Trip Tuesday

Morning … Hope all is well.  My post yesterday said a lot, but I am not nearly as talkative today.  I put yesterdays post together over a couple days on the weekend, which is why it was so long and detailed. 

Yesterday was a semi-busy day workwise.  There were some lulls and I did get to call it a day early.  I was bored out of my mind with little to nothing to watch on YouTube or streaming services.  I was really scraping the bottom of the barrel. 

Had one of the two left over pieces of pizza for lunch.  I’ll probably down the last piece tomorrow.  Had my left over Red Lobster for supper.  It was good but not as good as when it was served fresh.  Think I need to invest in an air fryer so things that are supposed to be crispy turn out that way instead of soggy.  It was still a decent meal.

Spent the evening with the cats.  Mora was hyper for attention and trying to cajole me into passing out her treats early.  She skips supper and just waits for treat time, no wonder she is hungry.  Poor Rudy has to scarf them down before she hogs them all.  What a dynamic they have it goes all over the spectrum from loving to fighting. 

I called it a night early partially out of boredom but also because I had to get up early to come in to the office.  Rudy was about an hour early with his wake up call but I got him to settle down and fall asleep while laying on top of me.  Like I would jump up without his knowledge.  When it got closer to time he started up again, still early and I just gave in and got up. 

It was a dark and rainy morning.  The rain was not in the forecast last night so that caught me off guard but it was light rain and not a down pour.  I made it in with plenty of time to spare. 

Discovered that our parking garage is under construction/renovation so the floor where I normally like to park is closed.  I’m jammed in with everyone else today and just hoping for the best.  As per usual I look forward to leaving and getting back home. 

I looked at my calendar a bit closer once I was in the office and there is only one meeting this afternoon instead of our normal 2.  It makes for a long day since all of my morning tasks are done. 

I’ve been playing with Windows 11 a bit.  Got Outlook the way I want it.  Now I am trying to figure out how to get a Quick Launch/Access Toolbar for some of the tasks I do on a frequent basis since W11 won’t let you pin just anything to the taskbar.  I’ve got a knowledge file in Notepad and can’t link directly to that but I can pin Notepad it’s self to the taskbar.  This is going to suck when W11 is our regular go to OS at the office, which is why I am glad that I am a tester and this wasn’t just sprung on me. 

Fried Rice and Crab Rangoon are on the menu tonight.  Hopefully, there will be a bit more to watch on TV.  I am sure that I will be wiped out and nodding off from all of the extra effort I went through today, which is fine so long as I sleep good tonight. 

Well off to find something to do.  Take care and have a good day!

I did it

Morning … I hope all is well and that your warm.  It’s cold out!  I ventured out to the office and made it with no issues.  I’ve got my escape planned for early this afternoon, provided all hell doesn’t break loose.  I hope to be home before the sunsets.  Had left over pizza last night.  I finished it off and there was a bit more than I really wanted but down the hatch it went. 

Watched the neighbor across from me put up Christmas lights in the dark.  Last year he decorated a bush and it looked like a penis.  This year he did a much better job and it’s nice to peek out the window and see the multi colored lights.  I don’t do anything like that and don’t bother with putting up a tree.  Even if I was all by myself I wouldn’t put up a tree it’s just too much work for one person and I’m lazy. 

Last night I pulled the trigger and ordered my pen and a few other things.  I’m slightly concerned because the seller is a toy store but they have man pens for sale.  I’ve got Amazon’s return guarantee to fall back on.  I hope that I love it when it arrives on Friday and that’s it’s authentic and not a knock off.  Looks to be authentic but there are a large number of counterfeits and you can buy them for cheap overseas, knowing full well that your not getting an original.  Some are really good and they will even take original refills but others take some one off refill and an authentic MB refill won’t fit. 

In addition to my pen and a couple refills I got a few other things that I wanted like some candy and house stuff.  Originally I had one hell of a shopping basket but I thinned that down pretty quick.  Here’s hoping that this all turns out for the best.  I’ve got the money to pay for it so that is the least of my worries.  This is my Christmas gift to myself and while I might get other things I don’t plan for any large purchases unless they are emergencies.  This is also the last pen that I have my eyes on at the moment.  I kind of feel like my collection will be complete but there will always be something that appeals to me.  I try to not look at much as I can. 

Laundry all got done yesterday but I needed to do whites and just put that off, I was all washed out.  The cats were a little surprised by the early wake up call and the alarm clock had to do it’s job because Rudy didn’t come make biscuits like normal.  Things will return to normal tomorrow and I will bet you I get biscuits then.  I had problems falling asleep last night because I worked in a nap and that messed things up. 

Bossman is back today so back to BS meetings, oh joy!  I’ve got some holiday music playing in my office.  Looking forward to going home.  Two more days and it would be a month since I was here.  Where does the time go?  I will be back next week despite not wanting to but I am not on-call so it’s the least I can do.  There are parts of me that like coming in and other parts that say what a waste but it’s only 1 day and honestly if I wanted to I know I could skip it and no one would miss me, because I would be on-line at home and just as responsive as if I was here.  I think I work better when I am at home because I am more hyper aware of work but I get to relax and let my guard down a bit, plus I can dress how I want. 

Got a Roast Beef Sandwich from the grocery store for lunch with some Cool Ranch Doritos that I thought were stale but they tasted okay last night.  Not exactly sure what I am having for supper but know that I won’t go hungry.

Hope you have a great day.  Talk with you all again soon!

 

Another Day In the Office

Here I sit in my office, things are calm and I am freezing because the AC in here is on over drive.  It’s 68 degrees with 41% humidity.  I feel like I am in the frozen food section of a grocery store but I can’t escape.  It was comfortable this morning but afternoons are when it gets cold.  That is pretty much the case all year long. 

The cats had me up last night.  I think it was more Rudy than Morea but I know he started trying to wake me up at 5a.  I told him nope one more hour then it’s biscuit time.  A cat is not always an accurate alarm clock but any house that has one doesn’t need an alarm clock for the most part.  Unless the cat is on sleeping pills or not feeling well.  All of my cats have been pretty good about getting me out of bed.  Something about hunger and that morning meal that seems to motivate them.  Matters not the day of the week or if it’s a holiday. 

I still set my alarm just in case but either my body wakes me up before it goes off or a cat wakes me up.  Once and a while I get woken by the alarm clock but it’s not that often. 

Next week I learned is going to be fun.  One co-worker is out on vacation for a few weeks.  My other good for nothing co-worker is off next week for the most part.  I am off on Thursday & Friday and the boss is flying back home late in the week.  It’s going to be a real shit show but as long as I get my two days off I will be pleased.  Hopefully, I don’t have much to deal with when I do work for 3 days.  I do not plan on being in the office at all next week. 

Speaking of which my gas tank is 1/2 full and it felt a bit strange driving into the office without a full tank.  I know I will make it home but it does make me a bit nervous. 

I am ready to go home and I probably could get away with it now but I will save it for a bit later in the afternoon.  I might leave a bit earlier than normal.  I’ve got work that needs to be done after hours so while I will be home I won’t be free from work for a little bit. 

I checked on the cats and they are in the living room this time.  Normally they stay in my room.  Rudy was on the couch sleeping but the camera woke him.  Morea was looking at the camera and next to the litter box.  I thought about saying hi but I don’t want to confuse them and make them think I am at home. 

Nothing else much going on, just another day another dollar.  I get my annual review tomorrow and I have previewed my review.  I get to listen to my boss read the entire document to me which is a boring way to do a review.  Overall I got a great rating but my score seems to drop a bit each year.  I am more interested in how much of a pay raise I am getting and could care less about the review.  Not to toot my own horn but I already am well aware of the caliber of work that I produce.  Show me the money, that’s the only damn reason why I am here and the only reason why most people show up to a job.  If it wasn’t for money they would find some other way to occupy their day. 

Like most people I wish that I didn’t have to work but I’ve done it for so long I honestly don’t know what I would do with my time, but I can tell you I wouldn’t have a difficult time occupying my day if money wasn’t a concern and I was dripping in wealth.  Dreaming doesn’t cost anything but it sure is depressing when you have to come back to reality. 

Hope your Wednesday is going well.  Two more days and this week will be history.  Feels odd that were going into June and we only have 6 more months of 2023 left.  It will fly by like the first half has.  The year seems to start out at a crawl and then it’s a walk and pretty soon it’s running and then towards the end it’s just on coast and the year is done, at least that is the way it seems to go for me. 

Talk with you all again soon, back to the fun. 

Bored

Morning – I so didn’t want to get out of bed this morning.  Rudy made his biscuits about an hour early and I wound up telling him it was time to sleep.  I was cold so I fired up the electric blanket.  That was nice but still at some point all good things must come to an end and it was time to wake up. 

I made my way to the kitchen and opened some food for the cats.  I thought about going back to bed and just working from home today.  However, something in the back of my head said no you should go in.  Don’t ask me why I listened to that voice but I went through the motions and made my way out the door. 

With each mile that I traveled I thought about turning around and going back home.  Traffic wasn’t bad but there was volume.  Seems like from what I saw today everything is going back to pre-pandemic.  Denny’s is now open 24/7 and during the pandemic they had limited hours.  I think that eventually working from home will probably come to an end but right now I think most employers are playing it safe because they know their workers would revolt and they could find themselves very short staffed.  It sure would be interesting if they started offering bonuses to lure people back to the office.  I don’t know that everyone would bite for that.  I mean working from home has a lot of advantages the best part is no traffic, you can eat or snack when you want and generally your free to do other things if you want. 

I’m eager to get through today so that I can go back home.  I got another strong dose of sleeping medicine last night and I do feel a bit hung over this morning.  I want to go back to a normal dose before my body gets used to this.  My back is still very sore in general I feel okay I just need to shake being tired and sluggish.  My allergies are on fire as well but I have enough medicine in me to help control that. 

There isn’t much going on today a meeting in a few hours to talk about much of nothing.  A regular call this afternoon to discuss changes that are being made and then later a meeting by management about the Vision for the organization.  It’s supposed to be exciting but I am not as thrilled about going as I would have been say when I was newer.  I see it as a silly meeting that is a waste of everyone's time but I will play along at least for part of it.  When I am ready to go home it’s out the door I go. 

I told the cats I would be home before 5p if I could possibly help it.  I actually plan to make that more like 4p if I can.  Nothing like relaxing after a long days work.  I see a nap in my future, I mean I will probably feel okay but if I sit and things get quiet and I am comfortable there will be enough factors at play to lull me into sleeping.  Not good but my body can only take so much before it has to have rest.

I managed to load up the new lunch box which is more like a large portable cooler.  Turns out what I bought can hold a case of soda or beer in cans.  It keeps ice for up to 2 days.  It’s a heavy thing and quiet bulky.  It wasn’t what I wanted but it was the closest thing to what I had but just larger and more heavy duty.  I am not going on a picnic just to the office and things only have to stay cold for a few hours then it matters not. 

It’s suppose to be a nice day.  My office here is warm which is nice but it’s humid so I had to kick on the fan.  I will be getting up and walking around in a bit just to keep some blood flowing. 

Had left over pizza for supper with a dash of hot sauce.  A Oregon Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich for desert.  That’s all I ate.  Then it was water for the rest of the evening until I had to get ready for bed.  Watched more cartoons to help lull me asleep.  Those are interesting and apparently cause me to have some strange dreams but I won’t stop watching as I find them entertaining. 

Looking forward to spending time with the cats and relaxing before another day is upon us.  Tomorrow thus far looks like 1 dumb meeting in the morning and then the rest of the day is free.  Thursday is the same thing but the meeting is at the end of the day.  Friday a quick meet up in the morning.  Looks to be a light week which is okay by me.  I honestly don’t want to work that hard. 

I hope that all is well in your world.  How’s the weather where you are, it’s screwy for a lot of people especially those on the East & West Coasts.  We have some rain in the forecast but I think that’s it.  Temperatures are starting to warm and the wind is blowing.  I just wish that it would blow all of the crap out of the gutters so I could stay off of the ladder.  Gutter cleaning, a job no one really enjoys. 

That’s all I have at the moment.  Take care, be well and stay safe.  I will talk with you all again soon. 

Manic Monday

Happy Monday if that is such a thing.  I had a semi-decent nights sleep.  I woke up to use the restroom and as I vaguely remember it I had some bad dreams, but couldn’t tell you what they were now if my life depended on it.  I just remember that Rudy followed me to the bathroom because he’s my shadow.  I woke up with 1 cat in bed with me this morning I think it was Rudy but am not 100% certain. 

I went through my routine and the cats were so confused as to why I was up an hour early.  However, they took the opportunity to eat and play a little bit.  After my shower I saw Rudy jump into the tub, despite it being wet it didn’t phase him..  I turned my back and him and Morea switched places.  It was so funny.  They both thought I was upset with them but I could careless.  I didn’t spray any cleaner after my shower so it was perfectly safe, just left over water that they were playing with.  I knew the shower/tub fascinated Rudy but had no idea that his sister had similar feelings or if this was just a case of monkey see – monkey do. 

They both looked at me with sad eyes as I walked out the door, I told them both to behave.  I plan to be home before 5p.  As things sit right now unless something goes horribly wrong I plan to leave around 3p to 3:30p.  I can play catchup when I arrive home, if that is needed.  Hopefully, I will be able to enjoy my evening in peace. 

The office has more people in it for a Monday than I expected.  The commute was average for a workday.  I felt a little off when I left the house but stayed in the moment and focused.  As I began work it hit me again that I wasn’t feeling the best.  About an hour ago my nose was bothering me, I was hot and felt horrible.  I looked in my lunch box and found an allergy pill, took that and now everything seems much better.  I am no longer hot and my sinuses seemed to have calmed down.  I smelled dust when I walked in and I am allergic so that is what I am attributing this to.  I certainly don’t want to relapse into the viral syndrome or anything like it – that is so not fun. 

I can’t help but think of a friend who is on vacation with his family.  Kind of wish I was with him but he’s on a cruise and out of the country.  2 weeks sounds like a good time.  I know he was looking forward to it.  He works pretty hard so why not play hard as well.  That’s exactly what I want to do is leave for a couple weeks.  However, with the new boat anchors (aka cats) unless I had someone to go with me I don’t think I would have such a good time.

I thought I spotted a bargain yesterday at the store.  A decent size tub of Belgian Chocolate Pudding.  I bought it despite it being Gluten Free.  Man it needs Gluten because it doesn’t taste the best.  I mean I am going to finish the tub but it’s not high on my priority list.  I’m thinking about the last piece of German Chocolate Cake I have left.  I bought a 1/2 of a Carrot Cake and I look forward to diving into that.  I might not have a man but I’ve got food, it won’t look good on me but it sure tastes good going down.  Working on the left over pizza.  Had 2 pieces for supper last night, it was okay.  Really not looking forward to that again tonight but I need to make it disappear.  I will feel better when I’ve consumed it all.  Plus the refrigerator will smell a bit better. 

Looking forward to lunch.  Tuna Fish on some multi-grain bread.  I got Cheetos Puffs and a Cherry Pie.  Threw in a Peanut Butter granola bar just in case.  However, I think that will fill me up.  I get to go earlier today because of a project that required me to be in the office.  Which is the sole reason why I am here on a Monday.  I looked at my calendar and it’s been almost an entire month since I was here last.  That sure did go by fast. 

My neck and shoulder are bothering me a little bit, nothing a good massage couldn’t fix but I don’t have one lined up.  I kind of think that might have been the root of my viral illness.  Despite drinking plenty of water I don’t know that I flushed all of the toxins out of my body afterwards.  I would like to get back to a regular schedule to help reduce the pain and to feel better but finding a decently priced and good massage therapist is tough.   

I’ve got nothing else to really babble about so I guess it’s back to work for a bit before lunch time rolls around.  After that it’s all gravy to me as it’s downhill and going home will be well within sight.  Don’t think I am not watching the clock.  I wore my dress watch to work and it’s ticking away. 

Hope you have a good day.  Take care & be well.  Thanks for your visit.  Talk with you all again soon. 

 

Howdy

Happy Monday if there is such a thing. I woke up to a surprise dusting of snow with a layer of ice hiding below. Thankfully I didn’t get out in it and learned about the ice from the TV. As you would imagine there are lots of accidents. Once again, the office is wide open. The news said that your top speed is safe at 40 or under regardless of the road you were on. If I was commuting in going at that speed would take over an hour to get there. I heard about one guy who stopped for gas and couldn’t get the fuel door open on his vehicle. That had to suck. It’s all about planning ahead. The forecast said nothing about bad weather but I filled up my tank yesterday. I don’t plan on going anywhere until the weekend but you never know about unplanned emergencies. I always like to keep a full tank regardless of the season it just gives me peace of mind.

Dollar Shave Club has some new blades out. I have been using them for my shaving needs for a long time. I like their Shave Butter. The new blades looked really nice and I opted to change over early. It was that or with time they would force change me. I got my latest shipment and thought I would give it a try. The new handle has some weight behind it and I really like it. As for the new blades on first use I am not a huge fan. They do clean up easier than the old ones. I didn’t feel as clean of a shave and actually had to break out an old blade for some help. Oddly enough I like Harry’s after shave. The new DSC blades remind me a little bit of a Harry’s blade. I think but am not sure that Harry’s is also changing blades but don’t quote me on that. Unless there is some special occasion or my face is itching like crazy, I typically only shave 1 time per week. If I shave more often, I get razor bumps and those are quite uncomfortable. I think I look pretty good after a couple days of face hair growth and even up to 1 week it’s not horrible. That’s usually the point when the itching starts and I have to shave to get relief. I am NOT a fan of facial hair and prefer guys I am interested in to be clean shaven. I’d shave a little more often if a companion required that but I don’t want to get to the point where shave bumps come back.

Despite frequent bought of tiredness, headaches and general unwell feeling I did manage to accomplish everything that was on my mental to do list yesterday. Breakfast out, grocery store, gas station. Washed the bedding, shower curtain and bath mat. Vacuumed the basement, emptied the shredder and lubed it up got a new bag installed. Charged the computer mouse. Got my medication put out for the week, ate all of my left overs. Pulled up the wrong dry food that I think was bothering the cat’s stomach. Spent time with each of the furry creatures. Shaved, made the bed and emptied the vacuum cleaner. I slept pretty well but was up a couple times.

The smell is less in the basement but upstairs is still pretty strong to me. I broke out an air purifier to help with my room, circulating the air does help a little bit. Plus, the furnace doesn’t seem to run as often. I changed out the filter in the furnace, which I am always really good about. I was running an old carbon filter that helps trap odors but I threw it out. I don’t like to use that much because the carbon coating tends to flake off. I really don’t want that floating around in my duct work.

Both cats slept with me as per usual. I think they are both really happy here. I trimmed Morea’s claws last night and she wasn’t happy about it. She fought with me but never once tried to bite me. I used my toe nail trimmers as the claw trimmer and only take off the tip. Oddly enough they don’t seem to be able to get them sharpened up as fast as if I used a cat nail trimmer. I really like that. They both like to make their biscuits (kneed their claws on me) and I think it’s cute and if I could get them to do that without the claws on my back I could easily get a semi decent lite massage. Morea weights more than her brother so she would have the best impact. I really hate sharing my twin bed with them. I start out with one cat and am comfy then once I pass out the other cat comes along and when I wake up, I have less bed to myself and they are all sprawled out and comfy. It’s comforting that they want to sleep with me and that they feel so comfortable in doing so. I liked the early days where they would sleep next to me or on the floor. I got to keep my entire bed for my body. Since I have put on weight I really need more of the bed. Since I like to sit up a twin bed and a recliner in the same room is the right fit. If I change beds to anything larger the recliner will have to go and I don’t like to spend all of my time in bed no matter how comfy it is.

I got some Italian Chicken from the store and I think I picked up another meal but don’t recall it. Anyway looking forward to having that for supper tonight along with either an Oregon Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich or a slice of German Chocolate Cake. Lunch will be Chicken Salad and I am really looking forward to that.

I don’t feel that bad at the moment, I am a little tired but speaking of sinus and illness symptoms I am doing really well. Not sure if that is because what ever is in me is finally breaking up or if it’s because I am in the basement. I do think and know that the odor (whatever it is) is bothering me. Not sure why it’s stronger upstairs than downstairs. However, I just want it to go away and not come back or anything take it’s place unless it happens to be a pleasant smell from a candle, air freshener or cooking/baking. Do I think I will get that lucky? Probably not but never seems to stop me from hoping and wishing.

Wow I just got an alert on my phone the trash hauler is not going to pick up trash today due to the weather. That almost never happens so it must be worse than what the news said it is. I wish that I could have the day off and hang out at my friends business I’d love nothing more than to ride around as a passenger in a tow truck on a day like this. That oddly sounds like a huge amount of fun to me. There is a danger factor but it’s minimal but those trucks slide off the road like everything ice that comes into contact with ice. As long as I wasn’t driving and didn’t actually get out of the truck to walk on ice I would be in a happy place. However, that is a dream for another day.

My work schedule thus far is light for today and that in my opinion is the best and only way to start a Monday. Just found some work that will keep me busy for a bit so I am going to transition over to that. Hope that it’s a great day for everyone! Stay warm and safe. I will talk with you all again soon.

Check on the chompers

Morning everyone … Yesterday was a busy day but thankfully it wasn’t a constant thing.  There was a wave in the morning that was quite brief and then the afternoon hit and it was a bit more like a storm. 

After years of being on LastPass for my own password manager after learning more about the recent hack, data that was supposed to be encrypted but wasn’t and just the general fear.  I switched to a different platform.  I really liked LastPass and it’s a shame that this whole event transpired.  Hopefully, they have learned somethings and will make some changes.  My original opinion was that I was willing to give them one more chance but the more information came out the less comfortable I got.  This little task kept me busy because not only was I migrating password vaults but I also needed to get some important accounts off of LastPass Authenticator since I deleted my vault there is no longer a backup of those accounts. 

I learned yesterday that my late neighbors funeral is going to be live streamed.  I will try to join that most likely.  There is a conference call at work that will conflict but I could easily miss it, but probably shouldn’t.  Today is going to be a super rough day for his family and I feel bad for all of them. 

I will be tapping out from work in a few hours to go get my 6 month check up that is more like a 7 or 8 month checkup.  They were booked last time I went and today was their earliest appointment.  I get x-rays and that will mean that in a few weeks I will have a small bill to pay.  Insurance doesn’t cover the entire bill with x-rays but the cleaning it’s self is covered in full.  I am going to stretch my time away. 

Unless I feel differently I plan to swing by the vets office to talk about the adoption process and see if they have any tips plus to get paperwork that I will need to complete, presuming I still go through with this.  I like to have as much information as I can so I don’t walk into something blind and get surprised.  My main concern here is that the chip will have the shelters name on it and I don’t want to get into a battle over ownership.  I know that you can have the microchips removed but that’s minor surgery and the poor things would have to wear cones, I don’t want to do that to them.  Most shelters will transfer the ownership of the chip to your name, this place is different.  I also get it because I would be there 3rd home. 

Despite having 2 that I am probably going to take I still did some looking and found a few others that were of appeal but I am pretty firm in that if this doesn’t work out I am taking a break.  I am still on the fence but more now leaning towards adopting.  A lot kind of depends on how the second visit goes.  I am both nervous and eager for that to happen. I am sure that more emotions will follow regardless of how this turns out.  

What I am totally excited and really looking forward to is my massage on Friday morning.  I’ve got more knots acting up and I really hope that I can get the bulk of them broken up and moved out.  I will have to chug a bunch of water to avoid from getting sick but that is a great trade off for being out of pain although I am sure I will be sore.

I had breakfast for supper last night.  My friend gave me some of his left over sausage gravy.  I smothered a breakfast sandwich with it and wow it was really great.  I’ve got more gravy left and I don’t plan on letting that go to waste, it’s really super good.  One of the few things he makes that I actually truly enjoy. 

Here’s hoping it’s a great or at the very least an okay day for all of us.  Now it’s time to scramble back to work my email is chirping, sadly.  I hate being on-call and working for a living but it’s beats being without a job.  Take care! 

MEH

Yesterday I left the office at 3p because there was nothing going on. Of course, as luck would have it all the way home my phone chirped with emails from work. I knew that would be the case but still left anyway because it was cold there and very boring. I really wasn’t in the mood to do much of anything especially after lunch.

Once I got home, I looked at my phone, got settled and then opened my laptop and started answering emails. It took me all of 10 minutes to get caught up and then nothing happened for the remainder of the evening. It’s a safe bet that it will be quiet tonight and tomorrow. If anything is going to perk up it will be on the 30^th and 31^st.

I started watching the next season of Emily in Paris but not before nodding off to a YouTube video. I was exhausted. I just waited for bed time to approach and it did. I watched a few You Tube videos that were actually TED Talks about grief, which I found very interesting. Then it was time for bed. Strange and interesting dreams. I woke up a few times to use the bathroom. Sleeping seems to me to be getting better.

I looked at Pet Finder last night and the two kittens that I had my eye on that were identical twins are gone. There are still several others that I am interested in but don’t know that I am making a move anytime soon. I do feel a little bit better now that the initial shock has worn off and I’ve had time to process and deal with the loss. It’s still tough but the water works appear to have stopped for now. I know that the least little thing could set me off.

32 years ago, on this day my grandmother died. This event effectively ruined Christmas. I honestly lost track of time but just did the math and am quite amazed that my life changed in the most dramatic way possible from a child to an adult overnight 32 years ago. I was 19 when she passed and it was a horrible day. Things like this you might loose track of time but you don’t forget the date. I was really close with my grandmother and her loss was profound and it changed my life. I know that she would be proud of who I am today, all that I have overcame and dealt with. She would be astonished and surprised that I owned cats because she raised me to believe they were evil. I honestly think if she would have known even a couple of the cats that I have had the pleasure of being with that she would have changed her opinion, especially Gator when she was much younger. She was quite the ham.

I still get asked today by co-workers and others if/when I am going to get another cat. However, my response is I say that I won’t but I am looking just haven’t made any moves. I think if I made a move that I could & would commit to it but my loss is still too fresh. Sounds like if I give in that depending on which adoption agency, I use I may have to consent to a home visit and a complete background check. I think the home visit is a bit much but I totally understand that you just can’t be too careful. Even the most well-presented person could be a psycho or have some past issues with animal abuse. I don’t have a worry in the world that I would pass but the waiting process like any other waiting process would absolutely keep me on pins and needles with anticipation.

I had been seeing and AD on Facebook for a new massage place in my area. I checked it out last week at they had availability for next week. I should have booked but I didn’t. I tried to find the ad and can’t of course and I’ve checked out a couple of other places in my area but no one has any openings. A massage would be a great way to kick off the new year. Doesn’t look like it’s going to happen right away for me. I might be able to book something perhaps after I see the doctor in a couple weeks, I will have to keep my eye out next week.

Not much going on today, a little bored, a little tired and thinking of a nap. It sounds like a great idea of course you know if I do lay down the phone will go crazy and I will just have to come back to work. I’m supposed to be working with a vendor today but they have yet to show up and I am not holding my breath, just waiting and seeing what happens and where the day takes us. I am anxious to go back to watching TV and not caring much about anything. I am planning on having the Ham Dinner I picked up at the store for supper tonight. Hopefully, it’s as good as it looks.

Stay warm and be well. I will talk with you all again soon.

Back in the office

I woke up at the horrible hour of 6a and managed to get moving to make it into the office.  Traffic was breezy, I didn’t exactly fly here but there were no major slow downs.  I hope the same is true when it’s time to leave and go home.  It’s still kind of unfathomable to me that I actually did this same routine for 5 days straight week after week, month after month for years on end.  Now it’s just one day a week. As long as I have an internet connection and cell phone signal I can work from anywhere, totally crazy.   

Gator as you can well imagine was not pleased that I was leaving.  I put out a big can of food for her and even fed some of it to her from the couch.  She got her nails trimmed last night.  She is limping a little bit since her fall last week but she doesn’t seem to be in any pain.  Just like her mother, when she sets out to make to a destination she gets there.  It might not be in record setting speed but she will get there. 

Things with her appear to be pretty well normal, although I have mentioned before that cats are the masters of disguise.  However, I’d like to think that she can’t pull the wool over my eyes since I’ve been around her for 18 years but you just never know. 

Speaking of the Gator.  A guy that I like and follow on social media has a cat now that looks exactly like Gator just when she was younger.  I thought it was interesting.  This guy is married and very straight but it doesn’t stop me from looking.  I wish that we could be friends but I don’t see that in the cards. 

Not a whole lot going on here this morning.  Meeting Tuesday kicks off in a couple hours and then it’s going to be busy for a few hours.  Then the bottom falls out and it’s back to a lull according to my schedule.  You never can tell when a problem will crop up so it’s not a guarantee that it will be totally boring.  I’d like a fast moving day so that I can get back home. 

Watched more old Real World episodes last night.  Had some Cheese Enchiladas and rice for supper.  Desert was a piece of Carrot Cake.  I did pepper in a few You Tube videos.  One of which a cop pulled over a kid for riding a motorized bike on the street with no license plate.  He was just going to get a ticket but when he told the cop to go suck a dick he wasn’t signing the ticket he wound up under arrest.  While you may want to cuss and tell a cop off, it never pays off.  Your better to think those thoughts and keep the actual words to yourself. 

Kind of a boring evening.  Not sure what I will find to occupy my few short hours of time before bed but I am confident that something will strike my fancy.  Just being with the furry girl and tending to her needs is kind of comforting in it’s self.  She is quite the handful, especially when she gets into her picky pallet moments where something tastes good for a couple bites and then she wants nothing to do with it.  She tells you she is hungry and wants food but if you offer her what was formerly appealing to her she will head butt it and that’s your sign to move on to get her something else.  I really miss the cat food store because with a variety of flavors (when in stock) it was pretty easy to be able to rotate what she got to eat so there was no getting used to one thing.  I am probably going to take a stroll through there over the weekend just to see what I can manage to pickup. 

Hope your doing well and staying cool.  Talk with you all again soon.  

Father’s Day Weekend & The Kids Birthday

It was an average weekend for me. I got the running I had been putting off done. The 1 item I am unable to find anywhere is liquid hand soap in a large refill. I was able to pickup a couple individual pumps at the grocery store. They were marked as one low price but rang up quite differently. I didn’t catch it until I was out of the store and since you can’t return anything right now, I was stuck. Besides that, I needed the soap anyway.

I found a couple of old hard drives that my late spouse had and I was interested in the contents. I hooked them up and didn’t really find anything noteworthy. One had junk on it and the other had a backup of his pc. I saw some individual PST files and tried to open them (they contain email in MS Outlook format). However, Outlook didn’t see them as valid PST files. I tried running a repair on them but that too failed.

Marv and Gator rang in their 16^th Birthday yesterday. They were both given lots of attention. Marv wasn’t up for much eating. He was more in a sleeping mood and wanted to stick close to me. I am fine with that. He was hot and cold with that. One minute he couldn’t get enough of me and the next he wanted to get away from me. I know their Momma would be proud of both of them for sticking with me.

I got a good deal on Symantec (f/k/a Norton) Internet Security. I have been a long-time customer but refuse to pay full retail price for their product. I normally go through Amazon but you can also go through their outlet store on-line, called Norton Outlet. However, my deal this year came directly from Norton. My subscription was set to expire in early July. I got 5 licenses for $19.99 which is a great deal. The catch is that you have to agree to auto renewal. That’s the same thing with their other deals, so you agree and then once your setup login and turn it off. They put up a bit of a fight but it’s easy enough if you stick with it. I don’t like auto renewing surprises especially when it would renew for full retail price which is closer to $90. With the way Windows is built today you really don’t need anti-virus you can use Windows Defender, it’s good enough. However, I am set in my ways. I have other security software I run along side Norton for added protection.

My last normal paycheck before the mandatory pay reduction goes in place will occur at the end of the month. It will be sad to get less money for doing the same amount of work but hopefully things even out since I am not commuting daily. This has been one expensive month between the water heater, license plate renewal and tucking money into Escrow so the house payment doesn’t go up. Hopefully I will see some of the Escrow money come back to me when they balance out in September. I also hope the pay cut is a temporary thing and they can reverse it sooner rather than later. However, I think I will be stuck with that for a couple months at minimum if not for the rest of the year. The determining factor is our profits and how well people pay their bills. Here’s hoping that things get back on track soon.

Yesterday was also Father’s Day. My father was my grandfather who was my mom’s dad. We didn’t see eye to eye. I wasn’t macho into manual labor; I was more into AC and staying in doors doing office type work. I guess that was too effeminate for him. My brother on the other hand was into all of that straight macho bs and they got along great. He (my grandfather) figured out later in life that I was gay and I know he had suspected for a long time. That bothered him, his up bringing told him that gay people were bad, much like people of color. While I don’t know that he would be accepting of my “lifestyle” today I know that he would be proud of me for all that I have been through and how far I have come in the world. I think he might be disappointed in how my brother has turned out but that is speculative on my part.

The real question is what about my biological father. Yeah, I wonder about him from time to time and yesterday was one of those times. I know that he has another family and you’d think that after all these years he would want to reach out. I get that there is risk and fear but if you don’t take risks you will never be able to overcome the paralysis. I wanted to reach out to him when I was growing up but was discouraged. I don’t need him but it would be nice to know a bit about his side of the family, the health risks, etc. Not to mention meeting my ½ siblings which I know there are a couple. We were always told as kids to keep an eye out when he dies and then lay claim to his estate. If we were to do that, we would have to establish that we were in fact his biological children and then fight it out with the rest of his surviving family. It’s like diving head first into a hornet’s nest and that’s just not something I want to get involved with. It’s much more trouble than it’s worth. I have thought about doing the DNA thing and then seeing who I match up with as relatives on-line but that is a bit risky as well. I may in fact do that at some point but for now it’s a stone best left unturned. Although it would be interesting to know if I had a gay ½ brother or sister.

If you are a Father, I bid you a belated Happy Father’s Day.

Right now, it’s a typical Monday. Things are slow but ramping up. Part of my neck is out of whack and I didn’t sleep the best. I am so looking forward to my lunch time nap. Problem is that I am on-call this week. I do hope that it’s quiet. So, another day of House Arrest [Quarantine] begins. I can’t believe it’s been several months that I have been doing this. I really miss the old “normal” of life. I do enjoy the quiet time that I have been able to get from this but I really just want to go out to eat in a restaurant with out any risks. Burger, Bowl of Chili and maybe a shake – that would be good enough for me. Things are slowly starting to reopen but the spike in the infection rate is also trending back upward. The media talks about this as a 2^nd wave but in honesty we never got rid of the 1^st wave, it’s just a long 1^st cycle. I really hope that a vaccine and more aggressive/successful treatment is discovered sooner rather than later. I know that I am not alone in wanting to get back to a state of normal. I do think this has forever changed the shape of the world, some good and some bad.

Here’s to a great week ahead. Take care & be well.

Wanting to be wrong

Turns out I called it correct, our big meeting today was to tell us all that we are going to be taking a 15% pay cut at the start of next month. This is in effect for the foreseeable future and is completely reversible. In order to be reversed our leadership would have to see a sizeable jump or a more normal pattern to our organization’s overall earnings and/or at the end of the year if we exceed our earnings projection.

This is all done in order to prevent layoffs or furloughs, which is a step that we don’t want to have to take. I get that. The pay cut sucks but at least we still have jobs. I had originally thought it was 10% which wouldn’t have been bad at all for me. However, now that it’s 15% that is going to hurt. Instead of being able to make a car payment from 1 check I may have to spread it over two so that I have enough money to pay the bills. That is what I did when I first started down the road of higher car payments.

I have crunched all kinds of numbers to try to forecast what my check will look like when this hits but there are a couple of unique variables that go in to the equation I won’t know until I get that first check. That is something I will be in suspense about until the middle of next month. I have already stopped my 401k contribution for the moment. When things go back to normal, I will certainly start contributing again. Right now, though I need every penny I can get my hands on to stay afloat.

Considering that I am not commuting to and from work, I think that I will be okay. However, I am in a bit of panic mode right now. Thinking about maybe cancelling Netflix and potentially Spotify. I do have a small amount of money saved which will also help me out. However, I would like to keep as much of that tucked away as possible. Even though I got bad news, you never know when worse news is on the horizon.

Looks like I picked the worst possible time to get glasses. I mean I can pay cash for them but I am glad that I can spread the cost over 6 months with no interest, that will certainly help me out. I’ve also got a monster credit card bill that needs to be paid in full (since I don’t carry a balance) the largest thing there was my license plate renewal. Even though I won’t be driving much you still have to have current plates on your car.

If it looks like I will have problems then I will certainly reach out to my lenders (home and auto) to see what kind of alternate arrangements can be made. I don’t want to have to do that at all. However, I am not above asking for help. After all I am the sole supporter of myself and if I don’t ask for help (if it’s needed) then I can’t expect that someone will be doing it for me.

Today I also learned that we will start to open our offices the 1^st of the month and if you voluntarily want to go back and have no underlying health concerns then you can return to the office. If you don’t want to go back or have health concerns, then you can keep working from home. There is no pressure to return to the office at all. That is an uncommon benefit. I think most employers would be like, were open and you need to come back. Based on what my Doctor told me at my last visit unless something drastic changes I will probably be working from home for the remainder of the year and a good portion of next year. Not exactly what I wanted to hear and not sure that I can survive here that long w/o having a mental break but I just take it day by day.

I hope that this will all end soon and life can go back to some form of “normal” or that we can adjust to a “new normal”. Not that I would be a social butterfly but it’s nice to be able to move with freedom – not having to wear a mask. Being able to go out to eat, see a movie or take a short trip. I do have a couple of new social groups that I discovered last year and had planned on going to a couple gatherings before the COVID thing hit. They are still gathering but you won’t find me there, it’s just not safe given the risk groups that I am in.

That is the big news of the day. The other big development is that one of the cats finally knocked over the water bowl in my room. It’s a wet mess but I have cleaned it up as best I can. Of course, no one is talking, I guess the cats got their tongue! My best guess tells me it was Gator because she has to paw at the bowl or fountain before she drinks. I think she hit it too hard and got wet. Not only that but in the process, she soaked her brother. Everyone was smiling this morning as if nothing had happened. Gator was crying because the water was empty and that’s when I knew what occurred and wound up stepping on a wet rug. Nothing quite says good morning like an unexpected wet surprise on your feet. ICK.

At least we made it to Friday. I’ve been going since 7. Stopped to take a short break but no nap today and I am honestly ready for a nap. Think I might just go get one while it’s still quiet. Of course, as soon as I lay my head down, I know the phone will see it and then start going crazy.

Have a nice weekend and take care of yourself.

Marvo

Mr. Marvin is back to crying but it only happens during the daytime, usually once the TV powers off.  I wish that I had some type of an override button but sadly I don’t.  4 hours is all you get.  I heard him chirping yesterday and managed to tune in at just the right time today to hear it again.  It breaks my heart, I love him so much and don’t want him to think that he is all alone or forgotten.  I know that he misses me during the day, most cats/dogs do miss their owner when they leave. I am happy that he hasn’t returned to waking me up in the middle of the night but I am on guard for that to happen, but hopefully it doesn’t.  He’s a good boy who I think is just confused in his old age and misses his brother.  

I don’t know if it will work but the vet suggested Feliaway it’s a calming pheromone that is supposed to work on cats.  We have used it in the past with no effect on any of the cats.  I’m willing to give it another go to see if maybe it can help Marv out.  I just ordered it on Amazon and it will be in tomorrow.  30 days is around $20 for something that goes up in the air that is expensive but if it works I will gladly pay the money to get a refill. 

He’s being picky on eating again and likes to chow down when I am not looking or he thinks I can’t hear him.  I heard him last night in the treats dish, he was just crunching away.  I love to hear him eat that is music to my ears.  Now if I could get his sister to play along and they could all eat at the same time that would be great. 

My nerves are on edge and I think these last 2 cats are going to tap dance on them until they fry.  Not intentionally of course.  I am just so hyper focused on each of them because of love.  I did think about it some more and I suppose it’s possible that Marv has something going on in his gut, not 100% that it’s cancer but he is big in the front and small in the back – that’s not normal but again he’s an old man.  I suppose I can type anything I want here and waffle back and forth but it’s not going to give me any answers.  All I can do is continue to wait and watch, hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

I worked on my foot last night.  My little toe on my right foot was bothering me.  It just needed a trim and to cut away some of the dead skin that built up.  I think it’s a callous.  I wound up cutting too much away and sliced into my toe.  Yes I drew blood.  Yes it hurt.  Yes I wasn’t happy with myself.  Today it’s sore but it itches more than it hurts.  Diabetics shouldn’t work on their own feet but as long as I can still see them and reach them I’m going to continue to work on my own feet, unless I get something I can’t deal with or am unable to bend to reach them.

I’ve got an Amazon order waiting for me on the porch.  Nothing exciting just pee pads and Mucinex.  I wanted to order a lot more but opted to hold off for now.  Here’s to Tuesday and maybe I will get some good sleep tonight.  Thanks for stopping by, we will talk again soon!

T.G.I.Friday

What a week, glad that in a short bit it will be over with and I just have to contend with the commute home.  My body is still trying to get sick but hasn’t quite made up it’s mind.  Right now my feet are freezing, which isn’t a good sign but the heater in the vehicle should warm them up nicely. 

Last night I got to see the hot guy at the pharmacy, went to pick up a prescription.  I interacted with him and made him laugh.  Nice to see a smile, I am a sucker for that.  I did my research and know he’s straight but I so want to ask him how could a guy like me get a gay version of a guy like him.  That’s kind of offensive and I wouldn’t dare ask it.  I read something recently that said stop telling people that you want to sleep with them instead tell them they are cute.  That’s solid advice but I have never said that I wanted to sleep with someone, I think that is just plain rude. 

Gator is sure a clingy girl.  She is using her alarm clock power but her time clock is off and she keeps getting earlier and earlier.  Just wait in a couple weeks I will get my revenge, we will have time change weekend.  That is always fun.  Marv is stepping on his own tail and walking continues to be a challenge for him at times.  He can’t get situated just right.  He doesn’t whine about it or even make a sound when he steps on his own tail.  I’ll bet you if I stepped on his tail he would tell me all about.  After what I have been through I do worry about each of them a little bit more.  I know in the end there will be just 1.  My money is on Gator being the longest living but Marv might surprise me.  Right now I just want each of them to hold it together, I don’t want to deal with a dying pet again. 

Work has been difficult this week but I scored some brownie points in coming to the rescue.  I plaid my card today and asked for monitor arms.  They are working on it.  I would have had them today but our office manager has to get creative.  My neck is killing me and rather than put together monitor stands or grabbing reams of copy paper I would rather have monitor arms.  It’s something I have always wanted from day 1 and once I get them I can want for something else then.  I’d like them at home as well but that means I would need to change graphics cards as well as monitors and then buy the arms.  Kind of a pricy adventure so I do the monitor stand thing.  It’s been working fine. 

I’d like to go to my classmate/friends mom’s funeral but unless I wake up with lots of time to spare I don’t think it’s going to happen.  I am lazy on Saturday and kind of feel like it’s a family affair.  I saw that tons of people are sending flowers.  Jesus florist sure rake it in but some of those arrangements look stunning.  You have to pay for that stunning effect but it sure does look nice.  It doesn’t make the flowers last longer.  I saw a rubber plant today as an offering, I’m thinking about getting one of those for the basement.  It is supposed to clean the air and you don’t need a green thumb to keep it alive.  It’s at least an idea I am kicking around. 

So now I will begin to shut thing down here and go play in traffic.  Not sure what is for dinner or if I even want to eat.  I am most interested in sleep right now.  That could change by the time I get home.  Deciding on what to feed the cat is a much harder choice.  They have turned their nose up at gravy based foods, which is what I have the most of.  I know it will all work out but jeez. 

Have a nice weekend and stay warm!

No Tomorrow

I read a disheartening post this morning on social media.  A classmate/friend of mine said that yesterday was the worst day of his life.  Even worse than the day he got his cancer diagnosis.  His mom checked into the hospital for a simple test and passed away. 

Yet another reminder that we all have an expiration date.  We don’t know when that date is or how it will happen.  Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.  A sobering reminder to cherish today and those that you love.  As well as to express your love to those you care about. 

Yeah I know I’m talking like I am 90 or something and it’s depressing.  It’s also truthful. 

Gator isn’t feeling the greatest and both her an her brother are so confused that they are the only 2 cats in the house.  I gave them both the same thing to eat this morning and they both turned their noses up at it.  I had to open something different for each of them.  Good thing I got up early or that would have thrown a wrench in my routine. 

I talk to each of them like they have ears and can understand me.  This morning without thinking I looked at Gator and asked where is your mom.  I felt awful afterward and corrected myself to say brother.  I sing songs about her (Momma) when I am in the shower and still miss her.  She was a big part of my life and it’s not like I can just forget her. 

I think each of them understand and know what happened to their mom.  Not 100% sure they are dealing with it okay but they aren’t on a hunger strike.  Which is a good thing.  Marv still goes and hides at night under the couch to sleep.  But we all start out gathered in the same place, which is my room. 

In other news I made quite a blunder at work yesterday but thankfully it all worked out well.  It was something that could have easily cost me my job and of course the worrier in me worried until I heard this morning that it’s been put to bed and everything is okay.  I could have avoided this mistake by doing what I do best and communicating but it just never occurred to me.  I took responsibility and of course I was much harder on myself.  Can’t blame this one on emotions, I was just trying to be a people pleaser and not get yelled at. 

I am not feeling the best but at least I am doing better than I was this morning.  My body is still trying to get sick but can’t make up it’s mind.  So I get lots of mixed signals.  I’m chalking it up to allergies at the moment.  Hopefully, that is accurate. 

Not much else happening at the moment.  Finishing up the pizza tonight for dinner, last 2 pieces.  It is so good and I am glad that I paced myself with it to make it last longer.  I think I got more value for my money in that it’s turned into 4 meals instead of 2.  However, I will look forward to having something different tomorrow night.  Thinking of Beef Sheppard’s pie, that sounds really good. 

Keeping with the food theme, I got this cake called Sock It to me..  It’s a cinnamon crème cake and it’s the driest cake ever.  Microwaving it makes it softer but it’s still dry.  I paid for it so you know I will finish it.  Just won’t buy another one.  That’s what I get for not wanting to pay $15 for a cake, which I think is a bit on the high price side of things. 

So there you have it, ye old update for now.  Talk with you all again soon.

Purring along

Ms. Momma is not her normal self but she is moving along okay.  It’s hard to believe that she is actually terminal and will pass away.  Right now her breathing is well controlled.  She mostly sleeps, eats and uses the bathroom.  We have a little interaction but nothing like what it used to be. 

Last night she wanted up in the chair with me, I was hugging her and she isn’t much for that beyond a moment or two.  She wanted down.  So I placed her on the floor and then she asked to come right back up.  So that’s how I figured out she wanted to be in the chair with me.  She indulged me and let me scratch her ears and give her some attention.  Then she just curled up and it was lights out.  Like she was narcoleptic.  I went on to watch TV but soon my sleeping medicine was kicking in and I was doing the nod.  I turned the TV off and just looked at her and watched her in all her beauty just sleeping away.  That of course made me sleepier but also a little depressed.  Eventually push came to shove and I had to wake her.  I put her in her bed and I went to mine.  She was curling up just before I turned the light out. 

Middle of the night my body told me I needed to wake up and use the restroom, so I gave in.  Momma thought it was breakfast time and got up and started to follow me.  I told her it was a false alarm and she could go back to bed, so she did.  If she was feeling more normal that would have sparked an argument. 

I just checked on her and her respirations are right at the normal range.  She was sleeping and then woke up.  She is off camera now I suppose using the bathroom, checking the house or most probably going to see what there is left to eat.  I talked nice to her this morning and she was her polite self and opened her mouth and took her pills without much protest at all. 

I am just in a state of shock and disbelief that she is actually going to die but I suppose it will hit home if/when she gets worse.  Right now it’s a new normal but it’s business as usual. 

No word from the vet in response to my email and no reply back to the mail order pharmacy.  I am going to pay them a visit tonight.  My grandpa told me you get better results if you show up in person rather than make a phone call or write a letter.  It’s a little tougher to be dismissive if you show up in person.  However, I don’t expect to be dismissed – I am a paying client and I expect results and responses when I ask questions.  This is my little girl were talking about she is my world and I will advocate for her as I would any pet.   I am really on the fence about taking her to another doctor.  I think that she possible could get in a couple more years if they would put her on a heart medication like Digoxin it helps the heart to pump better and if that happens then she would have less if any fluid pooling at all.  I will be sure to mention it tonight to see what kind of response I get.  I don’t expect answers tonight I expect they will write it all down and get with the vet and someone will call me back.  However, only time will tell.  I do need answers and medicine.  Hopefully, I won’t have to show up on Sunday with her to another dreaded appointment. 

We’ve got Winter weather that will start tonight and go through the next 2 days.  It sounds a little concerning but I think we all should be able to get to work.  I will watch the TV and make judgement calls based on the information I am provided.  Media hype is a thing when it comes to weather but unless it’s obvious or there are a bunch of wrecks I will forge forward. 

Hope your having a good day.  Talk again soon. 

Friyay

I am happy that we finally made it to the end of the week.  What a week it’s been!  I woke up in the middle of the night from a nightmare.  It had nothing to do with Momma but my instincts kicked in and I had to check on her.  I shined a flashlight on her and I guess that made her mad because she left the room.  I was up for an hour and then went back to bed. 

When I woke up this morning I found her in the kitchen all curled up by the backdoor.  Her chest was moving but when I touched her she was cold and it took a little bit to wake her up.  She was a tad bit confused but shook it off and was ready for breakfast.  Gator stuck her nose in the plate and that always makes Momma leave.  It’s just her motherly instincts, she always lets the kids eat first.  You would think that would ware off with time and age but nope, she is still polite as ever. 

The red mark appears to be gone from her arm but the bit still looks bad.  The swelling in her paw hasn’t resolved yet.  I guess it will be a slow thing but I will probably be over protective of her and reach out to the vet tomorrow if there isn’t some improvement with the swelling.  She is a purr machine I tell you.  Always purring away and her kids are exactly like their mom. 

I still have the concern that I am going to lose her sooner rather than later.  I just hope that I am wrong and she is like a Timex.  I am really baffled at where a spider could have come from and why it had to pick on any of the cats much less Momma.  Poor girl. 

I spied on the house a little while ago but everyone is in their respective hiding place.  Marv is under the couch likely.  Momma and Gator are in my room.  I really need more than 1 camera.  I hope that my sweet girl will progress and make a full recovery from this. 

I’m on call next week so I have that to look forward to.  Working on a report that I hate but it’s keeping me busy and has helped pass the morning by.  The afternoon will probably drag a bit but I am so ready to get out of here.  It’s raining and has been since last night.  There is a Winter component to this storm and we should see snow tomorrow, so you know the grocery stores will be packed as everyone will be stocking up on the makings for French Toast … Milk, Eggs and Bread.  Not me I will wait until Sunday and do my normal shopping then.  It’s in the 60’s here now so the thought of snow just doesn’t seem like it will do much if any damage.  Weather is a crazy thing just like life. 

Have a super weekend and we will talk again soon. 

Air Conditioning in the Winter

Yesterday I was working along making good progress and about 3:30p the AC kicked on in my office.  I checked with the person sitting in the next office over and they too reported chilly conditions.  Finally by 5p I had enough and decided to go home.  I came back this morning thinking that the issue would be resolved.  Nope.  AC still running full blast.  I looked at the thermostats in the office and they were all set low, I kicked them up and pressed the override button.  I fired up the space heater and the radiator heater in my office.  Finally after a couple hours were at 75 which is better than the 60 degrees when I walked in the door.  Now I am so sleepy and ready for a nap.  If only I didn’t have a window I would actually try to fall asleep.

I’ve worked on all of the stuff I normally do on Friday’s plus played catch up from a couple things yesterday.  Here we are at 10:30a and I am bored.  It’s going to be a long day. 

I need to talk with our new guy but I feel like I have been bothering him so I am waiting to see how long it takes him to reach out to me.  We have some work to do, but my guess is that he won’t call me, which is fine it can all wait until Monday.

There is a meeting and call this afternoon that we both need to be on it shouldn’t take more than an hour if that.  Not looking forward to it but it is what it is. 

Yesterday I asked boss man about working 5 days split up around the holidays at home.  He shot the idea down telling me I could have 3 days but that I needed to pick 2 and come in to the office.  What a Motherfucker.  He tells me I can work from home but when I take him up on it he gets all worried about “perception” and back peddles.  Spineless coward.  I mean over all he is an okay boss but it’s times likes these that he really pisses me off.  I also got my Christmas gift from him.  He thought it was wonderful but I think it’s lousy.  It’s a door dash gift card and not for a lot of money, like less than I have received in past years.  I would have much rather had a movie gift card but hey at least he thought of me.  I’ll think of him when shove it in the shredder.  Seriously, I probably won’t use it and will wind up giving it away or putting it in a drawer and letting it collect dust. 

It will be time to move back home, looks like they plan on doing it on the 1st Sunday of January.  I am not excited about that but I also don’t plan to come in.  If you want to move all of my stuff over well knock your self out.  I will miss the security guards, they are so nice, pleasant and friendly.  It something I look forward to coming in and going home.  The security in our building isn’t polite they are just there and they act like big brother.  I get they have a large facility and lots of people they are responsible for but geez at least being friendly goes a long way.  I won’t miss the poor climate control or the long walk to and from.  Secretly I don’t want to go back but I have no control over it. 

Ah so that is work. 

On the home front.  Amazon has disappointed me I was supposed to get my vitamins several days ago and they just showed up today.  I am expecting a neck/shoulder massager today and it shows that it will be delivered by 8p but it’s not even shipped yet.  I don’t think it will arrive today.  I really need it.  This knot in my back is driving me nuts and I would like nothing more than to get rid of it.  Maybe I will luck out and they will get it to me on Saturday or so I hope. 

I gave Ms. Momma some fluids on Wednesday.  She didn’t get much just a tiny dose.  She is still eating like a horse but she is holding her own and slowly returning to her old self.  She did some jumping and has sought me out for more than a meal. 

There wasn’t anything on last night so I found myself watching a full episode of Dr. Pimple Popper and I don’t know how I made it through the entire hour.  Marv had fallen asleep on my hand so I was immobile.  He looked so cute.  I took his picture and that woke him up for a second.  I got a dirty look and then he fell back asleep.  He is really something. 

Gator has a stomach bug.  She is still eating and drinking but I watching her as well.  She climbed up in bed with me earlier in the week and we slept together for a bit.  She also woke me up early this morning because she was hungry.  Funny how that works. 

I am looking forward to relaxing and doing nothing tonight.  Not much planned for tomorrow but I would like to make it to Sam’s to stock up on a couple things.  Plus grab some cat food.  Not sure if I will treat myself to breakfast, kind of depends upon how I feel. 

No word from my friends on Christmas Dinner yet.  My guess is they will wait until the last minute and spring it on me.  I’m holding out on purpose and being stubborn.  I recall they reached out to me a week before Turkey Day to get the details.  To me it’s just another day and it matters not if I go anywhere.  I know I can have a good time there but I can have an okay time with the cats. 

Ah almost 11.  I haven’t moved from my chair since I walked in the door so I guess I should get up and get some blood flowing.  Thinking about maybe crossing the street to check out my new digs.  Not sure if I will be that motivated but hey it will help pass some time.  I may also put that off until later this afternoon. 

Happy Weekend, I hope your warm, safe and having a good time.  Talk with you all again soon.  Be well. 

Bumpy week

So glad that today is Friday.  It’s been a bumpy week.  Wednesday I woke up and felt fine until I got out of the shower.  Then I just didn’t feel right.  I debated on what to do and decided to take the day off.  Whatever it was got worse and then went away.  Not sure if it was a blood sugar thing but I just felt bad.  I did a lot of sleeping on Wednesday so you know Thursday was a mess and I took that day as well.  I slept a little bit but made sure to stay awake for the bulk of the day. 

I feel so so now.  I made it in.  Today is our holiday party and I’m not going.  Just food in conference rooms and people mingling.  Nothing that is worth crossing the street for.  Any prizes we win are taxable and you have to be present to win so that solves that little problem.  I did wake up to a $25 gift card which is something that we do here most years.  I was told last year that it had to stop but apparently somebody didn’t get that memo so we get to enjoy another year.  It’s nice and Amazon sucks my money up faster than the vet but the difference is I like Amazon. 

Speaking of vet, Momma got some fluids on Wednesday night just because I couldn’t not give them to her.  Last night she was acting a little bit more like herself.  She is still eating a lot and that tells me that something is wrong with her.  She isn’t like that normally.  It’s like she is trying to make up for something that her body is losing or not making.  I don’t want to lose her ever but I know that eventually we will part ways.  Right now I am taking a wait & see approach.  She maybe able to hold her own for a while or she may need some help with fluids.  I got her to sleep with me for a little bit last night.  She was purring up a storm.  I look forward to seeing her and the others when I walk in the door.  I know everyone will be hungry.  Because they will have missed out on lunch. 

That’s all I know at the moment, which isn’t much.  Hope your having a great Friday.  One more full week before we work our way to the holidays.  Not a fun time for me but I will enjoy the warmth and comfort of my furry family.  Cheers for now. 

Krazy Week

Each day has presented me with stressful busy tasks at work.  I have a little breathing room today and figured I would squeeze in a few words here before I head out for the day. 

Sunday is the Memorial Service for my former co-worker, it’s an hour away from my house (1 way).  It will disrupt my routine but I plan on going.  I got coverage for my on-call shift for a couple hours.  I think there will be a lot of people there both that I work with now and that have left.  There is no message about burial so I am guessing he was cremated.  I’m not quite sure what to expect other than some music and probably people telling stories about the good memories they have. 

Speaking of work, I found out that we will be moving back in January to our normal home.  I am in fact getting an office.  It used to be a broom closet but it’s been converted.  I was hoping for a window office but no such luck.  I guess it’s time for me to go back in the closet.  Probably just as well because I would have the tendency to day dream.  It will be nice to be back but at the same time I wish I could stay where I am despite the climate issues and having to cross the street.  Last night I got a look from a cop as I was trying to jay walk and cross the street.  I’m not in it for the exercise or I would cross at the cross walk which is a ways up the street.  

On the home front the kids are all picky eating and I am a little concerned but at least they are still eating.  Everyone is drinking lots of water which is abnormal.  Something is going on but I just can’t put my finger on it.  I have a watchful eye on all of them at all times regardless.  Those 3 little balls of fur are my world. 

My Cyber Monday sheets are waiting for me at home.  I plan to wash and put them on over the weekend.  This weekend will be stressful in that I have to scramble and shift things around but hopefully there will be some “me” time in there.  My muscles are cramping and I am really worn out.  Ah well at least tomorrow is Friday. 

Hopefully, all is well in your world.  I will talk with you again soon. 

Ickus Yuckus

I bravely grabbed a ladder, a pair of latex gloves, a disposable respirator  and touched the mold last night.  There is a small crack in one of boards that is referred to as BAN BOARD.  There are two schools of thought on fixing it.  You can inject chemicals to make the wood stronger and repair the crack OR you can just rip it out and replace it.  I’m just joe average here but from what I saw the mold it self looks to be dead or close to dying.  It’s not white but it doesn’t look as bad as the day I found it.  Everything I touched was dry.  I compared present day to the photos on my phone.  I am eager to get rid of this.  It might all be in my head but my nose started bothering me last night after I was by this.  I know I am allergic and that mold in general is bad for your health.  There is more rain in the forecast so it will be yet another test to ensure the water issue is fixed.  Then I need to focus on what I am going to do with the mold it’s self. 

The closer I got last night to home the more I felt myself slipping slowly back in to depression.  This morning it’s full bore on me.  I don’t want to do anything or go anywhere.  It didn’t help that I kept hitting traffic on the way in.  A couple of major jams that made me 20 minutes later than normal.  That didn’t make me happy but the bright side I got a decent parking spot, in fact the same spot as yesterday. 

What I think is going on is the combination of spending my birthday alone, finding the mold, and having lost a friend.  It’s sort of like I am mourning a loss and it is a loss but it’s not death.  I had a lot going on in a short amount of time and I think I am just overwhelmed.  I dabbled in thinking about cancelling my Thanksgiving plans but right now I am opting to keep them in place in the hopes that I snap out of this.  I need more friends, not exactly sure how to make them but hopefully that happens.  I seem to latch on to “fake” people and they emotionally rob me.  They profess to care about me but I am always the one seeking them out.  I need someone who reaches out and someone that I can reach out to.  Going out or getting together helps and also gives me something to look forward to. 

The other thing that is weighing on me is this big move here at work.  They want me to help and give up an evening next week to help move a large group of people between two offices.  That is not in my job description.  I’m always happy to help except for now.  I mean we have people for this.  No one has even approached my boss for approval, they just asked me.  I said I’m not crazy about it but I would help if I had to.  I guess if I wasn’t one of the people moving I might be a little more outgoing about this.  I call this whole thing bad timing. 

Well 30 minutes more and I can eat lunch and watch NetFlix.  New Jeff Dunham special was just released and hopefully that will bring a smile to my face and cause me to feel better.  I hope your having a great day!  Talk with you again soon.