I can look out, I just can’t look down

I’m old enough now and hopefully wise enough to know that I should never say never.

I used to say, “Oh, I would never live in a high-rise apartment building….NEVER!”

And the reason being is that I had always thought living in a high-rise building would have a cold and sterile feel to it. Throughout my many apartment dwelling years, I have either lived in a charming brownstone building or a cozy little apartment that was over someone’s garage. Also, I’m not fond of heights, therefore the thought of living in a high-rise on an upper floor scared the living crap out of me.

Well, guess what? I’m living in a high-rise apartment building on an upper floor.

Could you just DIE?

It use to be an old hotel, built in the late 1930’s, so it’s not at all cold or sterile. The building has a great vintage-feel because it still contains all the original hardwood floors, window and floor molding, and glass door knobs. I much prefer things old than new, especially when it comes to my living space. I enjoy residing in places that have a lived-in history to them.



When I first moved in I was on the 12th floor, however a year later I moved up to the 21st floor. I’ve got an awesome view of the city, which looks even more awesome at night when I gaze out my windows and see the twinkle of urban lights against a dark sky. Anyone who comes to visit me in the evening always says, “OMG….what a great view.”

And it is a great view if I’m looking OUT, but not DOWN.

I have an odd fear of heights because as long as I’m enclosed in something, I have no problem. But if I’m out on an open terrace, I FREAK!

Now, this is the REALLY odd part. For some reason, my fear of heights is felt directly in my GROIN. It’s as if someone just kicked me in my delicate gonads.

Gee…I wonder what Freudian thing that means?

Perhaps it’s just a guy thing, hu?

I can even fly in a plane and look out the window and be okay with it because I’m enclosed. Yet, you don’t EVER want to be with me in a glass elevator because I’ll grab my crotch and SCREAM.

Back when I lived in Florida, I was visiting someone who was staying in a hotel that had a glass elevator. When I got in, I had to turn my back to the glass walls and face the inside metal elevator door so that I wouldn’t see DOWN. The other people in the elevator looked at me like I was insane because I was panting like a St. Bernard. Coming back down, I thought of taking the fire emergency stairwell because I did NOT want to get back into the elevator, but I did.

Anyway, here is a view from my apartment looking directly out…..



Same view, only at night…….

Here is a view from that same window looking directly down……..

Excuse me while I grab my jewels and SCREAM…..

Sharing Some Good Vibes

Lately it seems that not only people who I closely associate with offline, but also many of those who I blog with are going through painful challenges involving the loss of loved ones, or have either friends or family members who are experiencing a devastating illness.

And I have to tell you, this truly rips my heart out because I can’t bare to see anyone in pain. Whether it be physical, mental, or emotional.

I realize that pain, suffering, and losing people who are close to us is a part of life, and that we will all experience these things at one time or another. However, knowing this doesn’t make it any easier to accept and embrace while it’s happening.

We find ourselves lost, heart-broken, angry, uncertain, and desperately seeking answers.

It’s some painful shit to go through, isn’t it?

Perhaps it’s because I feel things on a very deep level, but whenever I hear of someone’s pain and suffering, I literally feel as if it’s happening to me.

I’m not a religious person, meaning I don’t belong to any organized religion, yet without a doubt believe in a Higher Power. I also believe that whatever effects one human being, affects us all. I believe we are all interconnected ‘energetically’ and that whatever we practice in the way of prayer or meditation can reach far and wide; helping those who are in need because energy has no boundaries.

And that’s how I envision a Higher Power. It is the source of the energy. So when we pray or meditate, the Higher Power delivers the energy to wherever it is needed.

We can’t always be sure of how our prayers or meditations are being used to help someone, but we CAN be sure that they are being used for the person’s highest good.

And I truly believe that.

This past week, I’ve been spending a lot of time sharing ’good vibes’ with the people in my life who are experiencing tremendous challenges right now. And not only with them, but with all those in world who might be going through things that are very difficult.

I may not be able to be with all these people in person, or even know them on a personal level, but it really doesn't matter because ‘good vibes’ will be felt.

So, I ask if you could all take a few minutes this weekend, and either pray or meditate, sending out LOVE to our fellow human beings in the world who could use some support.

And trust that your ‘good vibes’ are being received.....

Thank you everyone!

Wishing you a faaaaabulous weekend!

X

Yes, I now need my reading glasses to shave

It’s probably a combination of age and the fact that I spend so much time on the Internet staring at a computer screen, but my farsightedness has gotten progressively worse.

I started off with reading glasses of 100 strength, however now I’m up to 175. I fear that within the next year I’ll be using my binoculars.

Now, my nearsightedness is fabulous. I can see clear across the state of Pennsylvania and over to Boston, yet ask me to read something like a book without my glasses, and I have to hold it ten feet away from me and squint.

Oh, and you should see me trying to thread a sewing needle without my glasses. It takes me two hours and a glass of wine.

I know this sounds strange, but if I can't see something properly it makes feel like I can't breathe.

A few months ago, I finally succumbed to using my glasses while shaving every morning. I had to because I was not only missing spots, but also nicking the HELL out of my skin. It was a bit tricky at first trying to shave my face with glasses on. I’ve gotten use to it, though. Sorta.

Please take a look……

Here I am with a stubbly beard.


Applying my shaving cream.

Ooops!....see what happens when you wear glasses while applying shaving cream?

Here I am carefully shaving, as not to cut myself.

Shaving my chin. My least favorite part to shave.

Here I am completely finished.

Yup….I think it’s time to bring out my binoculars. Seriously.

Early Spring Cleaning

Even though it’s not technically Spring, this past week mother nature has given most of us here on the east coast a spring tease, with mild temperatures in the high 50’s up into the mid 60’s.

Yet, knowing how psychotic the weather can be in March and April, the cold and snow aren’t over. And believe it or not I’m glad, because I’m not ready for Winter to be over just yet.

Yeah, I know most of you think I‘m crazy and would like to club me with a rubber mallet for say that, because after a rough winter most normal people are longing for Spring and Summer.

However, I’m not normal. I’m irregular.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love Spring, it’s Summer I’m not fond of. As most of my longtime blogging friends know, I can’t stand being hot. And hot to me is 75 degrees, therefore Summer is like experiencing a three month visitation into the depths of HELL.

Having had a break from work this week, I was overwhelmed with the desire to do a bit of spring cleaning. It began on Monday and has been going on all week.

Let’s see…..

I washed and relined my bookshelves with new shelf paper.

I threw out an old chair that was cluttering my studio apartment.

I tossed away a fake floral arrangement that was so dust-ridden it resembled a Dust Bunny Chia Pet.

I also tossed an old lamp I’ve been swearing I would get a new lamp shade for, but haven’t done so in over a year.

I went through all my old bills, bank statements and work invoices; trashing them.

I scrubbed the bathroom from top to bottom and washed my hardwood floors. I cleaned like Joan Crawford on a 1 a.m. Mommie Dearest binge.

I also threw out a few pairs of old shoes and sneakers that were no longer wearable, yet had been hanging onto them just in case I got the sudden urge to go clam digging.

Oooooo….which reminds me, I bought myself a new pair of sneakers yesterday, look…….


Aren’t they nice? VERY comfortable. I got them on sale at Payless.

I also did something very Martha Stewartish. I made some potpourri out of two dozen roses we had displayed at work on Valentine’s Day. I dried the petals and then sprinkled them with rose essential oil.

My apartment smells like fresh roses!

Well, there you have it folks, my spring cleaning week in review.

It’s been so therapeutic and cleansing.

Hope you’re enjoying this spring tease, however don’t get too use to it because I have a feeling we’ll be getting more of this……

You want to club me with a rubber mallet don’t you?

Have a glorious weekend everyone!

X

Valentine's Day, love, and being single

Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays that seems to be commercially geared towards those who celebrate coupleship; leaving some of those who are single to feel left out, depressed, and having thoughts of sticking their head into a gas oven without the pilot lit.

I can’t tell you how many people have said to me this year, “I hate Valentine’s Day because it’s a constant reminder that I’m alone, without someone to love or love me.”

I find this puzzling and utterly sad.

I’ve been single for over 20 years, yet I’ve never once allowed Valentine’s Day to make me feel alone or unloved because I’m not in a relationship with a partner.

Valentine’s Day to me is a celebration of love of all kinds, not just love as it pertains to having a boyfriend or girlfriend, or a husband or wife.

Valentine’s Day is about LOVE. Period.

Perhaps I’m strange, but I always feel love.

The love I share with my family.

The love I share with my friends.

The love I share when a baby smiles at me.

The love I share while witnessing a beautiful sunset.

And the love I share with myself.

I may be single, but I’m not alone or unloved.

On the contrary, I’m blessed with an abundance of love and companionship.

So, if you’re one of those single people who feels left out on Valentine’s Day, I ask that you notice just how much love you have in your life.

And I bet you’re blessed too……

Happy Heart-On Day Everyone!

X

Confession of a cereal killer

I’m one of those people who can eat a bowl of cereal anytime, it doesn’t have to be just for breakfast. I’ve actually been known to wake up hungry in the middle of the night and grab myself a bowl while sitting in the dark; watching a partial episode of I Love Lucy from my video collection, then brush my teeth and go back to sleep.

Cereal is one of those great little snacks that fills my tummy whenever I want something satisfying, but not overly heavy.

I think my mother is perhaps responsible for my passion with cereal.

When I was a kid, she had a designated cabinet in our kitchen that was always stocked with a bumper crop of cereal and a wide variety to choose from. I bet we had more cereal in our home than Kellogg’s had in their factory.

Let’s see, when I was a youngster some of the more popular cereals were Cap’n Crunch, Apple Jacks, Fruit Loops, Count Chocula, and Lucky Charms. However, I always hated Lucky Charms for two reasons. One, because those mini heart, star, clover, and moon marshmallow charms tasted like nothing more than pieces of sugary Styrofoam. And two, the TV commercial with that little leprechaun scared the living HELL out of me with his creepy voice....

“Always after me Lucky Charms….they’re magically delicious.”

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! That makes my skin crawl!

Leprechauns have always reminded me of freakish creatures that are neither adults or children, but rather stuck somewhere in between.

I think my favorite cereal back then was probably Trix. Not only did I enjoy the taste, but I loved how colorful it was. Plus, they were specifically made for kids, remember?

“Silly rabbit….Trix are for kids.”

Then, as I older, I began eating more ‘health-conscious’ cereal with less processed sugar and more nutrients. I now purchase a basic cereal with whole grains; then add my own fresh fruit (bananas, strawberries or blueberries) and 2% milk. I will sometimes even add sliced almonds and a sprinkle of granola.

I can literally make a feast out of a bowl of cereal.

People are always amazed that for being such small guy, how much food I can consume. Now, when I tell you I eat cereal, I don’t mean one bowl. I can sometimes eat TWO in one sitting. It only takes me about three or four days to kill off a large box of cereal.

I think if I were ever stranded on a deserted tropical island, the only few things I would crave would be my age-reversal skin serum, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and an unlimited supply of cereal and 2% milk.

Yes, I do enjoy other foods, however cereal is something I can’t live without.

So, there you have it folks, I confess.

I’m a harmless.....

Have a delicious weekend everyone!

X

Intuition

in·tui·tion:

1. the direct knowing or learning of something without the conscious use of reasoning; immediate understanding
2. something known or learned in this way
3. the ability to perceive or know things without conscious reasoning.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I’ve often heard it said that intuition is a female characteristic. What I take that to really mean is not female in the sense of gender, but rather female in the sense of feminine energy. I’ve no doubt that most females are more naturally in touch with their intuition, because they seem to go with their feelings rather than always logic. But, I also believe that many males are the same. I know a lot of guys who are very much in touch with their intuitive feelings. And after all, we each have a bit of feminine and masculine energy within us, regardless of our gender.

I truly believe we are all born with the ability of intuition, it’s just a matter of learning how to recognize it.

And not only us humans, but also animals. In fact, animals are probably the most in tuned with intuition because they don’t analyze like we humans do, they just take it as truth.

It is also my belief that intuition comes from a higher source (call it God, the Universe, or whatever you believe is a greater power), and is fed through our feelings. My intuition has saved me many times from making some not-so-good-choices, yet that doesn’t mean I’ve always followed it 100% of the time. No, I’ve often struggled by going against it; only to discover that it was correct. I’ve sometimes had to learn the hard way.

For me, the guidance I receive from my intuition isn’t always delivered in the same way. Sometimes what I hear will be very subtle and quiet, yet other times it’ll be loud and clear as if something inside is saying, “Warning! Warning!” I’ve had this happen to me several times while walking down a city street at night, and immediately turned around and went down another street.

Not only has my intuition warned me about something negative, but it has also guided me to see something against my own sense of initial judgment. Such as, meeting someone for the first time who may have appeared rather gruff on the surface, however my intuition told me, “This guy/gal is actually a very good person, it’s just that they don’t show it outwardly.”

Sometimes the challenge in following my instinct is in my ability to trust it when something appears to be totally illogical at first. Like, when an opportunity for a job arises which sounds like it would be ideal, while my inner gut is telling me, “NO.”

This happened to me many, many years ago when a job became available that sounded right up alley. The perks were awesome and the salary was much more than I was making. So, I updated my resume and was getting ready to email it to the company, though this nagging feeling in my gut kept making me hesitate. I felt that even though the job was ideal, somehow it would only be temporary.

And do you know what I found out? The person who got that job was laid off in six months for reasons of severe cutbacks within the company.

I believe in intuition, wholeheartedly. Yet, is there any provable scientific logic as to where it comes from or if it can be relied upon as truth?

No.

But, I’ve never needed a logical reason because the proof has always been in the outcome.

Whether I followed it or not.

Icky Sicky

Germ Alert: I am pretty sure I’m past the point of being contagious, however I will leave you with some hand sanitizer at the end of this post, just to be safe.

Earlier this week, my dear blogging friend Meleah, mentioned she had gotten sick and I responded to her in my comment that I had felt myself on the verge of also getting sick, but thought I had nabbed it from manifesting into a full-blown cold by using my special witch doctor elixir consisting of one bat wing, three frog warts, and a single hair off a black cat.

WRONG!

Then again, in the elixirs defense, I think walking through my chilly apartment NAKED last week to fetch my shower gel in the kitchen, probably didn’t help matters.

Monday afternoon, I could feel myself getting achy and chilly. By nightfall, I was coughing like an old steam engine, my nose was running, and my head felt like it was filled with cotton balls. One minute I was hot, the next minute I was freezing.

I don’t get sick very often, but when I do it’s usually something truly icky, like, Montezuma’s Revenge.

The last time I was sick was over 4 years ago, when I got hit with the most horrendous flu. I was sitting in a sales meeting at work and could actually feel this evil thing slowly descending upon me in a dark cloud; entering through the crown of my head and causing the most hellacious headache. It moved down through every bone and muscle in my body. By the end of the meeting, I could tell this was going to be bad because even my skin and hair hurt. I was flat out on my back for almost a week. I couldn’t even talk to anyone on the phone because the minuscule amount of energy it would have taken me to open my mouth and form words, was just too painful. Blinking even hurt.

But I’m happy to report, this recent cold/flu was not nearly as bad. Fortunately, I’ve had this week off from work, so I was able to stay home and take good care of myself. I’ve been drinking herbal tea, soaking my feet in hot Epsom salt baths, ingesting vitamins, using essential oils, and resting quietly all day.

I don’t know if any of you have ever noticed this, but it’s weird how when you’re sick you will always feel worse at night. Am I right? I found myself dreading the sun going down because I knew I would eventually feel like cockroach who had been crushed by a sledgehammer.

Yesterday, I was at a point of going bonkers since I’ve been slowly getting bored staying inside. I have been so tired of looking at this apartment, I actually rearranged some pictures on the walls so my place would look different.

And just to let you know HOW bored I was, I went out briefly and rented the movie Sex and the City 2, which I had seen in the theater last May and was soooooo disappointed. In spite of this, I thought that by watching it again while being sick, would somehow make me appreciate even a bad film.

Well, it didn’t. Not only was I disappointed again, but I was disappointed and felt SICK about it.

I adored the HBO series, loved the first movie, however the second film was like it wasn’t even written by the same brilliant man who wrote the series. Personally, I think it's time they just allow Sex and the City to be what it is.....a memory of something that was great.

Anyway folks, I’m feeling much better today and plan on resting more this weekend because I’ve got a very busy schedule at work next week with Valentines Day coming up, so I need to be in top-top retail shape.

Aaaaachoooooooo!

Ooops! Sorry for the sneeze, but as I shared at the beginning of this post, allow me to leave you with some hand sanitizer…..

*Please feel free to use as much as you want.

Wishing you a happy and healthy weekend everyone!

X