Pay It Forward

The other day I decided to have some "shopping therapy". That is a time when I actually don't need a thing, but every so often, due to various issues or stresses, I take the day and go to the mall. I turn off my phone, I go into a zillion stores, and shop till I drop. Usually, I come away with nothing or just an item or two. But,at the end of the shopping expedition, I have cleared my head and I am ready to face the world again. It's easy to spend small amounts of money these days since all the clothes look they came from third world countries! And if I see one more "jogger pant" or tie dye sweatsuit, I might actually vomit. But enough commentary on fashion and back to my story. As I was entering the mall I noticed a young(er) (than me) woman who parked in a handicapped space. She had several packages and a cane. As she started walking towards the entrance, I noticed it was not easy for her to balance the cane and negotiate her packages with her unsteady gait. I ran over to her and asked if I could help her get to her destination. She was so incredulous (and probably a bit suspect that a stranger would approach her to help. But, she was also very grateful and accepted my offer. When I found out her destination was pretty far from where she had parked, I was so happy that I could help out. Walking slowly and deliberately, we chatted. Now all she had to manage was her cane. As I carried her items, we exchanged names and other details about each other. I found out that she is a resident of Newark and had been in law enforcement there. I thanked her for her service and she told me that her injury was a traumatic injury related to her job as a policewoman. She had been blessed and lucky to have kept her leg and said she was doing the best she could. When I got her settled at the store, she said "Miss Debie, I want to thank you for all your help" and we said our warm goodbyes. As I walked away, my heart was bursting and my mind was swirling. This was, in fact, a day of much needed therapy for me. First and Foremost, it reminded me how blessed my own life is. Secondly, it illustrated how the smallest act can make the biggest difference to someone. You don't have to be rich or powerful to make a difference in people's lives. There are many ways to be helpful besides being charitable with money. What acts can we all do as an ordinary person to pay it forward? 1)Spend some time with the elderly-visit someone in assisted living, the hospital or a neighbor down the street. Often when I visit with my mom at her assisted living facility, I stop and chat with some of the residents. Many of the people do not have family close by and rarely have visitors. They love to tell you their stories. Talking with them makes them feel that someone cares; that they matter; and it always puts a smile on their faces. 2)Give your seat up (on the subway, train, or bus) to someone who needs it more than you do. 3)At the grocery store, "loan" people money if they don't have enough for all the items they have on the counter. 4)At the local coffee shop or drive-thru burger spot, Pay for the people in front or behind you "just because". 5)Many times through out the year, I write notes to the Assisted Living Facility my Mom resides in, a club I belong to, a salon, a Doctor's office, etc. These notes are written to the owners, doctors, or powers that be in praise of their various members of the staff (by name). More than once this recognition has resulted in a promotion or pay increase for an individual. And believe me, that can be life changing and motivating. 6)Take your leftovers from a restaurant and offer to hand them off with a couple of dollars to a homeless person on the street. 7)Welcome a new neighbor with dinner or some baked goods. 8)Drive an elderly neighbor to the Doctor or store. 9)Visit and play with animals at a pet shelter. 10)Donate clothes and toys to a homeless shelter. 11)Hold the door of an elevator or open the door for the person walking in front of you or behind you. Opportunities exist everywhere and everyday-You just have to look for them and most of all, you must be willing to help a total stranger. Not only will this brighten someone else's mood, but it puts you in a great mood as well. The thrill of paying it forward it that you do something really good for someone who did not at all expect this act of kindness. Winston Churchill said, " We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." PEACE OUT-ONE B HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

FEBRUARY DIVERSIONS

Looking for ways to fill your time on these cold winter days and nights? Here we go... PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO WHILE EXERCISING OR DRIVING SMARTLESS-Hosts Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett banter with a special guest each episode. The guests are funny, but the hosts are hilarious. Start with the Stephen Colbert interview and then listen to Conan O'Brien's. LITERALLY-Rob Lowe also does interviews with famous people. Lowe is bright, engaging, and a great interviewer. Who Knew? He interjects great stories about his life while doing interviews. Listen to Tiffany Haddish first. Then, go on and listen to David Crosby's interview. MOVIES THE TENDER BAR-This is my movie pick of the year. Loved every minute! Surprisingly, Ben Affleck gives an outstanding performance. George Clooney directed this coming of age movie and did a fabulous job. Don't miss it! Available on Amazon Prime. THE POWER OF THE DOG-Directed by Jane Campion. This is a slow moving dark story with great character development. Have patience, and stay awake, because it's actually quite good. Starring Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst, and Benedict Cumberbatch who all give stellar performances. Available on Netflix. HOUSE OF GUCCI-Ridley Scott directed this movie and I loved every minute! The movie has gotten very mixed reviews. Gaga, Al Pacino, Jared Leto and Adam Driver give fabulous performances. Gaga deserves an academy award for her amazing portrayal of Patrizia Gucci! Totally entertaining flick with great fashion and scenery. Available on Amazon Prime. MUNICH THE EDGE OF WAR- Europe is on the brink of war and the plot is about the 1938 Peace Agreement between Germany and England. The story is relayed from the viewpoint of the Prime Minister of England and two former Oxford graduates. A combination thriller and historical drama, it's not completely accurate. That being said, I liked it. Jeremy Irons as Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, gives a strong performance. Available on Netflix. LICORICE PIZZA-Paul Thomas Anderson directed this 1970's movie set in the San Fernando Valley. The movie got decent reviews, which I can't understand. I couldn't wait to see it, and yet, I was totally disappointed. It's disjointed and goes nowhere. For me, the only redeeming part of the movie was the awesome soundtrack featuring David Bowie, Donovan, Sonny and Cher, McCartney, Nina Simone, and Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood. And, Cooper Hoffman (Phillip Seymour Hoffman's son) does an excellent job as the star of the film. Only in theaters. DON'T LOOK UP-A dark satire about climate change and an impending comet that will destroy the earth. Despite its all star cast, the reviews were not great. Climate change seems to be quite controversial these days! I thought it was terrific and highly entertaining. Do not shut the film off till it is COMPLETELY done with the credits. The film has two additional scenes which are very funny and they occur about 15 minutes after you think the movie has ended. Totally recommend. Available on Netflix. THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH-Joel Coen directs this rendition starring Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand.Great reviews and an Oscar contender. I haven't watched it yet, but supposedly Coen has provided us with one of the best versions of this story. The characters are multi-layered; the black and white cinematography perfection; and his interpretation of the story is gettting raves. Can't wait to see it. On Apple+. SUNDOWN-Away on a family vacation, a call comes in telling the family a tragedy has occured and they must return home. Tim Roth stars in this film that delves into selfishness and nihilism. I'm curious. In theaters only. WHAT TO BINGE ON TELEVISION If you haven't watched YELLOWSTONE, start! You will not be disappointed! Costner and his supporting cast are terrific. Paramont +. If you are a fan of YELLOWSTONE, then you should tune in to 1883 which is a prequel to Yellowstone. Real life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill star. Haven't watched it yet. Also on Paramont +. Getting good reviews. OZARK-Season 4 is out and I loved it! Julia Garner is the new "it" girl these days. She is phenomenal! Jason Bateman and Laura Linney are terrific and I strongly recommend this series. This is the only series my husband has ever watched with me... that's saying a lot! On Netflix. INVENTING ANNA-Shonda Rhimes created this series which is being released on February 11th. The plot is about Anna Delvey, an heiress, who stole money from the elite society of New York. Julia Garner from Ozark stars as Anna. On Netflix. THE WOMAN ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE GIRL IN THE WINDOW-Kristin Bell stars in this funny comic thriller. Bell is mourning a loss and drinks too much. Bad things happen-did she really see something or did she imagine it in a drunken stupor? Watch and see! I liked it-entertaining. On Netflix. THE GILDED AGE-Christine Baransky and Cynthia Nixon star in this 1880's period piece. Old money versus the noveau riche, poverty, unemployment, sexuality, and corruption are themes they explore. So far it is excellent. HBO Max. AND JUST LIKE THAT-the Sex and the City cast return but now they are in their 50's! So much fun to watch. SJP looks great and her wardrobe is beyond.... Poor Big...Poor Steve...HBO Max. AS WE SEE IT-An interesting series on the lives of young adults on the spectrum. The issues they have navigating their feelings, their jobs, and their friends are very realistic and compelling. Excellent. On Amazon Prime. HOW I MET YOUR FATHER-Hillary Duff stars in this sitcom about a group of friends. Kim Cattrall didn't return to AND JUST LIKE THAT but she shows up here! Cute,silly,mindless,and easy to watch. On Hulu. SEX LIVES OF COLLEGE GIRLS-Created by Mindy Kaling, this sitcom follows four 18 year old roommates at a college in Vermont. Kids will love it. And, if college was one of the best times of your life, then I am sure you will love it too! Such fun....HBO Max. THE OFFER-Coming in April. Al Ruddy's series on the making of The Godfather. Armie Hammer dropped out due to his sex scandal and Miles Teller takes his place. Has an all star cast and looks intriguing. Paramount+. HACKS-One of the best shows of 2021! Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder have such great chemistry as a Las Vegas comedian and her 25 year old comedy writer. Each episode surpassed the previous one. Season 2 coming soon. HBO Max. THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL-Season 4 will drop February 18th. Everyone loves this series. I wasn't as enamored with season 3. The series was repetitive and couldn't top it's first 2 seasons. We'll see. Amazon Prime. SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE-Bridgett Everett and Jeff Hiller star in this quirky comedy drama. You will either love this or hate it-no in between. I happen to think the Everett and Hiller are exceptional. Heartwarming and sad all at the same time. HBO Max If you don't feel like binging, there's always the Winter Olympics starting tonight! And then the Superbowl o February 13th! Now you will need some nourishment for the Superbowl...Pizza or Sloppie Joes? Pizza recommendations: Sloppie Joes Tony D's-Caldwell Town Hall-Home of the Original! South Orange Angeloni's-Caldwell Nana's Deli-Livingston Star Tavern-Orange Tony Boys-Livingston Arturo's-Maplewood Livingston Bagel-Livingston Razza-Jersey City Aquila-Little Falls Nonna's-Florham Park Mamma Dags-West Orange Santillo's-Elizabeth Desserts Nola's-Garwood Blue Steel-Bloomfield Palazzone 1960-Italian Pastries. Wayne DP's-Garfield Crowley Cupcakes-(Snickerdoodle)Madison Pizza Vita-Summit Montclair Bread Company-(maple bacon donut)Montclair The Committed Pig(red velvet fried oreo)Summit Sugarlip Donuts(Mr.Cook E. Crunch)Madison Sorrentos-(everything!)East Hanover Saltedbakeshop.com-(yummy cookies)West Orange Donut Plant-(best donuts ever)New York Happy Valentine's Day! PEACE OUT-ONE B