Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Do something active every day

Trying to keep it up.  I need to do a variety of things, even if they are not always so very active.  OK, Saturday I missed.  Was working and grocery shopping.  Sunday I lifted weights (the gym closes early on Sunday so I am always rushing).  Monday I SWAM at a new pool I never went to before.  They have a sauna, which I am not sure how I feel about.  Today I did beginner's Tai Chi and tried to tell myself it was a workout.  I think it all helps.  Just enjoy moving and knowing I am still standing (I know a lot of people who aren't).

My friend tells me we are in the "danger zone".  Apparently, a lot of things can go wrong in between age 65 and age 75.  If you make it through the danger zone, you might sail on for awhile.

It is a gloomy day.  Supposed to be warmer, but who can appreciate that when it is raining?  Always switching out my coats.  I have one for when it is in the 30's, one for when it is in the 40,s and one for the 50's.  Unfortunately, only today will be in the 40's.  Then colder again, grrrrr.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Winter has lost its allure (if it ever had any)

Our minister spoke these words on Sunday, making me feel better about the fact that I do not like winter at all.

One of my favorite authors is Walter Mosley.  He has several series and non-series.  I just finished an audiobook, When the thrill is gone : a Leonid McGill mystery.  Read by Mirron Willis and available at the Bridgeton Public Library (AUDB M Mosley).  Leonid is a dangerous man, trying to be less dangerous and work as a private detective in New York.    There are a lot of women in his life and interesting characters and clients.  His current case involves a case of women who pretend to be other people and many levels of frustration trying to get to certain other people to check things out.  An old friend dying of cancer, a wife who is sleeping with who knows how many other men, a girlfriend who is kind of distant, the connections keep getting more intriguing all the time.

This book was recommended somewhere.  It was OK.  Laura Lamont's life in pictures, by Emma Straub.  Themes are fame and the losing thereof, losing and gaining family, and the passage of time.  Laura comes from  a theater family and marries her co-star and then her director.  It is a story of success and failure in Depression era Hollywood.  You can get the book at the Vineland Public Library (FIC Straub Emma)

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Hangin' with the beautiful people

Using the laptop at Starbucks.  Relatively speaking, for this area, here are the beautiful people.  It is a great day for sunshine, but horribly cold and windy. Hmmm...they just started playing a great CD - I think it is Andrea Bocelli.

Last night had a nice civilized grocery shopping experience in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, at Wegman's.  They have a great buffet and I enjoyed spending time there.  Cute babies and polite people.  And the prices are not too bad, either.  Whenever I work, at my job that I do once a month, I like to go to Wegman's or to the Container store afterwards.

The day is waning.  Not much more sunlight left.  I did exercise but now I am cancelling out the benefits by drinking a vanilla latte.  Watching all the people do their President's day shopping.  I bought GAS today, no money left for shopping.  I did feel sorry for the gas attendant due to the weather.  Hope this is the low point for weather this week.  In other words, the only way to go is UP.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

I need help with my narrative essay

Had to learn a new something today - Gimlet - for recording reference interactions online instead of on paper.  It is always something.  I meant to get to work 15 minutes early today to get ahead of all of the new stuff.  The last time I worked was two months ago and a lot can change in two months.  So far, so good.  Couldn't sign in as my password had expired.  Jeez...I don't remember getting any notice of that!  Managed to get that changed so I could get into the "password keeper" so I could find out how to log into Gimlet.  The day is moving sort of slowly.  Got to work with my favorite Saturday co-hort.  I go for months without working with her.  Today it was a surprise gift.  We both brought snacks.  So much for my diet.

Tomorrow I will exercise.  Also have to make sure to watch 60 minutes.  Maggie Smith is going to be on.  Certainly Downton Abbey is the crowning achievement of her career.  Later on tomorrow evening will be the finale of season 3.  Dreading finding out what is going to happen to Matthew.  I heard he does not want to continue on to season 4.  Auurgh!  I adore him.

Last night watched a bit of 8 mile, with Eminem.  I love that movie.  Didn't really get to hear much music in the parts I watched.  Went back to reading.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Who has time for Twitter?

Is that why everyone is always playing with their phone?

I survived Valentine's day and it wasn't half bad.  Went with my French club to Philadelphia to see a movie called Amour.  A slow moving story of an elderly couple and their decline.  Lots to think about, even the day after.  Before the movie we dined at Fork, 306 Market Street. Had a yummy kale salad with creme fraiche.  Then my sister and her boyfriend invited me over for dinner and served Duck a l'orange.  This all kind of came together at the last minute and was an enjoyable day.  I even exercised at 8 AM.

Weather is sunny and temperate.  Winter is so much more bearable when the temperature is in the 40's.
And it is already February 15th!  How much more winter could there be?

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

I can do whatever I want

but I don't want to do anything.  Slowing down lately.  Too many "driveway moments" and "Vitamin D baths".  All I want to do is take a rest.

Just finished a delightful compilation of short stories...Are we there yet? (selected shorts : a celebration of the short story, a presentation of Symphonyspace)  Stories by Eudora Welty, Annie Proulx and others.  My favorite story was A ride with Olympy, by James Thurber, read by David Rakoff (that guy who sounds like David Sedaris, but isn't).  The author takes a ride with Olympy, a helper with whom he speaks only in  French, to teach him how to drive a big car around the hair pin curves of Cap D'Antibes in France.  Hilarity, miscommunication and catastrophe ensue.  This audiobook is at the Bridgeton Public Library (AUDB F ARE).




Monday, February 11, 2013

My life doesn't interest me

Lately, when I make the bed, I just want to get back in it.  I did get back in it today and lounged around for several hours listening to NPR.  I have a daily routine, but am losing interest in it. 
- one hour of chores
- exercise
- computer work
I know I am retired, but I can't spend the day in bed without feeling highly guilty.  I am falling behinder and behinder.

Valentine's day is this week.  Not one of my favorite holidays.  Liked the words heard in a song on the Lawrence Welk show last night..."somebody soon will love you, if no one loves you now."  One can always hope. I really miss those old sing alongs we used to have at the Quadrangle where my mother was incarcerated

So, why was I watching The Lawrence Welk show?  Trying to get ready for Downton Abbey.  We watched if for three hours....very satisfying.  A one hour show is never enough.  Watched the repeat from last week and the two hour show from last night.  I am already experiencing withdrawal symptoms as next week is the season finale.  There are people I LOVE on that show (Matthew, Mary, Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Carson, Mrs. Patmore) and people I HATE (Miss O'Brien, Mr. Barrow).