25 September, 2010

FALL IS HERE, Maybe?
Noriko’s advanced aquacise this afternoon helped immensely. Jump and kick, work out the energy and keep going….for some reason thoughts of my ex-husband, my anger and my overall dissatisfaction with life bubbled to the top today. Why is not obvious for I lead a blessed and abundant life but old memories haunt me now and again.

Saw the Oprah show yesterday with the Gov. Christi of NJ, the mayor of Newark and Mark K-berg the benefactor who is granting $100 $million $dollars to the defunct Public Schools of Newark NJ. The show was fascinating, Oprah was in high gear and the cause is worthy but leaves many questions unanswered. Namely how did the Newark schools get so bad and why did it take so long for someone to step up to the plate? That the $100-million will answer the need is unlikely but the process has begun.

DH is in a funk. Between the outdoor maintenance and saxophone practice he seems to be overwhelmed. His sons on the west coast are living life in the laid-back lane but that is their choice, he cannot control what they do or want. His step-daughter is going gang-busters in her job and making great strides. Unless the band pressure is on him, the only other issue on the table is the upcoming interview for our CCC* application, something he’s been after for three years so I do not see the anxiety. We will get approved, we will sell the house and we will move.

29 September 2010

INTERVIEW DAY FOR THE REST OF OUR LIFE
Tonight is an anxious wait. After all the work compiling financial statements, medical records (the only thing lacking was the entrance essay “Why did I choose this place…”), we had the final interview with the CCRC* personnel this morning. The admissions committee meets tomorrow morning when five key personnel – having reviewed your records – discuss your potential as a future resident in their community and decide if you are IN or OUT. I feel like a contestant on “RUNWAY,” hearing Heidi Klum saying “sorry, you’re OUT! Please leave the runway.”

Do need a haircut but my favorite gal, Daisy, if off for the whole week. That means mid-next week before I will have another free-time for getting hair done. I hope my wavy-do did not look too ‘ole lady’ this morning. We learned it was 'beauty shop' day at the health center and the lineup of white haired ladies was endless. Soon to be me?

As we left the interview I noticed the hall bulletin board posting the color-layout I did for Noriko advertising her Tu-Th FLEXERCISE class and to announce that we will be doing a flex-demo at the upcoming October 6th Health Fair. The Flex-Group (ladies + 1 man), were surprised at my savvy computer skills and said they needed someone like me in residence. Let that thought be heard by the examining committee.

For reasons of nervous anxiety I keep rotating around the house to keep busy this afternoon; laundry, kitchen work, cutting up thrift-shop-plaid shirts for some future quilting project, clearing out clutter for the house cleaners and trying NOT to eat. Whew! This East Coast rain has made the atmosphere quite muggy and dense and it is beginning to wear me down. Was thinking I really need a drink but then remembered giving up the strong stuff last year. Somehow ginger ale is just not the same (?).

The focus on dinner tonight is an Antipasto Platter, the layout I like to do when I have lots of stuff in the fridge without a lot of anything. The assortment will include pate and cheese, baby greens and carrots, couple of cheeses, smoked oysters, pickles and scallions and maybe a bean salad; this with some leftover chowder and seafood gumbo (only about a half-cup of each). We eat out tomorrow evening and the big shopping day comes Friday after a workout.

Finished reading Jimmy Buffett Philosophy: the Porpoise Driven Life and must say I loved every minute of it. Not BY J. B, but written by several philosophy professors and graduate students, the book is ABOUT J.B’s lyrics, books and lifestyle. Have not heard if J.B. commented about the book but the interpretation of his writings against various philosophers (ancient and modern) was a revelation to me.

Because of the frequent references in the book I got used to listening to Buffet’s music while I read, or afterwards to realize the deeper meaning of lyrics. I have enjoyed his books in recent years and this ‘Buffett Manual’ has helped me better understand paradoxical career. We are almost the same generation (he’s four years younger), but the time-context of many of his references apply to my life as well.

Just discovered Buffets new hotel venture: Inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett, the hotel’s sense of place and attention to detail make it the perfect setting for guests who want to escape the everyday, engage their senses and make lasting memories. Anyone who has ever dreamed of escaping to a tropical island and sipping a margarita will enjoy being immersed in the Margaritaville experience at this hotel. The Margaritaville Beach Hotel in Pensacola Beach, FL.

Watched the elimination night for DWTS and must say if they had not eliminated Michael Bolton, I would have had to issue a contract to have him ‘taken out.’ HOW can a singer, and musician make a living selling music and have absolutely NO RHYTHM whatsoever? Compared to Kyle Massey, Bolton looked like a nearly-dead zombie. Sorrentino actually does have some rhythm but just does not know how to dance, he’s not so far behind.

The first few weeks of DWTS is always painful to watch until the real duds get cast out and the competition begins. Yes, Bristol can dance but WHO put that dowdy mauve-lavender rag on her? Get her a costume designer! Maybe one of the ‘RUNWAY’ contestants would like the challenge? bbf

* Continuing Care Retirement Community