ON VACATION

Hi there!

As you can tell by the title, I am on vacation. Only on my second workday off and I am bored. This past Sunday I got together with my Thanksgiving friends we went to a Mexican place I had been to before but didn’t care much for. I had to fight a little bit, but I picked up the bill. I know they can’t afford stuff like that, and it would just go on a credit card that would get minimum monthly payments. No sense in financing a meal.

I skipped the grocery store on Sunday, and it’s been interesting getting by on what is here, but I am making it. Thus far I have just had breakfast at home and went out for my late afternoon meal.

Monday it was White Castle. I have been having a serious craving for the place and while it was enjoyable the original taste I remember just didn’t seem to quite be there. I sat eating my meal looking around the restaurant and remembering the many times me and my late spouse went there. It just made me miss him that much more. It didn’t help that I burped onion ring batter for the rest of the evening, they sure were good though.

Remember that lower paying job I mentioned a short time ago. Well, I applied for it on Monday night. I don’t know if I could make it on the salary they are paying. I’d like to know more about the job and to see if I even get selected for an interview. I think I’d like it a lot and a change of pace I think would be nice. I’ve looked to see what other jobs are out there but nothing else tickled my fancy thus far. I’ll probably wind up staying where I am because I like the money. I just figured out that I’ve still got 2 weeks of vacation to take before the end of the year. It hasn’t accrued yet but once it has, I plan on taking more time off which is something to look forward to. If I want to burn through my reserve carry over, then I would have a total of 4 weeks to take. Just thinking of taking an entire month off from work sounds wonderful, but I think of the mess after a week. I can only imagine what kind of cluster fuck I would come back to. I’ve not checked email and am letting it pile up.

I had a profitable day Monday. I got my money back from the post office for the letter I sent that cost me $20 to send, that was nice. Then I called my Auto Insurance company, and they applied some discounts that I saw were missing and I got an extra discount because I paid in full. That money will come back to me in a few days via a check. I’m looking forward to getting it.

Tonight I went to a pizza place in town. Nothing special and service was just okay. When my bill came back with my card, there was no pen to sign the receipt with. I had to stop someone and ask for a pen. I also didn’t get a pizza box to carry out my left-over pizza in; it was just a Styrofoam container. I was not happy about that.

Went to the dentist today for my 6-month checkup, got good news as usual and was pleased. I don’t go back until April 1^st and that’s no joke.

Rewatched the entire Boots series on Netflix. Shame there won’t be a 2^nd season of that show, at least not on Netflix. I know that I’m not the only person who wants the story line to continue and to see how things play out for the cast. Fingers crossed that they make a 2^nd season.

Trying to have lunch with my other friend but he said he would text me back yesterday and I haven’t heard from him. I think he forgot all about me and really seemed like he wasn’t interested in getting together.

I have made some progress on getting the stupid post on my front porch replaced. The guy I told was hired hasn’t told me the total yet, I’ve only got a ballpark estimate. I’ve got another guy that is cheaper, but he seems like he doesn’t know what he is doing so while he costs less, I think you get what you pay for. I’d just like to get this job done so I can move on.

It doesn’t help that there is construction on the main street in and out of the subdivision. Things are quite a mess and not coming home my usual way takes some adjusting to but I’m making it thus far.

It’s super-hot out and kind of miserable to be out doing anything. I really want to drive but even with AC it’s kind of a bit much. I will have to bite the bullet though if I want to go for a drive.

I put off going to Sam’s club which is just around the corner because I didn’t want to deal with the construction. I had planned to do it when I came home from the dentist, but they ran behind and I sat for far too long. I was only interested in coming home and relaxing. Yeah, I’m kind of lazy but it’s my time to do with as I please. I’d rather be out of the area and on a true vacation, that’s on my someday list. I need a traveling companion to make it fun and worthwhile.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I’ve got nothing going on. I’m telling myself that I need to make it to Sam’s and try to fit in Lowes just to get them out of the way. Then take a 2-hour drive to go eat some fish and see some different surroundings. Time will tell how that plays out.

Right now, my plan is to get to bed so that I am prepared for my early Rudy morning wake up call. Get a shower and head out for breakfast. Then hit up a bakery and surprise my thanksgiving friends with some fresh pastry. That’s been on my list of things to do for a while. I know I won’t want to wake up early and I might wind up eating breakfast at home but I for sure want to hit up that bakery. Doing it early in the morning has two benefits. #1 it’s cooler out early in the morning. #2 better selection the quicker you get there.

Thursday morning, I have my facial booked and that’s pretty much it. I’ve got nothing planned Friday through Monday. I’d like to clean up my deck; it would be nice to admire but doing the actual work yeah not looking forward to that.

In case it doesn’t come glaring through, I’ve got some depression going on and I want to check out of the world but that would leave the cats devastated and I won’t do that to them, were good for each other. Getting older is only part of the depression piece. Missing my late spouse as well as being alone for so long, not having success in the dating world and my boring life – it just feels like I am wasting away. Doesn’t seem like I matter to anyone but my job. Kind of wish I would have gotten the dumpster and cleaned this place up, at least I’d be busy and not have time to dwell on poor old me.

Well, off to climb the steps and settle in for the evening. Hopefully I can get a great night’s sleep and be raring to go with the same energy that Rudy has every morning when he wakes me up. Thanks for stopping by. I do hope all is well with you!

Back at it

As you can probably gather by the title I am back to work.  Still feeling a bit crummy and my cough is still with me.  My hope is that as the days go on this week that each day I will continue to see improvement.  I have made great progress from where I was but I still have that internal burning/nagging feeling that is telling me I am sick. 

Yesterday I laid around for the morning.  By the afternoon I forced myself to get up, get a shower and go out.  Stopped at the gas station to fill the tank.  Then on to my usual Mexican Restaurant where I filled my stomach.  It was early like 2:30p.  I was fine I only had a cookie around 7p when I was watching TV.  I got back home around 3:30p and started on work stuff.  That kept me busy until 6:30p and I made great strides. 

Found out what surprises were left for me and managed to tackle the rest of them this morning.  Plus a few fresh email requests.  I let my team know I was back but had to leave for the dentist.  They don’t know this but I plan to stop at the post office afterwards.  When I went to grab mail over the weekend I had a note in my box that they had something for me but couldn’t put it in my box.  I’m not expecting anything and think they either made a mistake or it’s something I probably really don’t want.  I hate the unknown’s so I want to get that sorted. 

Then I will be home until Saturday unless there is some reason to leave.  It’s no fun getting out in the colder weather.  We have a little warm up coming but were only going from like 10 to 30 so nothing significant.  I mean it’s January and it’s supposed to be cold here. 

I just want to get totally back to my old self and feel “normal”.  Thinking about soup and perhaps a sandwich for supper, that will be different.  It’s cat lunch time so I need to head up to tend to them and change clothes so I am ready to go to the dentist when the time comes. 

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  Thanks for stopping by!

Monday

Feeling a bit depressed today.  Still looks like I will be alone on Christmas. 

Wanted to attend a visitation for a lady who passed away, she ran a business that my grandparents frequented.  The lady is also a relative to my Thanksgiving friends.  However, I called the dentist and had an afternoon appointment. 

I was hoping that the dentist would just smooth out the rough edges and we could call it a day.  Well that sort of his how things worked out.  Turns out I didn’t break the tooth it was part of the filling chipped off.  There is a divot that she can get to without drilling out a part of the old filling and replacing it.  For now were leaving it as is.  If it bothers me or breaks further I’m supposed to call for an appointment to get that work done.  I don’t like the divot but the edge was smoothed out so I think it will be okay or so I hope. 

Got the car washed on the way home, there was supposed to be a special gift waiting for me since I subscribe to the clean car club, but I got no gift and didn’t see anyone passing anything out.  Hey, I broke even on my membership.  To do that I have to have 2 washes in the month, anything else after that is just gravy for me. 

The cats sense how I am feeling and they are super clingy.  It helps knowing they love me but it’s not the same as being with a human.  I’m so glad I have them. 

Checked in at work, things appear to be calming down a bit, which is good.  Hopefully, that trend continues.  Only time will tell. 

Went to Olive Garden for supper.  That’s the last restaurant on my list that I wanted to visit while on vacation.  Since I do believe I am going to be alone on the holiday, I am heading for pizza tomorrow so I will have something quick on hand to munch on.  If I am alone I will make a trip to the office just to get out of the house and check my desk. 

Purchased a few lottery tickets with the hopes that I can actually win.  I’ve got a theory that no one wins off a quick pick, but I know that’s false.  So I picked my own numbers for one ticket and then got a quick pick for the other ticket.  I still figure that my chances are the same regardless if I played or not, I’m probably out the money but it’s nice to have a tiny chance, better than nothing.  I’ll bet if I would win big that lots of people would be beating down my door and my problem of finding a guy would be over.  I’d love to be able to quit my job, travel and generally do what I wanted without any concerns or having to answer to anyone but the cats. 

I am still enjoying freedom from work but know that will soon come to an end this time next week.  Not looking forward to that. 

Called to argue with the cable company today about the price I am paying for my internet.  They told me that I have been a customer for 27 years.  The only way to lower my cost of internet is to add TV and then my entire bill would drastically increase.  I explained that I wanted to lower my bill and not add any other services.  They told me there was nothing they could do for me now but if I would have called last week they could have helped me.  WTF!  I plan to call back and I’ll bet if I told them I wanted to cancel service they would come up with some 11th hour magical deal to try to keep me.  Cellular Internet has come a long way and they have competition.  Just think about how much money they have gouged out of me for 22 years.  I say that because for 5 years I had an employer that paid my internet bill in full.  The cost has always been outrageous and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.  New customers seem to get all of the great deals but like any deal it’s only temporary eventually it expires, they pull the rug out and you pay the higher price.  My way of thinking is that companies that provide a services like internet and cell phone should reward their loyal customers, we got them to where they are now but they quickly forget.  I’ve already reached out to a new company that is supposed to be coming to the area, when they get here I am jumping ship.  I hate the cable company just like I hate the phone company. 

Hope you had a great day.  I kind of loafed a bit and now that it’s late it feels like I wasted a day but I consider it time well spent, taking care of me.  I just need to get back to my list of things to do to be able to cross everything off my list by the time my vacation is done. 

Take care!

Real Quick

Morning … Monday was a very high stress day.  Between my home pc wigging out on me several times, playing catchup and trying to respond to other email that was coming in and my boss calling and wanting to chat I was ready to go back on vacation.  Thankfully the break I needed came at lunch time when I went to the dentist.  I got a good report, as per usual.  I don’t go back until mid January.  Wow it will probably snow that day. 

I was left with an absolute mess to clean up and I am still digging my way out plus trying to deal with being on-call.  My mistake making co-worker is back as of today.  I am very hesitant to throw him back in the rotation of the couple of tasks that we share because of his ability to make mistakes and just not care. 

Got a lousy nights sleep, which I kind of expected.  Work on the brain and all of the crap that I have to do, it gets to me more than I should let it.  However, I am very passionate about my job.  That’s pretty much any job I have ever had, it’s the way I was raised.  However, the worry part is just me being me.

The cats have been neglected a bit but we are all still getting along and they got their playtime last night. 

Best news of all I believe that all of my issues are worked out with AT&T and I got a nice bill credit for the continued inconvenience.  One minor issue is still being monitored but the resolution is in place, just need to wait a couple more weeks to make sure that it took properly.  I am so glad that I am done with all of the calls, time spent on hold and being passed around like a hot potato. 

I’ve made some progress this morning and plan to keep chipping away at things, hopefully things will come together and I will be caught up today or at the worst case tomorrow. 

Back to it.  Hope all is well in your world.  Take care and thanks for stopping by!

Last Leisure Day

Hi and welcome in.  I hope that all is well in your world.  This is my last day off before it's time to head back to work and resume a hectic and chaotic life.  If you sense some apprehension your spot on.  I do not look forward to it at all.  However, as the saying goes you have to go back sometime.  Another one comes to mind, all good things must come to an end.  

I woke up early and tried to sleep in but I thought of Rudy and how hungry he probably was.  I rolled over and he wanted to snuggle with me for a minute.  Then he climbed on my chest and started making biscuits and stared at me with the smile on his face.  It never gets old waking up and seeing him in such a good mood.  It's the happiest I am pretty much all day every day. 

I made the trip to the bathroom and then to the kitchen to get food for the cats.  I grabbed a glass and headed to the bathroom to take my morning pills and try to do something with my hair.  Threw on a shirt, pants, socks and an old pair of slip on shoes.  I wasn't in the mood to tie shoes this morning and wearing the old shoes I knew my feet would hurt but I was lazy.  

Off to breakfast.  My usual waitress wasn't working.  She is always bright and cheery plus she is loud it kind of helps jump start me a little bit.  I got the scowling waitress, ordered the usual Strawberry French Toast, Sausage Links, 3 eggs scrambled and I added cheese to them.  Washed it all down with a diet cola.  It was pretty good.  

After I paid my bill I headed off to the post office to pick up mail, just one letter and then to the grocery store.  I purchased something new Churro Chips.  They are tortilla chips seasons with Cinnamon and Sugar.  I've always wanted to try them and today was the day.  $5 for a bag which I didn't know but I also didn't care.  Pair those with some ice cream and you got a nice treat that is hard to beat.  Anyway, finished up grocery shopping and then hit up the gas station.  I was $2 off from my prediction that I would spend somewhere between $35 and $45 in filling up.  The estimate in the car for number of miles I could drive hit 400.  That's when I know the vehicle is quite happy and in peak performance.  It loves to be driven but I don't always want to go for a ride.  Sadly with me working from home the car doesn't get driven enough but having time to burn and the trips I took this week helped to get things back on track.  

I came home and put the groceries away and then stripped down to my underwear and socks.  Time to relax.  I sat in my recliner and watched TV, it didn't take long before I got sleepy.  Mora was in my lap and I had to wake her up.  She didn't want to get up but I did.  Once up I went to bed and curled up next to Rudy.  It wasn't long before Mora joined us and she tried to gently talk her brother into moving but since he wouldn't she just plopped down.  We all snuggled up and off to dream land for about an hour.  

Woke up and grabbed lunch for the cats.  That's when I tried the new chips and found out how good they actually are.  Then put out my medicine for the week ahead.  It was off to the basement to try to tidy up a little bit.  I didn't get my paperwork filed away but I got my desk cleared and ready to go back to work mode.  The computer was humming right along and all was well.  

I surfed around a bit looking for porn as well as checking on a couple of other items and looking at email.  I went through a bunch of photos that I had and found a few that I wanted to print out and hang up.  I unpacked the photo paper I got last week.  It didn't feel anything like I expected it would.  However, it preformed wonderfully and I am glad that I spent the money.  Next time I will get glossy paper.  That paper soaks up the ink unlike traditional copy/printer paper and really makes photos pop.  Now I've got some nice naked men to look at when I am in front of the computer.  

Finally was able to push myself away from the computer and head back upstairs.  The cats were all comfy in the basement.  Rudy was on the couch on a pillow.  Mora was resting on an old office chair of mine that has a cat pad on it.  Something about the pad attracts cats, they are drawn to it.  This was where Ruth (one of Momma's girls) would sit and keep watch.  Then hiss at me when I would pass by.  She wasn't a people person unless it was on her terms.  Anyway, I told them I was heading up and they could join me, which in short order they did.  

I sat on the couch and started resuming writing my fictional story.  The Amazon delivery driver came and I had to get up to get my package.  I don't like to let anything sit outside longer than it needs to, it's just temptation although we haven't had any porch pirates in our area that I know of.  This was the cell phone case that I ordered.  It wasn't a two piece snap on case but rather a one piece case that you pop your phone into.  I couldn't get a mag safe accessory to charge the phone so I figured the case was defective and arranged to return it.  

I got dressed and headed out for pizza.  I went to the place that is known to have cute guys.  I saw one for a split second but it was all females working today and well that didn't do a thing for me sexually speaking.  I was all excited to get to see some eye candy.  I did get a decent pizza.  However, I was surprised at the charge, I think prices went up because I don't remember spending $32 for a large pizza and a soda, that was before the tip.  I got a box for what I didn't eat which was a decent amount.  I've managed to shrink my stomach by only eating 2 meals per day.  I'm sure I probably dropped a pound or two along the way but it will catch back up to me eventually.  

Headed home and had an idea about the new cell phone case so I gave it another try and wow I got the mag safe accessory to work and my phone started taking a charge.  I cancelled the return.  Played just a brief moment on the computer to update finances, balance a bank account and quickly look for porn.  I found one scene that I have been waiting for as part 2 of a series.  Downloaded that and then headed back upstairs.  I didn't want to spend too much time down there because I will be trapped there tomorrow and for the rest of the week as work resumes.  I'll be on-call as well.  That on top of playing catchup will make for a difficult few days but I've done it before and I know that I can do it again.  I just don't want to.  

Looking forward to getting my teeth cleaned at lunch time tomorrow.  I plan to get a shower and shave tonight so that it's one less thing I have to worry about tomorrow.  

A few days ago I followed ThioJoe's video about settings for the Chrome Browser.  I'm running into all kinds of issues.  I am having problems remoting in to my computer from upstairs, just discovered that when I went to make this post.  I also have problems commenting on a couple blogs.  My work around is that I have a few browsers on my machine and eventually I find one that works.  I am giving serious consideration to undoing some of those changes so I can get my machine back to working like I want it to.  

I've got about an hour before I have to start preparing for tomorrow and getting that shower & shave.  Hoping that I am able to get a decent nights sleep.  Right now I am going back to continuing to write since both cats are passed out.  When Rudy wakes up he will try to play with my pen.  He doesn't like me writing for some reason it bothers him but I can watch TV for hours and he's fine with that.  

All in all not a bad day.  I don't expect to have time to be able to blog tomorrow or for that matter a couple days, so if I am absent just know that I am playing catchup at work.  I'm already counting the days 3 more months until I go back on vacation, unless I decide otherwise.  I like to take time off around the holidays, things are much slower and there is a lot less stress when I come back, unlike Summer time when things are all hustle and bustle.  

Wishing you all a great week ahead and hoping that I too will have a good week.  It's June so Happy Pride!  Take care and I will talk with you all again soon.  

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. 

Fun Time

I had my massage on Friday.  I went out for supper a couple hours prior to and grabbed the mail.  Called my Thanksgiving Friends to try to invite them out for a meal and learned they lost another cat a few days ago.  Sadly, they have another one that is in critical condition and looks like it’s not going to make it.  They are much like I was in that they are running an old folks home for cats.  It’s sad when one of them passes but they are all up there in age so it’s kind of expected.  I never got around to asking if they wanted to grab a bite to eat. 

Once we hung up I got on Amazon and found the perfect sympathy gift and had to sent.  It arrived today.  I know it will bring some tears but also my appreciation.  Most people wouldn’t go out of their way to send a gift, much less a sympathy card.  As most people think oh well it’s just a pet (cat/dog) and don’t realize that these are family members and like children to their human owners. 

I am contemplating showing up at their vets office next week and dropping off some money so they aren’t so financially strapped if/when it comes time for the next one.  Plus they have one that is on medication for frequent eye infections.  I know that their vet is way cheaper than the vet that I have used but on average it’s about $300 (us dollars) to have a cat put down, cremated and to get the cremains returned.  Part of me thinks it’s a kind gesture to do and the other part of me thinks that it’s overstepping a bit.  I am mulling it over.  I also kind of think that if I give that money away something catastrophic will happen to me and I will wish I would have hung on to it.  Yeah I’m probably over thinking things.  

My friends are both older folks and they too are close to checking out but are both in remarkable health.  I think that she will go before he does not only because she is older but because she is the one who is most affected by the loss of a cat.  She just sobs and seeing that November is around the corner that is a depressing month for both of them because they lost a son in that month years back.  I’ve already been informed that they will be cutting back on the number of people invited to Thanksgiving this year just because of finances.  I’ve offered money but they said they are fine, when I know they aren’t.  Just a little too proud to take help.

My sleep schedule is all over the place.  I go to bed around normal time, wake up in the middle of the night and try for hours on end to go back to sleep.  By the time I get settled it’s almost time to pass out breakfast for the cats.  Rudy makes his biscuits and looks at me with his sweet face that I just can’t say no to.  Once I am up I can’t seem to get back to sleep again for a couple more hours.  Then I wake up and it’s 10 or 11.  I just want to sit around and am in no hurry to do much of anything. 

Managed to get a shower today, went out for dinner and am back home.  Working on flushing the water heater.  Just paid bills and placed another Amazon order.  I’ve always wanted Cowboy Boots and a pair that I have had my eye on just came back into stock so I placed an order.  They will be here on Monday.  I hope that I like them but if not I know that I can always return them.  Back to the bills for a second, I got a bill from the new eye doctor and only owed them a $10 copay.  I was more than happy to get that out of the way.  Sadly they don’t take payments online so I had to get a check to them.  

Plan to get up and hit a new place for breakfast and then hit the other grocery store instead of the normal store I go to.  I want several things mostly sweets.  Might go to the pizza place for supper where I know the cute guy I like works.  I know he’s straight but that doesn’t prevent me from looking.  It would be a nice trip and a great way to spend a little bit of time.

One of the other chores I need to take care of is vacuuming under the fridge and pulling it out to inspect things from the back.  I’ve got a motor that growls perodically and has for years.  Normally a good spray of some garage door 3 in 1 oil takes care of it for a while.  It used to be a twice a year thing.  Now it’s more like once ever couple months.  Oddly the motor is in the freezer.  The growling noise bothers the cats and well it’s not pleasant to my ears either.  I told it to shut up this morning and that worked.  We purchased it when we moved in here and hell that was 26 years ago.  2 years ago I cleaned out so much fur from underneath it that I am surprised it is still going, it should have given up the ghost years ago.  I just hope that I don’t wake up one morning to a dead unit and loose a bunch of food, that would suck!  Not to mention be expensive. 

Well it’s past treat time and I need to pass those out plus check on the heater.  It should be about time to get it filling up again. 

Enjoy your weekend!

 

 

Still fighting

I do feel way better but I still have that malaise feeling that I am unwell.  Kind of feels like I might have a fever.  I’ve gotten hot a couple times but I am on a regimen of Ibuprofen just in case.  I don’t bother taking my temperature as I generally know when I’ve got a fever. 

Not exactly sure why but I woke up at 1am and couldn’t go back to sleep until a little after 3:30a.  I watched TV and I was so bored.  I just wanted to get back to sleep.  I had no naps yesterday.  I also figured that today would suck since I was lacking in the sleep department but that hasn’t been the case.  Still no naps today and I am going strong. 

I wanted to cancel my massage but wound up confirming it.  I can always cancel tomorrow morning but I might actually go ahead and get it. 

Today has been calm on the work front.  I’ve been busy playing with porn.  Subscribed to another creator last night.  I swore this would be my last one.  It’s just entertainment while I am on vacation.  One month subscriptions and then I am done. 

Waiting on my boss to call for our monthly “touch base” call that is nothing more than a waste of time.  Not sure why were still doing this but hell after I am done with him I am just watching the clock before I put on my out of office and sign off.  I’ve given notice to those that need to know I will be out and this time unlike last I made sure my team knew about it. 

Don’t know that I will do much of anything tomorrow.  However, Monday is the dentist.  I need to hit Sam’s and want to use a gift card I got to eat at a Restaurant.  There are a few places I want to travel to but who knows if I will make it.  I need to hit the bank tomorrow for sure to make sure that I have cash on me. 

Looking forward to another shower and to washing the bed clothes.  I’ve spent more time in my room this week than I have in a long time. 

I got a huge shock last night when I went to look up the value on my 7 year old vehicle.  It’s only worth $7 thousand dollars.  That is a hell of a price drop from the last time I looked, which was about a year ago and at that time I could have gotten $20 thousand.  I feel much better about my decision to keep it and continue driving it.  However, I still want something new but am not eager to get into car payments.  I am sure by the time I am ready to trade I will get next to nothing for it.  Vehicles are nice but damn they depreciate so quickly. 

Wishing the boss would call so I could go up and gather the trash and set it out.  I would do that now but know that either the moment I get started or the second I am out the door is when he will call.  It’s pretty nice out sunny and in the low 70’s.  Here’s hoping that it stays nice while I am on vacation.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blathering.  Hope that your having a good day!

Thursday

Morning, I hope all is well.  My neck of the woods is dealing with a severe weather outbreak.  It started last night and is continuing into today.  My phone is quite active with all of the alerts.  It’s enough to drive a person crazy.  I want them to be able to be safe but I wish they were a little less frequent.  The weather radio went off a couple times yesterday evening before bed and it’s started up again already.  I’ve heard it twice since I have been here in the basement this morning.  This is not uncommon especially when we get weather that goes from cold to warm over a period of a few days.  It’s like it breeds the bad weather and there is usually a Tornado or two that comes out of it.  Kind of sucks but it’s a reminder that if you don’t like today’s weather, just wait tomorrow could be radically different. 

Not sure if you are aware of the missing Mizzou Student who was kicked out of a bar for being over served in Nashville TN and is now missing.  His name is Riley Strain.  He’s 22 and 6’6 with blond hair.  Quite the looker if I do say so.  He’s been missing for I believe 5 or 6 days.  I feel bad for his family.  The longer this goes on the more I can’t help but think that it won’t have a positive outcome.  Presuming that it does have a positive outcome I am really interested as to what happened.  If your in Nashville I am told that there are posters of him all over the place.  The case has gained quite a bit of media attention and if you tune into any national news it’s in the headlines.  You can find local stories from MO and TN on YouTube.  It’s scary to think that one could vanish but it happens everyday and sadly there are way too many cases.  The anguish it causes has to be unfathomable.  The uncertainty and just plain not knowing would drive me batty.  Here’s hoping that Riley surfaces alive and well soon. 

In other major news the James Crumbley trial has headed to the jury.  Closing arguments were really strong from both sides.  I think that he has a fighting chance at being not-guilty but I think there are stronger social and political pressures on the jury and I would be astonished if he walks away from this as a free man.  I think a verdict will be reached by Friday but that’s just my opinion.  Not sure if I could be on this jury or even his wife’s jury, both juries were shown graphic photos and videos of the shooting and death of the kids.  On the verdict watch to see how this turns out. 

My work vacation is still going strong.  I did have a few things come up yesterday afternoon that I had to deal with but it’s been mostly calm and I am hopeful that it will stay that way for the last two days of this run. 

I will be headed out at lunch time to see the dentist, hopefully the weather won’t be too bad.  Never mind that my vehicle is nice and clean from being washed.  They never stay clean long enough. 

Watched a really great movie last night on Max called Wonka.  It was more of a play than a movie but it was kept interesting and upbeat.  I recommend it highly if your looking for something to watch. 

Rudy and Mora got into a fight as I started the movie so I had to break that up and then keep and eye on Rudy he was the instigator and his poor sister did nothing wrong.  They settled down but I saw him giving her the evil eye.  She was really screaming and hissing.  They get into spats like this once and while but for the most part they are quite loving toward each other.  They enjoy chasing each other all over the house several times a day when they each get their bursts of energy.

Well I have a couple things to wrap up for work and then I will be headed up to sit with the kids until work bothers me or it’s time to leave for the dentist.  Hope that you have a great day and the sun is shining bright in your world. 

Mid-Week

Ah the half way point of the week.  My almost vacation without the boss is half way over.  I am enjoying myself to the fullest.  Yesterday I knocked out my morning work, browsed the web and then headed up to be with the cats.  We watched court tv and I managed to fall asleep while someone was testifying.  Had a couple of emails to answer.  Had half of my Corn Beef & Swiss sandwich, which I think I thought was a Ruben but it’s not.  Still very good though but dry, very dry.  Came back down for a meeting, did a little bit more surfing and then headed up.  My day was done by 2pm.  I still kept watch on my phone but there wasn’t anything to do after that.  Finished the pizza off last night.  Rudy begged and begged for me to feed him some of it but that never happened.  Certain foods I suppose appeal to each of the cats sense of smell and they beg, but I’ve never given in and have no plans to.  I’d love to smack the person who fed them table scraps or encouraged the behavior that’s it’s okay to bother the human while they are eating.  Watched You Tube videos at random and eventually headed for bed.  It was humid in here last night, 81 degrees. 

I slept with the ceiling fan on which is not something I typically do because it usually makes me sick.  However, things worked out well.  I woke up at 6am baking because the heat had kicked on and I just got out of the covers and felt the nice breeze of the fan.  Rudy opted to climb on top of me and I got him to switch and lay beside me.  I never did get back to sleep but enjoyed laying there with my eyes closed.  Had some bad dreams last night.  It’s a nice wakeup call to be able to just lay in bed with both cats.  Mora was at my feet.  Once I started talking they knew it was time to get up and that got them both excited. 

Turned on the morning news to catch up on all of the shootings, accidents, and robberies from yesterday.  Seriously, there is very little if any good news.  I mostly watch for the weather and the rare cases when I go to the office traffic alerts.  Once and a while they run a story that appeals to me but it’s rare. 

My work for the day is done so far as I know it, I’ve got a meeting at 10am to attend.  There is nothing on my calendar after that except for lunch.  I will be of course watching my phone to see if anything comes rolling in.  Otherwise I will be watching court tv and spending time with the cats, just lounging. 

I’ve got my check-up and cleaning tomorrow afternoon at the dentist.  I actually look forward to going to the dentist.  It wasn’t always that way and I know that I am the odd man out in that I look forward to seeing the dentist.

Thinking of having Crab Rangoon for lunch and then eating the other half of the Corn Beef & Swiss for supper.  It sounds good at the moment. 

I am enjoying as much of this so called almost vacation as I can.  Next week I will be on-call and I know that I will be much more busier and I will hate every waking moment of it.  Two weeks off and one week on.  I wish that my break was longer but I am sure everyone else on the team feels the same way. 

Hope all is well in your world and that the sun is shining both on you and in your life.  Talk with you all again soon!

All smiles or something like that

  I am all smiles with another good report from the Dentist.  I don’t go back until March and it felt rather odd but I said Merry Christmas as I left.  Yeah, it will be here before you know it. 

There wasn’t a whole lot that I missed while I was gone.  I had a quick snack before I went and then just came back and got caught up.  I waited as long as I could but I felt my sugar dropping so I just came back from grabbing a quick bite. 

Funny thing if I am walking to the kitchen, Rudy always follows me.  He thinks that I should just pass out food like it’s nothing.  I’m sure if I wanted to I could maybe get him to gain some weight.  However, I am comfy with him being the small size he is.  Since he loves to sleep on top of me.  There is quite a size and weight difference between him and his sister.  Mora is a big girl.  I was really surprised when I first got them earlier this year, the shelter said that she just started packing on the weight.  They both can get up and go with energy but I am guessing her metabolism is slower.  They chase each other back and forth and they move fast. 

I got roped into a task to take care of this afternoon so right now I am just killing time and here if anything happens to break.  Once my task is done I will be headed upstairs to be with the aforementioned cats.  Hoping that tonight is quiet so that I can enjoy my evening, at least what I am permitted to enjoy.  I’ve already got my snack for 7p planned, it’s ice cream.  I got some small Hagen Das cups, they are the perfect size for a snack and a bit more affordable than the larger version.  I’d rather have Ben & Jerry’s but I bought what was available. 

The week is off to a running start.  Come on Friday I am looking forward to seeing you!  Just wanted to share my good news.  I’ll talk with you tomorrow.  Take care! 

Dentist Tuesday

MEN.COM – Joey Mills rides Bruce Beckham

Morning everyone!  Happy Tuesday.  I get my teeth cleaned today.  I honestly don’t mind the trip to the dentist because I always get a good report, hopefully today is no different.  What I don’t like is going during working hours because there is always catchup when I get back.  Sometimes that’s light work and other times it’s heavy work.  My dental appointments seem to fall when I am on-call.  I just take what the appointment they have available, it matters not to me.  Maybe the next appointment won’t happen when I am on-call.

I had 1/2 of some store prepared spaghetti, then took a couple hours to write.  At 7p we had snacks.  The cats got their treats and I had a slice of Carrot Cake with a glass of milk.  It was really good. 

I managed to get a shave and get a shower last night.  I was moving in slow mode but kept on pushing.  I took my sleeping pills and brushed my teeth ahead of time so when I was done, I could just go watch TV and then get to bed.  It worked rather well.  My insomnia kicked in at 5 this morning and I tried to go back to sleep but just tossed and turned.  The cats came to join me closer to 6 and I got in some cuddle time with Rudy.  He fell asleep on my chest twice.  Mora was at my feet but we got in our cuddle time after breakfast, that’s when she likes it the most. 

Rudy was chowing down and I didn’t think he was going to leave anything for his sister.  Then suddenly he barfed, at least he got it in the plate so there was no clean up.  Mora was just looking at me like now what?  I said hang on I’ll get you something.  She was tickled pink that I opened a special can of food just for her.  She should have thanked her brother otherwise that wouldn’t have happened. 

Both cats have magically returned to giving me my morning escort to the basement.  They think I am going to let them in.  I know Mora wants down here worse than Rudy does.  She will sit for hours in front of the door and I can be upstairs eating or getting ready for bed.  I think it’s just curiosity mostly since there time down here has been limited.  I think if I opened the door up and let them roam free I probably would have to carry them out as they wouldn’t want to leave.  It’s a treat to them when I let them come down and I don’t plan on changing things up at the moment. 

Yesterday I was racking my brain for the name of a cute guy that I could picture but couldn’t remember his name.  Well after scouring on social media, it finally hit me.  I found him and he still looks good.  I just hate when I think of someone and can picture them but can’t put a name with the face.  It drives me nuts. 

I hope you like the model photo today.  Joey Mills is one of my favorite porn stars.  I have watched him since his early days on Helix and enjoy his work now that he is a bit older.  He’s always been cute and he knows what he is doing. 

Well back to the fun.  Have a great day, talk with you again soon. 

As per usual–Good Results

I got a good bill of health from my dental checkup.  I got the dentist to run a smoothing stone over my 1 front tooth that had a slight chip left over from last year, it’s been driving me beyond crazy. 

My childhood neighbors funeral was livestreamed and I got to watch that.  Sounds like there was quite a crowd and the service was pretty short.  I figured it would be a funeral mass but it was not.  They apparently made a friend that is a priest and he did the service, which was pretty good.  He talked about some old memories and I learned a thing or two.  I wasn’t the only one who sent a plant, in fact 2 other people had the same idea so I don’t know which one was mine but I know it made it there, which is comforting.  I hope that his wife manages to hang on a while longer, I am not healed enough to handle an in person funeral. 

I got word at work that a former colleague passed away in a ski accident.  It’s like death keeps on happening all around me and well maybe it always did but I am much more hypersensitive to it now.

I stopped by the vets office to ask them a couple questions regarding adoption and to get the initial forms that I would need if I go through with the adoption and elect to bring them there.  I was kind of expecting more information and what I got hardly made it worth my time of stopping, but the lady remembered that I was just there last month with Gator.  I still have the feeling that I am moving too fast but I’ve kind of fallen for these two.  So long as our next meeting goes well and I’ve got no reason to think that it won’t, I think they are done with the shelter.  I am doing some serious thinking about this and when you stop and look at it, it’s kind of overwhelming as to what your actually committing to.  It’s a lot of time, food, money and medical bills.  Not to mention all of the emotions from good to bad and everything in between that come with this.  I read an article that said not to let anyone push you into getting another pet after you lose one, but at this point I kind of am.  I really don’t want to but that’s why I am giving serious thought to this and taking time to reflect and take a step back before I render a final answer.  If I get them everyone will be pleased as punch and if I don’t get them then people won’t be terribly happy with me, but it’s my life and I have to do what I think is best for me.  No one else looks out for me so that’s kind of a full time job. 

I was barley gone a full hour for the dentist and man all sorts of emails and crap happened while I was out.  We have a door that stopped working in my office and I figured a few simple remote commands could bring it back, but nope either the reader has gone out OR it needs a hard reset.  Either way looks like I am going in tomorrow to try to see if I can fix it.  I really don’t want to but it’s better than dropping everything and going over & back today, the day is practically over.  I kind of thought I might have to but thankfully someone found a key.  Tomorrow if I can’t get it working then I will have to place a service call but considering I am out for the rest of the week after tomorrow and won’t be back in the office physically until next Wednesday that’s kind of a long time to wait.  Here’s hoping that I can be a hero. 

I’m caught up and now we have a BS meeting in about an hour that we have to go to.  Not looking forward to that at all.  Who doesn’t get tired of their job?  I am just so frustrated with all of the BS that I’ve accommodated and while I am paid pretty good, there is more to life than money.  I really don’t want to start over but at the same time it’s like either get happy or tolerate what is annoying you OR make the change.  I’ve learned multiple times that life is too short but there also some perks that come with this job that I don’t know I would be able to get elsewhere.  Right now I am just trying to get through this week and the whole possible adoption thing – then once that is settled and I get comfortable I can take a look at my options.  I’m also going to talk with my doctor about stress in general – that combined with losing Gator has really fucked with me and maybe rather than changing jobs more of what I need is a leave of absence, nothing major nothing beyond a month.  However if I get that then I will want another month when that month is done.  Time to process everything I do think would help. 

Ah well that’s all I got for now.  Back to the fun that is waiting for me at work.  Looking forward to supper it’s a BBQ Prepared meal from the grocery store.  Looks quite good.  I had a Biscuit & Gravy for lunch, it was quick and I honestly really didn’t want to eat anything.  Nerves were on fire with the work issue and trying to play catchup. 

Take care and we will talk 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! 

Quick Update

Back from the Dentist.  The usual good report, nothing found.  Very happy about that.  Didn’t need x-rays this time.  I don’t go back again until January.  Seems like that is forever away but I know it will be here like no tomorrow. 

I did peek more into the loan rates and that low rate is only good for 24 months.  No way I can pay off a car in 24 months.  Back to staying put for now. 

Psyching myself up for this dreaded 2p meeting.  The good news is after that is done there isn’t anything else on my calendar for the day.  That doesn’t mean I am done because I still have to watch out for any new issues that come in.  I’ve been logging in upstairs in the evening when my day is done.  That seems to keep issues at bay for the most part.  I will continue that tonight in the hopes no one or nothing bothers me. 

Looking forward to tomorrow when I am free (sort of) to do what I want, when I want to do it.  Not exactly looking forward to chore city tomorrow but its all good. 

Well almost time for that meeting so got to run.  

Temptation

   While I have mostly given up on getting a new vehicle for now, last night I browsed to the financial institution that I would use if I was getting a loan.  They are advertising interest rates as low as 1.94% and that really makes it tempting to apply just to see what I’d qualify for.  My FICO score is at an all time high and there is only good on my credit report with no inquiries (since it’s frozen).  I think I my chances are high to qualify for the rate.  The problem comes with what is on a dealers lot and how far I want to drive.  I’ve done some scouring and learned that you can’t always trust (today) what you see on a dealers website.  I mean that car I was looking at last week that sold a while ago is still on their page.  I’ve also watched more YouTube videos.  Yeah I really want to get something new.  I think the time is right – the interest rates are right and I think I would come out ahead in the end with more for my trade and a lower overall payment.  The only thing that prevents me from putting the wheels in motion is knowing what is actually in stock.  I know if I go physically look like a kid in a candy store I will manage to find something that I want, even if I don’t need it.  Automobiles are one of my weaknesses, they never used to be but since I’ve aged I have come to appreciate them more much like a good looking guy.  Waiting costs me nothing but the possibility of an opportunity, depending upon how long I can manage to hold out.  I hate to whine but just needed to get this out.  I realize I can always change my mind. 

In other news today is my dental visit for a routine cleaning.  I think I am due for x-rays but not totally sure.  I don’t expect any surprises just the usual good report.  I had some dental issues earlier in the year but everything right now is and has been fine for a while.  I think what I had before was attributable to COVID and the sinus issues that came with it. 

The next episode of The Real World NOLO Reunion is on Paramount Plus and I look forward to watching that tonight with Gator as my on-call will wind to an end and I can enjoy two days off. 

The weather forecast indicates rain on Friday so that might be my lazy day.  Tomorrow I have plans to get breakfast (here or out), hit up Sam’s Club and get my haircut.  Perhaps buy a new office chair or at the very least go look at them.  Then later in the day venture off to see the doctor and get a date with a needle.  I’d sooner kiss a goat.  I would also like to see the new Top Gun movie while I am off on Thursday or Friday.  I want the IMAX experience it’s been a very long while since I have not only been to the movies but seen a movie in IMAX. 

I really poured in the effort last night for my shoulder/neck.  I used two ice packs at different times.  Used the massager and by the time I was ready for bed I was feeling a little bit better but it was sore to touch.  Took some OTC pain relivers and this morning when I was half awake the pain was killer.  I figured I would be taking the day off but when I finally woke up I didn’t feel all that bad. 

It was pouring rain and Gator was in a daze, I said hello to her and that caused her to snap to.  I got her some breakfast but she didn’t like my selection this morning.  She sat on the floor and kept meowing at me.  Eventually she followed me to my room, which she used to do every day without fail when she was younger.  She climbed into her bed and just looked sad.  I figured out that if I got her another can of food that would probably make her happy.  I was right, she climbed out of bed and started eating it up.  Then when she was done it was back to bed.  I don’t know that she feels the best today or it could have been the weather.  She has been doing pretty well but always needy for attention and demanding to be hand fed.  I created a bit of monster there but one day it will be gone and I will be glad that I took the time to give her some pleasure, regardless of the mess she leaves for me to clean up.  I still worry about her especially in her advanced age.  I was kind of wishing that her sister was still here, I think that if one of her siblings was alive to keep her company that her health and over all attitude would be different but that is something I can only suppose and will never truly know. 

I am watching the clock so I can gobble a little bit to eat down before I go off to the dentist.  I won’t really get lunch today and need to make sure that I eat so my sugar doesn’t drop.  There is a horrible meeting that I have to attend when I am back.  I’d sooner stay at the dentist or kiss a goat.  However, I will get it over with.  At least I get to work from the comfort of my home so its not all bad. 

Gas prices here are creeping up on that dreaded $5 mark and I don’t think it will be long before that becomes the new normal for a bit.  I expect they will be high for the summer and then drop come fall.  That might put quite a damper on peoples travel plans.  It won’t affect me since I plan to stay local for the foreseeable future. 

Happy hump day – the week is almost over.  I do hope all is well and that your able to enjoy the day regardless of what your doing.  Take care, bye for now. 

Ah Pain

Gator woke me at 2a and I wasn’t pleased about it.  I fed her and then sat to watch some TV.  She figured out my secret indirectly.  I hear her yowling at the top of the steps to the basement (just outside my bedroom door), I thought she wanted in my room.  I think she wanted attention and didn’t want to be alone but it worked out in her favor.  Since I thought she wanted in I opened the door to my room.  When I didn’t see her I looked and saw her by the steps.  I talked to her and that caught her off guard but she eagerly came into my room.  We sat together and watched TV until I got sleepy again and then I went back to bed. 

I just started to drift off and she stands up in her bed and starts crying.  I kicked her out.  Powered up the White Noise and out I was.  When I woke up a few hours later I had a hell of a pain in my neck/shoulder.  I went back to sleep for a bit but when I woke again the pain was still there.  Looks like my Knot moved in a direction other than out.  Now that I am up it’s semi-tolerable.  I had thought about laying in bed all day but it sounds both good and bad to me. 

I have pressed on with my day, not exactly in a mood for BS today but thus far all is well.  Meetings start up this afternoon and run for a couple hours.  Then there is a lull and a late afternoon meeting, which I don’t look forward to.  The only real good news about today is that it’s my Thursday.  That is kind of part of the reason why I am trying to push through the pain. 

The dentist called and I confirmed my appointment for tomorrow.  Instead of going to lunch tomorrow I will be going to the dentist.  Not exactly ideal but I don’t have to use my time and don’t need to move fast as I will have others watching for me while I am away.  Then just finish up the day tomorrow and I am done for 2 days.  Back to on-call on Saturday & Sunday. 

I’ve got my Thursday pretty well planned out at least mentally.  Who knows if it will all come together.  No real plans for Friday thus far and no plans for the weekend.  I am going to try to fit the gutter cleaning in as well as the house wash project.  That all kind of depends on how I feel both mentally & physically.  I will probably take a day and lounge though just because there is something that feels good about being lazy, at least for 1 day and doing whatever it is that I want. 

Da boss man is back today, not looking forward to dealing with him but it’s all in a days work.  Hope your having a great Tuesday!

Knot Sunday

I’ve got a large knot that I am working on breaking up.  It’s on my left upper back and it’s a doozy.  I did some minor foam rolling last night and also got a tool that digs into knots and helps you work them out.  I used that and it helped a little bit.  When I woke up this morning all of the pain was back and it felt tighter. 

Needless to say that the knot kind of put a damper on my day.  I got to the store but it was late.  I had breakfast at home.  I gave up on going to Sam’s and just got some soda at the store. 

I broke out my TENS unit and used that for a while, which also brought some minor relief.  I tried the massager on my back but it’s tender and didn’t feel like it was doing a whole lot.  I plan to break out some ice and do some heavy foam rolling in the hopes of busting this thing up so it leaves and tomorrow will be a better day, even though I am sure to be sore. 

I watched some YouTube videos on Mercedes Benz.  One of which was a night time drive.  That particular car had an auto lane change feature in it.  The driver just put on the blinker and the car did the rest.  It was very colorful on the inside of the cabin and you have a multitude of colors to choose from, one for practically every mood you might be in.  Lots of sound feedback when something could go wrong like your trying to change lanes but there is someone in your blind spot or your about to hit something.  I saw another video that showed a camera under the front wheels so you could watch in real time if you were off road what you were about to encounter.  The bad thing about Mercedes vehicles is they mostly run Premium Unleaded and that is, has and always will be expensive stuff.  That is enough of a deterrent for me.  Everything I drive has always run on regular 87 octane and that’s where I want to stay at. 

While I want something new, it needs to be practical as I don’t have an endless budget.  It needs to be economical as possible and preferably in a color that I like or want.  Yeah Mercedes has all of that but it just feels wrong to me to buy a non-American brand.  Also one that when something goes wrong and there is no warranty you will need to take out a loan or possibly just scrap it and buy a different car.  I do not like waiting and patience is not my strong suite, especially when it comes to something that I want but don’t necessarily need.  The practical advice I got from a YouTube video weeks ago was if you need a car now, buy one but if you don’t then wait.  I can’t say for certain that I will wait but I am leaning towards it.  My only fear is that my current ride will loose it’s value when the car market bubble finally bursts and that will cost me the edge/advantage I have at present, which is kind of why I really want to act now to profit from this.  I’m not crazy about starting a loan over but it’s not like my present car payment is going away, at least not for about another year. 

Some good news is that I do appear to be loosing some weight.  I got on the scale a short time ago and I was pleased with the numbers, even though they are still high it shows some progress from doing not much other than altering my food in take.  I hope this trend continues.  It was a real struggle to pass up all of the sweets today when I was in the store.  I did buy a box of cookies but that is the only item I permitted myself to get.  Sam’s will also be a struggle with the fresh bakery and I don’t know that I will be able to resist that. 

Plans for the week ahead.  Work Monday thru Wednesday from home.  I’m seeing the dentist on Wednesday.  The doctor on Thursday.  I’ve got Friday to myself.  I need to work in a haircut, a trip to Sam’s and I’d like to check out chairs but really hate to spend the money.  I plan to eat out on Thursday and Friday.  Work on the back gutters and do the house wash project – although if I don’t get to this it will be here waiting for me.  If I can’t hold myself and want to press forward Friday would be the day I would go car shopping. 

Speaking of cars, gas prices are really starting to climb.  At the pizza place yesterday I opened up my Gas Buddy app and the best price on gas was $5.05 per gallon.  I watched a You Tube video this afternoon and a guy was filling up his Jeep and he was well over $47 and it was still going.  I’d freak out if the pump ever read that high for a vehicle I was filling up. It looked like he was putting Diesel in and not Gas but I could be wrong.  Still that is a lot to pay. 

Time to grab the laundry, head up to see the Gator and no doubt put out some more food for her.  I need to vacuum my room.  I got the rest of the house done but she was sleeping and I didn’t want to wake her.  Take out the trash and that will be the end of my chores.  Turn on my favorite podcast and eat some left over pizza.  Not a bad way to end the day.  Just have to get that ice and foam rolling part done which will suck. 

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday.  Bye for now.  

Vacation is here

For the last couple weeks, I have been watching the trial of Kim Potter. She is the former police officer who mistakenly drew her gun instead of her taser and shot & killed Daunte Wright back in April of this year. That feels almost like a lifetime ago with COVID and blursday (every day blending into the next). Closing arguments took place this morning and the case is in the hands of the jury. It was interesting to see how this all played out. I watched from opening statements until today. I have never, ever seen the jury shown on television and I think that was by design. Everyone will have an opinion in this matter. Personally, I believe this was an honest mistake. She meant to draw her taser but her brain took a different action. Had she known she had a gun in her hand and planned to use it, I think that she would have fired more than once. Police are trained to shoot to kill and they are also taught to fire at least twice. It is a very unfortunate mistake and incident to have taken place. Had Mr. Wright complied this wouldn’t have been an issue. His character came out in court and he wasn’t exactly an upstanding citizen but he was young and had his whole life in front of him, which makes this all the more tragic. Needless to say, I am interested in the verdict and think that if we do not hear anything this week, I expect to hear something next week. If deliberations go past that and into the New Year it will very much surprise me. I hate waiting for most anything but regardless of how the verdict is handed down it won’t have any impact on me.

On a different note, I made it back to the office for the first time in 2 years. I went in Saturday afternoon. I only planned to be there an hour or two but wound up staying way beyond that. I have no windows in my office and wasn’t really paying attention to the time. All things considered my office was in decent shape but there was much to clean and sort through. A colleague sends chocolate each year and someone is either holding that for me or swiped it, not sure which. It’s not the greatest but if its in front of me I will devour it. I got some promo gifts from a vendor and that was expected. I got a Christmas card from my boss but this was the second year with no gift. Normally he buys us each something and I am typically not that pleased with what I wind up with but never express any displeasure to him. It was nice of him to send the card. I had a mountain of dust to clean away. I found out the hard way that the refrigerator where all of the soda is stored for clients is now locked on weekends. Good thing for me I had some change in my office and was able to buy a soda. I got my new keyboard hooked up and it’s delightful. Someone turned up the heat my office was amazingly hot. I threw away all of the calendars for 2021, I mean it’s not like I will need them now. I also tossed my 2020 train calendar. There is plenty of trash to be hauled away. I walked around and figured out that a fair number of people have moved. Some even have their own offices now. Since we had some construction done, we have a lot more offices and they are currently empty but I am sure in time they will begin to fill up. I had the entire place to myself. There were people in but they had all left by the time I did my walk around to see what was different. It’s interesting at what has changed and what has stayed the same.

Oddly enough my boss called me last week to talk about of all things my return to the office. He has been under the assumption I have been going in 1 day a week for at least a month or more now. I didn’t bother to correct him. He even told me to keep doing what I am doing because the work is getting done. I think he wants plausible deniability. In any case he said that between the two of us we have an agreement that I will go in 1 day a week. Even when we start to return to more normal and are required to be in the office 3 days a week, he told me at least for a little while I could probably get away with 1 day a week. I still plan to address that with my doctor but don’t have high hopes that I will be told I need to work from home. I am obviously on vacation this week. My boss is out for 2 weeks starting on the 27^th and I have no plans to return to the office while he is out. When he gets back then I will probably start going in. I don’t miss the daily drive of 40 miles 1 way and I certainly don’t miss rush hour traffic. Ah well it is all there waiting for me – the good, the bad and the ugly. I’ll get to it all eventually.

Friday was the start of my vacation and I didn’t really do anything. It was a lazy day. I had my morning call to get the stupid report done, really wish I didn’t have to spend my time off doing work but it is what it is. I watched the series on HBO Finding Magic Mike. I had left a couple episodes for Saturday but it was done in the morning and I knew who the winner was. The one guy I wanted to win was dropped towards the end. It’s a great show and if you like looking at hot shirtless men then this series is a MUST WATCH. Apparently, they perform a live show in Vegas regularly. Not sure if they admit guys but I wouldn’t mind seeing the live show.

Saturday, I had booked a haircut and got that out of the way. Then hit up the post office and pet food store. It’s a Christmas Miracle. I found on an empty shelf sitting all alone 5 cans of Fish & Shrimp which is the flavor Gator loves. I grabbed them in a hurry, even though no one was around. I looked for more but there was none to be had. The selection was still pretty horrible but I managed to get a few cans for her. Then I came home, took a nap and that’s when I went on my trip back to the office. I stopped to get a bite to eat before I came home. The waitress told me they were out of what I wanted and had been for a couple weeks. I ordered something else, meanwhile the guy sitting next to me was served exactly what I wanted in the first place. I was not happy at all. I dropped $30 on a meal that I really didn’t enjoy.

Sunday was another do-nothing day. I had breakfast and stayed in my room all day long. Gator wasn’t very pleased with me but she stuck by my side.

Monday (today) I got the stupid report call out of the way. Watched the trial, got a shower and went to the dentist. I chipped a couple of teeth. When I left everything felt fine. This was quick work and the chips were very minor. Now I still feel a bit of a ridge. I am debating about going back to get it fixed. It’s not sharp but it’s a place that my tongue wants to fidget with and it’s kind of obsessive. If I can train myself to stop then were good, otherwise I need to go back. I hit up the grocery store and Sam’s club. Traffic is abysmal because everyone is out doing holiday shopping. You’d think that since it was a work day that people would be working but that is not the case, apparently, I am not the only person on vacation this week.

Tomorrow I’d like to hit up the breakfast place for that kicked up French toast I had back in October. Then pick up a few pies from Cracker Barrel and deliver them to a couple of unsuspecting people as a holiday gift. Not sure if I will follow through on that part but the breakfast part I will. I need to clean up the house and put up the plastic on the patio door and front windows, winter is here and you can feel it at night. We’re talking lower 20’s and it’s only going to get worse from there. Oddly tomorrow is the first day of Winter. There is also a new place that serves Detroit Style Pizza that came to my area and I want to hit them up to try it because I’ve never had it. They also do New York Style and I’ve had that before and it’s really, really good. I can only imagine what the real thing tastes like from NYC.

I haven’t spent anytime in front of my computer until now. I kind of missed it but it was also nice to get a diversion into TV and escape reality for a while. I am doing the 7-day trial of Paramount Plus through Amazon and have found a few additional things to watch. I haven’t been sleeping the best because I am not really on a regular schedule or at least wasn’t until last night. I am going to try to stick with my normal schedule as much as possible so I won’t be shocked to get back into the routine when this little fun ride of time off ends.

Wednesday I am scheduled for my COVID booster. I really don’t want it at all. However, I know it’s a matter of time before a vaccine mandate is in effect and there is talk about redefining fully vaccinated to include at least 1 booster. I will feel like crap on Thursday, which is why I am not looking forward to it. However, I am on vacation and won’t need to use a sick day. A day of sitting around is good for me, so long as I can accomplish everything else that I need to get done. So right now, Thursday is a do-nothing day. Nothing planned for Friday but I will probably get my cat food shopping out of the way. Saturday being Christmas I am invited to my friend’s house but don’t know what time dinner is or what is being served. I probably won’t like it but being around other people will be nice, I suppose. Sunday will be the usual breakfast and grocery store runs, so that I can get back to all of the fun on Monday. I haven’t been watching my email and that will be fun to plow through.

I’ve got a few orders placed in the last couple days with Amazon. I broke down and ordered the 3^rd generation Apple ear buds. They were at an all-time low price and I just couldn’t help myself. I’ve already sent the money to pay for them so I won’t have a bill hanging over my head. They won’t arrive until towards the end of the year. Tomorrow I have a new security camera coming. This was a must since going back to the office, I need to be able to check up on my girl. My old one has a security flaw and I really don’t want to put it back on-line. Wednesday I will be getting a new mouse pad for the office, my old one is beyond cleanable and has all sorts of crumbs it’s a mess. I recently discovered that Amazon Pharmacy is available in my state. I took a look at what my sleeping medicine will cost, without insurance and it’s $5 for 30 days when I am paying $12.99 now for 30 days. I take a couple pills but they are in the same drug class and the insurance company will only cover 1 of the 2 drugs, so I have to pay cash for 1 of them. When I go back to the doctor next month, I will be telling him to send a prescription to Amazon for a 90-day supply. I am also going to have him transfer my Sudafed prescription to a different pharmacy. Walgreens wants to play games and limit my supply. I hate being on a merry go round where each month I have to hit up the pharmacy. It’s needless aggravation. Walgreens is fine if I am sick or need something in a pinch but otherwise, they have become a huge pain in my ass and not in a good way.

I haven’t been wearing my regular prescription lens that I need to wear. I have been using computer glasses when I am in front of the computer. I just put on my regular glasses tonight to try to start getting used to them and wow it sure is a change. Better to train my eyes now than have to jump into this all at once. I can actually see well enough to drive without them but better safe than sorry. I also need to setup an eye appointment with a new doc to see what’s what. I haven’t had any real noticeable changes but ever since my last eye appointment that guy has me wondering if there isn’t more going on with my eyes than I realize. You only get 2 of them and once they are damaged you are screwed and not in a good way. I want to preserve them and keep them in good working order so I can continue to enjoy looking at hot guys and good food!

I do hope all is well in your neck of the woods and that life is treating you fairly. Take care of yourselves and enjoy the holidays!

Stressful Week

What a week it’s been. The US Presidential Election was quite the emotional rollercoaster. I figured that I would get several pop-up notifications on my phone once a winner was declared. Nope not one. I found out the results by looking at Twitter. Then I had to double check on the internet and finally turned on the TV. Wow I am thankful that it’s over. I am pleased with the results.

We are still very much in the middle of a Pandemic. The numbers for COVID infections & death is rapidly increasing and this is the race we should be more hyper focused on because it’s consequences I feel are more dire and bound to affect or infect more people. We have to get this under control. We have to have a vaccine and better treatment. We have to all continue to follow what the scientist have told us. I realize wearing a mask/face covering is uncomfortable and aggravating but it helps. My personal opinion is that we need to go back on full lockdown, I know that will affect everyone and cause financial distress but I think it’s our best chance of getting things under better control. I hope that sooner rather than later we will urgently and aggressively focus on mitigation efforts for COVID.

In my area the numbers are up and hospital bed space is starting to be of great concern. Restaurants & Bar’s in my area are locked down again but if you travel a short way to a different state, they are wide open. However, that too may change soon because the spike in cases. That means that Thanksgiving could very well be in jeopardy. I mean eating out at a restaurant, the holiday will still happen and I know that my friends will throw something together if we don’t just convert our order to carry out.

I made it to the dentist this week and finally got my teeth cleaned. I received the usual good results. The exam was less thorough than my previous dentist. She screened more aggressively for oral cancer. I’ve got a follow up appointment for 6 months and hopefully the world at large will be a better place!

I patched a gap in the door jam of the garage. The wood desperately needs to be sanded and painted. I think I will manage to get through this winter or so it’s my hope. Then early next spring it will be sanding and paint. I looked at neighbors houses and most of their trim is painted white. The mold killing paint I have an excess of happens to be white as well. To save money and time, that is what I will be using.

Speaking of the garage I managed to find a large round crack in the floor. It looks like someone dropped something there on purpose to cause the damage. It’s on the exterior of the garage door. I used some concrete caulk to fill it in. Just the bending and stretching from that has me super sore. I did the work on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday mid-day is when I felt like I had been kicked by a horse or something. It’s around my groin area and in my upper legs. Another sign that I am truly allergic to exercise.

Thursday was my brother’s birthday. Our relationship has been estranged for well over a year when he went back to his bimbo girlfriend and she convinced him to marry her since he couldn’t manage to live without her. I never thought I could live without my late spouse, but death made the decision for me and I had no choice but to push forward. In fact, you can live without someone but it’s not necessarily easy. I figured I would be the bigger person as I usually am and extended the olive branch by sending him a text message. I simply said happy birthday, hope you are doing well. That was about mid-day yesterday. I have no response and don’t believe I am going to get one. It’s a tad bit disappointing but she has him so brainwashed it’s not a complete surprise. I just had one of those gut feelings that I couldn’t ignore that I needed to reach out to him. This is one of those situations that is best left alone and that is what I am doing. I originally thought about calling him but figured that a text message would be better. I have to handle this situation with kid gloves because every time I deal with family I get fucked over, walking away is the best possible thing for me to do. I wish that we had a normal brother relationship and we were there for each other, but I knew from a young age that wasn’t going to happen. My brother is to ‘me’ oriented and only thinks of himself and how situations can work in his favor. We are in fact polar opposites. I can’t say that I won’t try at a future date to make contact with him but I don’t feel I will ever be successful or that if I am successful that our relationship will ever recover. While I may not agree with the choice, he made in who he married, as long he is happy that is the best I can hope for. I do think that he will wake up someday and realize he’s been hoodwinked, but then again maybe not.

Ms. Gator has become more comfortable with her surroundings and has managed to make her way into my office multiple times this week. She will sit with me for short periods of time. She gets vocal if she wants food and stays that way until I give in. We are sleeping together more and enjoying each other’s company. We have played a bit as well. I was surprised that she let me take a shower in peace earlier this week, that doesn’t happen very often. I think she realizes that she is alone and going to be spoiled even more rotten than she already was. She won’t come to the couch via the path that is most direct. Instead she now always uses a path that her brother used. She also wants to lay on his couch so she can be next to me. She’s held me hostage a few times and I make sure that at each chance I get I tell her that I love her. Not to be depressing but I do realize whatever time we have is limited, hopefully it will be a couple years.

I started late yesterday afternoon watching an Amazon Original series called Red Oaks. It was very entertaining. I had some sleeplessness last night and opted to take in a few more episodes. This morning I finished the series. There are 3 seasons and the story ends pretty complete. It’s got humor, drama and is just enjoyable. There is also some nudity, a little something for everyone.

On call has been quiet but not totally silent. No real plans for the weekend other than the usual running. I hope that your doing well and staying safe. I’ll talk with you peeps again soon!