise and trash in general.

They ol' school

I have been rather fascinated by "Civilian witness #8", later revealed to be Rachel Jeantel, the friend of Trayvon Martin.  I was mesmerized by her bad grammer and then heard an interesting quote from her about the jury - "They ol'.  That's ol' school people.  We in a new school, our generation, my generation..."  I found her rather charming in the interview on late night TV which I watched on the Internet.  I do think her grammer and her inability to express herself did affect the jury in a negative way.  Maybe this is how we can convince people to stay in school...in case they have to testify in court, they need to present well.

Trying to avoid the heat, have spent time at the health club, at the hairdressers and in a library.  The beauty salon is a very pleasant way to spend two hours, looking at the beautiful people, that is, the people who WORK there.  It is an expensive pleasure in which I indulge every couple of months. 

I am secretly eating kettle corn popcorn hoping to not get caught and reprimanded by the librarians.  I won it as a door prize for signing up as a friend of the Cumberland County Library.  Today am planning to have breakfast, lunch and dinner at McDonalds.  I am not proud of it, but it is easy and cheap.  Have a coupon for a free large fries which I plan on cashing in later on tonight.

Mislaid

Part of my many excuses about why I no longer take photographs.  I have an OLD SLR I could dust off and try out, if they still make film.  The digital camera given to me by my family has been MISLAID and I think the megapixels are 3.2.  My polaroids can no longer be supplied with film.  (Wonder how much I could get for a brand new Polaroid camera still in the box?)  Now I am taking really crappy pictures with my phone, an LG Rumor.  Just have not made the transition to the digital age.  I used to have a darkroom and all.  Several friends keep harping about what a great photographer I am (was).  So today I have an appointment with a techy person at the TLC (Technology learning center) at the Cape May Court House Public Library to ask questions about photo stuff.

Just tried to copy a picture I took last night of the Philly Phanatic. Had to get one off of the Internet. Apologies to whoever took this one.  I get a kick out of him.  A whole hour of him was weird though.  He came to the Cumberland County Library last night.  I wonder if there is only ONE of them?  He doesn't talk, and was trying to get across the idea to the kids that they needed to TURN AROUND in order to pose for pictures.  They were so busy looking at him that they forgot to pose.  First he turned around in a circle, trying to give them the idea and almost wacking people with his tail.  Then he made circling motions with his hands.  I worried about the SPANISH kids, which was dumb, cause he doesn't speak ENGLISH either.  It must be really hard for him to NOT speak. Anyway, the kids were adorable, with PP dolls, headdresses, etc.  Some of the kids were in tears or on the verge of tears.  He is more scary than Santa Claus.  A kid from Canada, who didn't know from the Philly Phanatic, burst into tears when he saw him.

It's July 2 already and I really haven't made any summer plans.  Clay College or other art class?  Summer rental?  Travel plans to Maine or ? Visit old friends with beach houses?  I think the SUN just came out.  That was not in the forecast.  The forecast is rain off and on all day, heavy at times.  When I asked the librarian if that was the sun outside, she said, "Yes, but it is humid and gross out there."  Now I feel better about staying the the nice, cool library all day.

Remembrance of things past

My weekly laptop picture is of Proust in his bed writing his most famous book, A la recherche du temps perdu.  I saw his actual bed at the Carnavalet museum in Paris. 

http://carnavalet.paris.fr/en/museum-carnavalet

This museum is HUGE and free and lots of cool stuff including old store signs and fragments of stained glass windows from churches.

Not many people can say that they have read all of this multi-volume work.  I have tried but ended up skipping some.  Very dense, he can go on for pages about the sensations evoked when he bites into a madeleine.  I love the fact that he wrote such an evocative book IN BED.



Starbucks is really incommodious today.  I came here because my exercise class ends at 9 and the libraries don't open until 10.  Here is what I don't like about Starbucks:
- only one table big enough for me and it is continually occupied
- small round table barely big enough for my laptop and mouse.
- table is sticky
- chair is hard

On the plus side:
- they have a plug
- they have newspapers for sale

Exercise for arthritis class was strange this AM.  I ran over there for 8 AM since my excursion for today was cancelled due to extreme weather which is nowhere in sight.  Teacher was not there.  Another attendee was there with an audio cassette of our teacher.  So the two of us did the class looking at an audio cassette player instead of the teacher.  It worked!

The mysterious Poe toaster

Now I remember the story.  Someone came for many years on the anniversary of Poe's death and left red roses and some cognac.  This is the third year the person has failed to show.  Actually this gravestone marks the ORIGINAL grave.  Poe's remains were moved to another part of the cemetery in 1875.

Slightly erroneous information

Came to Baltimore on the bus trip.  Am standing up at the Enoch Pratt Free Library for a one half hour computer usage.  Nice guy at the entrance gave me a ticket even though I left my ID in New Jersey.  I told him I was a librarian.

Our bus driver tries to give us info on where we are, but it is not always right.  He said we were passing a museum full of "abstract art".  That is not exactly how I would describe the American visionary museum.

Have been walking around and taking the free buses, which are not full of tourists.  Mostly full of chiefly African American residents and every neighborhood I walk through seems to be that too.
Went to the grave of Edgar Allan Poe in the Westminster cemetery.  People had left the following things on his original grave...a pencil, a pen, several pennies, flowers, candy wrappers, and a fan from St Louis Community College.  Well, can't tarry....

I forgot to post a picture today

Here is the mayor of my town.  We like him.