Hot Summer Day

Well, Monday is behind us.  Hope it wasn’t too bad for you.  Mine was actually okay.  It wasn’t a super busy day but there was some work to be done.  By 3:30p I was able to head up and get logged in from my laptop to keep a watch on things at work.  Thankfully, nothing surfaced and my day was done. 

My YouTube feed is a little jacked up but it’s slowly working it’s way back to normal.  Search for one thing and watch one video and the algorithm thinks it found a new interest of yours so it rearranges things.  Anyway I saw a 20/20 Episode that looked appealing so I tuned in.  Not sure if your familiar with the case of Blaze Bernstein, he was murdered in 2018 by a classmate because he was gay (and also Jewish).  The story started off and I was like yeah I remember this.  Then I saw more recent updates for how the case turned out.  His killer was convicted.  Technology helped to solve the case more specifically Snap Chat as well as cell phone tracking.  It was still heartbreaking to hear the details play out and I felt so bad for Blaze and his family.  He died a horrible death and based on what I know from watching a lot of crime drama, his classmate was more than likely in love with him.  Poor kid just entered college and had his whole life ahead of him. 

After that was done I wasn’t sure of what to watch.  Wound up watching a if you grew up in the 70’s video.  They talked about some familiar things like Fruit Stripe Gum, Orange Tupperware, Iron on Patches, and TV Stations signing off for the night among other things.  It was interesting and made me wonder if my brother kept the Tupperware we grew up with or if he threw it out.  That was some good stuff and we ate a bunch of meals served in Tupperware.  Ah to be young again. 

The cats were extra hyper last night.  I fed them supper early and got my supper early as well.  I figured that would calm them down but it only served to rev Mora up.  She goes nuts in the time that lapses between supper and treat time.  She bugs me and does her level best to grate on my last nerve because she knows if she does that I will give in and they get treats early.  Well, it worked and then they both were out like lights but not before having some playtime of their own chasing each other around the house.  They both have a birthday coming up next week and I am already talking to them about it. 

I started feeling a little more lousy as the evening wore on and I was really dreading waking up this morning because I figured that I would be ill.  However, I turned off the ceiling fan, slept pretty good and woke up feeling okay.  I think there is still some bug in me but it’s working it’s way out.  I will be turning the fan off at night, that is normally what gets me.  I slept with it on for a month and no issues which is why I figured that I out grew that but apparently that’s not the case. 

I’ve got 3 days of interaction with my boss and I am not thrilled about that at all.  We have meetings today and tomorrow.  Then our useless check in call on Thursday afternoon, which is a waste of time.  However, I hope that maybe he has information on my pay raise, fingers crossed.  It’s about that time where we get that information.  Although in years past we have had to wait until mid to late July.  I’m only working for the money like most people. 

Grass crew showed up and mowed the lawn.  I haven’t gotten a bill from them in months and when it finally hits it’s gonna be big.  Thankfully I have money set aside automatically each month so I don’t miss it.  I like to settle my bills as quickly as possible I don’t like things lingering.  Don’t get me wrong I hate sending money out the door but I am so thankful that I have it to send.  I remember the rough times where I had to scrimp and hold my breath and barely squeaked by.  I much prefer not having to worry about it. 

Another hot summer day as time marches on.  I just think in a few months how cold it will be outside and we will be wanting it warm again.  Shame we can’t have it just right where it’s comfortable for everyone year round – the power company would hate that.  Just imagine though not having to use heat or ac on a regular basis, sounds like some kind of utopia to me. 

Thanks for stopping by, hope all is well.  Take care!

Loafing

I woke up at my normal time to feed the cats, of course.  Rudy wouldn’t let me miss that for anything.  I had my normal breakfast, got my morning meds and sat watching TV thinking about what I wanted to do today.  I wound up going back to bed after a couple hours, which was totally expected. 

When I woke up I passed out lunch for the cats.  I went back to loafing and watching TV.  Got my phone, checked mail and thankfully no one attempted to reach me.  I got an idea to go to the buffet and it sounded pretty good. 

Next thing I know my stomach was bothering me and I wound up just waiting around to see what was going to happen.  Finally I had enough of it and got a shower.  That felt really good!

I wanted to go to Sam’s Club mostly for printer ink, I’m short one color to make a full set and I just changed ink.  I like to keep a spare on hand because you always run out at the most inconvenient time.  Better to be prepared. 

I wound up going to Olive Garden to grab lupper (that’s lunch and supper combined).  My appetite was off the chart and I was packing food away at an alarming rate.  I didn’t get any bread and I think that is why I had all that room for extra soup.  Food was good and I got to see a couple cute guys.  My service was not the best but my waiter had 3 or 4 tables besides mine and he was running around like a chicken with his head cut off.  My drink never ran dry and that to me is good enough in my book.

Back home, it’s damn cold out.  Everyone is talking about the weather coming in and how bad things are supposed to be.  I heard a couple next to me saying that we were in for 8 inches of snow.  TV says different.  You never truly know until the event is over but I am not all that worried about it.  Just let me make my breakfast and grocery store runs on Sunday as well as eating out on Saturday and I’ll be happy.  The way the cats are chowing down on the dry food I am going to need to hit up the pet food store for a bag of their expensive Hill’s food.  It’s all they ate when they were in the shelter and I switched from that formula to Hairball but they still love it like crazy. 

My phone rang about 4p and it was my boss.  I didn’t answer it and got a text from him a moment later.  I made it clear that I wasn’t working today and that I am on PTO.  I don’t think he will bother me again but hell you never really know.  I’m not obligated to answer him since I am on my time.  I’ve already peeked and shit has blown up and I will be going back to a damn mess come Monday.  I should step in and lend a hand or two but I’m not doing it.  My boss did a dumb thing and permitted both me and my backup to be out at the same time so certain tasks that we handle are just pending.  Based on what I have seen I anticipate that the panic will set in tomorrow when it’s realized that nothing is getting done. 

Health wise I honestly felt a bit better after my nap this morning.  Sinuses are still bothering me and I am still sick but I think the bug is working it’s way out or so I hope.  Last thing I want is to rebound, which usually happens once the antibiotics run out.  Thankfully I am on them for at least another week so hopefully the infection will die and get flushed out.  I’m drinking my water and can’t get enough of it.

Just looking at the headlines that I see on YouTube this year is off to quite a bad start.  Shootings, Explosions and the Truck hurting/killing all those people in LA.  I sure hope it gets better from here! 

I finally got all of my new porn calendars up.  Put the last one up in my office today.  I haven’t been down here for a whole day and probably should have stayed away longer but you can only watch so much TV before you want to scream.

Getting out today helped.  I have a haircut on the books for tomorrow.  That’s early so I’ve got plenty of time to go where ever and do what ever.  I really want to spend it away from the house, mostly because I will be there all next week.  The cats are sweet as ever but the walls are starting to close in on me.  Still surprised none of my friends have checked on me.  I could be laying here dead and no one would be the wiser. 

Hope all is going well for you and thanks for dropping in.  Now I am off to hit the web and have some fun.  Stay warm & take care!

Happy New Year

Yesterday was the longest work day of the entire year for me.  I started at 7:30a and didn’t finish until a little bit after 8p.  As per usual I was elated when the day was done and I could head up to be with the cats and finally relax. 

I was doing really good listening to the scanner, watching TV and waiting for my sleeping medicine to kick in.  I dosed off for a bit and when I woke up it was 15 minutes after midnight.  I shut everything down and hopped into bed.  I was ready!

Thought about going to my friends open house but instead just opted to take the day and stay home.  I had chocolate cake for breakfast with a tall glass of milk.  Diabetic’s delight! I knew the sugar would cause me to crash and head back to bed but it’s what I wanted so I just ate up. 

Watched YouTube when I learned about what happened in New Orleans last night.  That was horrible I don’t get why we can’t have a peaceful holiday.  I hope that these events aren’t omens about what a dumpster fire this year is going to be.  I really don’t look forward to this year but here I am kicking and screaming along for the ride. 

My phone has been quiet for the most part.  I’ve had a couple emails rolls in both personal and work related.  No text messages wishing me Happy New Year or even checking on me to see how I am doing.  While I had hoped something would come in I am not surprised. 

Watched Smokey and The Bandit parts 1 and 2 today, along with I’m Tim the Netflix movie about Avicii and then watched his last show.  That was a tragedy that he took his own life at such a young age, he was very talented.  People are still enjoying his music today, his legacy lives on. 

It’s nice having a day to relax and recharge.  I hope that my body is ready to move tomorrow and that I can make it out of the house.  I am still very much sick but I do feel better.  My appetite is up and down.  As an example I didn’t eat lupper until 3p and that was a Chicken Salad Sandwich from the grocery store.  It’s on Cranberry Walnut Bread and it’s just delicious.  I was skeptical if I’d like it because of the Cranberry’s but that is what makes the sandwich, kind of odd since I don’t care for Cranberry.  In some forms with the right mix it’s surprisingly enjoyable. 

The cats have been working me today for attention as well as enjoying lounging in the little bit of sunlight that we got.  There is a Winter Storm brewing that is supposed to be rolling in by the weekend so might look a little different outside.  If it does come to down I want to be inside rather than out in it.  That’s the best way to enjoy winter weather watching it from indoors. 

Returning to work come Monday is going to suck.  I’ve got a lot of stuff to deal with because it’s the start of a new month, plus everyone will be getting back up to speed and I am sure that with all of that plus being on-call I will be busy again.  I know that there will be the usual BS meetings that I loathe. 

Here’s to enjoying my freedom even though it technically doesn’t start until tomorrow since I am on-call.  I am glad that it’s been a peaceful day and hope that continues so that I can wake up tomorrow morning and turn work email off until Monday.  I’m sure I might be tempted to peek but I am going to do my best to just enjoy my time as work will be there waiting for me when I return. 

How’s the new year going for you?  Glad that you stopped by and I hope that you are well.  Take care. 

Not again

Yesterday was quite a busy Monday.  Things were going really well in the morning.  After lunch is when things really picked up.  I saw yet another long time co-worker get let go.  We had a few interactions but I wasn’t terribly close with this person.  It is a surprise but it also reminds me of what I heard when I was a kid.  That is no matter who you are, everyone is replaceable.  That’s a tough fact to swallow.  I’ve found that usually when people loose sight of the fact they are replaceable is when they are replaced.  As much as I complain about certain aspects of my job, when the end comes for me I want it to be because I quit or retired.  I want it to be of my doing and not because I was staring down a barrel of being given an ultimatum of quit or be fired.  Seeing long time people either be fired or abruptly quit is very sobering for me and causes some anxiety.  I just have to remind myself that I am okay and to keep on moving forward. 

Last night we had a stink bug on the living room ceiling.  I’ve got cathedral ceilings.  Mora happened to notice it and she just jumped up on the couch and looked up.  She watched it even as I set out supper for the cats and went onto get food for me.  She was quite diligent.  Of course the moment she took her eyes off of it the damn thing disappeared.  It did resurface and I got it.  Wouldn’t you know it happened while I was holding her and it just popped out next to us.  Her eyes got real big and that’s how I knew she found it, I just followed her eyes and presto.  Finally it’s gone.  Good to know that Mora is so attentive to notice something small as a bug.  I’m quite sure if I wasn’t there to supervise she would have eaten it but not before playing with it. 

My dinner last night was a Holiday Meal for one from the grocery store.  Ham with a pineapple glaze, Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans and a roll.  They put in Cranberry’s but I can’t stand them so out they went.  Rudy was my new best friend and didn’t want to leave myside.  He begged and begged.  I honestly thought about giving in for a brief second but then I reconsidered and chased him away.  It was a damn good meal.  The pineapple glaze is what makes it for me.  I’ll be getting another one of those when I go back over the weekend.  They usually have them until the New Year starts.  I don’t like hot ham though.  What I did was warm the glaze up and dip the ham in it. 

I was saddened to learn of yet another school shooting, this time in Madison WI.  What shocked me was that the shooter was a girl.  I can’t ever recall hearing about a girl shooting anything up, but maybe I’m wrong on that.  Anyway the whole thing is a tragedy.  Every time one of these events takes place everyone says we have to do more.  However, the issue looses focus and we go on with our lives until the next one happens.  Actions speak louder than words.  I honestly don’t know that this problem is ever going to go away or that there will be a solution put in place that solves the problem.  I feel like most of it comes down to education getting parents to lock up their guns and to never give put a firearm in the hands of a child unless they are supervised.  However I think never putting a gun in a kids hands is probably the best solution.  Educate them when they are older like in their 20’s.  Meanwhile let them live their lives as kids should and grow up. 

There is never a good time to loose a loved one, especially a child but so close to Christmas just puts extra suck on it.  That forever changes the holiday for all that were affected by this.  They will remember it for years to come and I’m sure for at least one or more of them it ruined the holiday for them. 

On a different note I spent my evening watching YouTube videos mostly about the making of movies like Home Alone and Planes, Trains & Automobiles.  Didn’t know that Planes, Trains & Automobiles had a bunch of footage cut from it, so much so that the cut footage I heard is longer than the abridged version of the movie that was released.  It would be quite interesting to see the whole thing unedited.  I’m sure if we saw all movies without editing that would change our opinions about them. 

Well here we go with Tuesday.  Thus far it’s starting off calm but that can all change in the blink of an eye.  Here’s hoping it’s a good day for all of us.  Wouldn’t it be nice to turn on the TV and listen to the news just once to hear nothing but good news.  I think that would have a profound affect on the world. 

Take care, stay warm and be well!

M O N S T E R S - The Menendez Brothers

This is about the series on Netflix.  I’ve watched all but the last 3 episodes of the story.  The sad part about this is that I don’t know that we (the public) will ever know the actual story and we have to rely on the brothers as to how this played out.  From what I’ve seen both parents were abused as children either verbally/mentally and/or physically or both.  I think they should have never reproduced.  The problem seems to be that when one is abused as a child that just passes a torch and the cycle of abuse continues.  The parents take it out on the kids, the family as a whole is abusive and even strangers can feel it. 

Having said that, I understand the kids wanting to kill their parents.  I think that every kid at some point might think about it.  However, actually doing it is a whole other thing.  It would have been far better for the kids to just up and leave.  However, they were tethered to their parents and the wealth and lavish lifestyle they had.  Money can’t buy happiness, it can make life more comfortable & enjoyable but at the end of the day I think this whole family was miserable. 

The parents did a horrible job raising these two kids.  Their marriage should have ended when the affair(s) started.  The mother should have stepped up when she knew her husband was molesting the kids.  The kids should have not remained silent and reported the molesting as well.  I realize that I can say all of this as hindsight and it’s apparent to me.  However, it’s another thing entirely to be caught up in the actual event.  There is plenty of fear be it of being believed or retaliation. 

I found myself pulled in deeper and deeper the more I watched.  It was tough to just stop knowing there was 3 full hours left to watch and I do look forward to finishing this series today. 

Needless to say I had really messed up dreams last night and didn’t sleep the best.  Having been abused as a child, bullied and just had a general rough time with life, I can empathize and understand a lot more than someone who has no experience with abuse. 

My cat Rudy knew I was having a horrible time and he came to sleep with me, resting on top of me to let me know it was all okay.  I really appreciated that and it made me feel quite comfortable.  Not as good as snuggling next to a human but it’s as good as it gets for me. 

If your wondering if you should watch this, as long as you can stomach the subject matter knowing full well of what is ahead then I’d say yes, it’s a must watch.  If you need a sample just check out the trailers for the series that should help you make a decision. 

It really is a tragedy that this whole incident occurred, it was entirely preventable and I think it’s a conclusion that the parents never envisioned or thought of.  You can only beat up (mentally & physically) on someone for so long but if you keep it up eventually everyone has a breaking point.  That is to say a point in time where they say no more, they snap and either do something rational or irrational.  I do think that society as a whole has learned from this but that’s not to say it couldn’t all play out again today, perhaps not in the same fashion. 

The one problem that I’ve noticed with anyone who commits a crime large or small they feel compelled to tell someone and that is what winds up getting them caught.  Loose lips sink ships.  The kids should have never allowed their shrink to record their therapy sessions that was certainly a large nail in their coffins.

The whole situation is just sad.  It’s some good TV just unfortunate that it’s a true story.   

No more wondering

Morning and Happy Hump Day!

Well just around lunch time yesterday the jury came back and I know the verdict (talking about the Jennifer Crumbley case) came back.  I thought they would find her guilty but as I was watching the TV I was largely unsure.  The whole situation is sad and if everyone from the parents to the school personnel would have done more I think the situation could have been avoided but I say that in hindsight.  I wish that this had never happened and hope that it doesn’t happen again, but sadly it will.  This has become a ‘new normal’ for America and this certainly wasn’t the first time a school shooting took place.  It kind of seems to me like both the parents lives are flushed down the toilet along with their sons.  I don’t see how the mother can be found guilty and the father be found not-guilty, but his case is yet to play out.  I do hope that the father hired a different attorney.  I think part of the guilty verdict on the mother factors into the defense her attorney told and I don’t think that she did a very good job but that’s my opinion. 

I subscribe to something that Steve Harvey said a long time ago in one of his stand up routines.  If your life if messed up and you want to take yourself out, that’s your prerogative.  You don’t need to take other innocent lives with you.  This is true for not only school shootings but mass shootings as well.  Neither makes any sense.  It seems like you have to keep your head on a swivel regardless of where you are at, you could be driving or crossing the street.  It’s just a sad state of affairs.  I hope that it gets better but I don’t foresee that happening.  Again just my opinion. 

Moving on … I had half of Chicken Fried Steak and Mashed potatoes from something the grocery store made.  After I ate the half I wanted to go back and finish the other half but resisted.  It was not easy.  Now I have something to look forward to be it at lunch or supper tonight.  Of course the other meal will be left over pizza. 

Watched a Documentary on Netflix last night about Ric Flair who was a pro-wrestler.  Just took me back to my childhood.  My grandfather and younger brother were both big into wrestling.  It was the show that was on every Saturday without fail rain or shine, sick or well.  I remember my grandfather had to have surgery and my brother watched and when we visited him on Sunday he was telling grandpa all about who beat who.  I watched but wasn’t all that interested.  You’d think men in tights would have been on my radar.  Not sure what happened there.  LOL

After that was done I watched a few YouTube videos and then went back to old episodes of The First 48.  Had to give attention to Mora.  She was kind of a pain last night.  After she got her treats she went to her little house on the cat tree and disappeared from sight.  Until eventually emerging to soak up the last hour of my time on the couch.  Rudy was sound asleep and no trouble at all. 

I got a shower and after that was over with, Rudy was all hyper and wanted to play.  I gave him some attention and he drank some left over water from the tub.  I tried to spy on him and he threw a fit.  He doesn’t like to be watched.  It’s the funniest damn thing. 

The three of us have a decent time here.  It’s mostly boring but every once and a while a memory is made here and there.  A laugh here or there and fun is had by all. 

One dumb meeting on the agenda for today.  It’s booked for an hour and I know it will last close to that if not the entire hour.  My ears will be bleeding and I will be saying STFU while on mute but this too shall pass.  It’s a typical Wednesday event.  Hopefully, there won’t be any drama and it will be a smooth sailing day.  This time next week it will be my Friday, I look forward to that.  Disconnecting from work and focusing on me and the cats. 

I am thinking about the weekend and where to go.  Since I am on-call I don’t want to stray too far but I’ve been known to throw caution to the wind.  I have a haircut booked early in the morning on Saturday.  That may cause me to venture out for breakfast that way once the haircut is done I can come home and take a nap before going back out.  Nothing like a good nap after a sugary breakfast kicks in and makes me good and drowsy.  Not saying that is what will happen but I like the plan. 

Only need to hit up the post office, grocery store and gas station this weekend.  Wow gas has gone up.  It was hovering in the mid $2.50’s for a long time and now it’s well over the $3 per gallon mark here.  I miss the days of being a kid when gas was 50 cents and then the good old days of my teen years where it hovered somewhere in the $1 range for a gallon.  Those days are gone for sure and probably never will return.  I remember when it hit $3 per gallon for the first time and people were loosing their minds.  Just think if I lived in California that would sound like a bargain price. 

Thanks for stopping by and reading my blathering's.  Talk with you all again soon.  Be well. 

Ah, home

Morning!  After yesterdays post I got to thinking about being trapped in my broom closet of an office as well as the travel and getting up early.  All of the extra effort just to preform for a normal day of work.  I still marvel at the fact that I used to do this five days a week without question for years because it was the norm.  Anyway I opted to stay home.  I can be more productive, save myself money and wear comfy clothes and go shoeless all day long.  While being in the comfort of my home with my two furry friends.  It feels wrong and I should have gone in but in making a judgement call I am bias and tend to rule more to what benefits me.  I will be trapped here all next week since I am on-call and two weeks back to back is kind of torture but I’ve done it before.  Plus I still have the rest of the week if I want to change my mind I can always go in but I can tell you now that unless something bad happens I will be staying put.  Mora & Rudy seems pleased with my decision.  They were trying to get me to take the day off and it sounded tempting.  I have a close second with this hybrid approach to working. 

I damn near forgot about my massage and to make the appointment.  Turns out that the day I want the person isn’t working.  I wound up booking a week later on a Saturday.  I am going for an hour and a half.  Cost is very reasonable at a dollar and some change per minute.  I hope that it is the beating that I need to get rid of the knots.  Now all I have to do is wait and that is the most difficult part.  I am so looking forward to this. 

What’s been engrossing on YouTube?  Well I am hooked into watching the trial of the Oxford School Shooter’s mother.  The shooter himself plead guilty and got life as a juvenile.  It’s speculated that his legal team is probably going to appeal the sentence.  Most think that he got the correct sentence.  Given what has emerged about the parents and how outright negligent they were I think it’s right that they stand trial.  It might serve as a warning to other parents to do a better job, pay attention and be engaged more in your children's lives.  It seems odd to me that they knew the kid liked guns but they seemed disconnected from the fact that he was deeply disturbed and needed help.  They knew that he was upset with remote learning over COVID as well as a recent death of the family dog.  Regardless of who you are if you were locked up (as most of the US was) for 2 years during COVID, you have mental problems.  I’m not saying your batshit crazy.  However, we all I think struggled with the isolation and depression that came with shelter in place orders.  My opinion is that his parents failed him.  His school caught the issue but it was only hours before the event and it was far too late and they didn’t fully realize what they were dealing with.  Add to that the red tape and policy and procedures of how things are supposed to be handled.  His guidance counselor has to go to bed each night thinking he should have done more.  There is lots of hindsight, which is always 20/20.  The shooter didn’t act out soon enough at school to show signs that he was deeply disturbed. But he was hallucinating and delusional and his parents got him a gun.  They didn’t pull the trigger but they provided the gun(s) and bullets so they are culpable and should have a price to pay for that.  I am interested to see how this plays out, even if I don’t get to watch the entire trial.  The father will be tried in the next few months.  Not exactly sure why they aren’t on trial together as that seems more fair to me but I realize that would or could be a huge struggle for the jury. 

In other regular news, I had Buffalo Chicken pasta for supper last night.  Followed up with a Mint Chip Klondike bar.  It helped to cool things down.  Mora slept while Rudy & I ate.  After Rudy and I were settled Mora woke up and wanted treats as wasn’t interested in food.  I tried to get her to eat but she wanted her treats.  That caused me to wake up Rudy when I shook the can.  They both loaded up on treats and then settled down for a while.  Once it was time to get ready for bed they both eagerly awaited their cat nip, which they enjoyed.  Mora got quite playful.  Rudy was his normal self.  I just never know if it’s going to drive them to play or if they will eat it and smile. 

Watched a great movie/documentary on Netflix about We Are The World.  Got the back story on how that song came together and damn it was a major event that was done in one night.  I never ever knew that.  Watch it if you get the chance it’s worth your time.  Lots of musical talent. 

Hope it’s a great day for all.  Take care! 

 

Bad Monday

Hello again!  I was heart broken to learn that Leslie Jordan passed away yesterday.  He made me laugh many times and I caught a couple of his videos during the pandemic.  I first saw him on Will & Grace.  Follow that up with more tragic news of yet another school shooting in America.  Yesterday was not a good day at all. 

The rain has fallen and continues to fall.  Driving in this morning was pure hell.  It’s like people had never seen water falling from the sky.  Accidents were everywhere and people were constantly changing lanes to jockey for position but that really doesn’t get anyone anywhere quickly.  While my normal start time is 8:30a I have been starting at 7:30a for the past two years.  I got here this morning at 8a and that was leaving the house a little bit early.  I should have gone with my gut and stayed home today.  I just didn’t want to spend a 3rd week at home.  My desk was empty and no one really missed me.  It’s just like I am working at home but I am isolated to my office and hear people passing by outside.  I honestly would have been more comfortable at home.  Here’s hoping the commute home will be a bit more peaceful. 

Gator was surprised when I woke her up since I was an hour early.  She had just come from the fountain and was settling down so I got to touch a wet cat.  She was pleased to see me though.  I got her some food but she was too lazy to get off the couch to eat.  I had to hand feed it to her from the couch.  She got some fluids last night.  She seems to be doing reasonably well given her old age and health.  Hopefully, we can continue down this same path for quite sometime.  I honestly think that me staying close to her makes her more comfortable and she always looks forward to spending time with me when she can. 

Work is about to get busy again and then I will get to eat some lunch.  I had a horrible supper last night.  Taco Uncrustables, which sounded great until I realized how small they were.  I had some junk food to top my stomach off and just chalked it all up to a bad day.  Tonight I plan to have something better and hopefully more enjoyable. 

Hope that your dry and doing well.  Talk with you all again soon.  Stay safe and be well. 

Wonky Wednesday

Most people have a day of the week they dislike. Mine has always been Monday but I am starting to give consideration to change that to Wednesday. Strange things happen on this day of the week. We had another abnormal situation occur today at work. Just when you think all is quiet is usually when these types of situation crop up. I got roped into it by accident but it all pays the same. I will be on call next week and hope seriously that nothing bad, strange, dramatic and/or drastic occurs. A nice normal quiet week would be fine with me!

On to my vehicle. I was right the battery in fact was bad. It took 24 hours for the dealer to determine that. They had to run it through some “testing” for warranty purposes. I don’t get it I can pull up to an auto parts store and they can check my battery and within a matter of minutes they can tell me if there is an issue. I get the manufacturer doesn’t want to pay for anything they don’t have to but neither does the customer. As for the rest of the vehicle I should get tires soon, according to the dealer. Funny thing is the measurements they obtained today are the same exact measurements they obtained 7 months ago (May) when the vehicle was in for its last service appointment. It’s not like I am racking up miles but if I were then tires would have come into the picture sooner. Certainly, when life resumes normal and I have to commute I will keep the thought of new tires in the back of my mind. Rubber is expensive. I filed a warranty claim with the manufacturer of the tires and wound up putting the same tire right back on. Funny thing is that I saw in a YouTube video days ago that if you have problems with a tire manufacturer you should move on and not put the same tires back on the vehicle. However, the warranty claim saved me some money. I really love this vehicle like I have no other car. Money is money and when a vehicle starts gobbling up bunches of money regardless of the connection or the love you have for it, it’s time to call it a day and move on. The tires help add fuel to the new car fever I have and that is motivation to get something new. Only time will tell what I will do. For now, I am going to keep driving it and not worry about tires, as they are only in the yellow portion. In case you’re not familiar you have a color code system Green, Yellow and Red. If you’re in the red it requires immediate attention. Provided I do put tires on it I will purchase them from a tire store vs the dealer and I will choose a different manufacturer and probably not mess with another warranty claim, even though I clearly have another one. I watch the tire pressure and make sure it’s exact on a frequent basis, driving to work or not. I really don’t get how this keeps happening.

Tomorrow is the big Doctors visit. I am a bit apprehensive which is abnormal but were going to be talking about sexual function and that is just an odd discussion. I really don’t want to walk out of his office with a script for a blue pill or to see Alice as I think what I am dealing with has more to do with situational awareness and the weight I have gained. Thankfully my organ is still functional it’s just not what it used to be. Sort of like my car when I bought it 4 years ago vs now. Maybe all I need is some rubber. Seriously, I hope that there isn’t a sign that something greater is at play. I had also hoped to have the results from my DNA testing that I did. It was projected for early January a few weeks ago and when I login to the portal it’s still pending. They have my sample it’s just a matter of getting the results. Not only am I eager to know what they can find but I am interested in the health reports to be able to share them with my doctor. I hate hurry up and wait but I really have no other choice.

I am looking forward to the drive over, listening to the sound of the open road and of course my music. Speaking of which I enjoy something from most but not all types of music. Country isn’t something I am into heavily but there are a few catchy tunes. I was saddened to learn that K.T. Oslin (a country singer) passed away a few weeks ago. I enjoy a good portion of her music. I discovered her music when I was much younger because of a co-worker. It’s funny how different people bring different things to the table and introduce them to you, but that is part of the joy of life. Variety is truly the spice of life.

The furry Gator has been needy and a bit crabby, but were getting along because I think we both realize we need the other one. I was super drowsy this afternoon and went to take a nap. She was sleeping in her bed and she woke up and it took a few minutes but she joined me in bed. I was expecting her and we slept together for a half hour. Then I woke up and she was all crabby because she missed lunch. I came upstairs early this morning and never bothered to wake her, normally she hears me regardless of how quiet I try to be. I got bored with watching TV so I came back down since she is currently napping again in her bed. She has a routine just like me and I know it all too well. Food before bed, some water crying and then cuddle time with dad.

I hope that all is well in your world. Politics are starting to scare me a bit and I think I will be a bit more at ease after the inauguration. It’s all gotten way to far out of hand and right now I don’t see a way to put the bulls back in the barn but hopefully with time they will calm down and come home on their own. Hopefully, that makes sense.

Take care and enjoy the remainder of the week. I am going to try to enjoy my time away from the office, even though I have to login and run that silly report. I really wish vacation or time off was exactly that and there was no interaction with work whatsoever but I suppose that would be a perfect world. Talk with you all again soon!

 

Younger Men by K.T. Oslin

Wrap on Monday

Monday was a rollercoaster ride for me. My morning started off as usual I was in the middle of a call with a colleague and my stomach began giving me fits. I excused myself from the call and no sooner than I stood up, I had a problem on my hands and a messy one at that. I was not happy at all. I got cleaned up and began the litany of laundry. I used some water yesterday and my washer got quite the workout. I even ran it through it’s first ever cleaning cycle.

It’s kind of felt like I had eaten something bad but I didn’t get nauseated. Not sure what it was but when I stepped on the scale, I was 5 pounds lighter. If I can just do that again a couple more times I can be back to my original weight. However, I think that I would be dehydrated and probably not feeling so well. Still it’s one way to lose weight, just not my preferred method.

I was hesitant to eat lunch but did ingest a small amount of a left-over sandwich. That didn’t cause any problems. I got in a nice long nap for lunch because I was exhausted. As per usual my phone kept waking me up, even though I wasn’t on call I still looked at it. You never know when something emergent will arise and I am known for quick response, so I like to keep up my image.

Later in the afternoon as I was wrapping things up, I got a phone call from the eye doctor. My glasses were ready. I called to make sure it was okay to come on down and get them. I missed them so much. Everything looked fine in the store, driving was okay. When I got home and tried to read my copy of the invoice, I had some problems. I took them off to give my eyes a rest. Put them on later in the evening and still had issues. I put them back on this morning and it is taking a bit to get used to the new prescription, which is supposed to be better, as in improved vision but I kind of miss my old prescription. It’s been a few hours and things are starting to come into focus. I suppose it’s just a training period of getting used to them but I don’t like it at all. I will try to exercise what little patience I do have and see if I can’t get used to them, but if in a couple days things don’t settle down, I will be calling back. I spent a pretty penny and want to ensure that I get my monies worth.

Marv got in lots of noodle time last night and I had the heating pad on. He woke up and repositioned himself and asked for a little attention but was quick to pass out. Eventually he woke up and he wanted down. I took care of that. Then cleaned up my DVR to get rid of a bunch of old Family Feud episodes. Watched a special at home on AXS with Celo Green last night. It was okay. On some songs he can sing and on others it sounds like he is whispering. If he would be consistent that would make him better. I can’t stand whispering when someone is trying to sing, spit it out already!

That was the end of Monday. Slept okay, had some strange dreams and Gator wanted me up way too soon. Here we are already at Tuesday. It’s supposed to be a stormy day and if that means it is a bit cooler then I am for it. It’s been so hot here.

No surprise that the COVID 19 is seeing a spike in a good portion of the states that have decided to open back up. Not sure if its protest related but they certainly don’t help contain the virus. The world is kind of a huge mess right now. With the protesting and reform needed for policing, being in the middle of a pandemic and having an ass hat in charge of it all. It’s kind of like were fucked and not in a good way. I just hope that this too shall pass, we can see positive changes and get a remedy for the virus. I think that it would make a lot of folks happy to be able to go back to some state of normal. I for one would love to stop having to worry about putting on a mask. It’s annoying, uncomfortable and looks odd. I keep telling myself this is a very bad dream and I am going to wake up and have some story to tell that no one will ever believe, but sadly I am awake and this is not a dream.

Stay safe, be well and we will talk again soon.

Minneapolis

Before I get into the thick of it, I heard that my Canadian friend is back in the hospital. I hope that if your reading this, that you are doing better than when you went in. <HUGS>!

Okay now we can talk about the elephant in the room. I got into it with one of my favorite gay porn stars on social media because he said (paraphrasing) cops suck. If I was given a better body and a little less fear, I’d be a cop today. It’s what I have wanted to do all of my life. It’s fair to say that I think fondly of law enforcement. That said, there are bad apples in every bunch and because of a few of them it does spoil the bunch. We all found that out in school at a young age.

I think what happened in Minneapolis was wrong. There was no reason to keep kneeling on that man’s throat since he was in custody (meaning he had handcuffs on). There should have been a senior officer on scene or at the very least they should have listened when the man said he couldn’t breathe. I mean what was causing his difficulty breathing? The knee of the cop on this throat. If this guy was resisting, I get that tactic could have been used to help detain and capture him, but once he is in custody then place him in a patrol car and call it a day. This was a tragedy that could have easily been avoided. 4 officers would still have their jobs, the dead guy would be alive and there would be a lot less unrest in the world.

I get that the world thinks cops have gone too far and that they are evil. Not all people are evil and since cops are people, that applies to them. While I don’t support what took place in Minneapolis, not all cops are evil or bad.

Stop for a second and think about what burden they face each and every day. They go to work not knowing if they will be going home at the end of their shift. They deal with the worst of the worse. Yeah, it’s what they signed up for. Keeping this in mind, do you understand why they respond or act the way they do? I get it and it’s obvious. However, some of them do overstep their bounds and flaunt their authority. Additionally, when you’re in trouble who do you call? That’s right the police because you need help.

I am upset and disturbed by the reaction of the people. I get civilized and peaceful protest. However, hurting other people, looting, lighting fires, damaging property and trying to attack the police – that is all wrong. Those are bad people in the bunch of society. Never mind the fact that we are in the middle of a pandemic, people are losing their minds. I do think some of it can be attributed to society shutting down but then you have our leader who is encouraging this.

My opinion is that the world has gone to hell in a hand basket. We are our own worst enemy and we are killing others for no reason at all.

I do think that the justice system will address each of the 4 officers involved. In fact, the guy who had his knee on the man’s throat has already been arrested for murder. That is something that would have never happened back in the day but because of the advent of technology and cameras – it shined the light on this and showed clearly what took place. Furthermore, just like the pandemic has changed life as we know it, I think that this event will change the future of law enforcement.

People all across the world make poor decisions each day, some are arrested because of it, some die as a result of their actions and others are injured. Those 4 cops all made bad decisions in the heat of the moment when you get tunnel vision and can’t see clearly, the adrenalin is pumping and you react versus think.

At the end of the day, the only good that can come from this is change and reform for law enforcement, as well as those 4 former officers being charged for their poor decision making and reaction. What is going on currently with rioting and protesting is frightening and no good will come from those actions. Outside of causing harm/damage a good portion of the people involved in the protesting and rioting are spreading the virus because they aren’t social distancing, wearing face masks, etc.

There is no sense in debating the issue. Wrong is wrong and Right is right. I don’t want to fight. I just want to be able to live my life free and I’d like for normal to go back to being normal. I’d like for an adult to be in charge of running the free world instead of the buffoon we have now. Stay safe and be well everyone! I’ll talk with you again soon.

TGIF

Log on to any form of social media now and all you will see is that black lives matter.  I’m as sick of seeing that as I am innocent people being shot/killed.  I saw a tweet that said words to the effect of why is there so much violence?  Are you kidding me?  Where have you been violence is become normal in our society when it’s abnormal.  It is in most everything we are surrounded with like TV, Movies, Print Ads, Music and the list goes on and on.  It’s like sex, it’s everywhere.  So first you go have some sex, then you go out with a gun and commit crime.  We are victims of our environment.  Granted some of us are smarter and know that you shouldn’t commit a crime or use violence to try to solve a problem but it is okay to have sex, provided both parties are consenting.  Will this change?  Probably not anytime soon which is very sad. 

I found out today that I am getting my bonus.  I pushed the issue and it came through.  The odd thing is my boss is on vacation so he has to tell me the amount.  However, he won’t get back until the 18th and payday is on the 15th.  It should be on that check and then I will know but they may opt to hold it until the following pay period.  I just want my money and hopefully it’s equal to or greater than what I got last year.  I am a worker and I earn every penny I get, I pour my heart & soul into my job which can get you in trouble.  However, if everything works out it should get you rewarded in the end, for a job well done.  Now that is satisfaction at it’s finest and something to be proud of. 

Yesterday I learned that a coworker had passed.  She was fighting cancer and had been through a lot.  She made some progress but it was pretty aggressive and what progress she made she lost when her body stopped responding to treatment.  She went into a trial program, where everyone gets the real thing and there are no placebos but that apparently didn’t bring the progress that she needed.  She eventually got tired in the last couple weeks and decided to call it quits.  A truly miserable way to go.  The office is pretty somber right now.  Funeral is on Monday and as luck would have it I have the day off so I can go.  Problem is that my car needs service and I can’t put that off.  So if time permits I will go.  I suspect that all I will do is cry the entire time.  It will bring back memories of my loss.  So maybe I won’t go.  I bought a card and wrote a letter to her family last night.  It’s on it’s way to HR so they can address and mail it.  Words are something that you have to select very carefully in times like these.  I can blabber on about anything but trying to bring comfort to a family or loved one who just lost someone, that is where I tend to not know what to say.  I did the best I could and it took me all of an hour to write, clean up and rewrite then finally print it. 

So I look forward to the weekend, being able to be carefree and take my time, mostly for doing what I want and that is mostly sleep.  This week I haven’t slept the best.  I blame it on the weather and the humidity.  I don’t want to freeze out the cats but having my door closed in the summer time really sucks for me.  I look forward to tonight because the door will stay open but that also means my room will fill up with children and a good majority will try to sleep with me in my twin bed. 

I got my last low power bill for a while.  I got an email that the rate is going up because I am consuming more energy.  No kidding AC really chews up the electric.  It’s not a horrible bill in total but the increases never seem to come at a good time.  Give it 4 months and it will likely fall. 

Well now it’s time to go back to work.  If there isn’t anything going on I have a bunch of training to catch up on.  I hope that you have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend with some good food, good times and good sleep.  I hope the same for myself.  Take care and stay cool.

Still tired

There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything I want to do.  I have time to accomplish the basic tasks that are required to exist but beyond that most anything for pleasure has to wait until the weekend.  I’m not so sure why I am all of a sudden time poor.  The days and nights seem to pass very quickly.  Weekends are the exception to that they linger a little bit but not by much.  It is nice to get out of bed and not have a schedule.

I woke up this morning and it was as if I never went to bed in the first place.  I was up at least once to let Marvin out but that’s it.  I think it might be the heat zapping all of my energy and drive.  I do have an allergic reaction to heat in that I can easily get sick or if the temperature gets way up there I will pass out.  Right now in my part of the world it is summer time and my area is known for high temperatures but they usually don’t come on very strong until July.  That is not the case right now.  A/C is running every night and most of the weekend.  I have found a temperature that is comfortable for me and the children don’t complain.  Insty loves to curl up under my blankets but only when I am not in bed.  She crawls in and buries herself as if she is in a deep freeze.  Sometimes I will turn the A/C off for her but it’s not often.

Speaking of the little fur balls, everyone has had their birthday.  Momma is now 13 as of this past Sunday.  The kids turned 12 yesterday.  I love each one of them and am proud of them.  Bear has had the toughest fight by far.  I remember when there was a respiratory thing going through the house and all of the boys got it, that is way back when #1 son was alive.  I think it’s something Taz (aka LB) brought in.  We almost lost both Marv and Bear it was wicked.  I can also remember racing home to greet them as they were each born into the world..  Time flies by way too fast and memories are great but the more you remember the older you tend to be.

In light of the tragedy in Orlando I have made a couple of posts on my FB account and I readily admit that I am gay. I’ve never really put it out there for the world to see.  It felt good and empowering.  I am a private person for the most part but felt that it was time to open up and just let it all hang out, so to speak.  I was curious to see if my friend count changed or if anyone would say anything to me about it, but nope.  My friend count may have decreased by 1 or 2, but I don’t keep that close of tabs on who is my FB friend and who isn’t.  So if in fact someone left they don’t stand out to me.

It’s been a while since I have seen a comment posted and I was wondering if in fact anyone is still actually reading my blathering's?  While this is something that I enjoy doing and it’s therapeutic for me, if no one is reading it then I am just babbling for nothing.  So if your reading this, take a moment and let me know.  If there is a topic you want me to write about or a question you have, don’t be afraid to post that as well.  I am as friendly as I sound and I don’t bite.  Happy middle of the week everyone.  Two more days and then maybe I will be able to sleep in.  I really hope so, I could use a lazy day.  In fact I am surprised with the way I felt this morning that I actually made it in to work.  Best part about coming in and going home is the AC on full blast in the car.  Its like I am in freezer and it feels so good.  Take care.

Total Shock

 

When I went to bed all was right with the world.  When I woke up I couldn’t say the same thing.  I can’t believe what happened in Orlando Florida.  I am even more devastated by the initial number of casualties, which is listed at 50.  I know that in the days to come that number will climb, which is even sadder. 

I think this was timed due to this being Pride month and the gunman probably figured that he stood a greater chance of taking out more people now than say a month ago or even a month from now.  That may or may not be true.  This tragedy will forever change the lives of many people.

I’ve never been to a gay nightclub or a Pride event.  I can tell you that if I would have decided to go and then this would have unfolded I probably wouldn’t want to go back, not to say I wouldn’t.  I live no where near Florida but due to the tropical climate it is one place that gay people love to flock to. 

Given the course of events with shootings not only in the work place, the movie theater and now a nightclub I think we are headed towards security checkpoints to be common place.  We will all find ourselves standing in line just to get through security.  Be it to enjoy a meal out, to go grocery shopping or even visiting the doctor.  Can you imagine this and then tack on one of those times when you have to pee.  Well there won’t be any cuts in line and chances are you will probably wind up peeing your pants. 

Lots of people say we need gun reform.  Guns don’t kill people.  People kill people.  Jack up the price of ammo, like Chris Rock said … $6k per bullet and that will solve this problem. 

America is a great country to live in.  We have liberties and freedoms that others don’t enjoy.  Many men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I can live free.  I don’t understand why we want to turn against each other.

I do understand that there are several people, predominantly those of various religious backgrounds that despise gay people.  They think we should all be rounded up and put into a prison camp and shot. What they fail to realize is that straight people produced the gay people.  Being gay is not a choice, no matter what you hear.  I’ve said it before… who would chose to live a life where they are under constant persecution, made fun of and tortured all because of their sexual identity.  I can’t think of a single person who would chose that life for themselves.  I know that I wouldn’t.  It’s no fun and it does have lasting repercussions that stick with you through out your entire life. 

There is plenty of hate in this world and not enough love and peace.  Negativity is easy to come up with but it takes real resolve to be positive and stay that way.  Life it’s self is such a precious gift and it’s taken from us quickly.  Were all walking the earth but we all have an expiration date.  That date could be tomorrow or it could be several years from now.  Live your life as if today is your last day, do un to others as you would want them to do un to you.  These are all lessons we are taught as children but quickly forget about.  It’s sad that it takes an event like this to remind us of those lessons. 

The world will eventually come to an end, that I believe.  I also believe that as we get closer to that violence will become more common and events like this will be as common as picking up a hamburger at the local McDonald’s.  Regardless if your stupid, smart, educated or not its clear and ever present that we as humans are the problems.  The vast majority of us are law abiding and God Fearing citizens. 

My heart truly aches for the victims and their families of this senseless event.  I pray that they will be able to find comfort and that someone will be there for them to wipe away their tears and sadness. 

Peace be with you and may God Bless the United States of America.