Today’s Inspiring Quote from SGI Buddhist President Ikeda …. Life if full of unexpected suffering.  Even so, as Eleanor Roosevelt said: “If you can live through that [a difficult situation] you can live through anything.  You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.  You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror.  I can take the next thing that comes along.”  That’s exactly right.  Struggling against great difficulty enables us to develop ourselves tremendously.  We can call forth and manifest those abilities lying dormant within us.  Difficulty can be a source of dynamic growth and positive progress.

PERSONAL NEWS #300

Feb 1^st / 2^nd … Visited Mom in upstate NY to help with shopping, chores, errands and dining out.

Feb 4^th, after work, I had a great time enjoying wonderful readings yesterday evening with NYRSF at Brooklyn Commons with Elizabeth Crowens and Teel James Glenn.

Feb 5^th, after work, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Feb 6^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour acupuncture session.

Feb 8^th, after taking care of many errands, chores, laundry and groceries, I got a much-needed manicure.

Feb 9^th, I hosted a Tolkien gathering at my apt, and invited several friends.  We enjoyed good food, drink, diverse conversation, readings of Tolkien’s LOTR and a singalong.  All had a good time.

Feb 11^th, after work, I jumped on a productive conference call for BFP fundraising committee.

Feb 12^th, after work, I attended the productive monthly BFP board members meeting.

Feb 13^th, after work, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Feb 15^th to 17^th, I visited Mom in upstate NY to assist with errands, chores, groceries and dining out.  We also had breakfast on Monday with good friends of ours.  Had not seen them in months due to their health issues.

Feb 18^th, after work, I took care of my dry cleaning, and then I attended the SGI Buddhist discussion meeting / chanting in my hood.

Feb 19^th, after work, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Feb 20^th, after work, I got a much-needed pedicure.

Feb 21^st, after work, I got a much-needed manicure at a new salon.

Feb 22^nd, I joined a good friend of mine in visiting the NYBG and seeing the beautiful Orchid Show.  Afterwards we made some purchases at the gift shop before heading back to Manhattan.  Later on, I did some shopping at Costco in LIC.

Feb 24^th, after work, I visited with a good friend who has done my taxes for 20+ years.  The outcome of said taxes did not give me joy L

Feb 25^th, after work, I had dinner with a friend to catch up on news and cheer her up.

Feb 26^th, after work, I attended the productive monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting.  Today was also the first day of LENT and I gave up chocolate, muffins, scones and bread.

Feb 28^th, I volunteered with Bide-a-wee adoption day at the PetSmart near Washington Square Park from 10:30am to 3pm.  It was interesting, fun and got to interact with the doggies and cats.  We had many happy adoptions.