Connectivity

Hello World!

Yesterday was a little bit of a technology snafu.  My home internet went out around lunch time and didn’t come back up until this morning.  Working from home this obviously presents a challenge.  I need to be able to get on-line at all times.  My phone saved the day as it has many times before.  Visible Plus to the rescue.  I have unlimited data nd unlimited hotspot data.  Your only supposed to connect 1 device but I was able to get away with 2.  1 of which was a computer and the other was my Roku.  When work was done for the day I was down to just my Roku.  I’m not sure what went wrong with my home internet but they have been having issues where we have spot outages for a few hours and then were back up.  Of course my special price just expired so I am paying more now and they don’t give credit for outages.  If you want it you have to call.  I’m getting close to loosing my cool with them and about ready to call to see if I can get the price lower.  There is another fiber company coming to town but they are dragging their feet.  If they were here today I’d make the switch kind of tired of the local cable company.  It wasn’t just internet that was down it was phone and TV as well but I only have them for internet so the rest of my stuff worked.  That’s why you can’t put all of your eggs in one basket, you have to diversify or have backup providers for redundancy.  That can get expensive but Visible has been rock solid for me in every possible way.  I can’t sing their praises loud enough. 

Funny what started out as cell phone service for dating has turned in to my primary service for cell data and has doubled as a work phone.  I’ve become so reliant on it I can’t imagine living without it.  If they just offered to associate your name with your number I’d move my regular cell service over, drop the extra coverage and be able to save a bunch of money.  However, it’s a pre-paid service so caller id only displays as Wireless Caller, which for dating if your making calls is a good thing to help mask your identity. 

I had to fight a little bit to get my desktop and laptop to connect to my phone as a hotspot but got it working and was able to continue with my day.  I only had a meeting that got pushed back to the afternoon and I was able to join it from the comfort of my couch.  Nothing else came about and I was thankful for that. 

This morning is starting off the same as yesterday in that I have nothing to do for several hours and then it’s meeting, meeting, lunch, meeting, meeting.  Unless something else comes in to break up this cycle that’s how my day is looking to shape up. 

Woke up with my back feeling funny the more I started to wake up that funny feeling developed into an itch.  I scratched and it felt a little odd.  I looked in the mirror and I’ve got claw marks on my back.  What in the world happened last night?  Which cat got me?  No one’s talking here cat’s got their tongues.  It’s nothing major and it will heal but damn it’s gonna itch a lot and I hate that. 

Speaking of itches my neck is bothering me a little bit but the peeling has stopped.  I just resist scratching as best as I can.  I’ve got some strong will power if I want to use it but an itch is one of those things that you think will feel better if you scratch it and sometimes that is the case but with this that is NOT the case it only makes things worse. 

Had left over pizza for supper last night.  Broke into my newly found ice cream stash of Haggen Daz.  One more thing I found when I went to work on the freezer.  I’ve got a few pints to go through and it’s so good!

Wanted to really watch porn last night but that internet outage with my home network impacted my ability to stream from my desktop to my TV.  I’ve got an old scene from Corbin Fisher that I am itching to watch.  Not sure if I will make it to tonight but I am gonna try my best. 

Right now it’s time to get away from the computer and go relax, hoping that I am left alone so I can enjoy my down time before meeting season kicks in this afternoon. 

Hope all is well in your world and that your staying cool & hydrated!  Take care.

Past and future fun

Hi and welcome in.  I do hope you are doing well.  I have enjoyed my time away from work and kind of wish that I would have taken the week but I already know that there is plenty of work waiting for me so the sooner I get back the better.  I’m telling myself it’s only 3 days and at least your not on call this week, look at the bright side, plus bossman is away. 

Sunday after my post I wound up checking on the card system at work and don’t you know it was down again.  I had to get out in the rain and drive over to reset it.  This time was super easy now that I knew exactly what to do.  I think there must have been another power blip that is the only explanation for why.  I thought about it after the storms moved in at home and I heard on the scanner that some folks had lost power.  At least I avoided a Monday disaster and saved some people from freaking out. 

I got my car washed again.  However, don’t you know after you wash the car it’s gonna rain.  I got caught in rain tonight so now I need to go back again.  I will at least be getting my monies worth out of this car wash membership. 

Monday I got the car serviced and had lunch with my friend.  We chatted but I forgot to ask him several questions I had thought of.  I hate it when my memory fails me. 

Went shopping on Amazon got a new wrist wrest for the computer and a mouse pad with some serious support.  A new cell phone case, cell phone holder for my desk, and cushion for my recliner.  I like all of the items I purchased.  However, my cell phone case is metal and that can interfere with signal quality.  My phone is sealed in the case so it’s fully protected which I like but I don’t want to give up any speed.  I’ve done some testing today and I think I am okay.  WIFI works great when I am at home.  It’s the cell carrier signal when I am out and about that I have concerns with, I want to get the speed I am entitled to and paying for.

Got together with my friends for dinner tonight and we both got caught in a rain storm.  I got the worst of it because I parked so far away from the entrance and then had to drive 30 minutes in wet clothes, not fun but hey I survived.  Had a decent meal as well. 

I’m going to see the new Superman on Saturday.  I am a fan of at least one of the guys in the cast and I think there are hot guys in it or so I hope.  I already purchased my ticket.  I’m going back to the same theater I went to a while back.  I will also hit up the same restaurant after the movie. 

I do plan on returning to the dating app scene but just haven’t committed to it yet. 

Tomorrow will be a busy day so I fully expect that I won’t have any play time and it will be a nothing but work day.  Just a heads up in case I don’t have time to post anything and/or Man Candy. 

Well up to enjoy what’s left of my evening.  Mora is begging me to get up stairs and honestly she is right I will be trapped in front of these two monitors so might as well escape while I can.  Speaking of the cats they still aren’t using their birthday present for anything other than a little scratching post and place to nap.  I’m still giving them a chance.  I have no plan to make it disappear regardless if they use it or not. 

Off to upstairs and to continue with what few hours of vacation time I have left.  I know it’s gonna suck tomorrow having to get up at a specific time.  I’ve been getting up feeding Rudy and going back to bed.  Mora just stays in bed with me, then when I do get up Rudy thinks he’s getting a second breakfast but he’s doesn’t. 

Take care and I will talk with you again when I can. 

Another hot guy

Woke up super early and fed the cats, came back to bed since I still have that luxury.  I am gonna miss that come next week.  Woke up a couple hours later and got moving. 

House cleaning was my #1 priority and I knocked it out.  I put off taking the trash out until later in the afternoon. 

I was waiting all day for a call from AT&T but it never came.  I believe I am down to 1 issue and once they fix that I should be good.  Just waiting to hear back and that probably won’t happen until next week. 

While I was waiting I dove back into OF and found a Male photographer that caters to porn stars.  Damn he’s really good and he’s worked with a lot of good looking guys.  He’s got plenty of photos and video on his site.  Oddly he came up in my feed because he was having a sale.  I went to get my monies worth. 

Things were moving along nicely and then all of a sudden my monitors shutdown it was as if my machine went to sleep or was in hibernation.  I have both of those features disabled as I want my machine up 24/7 unless I choose to power it off. I had to force power off and then power back up. 

Once I got everything back up I knew I had lost my place on his page so I would have to start over and I had already been on it for a couple hours.  Yeah when I said he’s got a lot of content I am not kidding. 

I went upstairs and got a shower and dressed.  I wanted a good meal and knew I was going to shell out some serious money but this was the last hoorah so might as well go out with a bang. 

I got on the road and made it there just in time for the doors to open.  I was the first customer.  I was hoping for some Italian food to be on the list of special items but nope I settled for my usual Chilean Sea Bass.  It was good but as if someone dumped in a salt shaker with the meal.  Had some Snickers cheesecake for desert and I was quite full when I left. 

There was this hottie working with the normal bar tender.  I found out that he will be working tomorrow night all by himself.  Blond hair, Blue Eyes, a little muscle and of course a nice butt.  My mouth was watering all through dinner and I took every opportunity to stare at him.  I worked up a little bit of a conversation.  I had an opening to ask him out but I chose to forego it.  Just like the last guy I had no idea if he was gay.  However, it came up that he was only going to be there for the next month and then he was leaving.  If he is leaving the area no sense in starting something that would only be temporary.  He might have got a better job up the street but I didn’t inquire and just assumed that he was leaving the area.  I kind of want to go back and ask but considering that for my meal with tip I spent $66 that would be quite the expensive venture for another nights supper.  It’s not that I can’t afford it, it’s that I don’t want to spend it. 

I’m cautiously optimistic that the air is right and that a guy will come along.  He may or may not be the right guy but I am willing to give a chance to someone that I am attracted to if they are willing to give me the same chance.  Fingers crossed that positive change is in the air!

I have not looked at work email but the desire is there.  It’s going to be there on Monday and I have all weekend if I want to peek.  I just don’t look forward at all to Monday.  I’ve also got a Dentist appointment so that will be how I spend my lunch.  I probably won’t hurry back home. 

We are in for some nice weather.  Today was sunny and in the upper 70’s.  I pushed the trash out about an hour ago and it was actually pretty comfortable.  Tomorrow and Sunday are supposed to be in the upper 80’s and all sunshine.  Here comes the heat.  Perhaps I can get out and spray the perimeter of the house for bugs.  I really don’t want the cats to eat any bug even though I know that they can. 

Rudy just jumped up in my lap and he is ready to nod off.  He loves sleeping in my arms but that does make it a little difficult to use the computer.  This will be his second nap in my arms today.  Mora has got in her snuggles, belly rubs and petting.  So neither of them is starving for attention. 

Well time to get back to it.  Hope that you had a great Friday and that your weekend is awesome.  Talk with you all again soon. 

Day 1 of Vacation

Good evening!

It’s been a day.  I am glad that it’s winding down and that I can start fresh tomorrow. 

Had Strawberry French Toast & Scrambled Eggs for breakfast just like I planned.  It was so good!  Stopped at the post office but all I had was junk mail.  I suppose that’s a good thing.  Back home and I passed time before it was time to leave for my haircut. 

Haircut went fine.  I bought some of their shampoo & conditioner.  I’ve wanted to do that for a while.  I didn’t ask the price but it was like paying for 3 haircuts.  I hope I like it as much as I think I will.

If I gave you 3 guesses as to where I went next I don’t think you’d guess correctly.  Hold on to your hat, I went to an AT&T store.  Yeah so things went full circle and I wound up switching back to being a post paid customer because AT&T was inflexible and wouldn’t permit me to change the name associated with my caller id.  It was a simple request but based on the “customer class” I was in (pre-paid) they wouldn’t budge.  I’m back to paying more money than I want to for the same service.  I signed up for an unlimited data plan but once I got a discount applied to my account I found a lower cost plan that is more in line with my needs so I switched to that.  The time I spent in the store was minimal.  However, I would spend the next couple hours putzing around on the computer to get my “new” account added and semi-configured the way I want it.  There is a 48 hour hold on my account since it’s “new” so I can’t make changes to the address, which they put in the wrong one or lock my account down.  It’s probably going to take a day or two for caller id to be flushed out so that my name shows up like I want it to.  I spent a couple additional hours putting together an additional complaint letter of new issues that I encountered.  I will likely get more bill credit for those but I am not holding my breath.  I expect that I am done battling with AT&T or I so hope.  It’s been an all month thing.  The biggest take away or lesson learned is NEVER act in anger.  I wish I would have never ported away and then I would have avoided all of this.  However, the things that happened to me shouldn’t have happened to anyone.  I am on the lookout for a new carrier but they have to have robust spam filtering like AT&T does – that’s the only reason why I have stuck with them.  Nothing would make me happier than telling them to pound sand, but I essentially said that in my letter tonight.  One thing for sure is that I will be well known there and not for something good. 

Made it to the doctor and got my blood drawn.  I expected horrible results due to additional stress both from AT&T and my job but things actually turned out okay.  Every time I tell the doc I think your going to get bad numbers I wind up wrong.  It makes me happy to be wrong in this case. 

Were going to keep an eye on my wrist to see what happens.  I don’t have carpal tunnel (never thought I did).  We talked about the medicine to lower my cardiac risk a bit more and after our discussion not taking the drug appears to be the right choice.  My cholesterol is tightly controlled and it’s doing very well.  That doesn’t mean my risk for stroke or heart attack are zero but it sure helps to tip the odds in my favor.  Let’s face it something is going to get us all in the end.  I just don’t want it to be a stroke or heart attack but it’s not like I get to pick from an array of options. 

Hit up Denny’s for supper tonight.  I was in one of those what do I want moods and couldn’t make up my mind.  I had a burger with an egg on it.  Not bad but the burger wasn’t nearly as thick as I had expected it to be.  Kind of wish I would have had the Nachos but I’ve got time so I can go back. 

Trash is finally out.  The cats are upset with me because I am in the basement and normally I am upstairs at this time.  I told them I am on vacation so it doesn’t matter.  It’s super cool outside but it feels humid in here.  Probably because I have been running around.  I just want to cool off and drift off to sleep. 

I had originally planned to waste away tomorrow by taking a muscle relaxer tonight.  It would help with my massage tomorrow evening but the thought of giving up a weekday off just doesn’t sit well with me right now.  I’ve got things I’d like to get done around here and places that I’d like to go.  Time is still on my side but this whole vacation business will be over and feel like a dream rapidly hence why I want to make the most of it. 

Yesterday work piled things on in the afternoon and it was a race for me to get out the door.  I made it but I was 30 minutes later than I wanted to be.  I was quick to turn work email off on my phone.  I absolutely dread the though of going back and having to dig out and clean up a mess but right now that’s a little ways off so I am trying to focus on me – the cats and just in general being away from work.  I need to decompress not only from work but from life in general. 

Tomorrow I’d like to make it to Sam’s Club.  I need to make another trip to the Home Improvement Center more light bulbs for the basement, chain saw oil and I’m sure I will find something else to add to the list.  Cats need more food as well.  If I get Sam’s & Cat Food I’ll consider that a win.  Then the big question is where to eat supper/dinner at. 

Well off to climb the steps and get ready for bed, try to relax a little bit and then perhaps get some sleep.  I wanted a nap earlier today but I managed to keep going.  Looking forward to my massage tomorrow night. 

Hope you all are doing well.  Talk with you again soon.  Take care!

All moved in - iPhone 16

Last night I ate a quick supper and then worked to move into my new iPhone.  Things got off to a good start until I needed to move my cellular service over.  I had some issues with getting the eSIM for my primary line to transfer, it was user error.  Apple wanted me to click the power button twice but I mistook that and thought they meant to tap twice on screen.  Clearly my brain wasn’t firing on all cylinders.  Once I tapped the power button the line transferred with in a few minutes.  AT&T Prepaid only lets you turn off their Account Security Feature once every 48 hours.  If you are a postpaid customer you can turn the feature on and off at will.  Next up was my secondary line with Visible.  They let you turn their Line Lock feature off but it’s tied to a time limit they set.  I had to wait 20 minutes.  I’m guessing it’s a security feature.  Both carriers send a text and a warning email so you are aware both when you turn these security features on and off.  They are designed to thwart SIM Swapping and when turned on they make it impossible for anyone to make changes to your account.  Most of the major cell carriers have this feature but I’m not sure about MVNO’s (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) some examples of these are Mint, Boost, US Cellular, Consumer Cellular, etc.  After 20 minutes I got my secondary line transferred just as easy as the first line.  To my knowledge there was no charge by either carrier for this since all I did was move an existing eSIM from a device to a new device. 

I was amazed at how buttery smooth everything went with the entire setup process.  I already know I am not using my phone to it’s full capacity but it does what I want and need it to do.  I will be watching some YouTube videos to gain more insight.  It also helped greatly to have a fully charged battery and the backup battery case.  The phone is still completing the internal setup process but it’s fully useable.  If I go to check the battery I get a message that tells me that.  My iPhone was made back in February 2025. 

I’m using the Hey Siri feature which I didn’t previously.  I’ve taken some great photos with the new phone and am impressed with image quality.  I can only imagine what Max and Pro Users experience.  Perhaps I will find that out in a few years when it’s time for my next upgrade. 

I was able to configure my phone for work on my own, since that technically falls as part of my job.  It was nice not having to put in any tickets or call anyone.  Just login and take care of it on my own. 

I haven’t wiped the old device just yet but it’s in airplane mode and powered off.  I will probably sell it but I have thought about keeping it.  I am not in any hurry to make a decision on that but I know that I can’t take too long since the value of the device drops with time.  Last time I checked I think I could get $70 for it. 

I was exhausted by the time I was ready for bed.  However, I managed to finish up that scene with Aiden Ward, Bryce Jax and James Cassidy.  Thought I was going to have a heart attack but I put forth the effort to get the reward if that makes sense.  I was huffing and puffing when I was done.  Cleaned up and jumped in bed, wasn’t long and I was in dream land. 

Woke up a couple times overnight with a cat nudging me.  I never looked until early this morning and found that it was Rudy.  He had to get comfy and if I moved he moved.  Eventually he heard me take a breath and he sprung to life at 5a.  I just laid in bed with him and his sister.  Watched TV and tried to go back to sleep but it was no use.  By 6:30a we were out of bed. 

I threw on some underwear and retrieved my new charger/phone holder from the porch that Amazon delivered.  Then passed out food for the cats.  Opened up the package and got it unpacked.  On to the shower and to get dressed.  Then out to the car to install the new phone holder/charger.  It was all in place I put my phone on it and when I went to pull my phone off it broke in the same spot as the other one did.  I was upset.  Back inside to box it up.  Then in front of the computer to print another label and box it up for return. 

Left the house and went to grab the mail.  Had a parcel in a locker the key didn’t want to fit but I got it in eventually then couldn’t turn it all the way.  I tried and tried but no luck.  Damn this day was off to a horrible start. 

On to breakfast and it was good but service was slow.  Back to the post office afterwards to speak to a human and retrieve my parcel.  Then on to Target to get a cell phone holder for the car.  I wanted something durable and found exactly that.  I really wanted to go to Best Buy but getting in there is like a maze and there is a good chance you will get into an accident or have a close call.  I didn’t need that hence why I hit up Target.  $20 for some plastic.  I tried but couldn’t fit the vent mount holder into the ball socket to get it mounted.  Came home to unload and bring my jacket in.  Then grabbed a hammer and a light tap knocked the ball into the socket and I was able to mount the new holder.  It looks great just going to take a little bit of getting used to.  It doesn’t use magnets but rather has plastic arms that snap in place to grab the phone by the sides, it’s snug and does a decent job.  It’s probably going to wear out eventually so I will have to replace it.  First time ever that I haven’t had a Mophie charger in the car.  I killed just enough time for the UPS store to open.  Dropped off both of my boxes and within in a couple hours Amazon issued refunds for both because they were scanned by UPS.  That’s usually how that works.  I hate returning anything for any reason but I will still do it. 

Traveled to the office to get that reading the vendor needed, only to find out they came out yesterday and got it themselves so I really didn’t need to go in but I didn’t know that ahead of time.  My desk was full of mail so I cleaned that off.  Changed the calendar forward by 2 months and if anyone looks they will know I am still alive.  I never ran into anyone but I know that I wasn’t alone.  It was a quick in and out trip.  43 miles one way – I still am amazed that I traveled that each day without question 5 days a week prior to the pandemic.  I do feel some isolation being at home but damn think of all of the time and money I save by staying home, no wonder I am more productive at home. 

Made it home a little after 11:30a and promptly turned on the alarm, got out of my clothes and laid down in bed.  Both cats joined me and we watched some TV and then I took a nap.  Rudy wanted lunch and woke me up.  I came downstairs to start laundry and get a jump on finances as well as do some porn surfing.  Damn if the florescent light in my office didn’t finally give out.  It started acting up 6 months ago and I have babied it along.  Last time the bulbs were changed my spouse was alive, that’s a long life for a light bulb.  Looked on line for a replacement found out where they were kept so I knew exactly where to go.  I hate the home improvement store aka hardware store. 

After a while I went over and found the bulbs.  I got super bright instead of soft white.  Damn what a difference that has made.  It’s like the sun is in my office now.  Anyway after that on to the cat food store and then finally to get some supper for me.  I went to a childhood hangout for Mexican food.  Damn the beef is super spicy and always feels like fire in my belly but it tastes so good.  I don’t go there often but each time I do I think of all of the times I was in there as a kid, plus I hope to run into someone I know but that hasn’t happened yet. 

Back home to finish up laundry and fight to get the light bulbs installed.  Mora is telling me it’s time for bed and she isn’t wrong.  Grabbing the bedding and heading up after I post this.  Then it will be time to wind down.  Perhaps watch some more porn but for sure watch some TV. 

I feel good about today.  The only thing that didn’t happen was me visiting my friends shop.  I really wanted to do that just to say HI and hang out for a bit.  However, I plan to do that next Saturday despite being on-call.  I am hopeful that the weekend will be quiet.  Here is hoping nothing wrecks that plan. 

How was your Saturday?  Were you productive and did you make time for relaxation?  Sunday’s feel the best after I get my morning shopping done coming home and watching TV with the cats for a bit then taking a nap.  That’s when I feel the best but it’s time that is short lived as the day goes by pretty fast and before I know it is back to work. 

Thanks for stopping by!  I still miss the home button on my phone but have adapted pretty quickly to the new way of doing things, don’t necessarily like it but I can function.  Glad I made this purchase it was long overdue. 

It’s here

My new phone arrived less than 5 minutes ago.  UPS person just walked up and placed it on my porch like it was just another package.  No signature required, which is exactly how my last phone came back in 2022.  I don’t get it with something so valuable you’d think Apple would require a signature.  At any rate I have it and have unboxed it.  It came with a 76% charge on the battery.  I’ve got it charging now and unlike other iPhone’s I have gotten in the past I am not anxious to make the change. 

My Mophie case arrives today as well and after making sure that fits my phone and sticks to the magnet mount in my car, I will charge it.  Thursday is when the glass protection arrives and provided the accessories are in place is on I will make the change.  It will either be a Thursday night or Friday night thing. 

Thinking about all of the things I do like taking screen shots, using tap to pay I think I will probably require some fumbling around before I get used to the new phone and how it works.  It’s so much bigger.  I got the purple blueish one in case your wondering.  The Mophie case only comes in black so the color of the device will mostly be hidden.  I would have much preferred Red but that wasn’t offered. 

Check back and you will here how things are going.  I’ve already explored my carriers websites and know exactly the steps I need to take to get my new device activated.  I am apprehensive, nervous but also a little bit excited.  Not to mention anxious for way better battery life.  Fingers crossed when I am ready that this all goes way better than I am expecting!

Yesterday was a cold day but we made it with the space heater.  It was nice when we went to bed but the house was cold again this morning.  Today the sun is out and it’s supposed to be warmer and more normal in terms of temperature.  I’ve got the space heater on upstairs for the cats but will probably turn it off at lunch.  I’ve got another one in my office that has been going.  It’s always cold in the basement until we get to summer and then temperatures equalize. 

Enjoyed my take out BBQ Turkey for dinner last night.  It was so good.  Rudy didn’t bug me but his nose was going and he looked in my direction.  It was nice being able to enjoy a meal cat free. 

Watched the last episode of The Righteous Gemstones.  Man that didn’t end like I ever though it would.  Sad that it’s gone I thought I had one more week but nope it’s over.  It was a great show!  The cast was really good.  I really enjoy John Goodman’s work.  Adam Devine is pretty good and not bad on the eyes, never thought I’d see him in a gay role but wow he did a great job.  I have a crush on Skyler Gisondo despite knowing he’s straight and married.  Walton Goggins gets on my last nerve, there is just something about him no matter what he’s in I am not a fan of his.  Seann William Scott is also really hot but he was only on this year, I’ve always had a thing for him ever since American Pie.  I’d love to see his Stiffler!

Got in some play time with the cats.  Had some cookies and milk and got ready for the morning.  Watched a comedy crowd work special on You Tube to pass the rest of the evening.  I was supposed to shave and take a shower but I honestly didn’t feel like it and there isn’t anyone here to complain about it.  I will get it done tonight.  Got some new sweatpants to put on, they look really comfy, hope my eyes are deceiving me. 

I am working on a big project at work, most of my part of the work is done but I am waiting on another team to finish their part so I can complete mine.  I am also waiting on the mistake maker to sign in and complete his part.  We talked last week so any day now.  If his part isn’t done by Thursday I will be calling him again and probably will wind up doing his part I really hope it doesn’t come to that. 

Found out that another clusterfuck is in the works a project is starting to take shape and I really think this is money that they are wasting but it’s not my money.  It’s also going to cause a bunch of work for me in the short and long term, so hence why I am not overly excited about it.  No one asks me for my input – management just does their stupid thing thinking they know best when that is not always the case.  Guess that’s why I am a worker bee. 

Today isn’t so bad.  My wrist is bothering me a little bit.  I didn’t sleep in the brace last night and wow that was refreshing.  I had to put it on this morning for a while while I was doing some keyboard and mouse work.  Right now things are okay.  I hope whatever I tore, sprained or messed up heals up pretty fast and that this won’t be another lingering thing that I have to get used to.  I see the doc in a few weeks and I will be sure to mention it to him.  Damn me and my bad luck. 

Well just about time for a meeting so I guess it’s back to work and then I can go up and enjoy some lunch with the cats.  They have both been greeting me at the top of the stairs when I have went up a couple times.  I know they miss me and are both eager for attention plus some food.  I really lucked out with them.  Rudy tried waking me at 6 but since I wasn’t having it he let the alarm clock do the job at 7a.  I set the alarm just in case but most mornings Rudy or my body do the job on their own, the alarm rarely goes off. 

Hope the sun is shining where you are and that your having an awesome day.  Thanks for stopping by. 

The Hole Saga

Happy Sunday!  I went out for pizza last night.  I had the worst pizza of my life.  Tasteless and full of grease.  I ordered two slices which in regular terms is about a half of a pizza.  One of them filled me up.  I took the other one to go.  Perhaps it will be good cold but I am not eager to find out.  I will go back to this place but just won’t ever order their pizza again.  They have plenty of other options, one of which is a baked Cod Dinner and that sounds really yummy.  I got to see a lot of cute guys but the place with dimly lit and the lights flickered like crazy, that was annoying.  Service could have been better but my waiter was juggling multiple tables and I think that in it’s self was quite the act. 

When I came home I checked on my handy work outside.  Everything was just as I left it and nothing appeared to try to claw it’s way out of the ground.  Which is good news.  I need to go check on it again just to see how things have faired overnight, I expect to find it in the same condition.  After this next look I don’t plan to keep checking on it.  I am fairly confident that I didn’t bury anything alive, just want the piece of mind of knowing that I am right about that. 

The Water Softener cycled over night and good news it’s not a broken drain line.  This was all just as I thought rain water.  Now it’s a matter of waiting to see if my repairs fixed the issue and for that I have to wait for the next rain fall.  I think that will occur later this week.  I will keep an eye on the forecast.  We need another monsoon for true test but I will take whatever will fall from the sky. 

I’m working on the last load of laundry.  Still need to clean the house but I am putting that off just because I want to put myself first and let other things come second.  I’m choosing to pamper myself a bit. 

Got started on another fantasy story last night, it felt really good.  Once I got to a stopping point I watched some porn and while I was really tired I put my all into it and got the results I wanted.  Then it was time for bed.  Not right away but shortly there after. 

Slept okay and woke up early just to turn over to wake up again and do the same thing.  Eventually it was the right time and I hauled out of bed.  Fed the cats, threw on clothes, got my meds and headed out for breakfast and then usual morning shopping.  I ordered way too much food at breakfast and won’t ever do that again.  The positive take away is that I am learning from my mistakes.  Made my Target run and I spent about as much as I would spend at Sam’s Club but got far less to take home. 

Tonight I am thinking Mexican for supper, unless I get some other wild idea.  I’ve been thinking about it ever since I sat down at Breakfast.  Back when my late spouse was alive we always had a tough decision to make on where we wanted to go but that was pleasing two pallets so the degree of difficulty was higher because we often each wanted something the other didn’t.  However, we compromised and gave in to each other.  Now I just have myself to please and while it sounds easy that is also not so often the case, primarily because I put others first and don’t prioritize myself. 

Yesterday I got curious and wanted to check the battery on my phone.  I was at like 87% performance the last time I looked which was last month.  Now I am in the 70% range and it’s telling me to arrange for service to get the battery swapped out.  I’ve never had a battery swapped in an iPhone I usually just get a new phone.  However, I really like what I have and while I would like to upgrade by the time you factor in the stress of getting things situated on a new device, accessories to buy and the cost of the phone in the long run it’s far easier to just keep what I have.  The good news is that there is a Best Buy close and they are authorized to do the work.  Apple says that the cost is like $79 which isn’t bad but retailers can mark their cost up.  I’ve read that it takes anywhere from an hour to two hours to complete.  I still have to research what is needed to get this done, in other words if they need my passcode because I really don’t want a stranger looking at my data so I’d have to make some quick changes to lock things down and probably remove my work email for safety.  If next weekend wasn’t Easter I’d schedule it and still might.  If not then for sure the following weekend and I know I will be on-call but I don’t want to let this go a long time because I have a feeling that the battery performance will continue to drop like a stone and before you know it I will be boxed in.  The good news is that the work is done by appointment only and you can schedule everything from your phone, which makes it nice.  Once I do get this scheduled I will let you know how it goes.  My phone is roughly 2 1/2 years old. 

Since I am talking about my phone seems like the perfect time to gripe about AT&T.  They are making changes to their auto pay discount.  They did this a couple years back saying that if you enrolled in Auto Pay and gave them a debit card they would give you $10 off and a credit card would give you $5 off per month.  With their changes that take effect later this month they will give you nothing for a credit card, unless it’s an AT&T Credit Card through Citibank.  The will give you $5 off for a debit card and if you want the $10 discount you have to give them ACH access to debit your checking account.  Their security sucks and they have been hacked more than once.  I had no qualms about giving them a debit card because all of my debit cards are locked.  It looks like they charge my debit card but I always logon and pay by credit card.  So I’ve been getting the $10 discount all along.  There is no way in hell that I am giving them ACH access to a checking account or even a savings account.  If they get hacked again and I did that I would be sunk.  You can easily get replacement credit or debit cards, that’s not so easy when it’s a bank account your talking about. 

This change has me pondering to switch my primary cell service over to Visible which is run by Verizon.  I’ve got a line of service with them and opened it for dating purposes but it’s the line I use for data because it’s truly unlimited and it’s only $25 per month.  They just changed up their line up so there is a $35 option that gives you more of a premium network experience with faster data and better video options, plus it’s all unlimited use.  They don’t tack on fees or taxes it’s all included in the price of the package you choose.  Plus you can pay by the month or the year.  If you pay for a year of service there is a greater discount.  I had a horrible experience years ago when I ported over to Mint Mobile and I swore that I would just stick with AT&T and pay their bullshit fees and prices.  However, I am kind of at my breaking point.  The one thing that AT&T does right is their spam and text protection, provided that you subscribe to the pay option, which I do and it’s around $5 per month.  I’d loose that but Visible has some spam and fraud calling protections in place, they don’t offer a pay option for better granular control.  However, I use YouMail for voice mail and they have pretty good spam call protection in place.  I did the math and it would save me roughly $11 per month.  That the $5 for the call protection I pay for and the $6 for changing my current rate plan to Visible.  I’ve got a low cost option with AT&T since I don’t really use them other than for calling/texting and the cost of my rate plan is $40 per month before discounts and then added taxes and fees.  It works out to $36 per month now and that is for 2GB of data per month.  Go over that and it’s $10 per gig.  Texting & Calling are unlimited.  Since I have essentially test driven Visible I know they have coverage everywhere I am at.  I’d love to break up with AT&T but in the end I wonder if it’s really worth it.  I’ve also thought about asking them to bar or restrict data on my account and just give me a plan with unlimited calling and texting – they can do that but the question is will they?  They did for a large company I worked for in the past who would have some folks not have data or other folks just have data only and no calling.  However that was a commercial account and big business for them.  I am just a small fry and in the grand scheme of things they could careless if I stay or if I go, they are still going to turn a profit.  It’s just that I’ve had AT&T service ever since I was a teenager and cell phones came into being more common place.  That’s a hell of a long time.  I am pleased with service I just hate the bullshit fees and the fact at a whim they can increase those fees (which they do) and you get little if any notice and there isn’t much you can do about it short of switching.  Apparently the other carriers have or will be making similar changes to their auto pay programs but I don’t let anyone debit any bank account ever in today’s world the risk far outweighs any reward that I might be offered.  I’ve got enough to worry about as it is I don’t need to add to my worry list. 

Thanks for reading my rambles.  Now I am off to scour the web for a bit before I give in and go up to clean the house and eventually head out for dinner.  I hope that the week ahead will be less stressful but I don’t expect that will be the case.  Still doesn’t keep me from hoping!  I hope you have a great week ahead and life smiles on you.  Talk with you all again really soon.  Take care!

Lazy = Changes

I’m feeling pretty lazy this morning with nothing really on my agenda at work and the boss away.  It’s one of those days where I can work from upstairs just having my phone and a laptop close by.  I could nap, watch TV or just hang out with the cats.  It’s very chill that is until something from work comes in and wrecks that vibe. 

Building on that my boss will be back tomorrow and we have a meeting but outside of that I expect the chill vibe to continue so I am going to take a risk and stay at home instead of going in like I had planned.  At least that is the plan at the moment, I could change my mind. 

Last night I saw on my calendar that checking my tire pressure was on the agenda for Sunday.  I was bored so I wiped that task out of the way.  I noticed that my coolant is a little low.  I just had the system flushed not long ago and suspect there was an air pocket that burped and thus lowered the coolant level.  It’s at the minimum mark so I am not horribly worried but plan to get it topped off.  Learned about the air pocket things from watching YouTube videos.  You can learn a lot of interesting and some useless things by watching YouTube videos. 

It was hot in here last night with the sun beaming in the living room window most of the afternoon and it being a bit warmer outside.  It got up to 80 in here.  It’s all cooled off this morning and we should be okay today because it will be cooler outside.  The cats sure love the afternoon when the sun starts beaming in this living room windows.  They both clamor to a spot to soak up as many rays as possible and once they get comfy they get super sleepy and zone out.  It’s really enjoyable to watch. 

I’ve managed to get longer battery use out of my 4 year old iPhone which has 80% battery capacity left.  I found an app that was sucking the life out of my battery and closed it.  I launch it periodically and force close it because it tends to come alive in the background, despite having background app refresh turned off.  It’s something that I need or I would just delete it.  I also enabled Notification Summaries so I am not pestered constantly with alerts that distract me.  I let some apps notify me right away but the majority of them are grouped into a blast that happens in the morning and evening, I usually wind up just whacking those without reading them.  That has done wonders to ensure that my battery lasts way longer.  I got a new Mophie case that actually operates like it’s supposed to so I recharge my battery to a point and then stop.  I can usually go a day or sometimes two full days without having to physically hook it up to a charger.  Learned all of this, you guessed it in a You Tube video. 

Not much going on here other than part of my back itching.  I scratch it and the itch dies down for a bit only to come back to life.  Wonder if that is an omen about something?  In any case I am going to stick a fork in this post and bid you a good day.  Hope that all is well.  Take care!

Back to normal or so I think

  Did you miss me?  Looks like I am back or so I think.  Today is my first day working from home since last Monday.  It feels like it’s been a lot longer.  The project that took me into the office is done, the contractors left yesterday afternoon around 2:30p.  I left at 3p.  I am so glad to be home with the cats.  They seem happier to have me here.  When I went up for my lunch break I saw Rudy (I presume it was him) had climbed up on my chair and then on to the bookcase.  He grabbed my back scratcher and took it to the bed.  There were so many things he could have grabbed, thank goodness he grabbed that.  He tried to get me up at 5a but I wouldn’t budge.  He became persistent when we got to 6a but I told him we still had an hour.  I made it 30 minutes and then just got up. 

Last night was a cluster.  I was presented with the newest version of IOS – IOS 17 and I upgraded.  I didn’t know it would take up most of my evening to sort out a bug.  I stopped getting audible notifications that I had new mail.  Didn’t matter if it was personal or work.  I combed through all of my settings, watched several YouTube videos and no luck.  I have to get notifications for work email, so glad that I am not on-call this week like was originally planned.  Anyway, a colleague of mine sorted it all out for me this morning.  I had to check a button that talked about notification banners.  I don’t need a banner to pop up when I get a new email but that is what it took to bring the sound back.  Damn Apple, don’t know why they required this.  They also moved the end call button and the speaker button isn’t where it used to be.  WHY?  It all worked no one was complaining but I suppose it has to do with Contact Posters, which isn’t something I plan on using.  There are some things I like about IOS17 but honestly given all of the trouble I wish I would have not upgraded so quickly.  That’s me Mr. install the update as soon as it’s available.  Normally there aren’t any consequences for this but on occasionally there is a price to pay.

Over the weekend I had my Cheesesteak that I have been craving, it was good.  I ruined it by adding fries to my order.  I was so stuffed the fries didn’t really get that much attention.  I think of the sandwich and the sea bass that I had – wow both really good.  I didn’t want to go back to frozen food last night but I had Swedish Meatballs and they weren’t that good.  Not sure what I will have tonight but I know it will be coming out of the freezer. I love good food.  Sure wish that my dating efforts would pay off and I could meet a chef or at least a guy who could whip up some hamburger helper.  I’ve got the ability to follow instructions and cook, just lack the desire.  When I want to eat, I want to eat not cook it then eat.  Unless were talking baking a pizza, I have the tolerance for that.  I long for the weekend when I can eat out.  I could do it during the week but it’s much easier to walk to the freezer.  If I am really disgusted I will go out but most of the time I just give in. 

Speaking of food, I didn’t really eat a lunch today.  I had a soda and a donut.  Then a nap.  Then some pudding and back to work.  Wonder why I am hungry now.  LOL

Caught up on porn surfing.  Got some scenes that I have been wanting for a while.  Hopefully, I don’t get drowsy while watching.  Speaking of watching, I got my local TV channel back that was gone for months.  Looks like contract talks worked out, just like “the forums” said they would.  Just before the start of the Fall TV Season.  Problem is the writers and actors are still on strike so there won’t be a lot to watch until that strike is settled.  Even if they struck a deal today it would still take time to produce the shows.  It’s going to be a sucky Fall TV Season.  Thank goodness for new movies, at least that will provide some content just have to find something I am interested in.

I’ve got a meeting to go to in a bit and then I will be free.  I am really thinking about that Cheesesteak.  I placed an order from my phone on Sunday, threw on some clothes and drove over.  Walked in the door and it was waiting for me.  I could easily do that again today and the more I think about it, the more I want it.  Just like real sex.  Problem is I can easily get the food, not the sex. 

Hope all is well in your world and that your doing good.  Talk with you all again soon.  Be well. 

Internet Problems … all week long

Good Morning!  I was looking at my phone last night and in my text messages I randomly check the junk folder.  I was surprised I had a message and turns out it was sent yesterday.  Turns out the cable company is working on “improving their infrastructure to provide a better experience”  and they are doing maintenance all week long during normal business hours.  They said that service might be impacted. 

My insomnia kicked in and I was up at 2a.  I just wanted to watch a little TV and go back to bed.  I got started with something and the internet went belly up and I had to go to regular TV and find something else to capture my interest.  2a is not normal business hours.  I was not surprised when I woke up that there is no internet connection. 

I am hot spotting it most likely all day long.  That sucks but I have 2 carriers that I can switch between.  I got Visible last year due to connection issues and the fact I wanted to jump into the dating scene.  It’s an unlimited plan for $30 and I have had it ever since.  The one guy at Cracker Barrel that I gave my number to never has called or texted.  However, I figure eventually I will give that # to some guy who will actually call me.  Today I use the line for business so I can tell work from personal calls, not that I get many personal calls.  My personal cell line has mad spam protection so unless your in my contacts your going to voice mail.  My personal line has a data cap of 4GB and of course as luck would have it today is the 2nd day in my billing cycle.  I wanted to switch to suck up a good portion of the data as my allotment as is goes unused since I have unlimited data on Visible.  In any case it’s nice to have a backup plan in place otherwise I would have had to throw on clothes and go to the office, being late and not having time to take a shower.  So long as the cellular connections don’t fail me I should be okay.  If I can’t get connected to either carrier then I am sunk and I think the odds of that are about as great as me winning the lottery.  What do you think? 

It was a peaceful evening here.  I had a Hot Pocket Philly Cheese Steak and it wasn’t the best.  That does NOT solve my craving for a Cheese Steak but it will do for the moment.  Then I had two cold crunchy beef tacos left over from Sunday at Taco Bell.  They weren’t bad.  Had some popsicles for desert.  I think that at some point Mora & Rudy both had contact with a popsicle because they are both very interested when I eat one.  They look at me like when do I get a lick?  If they did get a lick it would either be their popsicle or it hit the trash.  No way am I eating after either one of them, too much bacteria live in their mouths and I am sure I would catch something unpleasant, especially given the black cloud that seems to follow me through life.  It’s funny to watch them but I tell them both no.  They are also obsessed with smelling what I am drinking most of the time it’s soda.  I have a water bottle that has a finger loop on it and it’s made from some rubber like material.  They love to chew on it and I have to police that so they don’t do any damage. 

I got to brush both of the furry monsters last night.  Morea was being a bit extra for attention.  She loves for me to hold her while she lays close to my chest and just relaxes.  That is more weight than I can handle for a long time.  I don’t exactly workout or go to the gym.  My upper body strength is in good shape but I am no weight lifter.  I hold her for as long as I can and then I either get her to change positions or she wants down.  The 3 of us have our share of fun.  The two of them have more fun together without me.  I see it after they eat or just before bed.  Their energy levels peak and then drop.  They get some energy at different times and wind up playing with a ball, they both make noise when they play so it’s easy to tell.  Neither of them are loud unless they are fighting.  Even their purr motors are soft.  Mora’s you can hear just barely.  Rudy you have to really listen.  I could put my phone up to Gator and record her, people would always comment when I was on the phone what is that noise.  I will never have that problem with Mora or Rudy and their purrs don’t sound nearly as good as Gator’s when I have tried to record them.  It’s all good though, were all different. 

Confession time.  I didn’t use the heating pad last night.  I used an ice pack while I was watching TV.  My back feels way better but I am still very sore.  I plan to go at it again tonight targeting a couple different spots.  Massage Therapists always say use heat.  A sports medicine doctor that I had as my internist always told me to use ice.  It’s a pain but you will heal quicker he said.  I am always conflicted on which to use but I do like heat more than ice just because it’s a bit more comfortable.

Since today is Tuesday it’s back to meeting time since the Stupidvisor is back.  1st one is just before lunch.  2nd one is after lunch.  Last one is a couple hours later with a vendor.  I hope they all go really fast and the fuckery is kept to a minimum but I know that probably won’t be the case.  Calgon take me away!

Finally, you might be asking who’s that guy at the top.  He is none other than teen heartthrob Steve Burton.  He is known for his role on General Hospital but I saw him in other things and we grew up together. Meaning that were about the same age.  I don’t know him.  I have always had a crush on him, but I know he is straight.  Still doesn’t stop me from admiring his body.

Here’s hoping it’s a great day and that my internet comes backup soon and they don’t take all week.  I know some how that their improvements are going to be reflected in a rate hike in my bill eventually so I am even less impressed.  Everything was working fine and I was happy.  Ever since we have had this last round of storms the connection has been up and down more than it has in a very long time.  Normally it’s solid 24x7, perhaps we will get back to that. 

Take care, stay hydrated, cool and be well. 

5G

I am talking about 5G cell phone service and not 5 Gators.  Could you imagine if I had 5 of her running around here, wow I wouldn’t have anytime to myself because I would be pampering and tending to all of their needs, if they were anything like she is.  I got to wondering about what all of the hype was about 5G.  Since I got a new device that actually supports 5G I signed up for a 15 day trial with Visible (powered by Verizon).  No credit card was needed and I’ve got unlimited data, calling and texting for free for the next fifteen days. 

I switched my data to use my Visible line and 5G turned on.  It is blazing fast and my does it drain your battery.  My battery was doing just fine at around 80% and I dropped to the 60% range after streaming just part of a Amazon Prime show. 

My rate plan with AT&T doesn’t allow for 5G but I am able to see signal strength for both lines and Verizon comes in one bar higher when I am upstairs.  Downstairs both carriers are at 2 bars.  My suspicion is that AT&T 5G preforms just as good as Verizon. 

I am going to take full advantage of the 15 day trial so I have a good idea if coverage is the same everywhere I go or if one carrier happens to be superior.  Visible is $40 flat for unlimited everything that includes a hotspot.  Matters not if you setup auto pay, there is no discount.  If you bring some friends you can get the price down to $25 if you all are in a group.  If you don’t bring any friends, your first full month is $25, at least that is the offer they made me.  They have none of my personal information and no credit card on file.  Still $40 is the lowest price I have seen for unlimited and is close to what I used to pay back in the day before I gave up my unlimited rate plan.  For $10 more I can go unlimited on AT&T, I’d get 5G but there is no hotspot and I wouldn’t have any corporate discount. 

With my recent adventure in carrier swapping, I learned my lesson and it is kind of tempting to switch but I am staying put for now.  All of the carriers try to adjust their prices to stay competitive and if your a new customer that is when you usually get the sweet deal.  I have often thought and said that you should reward loyalty especially someone like myself that has been a customer since the early 90’s when cell phones were first starting to go mainstream.  I had a bag phone by Novatel.  That thing was huge and you needed an external antenna but it worked.  That was also back in the days of Analog service.  I remember when handsets shrunk and Digital was just coming mainstream.  The sound quality then was way better (at least to my ears) you could be traveling in a car and it sounded like you were sitting still in your home, no one had any idea that you were on the road.  Rate plans on Digital were more expensive but also more feature rich. 

I’ve always been fascinated with the telephone be it landline or cell.  It’s all interesting to me but then again I am a geek.  We can file this under useless information but I wanted to share my findings just in case it appeals to anyone else. 

Interesting Mini Series

Last night I came across the documentary mini series The Most Hated Man on the Internet.  It’s about revenge porn and hacking.  It was very interesting and with not many episodes I was able to watch from start to finish last night.  Add this to your list if you like documentaries, technology and/or mystery's. 

Yesterday over all was pretty calm.  There were a few hours when I was really busy in the afternoon but once that subsided I opted to just call it quits and go up.  I can’t get too much time with Gator. 

She perked up a little bit last night.  The part I didn’t like was when I was just drifting off for bed, she woke up from her hour long slumber and came to wake me because she was hungry.  I woke up a bit confused but quickly figured it out and got her food.  Then I was dosing back to sleep and she was howling about how good the food was.  I ignored her and eventually things quieted down.  I was up once during the night but it wasn’t because of Gator. 

This morning I found her again sleeping by the fountain.  I got her breakfast she ate 1/2 of the can.  Then returned to bed and waited for me.  I fed her more from her bed once I was settled and ready to go.  She passed out or at least wanted me to think that.  I went about my morning.  Just came from upstairs a bit ago and she was all passed out at the fountain.  She was on fire hot but she was by the back window and it’s super hot out today.  I know cats like heat.  In trying to be quiet I of course managed to wake her up.  She wanted a mid-morning snack.  I got that for her and have returned to my desk to go back to work (eventually).  Gator still has me on edge a bit.  Not sure if it’s worry for nothing or if there is something more wrong with her than I have picked up on.  I of course am a worrier by nature and the one absolute thing I am the best at.  I can worry for something or worry for nothing.  When it comes to my furry girl I will worry until she leaves the earth and perhaps well beyond that. 

I’ve got some minor symptoms that returned from last week.  I think it is allergies but thus far it’s not causing me to stop working or stop my life.  I’m home today because of Apple and my new phone.  It should be here by noon according to UPS and it doesn’t look like a signature is required, which is kind of concerning considering the small price I paid.  However, I’ve yet to have a package stolen.  Delivered to the wrong address but never stolen.  I remember when I would come home and see Momma looking at me in the window.  I would tell her before I left for the day that I had a package coming and to watch for porch pirates.  She would always be watching out the window when I got home.  I will forever miss that!

Work sent me a message yesterday that I have a package waiting for me.  I know it’s swag from a vendor, at least that is what I am expecting.  Kind of gives me a reason to go in this week.  I am planning on doing that tomorrow right now but I am a bit on the fence.  On one hand I worry about Gator and the other hand I think she is playing me.  I do think she can last several hours without me.  It won’t be quite as fun for her but she can do it.  We shall see how things shake out today as that will predict my actions tomorrow.  I can probably easily complete this week from home, but for sure would need to go in next week. 

My afternoon is pretty well booked up and there is no time for lunch, so I have to make time by either eating early or eating during a meeting.  I can’t skip food because my blood sugar will sink like a rock in a lake.  I know that once I am free and things calm down at work a good portion of my evening I expect will be taken up by moving into my new phone.  Not exactly looking forward to that but I am ready.  I’d rather have dedicated off time but I don’t know that I can hold out that long. 

Outside of my worry over Gator, life is going okay at the moment.  Just hectic at work because it’s the start of a new month and also a big project that I am part of is ramping up.  I’d really like an all clear sign from Gator that all is okay but I don’t know that I will get it because cats are the masters of disguise, which is one of my dislikes. 

Hope you have a great day and manage to stay cool.  Talk with you all again soon, be well. 

What a night

I slept soundly all night long, which is a first in a very long time.  I can’t believe how good I feel today.  Gator was by the water fountain this morning when I woke up.  That is abnormal.  She was chomping at the bit to get her food.  I added a little Miralax in addition to her Probiotic.  My hope is that this helps her.  After she ate her breakfast she retreated to the couch, where she waited for me to complete her feeding.  She only ate 1/2 of the can.  The other 1/2 has to be consumed while I hold the plate.  Once I was done with my breakfast and dressed I let her finish.

I got an early am Amazon delivery.  Underwear which I had been putting off ordering for some strange reason.  Anyway it’s here.  I had to call Amazon about an order that shows as delivered but was not.  Apparently I needed to wait a little longer before they will send a replacement order.  Not exactly what I wanted to hear but we will repeat that little dance tomorrow.  The order is not coming, the delivery driver delivered to some other persons house and they have yet to drive it over and since that was Friday I don’t think it’s going to happen. 

After I got off the phone with Amazon, Gator was back by the fountain.  That caused me some worry.  I opened another can of food for her and she was eating.  I left her because I was late to start my day.  I looked in on her on the camera (even though she is just upstairs) and she is back resting in her bed.  I guess she just needed a little water.  Drinking isn’t a bad thing, at least when it’s water. 

I worry so much when I see her by the fountain because her brother started similar behavior before he passed.  I get that they are all different but I’m just going off past clues/warning signs I was given.  It might be nothing but I do think otherwise.  Especially since she dehydrates.  I do think that she likes to look out the back window since she doesn’t climb up to see what’s going on out front anymore. 

I will check on her again in a couple hours.  I’m having a hard time getting started this morning.  I’ve got a large mountain waiting on me and I just really don’t want to deal with it at all but I’ve got to.  I worry so much about that little furry girl.  I’m amazed that she didn’t bother me at all.  We were late in getting to bed and she stuck with me until I was out.  There is no question the love is mutual. 

In other news, YouMail finally reached out to me late in the evening and I got my voice mail fixed.  I am a little anxious for my new phone to arrive. 

Considering it’s August, were going to have some hot days & nights ahead.  The next 3 days specifically heat indices are supposed to be triple digits.  I felt it when I opened the front door this morning.  It’s like a smack in the face, very unpleasant.  This month and then part of next month and things should start to cool down.  As long as me, my gator and my house are comfortable that’s all that matters to me. 

Well enough loafing I am going to publish this then attack the day.  Wish me luck.  I hope your Monday goes well.  The best thing about this week is that I am not on call and for that I long for the weekend where I can totally disconnect, it’s oddly refreshing to me.  At least I am feeling way better than I was last Monday, that sucked!  Cheers for now. 

Update on Gator

Looks like the fluids kicked in, she appears to be in better spirits.  Appetite still fully intact.  She has continued to ask for food, which is fine by me because I can’t eat her food or can I? 

My nerves have soothed a bit.  I just took a huge step and got a new iPhone (I got the base model iPhone SE 2022 in Red) from Apple.  I stuck with this because it’s budget friendly at a whopping $429 (plus tax).  My Mophie should fit it as well from the research I did.  Of course it will be delivered on Tuesday, because I guess I’m not meant to go in on that day.  If all goes well might go in on Wednesday or just work from home for another week.  Here’s where I’m spending part of my bonus!

My whole rational in buying from Apple was to avoid a $35 charge for activating the phone but no matter what you do AT&T is going to get you.  I’m sure the activation process will be a nightmare considering the port and port back process.  However, this should be the final thing I will have to do with AT&T for quite sometime.  I don’t typically have interactions with them regularly. 

I’ve had a nap and some lunch.  Time to grab the laundry, head back up and put it away.  Then just lounge around with Gator for the rest of the evening.  Hopefully, she won’t be too demanding or picky.  I’d like to close out this day on an upbeat note.

Talk with you all again soon!

Going Back

Hey everyone – It’s been a crazy weekend. 

I got to see Un Coupled in fact I watched it twice.  Once on Friday and then again on Saturday.  It didn’t disappoint me and based on how it ended I think there will be another season but I don’t know that for certain.  NPH has a great behind.  He was mostly skin and bones though in front which is not appealing to me.  I mean you need some meat on your bones, not a lot but something.  If you were on the fence about watching this, I’d say go for it.  There are 8 episodes which are a 1/2 hour each.  You can easily finish it in a day if you binge it. 

I ventured out to eat on Saturday.  I wound up at the Mexican place, which isn’t where I had planned to go.  I always like to check on Gator when I am away.  Sadly I had 1 bar of service, my VPN stopped working which means all internet traffic came to a halt.  I disabled the VPN just in case work tried to reach me via email, I doubt that the message would have come through but I wanted to at least give it a fighting chance. 

I guess I learned that old lesson, “you get what you pay for” the hard way.  Mint Mobile is great but their signal strength in certain areas isn’t the best.  They ride on T-Mobile and I found out why the price is so low.  I really had no choice but to go back to AT&T, which is something I wanted to avoid.  I tried to sign up with Verizon but they couldn’t beat the rate I had with AT&T and all of VZW’s plans are unlimited, they don’t have a data limit plan like 4GB. 

I found myself stuck in the nightmare that is porting a number.  Mint made it pretty simple but sadly I didn’t have all of the information so I had to call them a couple times.  You need a transfer PIN and your Account Number.  The only way you can get either of these is via Customer Service in speaking with a human.  The first guy I talked to was a dick.  He knew good and hell well that I would need my Account Number to transfer but he only gave me what I asked for which was a transfer PIN, which is what caused the second call. 

Once I ported back to AT&T I got everything back the way it was when I left, which was nice.  Only problem is that because of porting back I lost the ability to get short code messages.  These are codes from your bank or 2 Factor Codes.  I couldn’t login to a couple of accounts.  I literally had to call about 20 times and it wasn’t until around 2a that I finally got someone that knew what they were doing and she fixed it.  I learned of the problem when I tried to transfer my YouMail setup and in going back through the activation process.  I managed to break my YouMail so I am back on carrier voice mail for the time being.  I expect that my YouMail issues will be sorted out tomorrow.  I don’t really need that service but I like their product, it’s much more robust than carrier voice mail. 

My next issue is with Amazon.  I had 2 deliveries yesterday but the carrier managed to deliver one of my items to someone else.  I have no idea where it is and I really don’t want to go looking for it, that’s not my job.  You have to wait a full 48 hours before they will issue a replacement.  Thankfully it’s nothing critical and/or expensive.  I really wish they would let UPS do their deliveries they are the shipping carrier I have the least amount of problems with.  Amazon & FEDEX both seem to have issues getting stuff to me.  DHL does a good job but almost no one uses them anymore. 

My next biggest problem is Ms. Gator.  I gave her Friday night off of her medicine.  Saturday I forgot to give her the Probiotic powder.  She had some bowel issues and also managed to throw up.  Funny thing as soon as she puked she was asking for more food.  I was reluctant but gave her some Fish & Shrimp.  She gobbled that up.  I was up pretty late between AT&T and her I was a mess. 

This morning I managed to wake up at 6a after going to bed around 2:30a.  I am honestly not sure how I am functioning but I am.  I found Gator by the water fountain.  I gave her some breakfast which she ate and then retreated to the couch where she asked me to feed her again.  I stayed with her for a bit as she managed to gobble down more food.  I also filled her up with some fluids.  I don’t know how much her body actually absorbed because some of it leaked back out.  I kind of wish she had a one way valve I could connect to but that is just a wish.  I know that it’s probably an error on my part.  I let her rest and I went out for breakfast and hit up the grocery store.  I found a bunch of food for her in addition to all of the Chewy stuff.  I am well above my limit for storage for cat food.  I just have a feeling that she is going to die on me and leave me with all of this food, I thought that with the first Chewy order as well. 

Seriously she has scared me to death.  When I came home I found her passed out cold by the fountain.  I couldn’t tell if she was breathing but I looked at her eyes and thankfully they were closed.  It takes muscles to keep your eyes closed, they naturally pop open once you die, at least for cats and dogs.  I tried to be quiet but managed to make some noise and she was startled awake.  I got her to eat some more food and eventually move away from the fountain.  It needed to be changed, I got that task done pretty fast.  I sat with her again and she ate more of her food. 

I hated to but I had to come downstairs to start laundry and I had pending tasks at work that I put off for as long as I could.  I got those done.  It’s time to swap the laundry over to the dryer.  I am going back up to be next to her.  She will probably want more food, which is fine for me.  As an insurance policy in case she would stop eating I got 2 jars of baby food, it’s a cheap insurance policy and can get you out of a jam.  Gator has yet to stop eating and I don’t want that process to start now.  All of Momma’s family is tough to get their appetite back once it’s gone.  I do think that Gator is a little closer to checking out but were not quite there yet. 

Friday night I wound up removing a good portion of the fur from her tail.  It was all full of oil build up.  This happened once before.  It’s not fun for her or for me.  She also usually gets sick the next day now that I think about it.  I stopped because I got tired of hearing her scream at me and I already had a handful of fur, I figured if I kept going she would have a tail with no fur and that’s probably not good.  It all looks fine now.  Nice and shiny.  No oil build up.

I know this is old hat but she is an old girl and she is eventually going to wear out on me.  Neither one of us are in a hurry for that to happen.  However, I can’t help but think to myself about life without her.  That is going to be a most difficult time as I will be without any animals and I’ve had a cat in my life for more than 20 years.  I just keep praying that I am prepared for when it happens.  It’s not a case of IF.  There is no real great way for that chapter of my life to come to an end.  I just want a chance to be able to say goodbye.  I think she knows I am doing all that I can and she is pushing all of my buttons and tugging on all of the strings she has so tightly wrapped around my heart.  She is all I have left and I think she likes taking advantage of me.  It’s fine I want her to have the very best life she possibly can, she deserves it. 

Well time to publish and get back to her.  Maybe I will collapse a bit to take a nap, it’s been go go do do and I am really emotionally tired.  I can’t help but share a thought I had earlier today.  Instead of winning the lottery I’d like to have the opportunity to start all over with Gator knowing full well that I would have at least 18 years would give me a lot of comfort.  Yeah I know I can always get another one after she goes and I very well may but it won’t be Gator.  They are all so unique just like a person with a personality, they have their quirks, likes and dislikes. 

Hope your enjoying your day.  Monday will be calling soon enough.  Take care and be well.  

Back at it

Tuesday I was pretty well good enough to go back but between Gator & the Weather Radio I was up most of the night.  It didn’t take me long to decide to scrap Tuesday.  I of course peeked on both days at work later in the day to see what I was missing.  I also saw an opportunity to step in on each day and help out with one issue.  I stayed silent as long as I could.  Monday I got away with not saying a word and Tuesday I had to out myself that I stepped in and helped out.  There is no harm since I was helping and not hurting, even though when your sick most people don’t work at all, I like to help.  I mean in the end it all pays the same.

I don’t exactly feel 100% more like 90%.  I’ve just got this feeling of being unwell.  My sore throat is better but I have an occasional cough now.  I think whatever this is or was has been pretty well beaten up by my immune system (which is a huge surprise to me).  I just hope that the rest of it goes away so I can go back to feeling 100%.  I didn’t bother to test for COVID because my nose is dry, I figured with no nasal secretions the test would be a waste of time.  I think this could have easily been a mild strain.  I have had some headaches, which I rarely get.  There was also a fever associated with it but that appears to have passed.  I threw some Chicken Soup at it and might do that again for good measure.  Lots of fluids as well.  Water on Monday and plenty of Soda on Tuesday. 

Speaking of pay, I got an email yesterday that I am getting a large bonus on my next check.  By the time Uncle Sam takes out his share it won’t be so large but it’s nice to get extra money when your not expecting it.  I mean I knew a bonus was in the works but had no idea when or if it would be approved. 

It took me a good portion of the morning to get caught up.  Friday is a big day where there are a lot of people leaving and also since it will be the last working day of the month I have some people who got promotions that I need to take care of as well but can’t do that until it’s late in the afternoon or even into the evening. 

Today I finally placed another Chewy order.  I had been promising Gator since last week and finally got around to it this morning.  Once again it’s a lot of food and I spent more than last time.  Chewy is great for speed but I don’t like it overall because you can’t get 4 of this or that, you have to buy a whole case of 24 cans.  Once again I have no idea how in the world I will be able to store it all.  I still have left overs from the last order but we are getting low on Duck.  They also don’t have the Chicken in that line which was disappointing but I suppose you can’t have it all.   I am giving some thought to hitting up the pet food store over the weekend just to see what they have in stock, although it’s not a requirement since all of the food I ordered today should be here by Friday based on my past experience. 

On to my cell phone experience.  Turns out for spam/call blocking Hiya was much more effective when it was added at the carrier level.  I got a fraud call yesterday (it went to voice mail) but I had to take extra steps to ensure it was blocked in the future.  I opted to ditch Hiya since it really wasn’t working.  I gambled and got something called CallControl.  This works similar to how Hiya worked at the carrier level in that my phone doesn’t ring when I get spam or fraud calls they are just handled.  I like that part but I wish there was a way to tell what actually came in.  CallControl is a couple dollars more per year than Hiya but since it actually works I don’t mind paying.  They have an appliance you can also attach to your home phone to get the same level of protection but I’ve got my home phone forwarded to my cell phone so I never miss a call, not that anyone other than work or spammers actually calls me but once and a while it happens.  The only thing I miss about AT&T is the level of spam/call blocking that I had, which is the main reason why I stuck with them since I discovered Mint mobile last year.  I won’t miss their inflated prices and surcharges which is why I left.  They always had some fee that was increasing or being implemented.  They took me to the cleaners for years but now that I no better I am doing better.  It will be odd to not have a cell phone bill to pay but I am sure I will get used to it soon enough.  I’m more interested in the final bill to see how it shakes out if I owe them anymore or if it is as I suspect they actually owe me since they bill a month ahead.  I know if I owe them they will want their money right away.  If they owe me no telling how long it will take to get the check in the mail. 

On a different note I am running super low on Sudafed.  I checked with the mail order pharmacy and turns out they have it on back order so they can’t fill my prescription, even though they have been holding it for a few weeks.  You’d think they would plan ahead but apparently that is using common sense, which isn’t so common anymore.  They already charged my credit card but since they are trying to fill it they won’t be giving me any money back just yet.  I have a message into the doc to see about getting a script called in to the local pharmacy, I think I will be stuck going this route but only time will tell. 

I am looking forward to Uncoupled the new Netflix series with NPH in it.  He shows some skin but it’s only his ass.  However, that is the part I am most attracted to and seeing it in the flesh will be nice.  It’s a whole new series and it’s scheduled to be out on Friday.  I will be binge watching this weekend.  I have no idea how many episodes are in the series but chances are good I will finish this in one or two days of watching. 

This past weekend I watched it’s a Mann’s World.  It’s a documentary series that followed the lives of David and Tamela Mann as well as their family.  Season 1 was free with Paramount Plus.  Season 2 costs like $1.99 an episode and there are 8 episodes in the series.  I don’t want to buy or even pay to rent I would rather it be included.  I thought I could outsmart the system by trying BET Plus but that failed, they have the same offer Season 1 was free but Seasons 2 costs.  This is old TV that I am just now discovering.  David Mann is known for playing Mr. Leroy Brown in Meet The Browns (TV Series and Movie) and has been in a good portion of the Madea movies from Tyler Perry.  The guy is just plain funny, even though he never says a cuss word.  His wife Tamela played his daughter in the TV Series and Movies - Cora Jean Simmons (Daughter of Madea).  In real life Tamela is a Gospel Singer.  The whole Mann family is interesting.  At the time the series was filmed they lived in Mansfield TX a town I never heard of but it appears that it’s a suburb of Dallas.  The house looks stunning and it would be way too much for me but I wouldn’t mind staying there for a week or two.  It’s more like a Mansion than a house.  If I took Gator with me, it could easily take hours to find her but I know when she got hungry she would make herself known.  She’s got great lungs still for being 18. 

Speaking of 18, today marks my 8 year service anniversary at work.  I can’t believe it’s been so long.  I have never in my life worked this long for one employer.  I have motivation to get to 10 years because on the big years like 5, 10, 20, etc. they pay you $100 for each year you stayed.  They make sure to make up the taxes so you get exactly what they intended for you to get, which is $100 for each year.  Kind of nice.  Money isn’t everything but it is the reason why I am working.  If I had an endless supply of money, I know that I could easily find other things to occupy my time.  Lord knows I wouldn’t have any issues with being lonely everyone would want to be my friend, to sleep with me and all in the name of money.  I’d like to try that on for size as I think I could spot the fakes but then again some of them do a damn good job and are difficult to find.

I’ve got a meeting to run to.  This day has sure been fast moving.  Here’s hoping that the rest of the week is easy with little to no stress.  It’s my on-call week (minus two days) so I have to be available even when I am not working in case something comes up but normally all is quiet. 

Hope your all doing okay, staying cool and safe.  Thanks for stopping by!

Ye Morning Update

Yuk Monday!  I was super tired last night and hit the bed early.  That didn’t sit well with Ms. Gator.  She kept asking for food, I gave her a can but that didn’t seem to stop her crying.  I had to close the door to my room, I did it long enough that I knew she would have situated herself on the couch then I opened it back up.  Just in case she needed me overnight I didn’t want her to think that I was unreachable, then again with her loud voice if I am in the house I am always reachable. 

Opening the door did work to my detriment because she woke me up 3 times during the night.  I gave her food and went back to bed each time.  I woke up an hour early with a scratchy throat from sleeping under a fan running.  Had some strange dreams but managed to drift back off for an hour.  Finally rolled out of bed 5 full minutes before my 7a wakeup time. 

Passed out food for Gator and put some of the probiotic on it, she attacked it like I knew she would.  I saved some for the next can.  Then went about my morning. 

I’ve reached out to the folks at Mophie about this battery case and the problem.  I depleted the damn thing yesterday to where there was no juice left in it and my iPhone wasn’t fully recharged because I continued to use it.  When placed on the charger it should have caused the phone to charge and then the Mophie but nope we went through the dance of charging not charging which would have gone on all night if I would have let it.  I charged each item by its self and woke up to find that they were both fully charged.  That’s one way to work around it but it’s not something that I should have to do each night.  Mophie was purchased by Zagg and prior to this they were great to work with.  I hope the same is still true.  They are based in UT and it was very early there so my hope is they respond to me later this afternoon. 

Lots going on at work, being on-call and it being the 1st of the month.  Plus the project that got dumped in my lap last week.  I was busy but got frustrated to the point where it was time to step away.  I went up to see Gator and gave her a snack, put the rest of her Probiotic on it and she gobbled that up.  She had also consumed a fair amount of water overnight.  Litter boxes are full and she seems pretty happy overall. 

I have told her that I plan to return to the office tomorrow and that it’s just for 1 day but I know that won’t fully sink in with her.  Unless there is some drastic unforeseen change that is the plan.  I could use a break from this gasoline smell if only for a day.  I got some Small Spaces air fresheners and those aggravate my allergies but they sure are powerful little things.  They do a decent job of masking the smell.  I had to take the one in my room out because it was just too much. 

Summary – all is fine and moving along well for a Monday.  I just have to make it through the rest of the week and get to next week where it will only be a 3 day work week and of course I will no longer be on call, which is a good thing. 

Hope all is well in your world.  Take care and we will talk again soon, thanks for your visit!!

Lay Around Saturday

I was up a little bit later than normal on Friday night and that didn’t sit well with Gator but she permitted it for a while.  Eventually she raised enough commotion that I climbed in bed and that made her happy.  She went off to sleep and was no longer concerned about me. 

However she grew hungry in the middle of the night and woke me up for food.  She also woke me up at what would be our normal time to get up and get moving.  I fed her again just to keep with the routine.  She has taken in a lot of food but has yet to put anything out.  I am concerned but keeping a watchful eye on her.  As much as I don’t want to admit it I believe that we have a problem.  My hope is that this is something short term that won’t require a visit to the vet but if were into next week and this continues then it’s time to go in, despite the fact that I might not get the greatest of news.  She is drinking water and that has picked up a bit and I’d say that her appetite has picked up as well. 

I laid around this morning but eventually got in the shower and then got dressed.  I went back to laying around for a couple more hours but then got up and got moving.  I hit up the post office for one lousy piece of junk mail that I threw away at the post office.  Then I hit up the BBQ place I was at a few weeks back.  It wasn’t what I really wanted but I was struggling on making a decision.  The food was good and I made sure to order the larger portion because chances are pretty good that will be the only real meal that I have today.  I had a couple of Oatmeal Breakfast Squares and a soda earlier this morning to kick off the day.  I am not really hungry at all. 

I hit up the pet food store and my those shelves are bare.  The cashier told me that the food is on back order.  It’s kind of been that way since the pandemic started and the supply chain issue surfaced.  I thought we were out of the woods but apparently that is not the case.  I have purchased enough food for her to make it through the week.  I will peek at the grocery store to see if any of her regular favorites are available there.  Looking for Chicken and Mixed Grill which have been very common and not an issue to purchase but for the last couple weeks.  I don’t have high hopes of finding it but it doesn’t mean I won’t look.  I like to keep her appetite going because if that stops were into deeper trouble waters.  Feeding her a random variety so she doesn’t constantly get the same thing seems to have worked well for 17 years and I don’t see any reason to change things up now, despite the fact that I can’t get all of the flavors that she is used to we still have some variety. 

I’ve nodded off a few times with Gator in my lap, I just settle into a program and before I know what hit me I am waking up.  It’s like who turned out the lights!  I guess my body is more tired than I realize and I am under a different kind of stress now between work and Gator so I am probably going to be sleepier.  As long as I am ready to go on Monday morning that is what matters most. 

I had thought about getting the newest iPhone SE that was just released but am glad that I held off.  I didn’t know it wouldn’t support mag safe charging.  I’ve been using that forever and don’t want to give it up.  The last version (which is the present phone I own) of the iPhone SE that was released a couple years ago supported it, I figured it would be carried over.  Apparently if you want all of the features Apple wants you to pay full price for one of their other models.  I am comfortable with what I have, just wish that battery life was better but that seems to be a constant thing on most every phone these days.  The one feature I really don’t want to lose is the home button and you can only find that on the iPhone SE now unless you have an older model iPhone.  I don’t like face id but I know that at some point I will have to probably cross over and make the change.  It won’t be easy when it happens and I will probably be looking for a home button for a long time.  Sort of like when car manufacturers took away the shifter from automobiles and replaced them with rotary dials or in the case of my present vehicle a push button gear shift.  I loved the gear shift but with advances in technology things change because it’s either more secure or cheaper for the manufacturer. 

I’ve got my laundry drying and am waiting for the buzzer, then it’s back upstairs to be with Gator.  I did dishes last night so I am in pretty good shape.  Tomorrow will be the usual breakfast out and trip to the grocery store.  Debating if I want to get gas or wait another week.  I’ve got plenty to get me by for the one day I go in but I’ve got this thing about keeping a full tank, regardless of what time of year it is.  I just pay closer attention in the Winter months. 

Hopefully, you are enjoying the weekend and getting things crossed off of your do to list while having time for yourself to unwind from the past 5 days.  One more day to go and then it’s back to the grind.  Take care and we will talk again soon!