Hanging Out With The Duchess: 2016

Friday, December 30, 2016

PERSONAL NEWS #262

Dec 1^st, I had my first job interview outside the firm, since learning many of us BSC EA’s were being laid off on January 3^rd.

Dec 2^nd, had a physical therapy appt regarding my ankle and foot. Also chat with firm’s HR department and I have an internal interview on Dec 6^th for a transitioning position.

Dec 3^rd, I joined up with my friend Dennis in attending the WestPoint annual holiday show, which was enjoyable, on a chilly day. Afterwards we traveled to Sugar Loaf, NY near Warwick and Chester to do some holiday shopping at their wonderful arts and craft shops. A delicious dinner at Yo-Sushi, followed by shopping at Woodbury Commons.

Dec 4^th, after attending to chores and errands, plus decorating my Xmas tree, I got a much needed manicure in my hood.

Dec 6^th, had a friend in the firms IT department upgrade my new laptop, plus had a job interview for a position within the firm.

Dec 7^th, I had another dental appt at NYU School of Dentistry for the last of the permanent crown “prep work”.

Dec 10^th, I joined friends and acquaintances with NYC TGTSNBN for the annual ice skating meetup at Bryant Park in the afternoon. We had a lot of fun despite the cold weather and crowds of people at the Winter Village booths.

Dec 11^th, I had a private yoga class at my apt with Fabrice. After taking care of many chores and errands, I joined some friends [ie: Wendy, Debbie and Margaret] to see the film “Fantastic Beasts”. Afterwards we went out to a diner for a meal and catch up on news.

Dec 12^th, I had an appt with my foot doctor in the afternoon. Concern over my ankle and it is not improving with physical therapy. Have to go back in a week for a Cortisone shot in ankle to help the situation L

Dec 13^th, had an interesting job interview for EA position with REV 21 Media in the morning at a coffee shop on upper Eastside of Manhattan. Plus, I had an interview over the phone with a digital tech company [ie: Intellect Design] from Jersey City.

Dec 14^th, I had an appt with a temp/perm agency at lunch time, and was referred to them from a friend of mine. The discussion during the appt went very well.

Dec 15^th, I had a physical therapy appt regarding my ankle and foot. In the evening, I attended a BFP forum at The Commons regarding the next four years under Trump and what we as citizens can do to be pro-active.

Dec 17^th, after Dana cleaned my apt, I had to take care of many chores and appts.

Dec 18^th, I had a private yoga class at my apt with Fabrice. Afterwards, I had a much needed manicure, and then my dinner party from 3pm to 9:30pm with friends. We all had a delightful time, enjoyed good food and fun diverse conversations.

Dec 19^th, I had an appt with my foot doctor at 9am, for a minor procedure to my ankle. Then a phone interview at 2pm for an EA position with a bank. The phone interview went well.

Dec 20^th, I had an in-person interview out at Jersey City for a temp position with a large corporation. The interview went well and I contacted my agency about it.

Dec 21^st and 22^nd, I have been assigned to the firm’s downtown office, near Wall Street, to cover for a co-worker who is on medical leave.

Dec 22^nd, I had a physical therapy appt regarding my ankle and foot after work.

Dec 23^rd to 26^th, I visited with the parents in upstate NY for the holiday weekend. Friday evening had to go to ER in VT, as there was blood in my urine, and found out I had UTI. Received meds and headed back to the parent’s house. Holiday brunch outing next day with the parents and friends. On Xmas Day I took the parents out for Chinese dinner. Rest of the time was spent taking care of things around their house and watching movies or the Food Network. Traveling back to NYC was unpleasant.

Dec 28^th, I had a good second interview with M&T Bank for two possible positions.

Dec 28^th to 30^th, I have been assigned to the firm’s downtown office, near Wall Street, to cover for a co-worker who is out on medical leave.

Dec 29^th, I had lunch with a co-worker at Taste of Tokyo off of William Street. After work I had a physical therapy appt for my ankle.

Dec 30^th, this is my last day with EY and moving on to hopefully greener pastures.

Dec 31^st, I had a private yoga class at my apt with Fabrice.

2017 better be a helluva lot better than 2016!!!

Monday, December 19, 2016

First Official

Snowfall in NYC

Saturday, Dec 17 2016

Xmas Tree

and

Dinner Party Nibblers

for Guests

[Sunday, Dec 18th]

Monday, December 05, 2016

Holiday Decorations

around my Apartment

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

PERSONAL NEWS #261

November 3^rd, I participated in the interesting and informative monthly BFP board meeting via conference call.

November 4^th, after work I did some volunteer assistance at the WCW office.

November 5^th, I attended an anti-war rally at Borough Hall. Rally and marching with Raging Grannies, Veterans for Peace, World Can’t Wait and other dedicated activists. Afterwards I took care of chores and errands before meeting up with my friend TJ to see the terrific film “Doctor Strange”. Highly recommend seeing the film.

November 6^th, I had a private yoga class at my apt with Fabrice. Afterwards, while doing chores, I watched the NYC marathon pass through my hood, and then go get a much needed manicure. Rest of the day I worked on crocheting a baby blanket for a co-worker.

November 8^th, I got on line to vote around 8:30am and the whole waiting / voting process in my hood took about 45 minutes. Lots of voting poll volunteers to move things along at a good pace.

November 9^th, I had another dental appt at NYU School of Dentistry after work, plus learned at work that the BSC unit I belong to will be disbanded at the end of December. UGH!! First time job hunting in about 17 years. This is not amusing L

November 10^th, I attended a fun baby shower for an office co-worker. I had crocheted a white / blue baby blanket, which she loved.

November 11^th, after work I joined my friends Pete and Nadine for a delicious dinner at Candle West Café on the upper Westside of Manhattan. Conversation centered on assorted topics, but mostly regarding the disastrous election.

November 12^th, I had a private yoga class at my apt with Fabrice. Later on I joined friends and acquaintances at Carnegie Hall for the LUMOS charity event; hosted by JK Rowling and Eddie Redmayne. We also got to view the wonderful new film “Fantastic Beasts”. Afterwards about 15 of us went out to dinner at Applejack Diner on Broadway.

November 13^th, attended the first “Game of Thrones” reading day at Simple Studios. Afterwards about five of us went out to dinner at SongKran [Thai]. Again the topic of conversation was mostly about the recent disastrous election.

November 14^th, had a foot doctor appt regarding the situation with toe fungus and ankle issues.

November 17^th, I took off as a Personal Day, so I could devote it to the annual BFP “Pathmakers to Peace” event at the Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights. Assisted with the setup of the hall, made sure the catering and liquor was delivered, assist with sound setup and finally assisted with tending the open bar. Great evening and the four speakers were wonderful, plus we had about 160+ guests.

November 18^th, I had a private yoga class at my apt with Fabrice in the evening.

November 19^th, after Dana cleaned my apt in the morning, I jumped into car service and headed to GCS. Took the train up to the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx and met up with my friend Dennis. Weather was a perfect autumn day and lovely sunshine. We took the tram ride and got off near the conifers to leisurely stroll around to do some photography. We also checked out the Maple trees and the rose garden before getting back on the tram. We had some hot tea before strolling to the conservatory to view the wonderful, annual holiday train show. From there we drove to Nyack, NY to have a delicious dinner at a Thai restaurant. Dennis drove me to the train, which I took back to NYC.

November 20^th, I met up with friends in the afternoon to see the film “Doctor Strange”. My second time in seeing the film and I still highly recommend it. Afterwards I headed down to B&N in Union Square to purchase a book / DVDs with gift cards. Then back to my neighborhood to get a much needed manicure and finally abit of grocery shopping at The Garden.

November 21^st, I had another dental appt at NYU School of Dentistry. The prep work for the 8 temporary crowns to permanent crowns is close to completion. Still have the partials to do.

November 22^nd, I had a physical therapy session for my left foot and ankle. Plus, I got a call from a “would-be employer” about a job opening in downtown Manhattan. Sweet! The interview is for next week.

November 24^th, this is my 10^th year in volunteering on Thanksgiving Day with Project Find. Helping them and home bound seniors is the best way to spend turkey day. Giving back to the community … amen!

November 25^th to 27^th, I visited the parents in upstate NY for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

November 28^th, I had a private yoga class at my apt with Fabrice.

November 29^th, I had an appt with the World Trade Center clinic over at Bellevue Hospital about further results on blood tests. I still have to give three sputum tests and then that is it. From there the doctors can determine what meds I’ll need to help my lung / bronchial situation.

November 30^th, I had another dental appt at NYU School of Dentistry. The prep work for the 8 temporary crowns to permanent crowns is close to completion. Still have the partials to do and that’ll be done in January.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

TAKE THE PLEDGE TO HOLD THE NEXT PRESIDENT ACCOUNTABLE TO PEACE
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/2016/11/10/election-sick-peace-pledge-cure/ ... Now that the voting is over, I pledge to continue organizing for peace. I know that voting alone cannot and will not end American's perpetual wars, so I am recommitting myself to nonviolent direct action and movement building. I will protest, vigil, lobby, sit-in, and take creative action to dismantle the war machine and build a culture of peace with racial, economic and social justice that redirects the billions spent by the Pentagon to fund crucial programs for our people, our communities and our planet. Join me in signing today at the link below or above ... UNITEDFORPEACE.org

Monday, November 21, 2016

NY Botanical Gardens

Saturday, November 19th

[Gorgeous Autumn Day]

Friday, November 18, 2016

Brooklyn for Peace

annual event

"Pathmakers to Peace"

Thursday, November 17th

Worked the Open Bar

with Jonathan

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Two of the Lovely

Holiday Window Displays

Lord & Taylor

5th Avenue

Monday, November 14, 2016

Game of Thrones

Reading Day

at Simple Studios

Sunday, Nov 13th

NYC Harry Potter Group

Attending the LUMOS Benefit

Carnegie Hall

and to watch

"Fantastic Beasts"

[Saturday - Nov 12]

NOTE: The amazing wall in the corridor between the 1 train and the L train at 14th Street. Since election day the post it notes of love, peace, hope and compassion have grown. I read some of the notes and left one of my own. Photos taken and edited with my cellphone camera.

Friday, November 11, 2016

The Raging Grannies

Anti-War Rally

Saturday, Nov 5th

ELECTION NOTE: Regarding Tuesday's election and its incredibly unpleasant outcome. Let's move forward with love, compassion and strength. [Blaming others, sadly, gets “We the People” nowhere.] This is a horrifying glitch; but light, love and unity will prevail. I have faith that humanity will come through this darkness and an even brighter light will emerge. We must ALL come together to defeat that prevailing darkness. Please, I beg of you, do NOT hate each other, nor become divided, as a divided group cannot defeat the evil. We the People must bond together no matter what. Also, volunteering ones time for assorted good causes is important, as is activism work. I became involved in peace / political activism in early 2003 due to the Bush / Cheney regime. It's a move I have never, not once, regretted.

Monday, October 31, 2016

PERSONAL NEWS #260

October 2^nd, after my private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt, I took car service into lower Manhattan to put in 4 hours of work at the office.

October 3^rd through 7^th, I put in the OT with my job, as it’s the “mini tax season” until the 17^th.

October 8^th, I met up with my friend Yvette in Manhattan for an afternoon of “photo adventures” at Roosevelt Island and Sutton Place. [Weather wasn’t the greatest, but we made the most of it.] I haven’t visited Roosevelt Island since 2004 and many changes were happening at the southern tip of the island. The nicely situated Four Freedoms Park, which is a memorial to FDR, and it looks like some work is being done to the ruins of the Smallpox Hospital. Afterwards, we had a so-so lunch at an upper eastside Asian restaurant, and then strolled around the classy neighborhood of Sutton Place. At 1^st Avenue and 53^rd Street, Yvette and I crossed paths with actress Scarlett Johannson. She was walking with a friend. Then Yvette and I had a refreshing drink at Starbucks, before my friend jumped on LIRR. Back in my hood, I had a private yoga class with Fabrice at 7pm, and then rested for the evening.

October 9^th, long busy day of hanging out with my friend Dennis. I took MetroNorth to White Plains and from there we drove around the area of Warwick. Around there we went to the annual Sugar Loaf fallfest, which was very enjoyable, and I purchased a lovely pair of handmade fingerless gloves. Afterwards we drove to WestPoint for our 2:30pm 2-hour tour of the academy and grounds. Fascinating tour and our guide, Anne, was very informative, humorous and charming. From there we drove up to the top of Bear Mountain, as the sun had come out, but it was still abit windy and chilly. Views from Bear Mountain were lovely. Then it was on to Nyack for dinner at an “all you can eat” Sushi buffet. Good food, but we ordered way too much, and very full by the time we left.

October 10^th,11^th, 12^th, 13^th and 14^th I put in for overtime with my job, as it’s the “mini tax season” until the 17^th.

October 12^th, I had an appt with NYU Dentistry for more crown / post prep work. Learned that my last two payments was reduced to one, plus about six more visits and I am done.

October 15^th, after doing chores, laundry and assisting Dana, my cleaning lady, I headed into the office for more overtime work during “mini tax season”.

October 16^th, after my private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt, I headed into the office for more overtime work during “mini tax season”. Spent the evening chatting with friends on the phone.

October 17^th, I had to work the last day of “mini tax season” until 8pm, which meant I didn’t get to celebrate my 58^th birthday. Though I did pick up some Insomnia double chocolate brownies to enjoy and I received about 88 birthday greetings on my FB page.

October 20^th, after work I had a physical therapy session for my ankle and foot.

October 21^st, I took a much needed vacation day from work to recover from the mini tax season, take care of errands, chiropractor appt and have dinner with friends to celebrate my birthday at a Thai restaurant called SongKran.

October 22^nd, after my private yoga class with Fabrice at my apt, I took care of assorted errands and did several loads of laundry.

October 23^rd, I joined my friend Judith for a movie and lunch at Nanoosh. The food at Nanoosh [Broadway and 68^th Street] was delicious and fresh. The film we saw was an excellent true story about Phiona [“The Queen of Katwe”], a girl from poverty who becomes an excellent chess champion. I highly recommend it. Also, I firmly believe this film deserves some Oscars.

October 26^th, I had an appt with NYU School of Dentistry for more crown / post prep work. I also made the final payment for all the dental work I’ve had done this year.

October 29^th, I joined my friends Cielito, Roland and Elliott in heading up to Peekskill, NY for a Halloween party, private screening of the film “We Are the Hartmans” and a fundraiser regarding stopping of the horrific Spectra pipeline near Indian Point nuclear plant. We had dinner in Peekskill at a good Mexico restaurant called Ruben’s Café.

October 30^th, I strolled around the lovely and delightful Brooklyn botanical gardens on a sunny, warm afternoon before joining my friend Debbie for tea / dessert at the Cocoa Bar in Park Slope. Afterwards, on our way back to Debbie’s apt, it clouded up quickly and rained on / off.