Friday Update

 

BEAR

He made it to the vet, he smelled pretty bad and I had cleaned him up earlier but I could only get so far.  He really needs to get into the bathtub and get some soap & water but that would seriously stress him out. 

No blood work or diagnostic testing.  The vet said that if they would find that he is diabetic (which is a concern) that he wouldn’t be able to take the pred. which would put us up a creek w/o a paddle.  His weight is the same 38 pounds – feels more like 50. 

He cried the whole way there, all of the time in the waiting room and it wasn’t until he got into the scale that he finally shut up.  One noisy guy!  At least we know he still has some lung function. 

He has another bad tooth and the vet said that removing it is the only thing to do, but he isn’t a great candidate for going under.  So we are leaving well enough alone.  Treating the problem could cause a bigger issue and in the long run as long as he is eating then were okay. 

I got more pred. and he is good for another year.  We will go back next year, unless something warrants returning.  I’m glad that he passed again, not exactly with flying colors but he passed. 

RUTH

She ate this morning but promptly threw it all up.  I started her on baby food and she loves it.  It seems to agree with her.  I got her eating regular food this evening and thus far it’s stayed down.  I hope that continues. 

I still have to trim her claws and I don’t want to upset her anymore than I have to.  The stress could cause her to vomit.  I mentioned her issue to the vet and she told me that I should stick with baby food for a few days then gradually introduce her to regular food. 

If a cat misses 3 meals straight then it’s time to get them to the vet, that is what my vet goes by.  I think of it in terms of days and not meals.  Especially since these gals & guys are over fed as it is. 

THE A/C

I got a different tech, he wasn’t hot or hunky or even handsome.  He took what was supposed to be a 20 minute visit and stretched it for 3 hours.  He did a great sales pitch on trying to get me to commit to installing a germicidal bulb, cleaning the furnace to improve air flow and telling me how my system really needed to be replaced. 

Clearly he didn’t pay attention at the start of the visit when we met.  I told him that money was a concern and that I wouldn’t be buying a new system.  He didn’t try to sell me a new system but rather tried to sell me on better maintaining what I had. 

Then I ask him since it was getting late and he didn’t have all of the parts on his truck.  What if I went full bore and decided to do the cleaning.  He said that he could have it done tomorrow.  That really irked me because I was already told they don’t work on Saturday.  WTF!

So he did exactly what I wanted him to do, which was get the outside compressor going again.  That was $271 but it’s running again.  I don’t have a copy of the receipt because they are paperless and it hasn’t come through yet.  He was trying to sell me on some monthly program for $20 that would cover service calls and make me a preferred customer.  Which I declined. 

While his work and evaluation were through, he wasted precious time that I really wanted to devote to other things – like shopping, seeing a movie and getting something to eat.  I thought he was never going to leave but thankfully he did!

If I don’t get a receipt over the weekend, I will be calling on Monday and asking for a copy to be sent.  I know what he charged because my credit card company alerts me every time a purchase or authorization is made, so there are no unexpected surprises and it keeps the risk of fraud to a minimum.

BANKRUPTCY

I had to leave another voice mail but I actually got a call back form the attorney.  He is going to talk with the Trustee on Tuesday and presuming they aren’t opposed to it, then the motion will be filed and it’s about a 30 day process. 

I was told that this isn’t an entitlement process, meaning that just because I paid the money in it’s not automatic.  Yeah I already knew that.  I can’t imagine that the Trustees office (even though they are Jack Asses) would oppose a hardship discharge because the debtor is deceased and his probate estate (aka ME) is making the payments.  I think I will be okay and if I am not, then I will have to weight the pros and cons before I arrive at a decision. 

TAKING CARE OF ME

After the AC guy left, I headed out and saw Furious 7 in IMAX for a whopping $15 that was just the cost of the ticket, no food or drink.  It was pure enjoyment but not worth $15.

When we got to the end and I heard Charlie’s tune start playing I just knew I was going to lose it – and I did for a brief moment.  It was sad, knowing that Paul isn’t walking the earth.  He was so young and full of life.  However, in the short time he had here he made some quality movies and had a profound impact on many peoples lives. 

I’ve heard some rumbling that there might be an 8th movie but I think those are just rumors.  This was a fitting end to the series and the theme in the movie was One Last Ride.  I think that is on point. 

WORK

I made it to the guys house last night.  I mentioned it to my boss and she wasn’t pleased.  She asked me to have him call her.  She told me that in the future I shouldn’t engage in this type of work and that I should refer folks to her.  Good luck getting approval from her.  However, my employer can not control what I do or do not do on my time.  I understand they don’t want to set a precedent that we work on personal machines. 

The guy tried to pay me, offer me baseball tickets but I declined.  I was there for 2 hours and thought it would never end.

What it boiled down to was they have an Apple.  She chose a poor password and her e-mail account was hacked.  We changed her password to another poorly chosen password and turned on the firewall on her Apple.  Then I had to play with the various devices – iPad and iPhone that she had to sync up passwords and mail. 

I told her to operate with a trust no one mentality.  This all happened coincidentally after they upgraded iPhones earlier in the week.  I think the guy at the Apple store got them or it was a coincidence on the timing.

She asked me should I trust you?  I told her no.  Trust no one.  I mean I am not going to do anything but still I told her she should change her password again after I leave to be safe.  I know she won’t because she needed me to change her password. 

The thing that was truly amazing to me is they live in a 700 thousand dollar house.  It’s beautiful.  The computer area looks like a tornado went through it.  I was asked if I have seen worse?  I said yes, there is one guy at work who refuses to part with any file and consequently his office is a huge mess.  Files are everywhere and if you walk in that office, you are taking your life in your own hands.  Want to be brave?  Just move something and yell out JENGA.  Something bad is going to happen.

I provided an update to my boss last night and haven’t heard anything more from her on it.  The guy reached out to me and told me that he talked me up and said that I deserved a commendation.  That was kind but if he would have paid me, I doubt he would have said such nice words.  I could have made something off of it but I considered it charity work.  Do good and it will come back to you.

 

So there you have it.  One expensive day off work.  The expense hasn’t ended.  I still have to get my haircut, shop for cat food, pick up stuff for the house at Sam’s and eat.  It is nice having an extra day even if it all goes by terribly fast.  To top it all off I have a therapy appointment tomorrow.  No sleeping in for me. 

Have a nice weekend and I will talk with you all again soon.

Crazy Rocking Thursday

First we interrupt the regularly scheduled post with BREAKING NEWS … here now live on the scene is your reporter Tuna Fish with the latest on the Ruthie Report.  I had to call and call but finally Ruthie came to dinner.  She nibbled at the first can of food.  So I broke out some special food and she started to eat that.  I had to push everyone away from her, which confused the heck out of them.  She a little bit but as soon as I stepped away the monsters moved in and she stopped eating, just started licking her chops.  She wouldn’t eat treats, so I broke out emergency cat food otherwise known as Fresh canned Salmon.  Everyone got in on that and loved it.  So I was pretty happy.  This morning she ate a little bit but then dry heaved and stopped.  She is drinking water, which is a good thing.  I think it’s just a case of tummy upset.  I broke out the probiotic to give to her tonight, so hopefully that will help.  I really, really don’t want to take her to the vet if at all possible.  Since she has eaten a little bit I am a little relieved, but the concern is still there because I still sense a problem.  Now we return to you to the regular update.  This has been Tuna Fish reporting.

The house was hot last night, I fired up the AC in the car and it was super nice.  I just knew that it would be hell once I got home.  I made it through and one more night then hopefully on Friday the AC is back.  On my way home I fired up Pandora One and created a Charlie Puth Station.  I was really surprised that Pandora knew who he was and also surprised that he had a lot of material out.  I used my computer last night and googled Charlie Puth Ego which is the name of one of his prior albums.  There is a lot of material and while he just made it to the limelight he has been around for a few years.  I will say that I don’t like everything he has done but most of the stuff is pretty good.  Just in case you’ve become a Charlie fan like I have. 

No return call from the Bankruptcy attorney yesterday.  I will give him today and if there is no response, I will either call him tomorrow or go visit in person. I did just get a voice mail but it was from the Assessors Office regarding the exemption that I applied for.  Not sure if that will turn out well but any help they can give me would be most appreciated.  I don’t need a higher house payment.

One of the partners here called me and told me his wife’s computer is sending out e-mail messages by the hundreds and she didn’t do it.  I told him it sounds like a virus.  How do you fix it?  I said first thing is to get it off the internet so that it can’t send anything else out.  Then run your antivirus software.  He is an older guy and knows damn little about technology.  So reluctantly guess where I am going after work?  If you guessed his house, then your correct.  I really, really don’t want to do this.  I am sure it’s a simple fix but it could take hours and that is time that I really don’t want to devote to this.  He wants to pay me but I’d just as soon he keep his money and go hit up the Geek Squad.  I really don’t want to get known for making house calls, granted it could be extra money but it usually turns from positive to negative in that you will get blamed for screwing up their machine or something else isn’t working right and you broke it.  I just don’t need or desire that type of a headache right now.  Plus traffic is a mess, there is construction and with the rain it will take much longer to get there and it’s in the opposite direction of my house.  Do something like this for one person and word will spread – I’ve turned a lot of people away.  I wish it was a laptop so it would be easier for him to bring to the office, rather than me going there.  I will download and take a couple of utilities with me but I don’t plan on staying a long time nor do I feel obligated, I have no plans on taking his money it’s more of a professional courtesy.  Lord help me!

Today is a busy day here lots going on and I have equipment to configure and deploy.  Hopefully that means today will fly by!  Well back to saving the world or something like that.  Talk with you all again soon. 

Progress

So I made progress yesterday and changed out that problem computer.  I’ve had a couple of follow up calls but all in all, things are well.  Glad that it’s behind me.  I got a new hire thrown at me, which I didn’t expect.  So I will be working on that today, he starts on Monday.  Really not until next Wednesday but still I like to have stuff ready on the 1st day, just in case the usual orientation plan goes south. 

I’ve got some strange issues going on with an HR person’s computer.  It’s issues I have never seen before and it’s probably something unique to our environment.  Speaking of HR they emailed out a form to all of the staff asking that we complete it.  It’s an evaluation form on how well you think your doing.  Apparently that form determines your pay raise, or so I read into it.  I still expect to have a sit down with my Manager after my one year mark this summer.  I’ve heard nothing but good so there shouldn’t be any surprises or so I hope. 

Last night I just sat at the computer and listened to Charlie Puth sing his heart out.  His voice is amazing and sounds angelic to me.  I wish he had more material out.  I see that he is on tour with another artist.  I tried to get tickets but couldn’t.  Not sure if I was too early or if they were sold out.  I will check back if I think about it.  Seeing and hearing him live has to be amazing.  However, he is probably a cover or part of the show the other artist he is with will more than likely get the most stage time. I listened to him on the way to work as well, kind of helps put me in a good mood – which is great. 

Ruthie is sick.  She puked last night when I put food out.  However, when I put out treats she ate.  This morning nothing, she wouldn’t touch anything not even special food and I tried treats but still it was a no go.  She went to watch the birds by the window and then eventually curled up in the cat house by the window.  Her and Marvin take turns occupying it.  I went to pet her goodbye she wasn’t happy that I got her up and she used her cat reflexes to spring to life when I got close.  Not eating is the worst thing for a cat.  My hope is that she is back to normal tonight.  Just eat something anything.  I don’t want to be dragging her to the vet with her brother, that will be double the cost.  I know they are all going to perish before me and I have no control over that.  However, I would prefer that it’s later v. sooner.  Ruth has always had stomach problems and she goes a day or two with no food then she is back to normal.  I think she caught something from the water fountain because they all drink from the same dish, but LB uses it more like a rinse than a fountain.  So I am quick to keep it clean and change the filter every 4 weeks or sooner if needed.  I changed it out last night in the hopes it would help.  Makes me feel a little guilty.  Plus I have to trim her claws this weekend, so I will not be her favorite person and I don’t want to upset her anymore than needed.  Her sister and brothers do a good job of making her mad as it is. 

No word from my late partners attorney on the bankruptcy.  I have called and left a voice mail message to confirm receipt of the fax.  I asked for a return call but who knows if that will actually happen. 

I got my new soap last night and it doesn’t smell quite as delicious as the deodorant but it is nice.  I also got a renewal bill for my AAA dues.  Funny how those little unexpected things pop up.  I can pay it and it won’t break the bank but it’s money that I hadn’t planned on spending.  I try to keep a watchful eye on those little things that pop up like renewals and car insurance, so that I can plan for them when possible.  Sometimes life deals you a surprise that you haven’t planned for and those usual aren’t cheap surprises.

I got the e-mail about lunch, turns out someone dropped the ball, as I had suspected.  Good thing I brought lunch today otherwise it would have been a mess.  So no free lunch, which sucks.  I got an apology out of it but big deal that doesn’t fill my stomach.  Now I guess it makes sense to always be prepared. 

Yesterday afternoon a co-worker that I am friendly with had some problems.  I went over to fix them, turns out she put the wrong type of paper in the printer which was how I was able to fix the issue.  Towards the end she was frustrated and Mt. Vesuvius blew and she started yelling, it wasn’t directed at me but rather about the situation.  Still it was awkward and normally we touch base at least once a day.  Nothing today, it’s like I am being avoided.  She isn’t happy with her job and the bottom line is it’s time for her to find something new, so that she is happy.  Early yesterday morning I was helping one of the folks she supports and I could hear her laughing but you could tell that it was fake.  Why bother to fake any emotion?  People usually know when your faking it, at least most of the time.  You think your fooling them but most people see right through that crap.  I’ve thought about what to do about the situation and I think doing nothing at this point is probably the best thing to do.  If the issue presents it’s self again then I will deal with it in a more aggressive manner.  

It’s a busy day here and we are closer to the end but still I am ready to go now.  I miss my little ones and would like to check up on Ruthie.  I really don’t like her name so I call her lots of other things like Ruth, Rufus or Rutie.  Call them what you want they all know their names and nicknames. 

Well off to save the world or something like that.  Talk with you folks again soon.  Wishing you a great day!

Life on a Tuesday

A while back I wrote about a co-worker who has cancer in several places.  The lady that sits next to her also has cancer and has completed chemo and is about to start radiation therapy.  Apparently cancer has got to a lot of people here, which is starting to make me wonder … seriously is there something in the water?  Another co-worker who I am close to has Kidney disease and is about to start dialysis.  She is going on the transplant list.  I had a relative who had to have dialysis and she was fortunate enough to have the money to be able to take care of it at home, buying the equipment outright and all of the needed medical supplies to go with it.  I had an idea of what the process entailed but went to do some additional research on it.  I found out that it’s not pleasant and that once you start unless you get a transplant survival is typically 5 to 10 years tops.  My co-worker looks bad, like she shouldn’t be walking around bad.  She has a whole host of things wrong with her the kidney thing is just one of them. 

This morning I was killing time on FB and read a post from a friend that I had lunch with just a few weeks ago.  Apparently she was choking yesterday on of all things scrambled eggs.  Her daughter in law was there and did the Heimlich on her, which saved her life.  This poor lady has been through the mill and is still going.  She says well I guess I used up another cat life.  The problem is she has gone through 9 + of them already.  Who knows what number she is on but it’s got to be close to the end.  I told her to be careful.  I don’t have many friends and am certainly not looking to bury any of them soon.

I talked with my friend who quit his job last month.  His gravy offer of a job from a former boss that he was so convinced he could get, well his former boss is not taking his calls.  I don’t think there is a job there, I think he was sold a bill of goods.  I also think he should have acted quicker and differently but it’s not my life.  I would have plaid the hand he was dealt differently.  So now he is closing in on having to cash in his wife’s 401k and use that to live off of.  He is older which is going to make getting a job harder, but I am hopeful that he will land something good where he can be happy and not be worked to death.  It’s important to maintain a work life balance and if you spend too much time working then your life is clearly out of balance.  I think that he will have a longer road ahead of him than he thinks, which is I why I would have never quit my job – rather I would have made them fire me.  He also hasn’t applied for unemployment, which I encouraged him to do last night.  I explained that it’s not much but it is something and he is certainly entitled to it.  Might as well take what you can.  I hope that he recovers soon.

Last night I learned what it would be like if I were living with a new born baby.  I allowed Momma to sleep with me.  Just as I was entering sleep she woke me and wanted out.  That of course provoked Marvin to start chattering.  I got him calmed down and then we slept for a bit.  Then he woke me up and wanted to be held again.  I did that and back to sleep.  Then he woke me up and wanted out.  Then I went back to sleep.  Then up again to use the bathroom and turn on the heat.  Then back to bed and presto time to get up.  I so wanted to stay home today, there are issues that I really don’t want to deal with here and honestly I could use a good old fashion day of rest.  By that I mean sleeping until I decide to get up and not doing it on a schedule.  However, I pushed on and here I sit.  Hot and tired.  Running from problems only means they are waiting for you when you get back.  There is a particular computer that scans documents and it’s got a tricky setup.  I’ve never done one before so I do believe today is the day.  Hopefully it goes well. 

2 more days left in my week after today.  Tomorrow is our staff meeting and the boss is feeding us.  I will be getting a box lunch.  Normally they let us chose what we want but I haven’t gotten any email on it yet so I just hope for something good.  If I don’t get an e-mail I will pack a lunch just to have a backup, better safe than sorry – or – always be prepared.  Take your pick but both do apply in this situation. 

Last night I saw the video that is playing in theaters after Furious 7, which is a tribute to the late Paul Walker.  Until I watched that video I never heard of Charlie Puth.  He plays a mad piano and the boy has a set of lungs on him.  Not to mention he is wicked cute.  He and the others that participated did an excellent job.  I can understand why it would move some to tears.  It didn’t move me but as I listened to the song a couple of times I found myself very depressed when I started thinking about my situation and the words of the song.  I found a piano solo version of the song on Sound Cloud that Charlie recorded, I like it much better than having it mixed with rap music.  Charlie has a few other songs as well that are really good.  Check him out I think you will like it.  He is oh so worth a Google!

It’s kind of depressing weather – foggy and we have storms moving in.  Rain is supposed to be here for the bulk of the week.  Friday however should be a nice sunny day.  I certainly hope so because Bear doesn’t like water and if it’s falling from the sky it will probably scare him.  He will already be fired up about going to the vet.  I saw him last night when I was on the phone and he used the litter box like a big boy.  I think the larger box was more difficult for him, so switching to the smaller box has made the difference.  However, I have to keep on top of it since it is now the main box.

Nothing new on the dating front.  I think I may have wasted my money on the subscription to Compatible Partners, but I am getting desperate. I really wish that I could wave a magic wand and presto my next prince charming would be there – cutting through all of the crap.  I will say the getting to know you phase is rather interesting but it gets tiresome telling my story over and over again.  I suppose others feel the same way.  Dating is nothing but a crap shoot.  You might have better luck being blindfolded and throwing a dart in the dark.  I’ve toyed with the idea of hitting up a gay bar but that would be a huge step to take and to take it all alone wow, scary is the first word that enters my mind.  However, I look at all I have been through and think you’ve got this as you have fought bigger battles.  I like the app approach it’s comfortable and you don’t have a thousand wondering eyes staring at you like you are a piece of meat.  Not sure that I am ready to hit the gay bar on my own just yet but it could happen in the future. 

So Tuesday here we are.  I hope it’s a fast moving day and that I can get home to my children, as I miss them.  Particularly Bear.  Thankful that I can spy on them with the camera but it also makes me yearn to go home.  Have an outstanding day and we shall talk again soon.

Easter

I was rather lazy in the morning, which was kind of expected.  I did get up and get going and got the necessary things done.  I arrived with plenty of time to spare.  I was told that we would be eating at 3 but we didn’t start until 4:30.  They had a gaggle of guests and there was a mountain of food.  As par usual there were only a few things that I really cared for.  They got the usual Honey Baked Ham, which is always good.  Mashed Potatoes overloaded with Garlic, I took a small amount they were okay.  Frozen Peas with a stick of butter and some pearl onions (not so good), Asparagus which is one of my favorite things, but I don’t know what he did to them I didn’t much care for the taste.  Waldorf Salad which I passed on.  I think there was one other item but I can’t remember what it was.  Desert was Strawberry Shortcake with Strawberry Ice Cream and real freshly made Whip Cream.  Desert was the best part of the whole meal.  I was limited to one soda, I asked for more but no one brought me one.

Call me crazy but it just felt like I was a 3rd wheel here, the spark of the friendship didn’t seem to be alive.  I didn’t feel as welcome as I have in the past.  I did get to chat a but about life and hit the high points.  I stayed way longer than I wanted to and it was late when I got home.  Thankfully I had most everything in order so a little bit of work and I was ready for bed. 

I did take time in the morning to spend with Bear.  He nibbled on my fingers again.  I think that is so cute.  He loves attention and I have found some food that he loves.  The problem is that the rest of his body doesn’t love it.  However, as long as he is eating I will deal with the rest.  It’s just a part of the ownership experience that I signed up for or should I say that I was signed up for. 

Everyone got attention from Daddy.  Marv decided not to sleep with me last night, not sure why because I didn’t give him medicine.  I called and called but he never responded, so I closed the door.  This morning he was my long lost friend and of course he will be by my side tonight because he missed me.  I like sleeping with him but feel that he needs to get in as much time with his brother as possible, those two are really something else.  The poster children for brothers – they get along very well and know how to share.  They have their moments of playing and fighting but those are short lived.  For the most part they are happy kids, that do a lot of sleeping. 

I will have to do some tidying up on Thursday night or Friday morning so that the place is acceptable for the AC guy.  I am not crazy about Friday in general because it’s going to be a day of money and I hope that it isn’t a huge amount.  Plus we have warm weather in the forecast for most of the week so the house is going to be HOT at night and I hate that.  Hopefully by Friday afternoon that issue will be solved.  I want to take time to go see Furious 7 – I am sure that I will tear up when they get to the tribute to Paul Walker.  I had a wicked crush on him and it’s hard to believe that someone so young is gone.  Tragic but his memory lives on. 

So here we are at Monday morning.  I honestly thought about calling in just because I didn’t want to come to work but reminded myself that I have Friday off.  I am looking for a break and not sure that 3 days will be enough but I will take what I can get.  I hope that this is a fast moving week and a slow moving weekend.  Having the extra day, depending upon how much of it that I have to myself will be a nice change of pace.  I proved to myself that I can get a lot done in 1 day which was nice to know, just in case in the future I want to cram it all into 1 day and then spent another day at home. 

That is all I know for the moment.  Here is hoping that all goes well for everyone this week and that Friday gets here fast.  Take care and I will talk with you peeps later. 

Busy Saturday

Well despite the computer hick up here at home, I managed to get it back to normal.  I still have 1 annoying problem in that Devices & Printers don’t populate fast.  I’ve done the research on it and while goofing with a Bluetooth service has worked for many people, it doesn’t work for me.  It will nag me and I will fix it or just wipe the thing clean and start over.  One way or another I will get there.

I managed to wake up at a decent hour.  I had my breakfast at Steak N Shake.  Service sucked today.  The food however was good as ever.  Made it to the grocery store, they were packed – people everywhere.  I hit up the bank and the house records are now locked away safe & sound.  Got the mail and picked up cat liter, treats and I had to get some deodorant.  Even Target was wall to wall people and they all seemed to get in my way.  So much so that I couldn’t make it down the deodorant isle I had to just grab and go, trusting that I was getting the right thing.  Well I did get the right thing but they came out with a new scent.  It’s by Old Spice called Fiji.  It’s got coconut in it and smells very much like a Pina Colada.  I was so hooked on the smell that I had to go on Amazon and found out they make the same scent in bar soap – ordered 2 bars to try it.

I got in my nap and kitty time.  The usual laundry is done.  I am now working on some extra stuff that I have put off for a bit.  I will get my shower and shave tomorrow as well as finish up cleaning this place.  Hopefully I will have an enjoyable day and meal tomorrow.  I am toying with going to breakfast but not sure about that part yet.  If I don’t go out then I will at least eat something here. 

This morning I got a message that someone from Compatible Partners (the e-harmony app for gay people) was interested in me.  Before I knew it I had joined the site, it was against my better judgment but it’s a 3 month membership and I’ve made sure that it won’t renew.  I hate the fact that I gave in but who knows maybe this is the app that will lead me to my next Romeo.  I hope so because the whole trying to find a guy process is annoying!

My mom is out of the hospital and at home.  Now I don’t know how true this is but apparently my brother is pouring on the pressure for her to move.  He is telling her that she can’t afford to live there by herself.  She doesn’t want to go, nor do I want to see her move.  Part of me wants to get involved and the other part of me says don’t do it.  The only thing that is for certain is that neither her or my brother will be living with me if the bottom falls out of this little mess.  My concern is that my brothers relationship with this woman will fall apart and then they will both be homeless.  Sticky, messy and not enjoyable at all!

I got 2 Beef Burritos from Red Burrito last night.  The bag was so heavy I thought they put in 2 bricks.  I only ate 1 Burrito and I saved the other one for tonight.  I warmed it in the oven at 400 for about 15 minutes.  The top was slightly cold but the bottom was very warm and the tortilla had a bit of a crunch to it, which made it even better.  The cost was $10.30 and it fed me 2 meals – not bad at all if you ask me. 

One of the cashiers at the grocery store asked me if I wanted another cat.  One of her co-workers is moving back home and this persons mother said no cat.  They have been together for 9 years and it’s a pure white cat.  Sounds wonderful but my little cat house has no vacancy.  As fast as I said no my heart was saying yes.  I have been having second thoughts but I can’t do it.  It would disrupt the house and I don’t know that anyone would get along with it – the added stress wouldn’t be good for Bear.  On the other hand it might be someone for LB to cuddle up to but who’s to say they would get along.  I think I did the right thing.  I will mention it to my friends tomorrow in case they know of anyone, but outside of that I am done.

So I am past time for treats, I should get the children taken care of and relax.  I pray that I find something of interest to watch.  450 Channels and nothing on – what is wrong with this picture?

Happy Easter & enjoy the rest of the weekend!

2 Years ago today

Today is a day that will live in my brain for a very long time.  In just about 30 minutes it will mark the 2 year mark when I got the call that my then partner had passed. 

For those of you that are new here, he had a massive stroke that put him in a coma and I had to remove life support.  It was the single most difficult moment in my life, however I was at peace with my decision because we had talked about this very moment years before it happened.  It’s not a fun conversation to have but it is important that others know your wishes.  We were together for 20 plus years and he was my everything. 

2 years ago I thought that everything was going to implode and that I was going to lose it all.  I’ve had to do more than my fair share of fighting and it’s been an uphill battle the entire way.  I’ve made it and from the way it looks I’ve won, I mean I’m still here and things have fallen into place.  I thought that it would never happen but just when your about to give up, you have to dig deep and find that resolve to keep fighting until there is no more fighting to do.

This experience has taught me a lot of life lessons, I learned who my true friends were.  Most importantly I learned that while life was different, lonely and that it sucked with out my best friend by my side, that I could and would and will make it.  For the first time in my life I am truly on my own and I am self sufficient – that is something I am very proud of.  Plus that I have managed to retain our home, our cats (minus 1 I lost last year) and both of our vehicles. 

So while this is nothing that I would wish on anyone, I can tell you that it is possible to make lemonade while being pelted by the many lemons that came at me.

I know he would be proud of me.  I am still keeping my promise and when I get down, I think about that promise and our cats.  I give all the credit to the cats that I am still going.  I am moving on despite the fact that I don’t like it.  I hope and pray that I can find another guy and we can have the same dynamic and build the rest of our lives together. 

Trouble Strikes Again

I got my replacement 4TB hard drive – I upgraded from 1 to 4, which I think is pretty smart considering the price was right.  I went home to install it and Windows locked up.  I rebooted and there you have how I spent my evening in front of my pc.  I had to do a Windows Refresh it’s supposed to refresh windows but in the process it wipes out everything you ever installed.  Might as well have done a full re-install.  The only advantage is it takes less time and it gives you a list of everything it wiped off, so you know what to put back.  I started some of the reinstall last night but the job was way too large to complete.  I went to bed and here I am at work with the list and reinstalling.

I am waiting to put my backup software on last in case there are other things that I need to restore.  I am finding some bugs and issues along the way.  I am really focused on this and it is probably how I will spent the majority of my day.  I just resolved an issue with Windows Update so I am waiting for 55 updates to install.  Thought I step away and blog. 

You know there is never a good time for this, but this weekend is really not a good time for me.  I am already running in frazzled mode.  As if that isn’t bad enough I come home to find ants in the kitchen because of some cat food left on the floor.  Wow it just seems to be one thing after another.  I am ready to scream.

As you can well imagine I didn’t have time for any fun last night with the PC, but Thank God for the VCR & DVD player.  I dug up an old tape and put it in – I needed that to help relax me.  Then I went on to watch TV.  I got through the Big Bang Theory and didn’t want to jump into anything with plots and twists like Scandal, which I started watching but quickly stopped.  Those types of shows draw me in and I really concentrate on them so much that everything fades away – then a commercial brings me back to reality – then the show starts and the process starts all over again.  There are a couple shows like that and I call that good TV, which there isn’t a lot of these days. 

Wow so here we are Easter weekend.  Tonight I will be hitting up the cat food store and then home to finish up the PC hopefully.  Starting a load of laundry and hopefully getting in some relaxing time before the stressful day of Saturday hits.  I need to be up early, going out to breakfast, hitting up the bank, then Target and finally the Grocery Store.  Then all I have to do is finish up laundry and clean the house, which I should be able to easily knock out.  I am stressed out about it because it feels like I am rushing and there won’t be enough time, but there will be as I type this out I can see that it’s all going to be okay.  I would like to get some extra cleaning in because the AC man will be out next week but if I make it great and if not well I am sure he has seen worse.  I will of course de-gay the place before he comes over.  My bigger worry is the cost plus the cost of Bear’s visit to the vet.  I am guessing that I will be out at least $200 but hopefully not too much more than that. 

So other than computer problems and a little stress I am doing okay.  We had storms in the area last night and they are sticking around today.  It is very rare that I see a Good Friday when it doesn’t rain.  Hopefully everything will come together and the food on Sunday will actually be palatable as well as enjoyable.  I am guessing they will have Honey Baked Ham which is awesome I just hope it’s cold and not hot.  I am not looking for a fancy meal just something to fill my belly and be enjoyable.  I will stick around for a couple hours and then venture home.  Pulling myself away and going home will be the hardest part.  I love to sit and chat , especially when I haven’t spoken with these folks in a while.

I got an advertisement from Maggiano’s that they have a new desert.  It’s a Peanut Butter & Jelly Torte.  Doesn’t sound good at all to me, but then again it’s Maggiano’s so I am fairly certain it will be good.  I have a desire to get there but not sure when I will.  The sad part is it’s only a few blocks away from work.  I always thought being this close to that place would adversely affect my waist line but it hasn’t been a factor at all.  In fact it’s kind of tempting to stop over there tonight, but I won’t.

Wish all of you a Happy Easter and a great weekend.  Talk with you peeps again soon.

Wasted night

So I knew I had to deal with the Bankruptcy thing, I got to the post office only to find the automated machine that dispenses postage was out of service.  So I had to go back home.  Bear had a large accident so I had to clean him and the house up.  Then there was the matter of the failed hard drive.  I thought I’d save money and move my data to the cloud, specifically Amazon for $60 a year and unlimited storage.  They give prime members free storage for photos only.  I am on a 3 month trial but read on I will be cancelling that soon.  I started the restore process to my local machine and then would have to upload to the cloud.  With all of this activity you can see how easily the night was gobbled up and night turned to day quickly.

Bear is as clean as he allowed me to get him.  I wound up ripping out some fur and he wasn’t too happy about that.  I felt horrible but I honestly thought it was just stuff on the top and not a huge chunk, it was from his hind quarters which he doesn’t keep clean.  I felt so bad afterwards I put some special skin spray that we got from the vet a while back.  It’s supposed to soothe the skin.  I will attempt to gently resume clean up tonight if he allows me.  Otherwise he might just have to get an actual bath, which I know will stress him out further.  I try to keep his stress to a minimum because after all he is dealing with a lot and if he gets upset it could easily make things turn for the worse. 

The letter went out but not by Certified Mail, instead I sent it via Fax.  I’ve got a receipt that it was sent and it really didn’t cost me anything.  I will wait to see if I hear anything, if I don’t in a few days I will follow up with a phone call.  That should get the job done.

My data well I started the upload to the cloud this morning and then began to look at the Terms of Service.  If you have nothing to hide and are not worried then Amazon is for you.  You give them rights to do whatever they want with your data – from analyzing it, viewing it and even turning it over to Law Enforcement.  That won’t work for me.  I don’t feel the need to let someone use my data or tell the government that I have a large collection of gay porn.  So I deleted what little bit what uploaded.  I am swinging by the office supply store on my way home tonight and will pick up a 4TB drive and start the restore process.  That is a lot of space and I think it will take me a long time to fill it up. 

I did manage to squeeze in sometime to watch TV but I had a hard time staying awake.  So better luck with that tonight.  I got signed up for a massage but I couldn’t get an hour because someone beat me to it.  I did get a 1/2 hour so that is better than nothing.  It’s humid today and the rain is moving in.  Looks depressing outside.  I am still anxious to get on with the day and get home. 

I hope all is well in your world.  Talk with you peeps again soon.

No Joke

I logged on this morning and found that the government finally updated the website with the last payment.  I have updated and printed my letter to my late partners Bankruptcy Attorney, asking him to file for the Hardship Discharge.  My fingers are crossed that this actually goes through and that I can stop making payments.  I have already stopped the automatic payments because I see no reason to continue to throw my money away on something that hopefully will be discharged soon.  The Trustee might see things differently but I feel the need to withdraw and save my money.  If I have to fork over another payment or two I have the money to do that, but I do not foresee anything like that happening.  That of course means it probably will happen. The letter is printed and waiting for my signature, I will be making a dash to the post office tonight to get it in the mail.  I was going to send it by regular mail and fax and then changed my mind and decided on Certified Mail.  That will give me a paper trail and proof of receipt.  I might be wasting the money but I figure better safe than sorry.

My order from Amazon arrived last night and was missing 1 item.  My Tea Tree Oil, I asked for a replacement but Amazon told me that wasn’t possible and instead they issued a refund.  I am not terribly happy about their decision but I can always log back in and place another order.

I’ve been having some PC problems at home with performance and this is a new machine that I just got in September.  I believe I have the mystery solved.  One of my external hard drives that I store my pron on is failing, which caused the machine to lock up and become non responsive.  Thankfully I backed it all up to the cloud so I haven’t lost anything.  I am going to need to do some further troubleshooting but I believe that I will be in need of a replacement drive and that will necessitate a trip to a local store.  I’d order it on Amazon but why when I can just get it at a store and come home, no waiting or anticipation.  Then I can start the restore process, which will take a while.  There are a lot of files.  The drive it’s self is a 1TB drive but if I have to get a replacement I will invest in a 3 or 4 TB drive, that will last longer and take a longer time to fill up.  I hate problems in general but it’s the little things that are the most annoying. 

I am just so excited about the Bankruptcy thing that I feel like telling work I am ill and leaving early today.  I may actually do it.  That way I can have a nice relaxing evening.  Probably won’t but the option is there.

Last night I got a text from my brother that mom fell and she broke 2 ribs.  She was hospitalized.  I was really caught off guard by that.  I called her up and talked with her in her room.  She told me that she has been having balance issues and falling a lot.  That is not a good sign.  She told me that my brother wants her to move with him and his girlfriend to her house.  My mom doesn’t want to go.  I told her that I wouldn’t go either because if she owns the house and then their relationship didn’t work out and mom sold her house, they would both be out on their asses.  Better to stay put and live alone than to put yourself in a pickle.  I’m kind of surprised at my brother and I think the little head is doing the thinking for the big head.  While I hope that is not the case I just feel I am right.  Guys do strange things when that part of the body is in charge and it’s difficult to think rationally. 

I found out last night that Bear used the litter box again, I saw a paw print in the litter box and he is the only one who would do that.  He was eager to soak up the praise for doing a good thing.  In fact he didn’t really want me to leave this morning.  I had to constantly rub his belly and then everyone else gets jealous and I have a line that has formed.  Now I am rubbing bellies and trying to get out of the house so that I am not late for work.  Then they look at me with those eyes, you know that face that all animals make …. like your really going to leave me, really.  Yeah someone has to earn a living to keep you in the lifestyle you have grown so fond of.  Sitting at home doesn’t accomplish that, if it did then you would find me at home all of the time.  Which reminds me time to check those lottery tickets I bought. 

The house was hot last night in the 80’s.  I had windows open and turned on the fans but still very humid.  Today will be much of the same.  I can’t wait for the AC guy to come out and fix things so that I can be comfortable.  I have a lot of cleaning ahead of me and this weekend will be crazy trying to pack 2 days of activity into 1.  I will get a head start on the cat food by doing that shopping on Friday night, which should help me out.  Plus I can always start a load of laundry Friday night before bed, which will also help out.  I’ve got the plan and the energy to do all of this now but just wait until the weekend gets here – energy will be zapped. 

I hope that you have a great April Fools Day and that no one plays a joke on you.  I have been safe thus far but the day is young.  I will talk with you peeps later.  Off to solve computer problems for other people.