Is all of your party here?

Good Afternoon Everyone!  I hope that your doing well and enjoying the weekend.  Here’s a recap of how mine has been thus far. 

Friday afternoon I mustered up some gumption and went outside and filled in a couple of gaps in the patio with foam.  I also pulled some vines.  It was super hot out and I was out there for all of about 30 minutes.  I was exhausted and the heat really zapped me. 

That gumption gave me the idea to get up early on Saturday and work on my task list.  However, Gator had other plans for me and she woke me up a few times.  Since it wasn’t a work day it’s didn’t bother me horribly but it did ruin my plans.  I wound up sleeping in.  I got moving in the afternoon with a shower then a run to the post office, pet food store and Target.  The pet food had the least amount of food available that I have seen since this whole supply chain nightmare started.  I wound up buying mostly expensive Purina Pro Plan food that Gator seems to really like.  I like them too because they appear to be quite moist and they look like they give her some help in the hydration department.  Target had some additional cans of food but they too were down to bare shelves.  The price of litter that used to be $8 is now up to $12.  Not terribly happy about that but it’s not like I can go without.  I know Gator well enough that it really doesn’t matter what I use for litter so long as the box is kept clean she will use it.  All of Momma’s family was that way. 

I came home after spending a small fortune.  Unloaded everything and then made my venture to the attic.  I forgot the ladder that I had to use was a little wobbly.  I hated the whole thing from start to finish.  I threw 16 packets of Grandpa Gus’s Mouse Repellant in the hopes that does the trick.  From what little I could observe from the opening all appears to be well inside the attic.  I’m sure that if I was to dig around I would probably have a different opinion.  Thinking about this whole process, if I drive them out of the attic where are they most likely to go?  I think further inside my house.  Since one of them figured out how to get into the basement I’ve seen others,which is how I know I still have a problem.  Keeping that in mind I ordered more of this stuff and have plans to distribute packets throughout the house with the hope being that this will be a fool proof plan to evict them once and for all.  The best part is that it smells really good it’s got some Cinnamon and Peppermint among other things.  I also learned they (mice) hate the smell of bleach.  When I get to my house washing project bleach is in the formula that I have so that can only further help this cause. 

I went out to eat at a local Mexican place.  I wasn’t feeling the best from all of the physical activity and the heat.  Primarily the heat and the fact my sugar was starting to fall.  I got a really good meal and was super full when I left, which was the entire goal. 

Back home to spend the evening upstairs away from the computer with Gator.  I watched a series on Hulu called Bear it’s got Jeremy Allen White in it.  He play Lip (Phillip) on Shameless.  This was a really good series, I believe 7 episodes.  Once I started watching I just didn’t want to stop.  It was all about a chef and there was tons of food involved, plus some drama and a little bit of comedy. 

Thunderstorms rolled into my area overnight and Gator woke me up once.  The salsa talking back woke me up the other time.  That was horrific and I had to stay up for a while so I watched YouTube videos, naked in the living room.  I saw a flashing light a couple times.  For all I know one of the neighbors took my picture.  It really didn’t matter to me.  I’m not happy about how I look but I am also not ashamed to run naked in my own house. 

Woke up and got moving a little after 8:30a.  I hit up Cracker Barrel again for breakfast.  I walked in and it took a bit for someone to greet me.  I told them I had a mobile check in and without missing a beat the lady said “ are all the members of your party here?”.  I said I think so, it’s just me.  That gave both of us a good laugh.  I got sat with the same waiter who fucked me over the last time I was there.  He did it again this time, not with shitty service but by adding cheese to my eggs.  It cost me $1.39 extra.  It was good don’t get me wrong but it’s the principal of not having asked for it.  I mentioned it to the cashier but there wasn’t a price adjustment.  Fine so I filled out the survey online and called the waiter out by name.  Next time I go I will ask to be seated in anywhere but his section.  He’s great to look at and talk with but that’s about it.  There is also some new waiters that I noticed and they are all pretty tall drinks of water but they look fine.  So a little eye candy with my meal, I didn’t ask for that but at least I didn’t have to pay for it. 

From there it was to the grocery store and gas station.  Then back home.  I had Blueberry Pancakes and they always come with a nap if I want it or not.  When the sugar wears off I crash hard.  That was so the cast today and I got a very late start.  Gator had to keep hounding me to wake up.  Once again I won’t get everything that I want done but the essentials will be taken care of. 

My internet went up in price by $10.  I called and I was on a 2 year promo where I got the best price for the 1st year and then the 2nd year it’s a ramp up by $10 and after that it’s full price which is like $75 per month.  I’ve got the lowest possible speed and that is just insane pricing.  Internet is all I have and it’s the cable company so they charge me $10 more to start with because I don’t have TV service with them.  The guy I talked with got me a promo for another year and now I pay $10 less than I was paying for the last year.  Not bad but when this ends in another year I get to call back and start the process over again.  Not sure how willing they will be to help me then but I will cross that bridge when I get to it.  For now it’s take the savings and run. 

A gay singer I like came out with a new hit about three weeks ago but I just discovered it.  His name is Adam Joseph.  The song is called Versatile.  Take a listen the video appears below. 

I found this when I went to look at new music on Spotify.  I was after the new Charlie Puth track called Left and Right.  That video appears below, it’s pretty good too.  He worked with Jung Kook from BTS.  I’ve not listened to BTS but this turned out pretty good. 

That’s all I’ve got for now.  Need to pull the laundry out of the dryer, head up and start cleaning upstairs.  My tech podcast will be on and it’s a few hours long and something I look forward to.  I just hope they don’t ramble on about Elon I am so sick of hearing about him.  He’s been the primary focus for the last few weeks and I am over it. 

As for the week ahead, I am on-call this week and not looking forward to it.  I will be staying home this week because of that.  We have a 3 day holiday weekend coming up and I am hoping that I get an invite to my friends house for a bite to eat.  I really hope that happens it will be good to catch up but I am not holding my breath.  The best part about this holiday is that it’s one that my boss always insists on covering so I can enjoy my time even if I am just stuck at home.  I am planning on going for pizza on Saturday at least as of now.  Everything future state is always subject to change. 

Here’s hoping that it’s a great week for all of us and that is sails by fast!  Thanks for stopping by. 

Quench your thirst

 

 

 

 

Whirlwind Friday

It’s been one thing after another this morning.  What started off as a chill morning quickly spun out of control and finally I am caught up as well as done for the day.  That is barring any emails or requests that will come in.  Otherwise, I’ve accomplished everything on my calendar short of my LUNCH appointment, which is nothing more than time blocked out so I actually get to eat.  Sadly, it doesn’t always work that way but I still have the reminder there.  Being diabetic eating is important, otherwise my sugar drops and that is no fun. 

Coming downstairs this morning I was hopeful that I would have caught a mouse but no such luck.  Thus far I haven’t seen the bastard and odds are pretty good that today if I don’t see it that I probably won’t.  I scattered some of the essential oil packets.  They smell quite good and double as air freshener.  I still need to get them in the attic but they might (fingers crossed) just be what I need to finally evict these freeloaders!

I see that the Supreme Court ruling on Abortion is out and that it’s been overturned as was expected from the leaked opinion that surfaced a few months ago.  I’ve got no opinion on abortion as it’s not something I will deal with in my lifetime, given that I am gay.  I see both sides of the argument but it’s just something I have no real opinion on one way or the other.  This will always be a hot button topic from now until the end of time and I do foresee the pendulum swinging both ways where it will go from being illegal to legal.  I don’t think that this will ever be an issue that is fully settled and cemented in concrete. 

I made a task list and on there is my 3rd COVID booster.  Oddly but not to my surprise I put it last on the list and would like to have everything on the list done in the next two weeks.  The shot will happen but as for all of the other tasks they will happen but just not sure they will be done within the time frame I want.  I am lazy, tired and old.  As you might imagine I just don’t have a lot of motivation or gumption to cross these things off my list.  They need to be done and sooner rather than later but I am somehow able to just throw up my hands and say whatever.  I don’t like that, it is not who I am or how I think but everything does change with age.  There is just something that hits me when I get time off and I just let everything go and don’t really care about much.  If I could get away with skipping going out I probably would.  That’s why I tend to sleep so much.  I think part of it is lazy and the other part is severe depression.  However, I still function on some level and have yet to let anything slip.  Wish I had $ then I could have a staff and just sleep & lounge.   

I saw some good news yesterday on Twitter.  The new Top Gun is back in IMAX but when I went to look in my area there is only one place showing it, which is close to me but it’s at 10:45p that is tonight and Saturday.  I want to see the movie in IMAX but not after working all day, I won’t be able to stay awake and not that late on the weekend.  Staying up that late is kind of a challenge.  I mean I’d make it to 10:45p no problem and even into 11ish but after that all bets are off and I would probably grow drowsy even without sleeping meds.  Guess I will still be waiting for this one to come to the streaming platform, sadly. 

Speaking of sleeping, Gator woke me up twice last night.  Were falling back to our pattern of April where she is just hungry all the damn time for no reason.  She isn’t finishing the entire can of food all the time.  The afternoon and evening are her busy times to eat.  If I am hand feeding her she will eat most everything not at once but over the course of a couple hours.  Then she asks for another can, she will inhale that and then ask for another.  Just before I turn in for the night I make sure she has something and then I go to bed with the hope that she will be satisfied all night long but that never seems to be the case.  I had the thought maybe it’s not food that she wants but more so attention or comfort.  I mean she is used to waking me up, me giving her food and that usually brings a quick end to it.  However, if I close my door were done.  If I leave the door open and sit up she will want to climb up in my lap and pass out.  Then when I wake her so I can go back to bed she isn’t happy but doesn’t usually bother me again.  This little ‘unknown’ problem is driving me crazy when it flairs up.  I get little sleep and I suffer for it.  I’ve thought about throwing in the towel and while it sounds good on one hand, I just can’t do that.  I mean it’s not like she is suffering in any obvious pain or discomfort, other than hunger pains.  I do have every plan of keeping her until she either gives up or it’s obvious that her health has declined to the point where she has no quality of life.  The love I feel for her is very real and while frustrated I know no one else would put up with this or go to the lengths that I do to please her.  Her age as well as my love for her helps her to get away with a lot in my book.  Her looks aren’t bad either.  I wish I had them, then I wouldn’t be single or at least not for long! 

Plans for the weekend?  The trip to the attic is for sure going to happen.  I will do all of my usual errands as well as try to squeeze in a Target run.  I am going back and forth for food if I want to travel for Pizza or if I want to hit up a Mexican place.  Cost wise when I look at fuel Pizza would for sure cost more.  I am kind of wanting to see the cute waiter but last time he wasn’t working and I honestly don’t even know if he is still there.  I know one thing, I won’t go hungry for food.  It’s also going to be HOT outside. 

Here’s hoping it’s a relaxing but productive weekend for all of us!  Stay cool and be well.  Next week is a full 5 days but after that we get a holiday and another 4 day work week.  Something to look forward to!  Who knows maybe BBQ will be in my future as well.

A better mouse trap

Late this morning I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye.  Since then I have had similar occurrences and just confirmed it’s another damn mouse.  Those fuckers are next to impossible to evict.  I am at a loss for not only how they are getting in but how they manage to stay alive.  The traps have never been put away but I just freshened up the bait.  I expect that one of the three of them that are setup down here will catch this bastard.  I don’t look forward to that but I would like this nightmare to end. 

I placed an order for some of Grandpa Gus Extra Strength Mouse Repellant.  It’s pouches that are filled with essential oils that mice hate.  It is supposed to drive them out.  I will put a couple around the inside of the house but the bulk of them are going in the attic.  I have been putting off going up there because I am honestly afraid of what I will see.  I do not plan to get off the ladder.  I have done some research and now know how to walk in an attic but considering my luck I would still manage to step through the cathedral ceiling.  I don’t want to risk that or perhaps landing on Gator, much less injury or death to myself.

I really don’t want to call an exterminator but I kind of feel like I am throwing money out the window while driving down the interstate.  I am patient but only to a point.  I know mice leave behind pheromones' to help others find their way around, which is how I have managed to get a couple here in the basement.  One of them shifty fuckers figured out the way down here and presto.  Hopefully, this Grandpa Gus’s stuff smells bad enough to them they just leave and were done.  I’ve seen all sorts of ultrasonic plug in devices.  I’ve got a couple from back in the day when they came out.  I’ve plugged them in but they are just a flash in the pan to get your money.  They don’t do a damn thing so far as I can tell.  

I don’t want to spend or pay a bunch of money to remedy this problem but I do need them gone.  Cleaning up after they leave is another project and that is where the big money comes in.  So long as it doesn’t smell I am content to leave it for someone else to fix.  At some point I do see the light where I will walk away from this place but now just isn’t that time, especially with the economy on the verge of collapsing.  At the same time I don’t want the house to fall down around me or on me because of mice.  I think I’ve been really lucky thus far but I say that not having been up in the attic.  

I do know that the heat isn’t good for them and it’s a furnace up there this time of year.  I feel the heat just walking into the garage.  I also have the packs of pellets that I bought that is supposed to suppress their ability to want to eat or drink and cause them to die of kidney failure.  I really didn’t want to put that out but everything says it’s safe even if a cat or dog eats the mouse it won’t harm them.  It’s not like traditional poison which will do harm to a cat or dog if they consume the mouse, presuming the mouse ingested it. 

It’s been quiet here and I kind of thought they were all finally gone now that summer arrived but I can clearly see that is not the case.  The biggest problem is how fast they can reproduce and multiply.  Clearly they know this place is like heaven for them but the free ride is about to come to an abrupt halt one way or another.  They are a danger to me and to Gator.  I don’t want to lose her prematurely, even though she is up there in age.  I also can’t imagine her trying to chase down a mouse or that she would be that effective but I suppose with a little adrenaline in the system anything is possible even if only for a few minutes.  When I researched how to get rid of them one of the funny things the article I was reading said was get a cat.  They have to know or sense Gator is in the house, I just honestly think she isn’t much of a threat to them. 

Well time to hit up my next meeting.  Been a busy and crazy ass day.  I wore my unlucky T-shirt two days in a row and I think that is what cursed me today.  I’m going to wash this thing and put it away, maybe put it on next year if I feel like testing the waters. 

Wish me luck!

Chaos rules

Last night Gator got a full dose of fluids.  She was quite unhappy with me for poking her and making her sit still as the fluid poured into her.  I could just tell that she was off yesterday.  Her appetite was on fire and she just kept asking for can after can after can in the evening.  I have a little bit of fluid left in the bag and that should be in her but she got the bulk of it.  I am ready to toss it and spike the new bag that I picked up.  We had an encounter at 4a because my body woke me up.  She came to the door crying and asked for food so I passed out her first can of the day and then she came and sat with me in my lap.  I tried to fall asleep but it just wasn’t happening.  She on the other hand was out and deep into sleep.  I hated to wake her but after an hour I wanted to go back to bed and try to sleep as I was drowsy.  I mostly tossed and turned.  My left shoulder and upper back have a knot in them and I worked on that a little bit but it need more attention. 

When I got up for good at 7a, Gator was pleased to see me and of course she expected me to hand feed her.  I did but I took care of getting my breakfast, getting dressed and medicated.  Then I tended to her.  I was a few minutes late to the computer but it’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. 

I was working away and got really nervous like something wasn’t right.  I poured over my work to double check myself and found nothing wrong.  Then it hit.  It was something I had done previously and HR passed out some bad information which caused a lot of chaos for me and a few others.  My part is all ironed out but it took a bit of time.  I am waiting for one final piece to come through and then that little bastard of a problem will officially be done.  This was a unique problem/mistake that I never came across before.  I am a little mad at myself because I should have caught it before it was an issue but too many things blended together and it just didn’t stick out.  Thankfully I don’t work with life and death so it’s all good.  Just frustrating. 

Not much on the to do list for me today, which is kind of typical for a Thursday.  I’ve got a meet up with the boss later today.  It’s a touch base conversation that he has with all of us individually on a monthly basis.  They are usually just a waste of time.  He always counts on me to have nothing to talk about and is consistently late or asks to move the call up.  I just hear the same BS about how much I am allegedly “appreciated”.  He usually doesn’t have anything for me other than praise or compliments.  It a call that lasts 5 minutes if that.  While it’s nice that he has these I view them as a waste of time.  If there is a major issue don’t think I am going to just hold on to it for a month, I am going to be contacting him to voice a concern.  One good thing about me is that I am a communicator and try to ensure that no manager of mine is caught off guard or by surprise.  I try to be as good as I can at what I do.  I’m not perfect but I also don’t make many errors and when I do, I own them. 

Wow I am suddenly ready for a nap.  Wonder why?  It’s way past snack time but I should go up to check on my girl.  I know when she sees me she will want food.  Today is also the fun day where I get to wrangle the trash and push out the barrel to the street.  I never look forward to this task but on the bright side at least it’s a nice day outside, even if it’s hot.  It really sucks to do this task when winter rolls around. 

That’s all I know at the moment.  Looking forward to the weekend, even though I probably won’t accomplish much I do enjoy a break from work.  Next week it’s back to on-call and I really hate that but it will also mean that I won’t be going in on Tuesday, so there is good & bad with everything. 

I appreciate your visit and hope that your doing well.  Talk more later, bye for now. 

Thirsty?

I don’t know about you, but I sure do get thirsty especially when looking at these guys….

 

 

 

Gator’s birthday evening

I was all too happy to walk in the door last night and see my 18 year old girl.  She was happy to see me as well, not knowing that it was a special day.  She was back in my room but awake and listening for me to come around the corner and greet her.  I got her some food and she got up to eat, then she walked away from it to be closer to me but meowed at me because she wanted the food.  I had to bring it to her and then she progressed her way into the kitchen to get some water and eventually back to the living room to sit and wait for me.  I wound up feeding her from the couch, she would eat a bit, stop then start up again.  Sleep and wake up and ask for more.  Until eventually she was tired of what little bit was left and asked for something new.  That’s when I got out a can of gravy and she was really happy then. 

The evening passed us by in nothing flat.  We were in my room preparing for my meds to kick in.  Between the medicine and the fact I had been up for so long it was pretty quick and I was out.  I gave Gator time to get comfy in her bed before I turned the TV off, which was the only light in the room.  Then it was off to dream land.  She woke me once pretty early and I fed her and closed the door.  I woke up briefly a couple more times but it was quick back to sleep.  Very strange dreams, but that is nothing new for me. 

I still have some fear with her age as to how long she is actually going to last and while I try not to focus on that fact, my mind seems to keep going back to it.  I am beyond thrilled to have her here with me and hope that she sticks around for a few more years so long as her health permits. 

I got in time to hook up and play a bit with my new Radar Detector.  Not happy with what they did with the power button.  Before it was a knob and easy turn on and off.  Now it’s a button you have to press and hold.  If you pause and press again that messes with the modes of detection and you wind up having to start over.  I also had a concealed display which they upgraded and of course I have to buy a new one because the old one isn’t compatible with the new model.  I got the phone app to work and that made programming easy.  I can use that as a display but I already use my phone for Waze and music that just won’t work for me unless I am not using Waze.  I use Waze because it crowdsources traffic information that includes police as well as road hazards.  It’s like a 2nd radar detector.  I’m only in the app if I am on the Interstate which is either for food or work.  I placed an order this morning for the new concealed display which is another $75.  A decent radar detector that does a good job is a small investment but if you take care of it, they last for several years.  With modern technology and apps, there is the ability to get updates so I shouldn’t have the need to replace this anytime soon.  The best defense yet is your eyes and keeping your foot off the gas, which for some of us is more difficult than others. 

This morning I woke up and found Ms. Gator drinking which is kind of unusual to find her by the fountain.  I opened some food for her and she ate a little bit and then went back to her bed.  I took it to her and let her eat some more.  She is now all curled up and napping away as per usual for a morning.  The AC was is Psyco mode where I thought it was never going to shut off.  Opening my bedroom door seemed to do the trick after a few minutes.  It was 68 here in the basement but thankfully it’s warmed up to 72.  It’s going to be another hot day but those are quite common now that were officially into Summer.  That was the other big thing that happened yesterday, it was the first day officially of Summer. 

On the work front, I did manage to make it through all of the meetings yesterday, one actually got cancelled.  I did the laptop meeting thing and as soon as that was done I was out the door.  It took about a half hour.  Lots of people yesterday were surprised to see me for some reason, as if I never come in.  My new laptop will be done by the weekend and I can go pick it up if I want or it will be there in a couple weeks when I am back.  I told the guy working on it that it would probably be 2 weeks before I would be back in for the swap.  He also promised to hang on to my old machine for as long as possible.  I figure that within the first week I should know if anything is awry or missing.  I am also thankful that I did my own backup.  I thought about potentially going in over the weekend but the more I think of that it sucks and I will probably just wait it out until July. 

Funny thing is that since COVID cases are HIGH in the area where the office is, we got an email from HR encouraging us all to mask up.  I see the writing on the wall and I need to make that appointment for my 3rd shot sooner rather than later but I am still reluctant because I know how I will feel and am just not looking forward to it.  Right now my goal is to have that done before I go back into the office. 

  On the porn front. I learned that one of my many favorite porn stars retired from porn last month. I subscribed to his Twitter (he’s apparently shut down the account) but he rarely showed up in my feed. I am of course speaking of Ryan Jordan. I did some internet research this morning and he’s 30 and he’s been in porn for about 6 years. That is a long time and I can see not wanting to do that for the rest of your life. Hopefully, his life comes together as he wants it to and he can do something he enjoys for work. It was kind of sad news but the best news is that there is plenty of unreleased content and that will eventually get distributed so there is a bit more of his work to watch and that is something I look forward to. I wouldn’t call him a size queen but he likes his meat to be big.  He is vers and that makes his scenes interesting especially when there is flipping (he’s on top for part and bottom for part) involved. His photo is at the top of this article. If you want to see what he is working with just give it a google or check out Active Duty or Next Door Studios that is where he did the bulk of his work.  The tattoos are something I could do with out but they seem to be a new trend.  I think he was in the service or at least that is what Active Duty wants you to believe. It doesn’t seem far fetched to me but it could all be part of the persona of the star. Realize that the porn star you know, is just a character and not the authentic person. They may incorporate some of their personal preferences but overall it is just like a movie, tv or radio star. 

The plan for today is chill.  I’ve got a meeting in a few hours that I expect to get cancelled but outside of that nothing major going on.  Just plan to take it easy and work what comes my way as needed.  I am headed up in a bit for a snack and to check on the old girl, she will probably want something as well.  I will probably rest more than I actually work today but the key is being available. 

Hope you stay cool, hydrated and are well.  Talk with you all again soon.  Thanks for your visit!

Gator’s Big Day

I am very proud to announce that today is Gator’s 18th Birthday.  I wondered a few times if we would make it to today but here we are.  Here’s to many more.  She of course has no idea that today is her birthday or what that means.  However, I woke up early for her and got her breakfast.  I spent a few minutes with her and she watched me walk out the door wishing her a happy birthday and telling her that I would see her tonight. 

I have looked after her on camera a couple times.  She was at the top of the steps by the vacuum cleaner.  She loves to catch me by surprise when I come upstairs.  She can blend in there really well and she loves to see the look of panic on my face, like where in the world could she have gone to.  She has gone from sleeping in my room to sleeping on the couch.  From what I can see doesn’t look like she has touched much of her food.  However, she will get more fresh stuff tonight. 

I look forward to seeing her and spending the evening with her tending to her needs and cravings.  Today it is all worth it.  Quite a milestone birthday that many cats don’t get to see or if they do they aren’t in as good of shape as she is. 

Nothing much going on here at work.  This morning was busy with catching up from the holiday.  I also had to backup some data and take some screen shots since my laptop will be swapped out. I’ve got a meeting about that later this afternoon, it’s the last meeting before the day is done.  I don’t expect that it will take long but when were done that is when I plan to walk out the door so I can get home to my baby. 

I heard the lawn mower guys when I was listening and watching Gator on camera early this morning.  I also got a note that my radar detector was delivered.  I’ve got no reason to believe that it won’t be there when I get home but I am a little nervous considering the value. 

It was really difficult to come in today.  Partly because of Gator’s birthday and partly because I really didn’t have a whole lot of sleep.  I think tonight I will pass out with out a problem.  I just hope the little woman doesn’t wake me.  I try to make sure that she has some pate food instead of gravy food before I turn in.  Gravy doesn’t stick with her nearly as long as something solid.  Usually it’s a 2a wake up call if not before.  Her timing isn’t ever the greatest and I think I would be pretty shocked if I actually got to go an entire night with out her bothering me.  I don’t mind taking care of her but just wish my body would permit me to go right back to sleep instead of having to stay up for an hour and then go back to sleep.  That is what gets old.  It’s not her fault just part of my insomnia, I think if she realized what she was doing she wouldn’t wake me at all.  However, I think her stomach gets a hunger pain and she just starts in not knowing if it’s going to be easy or difficult to wake me, the sooner she starts the better for her.

Looking forward to finishing off the pizza when I get home.  I plan to eat it cold.  I bought some Klondike Ice Cream Cones.  There is unicorn and vanilla.  I thought there was also a chocolate in the bunch but nope.  They are pretty good for being frozen and so small. 

I’ve got a few minutes and then it will be meeting time again.  Just about done for the day just a few more hours.  I hope the ride home is as fast & smooth as the ride in.  I know it’s 100 out and I don’t look forward to driving in that but at the same time my office has been 70 all day and it’s really cold.  I think that is part of my employers plan on fighting COVID, just make it so cold germs can’t survive.  The coolest it’s been in here in the past 24 hours has been 66 degrees, that was probably overnight.  My house gets a little chilly in the middle of the night on occasion. 

Hope your having a great Tuesday.  Be safe and stay well.  I plan to talk with you all again soon.  

Lazy Day

I opted to skip laundry, I’ve got enough clean clothes and not much laundry to do.  I took today as a true holiday and was lazy all day long.  Slept in and just relaxed with my girl.  I wanted to be with her as much as possible today because we will be separated for a few hours tomorrow and it kills me because tomorrow is her birthday.  It’s tough to grasp that she will be 18 as it seems like just yesterday she was born.  It also causes me to think back to what was and how much I miss everyone.  I am certainly not looking forward to her checking out but I also realize that each day does bring us closer to that.  I hope that she can make it to 20 or even slightly past that.  It’s really gonna to hurt me deeply when she checks out but right now my focus is on ensuring that she is well taken care of and comfy in her old age as well as enjoying all of the time I can possibly get with her.  What a girl!

We watched God’s Favorite Idiot on Netflix that took up a huge chunk of the afternoon.  We both got a nap together.  She got some good food.  I had some cereal for breakfast.  Opted to go out for lupper (that’s lunch & supper rolled into one meal).  I wanted to hit up a local pizza place that makes pizza similar to where I travel to for my normal pizza.  Unfortunately, I didn’t know this and found out the hard way they are closed on Mondays.  I stopped by another pizza place and got something I haven’t had in a while, it was not the same and not nearly as filling.  I dropped a lotta dough for not a lotta pizza.  At least I brought some home in a box and can polish it off for a quick dinner tomorrow night. 

My replacement gas lift arrived.  I just got done swapping it out and my chair is much more comfortable now.  I know way too well how to get a gas lift out of an office chair and replace it.  Not a skill that I had thought I would ever need.  I’ve got a spare on hand if and when this one breaks, if I can remember that.  I kind of was hoping they would make me ship the old defective one back but they don’t want it.  I really don’t want to throw it in the trash but that’s probably where it will go. 

I’m presently in the middle of the movie Spiderhead with Miles Teller.  He’s the entire reason why I elected to watch it.  It’s not bad but he’s been in better movies.  I’d love to hook up with him but realize that won’t happen.  In this movie they said that loneliness is like smoking 15 cigarettes' a day, it’s apparently got that profound of an impact on your life.  Not exactly sure if that is totally true.  I will be the first one to tell you it isn’t totally good for you but in short bursts I think everyone could benefit a little bit.  Certainly not how I want to spend the remainder of my years but yet I forge forward. 

If I would have gotten out at all today I would have spent money that I didn’t need to.  I was really thinking about getting a laptop but after putting some final thoughts into it, I am better off getting the new laptop that my employer if offering me, despite not wanting to have to carry a piece of equipment to and from the office it’s in my best interest and offers the greatest privacy.  Considering that spying on people is part of my job I kind of have the inside scoop and as they say knowledge is power!

Speaking of work, there was quite a bit of activity today but I changed my focus on my email to be personal only.  I get chirps when a new work email arrives but I haven’t paid any attention to it.  It’s not like whatever is there will magically disappear tomorrow.  It’s a holiday and I’m not on call so no sense in focusing on work.  We should be hearing about our pay raises in the next few weeks and I am looking forward to more money!  In fact a good portion of the day my phone was in the living room while Gator and I were in my bedroom.  I would have heard it if it rang but otherwise I forgot all about it.  Gator just gets this look of disgust on her face when she sees me on my phone or even my work laptop.  Today has mostly been about her and that was by design.  I’ve got to go in tomorrow despite not wanting to.  If I am ill that is another story but otherwise so long as I am able I need to be there instead of here. 

I need to shave tonight and while I like to follow that up with a shower, I will be showering tomorrow morning so I’ll save it for then.  I am hopeful that I don’t break out again, seem that when I shave my face it somehow irritates my neck despite the razor not coming in contact with my neck.  I am also still broken out and am really anxious for that to go away. 

I snuck down to get in a few computer moments and surf for what’s new in porn today.  I will be going back up after I finish my surfing and finishing up the movie.  Then not exactly sure what we will watch but we have a few hours to pass until it will be time to get ready for tomorrow.  I just hope I don’t forget to make a sandwich tonight so I will have something to eat tomorrow.  My afternoon is jam packed with meeting after meeting so I will be eating as I work, not fond of that but it kind of helps justify when I walk out early – after arriving early, getting no lunch it only makes sense that I leave early.  At least to me, then again I am applying logic and common sense, which don’t seem to exist in the business world but they sure do in my world. 

Hope you had a great Monday and that the week ahead will breeze by so we can be looking forward to another weekend.  Take care, stay cool & hydrated.  Talk with you all again soon. 

The weekend

Good day and welcome back!

I hope that you’re doing well and enjoying the weekend as well as staying cool & hydrated. A few things have happened since my last post but nothing terribly remarkable.

 Saturday – I took a technology holiday and stayed away from the computer. I used my phone to catch up on social media and check email. Stayed home for the bulk of the day. Got out in the afternoon. Hit up the cat food store. The guy running the register was trying to talk with me and he tends to mumble so it wasn’t a lengthy conversation. He told me the total was $110. I do this every week and knew that I didn’t just purchase that much cat food. I mean Gator’s hungry but not that hungry for a week. I paid the bill and then walked out to put away the cart and looked over my receipt to find the mistake. Found it one entry he charged me for 5 cans instead of 4 and then the big one, he charged me for 44 cans of food instead of 4. I just walked back in; he was kind of surprised to see me. I told him the issue but told him I’d get in line. I mean that was the only fair thing to do since everyone else waited their turn. There was a gaggle of people so he called for a backup cashier and that worked out in my favor. I got up in line and explained to the backup cashier what happened, she looked at my receipt and said I don’t see it. I was like bitch your blind. Then it clicked and she wound up giving me $66 back. Thank God I used a credit card and not a debit card. They love to pull the money out but it takes a few days to put it back. Since its credit card no big deal. Hit up the vet and got Gator’s fluids and medicine. They gave me free needles. If I hadn’t opened my big mouth, they would have given me the tubing for the fluids for free as well. As much money as I have pumped into that place, they could have afforded to just give it all to me for free. I got a small win with free needles. Came home to put everything away. I didn’t want to take any chances with it being so hot and leaving everything roasting in the car, especially the fluids. Back out to grab a bite to eat. Hit up Red Lobster. Waiting on the server to take my order I was about to walk out but he caught me just in the nick of time. I could tell he was doing a juggling act and they just kept piling the tables on. I managed to pay my bill and was waiting for him to follow up with me so I could get a box. Normally I eat the entire meal but this time I opted to stop. I was starting to feel a little ill from all of the butter consumption. I had Crab Alfredo and it always gets to me. Finally, he came back and I got what I needed and was able to get on my way. Came home to a chatty Gator and gave her some food. Then sat with her and we watched TV. She started to get a bit restless, I figured she wanted up or a drink or something. She was just unhappy but managed to get comfy again for a while then it started up again. I got up at that point and she had to get down. She went to get a drink of water after I gave her even more food. Then I worked on my license plate. Had to peel off the old stickers, wash the plate and then affix the new sticker and put it back on the vehicle. I know that is a bit extreme but I didn’t do this last year and just put one sticker over another and it started to peel off. I had to get out the super glue and that made a hell of a mess. Loaded and run the dishwasher. Then it was back to watching TV and Gator asked to come back up. I am on this Netflix series Web of Make Believe. It’s very compelling and divided up into several different topics and episodes. Got back up after about an emptied the litter box, passed out medicine and then washed my hands and brushed my teeth and got my medicine. Back to TV land and eventually in a couple hours after that it was lights out and time for bed.

Sunday – Gator of course woke me up a couple times last night. I took care of her with some food. She tried to get me to wake up around 6a like it was a normal day and time to get to work but I just dismissed her and rolled over. I had to wait out the meowing but she stopped pretty quick and retreated back to her bed on the couch. I got up at 8a. Had a little good morning pet with her and then broke out some food. I got dressed and took my pills. Got on the waiting list at Cracker Barrel and went out for breakfast. Totally forgetting that today was Father’s Day. The place was packed and I was lucky enough to be able to walk right in and get seated. I saw this young man just before I walked in and he was super fine. As luck would have it, he was waiting with his family just outside the window where my table was. I got some eye candy to stare at for a bit. Ah looking is fun but touching is so much better, I just keep telling myself someday it will happen. Even though someday isn’t one of the days of the week. After my meal I hit up the grocery store, it was next to empty because I guess everyone was taking Dad out for breakfast. Hey I’ll take it and empty store is a good thing for me. They didn’t have a whole lot that I liked but I managed to get enough food so that I won’t starve, it might not all be enjoyable. Then back home where I put the groceries away and then had to hand feed Gator because she was lazy and didn’t want to get up and eat what I had put out for her. I sat with her for a little bit and then went back to my room. Turned the ceiling fan on and took off my clothes. Watched TV and eventually Gator joined me. We wound up taking a nice nap together. Then she got lunch. I got a snack and then brought down my mail and receipts, did my thing with bookkeeping and the mail. Then here I am blogging away.

My replacement gas lift somehow got hung up in shipping and won’t be here until tomorrow. My radar detector of course is set to be delivered on Tuesday, that’s the day I am going to the office and could use it. The last one I ordered years ago they required a signature and I don’t know if that will be the case this time or not. The notification I got didn’t really say someone needs to sign for it. I mean FedEx will drop an iPhone at my door without a signature and it’s about comparable value. I suppose I will find out come Tuesday afternoon when I get home.

I have the itch to go back out, despite the heat. I kind of just want to go for a drive. I had thought about hitting up the car dealer since it’s Sunday they are closed and I could actually see what is on their lot but I kind of talked myself out of that one. I will probably do that at some point in the future as I still think I will make a purchase by or in September. Then again maybe not but right now it’s what I am planning for. There may not be anything on the lot but I kind of doubt that. I can’t see how a dealer could possibly employ a moderate size sales staff and not have anything on the lot to sell. If your going to that model might as well put a robot in the showroom to take care of the few customers that show up. The world is kind of crazy right now and I suppose nothing is beyond the realm of possibility.

I still have laundry to do, a house to clean and unfortunately time to play with the pills again. I will probably stay put today but may venture out tomorrow. Those pesky gutters keep calling my name and the weather forecast for the foreseeable future is steaming hot. I need to motivate myself to get up early and clean them to get it out of the way. Same thing for washing the house/deck.

See what I mean, nothing remarkable. Average hum drum life. Going to surf the net a bit and then it will be on to the laundry and chores. No surprise I am having left overs from Red Lobster for supper and taking in my tech podcast with Gator. That should hopefully keep me busy and out of trouble. If I really feel adventurous, I will pop the hood on the vehicle and check the air filter to see if it needs to be swapped out. My Amazon purchase history said I last bought a filter 2 years ago; I remember that but I also remember I held it for like a year before I swapped it. I don’t feel like I have done a whole lot of driving to warrant it being time to swap but I guess it never hurts to check. It’s just a slight pain to put it all back together but certainly something I can accomplish if I have enough light and don’t manage to put too much of a strain on my old back.

Talk with you all again soon.

Happy Friday

Once again, it’s time to say Happy Friday! I hope that all is well, your staying cool and looking forward to yet another weekend.

Last night was kind of boring as the day was. I just watched random YouTube videos and caught up on social media. A couple of interesting finds. First, Charlie Puth posted a TikTok where you see a Roast Beef Sandwich and then he says I’m addicted to this and you see what looks like jizz squirt from a bottle all over the sandwich. I’ve got no idea what that liquid was but I doubt seriously it was jizz. For being a 30-year-old man, he’s acting much more like a 20 something. His hormones must be in super overdrive, I get that he’s horny but if you think with the wrong head, you can easily do something stupid. I am sure I am not the only one who thinks he’s going to announce something about his sexuality and say that he is something other than straight, but I also think that is wishful thinking. 

The other interesting video I saw on YouTube was a guy who got stopped for a non-working headlight, taillight and tag light. He was borrowing a friend’s truck, which he had no registration for, the truck hadn’t been registered in 10 years and he quickly became unglued and started yelling and cussing at the police officer. The original officer that stopped him was a female. She got another female for backup. Then pretty soon two other male officers showed up. This all took place back in 2021 in Florida. He was upset that they were going to tow the truck, that it was going to cost him money. He even yelled at the tow truck driver. The tipping point was when they went to issue citations to him, he refused to sign. He was told that it’s a criminal offense not to sign the ticket. It’s not an admission of guilt, just a promise to comply. He kept his mouth running and before you knew it, he was on the ground in cuffs. One of the male officers told him they put up with enough of his shit. I pretty much saw the ending based on his behavior if he would have walked away from this it would have really surprised me. I honestly don’t think anyone wants to go to jail much less have an interaction with the police but if you keep it civil and professional as well as not making any sudden movements and keep your hands out of your pockets, odds are in your favor that you will likely walk away if it’s just a traffic infraction. Why this dumbass wanted to get mouthy and scream at the police, I don’t understand. He kept asking for a Sargent as if they would rescue him or cut him some slack. It’s not like the business world where you ask for a supervisor and magically things work out in your favor.

I’ve always had an interest in law enforcement but based on all of the tv shows, videos and news reports I have seen in my lifetime I am glad I have a different line of work. I mean if I could get a job behind the scenes involving technology where I wasn’t face to face with the public then yeah, I’d jump at that but otherwise no thanks. Way too many risks to take and the pay on average isn’t the best but I have seen some pretty decent numbers once you climb in rank.

Gator finally requested to sit in my lap when I moved to my room and was waiting for my sleeping meds to kick in. I picked her up and she moved around a couple times, once she got comfy, she was like a cool pat of butter on a warm baked potato and she melted away to sleep with her head on my leg and then she adjusted to burying her face to shutout the light. She was pretty deep in sleep when I had to wake her and was a little confused and mildly upset. She quickly got in her bed and drifted back to sleep as I was preparing to climb into my bed and do the same thing. Midnight rolled around and she needed a snack, I fed her and closed the door. Then 4a rolled around I was having a strange dream and the phone woke me up. It was the weather service warning of severe thunderstorms. Not terribly happy about that wake-up call. I climbed back into bed and a short while later I heard the siren go off on the weather radio. I opened the door and went to check on Gator. She of course took that as I was giving her an early breakfast and she cried so I opened up a can of food for her. Then looked out the window. It was pouring buckets and the wind was really blowing. My front gutters did their job. While the back gutters overflowed with water reminding me that they need to be cleaned.

I left my door open and went back to bed. Got comfy and the phone went off again, which I knew it would but I didn’t answer. I knew it was another weather call by the ring tone. I had 3 hours to sleep but I think I might have gotten in 30 minutes to an hour if that. The trash trucks came through and while they were some what muffled by my white noise machines, I still managed to hear them. That was the last loud noise until the weather siren went off again.

It's still raining and I think the storm will give us some cooler temperatures for the weekend but next week it will be back into the frying pan.

I got an email confirmation this morning my radar detector shipped this morning. Probably won’t get picked up until later this afternoon or evening. I expect it will arrive early next week but it could also be here as soon as tomorrow just kind of depends on the carrier. My replacement gas lift for my new office chair is supposed to be here today. My sticker for my license plate renewal is waiting for me at the post office along with bills that thankfully are all paid.

I think today will be another hum drum boring long ass day. I’ve got a few things to do at work but they are all late afternoon activities and my morning is wide open at the moment. I got a note last night that I am getting a new laptop because my old one is coming off lease. I hate coordinating the swap and I have a virtual machine that I could easily make my full-time machine and avoid the swap part as well as carrying a piece of hardware to and from. However, I also think that it is smart to have 2 ways to connect in, especially when working from home. Often one platform will experience problems while the other remains unaffected. That’s kind of a nice position to be in especially if you’re working under a deadline or with something urgent because that is usually when tech problems come out of the wood work. I am never excited to cough up a temporary password and let someone else into my world where they have unfettered access to everything work related, especially since a lot of what I deal with is confidential and sensitive in nature. 4 years ago, when this last happened I got out of it by asking to configure my own machine but I don’t know if that will fly this time or if it’s even worth asking about. Back then I was a little more familiar with the configuration aspect of things and as time has gone on, I have become less and less familiar with it because it’s no longer part of my job. Just thinking about the process makes me feel uneasy but in the grand scheme of life it’s a minor issue.

Father’s Day is Sunday and oddly enough that would also be my (cat) Momma’s birthday. Gator’s mom. I’ve had some photos of her pop up in my memories when she was outside and pregnant. Her birthday is the day I brought her in and rescued her. As I recall it was on a weekend, a Saturday afternoon I believe. Life hasn’t been the same for me since that day. You just never know what action you take today can change the course of life as you know it. I’ve got no regrets and think that was one of the more positive choices I made. The only thing that sucks is that Gator is the only one of the whole bunch that is left. Kind of wish they all could have gotten the same good gene make up that she seems to have acquired.

Wishing you all a great weekend and if applicable a Happy Father’s Day!

Waiting on the weekend

Not much going on today.  Certainly a different outlook than last Thursday when I was off and had not a care in the world.  At least there isn’t much on my schedule today.  I’ve really got 1 task to complete that can be done at anytime and then just watching for anything that crops up.  I like days like this but they do also have a tendency to drag on and feel like the day will never end. 

Gator woke me up one time last night and I fed her.  I really think she wanted to come back in my room but I wouldn’t let her.  I had to get her out of bed and usher her toward the food I just put out.  It was nice and cool in my room, that is until I closed the door and then it turned into a furnace.  I of course was up for about an hour because I couldn’t go back to sleep.  Just sat around and watched random YouTube videos.  Eventually I got drowsy and went back to bed. 

I almost gave myself potential food poison.  I went to eat some yogurt that has been hanging out in my fridge.  I was all set for it and then checked the label, expired by at least 2 weeks.  Just put that back in the fridge.  Today I will throw it out when I take the trash out. 

Yesterday I placed an order for a new radar detector.  Something that I have wanted for a couple years.  It is on back order but the good news is that it’s expected to ship next week.  It’s a lot of money from my perspective but the one I have has saved me and worth what I paid for it.  I’m sure this one will do the same because it’s just a newer model with better technology.  The one I have now is on it’s way out, it makes a funny noise when I turn it on and it gets really hot, so I have been leaving it off.  Between radar & the Waze app I’ve got pretty good coverage but there is no substitute for a great pair of eyes.  Watching is always your best defense.  Most of my speeding is done on the commute to and from work.  The rest of the time I use cruise and drive a couple miles over but nothing drastic.  Unless it’s an emergency then all bets are off. 

It’s going to be an expensive month with a new chair and new radar detector lumped in with all of the other bills.  However, I didn’t commit to anything I can’t afford to pay for in full when the bill arrives.  Money is kind of like stickers when I was a kid.  I loved to collect them and hang on to them and didn’t want to share or give them away.  Today I would gladly give you a sticker instead of money.  However, the saying is you can’t take it with you and I don’t have an unending supply but might as well use it to my benefit and indulging myself isn’t a bad thing so long as I don’t do it often and honestly I really don’t. 

I followed up on the money the state is holding for my mom and the documents I sent are in line for review so hopefully within a month or two we should either see a check or get a request for additional information.  Nothing like found money you didn’t even know you were entitled to.  Just pick a state and type in its name followed by found money, it should get you to the treasurers office for that state.  They should have a way to check to see if they are holding money for you or a deceased person that you are the next of kin or executor of their estate.  I go periodically to check never expected to see my late spouses name show much less my own mom.  What I have found has all been under $100 but if it’s something I am entitled to, a few minutes of paperwork and a stamp is certainly worth my time to retrieve it.  Some states will show the exact amount where as others will say either under or over $100.  A reminder story like this airs on local news from time to time but most people gloss over it because they think they don’t have anything for me.  You never really know until you check. 

Another furnace fire of a day here and it’s set to continue for the foreseeable future.  Were not technically in Summer yet until Next Tuesday but the weather is on par with what is to be expected for this time of year.  This will be the same story for pretty much the next 3 months.  I like the change of seasons in general but if I could pick the perfect weather it would be a nice sunny day with temperatures in the low 70’s.  It’s not too hot and not too cold. 

Resting is on tap for the weekend along with hitting up my usual stops and the vets office.  3 days will go by way too fast and I will be off kilter next week and not know what day it is until somehow things magically sync up by next weekend and then I will be back on track. 

Stay hydrated, cool and be well.  Talk with you all again soon. 

Knots & Pain

Greetings!

Hope all is well in your world.  I woke up yesterday morning a few times throughout the night.  My shoulder and back were really bothering me.  I opted to call in and just took the day off.  I took a powerful muscle relaxer and wound up spending the bulk of the day in bed.  I woke up for a short bit and started to watch a movie (Ride Along) and started to get drowsy.  Turned the movie off and went back to sleep.  Amazon woke me up at 2p with a door bell ring.  My air filter for my vehicle was here.  I also ordered some costume jewelry, a bracelet but it turns out to be too small.  Looks nice but doesn’t fit.  It’s only $11 pondering if I want to return it or just throw it away.

Got a nice hot shower last night which helped a bit with my back.  Finished with some cold water to help cool down a bit.  It’s really hot out and that is a nice final touch at least for me.   

Wound up taking a double dose of sleeping meds and made it through the night.  I did get woken by Gator at like midnight but fed her, and closed my door.  Slept pretty good up until 5a and then I was awake off and on.  Finally got out of bed at 6:30a and just decided to start the day.  I was not in the best mood and thought seriously about taking another day off but I had already peeked ahead and knew there was a pile of shit waiting for me, one more day probably wouldn’t have made much of a difference but the pile of shit would be larger – so I just bit the bullet and came back.  Mentally I feel good about my decision.  Physically I wish I was back in bed or at least had the day off.

I got a tracking number for my replacement Gas Lift and it should be here on Friday.  I am giving serious thought to swapping it out as I think sitting in this new chair a bit too high isn’t doing any favors for my back.  The display model sure was comfy.  This isn’t bad but just sitting a bit too high for my comfort.

Lots of good porn in the past couple days.  I was able to finally blast off on Tuesday and I know that didn’t exactly do favors for my back but it felt really good.  I didn’t watch any porn yesterday, thought about it but opted not to.  Waiting a couple days helps build momentum and makes it more worthwhile if I can manage to keep my hormones in check. 

Put a call in for more fluids for Gator and some more meds as well.  Picking all that up on Saturday and it will be a wallet drainer but she is worth it.  She has been bossing me around a bit.  I got a lick from her last night when I was feeding her.  I always enjoy those but they don’t happen often enough.  Her mom and brother were the kissers in the family.  Gator not so much but lots of things change with age.  I got her claws trimmed on Monday night, she wasn’t happy about it but she got a bit of a brushing as well.  The best part was the food reward she got afterwards. 

We’ve got a 3 day weekend since Juneteenth is a Federal Holiday my employer is closed.  That will be nice.  Holiday in May, June and July.  August will suck but then we have September.  October will suck but then we have November and December and January there are 2.  Then it’s back to waiting until May again. 

Instead of an afternoon of meetings on Tuesday, they all got moved to today and the fun is about to begin.  Right now about now I should say I’m not feeling well and take the rest of the day.  That would upset some folks but at least I wouldn’t be in meetings.  I’ll go and get it over with.  It’s just a way to pass some time that I could think of many other things to do.  At least I am at home.  I plan to be here for the rest of the week. 

That’s all I’ve got at the moment.  Talk with you all again soon.  Stay cool and be well!