End of Year Chat, New Resolutions

 

Late Christmas Blessings, Early New Year's Wish

 Evening Journeyers!

I don't know what just happened, but OMG!!

We are at, right now, at our favorite hanging spots, the Lakeview Tavern and Inn, charging our Chromebooks and phones, enjoying tea and soda with some fish and chips (that's french fries, btw).

As we're just minding our business near the pool table when a couple came over to see if it's alright for them to play, that they weren't disturbing us. Well, it turned out to be some old schoolmates that I haven't seen since they graduated with my brother back in 1998.

We caught up briefly on what's been happening before they turn towards their game and us back to our table when we were approached by the owner of the place.

Sometime back, we were advised that they did have apartments to the place and had asked her about it. She advised us then that they're really not interested in renting out and all.

But, tonight she came to us. Letting us know that there is a one-bedroom apartment and if we could afford $550 a month, plus the first and last deposits. This caught us really off guard but we said yes we could. So, needless to say, WE FOUND A PLACE!

We're stopping by Sunday before my Beloved goes to work to look at it and to hand over a check. We could have done it sooner, but the owner's husband is going to the dentist to have his tooth pulled. Poor man.

I can't wait till then! This is a Christmas blessing and our New Year's wish coming true all in one day!

This coming up year, 2022 will be a whole new chapter in our lives that we can finally bring to light.

Be safe and many Blessings!

Merry Christmas, Blessed Yuletide

 

                Merry Christmas and Blessed Yuletide to all!!!

Anniversary & Christmas

 Happy Holidays Journeyers!!

OMG, where did the time go!!

Christmas is almost upon us. Plus, my fourth year wedding anniversary!

Four years! Amazing.

So, for four years, through thick and thin, we have been together. Surviving through all joys and hardships. Especially now, in the most challenging of times as the weather changes and the temperatures drop.

Most couples, I've heard would abandon each other, blaming the other for such conditions. But, so far, we are proving to them that, 'through sickness and health, through richer and poorer,' verse of our vows can be true.

Just Amazing.

And we finally got our tree up.

Sadly it's out in the hallway cause we've been trying to go through things deciding what to keep, what to donate or toss, what to leave out or place in storage boxes. So, to admit the place is a disaster. 

But I do wish everyone blessed holidays!

OMG!!!

 Are people seriously, stupid or ignorant?

We got the response to a letter we wrote to the "landlord" (more like slumlord), and his advocate (who happens to be a realtor in the area.

Let me break down what was in this letter was us wanting to make a new deal or lease for us to pay $1000 down to let us move into one of the bigger apartments (we're in a small studio and want to move into the loft that's next door). Then, we'll pay $400 a month, given the fact that he (the landlord) relinquishes the utilities into our name. Meaning that we pay for the utility bills (gas, water, and electricity).

The ignorant response we received from the advocate is that first, we need $55,000 for the materials to separate the utilities for the apartment we're looking into. 

Um, last I know, that's the landlord's job, not us. Plus, shouldn't be complaining cause we are offering to start paying rent again, once we get into the place. After all, the renter's laws do state that a tenant can refuse to pay rent until the utilities are turned back on. And since utilities were included in the previous rent, means we had our rights as tenants to stop payments till further notice. Also, when the gas/water was first shut off, we had spoken with the town zoning director and he was the one who advised such actions. So, we were just following what we have learned.

What do you all think? Were we doing the right thing?

Plus, we are trying to keep the law out of such, thinking there might be a way to avoiding serious legal actions.

How Are We Surviving?

 Sometime back, not too long after we lost the electricity and the colder weather started to creep up on us that we are spending less time outside, I was asked, "how are we getting by without utilities for so long?"

Well, from 2019 to the present that we had lost the water and gas, we would get water from work, the laundromats, or from family and friends using cat litter containers (this is mainly for cleaning and flushing toilet) and purchase bottled water for drinking and cooking.

We had electricity at the time, so using an electric stove/burners and microwave helped a lot, as well as other electrical appliances.

But, when we lost that in August this year, we would go down to the park and use the outlets there and the grills for all of our cooking and charging. Plus, we purchase lanterns, streamer lights, and tons of batteries for our lighting within the apartment.

And as the cold weather started to change, we would go to a few local restaurants that allowed us to be there charging, using internet access, and having a hot meal (of course, we pay for). But, we recently purchased a propane heater and camp stove to do any cooking. Plus, a huge cooler and lots of ice (which we get every other day) to keep things cool til time to have (can only be at least a day or two).

So, that answers that question on how we are getting by, especially now that we are waiting on a response for a letter that we submitted. Let's see how that goes.

Yay Review approaved!!!

 Hey Journeyers!

Stopped back at the Lakeview for a bite to eat and to just relax tonight, when something amazing happened!

Well, I left my site information here last time after my review and got approached by one of the cooks here. He was praising me for the review and the impression I have given. He's hoping that it would bring in more business. 

Since the COVID started, they had lost a lot of business, but it's slowly returning. Hopefully, my review will help. Also, while we were here, I had to get their French Onion Soup. Very good stuff. And my Beloved ordered their Chili.

So, if anyone is ever in town, come and check out the Lakeview. They are rocking it to bring the town favorites back!

The Lakeview:Tavern & Inn; Review

 Hey Journeyers!!

How is everyone doing so far? 

Are we ready for that nasty white stuff yet? 

Are we ready for the major holidays that are sneaking up on us quickly?

Well, enough questions for the end of the year, let's go straight into another Food Review! This time it's in my hometown of Mayville, NY! The funniest thing is, I come here all the time and haven't done a review yet, so here it is.

Now I've known about Lakeview since I was a pre-teen back in 1995 when my family first moved into the area. My brother and I used to stop in to shoot pool while waiting for our mom to pick us up after delivering newspapers. I know it's been here longer, sadly couldn't get much information on when it was built or anything.

My best friend and I would come down, long before the whole COVID thing and have a few drinks here and listen to several great bands or DJs.

Tonight, my Beloved and I are enjoying simple meals and spending quality time together.

He had the Fried Fish with a choice of either fries or a baked potato, which he picked along with a glass of Pepsi. Either of us, of course, chose not to get anything with alcohol in it, we have work in the morning. And I, myself decided to go with their Taco Salad. All was fresh and good. From what we have learned, they have been updating their staff and trying to bring good business back, ever since the COVID. We applaud them and I will rate them in the top 5 for places to visit in the area, to get a great local vibe.

Sad Emotional News

 Well, Journeyers, sadly we received the news that we didn't want to hear.

For the past several weeks, I've been going through symptoms as if I was pregnant. Well, at the start of the week, I went to get blood work done since the normal home tests don't seem to work for me no matter how many times. But, of course, it's way too early to say anyways.

So, in the end, I got the tests back today. Now cause my phone was acting up, I didn't get the full message right and thought it stated that I was with a child. But, later on, I got the true message from my doctor which damper on my joy, and the test was negative. We both were very heartbroken, especially me.

We're not giving up and hopefully soon, we will have good news!

Crossing Fringers!

 Evening Journeyers!

Hoping everyone is having a good week so far? 

Well, today has been a strange one for me. Woke up with twinges in my belly as well as feeling very sensitive all over.

We went out to one of our favorite restaurants in the area. The Dewittville Village Restaurant. I used to go there with my family during my teenage years, every Friday for their fish day, and had their broiled fish in orange juice.

Today, I got a treat, I had one chocolate peanut butter pancake with fruit, and one piece of stuffed french toast covered in strawberries. My Beloved had ordered their steak (medium rare), perogies, eggs (fried over easy), and wheat toast.

Love the place and atmosphere always. So for my quick review, I give them a 5.

But, not soon after, the feeling of nausea and lightheadedness returned, worse than before.

 We went out really quick to see about new pants for Beloved. And while we were out, we stopped at a Burger King, and well, the smell of the fried food was really making me sick. 

As well, as one of my favorite body mists.

So, I was talking to a friend and they said it might be possible that even though, the last time we got intimate, which was a week ago (while on our Rhode Island trip) I could be with a child.

Now, we're not gonna jump to a conclusion yet, it's still very early to say. But, it will be a blessing, since we have been trying for the past 4 years. And, it will be a great birthday present for my mother (Oct 27) if we did find out that, we are expecting.

Keep your fingers cross and pray for us, please.

Food Review: Spike's Junkyard Dogs

 Evening Journeyers!

How's everyone's first day of October as well as the first day of the final quarter of the year, which means, new resolutions. But, I will get to that later.

Right now, I do want to review the place we went to for our lunch.

Spike's Junkyard Dogs. There are only two locations, and of course, since we were in the area, we visited the

Warwick, RI location. While there, we learned that they just had a YouTuber did a review video, so when I told them that I was a blogger doing a review while on vacation, they like, oh no the pressure while laughing.

I asked for recommendations since it's my first time there, and the kind staff told me that I should try one of their top dogs (no pun intended) the Casey Dog, which was the best beef hot dog I've ever had. Plus with their chili cheese fries. Beloved had the Patriot Dog and baked beans.

It was all good and the guys there were great. I love the atmosphere and thought that their vending truck was so cute, looking like a dog.

Plus we had their very own root beer and it was so good. A little sweet but was very good and refreshing.

Beloved, also had to get their t-shirts as great souvenirs.

So, for my review, I will give them a solid 5. Thank you Spike's.

https://spikesjunkyarddogs.com/

Food Review: Al Mac's Diner

 Morning Journeyers!

We visited the historical steel diner, known as Al Mac's. 

According to Wikipedia, it was built back in 1953 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Located in Fall River, Massachusetts.

You all can check out their menu here: http://www.almacsdinertogo.com/ 

While we were there, greeted warmly by the wonderful staff. The place had a wonderful vibe like I used to get at our local diner before it was burned down back in December 2019.

My Beloved husband as you all know I enjoy calling, ordered what was called, The Battleship, which is made of fried Egg, Bacon, Ham, Chourico, Sausage & Cheese served on a Bolo with Home Fries.

I ordered The South End, Fried Chicken & Waffles served with Sausage Gravy.

The chicken was juicy and well-crusted. The waffle is made right, crispy outside, fluffy inside. And the gravy caught me off guard. Traditional white gravy, but with real sliced-up links, not the ground sausage that I'm used to seeing. Plus, there was a bit of sweetness to it. Wonderful to pour over the chicken and waffles. So, the syrup was very optional for this.

I'll give them a solid 5 stars.

Thank you!

Riverview Inn & Suites Review

Morning Journeyers!!!

Well, as you all know from my earlier blogs, we arrived in Rhode Island yesterday afternoon/evening. I was way too tired to continue being online after that 10 and a half-hour-long drive. 

So, we're staying at the Riverview Inn & Suites in Somerset, MA. 

We were here back in 2017. At that time they were under renovation, so a lot of areas were off-limits. Plus, they had a wonderful continental breakfast.

This time though, since the COVID, they have changed things.

I still enjoyed our room. Comfy bed, very clean room. Useful frig and microwave. The bath/shower was well used as soon as we got in. The hour-soaking I took after check-in was worth the drive.

 

Sadly, cause of covid, we had learned this morning that the breakfast area was closed down and that they never re-opened the area. So, gonna have to go searching for breakfast soon.

The pool area though is open but looks like that they had to modify the depth so that there is no deep end. Uncertain on why they did that.

Even though it's small, they did have a cute little fitness area with two treadmills, a bike, and something that looks like a Bowflex weight station.

They do have a very useful amenity, a laundry room. But, sadly, I do wish that they would have more than just one washer and dryer. It took forever to just wait to be able to use the dryer.

So, for my review here (I added this part once we got home, even though I did start it earlier), a good 4. I would have given it more if they would have more than just coffee and fruit in place of their continental breakfast. Or at least make it better known on their page.

Other than that, it was a good stay. Thank you Riverview Inn!

Check them out, if anyone ever needs a place to stay: https://www.riverviewsomerset.com/

First Food Review: Newport Creamery, Rhode Island

 As you've might have guessed by the title, I'm not home in Chautauqua County NY, at the moment.

My Beloved husband, Gerardo and I are actually out of state for the weekend, and I thought it might be a good idea on sharing our experiences here in the New England states. 

We left this morning around 7:30 am and finally made it around 6 pm. We got checked in and set up in our room. After that, we decided to head back out for supper. My Beloved knew many places since he's originally from here for the most part of his early adult life (moved to RI around the time he was 18/19 years of age).

We decided to check out a nice little place called "Newport Creamery," which was only 11 minutes away from the hotel we're staying in.

Cute little diner, with an old-school, feel to it. 

Started in 1928, with Samuel Rector's Newport, Rhode Island dairy business. According to Wikipedia, Rector began as a wholesaler and started home delivery in 1932. In 1940, Rector and his son opened their first restaurant in nearby Middletown, where the company is still headquartered. For its first 13 years, the restaurant sold only ice cream, adding other food to the menu in 1953.

As of 2019, there are only 12 locations left out of the original 1960s 33 restaurant expansion. 10 located in Rhode Island, 2 in Southern Massachusets.

Arriving around 7ish, we sat at a booth and it feels like an old-school parlor. They were very busy, but attentive for the most part. The paper menus were thoughtful of course and they even allowed me to take one. I picked the Spinach Pie Grilled Cheese, and substitute the usual side with a cup of Clam Chowder.

My Beloved, ordered the Fish Sandwich and also substituted the normal sides with a bowl of Clam Chowder.

We were served the Chowder first while waiting on our sandwiches. Was very hungry that started to eat instead of waiting. To me, it was worth it.

The broth of the Chowder was very creamy with the right amount of salt, the clams and potatoes were tender and savory as well.

We also ordered for our beverages one of their famous Awful Awful Milkshakes. We had the coffee flavor and it was like an old fashion malt. The right amount of thickness and the flavor were wonderful. Can truly taste the coffee and cream, for anyone who enjoys a good frappe or ice coffee, this place matched it.

Soon, our sandwiches arrived. Mine looked just like any grilled cheese but with a twist. The spinach was nicely sauteed with onions and peppers then placed in the sandwich along with feta and American cheeses. The flavoring was good and it might be something that even I could make at home for future reference. 

Beloved's sandwich (sorry didn't get a chance for a photo, since he already started eating) was a good size portion. Fried fish fillets with lettuce and tomato, plus a side of tartar sauce. Also, very well seasoned and savory (when he allowed me to have a taste).

I would give this place a good 4-star review. I would think that they could have waited a bit longer to serve the soup and sandwiches together to be able to savory everything at once. But, all was good and wonderful.

https://www.newportcreamery.com/

Rhode Island Bound!!!

 Hey Journeyers!

Finally, after several years of trying to make it out to see family and have a vacation, we did it!! We're heading out tomorrow and praying that nothing goes wrong.

The last time we were out was back in 2017 before our wedding. Had a great time seeing the family for the second time.

In 2018, I was denied my vacation around Thanksgiving cause I was a full-time employee, and November, December, and January are bad times to have off.

2019, we hit a deer on our way out, in the outskirts of Batavia, NY.

2020, cause of COVID and travel restrictions.

We stayed at the Riverview Inn & Suites in 2017. They were under renovation. We booked it for this trip, hopefully, we'll have better access throughout the facilities. Plus, the bonus for us, is being able to soak in the tub. That's the plus we really looking forward to.

Also, I will be doing several reviews for several of the places we are going to.

Have a great weekend and I'll catch you all later!

"Be Active" Sptember Challenge!!!

 Hey Journeyers!

How is everyone doing on this great hump day and being the first of September?

Well, as many of you know that I have been in a funk throughout all of August with everything that has happened and I go out of my routine due to depression and not knowing what to do.

That is until I got some encouragement from someone off of TikTok, reminding me that there are people there to support as I support them.

So, this month, to get back for all the slacking of last month, I propose a "Be Active" Challenge for myself and to all willing to join me. That means each day, we all have to do some form of activity that doesn't involve work or chores. Good examples would be, hiking, boating, exercises, playtime with kids.

So, who is ready to join me in this endeavor? Let's be active together and get out of the slump that all started last year, and maybe repeating this year and so forth.

Take care and be safe, my Journeyers!

Social Media Links

 Hello, my Journeyers,

Hoping all you are doing well and keeping safe as word of this craziness seems to be picking back up.

Anyways, here will be a list of links to connect to several of my social connections, if anyone is interested.

Here already is my blog page, feel free to explore and send me your feedback; https://jessylifejourney.blogspot.com/.

I'm also a vlogger and have several youtube vids posted on my channel; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOrLZbaFvhW53S3ZEEyyaqg

If anyone has Twitter; https://twitter.com/JessyVa84678211

Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/jess.vargas.7946/

TikTok; tiktok.com/@jessylifejourney

Discord: Meet and Greet with Jessy; https://discord.com/channels/784243903225790464/784244158285217832

CashApp; $jessylifejourney

Feel free, my Journeyers contact via DM with any questions or ideas that I can address. Try to have a great week and I wish you all well.

Day of Apology for Venting

 Hello, my Journeyers,

I pray that all is well with everyone all is keeping safe.

I'm on today to apologize for my absence and not posting lately. Besides keeping busy between work, doing studies to be a Nutrition Coach, and trying to keep up with housework and spending time with my Beloved Husband.

But, presently things have gotten even harder for us on the home front, that my mind has been so distracted with stress and the overwhelming sense of loss.

I normally don't share fully my personal life. For I don't believe in venting out my troubles. So, I am apologizing for venting out to you all. But, I feel that I need to let off some steam to help clear my mind.

For the past several years, we have been in the same apartment building. We have done our best to work with the landlord, especially with time were rough and I was the only one bringing income at the time. In April 2019, the water and gas were shut off. In June, we were later notified by the person he placed the building in charge of, that it was due for pipe leakage in the gas lines, and that he will get it fixed in due time.

Well, time passed, we helped a little with some demo of the building so that he could continue to do reservations and help cover what we owe. Didn't work out too much. Plus, he's still expecting payments, even when there are no utilities, which we have learned that we don't have to pay. For since the utilities are included in the rent, we as tenants can refuse payments until they are turned back on. He hasn't even tried to work anything with us.

We thought that we could get into a different place by the spring of 2020, but then the pandemic happened and we were stuck again in a worthless place that no one cares about. Going to the gym for showers, buying water to wash dishes, and using electric appliances for cooking.

But, now, we are in a bigger situation. As of Tuesday, August 3rd of the year, the electricity was finally shut off. We went to the town to see if we could at least put it in our name, but they refuse. Saying it's still in the landlord's name, and that he had already stated that the place was empty and that there's no need to have the extra electricity on. He knows that we're there and everything, but refuses to acknowledge it.

So, at the moment you all could say we are borderline homeless. No place to go, no way to cook or even to keep food in the house, for we are still there. We're stressed that someone would come and just throw things out. We're rushing to try to find a new place but many are refusing cause we do have animals, or some places rather rent out weekly right now and earn more money than getting payments monthly.

Again, I do apologize for just dropping all this on you, my followers, friends, and family. I'm not doing this to seek out pity or attention. I just need to let you all know the reason why I haven't been on lately.

Please take care, be safe, and I will keep everyone in the loop as to what's happening and hopefully, by then we will be in a new home. 

Yippee! He got hired!!!!

 That's right my friends, after so long searching and waiting, my Beloved finally got work at the local Dollar General!

I've been pestering him for so long to prove that he has the drive for it, once depression hit him a few years back and the many turn downs all cause of either his age, ethnicity, or lack of experience. He does have experience, but for a long time, everything he had worked for was the stupid under the table no record crap.

He gets to start work next week, and right before his birthday too!

I'm so excited!

Week 30 Incentive: Satisfy Your Hunger

 Evening my friends, how are we all doing so far this week? Can you believe that it's almost over for the first month of the new year? And here I was hoping that it will be calming down.

Oh well, can't get everything.

So, we are now into week 30 of our Small Changes Lifestyle Incentives.

For this week, we're seeing how to "Satisfy our Hunger," by balancing our meals and snacks, to keep our energy levels up and the hunger levels low.

            1.Balance your meals.

            2. Go GI (glycemic index).

                * Visit www.glycemicindex.com for more information about the different levels.

            3. Pair wisely.

Its also best to set yourself up with meal plans and time sets as to when you should stop.

For an example, I have a no snacking challenge going on where I stop snacking after 7pm at night. I also try not to eat after 7pm or before 6am.

I do hope that everyone is keeping safe and staying healthy for the most part. Since the weather is constantly changing and we all are prone for the flu season now, please take care of yourselves.

Week 29 Incentive: Learn to Say NO

 Hey everyone, how's your January doing so far?

I know it's still very early and everyone is adjusting to all that's been happening. But, I believe this year we all need to make that extra effort for ourselves. And not to give into others so easily. And this week's incentive is a good touch base.

For this week, it's to "Learn to say NO."

Pretty much, learn to evaluate opportunities and say no to those things that aren't important and to make way for things that are.

Hope that everyone is taking care and being safe during these troubled times.

Week 28 Incentive: Avoid Sugary Beverages

 Hey Everyone, how's it going?

Hopefully, you all got through the first few days of the new year.

Today, I'm on day four of my healthy habit resolution for the first quarter of the year.

And this week's incentive is a good part of that. Even though I don't drink hardly any sweetened beverages, mostly naturally sweetened juices and teas. But plenty of water.

For week 28, it's to "Avoid Sugary Beverages."

It might seem painful giving up on sweetened beverages, but realize it will get easier after the first few days. When you break the cycle of craving addiction for sugary drinks, we notice that it lessens; then soon after a few weeks, we no longer crave it or desire it.

Here's an outline of how to get through. Just remember, when going through any lifestyle changes, talk with your doctor, personal trainer, and your dietitian.

    1. Survey your consumption

    2. Reduce your intake

            *Soft drinks

            *Flavored water and other sweetened beverages

            *Juice

            *Coffee and Tea

    3. Drink plenty of water

I hope that everyone is doing well and making the best at the start of the new year.  

Stay safe, take care of yourself, and focus on staying healthy.  

January Challenge!

 Who is ready for a New Year's Challenge?!

I'm starting this challenge directly on Monday the 4th. This way it's not running too close to the end of the week but at the start.

For this Challenge, I'm challenging people to cut back from all junk foods, no fast foods, no snacking after 7pm at night, drink more water, and to be more active two to three times a week.

This is a very straightforward challenge and should be simple for many of us. Use a journal to keep track, plus try to plan meals the day ahead to help you out. 

Plus, tag a buddy to make it more fun and challenging.

Be safe, keep healthy, and take care.

New Resolution for the New Year!

 Happy 2021, Everyone!!!

How's was everyone's night? Hopefully not many are suffering today.

Lucky for me, today is my day off and I am treating it as such. Just catching up on chores, writings, and preparing for a ZOOM meeting later on tonight. 

So, it's the new year, which means a new 3-month resolution in the works.

As I've said for the most part when speaking to family and friends today. It's the new year, new beginnings, and new starts.

So, I have a whole new plan in the works. And I'm not worried about numbers that are on the scales or the counting of calories. My main resolution is to make "Healthier Habits and Choices."

Such as, take all vitamins daily, brushing teeth more, brushing hair more, watching portions, cutting back on sweets and junk food, and attending the gym (no excuses) more often. I also doing daily writings to help with the tracking of what I'm eating and all the activities that I do.

What will your 3-month resolution be to begin the new year?