Going Back

Hey everyone – It’s been a crazy weekend. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Busy Friday

Morning and Happy Friday!  I hope that you have a great day.  It’s going to be a busy day for me, lots to do at work today and my stress level will be slightly elevated but I have no doubt that I will get through this day. There are more projects and work in my future so today is a bump in the road, much more stress awaits in the future.  I suppose at least I have something to look forward to.

Last night while I was getting ready to consume the last of the left over (horrible) pizza I got a pop up that one of the gay doctors I follow was going live.  I hadn’t seen him in a very long time and was wondering about him the other day.  Turns out he just took some time off from social media.  I get that can be stressful as well as time consuming.  In any event he did his live because he wanted to talk about Monkeypox.  Turns out that it spreads via skin to skin contact, so you don’t need to have sex with someone who is infected to get it.  That means that this isn’t a Homosexual disease.  You could brush up against a person while standing in line at a concert, in line at a restaurant and become infected.  The good doctor indicated that it could also potentially be spread similar to COVID through droplets in the air.  Considering he wanted to bring some awareness to the matter I felt I would do the same.  Below is a screen shot of what I found on Google that confirms spread via skin to skin contact.  Another point the good doctor made that caused me to pause for a moment was the fact we just dealt with (and are still dealing with) a pandemic.  You’d think that we as a country (USA) would be better prepared for the next Endemic or mass out break of a virus.  That is a very good point. 

In other news I saw an article last night about NPH’s new series Uncoupled that launched today on Netflix (8 episode series).  There is a Dick pic in the show and NPH had input as to what his characters Dick looked like.  He is apparently proud of what he is packing.  Well I say if your so proud then why not use what you were born with instead of some Hollywood enhanced made up Dick.  Hey I am just happy I get to see his rear end.  This truly will be my treat for this week and I can’t wait until this day is done so I can tune in and tune out life if only for a short while. 

Gator was driving me a bit nutty last night after I went to bed so I had to remove her from my room.  I know that she was hungry but I gave her food and she decided she didn’t like what I put down.  Kind of like a parent to a kid, you don’t like supper well then I guess you will go to bed hungry.  She was chomping at the bit when I woke up.  I barley could use the bathroom, she was really crying up a storm.  So much so that she followed me to the kitchen just like when she was younger and her and her siblings would jockey for position to see who could get the first bite.  I got her taken care of.  She got some water and ate only part of the can.  Then retreated to the couch.  She waited for me to get dressed and then I fed her from the couch until it was time for me to come down and start my day.  She seemed quite pleased with herself and with me.  Now she is most likely in a slumber from a food coma.  That will only last so long and then it will be time for lunch.  Thank God that the food I ordered her from Chewy will be here today.  That should help keep her happy and me off of her naughty list if only for a short time. 

Cheers to the weekend.  I hope that it’s a great one for all of us!  Bye for now. 

Then there were 2

Last night I was fortunate enough to see the Raccoons.  I had pretty well given up that they had moved out.  Momma is down to just her and 2 babies.  The slow one who likes to lag behind is still around.  They all walked off last night to the neighbors fence and then heard or saw something and all of them came running back.  They waited and eventually walked off again but went in the opposite direction.  It was still dusk but I guess everyone was hungry.  I hope that they got something good to eat and made it back to home base.  Gator was watching them with me, I think she is interested in them.  For all I know she hears them.  This was the best way for the day to end, it made me feel good.  I am still tempted to feed them but I am not. 

Gator’s next order of Chewy will be here tomorrow.  I am looking forward to it, right now it’s difficult to find the right mix of food to give to her.  She only woke me up once last night and oddly enough she was sleeping in my room.  She did try to rouse me an hour early from bed but I resisted, I wasn’t able to go back to sleep but I wasn’t quite ready to get up.  I was up from 3a to close to 4a.  I had a dream that I saw an old co-worker and then I woke up.  After that it was difficult to go back to sleep.  The co-worker I am speaking of passed away a couple years ago but I still think of him often.  He had a lot of knowledge.  Might have had something to do with me marking 8 years yesterday, not sure. 

I saw Mom’s Night Out last night.  It was a pretty good movie and I found it on Starz.  They have a lot of gems that I have never seen before.  It’s included with my TV Package so I figure might as well make the most of it.  There still is very little on that I am interested in so evenings are always a hunt to figure out what to watch.  YouTube is getting a little old but I do still watch some videos. 

Tomorrow is going to be a very busy day but I am looking forward at the end of the day watching Uncoupled with NPH, I hope that it is as enjoyable as I am expecting.  I saw the trailer and that’s why I have high hopes for it. 

I’ve got a restaurant in mind to hit up over the weekend.  Kind of depends on how I feel if I will actually go there or wind up talking myself into something else.  I have some lingering feelings of being unwell but I don’t really have any symptoms that I had earlier in the week.  Hopefully those feelings will dissipate over the next few days.  

I got the doc to send a short term script for my Sudafed to a local pharmacy.  Damn it all if they aren’t out of it as well.  They are trying to get more just like the big mail order pharmacy.  Amazon sadly doesn’t carry the strength that I need, they have a slow release 24 hour version and I may wind up switching to that in the end due to availability.  My body is used to the 12 hour version and I don’t get sleepy from taking it like I did when I first started.  My hope is that both the local pharmacy and the mail order one will be able to source the medicine and fill the prescriptions.  I’ve got another weeks supply and then I will be hurting. 

It has been a very busy morning with plenty to do.  Now that has worn off and I am caught up I am sleepy.  Partially from being up in the early am hours and partially because my bodies default behavior when I am bored is to sleep.  A nap and lunch sounds good.  I had a great Braunschweiger Sandwich yesterday and plan on making another one again today.  It’s rich but very good.  Nothing like when I was a kid, that was the stuff to get.  I went to work with one of my many step fathers one Saturday and there was a deli across the street from the store he worked at.  I remember walking in there and getting a Braunschweiger Sandwich and they knew what they were doing.  It looked horrible but I ate it and turns out that was THE BEST sandwich I have ever had.  I’ve been trying to recreate it ever since but nothing comes close.  It was the meat and the cheese they used, super fresh and ultra quality. 

I was able to view my paycheck this morning on-line and yeah that bonus is on there and it looks really nice.  Can’t wait until that slides into my account.  I am going to save some of it.  You never know when you will need your rainy day fund. 

That’s about all of the blabbering I can muster for now.  Hope that your doing well and looking forward to the weekend.  Take care, stay hydrated and be safe. 

Back at it

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Graveyard Dead

I really want whatever infection, germ, virus or bug that has plagued me for so long to be graveyard dead and gone.  I am so over this!

I finished out the week by working from home, with the thought process that I would be able to return on Monday.  Right now it’s Saturday and I have no idea if I am going physically back on Monday.  Based on how I feel today I would say it’s a big no.  I did put a message into my doctor in the hopes he would authorize the antibiotic that I believe is best suited for me but thus far no response.  I think I will wind up having to go in and if that’s the case I know I won’t get to see him, I will need to settle for an NP and I despise them because they think their Gods but in reality they just hold the ability to write a prescription but didn’t bother to put in all the work it would take to become a full fledged MD.  It’s like a Security Guard vs a Police Officer.  There want to be’s and it just rubs me the wrong way probably because I have had an awful time most every time I have an encounter with them. 

At any rate, I had the muscle pain in my shoulder that was killing me.  I took a stronger muscle relaxer and a narcotic for pain.  I slipped into a slumber somewhere after 11p.  It was slow to react and didn’t wipe me out hard like I wanted.  However, once I was down I was out and I didn’t get out of bed until 6a and that was to change beds.  Then I got up at 9a.  Gator was singing her head off.  I got some breakfast and then watched TV.  I felt horrible and mornings are usually that way, until all of the fluids level out and my head has a chance to drain.  I went back to sleep by 10a and then finally got up around 1p.  I sat around and watched more TV and had to pass out lunch. 

I thought about what I really had to do today.  Get the mail, get something to eat and get cat food.  Well I got the first two done but the cats will have to wait until tomorrow for food.  I had a shower for the first time in 3 days and man alive that felt really good but it was exhausting.  I tire out quickly like I am an old man, I know it’s just the infection but it’s also what I have to look forward to when I am many years older and have no infection.  It’s called old age. 

We do have enough to creep by another week but it’s just not a wide variety like they are used to.  I am also out of lunch food, which are smaller cans.  I am happy to report that everyone is eating and drinking.  Life for the felines appears to be well in order and everyone even though a year older this week appears no worse for the wear.  They are heavily concerned about me and want to be around me when I am upstairs.   

I have to rise early tomorrow because this is a server patching weekend and since I am on-call I am responsible for testing for my team.  I used to seem to get this every month and I hated it but now it’s just once and a while but I still hate it.  The good part is the day starts early but that is also the bad part.  I have a couple loads of laundry to knock out tomorrow, grocery & cat food shopping that’s it.  I don’t know that I will push myself to clean the house but then again it depends upon how I feel. Last dose of the steroids tomorrow.  Day 2 & 3 are when I am at my best and it’s all down hill after that.  I don’t want to go on another dose but if they think it will work then hell I am all for it.  I want to get back to my “normal life”.

In dating news, I saw one of my favorite waiters that I have wanted to ask out for a long time show up on a dating app this morning when I was swiping.  I couldn’t believe it.  I did a double take and sure enough it was him.  Shirtless photos helped.  He’s 32 which isn’t terribly young for me and I think we have the potential for making it work but we have to match first and right now the ball is in his court.  It was refreshing to see a familiar face.  My gaydar is 50% I wasn’t for sure about this guy being into guys but looks like this time I was right.  Now I just hope he’s in to me because I am a little older than him.  I haven’t given up on the dating apps but it is might depressing and lonely.

Speaking of which I have found myself back in my FB group for gay widows, reading stories and passing out advice like it’s candy.  Makes me feel good that I can potentially help someone.  There is a lot of heart ache in the world and if I can help just one person that is gratification enough. 

I need my evening medicine and then it’s back to the TV.  I did see Laugh In on Netflix with NPH.  I didn’t LOL but it was entertaining.  I’d call it worth your time if your interested.  Plenty of celebs and witty jokes and situations.  Lilly Tomlin was also in it and she is a riot.  Also caught up with the latest episode of Patriot Act.  It was all about the Internet and how the providers have a monopoly over US Government and they never ever encroach on each others territory.  Very interesting and eye opening.  Give it a whirl if your looking for something to watch. 

Thanks for stopping by.  That’s all I have for now.  Do come back to see how I manage to survive whatever it is that has decided to take up residence in my body and the other trials and tribulations of my life.  Hope you have a great day ahead!

Better

Yet another week is done, it’s been a rocky one but things are starting to get better. For starters I made it to work all 5 days, despite not wanting to. I actually had a valid reason to work from home for a couple days. That reason was traffic. We had several bridge issues this week, one of which was closed and it created a nightmare commute both to and from work. I mottled through it and made it to work each day on time but not as early as I typically am. One day I skipped giving the kids their medicine I just jetted out the door and drove like a bat out of hell to get into the thick of things.

As you know I have been concerned about my blood sugar. Well I got some good news yesterday when I did one of my many finger sticks (yes, they hurt) I saw positive progress. That trend continued into this morning so I think that the new medicine is finally starting to work. The concern I have with it is that after 1-year people taking it are at a greater risk to contract bladder cancer. So, I have to talk with the doc about that. Seems every medicine has risk factors or side effects and you can’t combat them all. I also know that one day my heart will stop as will yours, it’s just part of life.

No news from my brother as we get dangerously close to his impending supposed wedding. I think about it from time to time but I have let the anger go. It’s more like disappointment. It’s no surprise that he isn’t reaching out to me anymore. She is in control and dictates who he communicates with, plus he knows how I feel about her and I am sure she now knows how I feel about her and her family. I do hope they are happy and that this works for them.

I had plans to drive to the buffet today and was so looking forward to it all week long. The weather was nice and perfect day to take a drive. I woke up and my neck/shoulder was killing me. I made it to breakfast and the post office, after that I had to call it quits. Motivation be damned I spent another Saturday holed up at home. I watched a lot of TV and took a short nap. I made it out for supper and cat food. Now I am taking care of my usual Saturday business.

The best thing in the mail today was my refund check for my tires. I paid them off when the bill came and having the extra money now sure does look good. I am going to go on an Amazon shopping spree and now they offer 1-day delivery to prime members, which is a really good deal.

The temperatures are getting more summer like and I had to kick on the AC to get comfy. Glad I have that luxury item or living here in the summer would be miserable.

I have had a couple times this week where I have taken a step back and realized how good life is, counting my blessings if you will. I am not wealthy or living the luxurious life but I am doing pretty good for a single window gay guy. Need to step up my game on getting a man. Looked at a few more dating apps this afternoon but none of them looked to be appealing and they all want money before you can get any real benefit out of them. I am not interested in giving my money away like that.

In other news I have an app on my phone to combat fraud/spam and other unwanted calls. I can even manually block numbers and I pay a small price for this each month. The annoying thing is that occasionally somehow a call slips through and comes up as unknown. Well I did some serious research this week and I believe I have a solution. I’ve got an iPhone 7. The fix was to create 2 new contacts. 1 called Unknown and the other called Unknown Caller. Both have the same phone number as 000 000 0000. Then I went into settings – phone – call blocking & identification and then to the bottom of the list and chose block contact. I had to do this 1 time for each contact and presto Unknown and Unknown Callers are now blocked. If a call slips through they get shunted to voice mail. With my app that I pay for callers that are blocked get a fast-busy signal. The call gets logged in the app and that’s all there is to it. Funny thing is the unknown callers don’t ever show up in the app. I’ve got a home phone and for maximum bang for my buck I forward my home phone to my cell phone. It really helps a lot. Sadly, most calls I get are spam/fraud related. I really only hear from either someone at work because they need/want something or a specific friend.

Given today’s modern communication choices of text, video, email or phone call, my preference is a phone call. You can accomplish so much more and cut to the chase eliminating the back and forth. It’s straight forward and you get a real time response.

Next weekend will be an eye exam from a new eye doctor. I am interested in getting a different opinion on my eyes. I don’t plan on buying glasses or changing lens, all of that is working fine and I am more than happy with what I have. Hopefully I don’t get any unpleasant news, which isn’t expected. We also have a 3 days weekend as Monday the 27^th will be Memorial Day. 4-day work week and I will be on-call. I won’t be complaining that I get a shorter on-call shift. Things have been super quiet lately and hopefully that pattern continues for a while.

Best thing outside of the blood sugar is I heard a podcast with Neil Patrick Harris. He was on Life is Short with Justin Long. Wow, he’s really a sexual guy. He looks good and the way he talks is exciting. I’m hot for him even if he is a married man. It’s an interesting interview and I learned that NPH apparently is a fan of rim jobs. Who knew outside of his husband. Yeah it was a really good interview!

Hope you had a great week and are relaxing this weekend. Monday will beckon soon enough. Might as well have some fun and get in a nap or two! Cheers for now as I go back to laundry.

Weekend Update

Friday night… I came home rested a bit on the couch, remember eating something just not sure what it was.  I got my late partners monitor and hooked it up to my new desktop.  Now I have 2 monitors, just like I am at work.  The only problem is the color temperature is not as bright, but it does serve it’s purpose quite well.  I am amazed at the fact that I made it fit, with some reorganization.  It’s taking some getting used to but I think I will keep it.  I found the receipt for it and I only paid $197, so not bad at all – plus it’s a 2nd screen that was just sitting idle. 

Saturday… I got roped into picking my mom up and taking her to the lab.  I did that and then headed for the buffet.  I had a good meal but the drive to get away just didn’t feel as freeing.  Mostly because I was tired already.  I came back home and had an e-mail, earlier in the day I signed my mom up so she could get her lab results electronically.  Only thing is she didn’t know her e-mail address, so I used mine.  Wouldn’t you know it about the time I wanted to lay down and nap, I had to print out lab results and take them to her.  Well she didn’t know that I was coming, so I got my nap in first and then went to see her.  She was really surprised.  I figured that I would take them to her since she has been chomping at the bit to get them for almost a month.  Her surgery for a cornea transplant is supposed to happen next week.  Hopefully, all goes well.  She told me and my brother that she hopes Santa brings her a car for Christmas.  That isn’t going to happen – besides that I think we both feel the same thing, she need not be driving. 

While I was there I had some pizza and got to meet my brothers girlfriend.  Her name is Barbie but she looks more like a cow.  No really she is a chunky money, which kind of surprises me.  She had her hands all over my brother at times and we were able to talk for a little bit.  I kind of wish I had a guy I could introduce them to.  My mom asked me so have you started dating yet?  I said yeah I did that and she said so how did it go?  I said not well.  So now she tells me well it was too soon anyway.  That’s nice glad you think that.  Last time I checked it was my life and I was in charge.  It may in fact be too soon and I may be rushing things and I may be anxious but it’s still my life.  I didn’t say all that – those are just thoughts.  I broke the news that I am a homeowner now and it’s all mine!  Then mom starts up how we should all live together.  Okay I think it’s time for me to go on that note.  I have no desire to live with her or my brother and well you all aren’t moving into my place, that is for damn sure. 

Sunday… Ah the extra hour of sleep.  The cats are so confused and don’t know up from down.  All they know is we need food.  I got to sleep in but had to fight for that right.  I had IHOP for breakfast, made it to 2 grocery stores and then home.  I didn’t really single anything out for supper and I spent my money lightly at both stores.  So I treated myself to Steak & Shake for supper.  I wanted a milk shake but instead will have Ben & Jerry’s as I watch a movie.  Thinking of watching Sex Tape, simply because it sounds funny and who doesn’t need a laugh. 

I put BLU’s paw prints on top of his urn and well that was a little emotional and conjured up some feelings.  I still have regrets when I think about him but it’s done and I don’t and won’t get a “do over”.  He will always be alive in my heart.  I wish that he and my late partner were coming back from a long vacation but I know that isn’t going to happen.  Sitting looking through dating apps at different guys and thinking of who will be his replacement well that just makes me think I will never find said replacement.  I am actually starting over, not looking for a replacement – but there are some qualities that are a must and I have to know who ever I decide to hitch my wagon to has my back at all times, at all costs, no matter what that no one or nothing will come between us. 

The truck sure got a workout this weekend.  It never goes anywhere and well it’s got it’s get up and go back.  My mom still wants to buy it but we know that isn’t going to happen.

I did finish up Neil Patrick Harris’ book it was very entertaining and I learned a lot about him.  He has done so many things that I wasn’t aware of as I suspect most of the world wasn’t aware of.  David Burtka is one lucky guy, I say that all the time.  So now I have moved on to How To Win Friends & Influence People in the Digital Age.  I figured that might help me with dating.  I rather enjoy audio books and listening during a commute well it’s better than music to me.  I think Audible might just have there hooks into me. 

Speaking of hooks well I should get upstairs and start on Ben & Jerry’s the night will be over after a movie.  Plus the children await and there are still some wrap up chores that I need to do.  So I will talk with you peeps again soon.  Ugh, back to Monday tomorrow.  Good news is that 2 weeks after this week it will be Turkey day here in the US and that means a very short work week, which I am so looking forward to.  I hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Friday

Well we finally made it again, thank goodness!  I got a confirmation e-mail that the home loan has officially closed, so the place is legally mine now.  Woop Woop! 

Work is yet another busy day.  I’ve been going from the time I got here and probably won’t stop for a while.  At least I hope not I am in the downward spiral of the day.  Looking very forward to quitting time.  Going home to have a can of Steak N Shake Chili and pick up my next Man calendar, which is waiting on my front porch, according to UPS.  Speaking of UPS I need to go buy a replacement (Uninterruptable Power Supply) for the modem and router.  The one I had shot craps.  I can probably get a replacement battery but it’s a very low grade model and I think replacing it, if the price is right would be the way to go.  Plus I’d like to get a 2nd one for the TV in the living room, it will just be peace of min, but again the price has to be right.  Amazon is my friend but I would rather go local if I can.  So will be checking into that.

Last night I am sitting comfortably at the table eating Ben & Jerry's when my mother calls.  Remember my weekend plans, well she tried to wreck them.  I have to take her to the lab because she says they won’t release the results of her blood work that was done over 2 weeks ago to the doctor.  Someone isn’t communicating correctly but okay.  So I am going to pick her up and cart her to and fro … then I am leaving town and going to head for the buffet.  I will be charging up my portable speaker tonight so that I can listen to NPH or music while i am on the way. 

I find it very entertaining to listen to NPH read to me, it’s more like a conversation and it is comforting and enjoyable.  I still want to nod off on the way home but just not as much.  I really wish I had someone to go home to, I mean besides the cats.  Being single and alone has it’s advantages but having company does too, plus if dinner were waiting for me I could be that much more productive with the little time I spend at home during the week.  Ah well, maybe some day that will happen.  Still no luck with online dating but maybe that is for the best, I am just not sure.  I would like to skip the games and just move straight into the relationship part where you can tell if it is or if it isn’t going to work.

All of the children are doing well, sucking up as much attention and food as they can get out of me.  Sleeping is a chore since now more of them want to move in to my room.  I let one of the girls stay plus the two boys and I pretty well have a full house.  Right now I am longing for a nice hot and relaxing shower and then to dry off, watch TV and relax …. slowly falling asleep.  I had no set agenda, but my mother has changed that and now I have to get up early.

The big thing with mom is well I will be driving my late partners vehicle.  It needs some road time, because I never go anywhere with it, other than short around town trips.  That is not what a vehicle was made for.  Get on the open road and fly, that is what it was meant for.  Bringing that vehicle will cause the whole conversation about selling it to her.  I really don’t want to go there.  She also told me that she would take me out to eat afterwards as a thank you.  I told her that I already had plans.  So hopefully things go well and I can move on.

So this is the big time change weekend, Saturday night fall back 1 hour.  Ah, an extra hour of sleep that will be nice.  It will feel odd for a while but I will get used to it.  Sort of like the cold weather, temps have really dropped here.  Time to break out the long sleeve shirts, sweaters and the like.  Ugh, I hate long sleeves.  This year to Thanksgiving I am thinking of wearing a bow tie.  I have always wanted to wear one and my late partner has always talked me out of it.  They are usually reserved for the preppy upper class or the people who are just plain pompus, at least that has been my experience.  I am neither of those, but would like to try one on and see what kind of reaction I get.  Who knows maybe my prince charming will see me and life will fall into place.  I will be wearing blue shirt so I was thinking either pink or red.  What’s your opinion?  Normally I just wear the shirt and some nice pants, like I am going to work.  I leave the tie behind because it is just plain stuffy but I think I may be okay with a bow tie. 

The children sure are curious about my backpack, they wonder why I am lugging it around everywhere and what is so important in it.  Shy Girl was really giving it the once over this morning.  I warned her that I was headed in her direction because I had to leave.  She ran away from it like it was a bomb.  That is just her personality.  Ah new month, claw trimming will be coming up soon.  Oh joy!

Super excited the house deal is done.  For giggles and something to look forward to I checked on Bankruptcy and looks like the hardship discharge will be able to be requested around April of next year, unless I happen to make a lump sum payment.  Time will tell.  For now it’s play it by ear.  Talk with you peeps later.  Have a great weekend!

NPH…Funny!