R and R....

Reduce, Reuse ,,, well no...
its more like rest and relaxation....

Taking some downtime from life to regroup.  Regroup, recycle the bodies inner spirits.
Everyone needs it... once opportunity knocks, we must take it.
We never know how much time we have in this crazy rat race called life.

Been a stressful year, as many of you go through this from time to time.
So when indeed your body needs Rest, let it.  Relaxation is part of life, and should be a part of a busy day.  Unwind.  Slow your thoughts down. 

Ever have a day when you have regrets.  Well there is another R word.  So that being said, a sure sign that life is telling you to get some well needed rest... however it comes.

Anyways, taking some downtime and will be blogging when i get back.
Remember,  Rest and Relaxation... and thank you for all the views on prayer blog.  They sure came in handy today....

Love you all, Miss B.... xo

ASAP... Always Say A Prayer...

Tonight's message is brief.  I have spent most of the day praying to my God, my higher being and hoping that a family member pulls through surgery well tomorrow, and his sickness heals forever.

You don't have to be truly of any faith or religion to pray.  We pray for many reasons, throughout our lives.  Through good times, giving thanks, and through bad times, praying for faith and hope to see you through.

Growing up in roman catholic household, and being of christian faith, we prayed a lot.  No matter what faith you have, be it in God, or the universe, or whatever your beliefs are, I've always said, it's best to have hope, faith and belief in something, then to go through life having no faith at all.

I said I never wanted to talk about politics or religions, so I'm not going to go into too much here.
All I wish for everyone, is to never lose hope, in the toughest of times.  I had posted on the FB news feed one day, what it means to pray and why it's healthy for us all.

I guess growing up, I knew I wanted to believe in God, only because I wanted to keep faith through all life's turmoils, and to know that their was a higher being that brought us here.  Like Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy, etc., we wanted our children to always have belief and faith, that they were people or things, we couldn't see, but had faith that they would come.  Santa would pay a visit every Christmas Eve, and the Easter Bunny would come and leave treats, and well, let's not forget the Tooth Fairy, and us leaving fallen teeth for money/coins.

At some point, in my children's lives, I knew they would have questions.  Question these so called visitors that came to our home, that they never really saw.  And to have faith and hope in the Lord God Almighty.  Someone we haven't seen, but have faith that in prayer, among many things, is there listening and hopefully answering our cries of hope.

So this evening, I'm asking as a fellow blogger, that you send some healing prayers to a loved one in my family, that is needing to be healed.  You don't have to be of any religion, or  faith, to want to pray for someone or send healing thoughts.  It's something that comes natural for some, and some have done it only time to time.

I've always believed,  and had faith in the power of prayer.  I try to not just do this when I'm in need of a miracle, or in difficult times, but also, when things are going great, and I feel blessed for all I have and what is happening in my life present day.  To give thanks.  Like we do around Thanksgiving.  A prayer can be defined by many things, but it's something that comes from deep in our souls, mostly during a time of need, but also to feel closer and more at peace with God or whatever your object of worship is.

prayer

prer/

noun

1. a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship.

   
   

   "I'll say a prayer for him"

   

   So trust the power of prayer, no matter your beliefs.  If you are of any faith, keep your soul pure, and don't just pray, when you need something.
2. Give thanks in prayer for all we have.

Mostly for our health, because that is the greatest gift anyone could have.  When you lose it, or it gets consumed by sickness, only then, will you realize, that all those materialistic things don't mean crap.

Be well, and do me a favor, and say an extra prayer this evening, for the sick and needy.  In the Lord God's name, Amen. xo

Love you all, Miss "B".

Sunday autumn sunshine....

Sunday.   Day 7.

For this day, I  only have to say a few words....   Take the time to enjoy your surroundings. Spend time with family and friends.

Rest.  Relaxation. Do nothing if need be.  Call an old friend you've not heard from in ages.  Enjoy some eats from a diner you've never been.  Try a different food today,  dust off an old recipe and bake or cook.   Whatever pleases you.    Gorgeous day to wash your rides.

Or just do nothing with no guilt.

It's Sunday. Be well and be happy and do what need be.  Love you all and chat this week...

Love yah miss B...❤️💋

Mobile / Cell phone Age.... where are we headed ...

Today was an interesting day my dear friends, it was a day of reckoning for some people that I "bumped" into...AND NOT BY CHOICE.

By this I mean, holy Moses, we have turned into cell phone zombies.  Two times today, I ran into two people who were wondering the hospital hallways, with their heads down and buried into their mobile devices, totally oblivious to their surroundings and where they were walking into.

People, you are walking, put them away.  People, you are at lunch and enjoying people's company, put the damn things away.  I know what you are thinking, oh yeah, she does it too.  Yes I have .... guilty as charged.  But there is a time and place.  This past month, I have done so good, as to leave it behind even when I go shopping or to visit my Auntie.  Yes, that's right.  I utilize my laptop at a time for me to write my blogs, but I don't use my cell phone to tie up my time.  It's hard, but I am trying.

We have become a society of dependence on this device that is quite harmful to our health also.
So today, as I was wondering down a hospital corridor, I ran into one individual whom I think was a resident doctor, and said HEY quite loudly, LOOK UP !..... he laughed and got the point.... he nearly ran into me, and I thought to myself, we have so many wheel chair patients and visitors, that one day they are clearly going to run into someone.  Then out at lunch for my walk, same damn thing happened... I'm thinking you are going to cross a road, and or an intersection and get yourself damn killed.

I hate it when our kids bring it to the dinner table also.  Again, guilty as charged.  Breathe, enjoy your surroundings, and for respect, lets put them away when we are together.  What is so important.  We have become a society that's hell bent on knowing everyone else's business.  Affair's get started quite easily, believe me I know.  Whatever happened to wanting to hang with friends, at dinner and talk about anything that comes up.  Be it our kids, our work, our families and what's happening in our lives, other than 'CHECKING IN" and posting trip pictures and excursions.  Yeah it's wonderful, we enjoy seeing them and we like and love them, and make the odd comments, but I'm talking about when we are spending time with each other.

This new age has truly changed.  How did our parents do it.  They still got their flyers and newspapers and read, and communicated, and yet, we now have FLIPP and social media, and we don't talk anymore.  For one week, count how many times, you've actually picked up your  phone and talked to a family member and/or friend instead of texting.  I guarantee it, it was texting.  I know I'm guilty of it.  Again, trying to make some lifestyle changes.  Think of how you feel without, or when you've lost it, either around your house, and/or left it at work or at a store.

All I can say, is make an attempt.  Don't bring it to dinner, if you do , leave it in your purse or back pocket.  If you feel compelled to check it, excuse yourself and do it.  But make conversation people.  I see it day and day out with couples, husbands and wives, sitting across the room, and we don't make conversation anymore, we cell chat.   If it's not your cell, than even your Ipad, tablet or any other device that warrants your attention.  I feel like, cell phones, should have stayed the way their original use was, strictly to make calls.  A way of communicating, in case of emergencies etc.  Now we are carrying mini laptops around, and we have banished all privacy rights.  They have been equipped with GPS, so that police and government authorities can find us.  They can trace every conversation and picture we sent over the WWW, even if we have erased them.  They are always public knowledge of our phone providers.  We have passwords on our mobile devices of all sorts, between a married couple, have we ever asked ourselves why ?  What is it that we have on our mobile devices, that they shouldn't be able to see or read.  I know my whole family knows mine.  They know my laptop, ipad and cell phone passwords, or logins.  It is what it is.  We go out and keep them face down, for worry that our spouses or BF's or GF's can't see what pops up ?  Come on, people, you have to clearly ask yourselves why?

But honestly, when walking the halls, or down the street, or you're at a park with your kids, make the effort.  Spend time with your loved ones and talk, talk, talk.   Find out what's happening in our lives, the old fashioned way, conversation.  Put them away at family events, and enjoy each others company, and damn it, LOOK UP when you're walking and don't be a CELL PHONE ZOMBIE.
Love you all, Miss "B" xo

ROAD RAGE... okay that caught your attention hgh ?

"Road rage is aggressive or angry behavior exhibited by a driver of a road vehicle, which includes rude and offensive gestures, verbal insults, physical threats or dangerous driving methods targeted toward another driver or a pedestrian in an effort to intimidate or release frustration."...Wikipedia.

Today of all days of course, how appropriate... From an accident on the north service in the creek area, to major grid lock in our wee township of Stoney Creek, aka City of Hamilton.

We see it on the news, and most of us, just figured it would be okay.  QEW closed both directions.  That should of told us something.  Where are our early morning commuters going.  Through our fine arteries in our city of course.  Most of you can't walk to work, but if you can, today would have been a good day to do so.

I walked down the end of our street and looked down Barton in both directions, and hell hath no fury like a morning commuter.  Love thy fellow man got shot out like a canon.  I wish I could have taken some pictures of the faces I seen.

Why bother honking people.  The guy 50 cars ahead of you can't move, nor can the one in front of you.  The best is then, when they block intersections, because the traffic lights are at a stop, and they're wondering why the poor bastard is sitting at end of his street and can't get out to turn either left or right.

People, call work and tell them you're going to be late, and go with the flow.  Take it from me, a person , who I will admit hands down, that i do suffer from road rage.  We are not going to get any further by being upset, or honking or yelling at guy in front because the truck in front of him moved 6 inches, and you want him to move forward.  Buddy,  if I can't see your license plate, and can see your nose hairs, you way to close to me, so back off (lol).

W.T.F. people... What is happening in our society, is we've run out of patience for anything.  Slow moving seniors in a grocery store, or the woman on her cell trudging along the aisles as she shops and talks. LIne-ups in the grocery store check outs.  Traffic jams and fighting for closets parking spot come holiday shopping.  Oh I know I have you thinking now, and your blood pressure is smoking already.  I can feel it through my laptop.

We've all been guilty of losing our cool time and time again.  If you've ever driven in the car with me, you'd know that first hands.  I have a GF that likes me to drive places, when we go out, but shutters at my driving skills, especially if someone is slow in front of me.  Again, hell hath no fury when "B" is on the road.  But honestly then, we hate it when someone does it to us, but yet, we get caught up in that moment from time and time again.

So, like many others, I need to re think my thinking.  I am not going to get where i'm going any faster, by losing my shit in the car. Might feel right at the time.  The dreaded fear of losing our jobs, or not getting the kids to school on time.  Well, that's where we have to stop creating these bad scenarios happening, so that we can calmly get to work, however long it takes, or to wherever it is were going.  

In closing, drive safe, be aware of your surroundings and who's in the car with you also (a.k.a. children).  Speeding up and down side streets to avoid the grid lock isn't safe, and not going to get you there any faster.  Its a disaster waiting to happen.  All you who sped through my street today thinking either artery was clear, ha ha to you and shame on you.  We have children walking up to the bus stop, and your bolting like maniacs down our roadway.  So lucky I'm not a police officer, I would have had a hay day today !

So be good, play nice with others, and share the road.  Hoping your day is better than your morning commute, and be safe coming home.  Love you all Miss "B"

A Mid-Life Crisis ??? really....

"an emotional crisis of identity and self-confidence that can occur in early middle age." according to some online directory search....

But truly, is it really a "thing"....  I often wonder.  One time I heard a women tell me, that she loved my tattoos and wondered at what stage in my life did I get them ?  Like really, what does that all mean.  And what does it truly matter right ?

Well one in my late 30's and other mid 40's.   And honestly I'm working on #3...pushing 55.
Oh don't worry, I know the sags and wags are coming and I'll be in retirement home, begging my health care worker to scrub my ankles because their dirt on it.  Or the pic will sag to the point, that I'm going to wonder WTF it was that was on my shoulder or ankle.  Hopefully I'll be suffering from dementia and it won't make a difference... We have to laugh about it.

So she kind of looked at me.  And I said, and I also am learning to drive a motorcycle, it's on my bucket list.  But that's a whole other days talks, the old Bucket List.

People restore cars, and love driving something that they drove in the younger days, so be it.  Is it really a crisis, or just a pleasure thing, or something that makes us truly happy ?

I find though, that something does come over us, once we've hit the golden years... the 50 thing.  It has many names, and all of us cringe when we hear them.  He or she did this and changed their hair colour or shaved their heads, they MUST be going through a mid life crisis.  or it happens around retirement time. 

Why don't we just take it at that, at this point in our lives, or whenever it is that it happens, take it with grace and do what you  need to do.  Once, again, who cares what people think.  Because no matter how, I guarantee you someone will say something.  I've been guilty of it from time to time myself.  I'd be lying if I said I haven't.

After much scrutinizing , I've realized this.  Time seems to truly be against us, once we've hit that mid century age of the great "50".   And many of us start to plan or think of where we are towards that dreaded retirement age, that we all ended up feeling like it's a death sentence, when it truly shouldn't have to be. Yes, I agree, well the primes of our lives, were probably 20's and 30's and possibly 40's... but it can be anytime you make it to be great.

Our problem is we spend too much time reading the obituaries, and I know, many of you reading this blog do LOL So we start noticing that people our ages or even younger, are leaving us way too soon.
I'll have to admit, that our generation, doesn't seem to hitting those higher decade numbers of age, then our grandparents have and even our parents.  What happens then , is we panic, and we rush out and start doing, what people are calling, crazy things, or crisis things.  Things we didn't do or buy, or things we have on that dreaded bucket list, and want to know we did it before our time clock runs out.

My take on all this, again, whatever, JUST DO IT...  and if it happens to happen now, in our golden years, well, heck, it is what it is.  For instance, cars.  I know a couple of pairs of hoodlums that are wanting some hot built up Camaro's and Bandit cars ... is it because of their age, well maybe up until this time, we've been so busy putting our damn kids through school and now we are just starting to breath a little, and wanting things we couldn't get while raising a family.  Have any of you thought of  that.   Because the first thing that comes out of our kids mouths, is,  WOW , is Dad going through mid life crisis ?  No he's not.... We just couldn't do it sooner.  A 1970 or older Chevy Camaro, was no place to put car seats or raise kids in.   Most of us had mini vans, and mid size 4 door vehicles.  It was what it was, right ??? 

As for anything else, like getting your "M" license, or flying a small plane.  Backpacking over in Europe, well heck, we couldn't have done it before hand with a family and our other circumstances, like a career etc.  So when is a good time.  Whenever it deems to be for you.    I know I've said this time and time again, in previous blogs.  But do what makes YOU happy. 

Is there such a thing as mid life crisis, well yes, but I wouldn't go as far as calling it a crisis.  Society and the media etc., and so forth, seem to make it a bigger deal than what it is.  Take my oldest brother for example, he's seen the world, because of his work career, and has travelled and has more mileage than most people will in lifetime.  I'm talking seriously like Delta has sent him gifts for how much travelling he's done.  So in fact, he would probably not have to worry about going to see certain countries, because at some point in time, he's worked in them.  Now he's close to retirement and can probably relax and enjoy his grandchildren, and just want to be home more.  No harm in that.

Some of us have been blessed with great careers and finances, that we were able to do a lot of things in our younger ages, and while still raising a family and / or working in our careers.  Count your blessings I always say.  If we, now at our age, want to venture and do things, however far fetched them may seem to many of you, then I'm great with that.  Are you ? 

I'm going to cut this short, because I said I didn't want to write long blogs, so as to bore you all.  How truly blessed I have been this past week, and have had over 700 views from my readers over the world wide web, even as far as Italy and good old Montreal viewers. 

Mid life crisis, doesn't have to be what it means.  Yes our thinking, and our routines, and what we want to accomplish may suddenly come to a view or to a halt, to a point where we are re-evaluating things.  Then fine.  But do what makes you happy and when you can do it.  Get that tattoo, and where you want it, (not going to reveal where my next ones going),  and learn to fly a damn plane, and go back packing in the Himalaya's... just remember don't forget about Miss "B" and include me.  Mid life crisis, can develop into depression, so do what makes you happy and content, and when you can do it.  Don't think about remorse and immortality and all the things to bring you down.  Make these years the best years of your life.

Drive the car you want, and enjoy your grandchildren, travel with them. Make these years the best you can with the means you have.  DO NOT compare your life with others, and what they have and what they are doing.  You're only setting yourself up for more anxiety and depression.  Live Love Laugh.  

Love you all "B"...

Self - Care....

Yes, that's right Self Care... Your body is a temple and shouldn't be ignored.  I would kill to resurface in a foreign country 10 years later.... with a new identity... but it doesn't have to be like that.

Don't let the media tell you, you need to act a certain way, or look a certain way.  We need to start feeling good about ourselves at any time.  Even the bad hair days !!!

Take it from someone who has struggled with weight issues the better part of her adult life.  It seems growing up in an Italian family brought on eating habits that are second to none.
We ate at all hours, and we cooked 3-5 course meals, sometimes 7 or 8.   The main source of nutrition was carbs (pasta/breads) and sweets (dolce biscotti) and well, the forever , not so lean cuts of meat,  kill the lamb and pig.... (and the cute bunnies, but we won't go there)

That's with many ethnic and European backgrounds...many of you guys can vouch or those garage slaughters of meat that happened at Easter and Christmas

Taking care of our temples is a day to day battle.  We seem to want to fight the aging process, but it wins at the end.  My Dad used to say, be "o naturale'..... yes be natural.  So much of what we put in and on our bodies, lets face it, is no DAMN good.  Whether it be greasy foods, or all this market of make ups and lotions and potions.  WTF.... All you Sephora freaks lol... hahahhaah come on, i know your laughing now.

Then 10 years down the road we hear about what harmful chemicals this shit is really made of.  WELL HELLO PEOPLE !!!!  Christ my almighty , what did we think we were gonna hear about.... remember the saying, if it s too good to be true, it usually is.

Whether its anti aging creams, plastic surgery, and working out every day to the point of exhaustion, if we are not happy within, that shell of a body ain't gonna make no difference what happens to you.

Believe me, I have struggled with self gratification for most of my life.  Mostly due to weight struggles, but inner happiness is the key to all success.  If you're happy with yourself, and who you are, then that's more than half the battle.  You don't need that nose fixed.... that ass tightened, those extra layers of muscles, so you can look hot in a wife beater lol... FOCUS people.... FOCUS....

I ended up with compounding health issues, both physically and emotionally and mentally because of weight issues etc.  Health issues compounded and I did it all, thousands of dollars to Herbalife, Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, and hell probably more, and at end of the day, if I wasn't happy with who i was, nothing was going to work.  I took my life into my own hands, and got the help i needed, once I knew that I loved myself more on the inside than the outside.  It is and always will be, going to war with food, and keeping active.  I have advanced osteo in my knee and hip, but hell if it's going to take me down.  And I've suffered with Fibromyalgia, since my daughter was born, 25 years ago.  And at that time doctor's thought I had Lupus.  That was enough to make me want to run for the hills.

To this day, even being down over 100lbs, I struggle to keep my inner self happy.  We all have that from time to time.  Men and Women.  I get a kick sometimes, reading our postings on social media, when we check into gyms, or post work out pics, and etc. etc.  You don't have to prove nothing but to yourself.  If you love cycling, then do it.... if you love weight lifting, kayaking, running, or martial arts, then do it.  If you wanna fly a plane, then just do it.... NIKE says it best.  The best health is the one for your brain.

If you want to body build, to make yourself or build confidence, then just do it.  But be happy first and foremost with who you are !  That's all i'm saying and i know you agree with me.
We all have hobbies and interests, but at the end of the day, you do what makes YOU happy.... and no one else.  For years, I sought after gratification from family and peers, WRONG...............

The other key to life is the body food for the brain.  This is where i'm going.   We do much for our health, food wise, by making healthy choices, and also by physical activity, but it's the BRAIN that has to be in sync with rest of you.  It's the way we think and act.   You may have an idea, that at this stage of your life, you will never suffer from mental illness, but that's living in a dream world.  There is always something that can happen in life, and many of us have had a stressful one, and so comes the anxiety , the depression, the psychosis and other paranoid activities that come from our brains shutting down.  So when you think about yourself and loving you, you need to make sure you make your brain healthy.

Take the vacation, take the "me" day, get enough sleep and rest.  And love yourself, first and foremost.  Again, your body is a shell, don't focus so much on your looks, but focus on the vital organs inside.  We are like cars ! Honestly, don't care what color vehicle I drive, as long as it runs... POINT TAKEN... So we keep up with preventative maintenance, and we change things like spark plugs, filters, and belts.  Doing the old Oil Lube and Filter... yup your body needs it too.... Well, at the end, we are happy and we're driving a well oiled machine.  Do the same with our bodies, be happy with who you are and supply that brain some good food.... :)

love you all , and love yourself "B" xo

A wonderful and "M"arvelous Monday to you all  !

Hope your day is going well.  Mine started amazingly well.  Walked to my department in the hospital, and found a frantic father (soon to be grandfather) rushing to the information window to get help for his daughter who was in full labour in the car.

Well, let me tell you.  It was quite priceless.  So he wanted a porter and wheelchair stat.  I said by the time, a porter comes, you'll daughter will have given birth so lets go.  We proceeded to front of the hospital lobby and grabbed an available wheel chair, and headed out front doors.  Poor gal was in full labour and just so distressed.  Boy did that ever bring back memories three times over lol.

Low and behold, a very patient, and calm father (her husband) beside her helping her in the chair and grabbing the baby car seat and luggage.  I think the soon to be "granddad" was a mess more so than the father to be ....

So then I started thinking as I escorted them into the hospital and to the elevators to labour and delivery, that wow, what a proud father (grandpa to be)... he was so genuinely concerned because his "baby girl" now woman, is giving birth to her own.

It was truly a touching moment guys.  Because all you DADS out there, know how attached you are to your baby girls.  He had taken the time to drive them to the hospital, and be there for them. 

Now comes a story that definitely has stuck with me for life.  As some of you know, I come from a large family (The Italian version of the BRADY BUNCH)... brought together by much love and circumstance... two young widows with children of their own, and then added two more to the clan.   So when my  parents were wed, they were an instant batch of 5 strapping young boys/men.

As the story continues, these two fine people struck by grief, of losing their spouses shortly after they both immigrated, was more than they can bear.  Did they marry out of love back then, well yes, but more so out of necessity I imagine.  My poor father was left to raise four boys, and my Mom a son of her own.  In this day and age, what woman would marry a widow with four boys.  But as it goes, this was truly a blessing, because along came two more children of their own.  The expanded version of many TV shows, like the Partridge Family and many other major films, like "8 is Enough" and "cheaper by the dozen'..... lol.

Well, when my dear father found out my Mom was pregnant, he was more than ecstatic.  After many years of stories from him, he was overwhelmed with fear, of having more and more boys, and was truly wishing for a daughter.  Back in the day, ultrasounds were a thing of the future, and if anything, not done unless an emergency warranted it. 

So along came ME !!!! yes me the "B"....  Dad's were pretty much not welcomed into the labour and delivery rooms, and he had quite the clan at home, so he waited with anticipation for the "phone call".  Let me tell you, after all these stores, from various brothers and Dad himself, he was overjoyed.  To the point of a 3 day hangover, and never made it to the hospital to see Mom that day.  He had his own party at home.  Too cute though, come on.... So cute, he went out and got her a "mink stole" (not sure if that is spelled correctly" but he was overjoyed.  So today, after seeing that proud "soon to be grandpa" , I thought of the way Dad must have felt,  when I was born, and  after having all these boys.  Truly many blessings, because not long after he had yet another son.  to add to our fabulous "7"...

Happy "soon to be parents" to all.... and even more "happier soon to be grandparents" to all.  These are the moments that make more and more memories.  Hugs to all "fathers and daughters" and "Mothers and sons", and to all that are given the opportunity to be parents and grandparents through marriages and not just through threw blood lines.  To all the single parents raising their sons and daughters TOODLES... make memories, and stay kind all...
love you all "B"

 

T.G.I.F. - doesn't get better than this , or does it ?

Friday is a day of the week that brings out the "best" in us.
Why is that ?  Famous phrases such as TGIF, Thank God's its Friday.. comes to mind for a lot of us.
The FB news feed and Twitter and Instagram get inundated in pics and GIF's of Friday's and people doing crazy things, like running out the door.
But what is it that we are really doing, besides wishing our lives away faster than life is already passing us. 

A form of anxiety like no other, comes over us on Sunday's, especially after the dinner hour.  But we should ask ourselves why.  We know the inevitable is that, we have a job to go too.  We know this, yet we make ourselves stupid crazy over it.
I hate Monday's, and out come the pop ups all over social media, and we come to work miserable as hell.  I am as guilty as anyone for these types of posts.

Much to think about and be thankful for my friends.  First off, if you have a job to go to, feel blessed.  And if you're retired, well hell Monday's should just be another day of the week.  Days fly by, and so do weeks, and all of a sudden you hear this voice, HOLY CRAP WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO... shit... IT'S ALREADY FALL, SOON CHRISTMAS IS COMING !!!!

Well, our Monday's should be as good as Friday's, because as soon as Friday comes, another week has flown by.   We are that much older and that much more time has passed.  Can we slow the hands of time, No, we have no control.  But we can change our ways of thinking.

After working in different areas of the hospital, many of us had names other than for the days of the week.  Manic Monday, troubled Tuesdays, wacky Wednesdays, terrible Thursdays, and frantic Fridays... but really ?  Stress can overwhelm us any day of the week.  So let's take each day in full strides.  Some day's are workloads are crazy, and we can't wait for 5:00 o'clock to come... and then it continues at home.  Then we get to bed at night and toss and turn, and start it again. 

We need to shut off our brains people.  Sleep when we have to sleep, and think of nothing.  Use mediation cd's or music or whatever works.  And while we are work, well, as much as I am going to hate saying this, don't be wishing these days away.  Life passes us by way too quickly.  And with shift workers and swing shifts, Fridays mean nothing anyways, because most work weekends also, or if you own your business, you know too well, that there are no down days... So make them "me" days !

Retired people still want to enjoy life, so you won't hear them doing it.  We are wishing for our retirement to come sooner, but that again, is wishing your life away.  Face it, some of us may reach it and others won't, so lets' enjoy our days, each and everyone, from Mondays to Fridays and the weekends.  God created the earth and we know it by what he did by numerical days, and then on the 7th day he said, we were to rest.  So if life is crazy, so be it, crazy is better than the "other side of the dirt".... some of us are home taking care of our folks, or significant others, and well, each day should be well deserved and well used.  Some days we have to give 100% to others, and some days you will need it.  My father had to retire at 50 due to illness, and threw him into such a bad depression because of health issues and what not.  He'd of killed to work till his retirement.  He had to support a big family and at end of day was robbed of working because of health issues.  Once he realized he couldn't do much, he tried to accept it, and did small things and built things smaller scale, for others and himself and his family.  But I never heard him say, oh hell what day is it now... WHO CARES !

Try it for a month, and make your Monday mornings or Hump day Wednesdays as enjoyable and worth living for, as your Friday afternoon's racing home at 5pm.  Make each day count, and not wish them away.  Go out for dinner during the week, who says it has to be just Fridays, and if you do go, take me.  (not kidding lol)    First and foremost  LIVE LOVE LAUGH..... and when we do wake up, God Bless, another day under our belt.
Love you all  "B"

Growing up in a European family in steel town has had its share of challenges.  

We should all be proud of our heritage, as our new generation will lose a lot of what we grew up with.

Henceforth today's thoughts.  How many of you have italian, portugese, croatian, serbian, polish, Indian and other backgrounds... probably the better part of my whole FB family and friends... right ?? LOL

The ties we have across the ocean will soon be gone forever.  
Aging family and friends overseas and well, the old, family immigrated and lost communication.
I for one, have not been to Italy yet.  HINT HINT... so if anyone wishes to bring me... I'll pay, hahahah lets go... start the plane...  As for our customs and beliefs... don't lose them.  We get caught up in so much of whats happening in the media, news and posts, that we should always remain humble and proud of our upbringing.  Don't get me wrong.. CANADA is a great country and I feel so blessed that my parents landed in Nova Scotia, and not New York... just saying... in Canada, we have much diversity, but we have gotten to keep our cultures, and I find that many who immigrated to the USA lost that.  Again, just my opinion...

Growing up in a large blended family, was amazing... We had our ups and downs, or struggles and of course, for our parents, the old language barrier.
But let me tell you, i wouldn't have traded it for the world, and neither should you.... the stories we have, well, I could write a book.  After all the crazy hardships, they came out standing always... May my parents RIP forever.. so proud... and my brothers , well they rock... they made and molded me into the tough cookie I am today... and in the center of all this was FOOD... Food was always a blessing, and if you had a rough on your head, which we did, and food on the table, you were ahead of the game.  So feel blessed, that they provided all this.

And if you sit down with my brothers... you'll be in tears and your face will hurt from the laughter. 
I'm thinking a movie motion picture... from the Ottawa street neighborhood to the east end... We all survived.  Hell i don't know how, especially when i hear about the alley way shenanigans that went on near Grosvenor.  That's another story, another day.

Life will always have challenges, but remember your roots.  Make the italian sausages, make the smoked pork tenderloins.... bake those biscotti's and canoli's... and continue making fresh homemade sauce... yes not from a jar or can... put the damn pot on the stove and make it fresh !!!!!
I still do, and I"m hoping my kids will keep their culture and pass it on for generations to come.

I'm especially proud of business's that have kept the culture movement, like Sam's Queenston Bakery, Ontario Ravioli, many shops and even family restaurants, like Ventura's on James St., land other ethnic food venues.

Canada is a great country, and when they opened their doors to immigration, they became an even bigger one.  This land was made on people who like my dad, built caskets, that's right... he was a carpenter and immigrated and built coffins, it was a business people were dying to get into... (hahah sorry had to throw that in)... and my Uncle Louie, well he was delivering bread, so the going joke was, he was feeding the living...

So feel proud today, don't ever be embarrassed of your heritage.  Enjoy the Indian food, the chevapi from Bosnian meats mmmmm and the italian sausage from Nardini's.... or better yet... learn to make your own, and leave the recipes for your children for years to come.  September brings memories of making tomato sauce in our garages, canning fruit, and jarring vegetables from the garden and then of course, the best WINE MAKING... when winter rolled around the pork sales started at the grocery stores, and sausage making and prosciutto and salami time... bring it on... 
So go on with your day everyone, and Drink , Eat , and be Merry !  and drink alone, I do ...


Tutti a tavola e mangiare"... Lidia "B"....

Hey everyone
Thanks for all the views on my latest blogs.   I decided if Seinfeld could do sitcom about nothing, and episodes, that really had no meaning, but day to day happenings of life,
then why not write about these things.

well, we are well into September already, and by that I mean, the weekend is already the middle of the month.  JESUS LOUISE... WISH WE COULD SLOW DOWN TIME...
That being said.

I've been approached today, but a bunch of work colleagues that said to me, "good for you" "you're still wearing WHITE".... REALLY..... so listen up folks.

We had a few days of cooler temp's, which threw our fall lovers into sweater mode.  Of course, who wouldn't.  I happen to love the FALL season.  But after checking out the weather for the week, let's not downplay an Indian Summer.
So do not let the "media" dictate what to wear, and when to wear it.
Hey I feel a man should wear more white also.  What wouldn't be sexier than a man in white slacks, white shirt... lol  come on ladies.

Anyways, I know that the days of Don Johnson (MIAMI VICE) are here to stay.  He sported a white jacket on his coloured T shirt and slacks almost every episode.  So be it guys, white it is... it's not just about the underwear.  And believe me, I know a certain someone I met many moons ago, was all about "white sport" jackets.  Wish I had taken more pics.

So today, I wore a lovely orange top, and my boss was sporting a black blouse, and we both wore white capris.  And that's all there is to it.  Don't let the so-called "fashion Guru" tell you otherwise.  Do your own thing, be unique.  Be different.  After all, Coco Chanel says,
"beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself".  And if being yourself is being different , then so be it.  Don't live by the Kardashian's of the world, or the Beyoncé's or anyone else for that matter.  Be YOU !

Sport the white all winter long in fact.  Christmas's primary colours have always been Red, Green and White.  Follow some fashion blogs, to get ideas, but don't play copy cat always, make your own fashion statement.  I personally grew up in a large family of "men" , "boys"... six of them.  So I was ultimately a "tomboy" for years, and would only wear a dress when we had a function or celebration of sorts.  It wasn't till after I got married, did I even dream of wearing skirt or dress.  High school of course, warranted it.  And they even told us what seasons we were to wear the kilts and when to take them off.  Far cry from what they do and say now. 

Enjoy Life, be you, and make a statement with your fashion items.  Mix and Match, men and women, and be YOU !!!
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHO YOU ARE, AND WHAT YOU WANT TO BE, IS WHAT YOU DO!

Wear the WHITE !!!!

The old "pantry purge"...

Pantry Purge

The fall and spring time, seem to bring out the "purge" ghost in us.  We get tired of rummaging through pantries, closets, cupboards and other storage areas, looking to see what we can get rid of.

Closets are easy.  We seem to feel the need to "out with the old" in with the "new" items, be it shoes, clothing etc.

Household items we don't use anymore.

But honestly, and I say this time and time again, do we ever notice how much we seem to spend on food these days.

Yesterday I did the seasonal purge of my pantry and came to the conclusion that I could have people grocery shop in my home quite easily, between my pantry findings and the cantina, or old cold cellar.

Sad but true, we all have cupboards and/or pantries that look like this.  I managed to go through and get rid of expired and old items, and found many of the same thing.

Decided that we probably, as a family, wouldn't even eat all this food I had in a month's time.

So I made a box of good non perishable and perishable items I could bring to the needy.  It never seems to amaze me I tell you.  Sales are great, and coming from European upbringing, more was more.... we needed to be stocked in case of company arriving or a war.  Whichever arrived first.  So that being said, we have enough toilet paper till the end of the year.... rice, pasta, and many cans of assorted vegetables, and soups.  Should old man winter, be bad to us, come to eat at my home..... I'll keep you well fed.  Better yet, give it to the closest charitable organization... it will make your day !   God bless you all !

Do you ever notice how, once september comes around, we all turn into pumpkins lol....
Well no sooner does summer finish, and we are thrown into a society of gords ?? 
Yes pumpkin everything... if it's not shots in our coffee, it's latte's, it's recipes, it's pumpkins of every size and color's hit the stores.
From seasonings to deserts, from pictures to fall decor....
We fall into pumpkin overload.. no "pun" intended there on the fall....
And then once hallowe'en is done with then we are thrown into Christmas mode.  But wait, we are already...
If you look into the dollar store isles and stores, we have pumpkins and xmas tree's side by side, to the left and to the right... STOP THE MADNESS... we just finished summer .... let's finish enjoying the fall freestone peaches before we get thrown in to "pumpkin" mode..
That is all my "fine fall feathered friends"...
"B"