Secret Identity

Does your name accurately describe the Real You??  Am I really Evelyn Silver Gold, a name I basically like?  Perhaps I have a secret Indian name or perhaps there's a name out there that would fit me perfectly. 

Not to worry, Honey Boo Boo has declared I have a "Honey Boo Boo" name that is sure to be ME.  And here it is:

 

 

To tell you the truth, this name is not half bad  I mean Glitz is kind of like Gold but a bit more sparkly and shiny and Effie is sort of cute.  It reminds me a of a wicked witch for some reason but hey, I can live with that.

 

;-)

Netherworld

On my list of things-to-try-out (challenging new experiences for the recently retired) is a trip or two to the Netherworld of TV viewing which includes such offerings as Jersey Shore, Lizard Lick Towing, Gator Boys, Bait Car and whatever show Honey Boo Boo is on.  Dare I admit I have never seen Big Brother or Project Runway or even Keeping Up With The Kardashians? Have I been missing out on Big Fun??

I am ready to broaden my horizons and deaden my senses!  Bring them on!

;-)

Emoticons

The newest iOS (Apple Operating System) gifted me with a whole bunch of new emoticons, those adorable little faces and pictures that sometimes describe how I am feeling a heck of a lot better than I can.  I guess it's true, a picture, even a little bitty one, is worth a thousand words. 

My favorites are the ones that say good luck, oh goody, oh phooey, kiss-kiss and I love you.  I'm not sure I'll ever have the opportunity to use the new volcano, pagoda, space shuttle, helicopter or Stonehedge ones and I surely hope I will not need the ambulance, hospital or hand grenade to tell folks how I'm doing.

Wink, Wink   ;-) 
. 

The Big Bang Theory

When Pawn Stars becomes too boring and I can't stand to watch the news one more minute, The Big Bang Theory reruns are usually somewhere to be found.  I recently caught up on all the episodes I missed by reading this week's Entertainment Weekly which features a compendium of all things Big Bang, including a synopsis of each of the five preceding seasons.

I got into TBBT when one of my favorite people in the whole world, Mayim Bialik - gifted Emmy award winning actress, religious Jew, author, neurobiology PhD, mom, wife and genuinely nice person - joined the cast in a role that is perfect for her.  After all, she truly IS a neuroscientist, everyone else in the cast is just playing one on TV!

;-)

Tis The Season

The 1980s version

Woo Hoo, the new fall TV season starts next week!  A wonderful treat, almost like Christmas would be if I actually celebrated Christmas.  I guess this is as close as I'll come to getting surprise presents, some good, some not-so-good, but all fun to unwrap.

Since I'll be gone for the start of the season, I've set the recorder to save the following:

Returning Favorites:
Dexter, Homeland, Mike and Molly, Revenge

New Shows I can't wait for:

Beauty and the Beast (Loved! Loved! Loved! the 1980s version and Kristin Kreuk is one of my favorite actresses)

2012 Version

Arrow (Love the Green Arrow and this new Oliver Queen is a cutie!)

Elementary (Adore Johnny Lee Miller and like Lucy Liu too and of course I am a big Sherlock Holmes fan in any format)

I'll try it out once: Last Resort (if it ain't good it's outta here!)


Christmas in October!  Yay!

Endeavor

The space shuttle Endeavor and the United States manned space program is now retired.  How strange that an effort that seemed so important for almost my entire life is now in mothballs. 

I know I am getting older when I look fondly backwards and get a little misty.  Lately there have been pictures on Facebook with the caption "do you know what this is?" or "do you remember these?"  I wish they would stop with these pictures because yes, indeedy, I remember them all.

A View Master?  Yes, I still have one on the shelf.

S&H green stamps?  Yes, they helped furnish our first apartment.

A clothes pin?  The doohickey you put in the center of a 45 rpm record to make it play on a 78 rpm record player?  Jiffy Pop? Yes, Yes and Yes.

RIP Endeavor, you now belong in a museum. 

Maybe I do too...

;-)

Type A

That was me for most of my adult life - running frenetically around with to-do lists and Day Timers and other Time Management tools.  My day was scheduled to Maximize Productivity and Produce Results. Setbacks were "Challenges" and Catastrophes were "Lessons Learned". Oh yes, I was a whiz at bringing home the bacon and frying it up in a pan ('cause I'm a Woman W-O-M-A-N!)  Yay me!

 

Now that I'm retired I think I have been demoted from Type A to Type B or C.  Things get done a little more slowly and hey, if they have to wait until tomorrow, so be it.  Now sometimes I wonder how I ever managed to fit 10 hours of work into my day! 

 

Maybe if I try really, really hard, I can get to Type D!

 

;-)

Cold Turkey

Next week I'm going on vacation and will have to go Cold Turkey and give up my precious iPhone due to exorbitant international roaming charges.  I am rarely without it and have become truly dependent on my iPhone iFix.  I make sure it is always charged and ready to provide me with Facebook statuses, the weather, the stock market update, texts, breaking news, its camera, emails, Google, my horoscope, games and  - once in awhile - an actual phone call.  What did I ever do without this thing?   It will be back to the year 2000 as I struggle with only email to connect me to the outside world!

I don't have the latest greatest iPhone but I'm happy with my little companion even if it doesn't talk to me like Siri  does.  I will take it with just in case of an emergency and also cause it's nice to take your friend with you on vacation!

;-)

Secret Stash

Everyone has bad days.  Those are the days that drive folks to desperate measures like running up credit card debt at the mall, hitting the Slivovitz (Dad's favorite) in the high-up cupboard or taking it out on your sweet innocent furry companion.

I have a little stash that is guaranteed to put a smile on my face during those dark days.  A secret stash of - oh no not illegal substances! - but of Nice Things people have said about me.  They are from co-workers or friends or bosses or loved ones.  Some just say "thank you for being there" or "you did a great job" or "wish you were here" but of course my favorites tell me I am the Most Wonderful Person On Earth (hahaha that's a joke).  My Nice Things  are stored in keepsake boxes on the shelves and also in my heart. 

They sure beat anything at the mall or in the top cupboard!

;-)

Personal Style

I suspected it for awhile but I guess this article in Redbook confirms it.  After a certain age - which I'm sure I have reached - it's better to show less skin.  Since 75% of my closet consists of tank tops and shorts (not counting former work suits, untouched for 6 months) perhaps it's time to go shopping??  

Every woman has her own sense of personal style which sounds highfalutin but really just means stuff she likes. My rule of thumb is this: if I pick things I like, they will go fabulously with all the other things I like that are already hanging in my closet. 

When I go shopping you can count on me gravitating to the same things:

1. Tops with crocheted or lace details
2. Cargo pants or shorts with lots of pockets in khaki or olive
3. Romantic gauzy blouses with small flowers
4. Skinny blue jeans of any hue or length
5. Anything with bling pasted on, especially if the bling has lots of different colors
6. Interesting shoes with lots of straps, buckles or beads
7. Stuff that is vaguely reminiscent of the 60s hippie era, especially if it has peace signs

;-)




 

5773

Rosh Hashanah and the Jewish New Year of 5773 begins tonight.  I pray that my friends and family are inscribed in the Book of Life for another sweet and healthy year. 

So many problems in the United States and the World today!  So many challenges for the year ahead!

It is good to take this time-out to reflect and to re-charge.

L'Shana Tova!

No Wonder I'm Confused

I took the PBS quiz to see where I lie on the political landscape. Hahaha no wonder I'm confused! Luckily I am a one issue voter...

My Best Days

So I blew out the candles on another birthday cake
I'm old enough to look back and laugh at my mistakes
But I'm young enough to see the future and like what I see
My best days are ahead of me

Life hasn't always been a party but mostly it's been good
There are only a few things I'd change if I could
But I don't get lost in the past or on some memory
My best days are ahead of me

Age is just a number and sometimes I wonder
What does it really mean?
I keep getting better
I can still be whatever I want to be
My best days are ahead of me

I've got sunsets to witness and people I miss
Beaches to walk on and a lover to kiss
There's a whole lot of world that I can't wait to see
My best days are ahead of me

Heavily plagerized (but modified by me) from Danny Gokey's My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me

The New Normal

Levi Johnston, 22 year old unemployed sleazeball, just welcomed his second out-of-wedlock child.  Along with Tripp and Breeze Beretta (barf!) Johnston, I can easily rattle off a dozen or more recent births that the stork delivered to girlfriends instead of to wives.  Several of these belong to my god-kids' friends. 

Single parenting is nothing new however. The old TV shows from the 50s and 60s were filled with single parents like Sheriff Andy Taylor, Bill Bixby from The Courtship of Eddie's Father, Fred MacMurray from My Three Sons, and the pre-Brady Bunch "fella" and  "lady" each raising three kids on their own.  All of the above had un-named dead spouses who died of un-named causes.  Heck, Ben Cartwright had three dead spouses!  And all had wonderful household help like Aunt Bea, Mrs. Livingston, Uncle Bub and Alice. Most excellent role models for single parents!

Somewhere in the last two or three decades it became perfectly normal to have a baby outside of marriage.  Now more than 50% of babies born to women under 30 are born outside of marriage. Not exactly the single parent paradigm as seen on TV in the mid-20th century!

It's the New Normal I guess but I still don't think I like it very much.  I guess that makes me an old fuddy-duddy huh?

;-)

 

Mad World

Since when are diplomats fair game for violent attacks?  And since when do allies whom we have supported with our treasure and precious lives harbor such unmitigated hatred for us?

Since when is a good person who once slipped into a country on a cargo ship to help rebels overthrow an evil dictator murdered by the very people he championed?

Since when does a country, that we send billions of dollars in aid to, fail to do anything to protect our embassy and let it be torched and our flag desecrated?

Since when does the President decide attending a campaign fund raising event is more important than staying in DC and dealing with this crisis?

Since when do we snub even slightly or equivocate about our support for our undisputed friend and ally, the only democracy in the Middle East?

Since when do we need a new iPhone that requires a new adapter or all new accessories when we could just download the new OS to our old phone? 

Since when do Chicago teachers throw the City into chaos by going on strike?  Couldn't they continue to negotiate without harming families and children?

Since when do we rely on the Federal Reserve to work voodoo economics to keep the US solvent?

All this just from today.  Yes, it's a Mad World...

First Times

I'm perusing the latest issue of Good Housekeeping and Jamie Lee Curtis is sharing some of her most memorable "First Times".  I guess you might think of X-rated stuff when it comes to "first times" but in truth, I do not remember those at all.  But I remember these...

First Crush
He lived next door to my Grandparents' house and every year when I visited we would "hang out".  He taught me to shoot a BB gun and forgave me for nearly blowing him up with a firecracker one Fourth of July. 

First Kiss
It was at some kind of Jewish mixer, at a Reform Temple I believe.  I was 15 and one month old and the kisser was older (16) and the kiss took me by surprise.  I was sooo nervous!  We went on to "go steady" and remained friends for years after I (bad me) broke off the "romance".  I am grateful for my first kiss being a good experience.

First "I Love You"
I was dating a handsome, funny and sweet young man who set my heart racing.  He was not shy about saying "I love you" and eventually I admitted I loved him too.  It was true then and guess what?  We also remained friends after I (bad me) broke it off.  I am grateful for this too being a treasured and wonderful memory.

;-)

Life After Death

I'm reading the latest Spenser mystery, Lullaby.  Too bad the prolific creator and author of all things Spenser, Robert B. Parker, died in early 2010.  .

I felt the same sadness about losing my old friend Archy McNally when that incredible talent Lawrence Sanders passed away in 1998 (like Parker, he was also 78).  And though I did not start reading Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe books until after his death in 1975 (he was 88) I certainly wished Nero and Archie Goodwin would continue to eat and dance forever.

But luckily for us fans, Spenser (and Susan Silverman and Hawk and Pearl The Wonder Dog) live on.  Along with Nero and Archy, Spenser lives on because 1) fans miss them and will pay for just one more book PLEEZE! and 2) talented authors have copied the style of their originators so flawlessly that even I can hardly tell the difference.  In fact, I think Lullaby may be the best Spenser story yet!

Thank you Ace Atkins, Vincent Lardo and Robert Goldsborough.  Through you our favorite characters have Life after Death.

;-) 

Family Resemblance

We're the descendants of Avigdor Ezra Silverstein and some of us ladies refer to ourselves as "the Silverstein Girls" although only one of us still bears the surname of Silver (thankfully and thoughtfully shortened by Uncle Morris and my Dad).  Whenever I get a new picture of one of us it is like deja vue all over again!  You can see the uncanny family resemblance even through 5 or 6 or more generations.

 Meet Danielle, my young second cousin twice removed.  Her great-great-grandfather Shlomo and my grandfather Shmuel were brothers, sons of the aforementioned Avigdor.  And here's a recent picture of moi. 

Am I crazy or could we be sisters?

;-)

I'm a Fan

A Big Fan of Kellie Pickler!  She recently shaved her gorgeous blonde hair in a show of support and solidarity for her BFF Summer Holt Miller who is battling breast cancer.   Why didn't I think of that to support my BFF??  How she would have laughed! 

It is so hard to know how to help when your loved one is in pain.  Especially when they are putting on a brave face and keeping that smile going when they're hurting like hell and scared to boot. 

Seeing Kellie and Summer smile with their arms around each other reminded me of this picture of Sheryl and me.   I still miss her so!

All's Fair

Despite my Best Intentions to stay away from political arguments, I sometimes Cannot-Help-Myself.  HaHaHa! 

I adore these two - James Carville and Mary Matalin.  How they have stayed together for two decades is anybody's guess. James, a staunch Democrat,  ran Bill Clinton's successful presidential campaign in 1992 while Mary, an equally passionate Republican, ran the unsuccessful reelection campaign for George Bush the first.  They are both strongly opinionated, feisty and funnier than Lucy and Desi when they're together. A few years ago I read their autobiography/love story called "All's Fair".  I think they actually amaze themselves that their marriage works so well! 

Since I said it's anybody's guess how they stay together, I will venture my own guess.  They stay together because they can agree to disagree, compromise for the good of the family, avoid hitting-below-the-belt arguments and remember what's really important. 

Ahhh, if only Congress (and the World) could take a lesson from James and Mary!

Four Years

It's the question that pops up every four years - "Are you better off than you were four years ago?"   I am trying hard to remember 2008 and honestly assess this question. 

Financially our net worth is up about 23%.  Is that good?  I think maybe yes...

I weigh about the same as four years ago (yay!) and hubby and I are still both happy and healthy.

I am recently retired (my choice!) with "guaranteed" (as "guaranteed" as possible given the crazy economic situation) paid health insurance, a pension and future Social Security benefits that together will probably keep me out of "bag lady" status.  A Big Sigh of Relief and Joy as I feel I've reached the "finish line" (and also a new "starting point").

I've fulfilled my dream of seeing Israel again plus there were lots of other vacations, fun times and lifetime memories made.

I still love my house and where I live and I'm content with all those material things that really don't matter much anyway. 

My Blog has helped me clarify some of my thoughts and recollections and has become a fun and meaningful new activity.

I am more connected to my Jewish roots and feel a spiritual joy I don't think I have ever known before. 

Best of all, there is more love in my life.

Better than four years ago?  Yes.  Definitely.

Scary

A few weeks ago the Rabbi said at Torah Study that Jews do not have to worry in America because we are "completely assimilated".  He went on to explain the reason he knows this is because "non-Jews are happy or even eager to marry us; We are completely acceptable as marriage partners". 

It is true that lots of people think Jews make acceptable or even desirable marriage partners (what's not to like??) but I think he is waaaay off the mark.  I may well be paranoid but I believe there are lots of people who do not view Jews favorably, for whatever reason.  Many think "Jew" is synonymous with shyster lawyer or Wall Street goniff or top-one-percenter.  Many other labels are even less flattering. 

So why was I shocked and appalled and scared and horrified when the Democratic National Convention - in an effort to rectify the down-sizing of their platform's support for Israel - booed loudly when the chairman over-rode the clear ANTI-Israel majority after THREE attempts to get the amendment passed?  I should have known better!  Let's face it, there was only one reason for the last minute amendment - to pacify the crazed (rightfully so) and powerful voting block of Jewish Democrats (especially those here in Florida).  

I am not exaggerating when I say this was a sad and frightening thing for me to see on live TV. 

Superfood

 

This interesting article assures me that eating these "10 Superfoods for Women" will keep me strong and healthy.

Brussel Sprouts.  I can choke them down if I have to.  But voluntarily include them?  No.  Please keep them in Belgium where they belong.

Lean Steak.  Yes definitely.  I even promise to cut off the fatty parts.

Curry.  You bet, Curry Chicken is a favorite at China Hollywood.

Pistachios.  A staple here Chez Gold.  The big bottle from Costco is the best.

Coffee.  Can't live without it.  Period.

Oatmeal.  I have this every day.  Yes, really.

Shrimp.  As many and as often as possible.

Dark Chocolate.  Hahaha, don't need to tell me this one twice.  Dutch cocoa for hot chocolate is also imbibed regularly.

Cherries.  Don't have them unless they are in season and/or on sale but I can definitely ramp up my consumption.

Tomatoes.  Everyday, another staple chez Gold.

If I eat the other nine can I skip the Brussel Sprouts??

Real Clear Politics

An Oxymoron if I ever heard of one!  There is nothing clear about politics, especially this election year!  I too can be counted among those folks in the middle who support ideas that are espoused by either/or Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Tea Partyers, Occupiers and the "Don't Know" contingents.

I rely on two sources to help me track the pulse of the country vis-a-vis the 2012 Election.  One is RealClearPolitics.com which provides thoughtful commentaries, in-depth opinions, articles by the smartest writers and experts in their fields, and up-to-the-minute poll results.



The other is the Cafepress Cultural Barometer which is based on the number of T-Shirts sold each week.  Much more fun and the designs (no matter which candidate you support) are so cute!

;-)

Labor Day

Today is Labor Day and time to reflect on 1) hard working Americans who keep this country going and 2) Unions - which played a major part in getting us fair, reasonable and safe working conditions, ending child labor laws and perhaps becoming more powerful than the very institutions they sought to change.

When I retired a few months ago, I was a couple of months shy of completing 42 years of full time labor in the workforce.  In my early years I had an assortment of crummy jobs while I searched to "find myself":  Nanny (3 days!), Dental Assistant (maybe 6 months), Over-the-Road-Trucker (3 plus years), Accounting Clerk (2 1/2 years), mindless Clerical Drone in offices and small factories, Temp Worker and even Avon lady and Thrift Store owner.  When I finally found my "calling" in "Data Processing" and later "Information Technology", I was at last able to actually enjoy the last 32 years of my working life.

Happy Labor (or in my case, no-longer-laboring) Day!

;-)

Free App Alert

A friend sent me a link to Free App Alert which lists iPhone apps that used to cost $ but now are FREE!  Who can resist FREE?   Certainly not I.

So from time-to-time I check out what's new.  Here are today's finds:

Mind Ya Own Business 
"New photo editing options you can't find anywhere else!"

Bubbles Talk for iPhone
This sounded interesting but I'm afraid the developers in Dubai might be capturing my every keystroke :-o

Stickerfly
"Transform your photos to look like stickers!"

Swoop and Poop
"Totally unique game with very well done graphics!"
Uh, no thank you...

and the one I actually downloaded and am willing to try:

Day&U
"a diary in which makes your days special story with photos, stickers, drawings and texts"
Hmmm, will this replace my Blog???

;-)

Blue Moon

Blue Moon chez Gold 8-31-2012

When they announced Neil Armstrong's death last week at the age of 82, his family asked that when you "see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink."

So tonight, seeing this gorgeous Blue Moon peeking through our palm trees after coming home from Friday night services, I was more than happy to oblige...

RIP Rocket Man

;-)