PERSONAL NEWS #190

Tuesday, November 2nd, I took half a vacation day to tend to matters at home, plus vote, before heading into the office around 1:30pm. After work I volunteered at WCW national office to assist with database updating on their computers.

Thursday afternoon, November 4th, I volunteered at the E&Y Hedge Fund Symposium, which was held at the Museum of Natural History on upper Westside of Manhattan. Afterwards, I headed home to jump on the NYdoPeace “board” conference call at 8:30pm.

Friday, November 5th, I left work at 5:30pm for a CTSCAN appt [ie: lungs] at a clinic in my neighborhood.

On Saturday afternoon, November 6th, I was invited to a birthday party for Anni and David’s 1 year old daughter Rebecca down in Bay Ridge at a nice restaurant called “Circles”.

Tuesday evening, November 9th, I attended an event at the Brooklyn Law School. This event was the third part of a series called “U.S. Violations of International Law”. This evening’s panel discussion was on “Accountability – What We Can Do When Our Government Violates International Laws”. I was invited by my friend Stephanie from the “World Can’t Wait” organization, whom I occasionally volunteer for in their national office. Five awesome ladies were on the panel … Charlotte Dennett, Pam Sprees, Debra Sweet, Ann Wright [ie: retired colonel and US State Dept official], and Kathy Kelly. I wasn’t able to stay for the whole event, as I had to rush home to jump on the monthly Peace Alliance call at 9pm. This month’s guest speaker was Rita Marie Johnson of BePeace.

Thursday evening, November 11th, I went shopping for a new refrigerator at PC Richards in Union Square.

On Saturday, November 13th, I attended the Quidditch World Cup IV at DeWitt Clinton Park and to cheer on the NYC Badassilisks [TGTSNBN]. As well as hang out with other cool members of TGTSNBN. The weather was a nice, sunny, warm day with no clouds in the sky, though it did get cool once the sun settled for the day. I arrived around 10am and stayed throughout the day until 8pm enjoying ALL the festivities, Quidditch matches, purchased a few HP goodies, etc. Many Quidditch teams from around the country came to participate. Most of the teams hail from colleges and universities, even a few high schools. Our own NYC team was strictly a “community” team. Of the three matches that NYC Badassilisks participated in the team won two brilliantly. The team’s terrific seeker [Bob] caught the golden snitch in all three games. Plus, the NYC Badassilisks cheering section [which included me] were quite loud, verbal and many were dressed up in HP type costumes. It was such a fun, enjoyable day.

Sunday morning, November 14th, my new refrigerator was delivered at 7am.

Tuesday evening, November 16th, I joined Kevin at Healthy Body office to create holiday cards for NY City Council members regarding R14 and a “Peace on Earth” theme.

Wednesday evening, November 17th, I joined other members from Brooklyn for Peace “Peace Fair” committee for their monthly meeting.

Thursday evening, November 18th, I volunteered at the WCW national office in Manhattan to assist with a mailing to members.

Friday, November 19th, I took a vacation day. Went to see HP7 at AMC Empire 25 with other members [many in costume, which delighted the local Muggles] from TGTSNBN in the evening and had an enjoyable time.

Saturday morning, November 20th, I volunteered with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and we handed out flyers at the Greenpoint/Williamsburg farmers market regarding an upcoming event.

On Sunday afternoon, November 21st, I volunteered again with Fran from “Brooklyn for Peace” and this time we handed out flyers at the Carroll Gardens farmers market. Afterwards we checked out some shops along part of Smith Street, and had light refreshment at a local bagel shop.

Early Monday morning, November 22nd, I worked with other BSC gals at the E&Y Alumni event held at the Marriott Marquis from 7am to 9:30am.

On Thursday, November 25th, I volunteered, along with other New Yorkers, for “Project Find”, which I’ve been gladly giving my time on Thanksgiving Day since 2007. Ran into Kevin Fletcher, whom I’d worked with on Project Find since 2007, and we caught up on news. He’s still acting in the cable TV series “Nurse Jackie”, which is in its third season. Kevin and I [escorts] were paired up with Thomas [driver] to deliver hot turkey dinners and bags of goodies to homebound elderly in the Greenwich Village area.

I visited my family in upstate NY, November 26 to 29, for the remainder of the holiday weekend. I had a nice, relaxing weekend. I helped Mom with holiday decorations, shopping at my favorite bead store, hair salon appt, post office, cooking, watch cable TV, phone call with Cousin Christopher, etc. On Saturday we even got 2 hours worth of snow flurries, though not much to make a real impact. I headed back to NYC on Monday.

Sunday afternoon, November 28th, was my brother Duane and Michelle’s wedding in Schenectady, NY. Originally, my Cousin Christopher was to be my brother’s best man, but due to a serious health issue, he had to back out and my father took on the task. I was asked to be wedding photographer, and utilized two digital cameras for the task. Between the two camera’s [ie: mine and Michelle’s] I took close to 200 photos. Very nice service, not that long, and about 40 to 50 guests attended the occasion. Afterwards, also at the church, was a two hour reception with assorted refreshments and a lovely cake.

Tuesday, November 30th, I went to the annual Smiley’s yarn sale on the upper Westside.