Yapping & Windows 11

Hi and welcome in.  Things were fairly calm at work yesterday which is not uncommon for a Monday.  People are still hung over from the weekend and trying to get moving.  Most Monday’s are washes with some occasional busy times.  Bossman was tied up for a good portion of the day but he still managed to find time to call and pester me for a bit.  I moved upstairs close to 3p to escape the basement and be with the cats. 

Mora has become more attention seeking.  Now it doesn’t matter if I have my laptop out and am working she will come over and curl up with me hugging my chest on the left side.  It’s not exactly easy to work with a giant cat demanding your attention but I can say I have done it a few times.  No matter how much I give Mora always wants more, hence her name mora.  She needs more of this and more of that.  I love her and never had a cat quite like her. 

Since I was upstairs and on my laptop I saw fit to continue to try to tweak Windows 11.  I got it looking pretty nice with the help of a program called Windhawk.  It’s a mod that you install and then install modules for tweaks.  You have to be extra careful because some tweaks could have malicious code in them.  My big hang up with Win 11 is the taskbar.  You can get the clock to spread over three lines where it shows time – day of the week and the date.  Although it’s possible to get all three to display.  As I mentioned in a previous post there is no Quick Launch Bar and the taskbar icons don’t stack like they do in Win 10.  I like to see every little thing running so there are plenty of icons in my taskbar.  I don’t like pinning icons to the taskbar that is not a substitute for the Quick Launch Bar it just clutters things up in my opinion.  Funny thing is that my laptop came with Win 11 on it and I downgraded to Win 10.  I remember playing with my laptop in a hotel room (got it when I went on a trip after Gator passed) and figuring out all of the things that Win 11 couldn’t do and eventually made the conclusion that it sucked and I wanted Win 10. 

I am going to keep 11 on my laptop at least that is what I am telling myself.  I don’t use it a whole lot other than for work or to remote into my desktop, so it’s not like a daily machine.  My desktop is my daily machine and I am going to keep Win 10 around on that.  Probably will wind up paying MS so that I keep getting security updates but I am not rushing to do that just in case I change my mind.  I imagine 11 would look awesome on this and probably make things run a little smoother. 

I am still waiting for my work machine to get fixed.  I am in no hurry to move into 11 for work but the push is coming.  The movement is that we want everyone on 11 before the end of the year.  Never mind that we have an Enterprise license and can keep getting security updates for some time it’s just easier (so they say) to upgrade everyone.  I am always resistant to upgrades but hey I fell in love with 10 so I imagine I eventually will fall in love or at least tolerate 11. 

On a different note took in a lot of TV yesterday.  The White Lotus,    9-1-1, Innocent or Guilty on A&E, The First 48, DOC and The Neighborhood.  Yeah I was a little busy and it was enjoyable.  Shame more nights can’t be filled with good tv that I am interested in. 

Had a couple hot dogs with ketchup for lunch, Rudy really wanted me to give him some.  Left over pizza was for supper.  Boston Cream Pie for desert.  Wasn’t the best eating but it wasn’t bad either. 

Got a three meetings on tap for today, I don’t look forward to any of them but each one will bring me closer to lunch and then eventually closer to the end of the day.  Here’s hoping for a good day for all. 

Take care!

Semi-Satisfied

Last night I found a site that helped to semi-satisfy my request to view Joshbigoshs (aka Ottersquatter) content.  It’s called boyfriend tv. You have to sign up for an account and they do verify your email with an activation link, but it’s totally free and no credit card is required.  They do tag the video and have a banner scroll across the top a time or two but it doesn’t really detract from the content, it’s just an annoyance.  I found some additional content for other stars that I wanted to see.  Granted the content is dated and not current but then again you get what you pay for.  I am still on the hunt for more current content but don’t want to shell out a small fortune for it.

An update on our snow, looks like were fine today.  The snowfall will occur overnight into the morning commute just enough to louse up Friday.  I already see ads on social media for companies saying to sign up now to get “on the list” for snow removal.  It’s 4 inches while it’s an inconvenience if that is all I had in my driveway I’d be perfectly fine.  I don’t have an overwhelming desire to clean and clear the driveway and sidewalk each and every time it snows.  I just wait for Mother Nature to take care of it with some warmer temperatures and rain to melt and wash it away.  If I was expecting company for some reason then my approach is different, it’s more of a deterrent for people to stay away and leave me alone, which might I add does work wonders.  Although I am still waiting for someone to knock on the door asking about snow removal, this is the one time I’d make an exception to my no soliciting sign. 

Finished up watching an hour long harassment video at work and taking a quiz.  I’ve sat through so many of these that it’s kind of pointless to watch.  I am an adult and well aware of how to conduct myself.  The only really new thing I learned is that if you cuss that could be construed as unwelcome conduct and could cause problems.  Thankfully in professional/business conversations I don’t use foul language.  Not saying it never happens because I do slip now and then.  While it’s colorful and can help express tension in a conversation or even convey some levity it’s got no business in a professional environment.  I’ve been told in the past at a different employer if you like someone and want to ask them out, you can make one request.  If they decline your done and can’t continue to ask or beg.  It’s wise to read and know your companies policies on this subject as well as what the law says both Federal and State.  However, most of it is just common sense stuff.  If you know right from wrong the odds of you getting into trouble I’d say are pretty slim, unless you talk with your emotions (ex. thinking with the wrong head). 

In other news last nights supper I wiped out the last of the pizza.  It was good, added some ranch to the first few bites to help spice it up but the dressing gets to me after a while and I know my limit.  I’m fine eating a salad covered in the stuff but I suppose its the pizza grease mixed with the dressing that causes the issue.  Anyway after a while I had a large slice of Peanut Butter Silk pie.  This was about an hour after I passed out treats.  Rudy still thought that he was entitled to something but I shut him down.  He ate his treats and pouted a bit.  Then we snuggled back up on the couch for about an hour and then it was time for bed.  I gave into his playtime request before I went to bed.  He also nagged me for cat nip.  It was like excuse me but aren’t you forgetting something?  Mora came to bed right away but Rudy lingered and was playing on his own until he wound down and came in.  He guards me all night long like a military solider on watch.  I think that if someone actually came in he would probably be friendly with them but not Mora.  Hopefully, we never ever get to find out at least it is not in my plans. 

I did watch some porn before bed and man that sure was a good time.  Then it was just finding content to watch while I waited for my sleeping meds to kick in.  They always sneak up on me.  One minute I think I am fine and the next thing I know I am waking up and getting up and climbing in bed. 

It’s going to be a long day I think.  Not much is going on this morning.  I’d love to take a stroll outside and see what kind if any progress I could make on my driveway but I think doing anything else is just a summons to “The Gods” that I get overwhelmed with work and I had plenty of that yesterday.  I was damn busy at this same time yesterday.  I am thankful to say that I am caught up and current at the moment. 

I felt so good yesterday and I don’t feel bad right now.  However, I have had some issues this morning that make me think I am far from done with this damn infection.  I continue to move forward taking my pills and hoping for the best.  I am more than ready to be done with this.  I used to get sick all the time when I was younger now not so much but when something attacks me it tends to linger and fester.  It’s not a fun fight.  I still to this day blame my childhood family doctor who passed out injections and pills of Penicillin like it was candy.  It made me well then but now I am allergic and not just to that but to other antibiotics as well so my treatment options when I get an infection are severely limited.  I am just waiting for the day that I am told to report to the hospital for IV antibiotics.  The last thing I ever want is a hospital stay but I suppose if I was sick enough it wouldn’t matter a whole lot. 

Hope that your warm and well.  The rest of today and one more day then the weekend is here.  Here’s hoping that I continue to improve and I can be well again soon.  Take care!

One more day

I took today as another sick day.  I just didn’t feel it this morning.  Morning are by far the worst.  By afternoon I am usually okay.  Right now I feel the best I have since this whole thing started.  I am taking both antibiotics and I attribute that to why I feel so good at the moment. 

I hope that my progress continues.  My email inbox is continuing to fill with work and from what little bit I have skimmed it appears that a few things are being covered in my absence.  However, I still have a lot of shoveling out and catching up to do, which I do not look forward to. 

My hope is to return to working tomorrow.  I have no plans to leave the house until Saturday, unless some emergency arises.  It will be a huge challenge to stay awake all day long.  I think being busy will help with that, provided I do actually return tomorrow. 

I found myself actually stone cold bored today and wanting to work but I resisted the urge but it was really strong. 

The cats continued to love being able to have me in their line of site and to take their turns cuddling with me.  I’ve enjoyed my extra time with them and I figure 3 days should breeze by. 

I really want to go outside and see if I could do some shoveling but I don’t want to stress myself out and wind up setting myself back in time.  I figure that Friday when I go to set the trash out I can give it a try then and if I make progress great and if not well then it’s going to be a hell of a challenge to get back in the garage once I leave.  I don’t like that and want to be able to drive in normally.  Were set to get some light snow on Friday at least there is a chance of it in the forecast.   

I saw a meme on Facebook and it’s kind of true.  January feels like one giant Monday.  I am not a fan of January at all and February isn’t much better. 

Saw The Bricklayer today on Netflix.  It was interesting but not terribly enjoyable. 

Looking forward to a nice shower in a couple hours and then hopefully back to bed and I get a restful nights sleep.  Last night I woke up at 2a and that and how I felt cemented my taking today off.  I want to go from lights out to time to get up.  As long as this medicine keeps on working and killing the infection I think after a couple more days this will all be behind me or so I hope, it’s not been fun at all.

Hope you had a great day and thanks for stopping by.  Back to the TV to see what I can find to watch.  I really want to getup to get some pie but Rudy just fell asleep and he’s next to me I know if I move a muscle it will wake him up so might not have any pie tonight.  Take care!

Solid Pounding

Today didn’t go exactly as I had planned it.  Rudy let me sleep in by a half hour and I was happy because I felt horrible when I woke up.  I got up to feed him and his sister.  Then it was back to bed for me.  I went back to sleep for a while and finally hauled out around 10a.  I got my pills and had breakfast.  Then went back to lounge in my room for a bit. 

The weather forecast was correct we did get a solid pounding of snow and it’s still coming down.  Lot’s of cancellations and based on the little traffic I’ve seen most people in my subdivision are staying put.  The police scanner has accidents and pull outs a plenty. 

I sat for a while in the living room with the cats after they had their lunch.  I had some yogurt, the last container that I had.  Continued watching TV.  The series that I mentioned yesterday, it’s called Never Have I Ever.  There are actually 4 seasons and that’s the season I am on.  Only two more episodes left and then I am done, should be able to knock those out this afternoon.

I got dressed and made it downstairs around 1p and worked for a few hours taking care of the absolute shit that was left for me, stuff that was critical is all I worked on.  Once I got caught up with that I did a little mailbox clean up.  I went from 118 emails down to 18 emails.  At least I won’t have to scramble tomorrow.  I made sure it was known that I worked on a Sunday so that’s a feather in my cap so to speak. 

Based on how I felt this morning I thought about reaching out to the doctor but I am giving it another day.  I’ve got a weeks worth of antibiotics left and if I still feel crappy tomorrow I will be back in touch with the doc to see if they can’t add a second antibiotic or change things up.  The worst part is over with but there is some infection that is still lingering and I’d like to make sure that this crud is all dead and that I am back to normal.  I really don’t want to take any sick time from work but hey if I have to well then I will. 

I really want some left over pizza but I am thinking about how good some Chicken Noodle Soup would taste along with a grilled cheese.  Both can come out of the microwave just not at the same time.  Thinking that will be my supper.  Then I can have a slice of pie a bit later for desert.  Pizza will still be there tomorrow. 

Back upstairs to be with the cats and enjoying what is left of my Sunday.  I hope that I make it all 5 days this week even if it’s only working from home, at least it’s working. 

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.  Take care.

Getting it

Well the more the thought I put in to an iPad and the use cases that I am thinking of I opted to give it a go.  Here’s hoping that I won’t be sorry.  I purchased a refurb iPad 2021 [WIFI ONLY] 10.2 inch model from Amazon in Space Grey.  Got a keyboard case and a knock off Apple Pencil.  It was around $300 total, which isn’t horrible.  The trio of technology if Amazon’s website is correct will all be delivered to me on Tuesday aka Christmas Eve.  Perfect timing.  Lots of time to charge everything up and then work on setup and playtime.  Considering that I will have 5 days in a row off once I end work on Tuesday.  So looking forward to it and hoping that all of these arrive on time.  If I use this 1/2 as much as I think I will it should really cut down on the battery use for my iPhone and help to preserve it a bit longer.  It’s 2 years old and still running with 80% battery life.  I just tamed some applications that were hogging the battery and the performance now is decent.  A benefit to getting the iPad is that I will have to get used to no home button and face id, which will help me when ever it is that I finally do upgrade my phone. 

Here’s the best part of the whole purchase is that it’s all paid for or will be come Tuesday.  The money will actually go out tomorrow morning and my bank aka credit card company will process it on Tuesday.  I sent them an excess of money so if my math is correct I will have around a $95 credit balance which won’t be hard to go through. 

I had some great plans for last night but by the time I got the bed made, fought with Mora to get her back upstairs and worked with the dishes and my normal shutdown routine I was quite tired.  The sleepy time meds kicked in what seemed like in record time and I was super drowsy so I just opted to watch TV and I was in bed and passed out pretty fast. 

Chariotz the You Tuber I spoke of had a new story out and I was eager to hear it last night.  I had forgotten all about it.  Rudy woke me up at 6:30a this morning and I had time to kill.  That’s when I turned on the TV and that video was the first thing in the list.  I listened to it and he got me all worked up.  Had to watch some porn after that and wow what a great way to start the morning!  Morning time is usually the time of day that works best for me to be super horny but unless there is something that turns me on it’s not something that happens automatically any more.  Used to be when I was younger morning time was always a good time. 

Got dressed and headed out for breakfast.  Ordered a burger with an over hard fried egg, got fries with it and it came with soup but I upgraded to chili.  Kind of to relive the good old days of when I went to Steak N Shake for breakfast and would order the same thing and finish with a milkshake to help calm my stomach down a bit.  No milkshake this morning.  The idea was great but the taste wasn’t there.  Only thing that was really on point was the fries.  The chili was good for the first couple bites but then I could just taste salt and grease.  Cheese on the burger was salty and the burger was way oversized to the point where I think I ate more like a burger and a half. 

Next stop was the grocery store.  I got a lot of Christmas junk food.  Chocolate and more cookies, along with more pie.  I told myself that I would get some decent food so that I wasn’t going to starve and picked up a few frozen items from Stouffers.  Also got a couple pints of Hagen Daz.  I did get another ham holiday meal for one and know that will be delicious.  Finally last thing on the list that I promised myself I would buy this week and that’s eggnog.  I didn’t get a lot but am sure that once it chills up to my preference it will be delicious. 

Came home and put everything away.  Started my morning tv watching and preparing for a nap.  Just fell asleep when the damn phone rang and it was the trash company reminding me that pickup this week due to Christmas would be a day late.  I don’t mind the call but their timing could have been better.  I tried to go back to sleep after that but it was pointless.  Just laid in bed with both cats and eventually Rudy had enough and left.  He begged me to get up and I wouldn’t budge that is until after he stormed off.  Mora stayed behind to help coax me along and that worked.  They some Salmon for lunch.  It’s been out of stock everywhere for a couple weeks, so I was thrilled to see it back in stock even if I did have to pay grocery store prices for it.  The cats deserve something as well. 

Now I just want to see some hot buns and I’m talking on a hot guy.  The best way I can think to accomplish that is to head out for pizza.  Going to a place that is a bit out of the way and taking a chance that the hot straight guy I like will be working.  That would help make my Christmas.  Nevertheless I will be having pizza.  I could go local to a place where I know I’d see a hot guy or two but I really want the drive.  My poor vehicle has sat idle longer than I want it to and I thought up this trip idea for pizza last weekend.  Despite being on-call it’s a trip I am going to take and hope for the best outcome.  Pizza and some guy watching is the perfect thing for me on a Sunday or any day for that matter. 

It’s warmer out now than it was this morning but I still don’t relish getting out in the cold.  At least the roads are dry and we have no snow or rain to contend with as that would probably work to help keep me home. 

I’m hoping that this two day work week will be quiet and fast moving because I am ready to disconnect for a bit if not from the world as a whole at least work.  The last week of the year will be very busy for me even though that is only two days as well but I will be earning the time I took off.  Last business day of the year is always when all of the “fun” happens. 

Well the dryer just went off and I guess I should get going.  Hope your Sunday is going well and that you too only have a short work week ahead.  Stay warm and well.  Talk with you all soon!

All is calm

Today appears to be the pick day of the week.  Not a whole lot going on and I am okay with that.  I’ve actually been looking for this calm all week long.  My hope is that it continues until I am done with being on-call. 

Last night was just an average evening at home, nothing terribly special.  I passed out a heaping helping of attention to both cats.  They got playtime and cat nip as a follow up, so all in all they were pretty happy. 

Had Mac and cheese for supper.  Added a little bit of hot sauce to pep it up a bit.  Had some yogurt pretzels as a snack later in the evening.  Saving my slices of pie but I will be enjoying what I saved of that slice of Pecan pie earlier in the week.  Not sure on what I am having for supper. 

Enjoyed 1/2 of a Chicken Salad Sandwich on Cranberry bread and had an authentic NYC Jelly Donut for lunch.  Thus far I am disappointed in the donuts but I’m going to try heating the next one I have to see if that helps to make it better.

Time to lug the trash out this afternoon.  It’s cold outside and tomorrow the wind is going to blow heavy, so the weather people are saying.  Guess I will need to fetch the trash barrel first thing in the morning so it doesn’t blow away.  No chance at all of a White Christmas here as it stands right now. 

We have had a few birds fly around during the day and that keeps the cats occupied.  Also had a cat visitor early this morning but I didn’t know it until I got up and saw the alert from the camera.  It’s a cat that has been lingering around here off and on for a few months.  I’ve only seen it on film.  Hate that an animal is out in the cold weather, even though it’s not nearly as cold as it could be. 

Hope that your staying warm and doing well.  One more day and this week will be done.  Hallelujah!  Take care. 

Santa is cumming

In one week Santa will be cumming and emptying out his sack.  I’ll bet it will be quite the load and there will be lots of goo gifts for all of those of you that were good.  Just in case you can’t tell I am a little horned up.  I’ve worked up a collection of eye candy photos that are Christmas related and plan to post them next week, so now you have something to look forward to. 

This time of year always takes me back to my younger days when Helix had a well hung performer named Tommy Anders and he got spanked by Santa.  That’s just one of the photos that I am planning on posting.

I don’t know about you but it’s been some year.  Lots of ups and downs.  The remaining time this month will be nothing but a blur and will go by so fast that we will soon be in January. 

I do hope that 2025 is a good year and that we can all survive another year, especially with our former leader coming back to the helm in January.  He’s nuttier than a Fruit Cake and that’s saying something!

Yesterday afternoon was jumping.  We found out what can happen if you scan a malicious QR code because someone at work did that.  It kept me busy for a couple hours.  This is not only the season of giving but the season of taking.  Threat actors know that your guard will be down and that your in a hurry and that’s how they get you.  So be extra careful and watchful so you don’t fall victim to a scam or scheme.  Shame that this is what our world has come to but if you think about it there has always been someone trying to make a buck and doing it illegally.  The process has just evolved to keep up with the times.  I’m sure this will continue until the end of time. 

Had an okay evening.  Got in some play time with the cats.  Enjoyed a wonderful slice of Pecan Pie.  It was so good that I only ate half of the slice.  I want to be able to enjoy the rest as another snack.  I’ve also found something called Peanut Butter Silk Pie and wow that is good as well.  Been buying individual slices rather than a whole pie so I can have some variety.  Got Pumpkin as well.  Normally I would have had a bunch of Pumpkin pie by now but it seems each year it seems that my consumption of Pumpkin Pie keeps trending downward.  I couldn’t let this holiday season pass and not enjoy a couple slices of it.  Just forgot the whipped cream but it’s not like I need it!

Got a few meetings on the docket today.  One of which is a company wide meeting.  I just expect to hear how much money the place is making and how overjoyed the people at the top are because that contributes to their individual bottom lines.  I don’t expect any bombshells or drama but I am on guard as per usual when we have wide gatherings like this.  You never know when some bad news could be dropped.  That’s been my experience at past employers. 

I hope for a little bit less busy day as the week thus far has been jumping.  I suppose it’s everyone trying to fit in the last full week before the end of the year.  I will just be much happier when I am not on-call.  I just think how different things will be this time next week.  I will probably be watching TV or in bed.  Thus far no official invite to Christmas Dinner and I am not expecting one given the crowd that will be there, not sure if I will go should an invite materialize.

Have a pleasant day and take care!

All in a days work

Hope you are having a good day thus far.  I’ve opted to stop working for the day.  I could have easily finished all of my work today but wanted to save something to occupy and help pass time tomorrow, because I will be in the office.  Normally I just sit and stare at my screen once my morning work tasks are done and scramble to try to find something to occupy my mind.  Now I know for sure I will have work to do and plenty of it. 

Picked up some Pineapple and Strawberry’s that were sliced fresh by the store.  I had some of each last night and it was a great snack/desert.  Passed out treats for the cats and watched TV until it was time to wrap things up for bed. 

Shaved, showered and then off to my room to watch TV and wait until my medicine kicked in and I went to sleep.  It seemed to take forever last night but I think it was close to 11:30p when I finally turned the TV off and passed out.  Both cats in bed with me and they didn’t want to move but it happened. 

Had a strange dream that involved surgery I think, don’t really remember much.  I know that I woke up a couple times and trying to roll over I managed to hit my head, I was really wedged in bed with the cats.  Rudy came along with his morning wake up call and we began a new day. 

Breakfast over, got dressed and headed down for work.  It was a semi-sunny morning.  Dreary looking by mid-morning and then the sun was back out for lunch.  More rain is on the way and it rained over night.  There talking about more severe weather this week but until it arrives it’s just talk to me.  Kind of like when they forecast snow, I used to get so excited as a child and quickly learned that you shouldn’t count on what they say because it’s all guess work and things change. 

Working away and was left alone for the biggest part of the morning.  Just before lunch I got three calls, one of which was a wrong number.  I was hungry for lunch.  I had looked up a place that I had been hearing about and saw the menu, my mouth was watering.  I forgot that I don’t have a whole lot to eat here for lunch.  That of course will change tomorrow because I planned for Tuesday.  I’m having a Buffalo Chicken Wrap because they didn’t have the Chicken Cesar Wrap.  I asked about that at the store and they said they are still making them but they are only out occasionally.  I was kind of hoping they would make me one on the spot but that didn’t happen.  I’m more excited for supper tonight.  I found a new frozen dinner called a Pizza Bowl.  The picture looks good, let’s hope that it tastes close to as good as it looks. 

I wound up having a Breakfast Burrito with some hot sauce and a tiny snack Hostess apple pie.  I didn’t read the fine print that said they were snack size.  When I saw the size I wished that I would have bought something else.  Watched Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and a couple other things on YouTube then it was time to come back to work. 

I started back up and got a few more things done and I enjoy the rhythm especially once I get up to speed.  However, the systems aren’t all firing at rapid pace and I have to wait for them to catch up.  We did some “maintenance” last week and that kind of has everything a little screwy.  After a couple interruptions I just opted to call it a day.  I’m coasting as I watch to see if anything will crop up, if not then I will be headed up to be with the cats. 

In other news, yesterday after the cats went upstairs for the day I brought down some Febreze and sprayed the area that had the water on it.  Damn if it wasn’t slightly moist feeling this morning.  Not sure what that was all about.  I’ve searched the basement and there are no other areas that are wet and I see no standing water.  I’ve got it all dried out and plan to turn the fan off when I go up for the day.  Then I will watch the area to see what happens.  In addition to the rain that is on the way for today, it’s supposed to rain more through Wednesday.  My hope is that the area stays dry.  It’s carpet on top of a concrete basement foundation.  Basements are known to be damp and musty but yet mine is finished and until I had the mold problem the only moisture issue we had was when the water heater exploded several years back.  Fingers crossed that this little hiccup stays gone and things remain dry.  Not sure that I will get my way but I can hope, right? 

Thanks for dropping by, talk with you all again soon.

Rambles

   Good morning, I hope that your doing well.  Monday seemed to take forever to end from a business perspective.  I gave up sitting in front of the computer around 2:30p and headed backup stairs.  The cats and I watched TV and I had my phone close by.  I got a few what I call “junk” emails that I was able to delete.  Other than that nothing meaningful came across my phone, which I was thankful for.  Finally it was time for food.  I had left over warmed pizza.  I ate two slices which was a bit much.  One would have done well to fill me up.  There is tons and I do mean tons of cheese on this and lots of dough.  I passed out cat food first.  Rudy went to town.  Then he stopped and gave his sister a turn.  Then he went back into vacuum mode.  I was in the middle of my dinner when he puked.  That got me thinking I need a spot carpet cleaner.  I’ve got one sitting in the hallway but the original cat family wore that thing to death.  I replaced the main hose on it a several years ago but it mostly just sat and collected dust because Gator didn’t really get sick all that much.  Today I see they have cordless models but they eliminated the “automatic or robot” function.  What I have had an automatic button, you put it over the spot all loaded with soap and water, then walk away.  3 minutes it scrubbed and sucked, the carpet was slightly wet but it did a mostly decent job on light issues.  For anything heavy you had to run it 2 or 3 times before it got things clean.  It beat lugging out the big model and of course since it made noise all cats hated it but were curious to know what it was up to.  The OG I have cost a small fortune but today they are much more reasonable, so might be adding that to my list of things to buy. 

I’ve been watching The Golden Palace which is a series that kicked off after the Golden Girls wrapped.  It’s on YouTube but I also see it’s on Hulu.  Hulu has 10 times more commercials and no skip button for me.  YouTube didn’t have many commercials.  I think I have watched the bulk of the show that has been uploaded.  I went back to Hulu and picked up some Schitts Creek.  My favorite hunky guy character was Ted the vet.  Damn that kid has a body.  I enjoyed all of the cast performance and they made me laugh over the years while it aired on Netflix.  There were so many outright stupid moments you had no choice but to laugh.  Mora & Rudy don’t know what to do when I let out a laugh primarily because it’s not a sound they hear that often. 

Last night Mora was curled up next to me and I was telling her how much I love her.  I told her I know you probably sense my broken heart and no matter what you do your not going to be able to fix that.  I really think that is why she hangs out with me so much.  I mean she loves me but she senses hurt/pain and wants to try to make it better.  All of the licks and scratches from both her and her brother won’t fix it. 

Speaking of which they both have a new habit.  It’s wait until dad is asleep then let’s start a cat fight.  They have done that a couple times over the last couple nights.  I stay in bed and let them duke it out.  If I hear a lot of noise that will get me out of bed.  But two cats running around like they are in the jungle nah I some how manage to roll over and got back to sleep, praying they don’t hurt each other or break anything.  Thus far I have been lucky. 

I’ve got a prelim. plan for Turkey Day at least the morning.  I plan to wake up early shower and get out to Cracker Barrel for Breakfast.  I hope they will have a Chocolate Pecan Pie that I can take home.  I’m sure I will get to see the cute waiter that I started this obsession with last year.  It’s been a full year and the fucker hasn’t called me and I am trying to get over that.  There is both joy and pain in seeing him.  Anyway, I can get some breakfast.  Then I might go for a short drive around town and back home.  I don’t want to do the whole friends giving thing but right now I’ve talked myself into it.  The thing is that if I go I will be slightly miserable but there will be some levity that will take my mind off that fact, plus it’s a free meal.  If I stay at home I probably won’t see another person for a couple days and then next week I am somehow back on-call again, but it’s a short week for me next week because I only work 3 days thanks to having to go see the doctor.  Isolation isn’t good and I see how it can drive a person insane.  There is a small chance I will stay home and go to a restaurant by myself.  Normally that doesn’t bother me but on a holiday, it would make me feel like there was a spotlight on me.  Shitty family or not I miss being around people.  I go through this I am not going this year phase but usually give in at the end.  Most of it’s me getting into my own head.  There usually is an invite to Christmas Dinner that follows at some point during the meal.  Christmas is when we find out if there will be an open house.  After that all of the gathering is done until Easter, then Independence Day, Labor Day and back to the holidays.  It’s a vicious cycle.  These people are getting seriously old and I know that it won’t last forever so part of me is like enjoy what you have while you have it.  If I manage to find a man before one of them dies it will be a true miracle. 

Today is going to be another long and boring day.  I’ve got 3 meetings today and don’t look forward to any of them.  I’ve completed all of my morning tasks and personal surfing, just listening for the washer to stop so I can transfer some clothes to the dryer.  Then I will be back upstairs in front of a TV trying to find something to watch and eventually passing out from sheer boredom.  Rudy woke me up at 3am wanting food but I managed to stave him off until 6:30am and then I just got up and fed them.  I suppose he was really hungry after his issue last night.  He did eat treats and wouldn’t pass up cat nip for anything.  Got the few holiday letters I am sending ready yesterday and plan to drop them off at the post office on Thanksgiving morning just like I would if I was sending a batch of Christmas Cards.  Yesterday I looked back over holiday letters and Christmas Card lists thinking about what happened to all of the people that I used to know, a good portion of them turned their backs on me and others we just fell out of touch.  Never though that my world would or could change so drastically in the blink of an eye.  Good thing that I managed to survive it all, that’s what I am most thankful for, despite the fact their is still pain. 

Listening to the scanner yesterday and again this morning, plenty of medical calls and what I call normal police traffic.  Yesterday was busy at this time but this morning it’s kind of slow.  Not to worry I am sure it will all pickup as the day rolls on.  I hate being in meetings because I have to turn the sound down to zero so no one knows what I am doing.  It’s nice to know what is going on in the world at large around me and have the inside scoop.  I got into this hobby as a child and it’s just stuck with me.  I wanted to be a police officer and I’ve never lost that despite the fact that I am too old, too fat and seriously out of shape.  However, my allergy to bullets and all of the schooling is what kept me away from following my dream.  I actually had someone tell me that no one is allergic to bullets.  Seriously! 

I think that  is a high note to end on.  Hope that you enjoyed today’s post.  In case your wondering about the hunks at the top of the page It’s Garrett Kinsley and Josh Brady from Helix Studios.  Here’s hoping it’s a great day for all of us!  Thanks for stopping by, hope you will be back again soon.

Matt Rife - Really Funny

  I’ve been following Matt Rife’s standup comedy work for a few years now.  I discovered him I believe during the pandemic.  He’s very nice to look at and in case your not familiar with him just take a look at the photos.  He’s totally straight but is gay friendly.  He got his 1st Netflix special that was released yesterday.  I watched it last night with great anticipation.  I am a tough customer to get to laugh despite loving standup comedy.  Matt made me laugh more than once and I loved it.  He’s funny and only 28 years old.  He’s got a sold out tour and he’s been on tour for what seems like forever.  He has a lot of material on You Tube so if you want more of him you can find it there as well as on social media.  I wish his special was 2 hours long because I had that much of a good time and that 1 hour just flew by like it was 30 minutes.  Best Wednesday night I have had in a very long time!  If you enjoy stand up comedy or just like to laugh, do yourself a favor and check out Matt’s work. 

 

In other news I had my store made Turkey dinner.  I used the re-heat function on my microwave which gets super angry if you open the door before it tells you that it’s done.  Normally that makes every thing super hot but damn there were parts of it that were cold and I even covered it with a container and didn’t vent it much so the hot air would stay inside.  It was an okay meal.  Nothing like what I would normally eat on Turkey Day but I knew that going into it.  The dressing wasn’t as horrible as I remembered from last year.  I was still stuffed the gills when I was done.  I waited a couple hours and then Mora reminded me that it was time for treats so I had a slice of Pumpkin Pie.  It’s not the greatest either but it will do for my Pumpkin fix.  I still want a Chocolate Pecan Pie from Cracker Barrel just not sure if I will get the whole pie or go back for just a slice. 

It’s been a busy morning already.  Started out perfectly calm and then out of no where the onslaught came in.  Things have calmed down and all of my normal work for the day is done.  I just have to keep an eye out for anything that happens to pop up.  One dumb meeting late this afternoon and then hopefully I will be done with meetings for the week.  There isn’t a meeting that I ever look forward to.  Had one yesterday afternoon, there was a slide deck but I just dialed in on the phone and no one knew differently.  I was there and 1/2 way paying attention but I was busy doing other things, which is normally the case.  I picked up that habit from an old colleague who multi-tasked all the damn time, she was good but made the occasional mistake as we all do from being human.  As long as my hands are free and I can work the keyboard and have 2 screens, I am all good.  If it’s something that I need to really know I focus solely on the meeting. 

Another unseasonably warm day here today but were supposed to cool off starting tomorrow.  Every damn night when I go to bed the house is 78 or above.  The humidity isn’t high so it’s not annoyingly bothersome like summertime but it does bother me slightly.  Last night I got all set for bed, turned the TV off and rolled over.  The cats started to fight so I had to get up and go protect Morea.  Rudy I think was wanting to sew some oats, even though he can’t really do that.  They have been fighting off and on for the last couple days for short time frames.  Everything calms down and they go back to being loving and adorable, then Rudy turns into a monster and attacks his sister out of no where.  If she is up for it then she will play along but if not then that is when a fight starts because she won’t take it from him.  She is bigger and could easily squish him.  I am more afraid of injuries, there vaccinations expire on Saturday and I really don’t want to go to the vet for any reason.  I’d like a break from that damn place for many years as I have poured enough money into that place that they should have a wing dedicated to me and my late spouse or at least our names on a plaque but that’s not the case.  I know were not the only people that fork out the money there but our limits are higher than most because our cats are like our kids. 

I am back to being bored again, got some back pain and today is trash day so I need to do some wrangling this afternoon and roll out the barrel.  Not like in the old time song, it’s not that type of barrel.  I heard that song growing up and don’t think I will ever forget it. 

Hoping that it’s a fulfilling and good day for all.  Take care. 

Another HOT evening

Hi there!  Another hot day yesterday meant another hot night here.  The house was 81.  I opened the windows in the kitchen and living room, brought out an exhaust fan to help really circulate the air, thinking that would provide massive cooling.  Silly me, it helped to make it comfortable but it was mostly annoying noise.  It was nice when the sun went down and just as I was going to bed is when I started to feel the really cool breezes blowing in.  It felt so good I threw caution to the wind and opened my bedroom window.  I kept it like that for about 45 minutes and then I felt my sleeping medicine kick in so I opted to start closing up shop. 

The cats go wild when the windows are open.  Rudy climbed up on the kitchen sink to look out the window in the kitchen and his sister told on him, if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have known.  He also managed to jump up on the window sill in my room.  He’s just the right size and skinny enough that it works for him.  Mora wanted to join him but she is way too thick, I am glad that she realized her limitations and didn’t try it but she acted like she wanted to. 

I found a new TV obsession, the old HBO Series Six Feet Under.  I remember I watched the first episode when it premiered and I’d tune in now and then for bits and pieces but it’s quite interesting.  Netflix has the series up and I am watching it.  Didn’t know there was a gay character.  If you can stomach a little gore it’s not a bad show.  It’s a family who runs a funeral home out of their house.  Business is on the main level and the prep room is in the basement.  The second story is where they live.  Looks like this was on for quite sometime so I should be set for something to watch for a while. 

Had a little bit of drama in the neighborhood last night.  I heard this noise and then saw this car round the corner.  It was dragging something and sparks were flying.  It was going full normal speed.  About 15 minutes later here comes an ambulance and a couple police officers.  I had to investigate and found out that it was a drunk guy who fell and had a bloody nose.  I’m betting it was the same guy because the police were checking for property damage complaints from other local agencies involving the car but they found nothing.  I figured the guy was going to jail but nope.  It was all quiet for the remainder of the evening.  There for sure has been an uptick in the last couple months with ambulances and police activity but it’s still a reasonably quiet and safe neighborhood. 

Got a co-worker out this morning but he will be back this afternoon.  I am covering for him in case anything comes in.  Not sure if the dummy is back or not.  The boss is only working a 1/2 day today and will be out for the rest of the week.  I was horrified to find that I am on-call next week but I remember doing that because of Thanksgiving in order to distribute the holiday. 

Speaking of Turkey Day, I did some digging about where my friends Pastor lives.  It’s an average neighborhood but it’s in a older part of the town and they only offer street parking.  I can’t parallel park to save my life, I can take a stab at it but it’s never going to be perfect.  That’s yet another strike in the no column.  I am still mulling it over but I do not think I am going this year.  I hate that because I look forward all year to the Sausage Stuffing.  I could make a reservation for myself at the restaurant but they serve everything family style and it’s enough for 4 to 6 people.  I’d be lugging home a hell of a lot of food and I don’t want to do that.  I wouldn’t mind a plate and then a little bit of left overs.  I’ll be keeping an eye out at the grocery store and provided I do opt out I might consider hitting up Cracker Barrel.  I’ve not had their Turkey Dinner in a very long time.  I know the hot cute waiter works there that it’s been about a year since we interacted and he hasn’t called me yet, he’s not going to and as much as it hurts I have to write him off.  I want to chase him but honestly I think he let his mouth overload his ass and he expressed interest but didn’t really mean to.  One thing I want is some Pumpkin Pie, I haven’t had any for a long time so I might either hit up Cracker Barrel because they are selling whole pies this time of year and they also have another fav which is Chocolate Pecan.  That is murder on my teeth but tastes so good in my mouth.  I am thinking of visiting one morning this weekend for breakfast. 

Speaking of the cute waiter.  I am back on a dating app.  I saw something about Tinder launching a new pricing program and jumped on their platform but didn’t see any new pricing and of course someone liked me before I had a chance to cancel.  You can’t see who it is unless you pay and I hate that.  I am back to a free app that shows you who likes you and permits you to interact if you want.  I’ve seen the same two guys pop up multiple times after I rejected them.  I took it as a glitch in the app but maybe it was the universe sending me a sign.  I’ve blocked both of them so I don’t have to worry now about either popping up again.  I don’t have any hopes that this is going to yield me any positive results but I am trying.  It beats standing still.  I am sure that eventually I will give it up but for the moment I am out there.  I really don’t like this time of year because people travel for the holidays and I don’t want to find someone now only to learn they are going back home.  Long distance isn’t what I am looking for.  I want someone close by that I can hang out with, go places and do things.  Still think that I am destine to be alone, except for the two cats.  I hope that I am wrong and manage to land a hottie long before my expiration date. 

Hope it’s a great Thursday for you.  One more day left and the weekend is here.  Talk with you all again soon.  Thanks for dropping by.

Manic Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Vacation is here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hot Waiter & Pizza

It has been another lazy Saturday around here.  I was able to sleep in a bit.  Nap with Gator and watch some TV.  Gator got fed on the couch last night and again this morning.  She really likes that and asks for it frequently.  I think I created a monster by making one gesture of good will since I knew when I started this that she didn’t feel good one day and now it’s becoming a habit.  I finally jumped in the shower around 1p and then waited until 2:30p to get moving.  I hit up the post office for my box of bills and some medication, then on to the empty shelves at the cat food store.  I was able to buy a few cans but still none of Gator’s true favorites were in stock, which is beyond disappointing. Then on for pizza. 

I timed my visit just right at the pizza place.  The cute waiter I like walked in and that made the trip worth while.  Then he smiled and waived at me which made my visit extra special.  What was horrible is that I was sat under a vent that blew air that went from slightly warm to cold.  My waitress was off in la la land and I didn’t get the service I deserved.  It took forever to cash out but eventually I was able to get back on the road.  I just watched my waiter, who is also the manager bounce around and that was fun.  I didn’t like having the air blown on me and next time I’m offered that table I am asking for something else. 

Now I am home again, working on laundry and catching up on some computer stuff.  I still have to run my stupid report at work.  There is also a minor storm brewing and it looked like I was going to need to jump in and help out but thankfully that hasn’t happened yet.  It still may tomorrow but more than likely it will wait until Monday.  I am kind of reluctant to help with anything after this whole WFH request ordeal and being denied.  There is a meeting next week and look to be in January we are going to 3 days in the office – Tuesday & Wednesday will be mandatory days and your manager will schedule the other day with you.  I just hope that there mandatory in office thing doesn’t happen before my next doctors visit.  I know I am cleared for 2 days per week and my guess says that he won’t mind for 1 more day but hell who knows.  Plus who knows what the infection rate will be come January.  News reports make it sound like things could trend back upwards but that is very much a wait n see event. 

For the last few weeks my teeth have been bothering me.  It’s not constant pain but it is irritating.  I am not due to see the dentist until the Monday after Thanksgiving so I am trying to hold out.  I’ve now also got some shoulder pain.  I was remarking to a co-worker yesterday perhaps I am having a heart attack and don’t know it.  I’m sure the shoulder pain is due to lack of activity and the position I sit in when I am next to Gator. 

My latest TV series that I am binge watching is called All American.  It’s about a Football team, gangs, guys, girls and high school.  There are some really hot guys in the show.  This was a series that aired on The CW.  There are 3 seasons but I do believe the show is no longer in production. 

I’ve got 2 slices of the Chocolate Pecan Pie I picked up last week at Cracker Barrel.  I will be hitting that place up for breakfast in the morning and then on to the grocery store and to gas up the vehicle.  I am going to try to sit this week out and continue working from home, I think I can pull it off but nothing is for certain.  The following week is Thanksgiving and I am for sure I will be able to work all 3 days from home.  Then when we go back work the last 2 days of the month at home and ease back to the office in December.  It’s not exactly what I want but I know I need to go back.  Psychologically it will help me, I will get back in to my routine and that too will be healthy.  I will be walking more so that can only lead to weight loss.  I won’t be next to the fridge all day long so there are more positives than negatives.  However, it still seems stupid to return to a physical office when I can do everything I need to from here.  Save on gas, wear & tear on the vehicle, be able to sleep in and even get naps when I need them.  Plus I start work earlier when I work from home and stay later.  It is a positive thing for both me and my employer.  Ah well.  There are record numbers of people quitting their jobs and I really would like to quit mine but that would just mean starting over some place else.  I’d give up a lot and in the end I don’t think it would be a smart move.  However, if the right opportunity comes along I will jump at it. 

On to run my stupid report for work and then to be with my Gator.  Earlier this week when I took a sick day, she crawled under the covers and slept at my feet for a short period of time.  That was out of the ordinary normally if a human is in a bed she won’t dare go under the covers but I guess she was cold and I know that she hates being cold.  Sadly we are in Winter.  I mean I know it’s fall but the way things work around here one day it’s Fall and then soon after you get Winter temps.  The same things happens with Spring & Summer.  There is no gentle progression for the change of seasons like there was when I was a kid, it’s all rapid fire change now. 

I hope that your having a good weekend and staying warm.  Talk with you peeps later. 

Worry Weekend

Being unable to sleep Friday night into early Saturday morning I watched some TV with the hopes that eventually I would drift off.  Eventually that worked but you’ll never guess what big mouth woke me up.  Yup, Gator.  I had to kick her out of my room in order to get some sleep.  She came to investigate when I flipped the TV back on and we spent time together but once I turned the lights out she wanted to get chatty, wrong time. 

My mind has been racing about this whole back to the office BS.  While I don’t think I have much chance of having a case I can talk it over with someone from the EEOC if I wish.  They will provide guidance and if there is something there they will help draft a complaint.  I also have the option to go to the head of our HR and see if that person will come to my aid.  While I am not a fan of HR, I took a lot of time to lay out the facts and I have drafted a three page letter that explains my POV and what has transpired.  It does a good job of partially throwing my boss and his boss under the bus, but I stick to the facts.  I’ve gone over it twice and after this will be the third and final time.  I’m going to read it to someone to see what they think.  My plan is to wait and see what my boss says if anything.  If he brings it up and wants me to go back then I will send the note to the head of HR.  If he says nothing then I don’t plan on doing anything other than what I have been doing in continuing to work from home.  At the end of the day no one is really being harmed here it’s just me defying a mandate which is actionable by disciplinary action, which is something I want to avoid.  I am not the type of person who gets in trouble at work.  I don’t think for a second I am above the law.  I do think that my employer is being inflexible and difficult.  At the end of the day if I have to go in then that is what I will do.  It’s not the worst thing in the world but I am not 100% comfortable with it.  I would really like to resign but that would be chopping off my nose despite my face.  I am pissed beyond belief because my boss led me down this primrose path that everything would be okay and it is far from that.  I am fucking sick of being lied to on a regular basis. 

I have some worry that by sending a note to the head of HR they will interpret it as an ultimatum, which it is not.  That they will just dismiss it and move on.  The final fear is that they will decide that this is too big a bump in the road and that we need to part ways.  My employment is in an at will state, which means that either party can terminate the employment relationship with or without notice.  It’s like walking on a tight rope 10 thousand feet up.  If you can keep your balance and you don’t make waves then chances are really good that you will be okay.  If you make waves then there is a possibility that you will fall.  The last thing that I want is to place myself in harms way and be back in the job market.  That would probably be the straw that broke the camels back and I would give further consideration to checking out.  My employer isn’t known for just throwing people in the street but I have seen it happen before to someone who complained on a constant basis.  I’m not an official complainer, where I bitch about every little thing.  I voice concerns to my manager who usually quashes them. 

If there is a case with the EEOC and I would file a complaint, the law prohibits retaliation.  That is my saving grace.  I think I may also have them on a HIPPA violation and the law there also prohibits retaliation.  I don’t want to make unnecessary waves because there are always creative ways they can end the employment relationship, but if you back me into a corner then I will be like a racoon with rabies and I will stop caring about everything and just fight for survival.  When I get into situations like these I just remind myself that I took on one of the most powerful unions in the US and I made them cave, it took time but I and I alone defeated them because I was right and they were wrong.  I’m more than capable to defending myself but at the end of the day I really want to just exist and have life be in some state of normal without fear, tension, etc. 

Saturday I got out to get a haircut since I really think I will have to go into the office.  Might as well look some what presentable, that’s also in our rules and regulations.  I hit up the new pasta place and this time tried the Fettuccini with Chicken.  It wasn’t the best meal I have ever eaten but desert was fantastic.  It was some chocolate liquor cake.  Service was a little slow.  Next thing to try is the steak, that is what they are famous for.  I am not a fan of a steak but if you make it right then I can eat it.  It was also nice to go for a drive.

Today I was up way too early, laid around and eventually went out for breakfast.  Cracker Barrel has this new Cinnamon Roll Pie.  I had a slice of that along with some eggs, hash brown casserole, grits and over cooked bacon.  My waitress made the meat choice and never asked me, I much prefer sausage.  Bacon is just not my jam.  I grabbed a whole Chocolate Pecan Pie and checked out.  Hit up the grocery store and spent way too much money.  They didn’t have Gator’s favorite food so she won’t be terribly happy with me but there isn’t much I can do about it. 

I washed my shower curtain and it was super dirty so I put it through the wash two times and that shredded it.  I had to venture back out to Target and get a new one.  What I had was clear heavy plastic and it served me well for many years.  I have gotten some super thin piece of plastic before and that lasted all of a month.  What I purchased at Target is a waterproof liner to function as a shower curtain.  They had medium weighted clear plastic but this liner was rated as heavy so that is why I got it.  Hopefully all will be well.  If not then I will be going back for plastic.  The hardware store I think sells what I want but you have to order it and wait – I can do that on Amazon. 

I mounted my lock box for an emergency key as well as the keypad for the garage.  Both have been down since I painted and I haven’t had the energy to put them back up.  They both mounted back with ease.  I will probably order more paint when we get in to spring and add to what is already there.  However, were good for winter and in much better shape that I was prior to painting. 

Time change weekend always makes the day seem so long in the fall/winter and so short in the spring/summer.  However, our bodies adjust.  I don’t know how soon Gator will adjust but it will take at least a few days for sure.  I’m washing my bed clothes and will be headed up soon to make the bed and then put out medicine.  Then it will be time to figure out what is for supper, feed the Gator and relax with some TV before it’s time to jump in the shower and then finally hit the bed.  I am putting on my weighted blanket as well as my electric blanket.  Were in the 30’s consistently at night and mornings are a bit chilly but I have such an aversion to heat that I wind up kicking the covers off when I am asleep, then I freeze, enough of that and I will get sick.  Oh no, that would mean I couldn’t go into the office, what a pity. 

Here’s hoping for a fast moving week and one that doesn’t have too many issues either for me to deal with on a personal or professional level.  Some calm would be really nice and welcome. 

Hope you had a great weekend.  Talk with you all again soon. 

Wet Delivery

It’s an average Tuesday here.  It’s been raining off an on all day.  I got 2 deliveries from Amazon today.  The first one arrived promptly this morning and was tucked away in an inconspicuous place where packages are typically left on my front porch.  The second one came later this afternoon and the driver just tossed them on the porch right in a puddle.  What a dick!  Nothing was damaged but I wasn’t terribly pleased and made sure to leave negative feedback on Amazon. 

The work day is almost done, I have a couple of changes to process and have to wait until closer to close of business which is why I am hanging around.  Got in a short nap with Gator at lunch time.  She was happy to fall asleep in my lap as per usual. 

Not much happening in my world it’s just normal hum drum daily life stuff.  Like last night I broke out the razor and shaved.  Tonight will be shower time and I am looking forward to it.  It’s been a struggle to find something to watch but YouTube has helped a bit. 

Had Chinese food for supper last night.  I have more left but saving it for tomorrow night.  Doing Italian tonight.  Really upset that I don’t have many sweets around.  I could go for a nice piece of cake or pie.  At least I have some cookies but they won’t last long.  It’s not like I need it but rather desire it.  Sure would be nice if I could loose some of the cravings as well as some weight.  That would put me in better shape to find a man when this whole hibernation thing is over with. 

Hope that all is going well for you.  Talk with you all again soon, be well!

Wow–Wednesday

Welcome one and all. I do hope that you are well and doing okay in these trying times. Each day does bring us closer to going back to normal, even if that date is a way out. It’s sort of like a kid counts down to what they know is the day of Christmas. Personally, I think that restrictions are going to ease over the course of the month of May and that by June and/or mid-June to early July life as we know it will resume some form of back to normal. There will be social distancing guidelines in place I think for some time. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion and it’s possible that I could be wrong.

Last night was a little difficult for me. The gutter in the back I found is clogged again. We had severe thunderstorms in the area and rain came down in buckets. The gutter was overflowing. This is what caused my mold problem because I ignored it. Rest assured that won’t be the case this time. I will be out cleaning it out probably on Saturday when it’s supposed to be dry as well as a sunshine filled day. My plan is to incorporate in the additional power washing that I want to do, but that kind of depends on how much energy and motivation I have.

In addition to the rain, the house was a whopping 80 degrees and I prefer not to sleep in a hot house. I flipped on the air and the compressor outside failed 1 time but did kick on and started working. It didn’t feel like it was full blast to me but it did the job and the house was down to an acceptable temperature when I opted to go to bed. I turned the system off because it was supposed to be cold overnight. It’s a little chilly upstairs but it’s comfortable. I can say the same for the basement. I thought today would be a heater day for sure but that is not the case thus far.

I worry about my house that it’s going to fall apart and/or drain me of what little savings I have. I realize that with age things like people fall apart but damn, I am so not ready for this. It feels like life doesn’t want to give me a break or maybe not a long enough break as I feel I deserve.

Some good news, it does appear that the keyboard & sound issue have been worked out. Removing the sleep mode from the keyboard seems to have done the trick. It’s been more than a day since I rebooted and I feel like things are back to normal. I am keeping an eye on things. Additionally, I got word late in the day yesterday that my pen has shipped. I hope that it will be in my mailbox on Saturday but that is all up to the USPS and no one really has any control over that. Rest assured that once I know it’s delivered; I will be making a fast trip to the post office as I am eager to get it in my hands. I pray that it’s a rollerball and that I won’t be in for disappointment but only time will tell.

Yesterday our boss was playing mother hen with a project that he got that was dumped on us. He was trying to juggle many things at once and that lead to a bunch of unnecessary emails which caused confusion. Anyway, me and the new guy have some work to do today.

I talked with the new guy and he had a rough night with his dog. I told him to give his vet a call about potentially giving a rescue dose of Lasix to the dog to help out with breathing and also to check and see if there is any pain medication that they can give the dog that will not only help with pain but also aid in sleep. When the dog is in distress or not doing well, he and his wife don’t sleep well. I remember how it was with Momma. He is just so fortunate that he has someone to share in the battle, whereas I was all alone. Having someone does make it slightly easier but it’s still a rough road to see someone or something you love dying before your eyes, knowing that there is very little you can do. I think they are struggling with the end of life decision just as I was. It’s not something you want to do but something that you know will be needed in the end.

On a more up beat note I did have an amazing dinner last night. It was store bought (heat n eat) Mostaccioli along with a slice of Boston Cream Pie (which was really cake). Then the fatty in me kicked in and I had to have one of those Chocolate Éclair Ice Cream Bars. Washed it all down with what else? A Diet Coke. Every part of me was happy. I will be buying that pasta again; it would pair well with the Chicken Parm they sell. Problem is each item is $7, still it’s very good!

I’ve got a team meeting to attend in a while. There are also phone call meetings/conferences scheduled for this project that got dumped in our lap yesterday. The latter half of the day will tend to move faster than the morning but that’s fine by me. I am all to eager to get to “ME” time. Today is one of those days where I just want to walk away from work and stay in bed. I thought about it and oddly so did my co-worker but might as well get it over with.

Pay day is tomorrow and with the peek ahead feature we have I can see what is going into my bank account. I have paid all of my bills and still have a very decent amount of money left to live on. I will do my best to hang on to as much of it as I can for as long as I can. Right now, it’s comforting to know that I don’t have to worry about money, I pray that comfort continues and that we don’t get to the point where staff is impacted by a pay cut. I can certainly live w/o a pay raise for a while.

Here’s hoping the day ahead is a great one. Take care and we will talk again soon.

PIE DAY

Thus far I have survived the week, even Friday the 13^th. Nothing terrible happened to me it was an average day but extra busy. I saw a cute blond young man that I wanted to have my way with at the gas station. It was a great way to start the morning, even though I didn’t say a word to him.

I spent today much like last Saturday. I slept in, ate junk food and napped. I would have gone for pie but they closed that place, so no pie for me.  Marvin woke me out of a deep sleep around 1a. I know he wanted food but not really sure why he woke me. Gator has picked up the yowling from him and now they both do it from time to time. Sometimes one starts and that causes the other to join in. Great the yowling choir, maybe we should go on a road tour. There is another cat that is living under the deck and I wonder how much of this behavior is caused by that. They have to know another furry friend is living outside. I thought about buying another diffuser of Feliaway but talked my self out of it when I saw prices at the pet store. A refill was $27 and that’s more than I paid for the diffuser and a month’s supply of the stuff.

The corona virus thing is a mess. We temporarily closed 1 office on Friday because someone in the building, not at our firm might be infected. I got an email about our ever-changing policy on the subject. If you exhibit any of the symptoms of the flu, you are not allowed to enter the office. Instead you can work from home, you will need to see a doctor and be able to supply proof that you’re not infected and then tell management and when they say it’s okay, you can come back. Traffic is getting lighter and lighter each morning; the parking garage isn’t nearly as full as it normally is. I’m okay if people want to freak out but just don’t get hysterical about it or starting hoarding things. I don’t see any reason for panic and I don’t think it’s the end of the world.

In other news I bought a power washer. It won’t be here until Tuesday but I am eager to clean the outside of the house and the deck. I hope it does the trick and that I don’t blow a hole into my house or break a window. I’ve got plenty of hoses but they are not easily accessible so I bought a new one. It will come in handy when I empty the deep freeze and unplug it – so it’s like a 2 in 1 purchase. I also got a pizza cutter, not a wimpy roller but a long blade like they use in the pizzeria. I will be using it for the first-time tomorrow night. It looks to make the job effortless and I am eager to try it. The other thing I got was a large bar of soap flavored with Bourbon and Vanilla. That was not cheap at all but I’m telling you it smells fabulous. If it gets me drunk every morning then it will either make for an interesting day or be the reason why I work at home until it’s gone.

I am still fighting with the ants. Got them pretty well under control in the kitchen but they are out of control in my bathroom. I found one in my medicine this morning. Not happy at all. They are all over the shower or should I say were. I sprayed and then washed down the shower. The smell of the bug spray kicking up my allergies so I am a bit of a mess right now.

I blew through all of the “good tv” last night and now I struggle to find something to watch. Tomorrow will be the winter finale of The Circus and I’m not happy about that at all. However, I know they will be back on eventually. Thankfully Last Week Tonight with John Oliver will still be on so I have that to look forward to. At least there is no shortage of good porn to watch and that is a very good thing!

I got a random survey in the mail from the Associated Press and if I take it, I get $5. So that is done. It was all about politics and the election. Kind of interesting. Now I will wait for the check to be in the mail. I took another survey at work from one of our building management companies and they promised me a $25 Amazon gift card, I don’t think that will ever surface.

I did get a call this week from Bank of America. The person that called works from 6a until 2:30p how in the world will we ever talk? Easy, we won’t. I called back once and left a message I got another message the next day around 1p. I’m not bothering to call back. I already know they fixed my credit report which is why they are calling. I don’t expect or anticipate them to do anything else, I may at the very least get an apology letter but I don’t anticipate anything. I have paid the balance on my account and I am going to let it sit at zero for a while, that will give them time to respond. If after a while I don’t hear anything then I’m going to close the account. The vet said they would give me my money back but to date I have nothing. I’m giving them until mid-week and if a check doesn’t surface by then I will be calling. I want my money.

So tomorrow it will be breakfast, grocery store and gas station. Then home for the rest of the day. Typical Sunday in cleaning the house, finishing laundry and getting ready for Monday. The only good thing about Monday is that I won’t be on call for another 2 full weeks. I so look forward to that. However, our new guy his wife is sick. She had a fever but it’s gone after a day. He’s supposed to be on-call on Monday. She thinks she has “the flu” and isn’t concerned about the corona virus at all. I certainly would be. I’d be like headed to the doctor to at the very least put my mind at ease. However, she is toughing it out and hopes to return to work on Monday. I told him keep your distance and don’t get sick. Watch what happens. Young people think they are invincible but they are not.

Hope you had a great week and that your doing well. Thanks for stopping by. Talk with you all again soon.