Music & Men on Monday - MMM

Lazy Sunday

Sunday a day that I thought would go much different than it did.  My plans were to wake up early, have breakfast and take a shower.  Then clean the house up to stay awake.  Take in some TV and begin to try to get my sleep schedule back in order.

Instead the day went like this… slept in until eleven, had breakfast watched TV and fell back asleep.  Woke up around three and got a shower.  Took in some TV, watched a Netcast, fell asleep again.  Woke up had a pizza.  Did the dishes, cleaned the kids water fountain and trimmed all but one cats claws.  Not exactly a bad Sunday but just not the way I planned it.

The claw trimming of Shy Girl went okay.  She did wet her pants but that was an easy clean up.  Some of her claws were starting to curl under and I was glad that I got that fixed for her.  I was able to get in some eye drops.  I also got to brush her and man it was like I was throwing away a small fur coat.  I even got to kiss her on the head, which is something that is normally not allowed.  I have kissed her a small number of times but it’s so few I could count on one hand.  She wasn’t happy about it but she is happy it’s over with.  6 more weeks and we will do it again.  She is trotting around now happy as a clam, I suppose because she can walk better.  I know she can always run and boy does she have some muscle and those lungs really work!

While I know I won’t get anything I did file an unemployment claim for this week.  It sure would be nice to see another pay check from them.  I think I mentioned that I filed for Food Stamps & Welfare.  Well I sent them a letter and explained that I got a job and I wouldn’t need their assistance.  I got a letter telling me that I need to attend an interview on Tuesday to discuss my benefits and there is a small litany of items they want me to bring to prove who I am and that I am truly poor.  I know I could probably at least get a month of Food Stamps if nothing else, but I am not going.  It just seems wrong now that I have a job lined up.  I told them if something should change I would be in touch.  Perhaps our communications crossed but I think they will get the idea when I am a no show.

I’ve got all of my short sleeve polo type shirts washed.  I don’t actually own any Polo brand shirts.  Those things are nice but way too expensive!  I do have Polo cologne but it bothers my nose so I use it sparingly. 

Time to start work on Monday’s post and look at some of my regular reads.  Now that I have a job I really don’t like to spend too much time in front of the computer.  I know that I will be tied to one all day long pretty soon and well it’s just nice to get away and do different things.  Too bad our money is short we could do more but we will no doubt make the best of it for the next two days.

I hope that your week is great.  Stay tuned and I will fill you in all about the new job and how things are going.  It will be a bit of a culture shock at first but I am positive that I will adapt with a little bit of time.  One thing that kind of hurts is two fellas that I used to work with and hang out with, still work in the same area and I’ve asked each of them via e-mail if they would be interested in getting lunch together sometime and both have failed to respond.  I suppose that tells me they are not interested.  Kind of a blow but oh well life goes on! 

Hacked

Last night I was brushing my teeth and I heard this loud scream from my partner.  I went to investigate what the problem was and there he was in front of his computer, pointing to the monitor.  He was looking at his bank account and there was a $600 charge from AT&T.  He lives by his Debit Card but he hasn’t been in an AT&T Store in a very long time.  I figured oh it was a mistake and in the morning it will drop off.  Yeah, no such luck.  I did eventually get to finish brushing my teeth.  I didn’t want you to think I’ve been walking around with a mouth full of toothpaste for a day.

We awoke earlier than I would have liked and he checked his bank account and it was still there.  So we talked to a guy at the bank and he said that my partner was the 4th person to have this problem.  He showed us on the screen that the card was used at an AT&T Store in Chicago, IL we are guessing someone got an iPAD.  Anyway, the only choice he had was to cancel the card and get a new one. 

Modern technology has made some advancements, so I figured that there would be a way to turn off the purchase part but leave the ATM part open until his new card arrived.  Nope, once you cancel the card the entire thing is toast.  So he made a withdrawal of some cash so we could go to the grocery store. 

The charge from AT&T is pending as an authorization.  Until it turns into an actual charge there isn’t anything that can be done.  It will probably be late Monday or early Tuesday.  Then we have to go back to the bank, sign some paperwork and within a few days he will get his money back.  Should his account be overdrawn because of this, the bank will cover the overdraft fees. 

We have been trying to figure out how this could have happened but heck it could have happened anywhere.  This is my ultimate fear because now I live by my Debit Card too.  We both have different banks but at least now I know what to expect should this ever happen to me.  It’s never a good feeling to know that a card be it debit or credit has been compromised.  However, with a credit card life is much easier and it doesn’t have an impact on your checking account.

We did visit the buffet today, it was a damn long drive but I managed to make it despite the fact I had less than 7 hours of sleep.  I was tired on the way down to the point I could have curled up behind the wheel.  On the way back I was full and tired, not a good combination.  However, we made it there and back with no problems at all.  The food was okay, not outstanding like normal.

Our trip to the grocery store waited until tonight and it wasn’t too terribly crowded.  However, lots of people there buying alcohol to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.  It felt strange to think ahead and plan on packing a lunch.  What do I want and what do I need?  So next week it will be Bologna, Cheese and Miracle Whip.  I got individual  bags of Chips and a Pudding Cup.  Washing all that down with Diet Dr. Pepper.  Might not be healthy but I will get there eventually.  I’ve got no idea what supper will be like.  Breakfast will be either Special K or Oatmeal. 

As we were leaving the store I saw one of the cute Cart Guys rounding up the shopping cars.  Those guys sure are in shape.  Then by one of the ice coolers there was this guy who was just amazing looking.  His butt was perfect and as soon as he bent over I exclaimed Oh My I’d tap that.  Thankfully I was in the truck so he didn’t hear me. 

Now I’m catching up on Laundry and going to trim Shy Girls claws tonight.  That should be an adventure, I hope it goes well and she doesn’t injury herself or me or worse yet pee or poop on me.  I have a bunch of stuff in store for her, but it’s kind of up to her temperament if I will be able to get it all in.  There is claws to trim, her eye needs some drops and she could use a brushing.  She loves brushing but once you piss her off by capturing her, the enjoyment goes out the window.  She just wants to kill.  You can feel the venom in her hiss.  I believe if she wanted to she could be a fire breathing dragon.  I hate to get her all worked up but this has to be done.  Her claws are probably starting to curl under and I’ve already seen her stuck in a couple things.  She will thank me afterwards, might be a day or two though.

The days are passing by fast.  This unpaid vacation will be over with soon.  I kind of hate the fact that I have to go back to work, simply because I have been accustomed to sitting at home.  However, that won’t pay the bills.  We have purchased a few lottery tickets, maybe one of them will pay off big.  I think even then eventually I’d want to work some place.  More thank anything I am just thankful that my unemployment journey is over with and there is a place that wants me.  That feels really good!  My bigger fear is something will go awry and this won’t work out.  However, I have to put that out of my mind and concentrate on the fact that right now they want and need me.  I’m getting ahead of myself and that usually causes fear and worry.  So I will try to relax and enjoy my last few days of rest as I work on getting my sleep schedule back to something more normal.

I hope you had a fun and relaxing Saturday and I hope Sunday is even better.  I will talk with you peeps later.

Aging Sucks

My visit today with the Eye Doctor was a financial nightmare!  First they told me that the exam wasn’t covered by insurance and that would be $140.  Then the Doc tells me that I need glasses, I have two pairs of computer glasses but don’t really wear them a lot.  I found out that you can give them the glasses and they will have lens made for them, so I wouldn’t have to pay for another pair of frames.  That was $103 and it will be a couple weeks before they are in.  Turns out they made a mistake and decided that the Eye Exam is covered.  I already know for a fact it won’t be covered because I didn’t go to the specific authorized provider that our insurance mandates.  However, by the time they figure that out I should hopefully have money in the bank!  The good news is that I don’t legally need glasses to drive, which makes me happy!

I told the Doc about my eyes itching and burning at times.  I was pretty well assured it was from allergies.  He told me about a new drug (eye drop) that just hit the market, available by Prescription only.  He gave me a sample and said use a drop per eye each day, there will be no more problems.  He also wrote me a prescription.  Well it’s so new that it’s not covered by insurance and the cost is $140.  I told the pharmacy I do not have that kind of money, call the doctor and see if there is something else that might work.  They are doing that but it will probably be Monday before this is sorted out.  Not a problem at all.  I’d rather pay a smaller amount.  My money is extra tight right now. 

Outside of needing glasses, my eyes are healthy the pressure is good and I should be fine for another year.  I will be going back in a year to see how things are.  The Diabetes is a huge concern for me and reason enough to stay on top of my vision.  That is one sense that I don’t want to loose!

I got new oil for my car.  I suppose they changed the air filter, but there was no charge for it.  Thanks to the coupon I found on line I saved myself $23.  All is well and unless something crops up, I shouldn’t have to go back until October if you go by the date.  If you go by the miles it will probably take me to February before I reach another 5,000 miles.  Short commutes to and from work, which are a good thing.  Plus we will venture off to eat at the Buffet or go for Pie and those are long trips.  I’d rather do them in my car than his truck.  Simply because it gives my car the exercise it needs.

After the car was done, I got my hairs cut.  That turned out really well.  I went shorter because we are close to summer.  Plus I think it looks better.  My partner never does like the way I do my hair but he realizes it’s mine.  You should have seen the ladies face when I sat in the chair and she said, okay what are we doing today.  I said I will have a perm.  My hair was short to start with.  Plus they don’t do perms.  She got a good chuckle from that. 

Once that was done, I stopped off and picked up my Transit Pass, then it was time to head for home.  I had spent way too much money.  I’ve got plenty left to take care of Lawn Boy and my Phone Bill.  Then there will be like $20 left for the entire month.  I haven’t even started my new job and I am ready for pay day!

To kill time while the car was being worked on, my partner took us to the local bakery.  Where we got way too much stuff.  Two diabetics buying bakery.  I always throw a fit when he heads there because I know my sugar is going to be out of whack for a while.  Ah, well new job celebrate while I can.  Plus hopefully getting up, going to work and the walking I will be doing along with hopefully eating better will help things.  I do believe once and a while in splurging, but I tend to over do it at times.

After the Bakery we went to Waffle House.  I got a bowl of Chili and a Cheese Burger.  That was very good!  The guy that was supposed to be doing the cooking was scrubbing the floor.  Damn he was fine.  A little wide in the butt, otherwise he was okay.  I listened to him talking and of course he was straight.  Then I found out he wasn’t even 21 yet.  Boy what a poor judge of age I am.  I figured him for 22 at least. 

I’ve also had two naps and now I am doing laundry getting out my polo shirts so that I will have something to wear to work.  Next comes trying on pants and that I’m sure won’t be fun.  Not too sure if I will do that tonight or not. 

I heard my partner talking a while ago and I knew something was wrong.  Turns out Big Boy had an accident.  I went upstairs to find out what was wrong and there he was laying in the hall.  Poor guy.  I got everything cleaned up.  Including him.  He complained a little bit because I had to rip some fur from his paws, that litter gets like gum at times.  I try to be as gentle as possible but there is no way it can’t hurt when your pulling out fur or hair.  He is walking a bit better.  I haven’t spent time with him today, so I will make sure that I factor that into tonight.

I’d really like to surf the web.  I am also making and sorting out a list of facilities across the country that my new employer owns.  Figuring I will be seeing each of them at least once.  I just hope that I don’t have to travel for a while.  I am just not hip on traveling because I know things will surely go down hill  around here.  I just don’t see how my partner will be able to medicate two cats and keep up with the litter boxes, especially when one of them is in the basement.  He walks down the steps now and it’s a major chore.  I know it will all come together but still I worry because it’s one thing I know without a doubt that I do well.  What can I say, I think a lot of my family and want everyone to be okay!  Not to mention I would miss all of them horribly.

So there you have it my last Friday as an unemployed, free man.  Next week at this time things will be so different.  I will probably be ready for bed and happy that the weekend is here.  Speaking of which I hope that you have a great one and I will talk with you peeps later!

It Figures

I went to the job interview this morning not expecting much.  Just keeping an appointment for the sake of keeping it.  The building was very old and looked like crap, but the gem is the heart of the company.  This place has all of the latest and greatest technology and the best part is it all works.  There servers and programs are 10% up all the time.  The business runs on a 24x7 basis but there is no on call.  You come in at 7 and leave around 430 and that’s it, no one to bother you after hours.  They are available and people know it, but no one ever bothers them. 

My experience is what got me the interview and my sharp looking resume.  They tossed out other people who didn’t have any types of IT Certifications.  So I felt honored that they called.  They are going to start 2nd round interviews next week on Wednesday or Thursday and I’ve already been told I will be getting a call.

That really sucks, this is a place where I really would like to work.  Why didn’t they call me 2 month or even 2 weeks earlier?  I didn’t disclose that I had already accepted an offer, that would have been very tacky plus they would wonder why I was wasting their time.  My plan is to let them down if they call to schedule something on Wednesday or Thursday.  It would be nice if they work something in on Monday or Tuesday, I would go just out of sheer curiosity.  My guess is the pay would be less than what I was offered. 

I am not one to pit two companies against each other and compete for the best offer.  I made a commitment and unless this other place moves quickly and makes me an offer before Wednesday, sorry but I am spoken for. 

It would be nice to work some place where there is a network, the latest in technology and things are laid out.  Plus there was room to grow.  However, in a way I have an awesome opportunity a head of me, at least as I see it now.  Talk to me next week and maybe my tune will change.  I feel signals telling me that this new job will be more than I can handle or I am someone who they think is a true IT know it all and that my friends is so far from the truth, it isn’t funny.  However, while the signals are there, the fear factor is not.  So since I don’t feel flight or fight at this time, I feel it’s important to honor the commitment I made on the people who decided to take a chance on me. 

I spoke with My Brother today and his opinion is wait it out and see who pays more, then go there.  You don’t owe anyone anything, it’s all about money.  Yeah, he is greedy like that.  Plus money is the only reason why I am going back to work.  However, I think it’s just unethical and stupid to bail on a sure thing.  Heck, this other place might just be blowing smoke like so many places have done before.  Stick with the sure thing kid, you can’t go wrong!

For the first time since I think the holidays I spoke with my mom.  She is doing okay and actually better.  She doesn’t talk about the police or drugs any more.  Her main problem right now is panic attacks and controlling them.  She told me about her vision and how it’s getting worse.  She really would like to get another cornea transplant.  However, she doesn’t go back to the eye Dr. until September.  I told her all about my new job and she is really happy for me.  Of course I never told her I lost the last job, but she was smart enough to figure that out on her own.  I was able to keep her at bay on that for a while and we actually never talked about what went wrong.  I think she would be shocked to hear how I was treated but she has enough going on, I don’t want to burden her which is why I didn’t say anything in the first place.

It will be a busy Friday for me.  After my interview I called to get an appointment for my car to get an Oil Change and the air filter hasn’t been changed since I bought the car, which was close to 3 years.  That filter has got to be super dirty even though the car only has 13 thousand miles on it.  Then after talking with my mom, I called the eye Dr. to get a check up.  It’s been 2 years and I haven’t been to the eye Dr. since I was told I have Diabetes.  That disease seems so innocent but it’s evil and sort of a silent killer like High Blood Pressure.  It does eat away at your eyes and by the time you know something is going on, it’s too late to do anything.  So, I figured while I have the time might as well get the peepers checked out.  I’ve had some eye itching and my vision has gone bonkers on me from staring at the computer screen for long periods of time or concentrating too much when taking tests or filling out documents.  Better to know what is going on.  I know they will dial late my eyes and while I hate that, it is a necessary part of the exam.

Next week Monday & Tuesday are clear thus far.  I got a call this afternoon from a company about my resume and I turned them away.  Why is it that after you get an offer all of these people start coming out of the wood work.  Where were they when I needed them?  This place that called, I applied for the same job 2 times.  It just makes no sense to me.  I know it happens to most everyone that is in my shoes, still that doesn’t explain it.

I spent some Quality time with Big Boy and the family this evening.  We watched Impractical Jokers on Tru TV.  I got a few laughs from the show.  Check it out if you like practical jokes.  The Boy and the family just soaked up every ounce of attention and love I could pour out. I’d see it was getting late and say okay, one more show.  A 1/2 hour would go by and I’d say the same thing.  Before you know it the evening news was on.  Here it is 11 and this is my first interaction with the computer all day long.  Feels a little strange but also feels good!

The routine will kick in on Wednesday night and from that point forward it will be all about doing things on a schedule and doing them in a particular order.  Making lunch, getting ready for the next morning, getting to bed early and so on.  Life will be structured and that will become old very fast but I think I will spring back to it like a bad habit.  Might take a little getting used to but I think after three days the following week things will feel more normal.

So time to work on finances to make sure I have enough money to cover the up coming expenses.  Then I will call it a night.  Have to rise early tomorrow morning but thankfully the eye Dr. is less than a 1/2 mile from the house.  So close I could walk there but no way I could walk back home, I’d get hit by a car and stumble.  Thankfully my partner is taking me.  I remember the last time my eyes were dilated and I lied to myself and said, oh you can drive it will be okay.  Damn, I got to a shopping center and it was sheer panic, couldn’t see a damn thing!

I hope that all is well in your world.  Talk with you peeps later!

Big Boy Update

Big Boy has managed to injury one of his hind legs.  I don’t *think* that he broke anything.  I believe it is more of a sprain.  Regardless of what ever it is, his mobility is limited.  Once he makes it to the kitchen he tends to stay there all day, unless of course you move him.

I did move him today and spent a couple hours with him on the couch.  He was soaking up all of the love.  I did examine his paws but can’t tell anything, he doesn’t show any signs of pain and isn’t yelping.  I broke out the First Aid book and it said to use ICE and also consult with the vet.  We will be breaking out the ICE later tonight and hopefully we can get him back to walking normally. 

I am so scared for him and his future.  I believe that he knows his health is on the decline and that he is growing closer to the end.  I think that bothers him but he tries to put up a brave front, as all cats would to say I am okay, life is good.  Cats are the master of disguise, unless you know them really well you wouldn’t ever know there was a problem.  Then again you can know them well and still miss things.  That is on a short list of things I don’t like about cats.

Of course I am willing to do anything to keep him alive and comfortable.  If he is suffering and nothing is working, then the game changes.  Right now I’m trying to put up a brave front as well and deny, deny, deny.  However, I know that is going to bite me in the ass. 

Now that my job situation is nailed down, my prayers will focus on Big Boy and being able to hang on to him for as long as possible.  I’d love nothing short of a miracle and to have him healed.  I do know that ALL of the cats will be on a diet when I return to work.  My partner will not cave and give in like I do, so they will probably have 3 to 4 meals a day – that’s it.  Of course they will still have treat time (can’t say that out loud, a riot will break out) in the evening, but that is already restricted to 1/2 a bag or less per night.  Those treats are $2.00 a bag, I simply can’t afford a bag a night, plus they are high in calories and they pack the weight on.  Sure hope everyone adjusts and maybe, just maybe Big Boy can loose some weight from this!

Stay tuned and I will keep you posted.  Talk with you peeps later!

The End

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that my search for employment has terminated as of today!  Much to my surprise I received a call a little after 5pm and was offered the position.  I of course accepted without hesitation!  I still have a little bit of a vacation left.  My start date will be Wednesday, May 9th.  I did have to take a pay cut but it was very small.

While this position I am going into is uncharted territory for me, I will give it my best shot.  I hope and pray it works out to be a great opportunity.  I am over joyed, excited, nervous and can’t wait to start.

I will learn all about benefits and probably have tons of paper work to fill out next week.  They did offer to pay for my parking for the day, but I explained that I will be taking public transportation aka mass transit.  It’s the easiest and best way, that way no hassles with parking and not a lot of extra driving.  My commute will be exactly the same as it was on my last job!  I will have to walk farther to get to the office, but it’s not like I can’t use a little more exercise and I know my body will get used to it.

I do have an interview set for tomorrow morning, I see no reason to not go.  You never know how things are going to turn out, so it’s good to have a backup plan.  This will thankfully be my very last interview.

Thank you to Jude, ., and others who left comments.  I know you all were pulling for me and I appreciate your kind words, thoughts and prayers.  I owe you big time!  Your words of encouragement help keep me going when I wanted to quit.

This was certainly a very down time and 18 months is way too long to look for work.  Everything happens for a reason, despite the fact we might not know why.  While there was much stress during this time and my finances suffered, I have managed to break free from Credit Card Debt so something good came out of all of this.  Now I can stock pile aka save money like no tomorrow, so that God forbid if I am ever in this position again, I will have funds on hand without creating tax liability and incurring penalties.  I pray that no one else has to walk through the same water I did.  I know that I was not the only person on the planet looking for work but it does get lonely and tiresome.

Tonight is the first night in a long time where I am not searching for ads to reply to.  It does feel strange and the only thing I can thing to do is enjoy my free time and spend it with the kids.  They are going to miss me and life for them will change.  I just hope they can all endure the stress this will create for them.  I will be taking this extra time to try to adjust my sleeping schedule so that it’s not so foreign to my body.  All though on the first day I will be so juiced up with adrenaline that it probably won’t matter how much sleep I have.  Next Tuesday night I probably won’t sleep that much, but here’s one time when I hope I am wrong!

Thank you all again so very much.  Your friendship, readership and just knowing that there are folks out there that care means the world to me.  Thanks be to God as well, even though I doubted God still came through.  It was at the 11th hour but it showed me that all things are possible, no matter how bad the situation looks, a ray of sunshine is around the corner!

We are breathing easier here with a huge sigh of relief!  I will talk with you peeps later!  God Bless.

24 Hours Later

Just got a call asking for my DOB and SSN so they can do a background check. I believe they will look at my credit report and make sure that I am not a criminal. Hopefully I can get an offer by the end of the week or on Monday.

While there is no guarantee of a job, things sure are headed in the right direction. I am very excited!

Forgot my brother

My brother phoned on Sunday and he really likes his job.  He still hates the hours.  He checked on his old day time job but they still aren’t ready yet.  I told him they have been trying to work things out for 2 years.  You would be so much better to leave it alone and just keep the job you have.  You will earn more money with overtime plus you have benefits, which is something you wouldn’t have if you went back.  Plus you have no guarantees that this wouldn’t all fall apart and you would wind back up at square one. 

I told him about my situation and he was surprised that 4 weeks had flown by.  I told him it passes faster than you realize.  Working or not, happy or sad – time stands still for no one. 

I mean to put this in my entry from last night but obviously with so much on my mind, I forgot.  Too many worries and too much information for my brain to process.  Maybe it’s just another sign I’m getting old! :)  Talk with you peeps later!

24 Hours to Employment ?

The 2nd Interview materialized just as I thought it would.  It was a short meeting just like the first one, but things were laid out for me in much greater detail.  When we concluded the meeting I was told I will have an offer in 24 hours.  That sounds like awesome news, but I am holding down my excitement until the offer comes through. 

Still my mind is racing with ideas, people I can reach out to for help and the thought of getting in touch with old contacts sounds very appealing. 

Presuming this all comes through I will be an IT Manager, not my official title but I will be in charge of all things IT for this company.  They also use the same brand of phone system that my last employer did.  I’m not too thrilled about that because a phone system plaid a point in me loosing my old job.  This job will no doubt allow me to learn a wide variety of things and gain knowledge to further my resume.  Who knows maybe I can even talk them into paying for  a certification or two, that would be extra awesome.

Neither Father or Son knows anything about IT so they couldn’t quiz me on my knowledge.  They basically took my resume at face value.  There is good and bad in that.  If this comes through I want it to be the right amount of money and a good fit.  Something that will be long term and I can get comfy but not too comfy.  Hiring me is a pure business decision for these folks and they are rolling the dice and hoping that they chose the right person.  I will certainly do my best to not let them down, provided they give me the opportunity.

I called the other company that I interviewed with 2 weeks ago.  The guy said oh Hi Jeremy.  I asked for an update on the position and he said well I am interviewing other candidates now.  The fucker was ready to hang up the phone.  I asked when he would be making a decision and he said ah, 2 weeks.  Yeah, okay I won’t be holding my breath.  I don’t understand why they went to such great lengths to put me through an assessment test, do a background check, interview me in person and give me a tour, if they weren’t seriously interested in me.  Maybe they put everyone through this.  I mean they certainly have the money BUT why waste it like this, it just makes no sense to me. 

I was telling my partner today that I will get the job with the Father & Son Company.  Then the phone will ring off the hook with job offers.  My partner said stuff like that usually happens but it’s first come first serve.  Everyone had fair notice that I was in the market.  True that! 

While writing my own ticket does sound appealing, it also sounds a bit scary.  Ideally I would like to work with a team of people who already know the business and can teach me how the environment works.  Who knows though this may just turn out to be the opportunity of a life time that fell in my lap.  Stay tuned and we shall find out together!

Big Boy had a rough night and frankly I am very scared.  He went to use the litter box and he was straining so hard, nothing happened and finally he just had to lay down so he hopped out of the box.  He started panting (not a good sign for a cat… usually means respiratory distress and you need to go to the vet) I sweet talked him and helped him to calm down.  Then he gave it one more try, only problem was he wasn’t in the litter box.  So I had a mess to clean up.  I got that taken care of.  I came back to clean him up and then he turned on the soft serve ice cream, only it wasn’t ice cream.  Ah, it was quite the mess.  I didn’t mind that I was more worried about him.  I got him clean, the mess cleaned up and then cleaned up myself.  I sat with him for a couple minutes and gave him a belly rub.  That’s one way to endear him, he loves those belly rubs.

Everyone that was in my room left, so I got to sleep by myself last night.  Different and enjoyable but still I worried.

This morning Big Boy stuck close to the kitchen.  He is walking funny.  I figured that litter just got in his back paws but they are clean.  He let me rub them for a little bit but then he barked at me to stop.  I worry that he either hurt himself.  He fell asleep in the water fountain, which he has never done before.  You could just look at him and know he wasn’t feeling the best.  I did give him some extra medicine in the hopes it would help him.

My Partner and I both agree that it’s time to take him back to the vet for an evaluation.  He probably needs to have the lungs drained again.  Maybe we can get him a stool softener.  I am very concerned and nervous about how this will turn out.  I’d like an EASY button to make him better and keep him alive.  His health care has certainly been a pain point for all of us.  Money or the lack there of is why we are not rushing to the vet now.  I suppose if this job comes through, I will be making him an appointment this week.

I am so hungry for Blueberry Pancakes and/or Taco Bell.  Both together, nah that sounds like a pregnancy craving.  I will probably wind up settling for something here like Salsa, Lasagna and/or Pizza.  Then again I could just continue sipping on my water and call it a day!  Lord knows I will not be able to sleep tonight from anticipation about tomorrow!

More to come as life continues to happen.  Thanks again for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.  They are very much appreciated.  I will talk with you peeps later!