IT IS OVER

Today I went to the interview for the Networking Position.  I filled out the usual paperwork and then went through the interview.  The whole thing took about 20 minutes.  The person interviewing me knows that the position is way beyond my skill level.  With that in mind she told me to show up on Monday morning and be prepared to go back to work. 

I was stunned and literally fell off my chair.  This place is a debt collection firm so I was up front and told them about my bankruptcy.  They did some checking and it won’t be a deal breaker.  I still have to pass a background check and a drug screen, which shouldn’t be a problem.  I did forget to tell them that my identity was stolen, but I figure I can always mention it on Monday and they are going to figure that out when they run the credit report. 

Now for the really fun part.  Turns out the person I am replacing is leaving at the end of the month, along with the lady who hired me which is my boss for 2 weeks.  They hired all new people and we are going to be crammed into a conference room for 2 weeks.  Monday is all about onboarding, I suspect completing paperwork going through orientation, etc.

I am thrilled to death to be able to go back to work.  However, as I mentioned earlier this job is way over my head.  I really feel like I am being setup to fail.  I know that there is a huge growth opportunity here and that if I can master this job that will only further aid me down the road.  I am way under budget for what they wanted to spend.  In fact I found out that I am really short changing myself when it comes to money.  I can’t say for certain that I will have enough to cover all of my bills.  The biggest one being the mortgage, the rest of them I am not worried about.  So I am going in with an open mind and hoping & praying that it all works out for the best.

Meanwhile the law firm I was at yesterday reached out to me.  They are already starting their process.  I expect that I will have an offer from them by early next week.  I’m keeping them as my ace in the hole.  The thing is I know I can do that job.  It just requires me to be away from home for 2 weeks straight.  The pay will be less but I am told that if I really preform that within 6 months to a year they will reward me with a salary adjustment.  It’s a promise that isn’t written on a piece of paper.  I want to see how the first few days go at the new job and then I can make an educated decision.  Honestly, since this other place is willing to take a chance on me I really don’t want to blow it. 

There is some confliction and lots of doubt.  However, if everything turns to mush, I know that I can always go back on unemployment and at that point I will have to fall behind in house payments.  As it stands now I have already scraped together enough money to make the August payment, so I am at least good until September.

My other worry is my sleep schedule.  It’s been all over the place and I am not so sure that I will easily adjust to not being able to take a nap.  However, I am really sure I will sleep well tonight and probably tomorrow night.  It’s Sunday night that I will be a mess and having anxiety over.  My start time is a 1/2 hour earlier than my last job.  I suspect or rather hope that I will get off a 1/2 hour earlier which will of course put me in the heart of rush hour.  I am eager to see where this leads and hopefully be able to put my fears to rest and not worry so much.

I had to cancel my therapy appointment which was on Monday.  I’m going to see how the first few days go and if I can’t get an idea or feel for what my regular hours will be.  That of course will help me decide on what to do with therapy.  I am making great progress with the grief that has been inside of me for over a year.  I really don’t want to stop therapy but that may be what has to happen.  Right now there is so much that is up in the air.  I don’t function to well with up in the air – I like decisions and schedules. 

Thank God I will be a working man as of Monday!  So long unemployment didn’t like you and won’t miss you or your rules!  I hope everyone has a great weekend.  I’m going to be busy with cleaning and shopping but it’s all good.  I may even take a pie eating trip, haven’t quite decided.  The next showing of Tammy is at 10:05 pm tonight.  I think I will be headed to the movies.  I’ve denied myself for far too long, playing the poor person.  I can’t go hog wild but I can certainly afford $7.50 for a movie.  I do still have to try to keep costs down.  I suppose that will always be part of life. 

Once the job jitters settle down and I get some confidence I will be going back on the market looking for Mr. Right.  I hope that I can find him and who knows maybe he will have money.  At least I can dream.

Talk with you all later.   

Interview week

Yesterday I had the interview with the local municipality.  It was a little difficult to find their city hall – nothing is numbered or labeled.  So I just took my best guess and turns out I was accurate.

I was welcomed by the lady the arranged everything and then brought into a room where I met their present IT person and some bad ass manager who just kept looking at me like I stole his lunch money.  I could tell he was quite impressed with his self.  The current IT guy I noticed had a wedding ring on and he was really hot.  I did fine on the spoken part of the interview.  The little hottie IT guy prepared a test and I know I bombed on that.  It was made perfectly clear that you have to be a jack and master of everything IT – there isn’t any escalation paths.  So basically you can either do the job or your can’t.  This is way over my head and I’m really surprised they called me in for an interview.  I would like to expand my knowledge base but not trial by fire.  This would be one of those jobs where I would have to be looking over my shoulder constantly and wondering if they are going to fire me.  I don’t believe they will choose me and if they do I really don’t want it.  It was also tacky they didn’t give much time for the interview its’ self they had another candidate waiting as I left.  He was in a full 3 piece suit.  Whoopee Doo!

Today was the interview that I have been longing for.  I understood that I would be meeting with a managers boss.  Turns out I met with the same person I spoke to on the phone.  The next interview will be with her boss.  So it went for 2 and 1/2 hours.  She told me that there are 4 people that she wants to bring back for 2nd interviews and right now I am one of those 4 but I am at the bottom of the list.  She asked me where I was months ago and I said I was looking but didn’t see your ad.  I opened up quite a bit and short of getting on my knees I begged for the job, multiple times.  Turns out my competition is pretty steep so it sounds like if I get this it will just be dumb luck or because I was 2nd choice.  I was asked if I would mind coming on as a consultant rather than a Full Time Employee.  I said if it’s going to get my foot in the door I am open to it, but much prefer to be a FTE.  I was told that IT likes to sample people and see if they are a good fit.  You may get moved around but if you fit well into a job and management sees that then they will make you an offer and bring you on board.  So the wind was really let out of my sails.  I am still in the running and in fact she told me that there were other open positions that I would be perfect for.  So HR is supposed to talk with me about those.  If they pay as much as this position then I am all for it, otherwise it would be a no go.  The commute is a little longer than I thought and I would need every penny of what I asked for in order to be able to justify the daily commute.  There was a point in the interview where I disclosed my age, I wasn’t asked directly but there was an inquiry in a round about way.  I also disclosed the fact that I am gay, that wasn’t directly asked but I felt at home and decided to let it all hang out, so to speak.  I was told there isn’t a problem with that and they actually offer same sex couples benefits.  This company is very employee focused and they take care of their own, which is so uncommon in todays world.  My hope to become a part of this organization still exists but based on today my hopes are no longer as high as they originally were.  I did get some feedback finally on how I can do things different, which was nice.

While I was at my interview I got a call setting up another interview for Thursday.  It’s with a Law Firm and I’m not too eager at all about this.  It’s a first line role and we have yet to discuss pay but I seriously doubt they will want to pay what I need in order to make it.  Still its’ an interview and it will help me hone my interviewing skills.  Plus I suppose there is a chance that this will be a good fit in everyway. 

My demand letter was delivered today and it went over like a lead balloon.  I should have my money by the end of the week.  They are not too happy with me but I had to use harsh words in order to get them to realize you can’t keep putting this off, I want my damn money.  They are calling it an “oversight”.  Right like the way they pay all of their bills late.  I was just another creditor to them after I left which is why things got shoved to the side.  I don’t believe for one second it was an oversight.  They are going to ask me to stop communicating with them, as we have no further business.  Well, right we don’t.  So long as the check doesn’t bounce.  They have been known to write bad checks as well, so I’m not officially done with them until the check actually clears, then yes we are done and I have no plans on bothering them again.  However, I’ve made sure they will never ever forget me.  To boot I finally got my reference check today, turns out my old boss was a little defensive but overall provided a decent reference.  That makes me happy so at least I know if I didn’t get something it wasn’t because of something they did.  It did take a while for them to reach him which may be a turn off to some prospective employers.  It will be nice to be able to cut the apron strings and put them in the past.  Which is what I have been trying to do since late May.

I checked on my unemployment and turns out I only got paid for 1 week instead of 2.  So looks like I will have to call those folks tomorrow to find out what gives.  I suspect they will tell me that is just the way it is, but I am at least going to try. 

I am also still fighting to get my late partners medical records.  Now I am told that there wasn’t a HIPAA form submitted with the request.  So I asked where do you procure that from.  I was told oh the doctors office can give you that.  So I called, turns out they have no idea what I am talking about.  They took a message and are going to ask the doctor to call me.  Well if he does call and he is willing to talk with me, he could save me the money by simply telling me if there was something that my partner was diagnosed with that I didn’t know about.  I’m on this little fact finding mission so I can determine if his death was natural or a suicide.  I believe it was natural but I can’t ask him the only other person that would know is his doctor.  My guess is this will turn into a big ugly mess.  I’m not stopping until I either get answers or my heart stops.  I want to know and I am entitled to know.

Tomorrow’s agenda includes going to the bank to close out my savings account that I have had since I was like 19 and get the money transferred into my checking account.  The checking account requires a direct deposit and the bank is going to start to charge a monthly fee.  My staying with them will depend upon how long it will take to find a job.  If I don’t see an end in sight I will pull the plug and close the checking account as well.  I also have to visit the grocery store.  I’ve managed to stave it off for 2 days but tomorrow I have to go, I’m running out of things and there is no point in being desperate and hungry at the same time. 

Well that’s it.  Time to empty litter boxes, pass out snacks and call it a night.  It’s been a very long and trying day.  I hope that this all comes to a successful conclusion quickly.  Take care and I will talk with you peeps later.

I think things are looking UP

Being some what apprehensive and anxious I sat down last night and started on the letter to my late partner.  It was very emotional and I eventually broke down.  Then I was able to write more.  Thus far I am up to 8 pages.  It felt like I was talking to him, just communicating information and bringing him up to speed.  I totally understand why my therapist suggested this.  I need to go back and finish it but probably won’t until the weekend when I have a bit more time and freedom. 

Today I got my unemployment check up on me call.  The guy said I sounded like a recording.  I get that a lot.  Anyway, he went down the list from the letter that was sent to me.  They asked for 3 places that I have applied to in the last 4 weeks.  It was easy, just go down the list and presto done.  He called at 8:45am and I of course was up at 5am because I couldn’t sleep.  I was nervous about the call, I don’t know why but I was. 

The mail today brought me a notice from the unemployment people that said until I show up in person they won’t be paying me a dime.  Thankfully I will be showing up tomorrow, but that almost got nixed. 

I got a call from what I think will be my next job.  They scheduled an in person interview as the manager told me they would be.  She had an opening on Friday at 1.  I almost took it but I figure if I keep rescheduling it is only going to hurt my bank account in the end.  So I skipped past it and we went to Monday and just as we were winding things up I realize crap I have therapy on Monday.  So we moved to Tuesday.  I hated that, I’ve always been told take the first date and time that is given, it shows you are eager.  Well I’ve got stuff planned and they are not my only lead at this point.  I honestly don’t think it hurt me one bit.  I am really pumped about it and very much looking forward to it.  My hope is we meet on Tuesday and if an offer isn’t extended in person it will be within a couple of days.

Meanwhile I was going about my business and checking my e-mail.  A job I applied for almost a month ago with a local municipality sent me and e-mail.  I figured ah it’s a rejection.  Nope they want to interview me as well.  It’s set for after hours on Monday.  They chose it and I just confirmed.  I’m qualified to do at least 1/2 of the job.  The other half would be trial by fire and that is not the ideal way for me to learn but when you do learn that way, it sticks with you.

I was lazy for most of the day and finally did manage to get a couple hours of rest.  Then I hoisted myself up and out I went.  Got momma’s medicine (she will be thrilled), picked up the mail, picked up my medicine,picked up cat food and then went to an upscale grocery store.  I was looking for Ground Beef and almost walked out with Ground Lamb.  That would have made for interesting Tacos.  I only had Breakfast and I was starving.  Saw a cute bagger boy and a lot of food that I normally don’t see at the bargain grocery store.  I walked out with some premade Mexican Cornbread, Ground Chuck (he was tasty) and a Two Layer White Chocolate Raspberry Cake.  $16, the cake was the most expensive thing and at that it was $9. 

Came home unloaded, unpacked and started cooking and making a mess.  Meanwhile the children were bugging me for food and I had just fed them 45 minutes ago.  I sware they want to eat every time the wind blows.  Speaking of which I was watching Rookie Blue tonight and TAZ started puking and after that was done he rested for a minute and climbed in the litter box and it came out the other end.  After he was done with that he jumped up on the couch to be with me, which is very much out of character for him.  I comforted him and dug the litter out of his back paws.  He wanted to clean himself up and I told him that will just make you sick again.  I got him to rest and we watched TV together.  Kind of a nice evening. 

My nerves are on fire now because of tomorrow.  I will be going to the unemployment office.  I decided to take public transportation because it will be much easier than me risking wrecking my car trying to parallel park and slug a meter.  I have to do almost a mile of walking but I’m up for it.  If it all works out I will be early and when all is said and done I will be out $4.50 – which is reasonable considering parking isn’t cheap.  I have a friend who works at this office and I am nervous that I might run into him, we haven’t talked in a while.  When I was much younger and over at his house he stuck his hand in my pants, while I was working on his computer.  It was awkward at best and he still identifies as straight.  My late partner warned me about him being after my body and I told him he was nuts, but turns out he was right.  This guy is as gay as I am, I think the only difference is he either hasn’t had sex or hasn’t had much sex.  Hopefully I am in and out and we don’t bump into each other.  If it happens I will just play it cool and see what happens.  He obviously won’t jump my bones while he is at work because he would get fired.  I actually thought about seeking him out but from what I remember his hygiene was questionable at best.  Once this little meeting is over with I will feel much better. 

I don’t want to jinx anything but I really feel pretty good about next Tuesday.  The manager I spoke with really liked me and I really like the culture in the way it’s been described.  So I think it will be a win – win or so I hope.

I did hammer out a letter to my old employer about my vacation pay.  I haven’t mailed it just yet.  When I figured out how much money it was it’s like really do you want to fight for it?  Were talking like $200 and that is before they take out taxes.  Part of me says fight for it because it’s yours and the other part of me says it’s a small amount of money let it go.  Since I am conflicted I am not doing anything at the moment.  I hope with a little time I will be able to make a decision or maybe just maybe the money will show up.  It would help pay for the garbage disposal.

Finally, I did what I have been dreading to do all day long.  Pay bills.  I have enough money to subsist for a while minus paying the mortgage payment.  However tapping into my savings and seeing it be reduced slowly but surely is extremely scary.  I am more than eager to get back to work, then there is no jeopardy at the moment for the house and I can avoid a huge mess.  I just hope and pray that it all goes the way I think it will.  If so I should be a very happy camper.  Stay tuned and we will go on this joy ride together. 

Time to wrap things up and call it a night.  Got lots of TV to watch.  NY MED, First 48 and a movie on HBO Called Kidnapped for Christ.  It was put on by Mike C Manning who I have a mega crush on and he got Lance Bass to produce it.  It’s supposed to be very good.  It’s about kids telling their parents they are gay and the parents signing there kids up for some camp where men come and snatch you out of your own bed at night and when they let you see the light of day you have no freaking idea where you are at and when or if you will ever be sent home.  Who would think a parent could or would do that to their own child.  Sexuality is something we are born with, if you don’t like it is a non negotiable change.  Sure there are people who have claimed to change but what are they really changing?  Their habits and outward appearance that is all.  Those desires for that hot guy or girl are still there deep inside of them festering like a boil about to burst.  They either learn to repress their emotions and desires or they burst at the seams and go full bore for what they really want.  Each day I realize a little bit more that it’s perfectly okay to be gay.  Even though I am pretty well adjusted to the idea it’s nice to feel more and more reassurance.

Talk with you peeps later.  Have a super, awesome, amazing, fantastic, outrageous and relaxing weekend!

Holiday Road

The meal at my friends on the 4th was okay.  I saw them heat up the Pork N Beans so I had some.  Burgers and Brats for meat and they were both undercooked for me.  If there is pink it’s not done!  Taste was average nothing to brag about.  They also had Root Beer Floats for desert which was quite bloating, but good. 

I figured out where the smell in the house was coming from.  A spot where Big Boy went at least two times.  Someone apparently decided to renew the scent.  The bladder on the steam cleaner broke so I had to use the old cleaner and got things taken care of. 

Okay that was Friday.  Now on to Saturday I awoke to the smell of cat urine again.  Someone apparently doesn’t want me to clean up that spot.  I walked into the kitchen to feed them and stepped in a puddle.  I thought it was cat pee.  Nope the garbage disposer broke and there was a small flood in the kitchen.  Who knows how long it’s been building for. 

Needless to say I was not a happy person.  So I got things contained after feeding the monsters.  Then I had some breakfast and went back to bed.  It was a sleepless night and I have no idea why. 

When I woke up I went to Lowes and got a new disposer for $179.  They had lower priced models and that is the route I went before, some 5 to 7 years ago.  I upgraded in the hopes that this one will last a little longer.  Plus it’s quieter not that it matters, since I live alone. 

I am NOT a plumber.  I watched a couple of You Tube videos and figured things out.  My two main problems were lifting the new unit in place so that I could get it mounted.  I was shaking and had used up most of my strength.  Not to mention I had not had lunch and it was pretty late in the afternoon.  I started at around 2 and finally finished around 6pm.  There were considerable breaks and I had to go back out for some parts.  The other problem was getting the plumbing connected and a hose clamp in place.  There was quite the satisfaction feeling when I was done.  Now I have an old unit that I have no idea how to get rid of.  Last time we had to pay someone to install it because the plumbing was all messed up and it required major re-work.  I kind of which I would have called someone to save me the frustration but considering I did this for $199 with tax, I figured I saved at least that if not more by doing the labor myself.  A plumber would have marked up the part and labor, but it would have been done in less than an hour. 

This experience made me realize once again that I am getting older, I am out of shape and that if you set your mind to it, you can do it. 

My next task was to work on the cat urine.  I deep cleaned it again.  Bought some urine remover and put down two applications of that.  There still is some smell left because I think someone re-marked it but right now I am letting things dry out. 

When I was done my reward was watching The Hangover Part III again.  John Goodman gave quite the performance in that.  Then I watched a movie called Private Romeo.  It was a gay version of Romeo and Juliet, cast inside of a military school.  They were talking from the play but watching the performance made me very horny.  It was a good movie!

Today I awoke to find that my side and back are very sore.  My side is throbbing.  So much that I ate a little breakfast, watched TV.  Cancelled what plans I had for today and went back to bed to sleep through lunch.  I woke up in time for supper.  Fed the beggars and had me some left over Hamburger Helper, which I made a few days ago.  I added to much water but it’s actually okay.  Just a little soupy.  I am itching for Mexican food!

I have filed my unemployment claim for the week.  Need to take care of the litter boxes, and then going to sit in front of the TV and watch time pass me by.  Hopefully, I can find something good on TV.  I’ve got a pint of Baskin Robbins Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream that I think I will consume.  I will be up for a while but hopefully the time will pass quickly because I am ready to go back to sleep and hope that tomorrow is a better and more productive day.  Not to mention I need and want a shower.

Thus far no interviews scheduled.  My hope is that changes tomorrow.  I hope you had a good holiday and weekend.  Talk with you peeps later. 

Shooting Snow

Yesterday I was sitting in my office, doing my job.  I heard 3 gun shots.  Not long after that I hear sirens of a police car.  Then an ambulance and finally a fire truck.  Turns out there was a chase on going, instead of pulling over and giving up.  The guy stopped his car in the middle of traffic, shot at the police and ran like a rabbit.  Not sure if they found him but they spent several hours looking for him.  This was close to quitting time.  Thankfully it happened away from my route home, otherwise I would have been at work a lot longer than I planned for. 

Today we got dumped on with a Winter Storm.  I made it to work in record time.  It was like a major holiday.  There were few people out.  As soon as I got in the office people started leaving.  There wasn’t anything happening at the office, but in their neck of the woods it was getting bad.  Finally it started around 10:30 and that’s when I was told I could go home.  Thank God, the news I was waiting for all day long.  I kind of goofed off a little.  I did some work but I wasn’t driven to dive in because I knew it would only be a matter of time before I left.

My car started off clean from the garage.  By the time I got home my wipers had iced up and apparently so had my brakes.  I went to stop and felt a pulsing sensation.  I braked that much harder and thankfully came to a stop.  It was a close call because I thought I was going to hit the guy in front of me.  That’s when I knew it was far better to be at home than to be out anywhere.

The big question is what about tomorrow.  We have more freezing drizzle on the way over night.  By 6AM it’s still supposed to be a mess.  I leave the house by 7:20 and usually am at work by 8 am.  I don’t go in right away but at least I am there.  I think tomorrow will be one of those judgment call days.  Where if you find out it’s horrible out, turn around and go home.  Otherwise if you can make it great.  I am fairly certain that I will make it and also certain that they will keep me for the full day.  Which kind of sucks since it will be Friday.

I didn’t get bothered much today while I was at the office.  As soon as I hit the car the phone started vibrating away.  Buzz, Buzz all the way home.  Then once I got home it got worse.  Just a couple of e-mail exchanges, phone calls all in all I would say about an hours worth of work total.  I got the rest of the day off.  I spent it napping and watching TV.  The kids were really happy.

Now it’s once again time to call it a night and I really don’t want to. However, work is work.  People are dropping like flies and my senses tell me that my job will become more demanding.  Therefore, my eyes are looking to see what other opportunities are around.  I am not eager to leave but if I get an offer with more money and better benefits, I have to take it. 

On a totally different note, I must confess that it has become very obvious to me that I am not happy.  I feel like the spark fell out of my life.  Not exactly sure why I feel this way.  This might be the Winter Blues but I have a feeling it’s more than that.  What started it all is my partner telling me that he said ever since I took a job (years ago) the serious side of me came out and the fun and daring side went into hiding.  We used to have all sorts of fun but now it seems we argue more than anything.  I know we love each other.  I just wish that I had that spark back in my life and felt happier.  I see myself going back into debt and that doesn’t help either.  I’m not head over heels in debt.  It’s a small amount.  I hate living paycheck to paycheck.  I just put my foot down and decided tonight that no matter what I have to save a minimum of $50 from each paycheck.  If I don’t look out for myself no one else will.  I am also responsible for my happiness but I don’t know what to do to make me happy.  I think a lot of my unhappiness stems from my long bout with unemployment and the grump unpredictable bastard that I am working for now.  A change in jobs I think would do wonders for me.  However, since they took a chance on me and helped me out in my time of need (despite the shitty treatment at first) I feel like I would be betraying them if I left.  Plus I finally have an office, I can work autonomously for the most part and the money isn’t bad but it could always be better.  The benefits however t-totally suck.  If you have any worth while advise on how to make me happy, feel free to pass it along.  So long as your not Dr. Drew (yes that was a pun). 

Okay time to call it a night.  Talk with you peeps later.

Z Weekend

Well we finally made it to another weekend! :)  I came home to find that the cat pissed in my bed, it was soaked.  Time to do laundry.  The one night when all I wanted to do was relax – watch TV and chill.  Nope got to do laundry.  So it was a late night.  Then my partner fell trying to get into bed.  Not exactly sure what happened there.  Anyway, he’s making all of this commotion to get my attention.  I went in and helped him up as best I could.  He finally got in bed.  Suddenly I found myself totally awake.  What to do?  Bring up Netflix and search for Tina Turner.  Yeah, I really like her a lot.  I watched a concert she did overseas in some stadium that was packed beyond full.  Pretty good show.  Then I fell asleep. 

This morning I figured out why I had so much trouble last night.  I forgot to take my sleeping pills.  If I forget them then I am screwed.  I am running low on them and my doctor is dragging his feet in writing me a new prescription.  I just sent in what will be the 4th letter asking for medicine.  I pretty much told him to get his act together because I can’t wait much longer.  All of my long term meds have to be filled through a mail order pharmacy, the rules of the insurance company.  Not my choice.  If I had my way I would be picking them up from a local pharmacy.  Short term stuff can go local.  Otherwise, you get 3 fills at a local pharmacy and if you refuse to mail order, the insurance won’t pay a penny for it and your stuck with the full cost.  I guess they have to give an incentive for people to comply.

Anyway, I woke up this morning as I said and went to ask my partner what time he wanted to do lunch.  He had an accident in the middle of the night and now I am doing his bed clothes.  I haven’t got to start my regular laundry and this has put me way behind.  I am so exhausted and beyond wanting to care but I do.

The partner has been in a crabby mood all day.  We did meet a friend for lunch.  Which was payment for me working on her computer some 3 years ago.  Yeah, I’ve been bugging her ever since to get together and she always has an excuse.  Finally I put my food down and told her we need to do this and today.  That and the fact that her other plans fell through are what made it happen.

While I was waiting for Mr. Fancy Pants to get dressed, I popped over to Walgreens to get some more Sudafed.  Turns out I was refused because I was already at my monthly allotment.  Huh – there is a monthly allotment?  Yup.  So I called my allergist straight away (do I sound British now?) and was very surprised he called in a script for me.  I’ve got a 30 day supply with 3 refills.  Insurance won’t cover it, which is no surprise.  It’s not that expensive anyway.  I asked for a 90 day supply so I wouldn’t have to make a monthly trip but I guess the government would spaz out or something.  I’m thankful to have what I do.

This evening after a short nap, I went to Office Max.  Picked up Turbo Tax, yes it’s that time of year again.  Jude – do you have to file Income Tax in Canada?  Just curious.  I got some copy paper and checked out a hot young sales guy.  He was doing some inventory and I was staring at his ass.  It was rather obvious and he didn’t seem to mind.  My main purpose of the trip was to get things for the office.  Then it was back home.

Time to work on my partners computer.  I got everything but his e-mail back to working order.  Silly me I didn’t export everything to a PST before we whacked his mail.  I thought my on line backup service would come to my aid but nope.  Outlook is picky – otherwise I would probably be able to salvage his mail.  We were arguing so that didn’t help.  He told me that he would fix it, so I’m happy with that.  Finally off the hook, phew what a project!

Work well it’s work.  Friday I got thrown my ultimate challenge that I knew would eventually come.  They wanted me to design a web site.  Yeah, I’m not a web programmer and I straight up told them that.  I said I can get quotes or we can use the people you used last time but this is not something I can do.  I figured that would get me fired but thus far nope.  Then I was talking with a co worker about the implementation of the new system and the training needs.  Since I have NEVER done this before, he gave me an idea of what we would need.  I feel like I was setup and here’s why.  I sent out an e-mail (forgot to copy in the boss man) and asked if I should order equipment and asked where the training was.  Holy crap, one person forwarded that e-mail on to my boss and then he pounced all over me telling me that I have to copy him in on every e-mail with this project.  I refuse to do that, if you want to micro-manage then you need a different employee.  You give me a job to do, let me do it  So the fine details of what we need, where this is happening and who is coming will all be ironed out on Monday.  Yeah, I’ve got a stack of e-mails that say we will talk Monday or we will talk tomorrow and that day never comes.  The person who I was talking to that has all the answers is going to work things out with the boss man.  I don’t think I will be involved but then again I could be wrong. 

The longer I stay the more I see people get shit on and get raw deals.  The more I want to leave.  I figure it is only a matter of time before it happens to me.  I’ve always looked since I was there.  Thus far I don’t see anything that appealing.  Plus I honestly don’t want to change jobs but the man I work for is a loose cannon and you just never know when he is going to blow up at you.  I hate those kind of working conditions.  Maybe I am in a foul mood or just have a sour taste in my mouth.  I don’t want to do anything rash just yet.  However, I am keeping my eyes open and if I spot a good opportunity I’m going for it.  I mean what do I have to loose?  They reject me or tell me no – that’s not a huge problem right now.  So long as I have a job I’m okay.  I guess I feel under appreciated, there is no positive feedback but when you make a mistake you never hear the end of it.  C’mon we all make mistakes, that’s just our nature as humans.  Get over it already.

Plans for Sunday.  Cleaning the house, laundry (big surprise) and goofing off on the computer.  As well as the dreaded grocery store.  I am looking forward to watching Shameless.  A new episode is on Sunday night.  I wish that show was on more often and I didn’t have to wait an entire week to find out what is going to happen next.  It’s been a long time since I have obsessed over a show as much as this.  Pretty interesting.  If you have Showtime, check it out me thinks you will like it.

I finally got around to publishing all of the comments.  Sorry Jude that it’s taken me so long.  Nice to see my blogger buddy RAD stop by.  I miss all of the connections I used to have.  Thanks Google!  Yes that was sarcasm. 

Well the buzzer hopefully will be sounding soon so I can wind down for the night.  I feel like today was a waste of a day but at least I had time off and for that I am truly thankful.  So glad that next week will be a 3 day weekend.  Yup, were closed for Presidents Day.  That will be extra sweet!  I think we should be closed for a week – let everyone do what they want and not bother them, but that clearly is a hallucination on my part. 

I hope that your having a great weekend and that your comfortable.  I see the folks on the East coast got quite the snow storm, talk about a holiday.  Wish we would have something like that here, then I would have the perfect excuse to work from home as would everyone else.  I don’t know that it would last for a week but I wouldn’t mind trying.  It’s been a very long time since we have seen snow like that.  The weather is very strange.

Ok so one more thing before I go.  Friday I was sitting in my office.  Working in a major city I hear sirens all day long.  You get used to it after a while.  It was close to quitting time.  I heard this array of sirens and looked out my window.  It was a police officer and he was clearly after a car in front of him.  They were at a red light.  As soon as the light changed the fool went as fast as he could  - the wrong way down a one way street.  Then zipped through traffic and the cop was hot on his tail.  It was like COPS right before my very eyes.  I was in such shock and awe from what I saw.  It took me a minute to realize what happened.  I can understand the desire to flee from the law but if your dumb enough to try it then your dumb enough to go to jail.  If they want you, pull over chances are things won’t be nearly as bad as you think plus you will avoid a felony charge of fleeing and eluding.  That’s is an automatic go to jail charge in every state in the US.

So now I’m done yacking.  Talk with you peeps later. 

The Bully is Back

While he is not here yet, the boss man (bully) is on his way to the office.  Thankfully he should only be here today and part of tomorrow.  Then we will be free again, that is until Monday.  So long as he stays away from me, life is all good.  I got an e-mail from him already this morning when I was sitting in the garage.  I’ve already taken care of what he wanted.

Last night I was talking with one of my co-workers and the poor thing, while she didn’t say she was miserable, just from the few words she muttered I can tell.  She asked me, so how are you ever supposed to feel secure here?  I told her simply you are not.  Security or a comfort feel doesn’t come with this job and it never will.  We are all expendable and they are not shy in any way, shape or form about firing people.  I told her that they planned on getting rid of me and that my job was and still is posted on the internet.  Wow, that shocked her.  Then I told her that they will actually interview people while you are in the office, doing your job.  As soon as they find the right person, they fire you and the hired person starts the next day.  Which is exactly what happened to the woman she replaced.  That really surprised her.  Sad to say but she is being watched and they are looking for a reason to fire her.  Not sure why, she is always chipper and seems to know her stuff.  She has had to take some time off due to family issues but it was the right thing for her to do.  Employers don’t always see that.  Especially here where peoples priorities are messed up.  They think of work first and then everything else comes second.  Sorry, not in my book – Myself and My Family are my primary concerns.  No one will ever change that, no job is worth it and there is no amount of money you can pay me.  I get that people can’t call in every day and that you have to show up to get paid.  However, if there is a family problem and I’m needed or I don’t feel well – sorry but I won’t be in.  Simple as that!

Since we are talking about the job, I have continued to look here and there.  Right now the market is as dead as it ever was.  Unless you want a contract position or something temporary, you are pretty well out of luck.  I don’t want to give up what I have until I find something better to replace it.  I thought I would never be able to say this but I am semi-comfortable here.  I know everyone and have a slight feel for how things work.  Just keep me away from the crab ass and life is good!

Wish me luck as today is the first day off of my antibiotic in 3 weeks.  I still feel a little off.  Like now I am HOT but then again the heat is on in my office.  I was hot when I left the house and took off my jacket and left it in the car.  I rode in with outside air on but had to alternate between that and heat to keep the windows clean.  Fog can be a battle and is no good when your trying to drive. 

Now on to family.  I guess I didn’t understand my partner yesterday but the Urologist removed the catheter.  He wound up peeing his pants on the way home.  He has NO control over his bladder.  When he gets the urge it just comes out, if he tries to hold it back that just makes it come out even more.  It’s all messed up.  Clearly he needs a catheter, but the doctors don’t seem to want to give in.  The urologist put him on a drug that makes him go more.  He isn’t taking that medicine just yet. 

Today he sees his PCP and is hoping for some clarification on the drugs he is supposed to take as well as a catheter.  Our insurance won’t pay for diapers so a catheter is his only option. 

I find it totally amazing that the older we get our bodies revert to that of a new born.  Some cases even our minds too.  No wonder they call getting older going through your 2nd childhood.

Saturday we get to visit the eye doctor, so my partner can find out how his eyes are and if he needs new glasses.  Those people nickel and dime you to death.  They want their money before they will even order your glasses.  I can already tell you that he doesn’t have it. So they will have to work with him or else he will be wearing the same old glasses as he is today.

I am really not sure what is up with the boys.  Two nights in a row Big Boy hasn’t slept with me. Jumper came in last night at the very last minute.  When I woke up at 5 he was sitting in my chair, which seems to be his new place.  We started out cuddling and I guess I fell asleep and he left me.  He left the room at 5 and was sitting by his brothers side when I woke up at 6.  Those two are spending much more time together and while I like that, I also hate it because it makes me thing that something is wrong.

I listened to Big Boy’s lungs last week and he sounded really good.  However, this morning he used the bathroom and he was all out of breath and open mouth breathing.  I stayed with him to calm him and then I had to get going.  I worry about him and how much longer he will be with us.  It’s been about 3 months since he had his lungs tapped and his normal record is 6 months.  I don’t want to go back to the vet with him, but if we have to we will.  Jumper needs his FVCRP shot – whatever that is.  I know it has something to do with Respiratory Infection and when we take him for that, they will want to give him a Rabies shot.  He’s not going to get Rabies, he is an inside cat, it’s just another way to sucker more money out of us.

I got the laundry done but I also wound up in bed late.  It took as long as I expected and I was really tired.  However, the important thing is we made it.  Now tonight if all goes well I will be looking to wash some long sleeve shirts.  I don’t need them right away so I can throw them in and forget about them until the weekend.  I think this will be wardrobe change weekend.  I mean I need to face facts, it’s not going to get any warmer, which sucks.  The good news is that Lawn Boy doesn’t have much more time to go so I will be saving some money soon.  That is a very good thing.

Since I have started working, I have had plans to save money and try to prepare for a rainy day.  However, there have been so many unplanned expenses that what little bit I have been able to tuck away, I have had to spend..  I hope that I will be able to change that and start on the path to savings again.

One of the ladies I work with is really sick.  She came to work today with a fever and she is schmoozing with everyone.  I say keep away, I don’t want or need it.  I don’t think anyone else here does either.  I wish sick people would stay home, especially if they have a fever.  Besides that how much work do you think she will get done today?  Probably not that much to make it worth coming in. 

I was very pleasantly surprised this morning when I arrived.  I left a nice note last night asking for my office to be vacuumed.  They not only vacuumed but they cleaned my whole office from top to bottom.  I had to rearrange a few things but damn, this was an outstanding job.  All I wanted was for the dust to be removed from the floor.  They really went above & beyond my expectations.  Which doesn’t happen very often.

I have some actual work to do, but I am waiting on FedEx to deliver a machine.  So that will help pass the day.  That is all I know right now.  I hope all is well in your world.  Take care and I will talk with you peeps later!

Don’t want to work today

I woke up feeling bad, plus it was freezing cold out and well it was a great day to stay home and go back to bed.  Too bad that didn’t happen!

I pushed myself, ate a little more and took my time getting out the door.  I drove in just because it’s quicker and I wouldn’t have to get out in the cold.

I’m here now and have been for about an hour sitting in my office.  My early morning appointment didn’t come through, I called and she was not in yet.  Go figure!  She picked the time and everything – ah well.  I left a message for her to call, we shall see when or if that happens. 

I’ve been working on my home pc trying to resolve an issue with my backup software.  Damn software is stubborn.  I think I need to uninstall Norton and the backup software.  Then reinstall the backup software, then reinstall Norton.  I really don’t want to fight through all of that from here.  It’s one of those be there in front of the machine and do it in person.  Ah, crap something else to add to my list of things to do.

Tonight is supposed to be Chicken & Dumplings with Peach Cobbler.  We just cleaned the kitchen, so I hope the chef doesn’t make a mess.  I am sure there will be plenty of dishes to do but outside of that, I hope I can have a nice relaxing evening at home in front of the TV with my Nyquil.

I would have called in today but figured that could be used against me and in actuality I am not all that bad.  My head feels better now, it’s my stomach that is suffering. Hopefully all of this crap goes away.  Coming down slowly from steroids doesn’t help.  I’m dizzy as a goose and sure that is part of the reason why I don’t feel the best. 

Got an update on my partners cousin.  Nothing has changed.  She can’t get flowers because she is in the ICU.  Ah well, I guess they will be waiting for her when she gets out, hopefully they are still alive. 

Friday afternoon, I got a phone call about a job interview.  I tried to call back on Saturday night but apparently the phones at this place were shut off.  I broke through yesterday afternoon and left a voice mail.  I am happy to interview but need to do it after hours and explained the amount of money I would need.  Both of which I am sure are turn offs but it is what it is.  If you want me bad enough then you will work with me, if not well no loss for me right now, I mean I got a job!  I just need more money and some better benefits.

That’s pretty well it for now.  All is quiet here on the western front.  Boss man not in as of yet, hopefully he will be away for the week – at least a few days at minimum.  I will be sending my note about going to travel later this week, provided I feel okay.  If things go like I think they will, next week I will be on an airplane.  When ever that trip takes place, I certainly hope that I can enjoy myself and have some leisure time.  That rush, rush stuff gets old plus flying takes so much out of me. 

Well off to see what kind of trouble I can fix today!  Hope your having a good Monday.  I will talk with you peeps later!

Monday almost done

Well the interview for Tuesday won’t be happening.  They can’t pay me what I need to make it worth my while.  I kind of suspected that.  Glad I threw that out there and was a little bold.  Otherwise, I would be wasting my time for nothing.  There are many factors to a job and accepting an offer but we all work for one thing and that’s money.  Benefits are great but you can’t slice them and pay bills.

My partner took me to work this morning.  He made me a complete nervous wreck.  He was heavy on the brakes.  The work got done, took them 2 hours.  Not sure if it was all done, I will find that out tonight.  I just can’t imagine they had the button in stock for the steering wheel but maybe it was my lucky day.

I called a few times to check on him.  Finally after a while he called me back.  He slid out of his chair and was trying to get back up.  He sounded like he had one foot in the grave.  I know he’s been through hell and back but he actually sounds really bad.  He worries me all the time and my biggest fear I know some day will come true – I just hope that won’t be anytime soon because I need him!

He is supposed to pick me up and I said I would spring for supper so we are going out to eat.  It’s at a place that has tons of cute guys so I will be sure to drool and really enjoy my meal.

Then it will be home to tend to the trash and getting ready for tomorrow.  I want to spend time with the kids and just not think about anything.  It’s been one of those kind of days.

I am actually working right now.  Waiting for Windows Updates to install on a machine.  Then I have to reboot and transfer a large file which will probably take 30 minutes to send.  Not too bad but I have to do it a total of 3 more times.  Yes, it’s a job that will be continued tomorrow.

I got a new laptop in today and planned on configuring it this afternoon but that won’t happen.  Maybe tomorrow if I am lucky.  I promised it this week so I want to live up to my word.

Today I mustered up the courage to ask the lady who the cute guy was but she wasn’t in the office.  I’m going to call her back and find out.  It’s just killing me not knowing and not being able to find him on Google.  I will have to make up a story so I don’t blow my cover but I think it’s worth it. 

So the new iPhone will be announced this week.  I am excited because then I will find out how much the 4S will be going for and I can finally upgrade.  That is provided I can see my way clear.  Time will tell.

Last night just as I was falling asleep the phone sounded off letting me know an e-mail came in.  I didn’t want to get up and check it but something told me that I should so I did.  Good thing I did, because it was the boss man.  He had a simple question that I answered and then had to watch TV for a 1/2 hour to get sleepy again.  Thought for sure I would be hung over this morning but nope, felt just fine and I even took extra sleeping medicine.

Well back to boring in watching Windows Update.  You all take care, be well and I will talk with you peeps later!

Weekend Update

Friday night met my partner at Olive Garden.  It was pouring rain.  Nothing new here it’s been rain for what seems like 2 weeks but in reality I think it’s only been 1 week.  On the way home I went to grab the mail.  He went home.  I pull up in the drive way.  The garage door is open, his car door is open and there he is sitting on the floor of the garage.  He fell again!

He is okay except for some bumps and bruises.  He is shaken up and sore.  That was it I put my foot down and said tomorrow we are going where ever you want and your getting new shoes.

Saturday I called to get a massage only to find out that my normal massage person quit.  They don’t have anyone to replace her so I had to go some place else.  I chose a health club close to home.  They act like they are the bomb but it’s just a small time place.  The massage table barley fit into the room.  It was okay for a massage but nothing too exciting.  I can’t say I will go back but if I am left with no choice then I will have to. 

After that headed home and we went out to a new large mall that is meant for walking.  That is great if your my age and can walk.  For my partner it’s hell.  We stopped to get some food, just as bad as eating at the ballpark.  He got fried chicken with all of the sides for $17 and I got a slice of Pizza and a soda for $8.  Finished off my meal with a Cinabon Cinammon Roll and got one for the Mr. too.  That was $15.  Jeez I’m blowing all of his shoe money on food.

He decided he wanted to go to the Crocs store.  He couldn’t walk it so I left him in the food court and I went to Crocs.  Damn I took the long way but I got there.  That place was just about as bad as Ohare.  So much walking and way too many people.  Damn!

Crocs store only had 1 pair of shoes in the style he wanted and they are cammo.  I didn’t get them walked back to him and he said buy them.  So I walked back via a shortcut and bought them.  In just under 3 hours we were out of that place.  Damn both of us were spent.  Me from the sugar and walking - - him from the walking and recovering from his fall.

We came home took a nap and then went out for Mexican food.  I made the mistake of getting desert and damn I felt like crap afterwards.  I didn’t want to do a damn thing.  We stopped off at Target before heading home, where I picked up cat litter and I stocked up because it was on sale.  I also got a nice new matress pad but that was $50 by it’s self.  Damn it feels good!  I got some other sundry items we needed and left.

Got home had the intentions of cleaning the house and getting ahead of the game but that didn’t happen.  I pretty much unloaded the stuff from the car.  Put in my first load of laundry.  Piddled on the computer with bills and bookeeping.  Then put on my new matress pad and went to bed. 

Sunday, I slept in got up around 9.  Had great plans for the day.  Someone puked on the carpet so I had to clean that up.  Fed the children and made Carmel Cinammon Rolls.  Had breakfeast and then sat down in front of the TV.  BIG MISTAKE.  Sleepies set in and I didn’t wake up until 2pm.  I feel like crap again today because of all of the sleeping.

We went to the store and came home.  My partner made us meatloaf for supper.  I got the house cleaned and I’m finishing up laundry now.  I might be able to swing an extra hour of me time tonight or so I hope.

Tomorrow is going to SUCK.  I noticed that one of the buttons on my sterring wheel was peeling.  Well that’s covered by the factory warranty so I made a call on Friday and got an appointment for Monday to have it fixed.  While it’s there I am getting the oil changed (early) and replacing the air filter (which they never have done but I have told them to do like 3 times) and having them check over the car to make sure there isn’t anything else that I can stick on the warranty before it expires on Thursday.

My partners vehicle needs mechanical help bad.  He’s got power steering problems, oil leaking and well the damn thing is just old it’s falling apart like he is but at a much faster rate.  We don’t have the money to pour into it so he is thinking of just letting it sit.  I mean he really only goes out when he has to – doctors, dentist appointments and the occasional trip to the store or to grab an ice cream.   I wish I could afford to get him something new or at least in better shape.  He likes his vehicle but I think fixing it up is throwing away our money.  Perhaps I will be able to help him out at some point but can’t do it right now.

The plan for Monday is he will take me to work, then take the car in and sit with it while they work on it.  I suspect it will be about an hour or two.  They will have to order the button, I am pretty certain of that.  So that means a return trip.  Crap.  Then he will pick me up from work in the evening and we will go grab a bite to eat and call it a day.  I’ve got lots of things brewing at the office and more on the way I am sure.

I got an e-mail about a job interview on Tuesday.  I sent a reply back on Friday night and am waiting to make sure that it will be worth my time.  Unless there is something that just screams to me, I think I am stopping the job search.  I am comfortable where I am at and I think (crosses fingers) that they like me.  We had a rocky start but I think all that has worked out.  I would just feel much, much better if they would take down the damn ad.  That doesn’t send me a positive message.  If this interview happens on Tuesday great, if not that’s okay.  Given the fact my partner fell and my car is going in the shop on Monday… that’s enough upheaval in the week to last me for a while.  It’s kind of in God’s hands and if he opens another door for me with more money, well I won’t say no.  I just hate to loose my office, something I have wanted for a long time.  As well as some of the other minor perks I have.  The whole office is going out to dinner next month, we are closing early so they can get to know us better outside of work.  Yeah, okay it’s a free meal so I will be there.

I have been so tempted this weekend by good looking guys.  Friday night at Olive Garden there was this blond with a nice set of guns (muscles).  Then there was another cutie sitting at the bar, he had a very nice figure.  Saturday at the mall, holy crap there were good looking guys everywhere.  One in particular that caught my eye was at the food court.  He was wearing blue shorts and he bent over what an ass!  Today we were at the grocery store and there was another young hottie there with a muscle shirt on.  I’m such a sucker for a good looking guy.  Doesn’t matter if there are brains or money just a good looking body.  Well I guess it would help if he was into me, but a boy can dream right!

That’s it.  Time to wrap this up and get ready for Manic Monday.  I will have to up the sleeping pills because when I try to relax I will find myself wide awake.  Allergies are acting up as well this weekend.  Not sure what that is about.  Thankfully sunshine for most of next week.  Talk about a welcome change!

Shame no one could help me with the good looking guy photo.  However, I will be using my detective skills to hopefully figure that out.  If I get his name I will certainly publish it here.  You all take care, enjoy your week and I will talk with you peeps later!

Need U R Help

So I went to the facility that I have been trying to get to for weeks.  What a drive and I got to drive back in the rain.  Plus I had a phone interview in the middle of the storm.  The lady was a real bitch so I increase my salary requirements.  I was going to low ball her but she acted like she was on Law & Order and I was on the witness stand.  Me thinks I priced them out of the market but if they bite for the amount of money I quoted I would go in a heartbeat!  It would be a $7 thousand dollar raise for me.  Not too shabby.

So I need your help.  I found this hunky guy on a lady’s machine.  I snagged the image and it appears below.  They told me his name but since I am so old I forgot it.  He is supposed to be every lady’s dream.  Last name I think is grey.  If you know, please leave his name in the comments section.  I would so appreciate it.

Well I’m off to relax for a bit and then it will be time for bed and back to the office.  Take care and I will talk with you peeps later.

Day 1 @ 41

As you can gather by the title, today is day 1 at 41.  Not much new from a life perspective.  Feels like it always did, just another day!

I spent my birthday cleaning the carpet in the house.  I rented a Bissell Big Green Deep Cleaning Machine.  All I can say is DAMN!  This place was filthy.  My hands and my back are killing me.  I started last night around this time and didn’t finish up until a little after 11pm.  My partner said pace your self and rest.  I told him if I stop that’s it – I don’t have a resume button.  I wanted to be done.  The carpet looks new, no kidding.  I also couldn’t get over the amount of fur that came out of the carpet.  The Dyson isn’t doing as good of a job as I thought.

We had it for 24 hours but took it back this morning to get that task out of the way.  I see a few spots where I missed, but I can get them next time.  Yeah, were going to rent one of these again.  If your thinking about carpet cleaning, look this up on-line.  If you have a Lowe’s near by you should be able to rent one with no problem.  The solution that I got with it was Pet formula and that is what ran the bill up.  Rental was only $24.  Just as I predicted Big Boy pooped on the carpet upstairs and his brother Jumper threw up downstairs.  Just new that would happen!

So my neck isn’t bothering me as much but my lower back is killing me.  As my partner would say I am stiff in all the wrong places!

Today I went to get a better pillow.  I had no idea you could pay a small fortune for a single pillow.  I grabbed a goose down pillow that was labeled as extra firm.  I didn’t know they were talking about the price.  I got to the register and the total was $85 I about crapped a goose.  Okay so I will try it, I mean it can’t hurt me other than my wallet and my nose.  I don’t think I will be allergic to it.  For the price I paid it should hump me, talk to me and help me fall asleep.  DAMN!

I got my hairs cut and used my $5 off birthday coupon.  I picked up some Paul Mitchell Shaping Cream and a bar of the body soap.  Guys, seriously you should try the Tea Tree Body Soap – use it on your junk, let it sit for a minute and tingle.  It’s the best part of the shower for me.  Your whole body tingles with this soap and you don’t feel all sticky afterwards like you would with normal soap.  Good Stuff!

Used my Netflix to watch some interesting TV.  I saw a comedian who was just okay, I don’t remember his name.  I watched a movie called 9/11 Loose Change.  That film will make you think!  I had to watch it twice, the 2nd time with my partner.  Who said it was all BS but I can’t say I believe that with the preponderance of the evidence.  I’ve seen another film similar to it.

So much to my dismay I called up Lawn Boy and his fine ass and body will be here on Wednesday to give the lawn a much needed hair cut.  All of this rain has made it grow and grow.  Were back on his schedule.  Whoopee!  We think he will get us for 4 times, which won’t be too bad.  I heard that with the drought he was hurting for money plus he got married last month.  I can’t imagine him hurting for money, he is totally loaded!

3 whole days pretty much gone.  I can’t believe it.  We did do a lot of eating out this weekend.  We did manage to go for pie.  We were both so stuffed that we had to take home a pie, no room after the delicious meal we had.  That was a nice get away.  I didn’t like driving in the rain so much, made me think we should have built an ark and rounded up the children.  Rain is the big word for weather around here and it’s going to do it most of the week.  Glad I will be asking to go on the road this week, that is if nothing gets in my way.  Just a short one day trip but one day out of the office is better than none.

Found a cool new app for my iPhone called Pinger.  It’s free text messaging.  Plus you get an e-mail address with it.  So friends can send you picture messages.  Just take your mobile number and put @mobile.pinger.com behind it and viola there you are.  If you have a friend who has e-mail but you want to carry on a conversation with, give them that e-mail address and you can talk back with them.  Plus the best part is it’s free.  Just like the other app you get an alternate number that you can use for calls and voice mail but you have to pay for minutes.  I just need free texting with the mms option.  Ha Ha to MA BELL I beat you at your own game. 

Right now I am doing laundry and off to surf the web for my regular reads, porn and whatever else I can get into.  Oh yeah, I should check on jobs.  I can’t believe that my job is still posted and it’s been 30+ days.  I will feel so much better if/when they take that down.  However, until I get comfortable with them I am not going to stop looking.  Simply a matter of trust and I don’t trust them at all.  I mean do you blame me?  Look at the way I have been treated and how they have treated other people.  I’m thankful for what I have but I can’t afford for it to vaporize out of the clear blue.

Speaking of which when I was at the store getting that pillow the lady hounded me about opening a department store credit card and told me it only takes 90 seconds.  I declined.  However, based on some of her words and the promotions this place runs I decided to apply for one on-line.  They didn’t say I was declined but based on the response I got I already know the answer.  That’s okay I’ve got one credit card and it’s getting it’s fair share of use.  I honestly don’t need more than one.

I hope that you enjoyed this weekend. 4 days and then were back to having a weekend again!  Now too bad every week couldn’t be like that.  Just think the next major holiday we will celebrate here in the US is Thanksgiving.  I’m debating if we want to do the same thing as last year w/friends or if we should just go it alone.  Time and money will tell.

Take care and I will talk with you peeps later!

Injured but still ticking

So Tuesday I rushed to make mass transit.  I made it and then we took off.  I was semi-prepared for this but I didn’t realize that my arm was about to clash with a steel pole.  It gave me quite a jerk and I’ve got a small knot on my arm.  However, my biggest problem is my neck and shoulder.  They both hurt like crazy.  I’ve been living on Ibuprofen which really doesn’t touch the pain.  I’m sure it helps with inflammation but that’s about it.

So each night I’ve come home, had supper, taken 1/2 of a muscle relaxer and waited for it to kick in.  I sit in front of the TV with an ice pack on my back.  No fun at at.  Move the wrong way and pain. 

My partner told me to go in and then come home to rest.  Sounds like a novel idea but then who would do all of my work?  I just tough it out as best as I can.  Besides that we have one more day after today and then it’s a 3 day weekend.  Nice!

I’ve been so busy at the office, barley had 5 minutes for myself.  Yesterday I got to take lunch uninterrupted.  I worked all day yesterday with this whiny female who was having problems.  She is obviously doing something to each computer she touches but not telling anyone.  I worked with her 1st on Tuesday – it was an older machine so we chalked up the errors to that.  Wednesday she moves to a brand new machine.  I had to reconfigure it via remote control – kind of fun.  Then we get it fixed and 5 minutes later she is calling it’s broken.  We went back and forth all day long.  I got tech support from the vendor and we got it working, 5 minutes later she is calling again it’s not working.  Then it was pulled away from me and given to our outside IT Firm.  They got it working last night.  Guess what, 5 minutes later it stopped.  They are at their wits end trying to fix this.  I’m telling you each machine she touches turns to shit.  No way I’d let her within 15 feet of my computer.

Boss man seems a little calmer and very well rested.  Not sure if that is the case but his appearance reflects that.  Turns out he likes to listen to music while he works.  He’s only got this tinny pc speaker.  I told him let me order you some external speakers, I can get them really cheap.  It took him a day to rethink his decision but I got to order them.  I know he will be so happy with them – they should hopefully be here before the end of the week.  Perhaps this will earn me brownie points.  My job is still on the internet, despite it being over 30 days old.  So I don’t know what to think.  Part of me says he likes me and trusts me.  The other part says it’s all an act and as soon as he finds the right person I’m gone.  Just plain confused.  My partner told me to stop looking for a job, but I simply can’t do that.  I need to stay on the trail until I either get more of a comfort feel or until something better lands in my lap.

Funny thing the place that my so called friend screwed me out of a job at, remember earlier this year?  Well, they are hiring.  Guess the person they selected instead of me didn’t work out after all.  I thought about applying but figure let it be.  They might hire me – I’d get the better benefits that I want and need but would they pay well and if they went through this other person in 6 months, what’s to say that I wouldn’t be in the same situation.  So letting them be is probably in my best interest.  Besides that if they really want me, they have my name and number – pick up the phone and call me.

So that is about as interesting as life gets here.  Looking forward to being able to rest up this weekend and the extra day off will be nice.  Yes, for those of you who are keeping track I will be turning another year older.  Time passes by so very fast.

Stay cool and dry, be well and I will talk with you peeps later!

Wiped out Weekend

The weekend is pretty much a done deal.  I was so exhausted yesterday and again today.  I really haven’t been this tired in a long time.  It’s like there is something wrong with me but I can’t put my finger on it.  I just feel super tired.  Of course now that things are winding down I got my 2nd wind.  My worry is about how I will feel tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Me & my guy got to spend a lot of time together.  Both in and out of bed.  I got all of my hairs cut.  Picked up some cat litter and other things that we needed.  The one thing we are in desperate need of is money and I can’t seem to find that anywhere. 

Friday we were supposed to meet up at Olive Garden but my guy said that his vehicle was making funny noises and he would rather I come and pick him up.  So we just went some place else.  We did OG on Saturday.  I had the Never End Pasta Bowl.  We had a waiter that was as cute as he was helpful.  If I wasn’t so tired I would have had some fun with him, just making conversation that’s all.  However, we just ate and left.  We have to go back I need more pasta.  Plus their famous Pumpkin Cheesecake is back on the menu.  It’s $7 a slice but it’s so good.  I’m not excited about the price but the taste, oh my.  We got a piece to go and I haven’t had any.  Think I will change that in a few minutes.

I fixed my guys vehicle, it needed power steering fluid.  I filled it a little full but that’s better than not having enough.  We put cat litter down on the driveway to soak up the oil the thing is leaking.  Parked in a different spot and we have a new spot forming.  The best part was when I test drove his vehicle.  He just had on some pajama pants and shoes.  No wallet, no shirt and no seatbelt.  I got on the freeway and revved it up to 80 + no problems.  No squeaks.  Then to surprise the crap out of him, not knowing he wasn’t wearing a seat belt I pulled into one of those trooper turn arounds.  You know the place where the cops sit and wait for you to come whizzing by to pull out and give you a ticket.  Yeah, I hit the breaks a little hard and he damn near went through the windshield the whole time telling me, you can’t turn around here.  Please don’t tell me what I can’t do, it only makes me want to show you what I can do.  Plus I checked and there wasn’t a cop in sight, yes I know it was illegal and I shouldn’t have done it but I did do it.  He wasn’t hurt just a little shook up and I told him he broke the law for not wearing his seatbelt.

He needs some vehicle repairs to fix the oil leak for starters.  I’m not sure if there is or isn’t anything else wrong with it.  It’s old and has 105, miles on it.  It’s been a good vehicle but the pain is peeling and you can tell the poor thing is just crying to head to the crusher.  However, he can’t afford a new one or even a used one.  So we will have to figure something out.

Today we went to the grocery store and when we came back I noticed some papers on the porch.  We don’t have a mailbox and that just frustrates the hell out of people.  All the more reason to keep it that way.  We have a PO BOX for our mail.  Anyway, he figured a friend stopped by.  I said no one stops by here.  I thought it was from the dreaded homeowners association.  I was right.  They want to put a lien against the house because we haven’t paid our dues.  Funny thing is they formed they had this association in place at the time we bought the house but it was dormant.  Our relator didn’t tell us about it and we have never ever given these bastards one dime.  They have threatened for years to file a lien but never have.  I think it’s a bluff – we still have no plans for giving them a dime.  They can file all of the liens they want but they won’t get a penny.  Besides that the lien doesn’t have to be paid off until you go to sell the property.  They also think that the house is owned by a person.  Nope it’s owned by a Trust.  I feel like putting a fuck you sign in the front yard.  If we lived some place fancy it would be different but this is just a way someone figured out to take money and not do a damn thing.  They erected a big fancy sign at the entrance to the subdivision, big deal.  We have 2 commons areas that they need money to pay insurance on.  Outside of that they don’t do a damn thing.  They are useless and that is why we don’t plan on paying them.  Besides that if we would have known about them we would have never ever moved here in the first place! 

Big Boy is having some coughing fits.  He scares me.  I increased his medicine and it will take a few days before there is any benefit to it.  I listened to him tonight and he sounds horrible.  It didn’t help that I got out the vacuum cleaner today.  That excites him in a bad way and he runs for the basement.  He is supposed to be kept in a cool, stress free environment.  Any stress will worsen his condition and cause him to go into Respiratory Distress or Failure.  We know he is on the fast track to the grave, I mean we would be kidding ourselves if we didn’t admit that.  However, he still has a lot of life left in him.  I keep praying for a miracle and hoping that we can get more time out of him.  I spend as much time as I can with him.  We sleep together most every night.  We are all pretty close here.  I just can’t imagine my life w/o any of these creatures.

My partner likes Pandora, I showed it to him on my Roku box.  Plus he turned me on to Jeff Dunham.  A ventriloquist.  Damn he is funny.  He has a character called Walter that reminds me of my partner in some ways.  Below is a clip for your viewing pleasure.

 

I’ve also discovered Maroon 5 – I really love their music.  Their lead singer is pretty cute, a little too much ink for me but damn he has got a nice body.  Take a listen to a couple of my favorite songs.

 

So did all of the usual cleaning and laundry.  Time to relax a bit before it’s time for bed and Monday.  Crap a whole new week!

Tomorrow should be fun, I ordered a memory upgrade for my system, plus I’m supposed to be getting dual monitors.  Of course this is all work for me to do since I’m the IT Guy but at least I will benefit from it.  The monitors are legal & approved.  The memory upgrade well I got that on my own.  I love spending their money.  Especially when I think about how they want(ted) to get rid of me.  I just can’t seem to recover from that.  There are so many things I want to do but they require either a long term commitment or a contract – since I don’t know from day to day if tomorrow I will have a job I just have to do with out. 

It kind of sucks – I mean I really like my job, some of the perks are things I’ve wanted my whole life.  However, I work for an ass hat a total fucktard.  Who would sell his own mother if he could make so much as a dime.  That has made my life so unhappy.  I just want to be free – happy and able to enjoy life.  I mean the last 2 years have been absolute hell and it’s time to sit back and enjoy life again.  Part of me is mad at me for letting him affect me this way.  The other part of me is wishing, hoping and praying that this will either work our or a new job will come along.  Either way, I DO NOT want to be without a job for so much as an hour.  Unemployment T Totally Sucks!

Well that’s pretty much all I have for now.  I need to tend to laundry and prep for Monday.  Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my babble.  Take care and I will talk with you peeps later!

Happy Friday

We made it to yet another Friday!  I’m looking forward to 2 wonderful days away from work.  I hope to relax and renew myself so that I am ready for whatever next week brings!

I’ve been meaning to tell you about two wonderful services that I have come across.  The best part is they are both F R E E.  #1 is a site called CreditKarma.com, this site will allow you to see your credit score every single day.  It also shows you your insurance credit score and over all report card on your credit.  You can’t get your credit report here.  I heard about it on the radio when I was traveling and it sounded like it was too good to be true, but I checked it out and I’m very happy with it.  Check it out and I think you will be happy too.  #2 is Pandora, it’s a radio service that streams through the web.  Any kind of music, put in the title, author or theme (i.e. Techno, Pop, etc.) and they will play what will be music to your ears.  There are commercials, but that is all a part of it being free.  Don’t like commercials, then you can sign up for Pandora One, it’s $3.99 per month and there are no commercials.  Kind of cool.  Plus there are iPhone apps for both of these services.

Speaking of iPhone’s I really want to upgrade mine but the iPhone 5 should be coming out next month.  The downside is that the dock connector will change and that means buying new car adapter and extra charging cables.  Plus we still have the fact that my job isn’t exactly secure.  I mean I think I am okay but I honestly don’t know for sure.  So I’m holding off for now.  My iPhone is acting up but I’d rather put up with the minor inconveniences than enter into a contract that I am not sure if I can fulfill. 

Last night on the way home, I was kind of happy that I still had my 3GS.  No flash and no sound on silent – means you can take photos of people and they have no clue.  Kind of stalkerish, I know.  There was this cute guy wearing an awesome purple shirt and he had some muscles, I just couldn’t help myself.  I see him all the time and last night I just felt like living on the edge a little.  :)

Things at home are okay, Big Boy still making it.  He has coughing fits but he craves attention like a fat man craves cake.  He has this habit of laying in his food.  That sure messes up his coat and I play hell trying to keep him clean.  He is a full time job for me but he’s my boy and totally worth all of my efforts.  I mean I can feel the love back and know that he appreciates what I am doing for him.  Even though he might not like it, he knows it’s all done out of love.

I’ve got to get the Shy Girl this weekend.  Her claws are far too long and starting to curl.  She is getting caught in everything.  I don’t like going after her because she gets mad at me and looses her bowels in the process.  Literally it scares the shit out of her.  She knows I am doing it out of love but that doesn’t stop her from trying to kill me in the process.  When she gets mad you can feel the venom and wow she has some powerful breath.  Sweet little thing when she isn’t upset.  Grab the welding gloves, paper towels, furminator and claw trimmer.  Okay were ready for battle! :)

So I guess it’s time to go to work  First I have to check and see if there are any new jobs, then I guess I will get to it.  I’m meeting an old co-worker today for lunch.  Looking forward to that.  Oh, I found out that my lunch is technically only a 1/2 hour but since no one has bothered to tell me that, I am working under the assumption that 1 hour is fine.  Besides I think it all evens out, given the OT that I put in.  Just can’t wait to get some place where I am truly appreciated and feel like I belong.  This place is great if you don’t mind being kept in the dark and working with guidelines that you know nothing about.  The slightest mistake and it could cost you your job.  No one needs to work like that.  It’s not good for mental or physical health. 

Have a great Friday and an awesome weekend!  I will talk with you peeps later.

Bored, Tired & Ready 2 go home

Through modern technology I am able to blog from work.  Yep, I am sitting at my desk on the clock with not a thing to do.  The boss is away, at least today – hopefully for the rest of the week.  Only time will tell.

So I walked in this morning and the door was locked.  That has never happened to me.  First time I had to use my key to unlock the door.  I was surprised to see people in the office when I arrived.  Normally when folks arrive they unlock the door so when I schlep in I can just turn the handle and walk right in.  We have so many new people that they probably don’t realize the door should be unlocked.  No worries I got in, so that is all that really matters.

I really am soaking up today being a down day.  I hate not having anything to do but that will all change soon enough and I will be busier than I want to be.  Lots of equipment on order, waiting for it to arrive.

I placed a couple orders this morning to put the finishing touches on what I will need to take care of WIFI next week.  Yeah, the arrangements are still pending but I am hoping to leave on Sunday or Monday.  As soon as I know something for sure, I will blog about it.

One of the new people told me they came in over the weekend and sat in my office.  They just love the view so much.  I wanted to say jealous much?  I didn’t though.  Normally things like that would set me on fire, I hate it when people are in my space when I am not around, especially if they move stuff in my space.  However, it didn’t bother me at all.  Most people here close their office doors as night and those that lock, are locked.  Not me, my door is wide open.  Everything that needs to be locked up, is. That way there is no worries of anything growing legs.

I talked with my brother last night, he is sick.  I don’t get it why so many folks this summer have been sick.  Summer is usually a ticket to freedom for me when it comes to being sick.  Fall, Winter and Spring are my bad seasons.  Summer, nope not a problem.  That is not to say my allergies have not gone nuts because they have, but I am managing.

Anyway, I told him that I would be gone for some where between 1 and 3 weeks.  Man he was really surprised.  I told him that is why I need his help with Big Boy & medicine.  I’m pretty sure if I am gone for 3 weeks and the big guy doesn’t get his medicine that it won’t be a pretty site.  Skipping 1 or even 2 days is the most that I would want to go, it’s the most that we have gone.  Well that is until the first time I traveled.  My partner did his best but there were more than 2 missed days.

So much to think about and plan for when you figure in travel.  A lot of the stuff I do like dishes, trash, cleaning are things that my partner can’t do because he has issues with mobility and balance.

Speaking of him, I checked in at lunch time and he is super sleepy today.  Doesn’t feel like doing much.  Sounds like we are going to go out for Mexican food.  I am always in the mood for that.  Maybe I can have some what of a relaxing evening or so I hope.  I still have to get the trash out, pack my lunch and finish laundry. 

I was hung over this morning, like crazy.  I took my sleeping pills late and was up later than I wanted to be.  I still managed to some how wake up from a nightmare 1 minute before the alarm clock went off.  Go figure!  It wasn’t until after lunch that I really woke up.

Funny all of these people passing by my office, seeing me type away.  They think I am working.  Got them fooled.  I just wish that I would get my new keyboard, I am so ready for change.

Speaking of which my job is still posted on-line.  I’ve done my fair share of looking but there really isn’t much out there.  All the more reason why I hope I can keep what I have and make it work, until something better comes along.  I want to avoid unemployment at all costs.  I simply can’t afford not to have a job.

Having a credit card again has helped me out.  My partner and my brother as well as myself all feel that I will over extend myself.  So far I have used it the way a credit card should be used.  Charge it up and when the bill comes pay it off in full.  Problem is that not having cash now and having available credit is all too tempting.  I do a pretty good job of managing but it would help a lot more if I got closer to my old salary.  Then I would worry a lot less.

That is all I can think of at the moment.  We are back in the oven this week, it’s SUPER HOT.  How hot?  Well I walked out of the house this morning in a white shirt.  With all of the heat it turned International Orange.  Ah, well it’s a good joke.  It’s really my new orange shirt.  My partner still laughs at me for buying and wearing it.  I guess because it’s so LOUD and I am not normally like that.  Take care, be well and I will talk with you peeps later!