Springtime in Brookyn

During a Pandemic

PERSONAL NEWS #302

April 1^st … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.

April 2^nd & 3^rd … Worked at the office, which was a productive two days.  I took car service to and from the office.  Driving time each way was 20-minutes and my company paid for the costs.

April 4th … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I did grocery shopping and laundry around my hood while wearing surgical gloves / mask.  On the internet I watched the 1981 British film called “The Good Soldier”.  I also watched episodes of POIROT and “Jeeves & Wooster”.

April 5^th … I participated in my first virtual yoga class with Maham.  Once we got our laptops working correctly, we engaged in the one-hour class.  I also enjoyed a 1.5-hour phone chat with a good friend of mine.  That evening I watch more episodes of POIROT and the British tv series “Rosemary & Thyme”.

April 6^th … … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.  Also jumped on two 1-hour conference calls.  First was an interesting call / townhall meeting regarding Bidawee and the volunteers.  The second conference call was regarding the ongoing planning for BFP “Peace & Climate Change” committee.

April 7^th … This day started at 2am with waking up from a bad dream and a broken toilet tank with water on the floor.  Stressful night in dealing with it until the super of my bldg came to do a temporary fix after 8am.  [We both wore surgical masks and gloves.]  Hopefully, I’ll have a new toilet by the weekend.  Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.  Later that evening [7pm] I jumped on a Zoom video / call with SGI Kent district Buddhist members for a lovely 1-hour discussion.

April 8^th … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.

April 9^th / 10^th … Worked at the office, which was a productive two days.  I took car service to and from the office, which the company paid for.

April 11^th … Took care of several errands around my hood.  And wore my mask and gloves for protection.  From 6-8pm I enjoyed a Skype video call with two friends of mine out in NJ.  We know each other via our love of all things Harry Potter.

April 13^th to 15^th … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.  On the evening of April 15^th, I participated in a Zoom video meeting with BFP PEJ committee.

April 16^th … Worked at the office and it was quite productive.  I took car service to and from the office, which the company paid for.

April 17^th … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.  I also enjoyed a 35-minute Skype video call with a good friend of mine here in Brooklyn.  [A lot of this seems repetitive and boring.  That is life at this moment due to the Coronavirus. Be careful and protective, or get sick and possibly die L ]

April 18^th … From 6-8pm I enjoyed a Skype video call with two friends of mine out in NJ.  We know each other via our love of all things Harry Potter.

April 19^th … Received a phone call from an old friend of mine whom I haven’t seen in 40 years.  We dated briefly in the late 1970s.  We enjoyed a nice 1.5-hour conversation.  Later on, I enjoyed a 1.5-hour Skype video call with a good friend of mine from northern Manhattan.

April 20^th to 22^nd … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.  At 4pm on the 20^th I participated in a third Zoom video call regarding the ongoing planning for BFP “Peace and Climate Change” committee.  During the evening of the 21^st, I joined in on the SGI Buddhist Zoom video call.

April 23^rd … Worked at the office and it was quite productive.  I took car service to and from the office, which the company paid for.

April 24th ... Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.

April 27th ... At 4pm on the 2^th I participated in a Zoom video call regarding the ongoing planning for BFP “Peace and Climate Change” committee. 

April 29th ... I participated in a Zoom video call with other BFP PEJ committee members in the evening.

April 30th ... Worked at the office and it was quite productive.  I took car service to and from the office, which the company paid for.

PERSONAL NEWS #301

March 1^st, I joined a good friend in seeing the delightful film EMMA, and afterwards we had a light dinner at Nanoosh.

March 2^nd, after work, I joined in on the first conference call for BFP “Peace & Climate Change”, and did phone banking for our fundraising committee.

March 3^rd, I had lunch with a friend in the Wall Street area, and after work attended the monthly SGI Kent district study session in my hood.

March 4^th, after work, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

March 6^th, after work, I had a much-needed manicure at a new salon.

March 7^th, I volunteered with the Bide-a-wee adoption van on upper Westside from 12pm to 4pm.  It was interesting, fun and got to interact with the doggies and cats.  We had many happy adoptions.

March 9^th, after work, I had dinner with a good friend who does my taxes.

March 10^th, after work, I jumped on a productive conference call for BFP fundraising committee.

March 11^th, after work, two SGI Buddhist Kent district team leaders came to my apt for conversation and chanting.

March 14^th / 15^th … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I did errands / shopping around my hood while wearing surgical gloves / mask.  Stayed indoors rest of the time reading, clean kitchen, watch DVDs, needlepoint, phone calls, etc.

March 17^th / 18^th, Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.  Productive two days J

March 21^st / 22^nd … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I did errands / shopping around my hood while wearing surgical gloves / mask.  Stayed indoors rest of the time reading, music, filing paperwork, watch DVDs, phone calls, etc.

March 23^rd … after work, I joined in on the second conference call for BFP “Peace & Climate Change”, and did phone banking for our fundraising committee.

March 25^th … after work, I joined in on the first Zoom / conference call for BFP PEJ committee, and did phone banking for our fundraising committee.

March 26^th / 27^th … Worked at the office, which was a productive two days.  I took car service to and from the office.  Driving time each way was 20-minutes and my company paid for the costs.

March 28th / 29th ... Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I did errands / shopping around my hood while wearing surgical gloves / mask.  Stayed indoors rest of the time reading new books, needlepoint, music, watch DVDs, phone calls, etc.

March 30^th / 31^st … Due to the pandemic regarding COVID-19, I worked from home on my personal laptop and brought all files, plus a memory stick, with me.  Productive two days J

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.

 Attended the NYBG Annual

Orchid Show

February 22nd

Daily Quote: “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley

Daily Quote … “The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.” – Jimmy Carter

Daily Quote: “Action without vision is only passing time, vision without action is merely day dreaming, but vision with action can change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

 4th Annual Women's March

Freedom Plaza

Wash DC

 Assorted Views

of

Wash DC

PERSONAL NEWS #299

Jan 1^st, after taking care of many chores and projects, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Jan 3^rd, after work, I attended the NYC Tolkien meetup to celebrate the Professors birthday at RailLine diner.

Jan 4^th, I attended the SGI Buddhist planning meeting / chanting in my hood.  After taking care of assorted errands and chores, I did some shopping at Costco in LIC.

Jan 5^th, I attended an enjoyable dinner gathering at a friend’s home on the upper Westside of Manhattan.  Good food, diverse conversations and we played the board game CLUE.

Jan 7^th, after work, I attended the SGI Buddhist study meeting / chanting in my hood.

Jan 8^th, after work, I got a manicure from a new nail salon.

Jan 9^th, after work, I attended a fascinating Transcendental Meditation intro talk in midtown Manhattan.

Jan 11^th, after taking care of chores and errands, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Jan 12^th, after taking down my holiday decorations, plus doing laundry, I joined a friend in Manhattan to see the film “The Rise of Skywalker”.  I really enjoyed the film.  Afterwards, we had dinner at China Xiang on West 42^nd Street.

Jan 13^th, after work, I attended the first meeting for the BFP Planning Committee.  It was at a member’s home and was very productive.

Jan 14^th, after work, I attended the monthly BFP Fundraising committee meeting at a member’s apt and it was productive, and we met the new Project Coordinator.

Jan 17^th to 20^th, despite dealing with Sinus issues, I still had a good time visiting Wash DC for the long MLK weekend.  Stayed again at the wonderful Capitol Hill hotel and had a very nice suite.  Weather was cold and brisk with light freezing rain on Saturday during the awesome “Women’s March”.  [Rest of the time it was sunny and cold.]  In addition, I visited with a good friend out at the Tysons Corner mall for a tasty late lunch and then shopping.  On Sunday, I visited three Smithsonian museums and took their informative tours.  In addition, also visited some special exhibits and the gift shops.  On Monday, I visited Ford’s Theatre, and took the 2-hour tour, which was fascinating.  I headed back to NYC around 3pm on the Acela.  I was not impressed with the Megabus I took on Friday.  The ride took 5 hours and had cramped seating.

Jan 21^st, I went to the City MD Urgent Care down the street from my office.  Definitely dealing with Sinus issues and the doctor prescribed meds.  The visit to urgent care was quick and efficient.  After work, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Jan 22^nd, after work, I joined two friends at a nice Middle Eastern restaurant on West 13^th Street for good food and diverse conversation.

Jan 23^rd, after work, I checked out another nail salon in my hood, and got a proper “special” manicure.

Jan 24^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist Kent district discussion meeting.

Jan 25^th, after taking care of errands, chores and laundry, I got a much-needed pedicure.

Jan 26^th, after taking care of assorted errands and chores, I did some shopping at Costco in LIC.

Jan 28^th, I had lunch with a friend, and after work, I had a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Daily Quote … “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” – Maya Angelou

Daily Quote Pt2 … "When feelings rise up, acknowledge them. Decide how you want to be. Surf, float, flow, make the feelings work for you seamlessly. Enjoy the ride." -- Dr. Jo Anne White

Many topics have greatly fascinated me over the decades.  [Knowledge and learning is a never-ending process.]  To name a few topics … WW1, Napoleonic Wars, Regency England, Crusades and European history / royalty.  In addition, the occasional “spiritual or religious” topic in books have intrigued me.  I am currently in the middle of reading three different books.  On a side note, I am quite content within my SGI Buddhist faith. I have no wish nor desire in swinging back to the Catholic faith.  I am a peace loving individual and just stating a humble fact.

1] The Buddha in Daily Life by Richard Causton

2] The Templar Treasure at Gisors by Jean Markale

3] The Essential Gnostic Gospels by Alan Jacobs

Daily Quote: “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.” – Simon Sinek [Start with Why]

Daily Quote Pt2: “So women, 18 to 118, when it is time to vote, please do so in your own self-interest.  It’s what men have been doing for years.” – Michelle Williams

 Enjoying the Holidays

2019

PERSONAL NEWS #298

Dec 3^rd, after work, I did volunteer computer work at WCW office in midtown Manhattan.

Dec 4^th, after work, I jumped on a monthly conference call for BFP Fundraising committee.

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

Dec 6^th, the annual office holiday gathering / event was held at Dave & Busters in Times Square this afternoon.  Afterwards, I stopped by my old office at 5 Times Square to chat with ex co-workers.

Dec 7^th, after taking care of assorted errands and chores, I headed into Manhattan to meet up with a friend.  We went to see the entertaining film “Knives Out” and then dinner afterwards at Ollie’s on 42^nd Street.  I also finished decorating my apt for the holidays.

Dec 8^th, after taking care of assorted chores, I did my monthly shopping at Costco in LIC.

Dec 10^th, after work, I did volunteer computer work at WCW office in midtown Manhattan.

Dec 11^th, after work, I participated in an informative and productive BFP board meeting.

Dec 12^th, after work, I assisted BFP fundraising committee with phone banking of members for donations.

Dec 14^th, after taking care of errands, I headed into Manhattan for a NYC holiday adventure and shopping.  GCS holiday market, MTA mini train show, NY public library and Bryant Park holiday market.  Watched my favorite Scrooge movie [DVD] with the excellent Alastair Sim in title role, plus “Sound of Music” on the telly.

Dec 15^th, I had a much-needed manicure and pedicure, plus a 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Dec 17^th, after work, I assisted BFP fundraising committee with phone banking of members for donations.

Dec 18^th, after work, I assisted BFP fundraising committee with phone banking of members for donations.   Then attended the productive monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting at members apt.

Dec 20^th, after work, I had dinner at Westway diner with my friend Wendy.  Celebrating the holidays and the beginning of my vacation week.

Dec 21^st, I did my “mentor / volunteer” training at Bideawee for dogs and pups.  Even got to take one of dogs [Bud] for a quick walk and gave him some treats.

Dec 22^nd, I did my “mentor / volunteer” training at Bideawee for cats and kittens.

Dec 23^rd to 26^th, I visited with Mom in upstate NY for the Christmas holiday.  We visited my brother and sister-in-law on Xmas Day.  Weather held up nicely while we did many errands, chores, groceries, donated items to CLR, dined out at Bensons, etc.

Dec 27^th, got a much-needed manicure at a new salon in my hood.

Dec 28^th, I took care of many errands, chores, laundry, groceries and cleaning apt.

Dec 29^th, I hosted a dinner gathering at my humble apt, and invited several close friends.  Everyone had a good time, enjoyed tasty food, and diverse conversation.

Utilizing Sketch Pad app

Christmas tree and garland

NY Public Library

NYC

Daily Quote Pt3: “Share your love and kindness any way you can. Lend a hand, understand, smile and know even a small kind action can create a beautiful reaction." – Dr Jo Anne White

Daily Quote Pt2: “If you want to be average, do what others do. If you want to be awesome, do what no one does.” – Alexander Den Heijer

Daily Quote: “Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers.” – Kahlil Gibran

Daily Quote: “Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn’t be done.” – Amelia Earhart

PERSONAL NEWS #297

Nov 2^nd, I headed into Manhattan for a 1-hour volunteer orientation at Bideawee animal shelter.  Afterwards, I took a taxi to Grand Center Station to meet up with a school chum from our Pound Ridge days.  Robin and I had a great afternoon hanging out at The Highline, West Village, Bus Stop Café and Greenwich Village.  We caught up on news and gossip.  It was an enjoyable time.

Nov 3^rd, after getting a much-needed manicure, I watched the NYC marathon in my hood before they hit the halfway point on the Pulaski Bridge.  Later on, I joined my friend Wendy in seeing the wonderful film “Harriett”.  I highly recommend this film.  After the film, we had a delicious dinner at Nanoosh near Lincoln Center.

Nov 6^th, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Nov 7^th, after work, I attended the annual BFP “Pathmakers to Peace” event at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights.  Worked with the other BFP fundraising committee members on assisting the event and it was a successful evening.

Nov 8^th, after work, I joined some friends [ie: Pauline, Deborah and Margaret] for a tasty dinner at Royal Siam Thai restaurant.  Conversation was diverse, interesting and informative.

Nov 9^th, after taking care of some errands and laundry, I headed into Manhattan for the HP Avada KedavRock 2019 hosted by my friend Irvin.  It was great fun and the antics were hilarious.  Afterwards, I headed down to the Manhattan Theater Club to visit with a friend and see some of the play “Height of the Storm”.

Nov 12^th, after work, I attended Leanna Renee Hieber’s latest book launch at WORD in Brooklyn.

Nov 14^th, worked late at the office due to company board meeting. At home, I jumped on a fun phone call with a friend in Canada.

Nov 16^th, I hung out with a friend to see the excellent film “The Good Liar”, and have a tasty lunch at Nanoosh.  Afterwards, we parted ways, and I did some holiday shopping at Pottery Barn.

Nov 17^th, I participated in the “NYC Underground Subway Tour” from City Hall on up to Grand Central Station.  The fun and informative tour took 2.5 to 3 hours.  Afterwards, I walked over to Bryant Park to check out the holiday booths.

Nov 19^th, after work, I attended the monthly BFP PEJ committee meeting, which was productive and interesting.

Nov 20^th, after work, I attended the monthly SGI Buddhist discussion meeting.

Nov 21^st, after work, I had a much-needed 1-hour massage therapy session with Eric at the apt.

Nov 23^rd, after doing some errands, I headed into Manhattan to attend the enjoyable “NYC Friends of Tolkien” meetup at the Rail Line Diner.  Afterwards, I leisurely strolled to the Bowery, and joined the “Ultimate Greenwich Village Ghost Tour”.  Our guide was my friend Leanna and she provided us with a wealth of interesting stories.

Nov 25^th, after work, I got a much-needed manicure in my hood.

Nov 28^th, for the 13^th year in a row I volunteered with Project FIND and assisting homebound seniors.

Nov 29^th to Dec 1^st, I visited with Mom in upstate NY for the holiday weekend. Friday and Saturday; we were busy with errands, chores, hair salon, groceries and dining out. Had to leave early on Sunday, as a snowstorm was heading our way.