Trying to sleep in

Morning … Happy Tuesday!  Since I am supposed to have a package coming today I opted to stay home and go in to the office tomorrow.  I told Rudy last night biscuits at 7a, I am staying home.  Well I think the universe wanted me to go in.  Either that or the cats are just used to my usual Tuesday routine.  Rudy woke me up at 6a.  He was sitting on me.  Morea was resting by my head.  I had to get up to use the bathroom.  Rudy of course thought breakfast was around the corner but I came back to bed.  He didn’t give up and kept trying to get me to get up and feed him.  He was patient about it.  Morea started bathing me but then she took up her position by my feet.  I just wanted to rest the last hour I had left before I HAD to get up. 

When Morea moved, I rolled over and Rudy jumped back up on my side.  He apparently knows a thing or two about pressure points.  He hit me in just the right spot where it was tender but I just ignored him and closed my eyes.  Eventually he moved a bit but stayed on top of me.  I had like a 1/2 hour left by this point.  I closed my eyes and the next thing I knew the alarm was going off. 

Okay so now Rudy gets his food.  Morea goes to the window and when Rudy is done, they switch places.  Morea eats then Rudy comes back for left overs.  He sniffs, decides he doesn’t like it and tries to cover it up, then turns around and nibbles.  This happens at most every meal and it’s kind of funny but it seems to be something all cats do because Momma’s Family did it as well. 

I had my breakfast and then it was time to get my medicine and get dressed.  Rudy jumped into my bed so that I can’t make it.  I got dressed and Morea was waiting for her cuddle time.  I grabbed my phone, sat down in my chair and Morea jumps into my lap.  I give her attention while catching up on what is on the phone in terms of mail and notifications.  Then I look back at photos I took on this day, usually seeing one of my late cats and then it’s time to focus all on Morea.  Before I know it I have to evict her from my lap and put on my socks.  Then stumble back to the kitchen.  Open the back blinds so the kids can look out.  It’s a nice sunshine day, very cool for this time of year but in a few hours all of that will change. 

Then I make the trip with my water bottle and phone to the basement.  Rudy and Morea just look at me with very sad faces as I disappear.  They sit in anticipation for me to open the door.  They are very patient but to occupy time they will play and run around.  It’s an interesting little routine. 

I still think perhaps I should have gone in.  I saw the traffic report and the way I would travel is all backed up, so I am more thankful that I am at home.  Honestly, I don’t have to go in this week at all but I do plan to try to make it in tomorrow.  I know it will be a waste of gas & time, I will be bored to tears but the best part of the day is leaving when I want. 

The phone went nuts last night and I was glad I wasn’t on-call but I still looked at what was coming in.  I wish that I could toggle work mail off and on with a flip of a switch.  I can but it’s buried and I honestly don’t feel like digging unless of course I have time off.  Speaking of which my next time off request for August/September was just approved this morning.  I am looking forward to taking a week or possibly two off but have yet to schedule anything.  It’s on my to-do list that I never seem to get wiped clean.  However, this is something I have to do because we can only carry over 2 weeks of vacation per year. 

Big announcement yesterday, we have a meeting to attend virtually next week with management.  It’s supposed to be just a regular quarterly update but they said not to miss it, there are plenty of topics that will be discussed.  I suspect every time we have one of these meetings they are going to pull the rug out from under us and require a return to the office.  I don’t know for sure that it will happen but it’s always top of mind when they want everyone to gather round.  Only time will tell. 

I had a couple of quick things to take care of this morning but those tasks have been done for a bit now.  I am already bored sitting at home, imagine how much worse it would be to be in the office with nothing to do.  At least at home I have freedom to browse the internet, go back upstairs and even go back to bed if I want.

Here’s hoping that it won’t be a crazy day, but that I won’t be bored out of my mind.  I’ve got 2 meetings one in the morning and then another after lunch.  Outside of that my day is wide open.  Nothing good yet on the internet but I keep a watchful eye. 

I hope all is well in your world and that you enjoyed a glimpse into my world.  Until we talk again, take care & be well. 

Men on Monday

Rest of the weekend

Morning – Just a recap of how the rest of my weekend went. 

Friday … I was supposed to get a replacement gas shock installed for my hood.  The part didn’t come in but instead of calling & telling me, my friends made me drive out.  They are supposed to call or text when the part shows up, but I am not holding my breath.  With parts and the supply chain it’s all one big gamble.  What is available today isn’t tomorrow.  Then to add insult to injury we didn’t wind up going to lunch.  That was really disappointing.  Especially because it was tough to get motivated to get out of the house.  It was one of those days when I just wanted to be lazy.  I also had breakfast out but asked for 1 less pancake but got charged as if I had 3 instead of the 2.  That wasn’t fair but no point in arguing over it. 

Saturday … Wow this is kind of tough trying to recall the past few days.  I went to Red Lobster for a bite to eat and to grab the mail.  I made it a lupper meal but had it around 3:30p  They weren’t busy and I was able to get right in and get a table.  Biscuits seemed extra good.  Wish I would have had a Pina Colada.  I didn’t really do anything else but veg with the cats.  Morea got sick. 

Sunday … Made it to breakfast, Target, The Grocery Store & The Cat Food Store, time for Hairball food.  They seem to enjoy it.  Then had McDonald’s as a treat for supper.  It wasn’t good for me but boy was it good.  Got the trash taken out, water fountain changed, toothbrushes changed and litter boxes filled with fresh litter.  Spent a lot of time with the cats.  They enjoyed it.

Not super excited about being back at work.  Already managed to point out some mistakes my co-worker has made.  I am caught up, was surprised but this time after being gone for 2 days I only had 88 emails to come back to and a good portion of that was nothing but trash.  I am going to head up in a bit for an orange break and to see the cats.  I’ve seen our Groundhog the past few days (morning, afternoon and evening).  I should call the trap guy back but honestly I don’t want to mess with him, since it seems like he’s more after my money than he is the groundhog. 

We got rain yesterday and I was caught in it during a couple of my ventures out.  It was amazing that I could park in the garage, go out not even 30 minutes later and the humidity was so high the car was bone dry.  There were still puddles on the ground.  It was HOT yesterday. 

Good old Amazon has changed their shipping from UPS to their own carrier for prescriptions.  I’ve got some new medicine and had the doc send it there because it would be cheaper.  Of course they have managed to screw up the delivery.  Some how it wound up in the wrong carriers stream but not until it got close to me.  Now it will be days before I get this.  I was supposed to have it on Saturday.  I was told yesterday afternoon that I should get an email today letting me know when it will arrive.  They did offer to cancel the order but that means I would have had to the doc call it in to a local pharmacy and then shell out more money than if I was just patient and wait.  It’s not life sustaining but it’s something new I wanted to try.  I’d like to get it today but I think it’s probably a safer bet to say that I will have it mid-week.  I need to place another Amazon order but I honestly don’t want to.  I hate shipping mess ups.  UPS is the one carrier that has the best success rate for me, but they aren’t perfect.  It would be nice if they switched back but I know that won’t happen, the long term plan always was to migrate away from UPS for shipping.  Truly sad for me. 

This is a 5 day work week for me.  My boss is working from his childhood home visiting his mom.  That will last for a week.  Then he should be off on vacation for either 1 or 2 weeks.  That will be super great.  This weekend is a 3 day weekend, since next Monday is Juneteenth.  One more holiday next month and were done until September.  Speaking of which I timed my next doctors visit to co-inside with the Labor Day weekend and my Birthday.  I will have a 5 day weekend to look forward to then.  I still have gobs of time to burn so I will need to put in for a week or two.  Part of me wants to get a dumpster and clean this place up.  The other part of me wants to travel.  I also have a great idea of just pissing a week away and lounging around the house. 

I think it’s going to be a long day because it’s kind of quiet.  That’s okay by me, at least I am no longer on-call.  My 2 week journey of hell is done.  Something I never want to repeat.  Here’s hoping it is a great day & week for all of us.  Talk with you all again soon. 

The Doctor

My visit today was really quick, everyone was on their A game.  I spent as much time as I needed with the doctor and it didn’t feel like I was being rushed along.  I managed to remember everything I wanted to talk about.  I’ve gained some weight since last time, only 4 pounds but it’s going the wrong direction.  Turns out one of the medicines I take to control my blood sugar is preventing me from loosing weight.  The solution is to switch drugs but were talking to an injectable, even though it’s only 1 time a week the thought doesn’t thrill me.  Plus all of the injectables are brand name and that means money.  I am going to check to see what insurance will pay and then if there are any rebate programs.  I may make the switch.  The doc said that these medicines actually promote weight loss and were talking like 50 pounds pretty quick.  That would for sure make me happier. 

Speaking of happiness we talked about my depression and how I think that some day the cats won’t be enough of a deterrent.  He’s worried about me.  He talked about maybe switching up my anti-depression meds to something old school.  It would help with my insomnia but those meds also promote weight gain.  So it’s kind of a double edge sword.  I talked about being institutionalized and told him that isn’t something that I want.  He said no one looks forward to it.  The up side is the time off from work but the downside is your locked up.  I told him that I am smart enough to know when to call for help. 

What I was encouraged to do is to get out more.  Make some friends, go for a walk – occupy myself but with things that involve others.  Potentially going into the office more often than I do.  I get it those things will help me feel better.  When I am around other people that know me and I interact with them I tend to feel better so it’s not a surprise that he suggested that.  I’d love to follow his advice but the making friends part is a bit on the difficult side. 

I didn’t really spend any money today.  I ate both of my meals at home.  I thought about going out and potentially hitting up some friends but wound up taking a nap with the cats.  Watching TV and just relaxing. 

Tomorrow I will for sure be getting out to get my car worked on, hopefully going to lunch.  I might even go out for breakfast.  I wanted to hit up the movies but show times didn’t really work out for me.  Hopefully I either can work it into the weekend or what I want to see comes to being available at home.  I’ve got to for sure get to Target I am low on cat treats.  Morea needs some hairball food, it’s the next step to trying to combat her throwing up.  I brushed her last night, just her and it looked like I brushed three cats.  There was a lot of fur.  I had a thought to get her to the vet for a bath and shedding treatment, that would probably do her a world of good but I don’t know that she would tolerate it well and I don’t know how much actual fur she would loose.  I know she would smell funny and that isn’t a good thing. 

Hope you had a great day.  I am headed back to the TV.  Hopefully, I get some decent sleep tonight, that wasn’t the cast last night but I did have a soda like 30 minutes before I went to bed.  Not a great idea.  Tonight it’s all water.  I want soda and sugar but I am trying to “be good”. 

Oh my blood work also came back hours after I got home.  I was surprised it’s never done that fast.  A1C is 5.8% which is good.  All of the other levels that were measured are well within tolerance.  I had him check my Thyroid, it just barely squeaked by into the normal range. 

Talk with you all again.  Be well and try to stay cool.     

SSDD

Good Day I hope all is going well for you.  It’s sort of my Friday today.  I work a normal day, cover on-call and then when I go to sleep I am off.  I pick back up on Friday at 5p but until then I am off.  I get to see the doctor and get my car worked on, how exciting!  I am supposed to have lunch with a friend as well and I do look forward to that. 

Yesterday afternoon and again this morning it’s been nothing but mop up duty.  Fixing other peoples mistakes.  I love helping people but I hate cleaning up after others, hell I don’t like to clean up after myself but I do it. 

I saw the strangest bug this morning in my room.  It looked like a spec of dirt, but then I noticed it was moving.  Before the cats figured it out, I grabbed a tissue and picked it up.  Never seen anything like it and hope that it’s one of a kind.  I’ll mention it when the pest guy is here in a couple weeks.  I have no idea what it was.  Looked like the size of a grain of rice but it was black, no wings or feet, it crawled.  Kind of surprised that one of the cats didn’t see it but since it was super small it was just by chance I came across it. 

Another night where my insomnia kicked in and I was up for an hour.  Morea wasn’t happy about it because the TV was in her eyes but she managed to adjust.  She never moved an inch and waited for me to return to the bed.  Then she crawled up by my head and slept with me for a little bit.  When she left she managed to wake me, no big deal.  She isn’t exactly light on her feet.  Reminds me of my big boy.  She has no trouble moving around and is pretty quick despite being a bit on the large side.  She has really taken to me and craves attention as well as belly rubs. 

Had some Beef & Bean mini burritos from the grocery store.  I added some extra cheese and tried some taco sauce to spice them up a little bit.  They are so good and they have been making them since last month, I pray they don’t stop.  I would love some Mexican Lasagna but they stopped making that a long time ago.  It would be awesome if they revived it.  I like quick grab n go options it beats a TV dinner.  Might cost a little bit more but I am okay with that. 

Speaking of costing more last month was a pretty expensive month.  My last credit card just closed and it was about $200 higher than I am used to.  Just paid it off this morning, I wasn’t always able to do that but damn it feels good to get back to zero. 

Outside of that it’s kind of boring here.  I am just watching the time pass and eager to switch off work email on my phone, if only for a short time.  I am not eager for my next on-call week but at least it will be 3 weeks away at the end of the month.  Were back to a normal schedule and even every 3 weeks is a bit much.  No one looks forward to it but we all do it.  I miss the days of extra pay for being on-call.  I got $100 extra for the week for the inconvenience and then I got to bill in 15 minute increments for my time and there were times when I was able to rake in the cash and other times when it was just an extra $100.  That is one of the downsides to not being en hourly employee any longer. 

I am going to take a break, a bit of an extended lunch hour if circumstances allow.  Hopefully, they will.  I need to rest up and keep my blood pressure at a normal level.  Hoping that the day passes quickly without too much BS to deal with. 

I know the cats won’t permit me to sleep in but it will be fun not having to rush around tomorrow morning and be able to take my time.  I do have a deadline as to when I need to leave.  I hate the commute to and from the doctors office but it allow time to think and I get to see some of my old stomping grounds.  I used to work out by where my doctor is.  Lots of memories, spent 5 years out that way.  Yep, traveling it 5 days per week around 45 miles one way.  That racks up the miles on your car pretty fast.  So glad I don’t have to do that now.  I like watching the traffic on TV and not being in it, that is much more enjoyable. 

I hope you have a great rest of the day.  Until we meet again, may the odds be forever in your favor.  Take care!

No Mowing Yet

Morning … My neighbor didn’t mow his lawn last night, I guess I can always hope for tonight.  He isn’t in any kind of a hurry.  It’s not like he is going to get in trouble since he works for County Government, it’s like he is above the law.  I suppose that is why he never trims his bushes, it looks horrible but I am just keeping that to myself, outside of the fact I just shared it with “the internet”.  I know you won’t tell him, right? 

I stumbled on a You Tube channel that was live broadcasting a train ride through the Netherlands (I think).  There was lots of tunnels and snow.  It looked very nice.  I had the thought the other day when I was watching a porn clip of two guys on a train, that it might be fun to take a train trip.  However, I don’t know that I would get any sleep with the whistle blowing randomly.  A day trip doesn’t sound bad though.  I’ve always liked trains, I was introduced to them by my grandfather.  He had a nice setup in our basement and put some serious work into it.  He had a brother that out did him and his setup was much grander but still they all just went in a large circle.  My late spouse loved trains as well.  I have his collection buried here in the basement.  It another one of those things that I could sell and probably walk away with some cash.  However, I don’t know enough about the going rate for model train stuff and could easily get ripped off. 

Any who it was nice to lower the volume and let that play while the cats slept and I surfed on my phone.  The whistle got my attention a couple times but didn’t seem to wake the cats.  I remember when they first arrived the least amount of noise would wake them.  From my phone to my police scanner.  They were seriously jumpy.  Now they are used to it.  Unless it’s something really loud they won’t wake up. 

I had something different for supper last night.  It was a bowl of Mac & Cheese with Broccoli Cheese Soup.  Not the greatest but damn the photo on the outside is what drew me in.  4 minutes in the microwave and it was ready and spitting hot. 

I didn’t sleep the best.  I was quick to get into bed because I was sleepy.  Morea climbed up by my head and slept with me most of the night, which is something new.  She got sick again after supper last night.  I hope that this doesn’t mean she is going to get sick again.  She gets clingy but I don’t know if it’s out of love or fear, still figuring her out.  My back was killing me when I woke up.  Then Rudy was all over me to try to wake me up.  We still had 3 hours to go and I managed to get him to paws.  He was quick to pounce once he saw my eyes open to check the time. 

Not a lot going on this morning thus far.  I hope that it stays that way.  I’ve got that wonderful meeting to run this afternoon.  After that nothing else really on the radar.  I did have 3 things come in last night.  I logged in to take care of one of them because it was early enough, the other two came up closer to 5p and that’s when I said they will wait until tomorrow.  I’m playing by the rules and unless it’s marked urgent it waits.  The only thing good about Monday is that I won’t be on-call any longer.  I will be sure to never ever schedule myself for 2 weeks of back to back on-call that is very stressful.  Wish I knew what I was thinking.  I do remember thinking, oh that will be a walk in the park, super easy.  Yeah well I didn’t account for a shift in mood and a change in attitude. 

Looking forward to putting this day in the rear view mirror and moving on to what will be my Friday.  There will be a bit more to do tomorrow but that just means it will help time to pass instead of sitting here and waiting for the clock to move.  I am waiting on something at work at the moment but once that is done, I am headed up for an orange break and perhaps a moment or three of relaxation.  I’ll come back down when I am needed or when my next task is due. 

Here’s hoping it’s a great Tuesday for everyone.  Take care. 

Tall Grass = Shirtless Man ?

Sitting with idle hands I have been surfing the web and looking at photos of guys both clothed and naked.  I recall at lunch noticing that the neighbors grass was getting kind of tall.  I wonder if that means he’s going to take off his shirt and push the mower?  I can only hope so.  My neighbor isn’t well ripped like the guy in the photo nor does his mower have a bagger.  The best part of summer is looking at all of the shirtless guys.  I don’t get to see that many but I do mostly enjoy what I see. 

I did some more looking on my vehicle.  Turns out the recall notices are going out at the end of the month.  The manufacturer says my vehicle is includes but NHTSA says it’s not included.  I don’t know who to believe but if I get a recall notice in the mail I will be calling the dealer to set up service.  Haven’t been to a dealer in a very long time for any kind of service.  I do understand why some people call them stealerships because they do rob you of your money.  Here’s hoping my car doesn’t burst into flames.  It can happen at any time regardless if the vehicle is running or not.  Parking at work is in a covered garage, if you park on the street you have to slug a meter and it’s quite expensive.  I know if I say something I will be asked to park on the street and no one will pick up that tab, so better to keep my mouth shut for now. 

The boss made me mad again, what’s new?  I get to run a large meeting tomorrow.  I had to run it last week because he was on vacation.  This week he’s going to the doctor.  Next week he better damn sure run this thing himself OR find another sucker, I am done.  I am also not being proactive and helping people where & when I can, I wait for problems to trickle up like everyone else.  I mean I only occasionally exceed expectations so why not live up to my review?  Yes, I’m bitter and it’s going to stick with me for a while.  I might go back to being my helpful self again but for now I am only doing the bare minimum of what is required, nothing more.  The problem when you excel at your job is that you get fucked over in one way or another.  This happens no matter where you work.  I’ve seen it happen to other people and now I have the experience myself.  It’s not fun. 

Well before something comes in I am headed up to be with the cats.  Grab my laptop to hopefully ward off any problems but also keeping me prepared in case I need to login.  If I ever would switch jobs my first requirement is no on-call, it’s so old it’s beyond stale. 

Have a great evening and maybe you will see some good looking people, perhaps a shirtless man or woman.  Perhaps I will see the neighbor all shirtless, hot and sweaty.  It would be nice.  I’m not holding my breath though.  Talk with you again soon.

Somethings in the air

Morning – ah it’s another Munday.  Something feels a bit off or odd this morning.  Not exactly sure why.  It’s oddly calm and I just have a weird vibe.  Hopefully, it turns out to be nothing. 

Last night I got both cats claws trimmed and they were both brushed.  Brushing came first because they enjoy that.  I got a decent amount of fur between the two of them but Morea was more furry than her brother.  I wonder if I will ever catch up and get their coats under control. 

As a reward after treats I put out some cat nip.  I don’t pass that out that often.  As soon as I cracked the lid off the jar Rudy just came to life.  I put some down for each of them and then did something I normally don’t do and that is sprinkle some on scratching posts.  I went about my evening bedtime routine.  I was shaving and heard this awful sound.  I poked my head into the living room and Rudy was coughing to save his life.  It was bad and I have never seen him like that before.  I think he over did it on the cat nip.  It took a bit but all returned to normal. 

Off to bed I went and they both joined me eventually.  I had to kick Rudy out of my lap so I could get in bed once I got drowsy.  I had some very strange dreams.  Like I saw my old childhood neighbor and she wanted my phone number, every time I went to write it out what I wanted to write and what I actually wrote was different.  For some reason I was in the hospital and had business cards.  I had to return to my room to get her a card so she could have my phone number.  She’s the last person I would want to give my # to.  Also not sure why I was in the hospital, much less with business cards. 

I had periods when I would wake up I just turned over and hoped I would go back to sleep.  Apparently that is what happened but I don’t remember going back to sleep.  I woke up at 6a and knew that I had an additional hour.  Rudy of course was right there pawing all over me.  He was literally dancing on my bladder.  I had to get out of bed to take care of that.  Both cats for some reason then thought it was time for breakfast and I shocked them both by returning to bed.  Morea was the first to rejoin me and took up her spot at my feet.  Rudy came in and was still pawing all over me but I got him to settle down and we drifted back to sleep for a short bit.  I woke up with 10 minutes to spare and just got out of bed. 

Rudy apparently was really starved because he damn near ate all of the can that I put out for both of them.  Morea could careless she was too busy getting a drink and staring out the window.  Not sure if she ever ate but there is always dry food out for both of them so I know they won’t go hungry. 

On a different note I am obsessed with car maintenance and always have been.  I remember I found the answer to my question before but don’t remember what it was.  The question is when is it time to flush the transmission fluid.  In searching I found a recall for my vehicle.  Turns out I am supposed to park it outside because there is a risk that part of the charging system will cause a fire.  Even when it’s turned off.  NHTSA said that I should return to the dealer and they will install a fuse to fix the issue but recall notices won’t be mailed until 2026.  That’s 3 years away, just imagine what could happen in 3 years.  I logged into the manufactures site they have the recall listed but don’t yet have a remedy, they encouraged me to park the vehicle outside.  So it’s like the government knows what the fix is but the manufacture hasn’t decided on what the fix is so it’s up in the air.  I’d like to not have a fire start so the vehicle and either my house or where ever I am parked at isn’t damaged but it doesn’t seem like anyone is in a hurry.  I’ve not had any issues thus far and will claim ignorance but I have a garage for a reason and it’s not to use it as a storage space for junk.  It’s made to park a vehicle in, that’s how I plan to continue using it.  I’ve been thinking about getting a new vehicle for a couple years now but so long as this one continues to serve me well I just can’t justify it.  My biggest fear is that I will wind up with a new piece of junk because I personally don’t think quality is what it used to be.  Ah something else to ponder, just what I didn’t need. 

The mower guys were here, I suppose they wanted to get in early because it’s supposed to be another hot day.  It’s not summer yet but you couldn’t tell that by the weather here.  We don’t have much spring time weather any more it jumps straight into summer and it’s been that way for several years. 

Here’s hoping that all is well today and that my 3 days go by without any major issues or concerns.  I expect some pressure/stress but always hope that it will be at a minimum.  This week it’s just me and the boss, everyone else is on vacation.  Yet another reason to hope for smooth sailing.  I wish you all the best this week and hope it’s a great week for you as well.  Take care. 

Breakfast @ Home

I did something different this weekend and had breakfast at home both Saturday & Sunday.  Not exactly the same but it was much quicker than going out, not to mention cheaper. 

Saturday was a tough day to get out of bed because I was up during the night.  Still not sure why the weekends is when my insomnia like to attack me.  Anyway, after breakfast & a shower, I headed out (dressed of course) to visit my friends.  I scheduled some car service for Friday.  I got to watch a front bumper assembly being prepared for a wrecked car.  I had no idea how much work goes into that and what you need to transfer.  It’s also neat how everything snaps together.  That’s the modular plastic car.  It’s kind of like a puzzle but I hate puzzles, for some reason this was really fascinating. 

After that bit of fun, I came home and took a very much needed nap.  Between the sugar from breakfast and being on my feet for so damn long I was really tired. 

The cats were happy as always to see me and we slept together as per usual.  Once nap time was over with I headed out for pizza.  I went back to the same place I was at last weekend.  I got something different.  It was okay but damn whatever they use to cut their pizza needs to be sharpened.  You could see the lines in the slices but you had to rip them to get them apart. 

I was surrounded by twinks – man candy.  It was nice to watch them walk around.  I was wearing a gay pride shirt and no one said a word to me about it, which has been my experience.  I’m kind of hesitant to wear any pride gear out just because of violence.  I think it paints a target on me but I am smart about the places I go to.  That doesn’t make me immune because you never know when it’s the wrong place/wrong time. 

On my way back the gas gage was dipping super low.  I think this was like maybe the 3rd time the low fuel light has come on since I have been driving this vehicle.  I just don’t empty out the tank, I like the assurance of knowing that I won’t run out of gas.  I had like 20 something miles to go until empty.  It was riding funny (odd not humorous) and I decided to grab the mail and then hit up a gas station.  I would have liked to limp along until the morning when I could have purchased gas cheaper at Sam’s but better safe than sorry.  The place I went to gives a free car wash if you buy 6 or more gallons.  I qualified for that and then added on a wash, which gave me a discount.  I got their top of the line wash for $4 but my total bill was $50 with gas.  I do not recall spending that much on gas for one tank. 

That was it for Saturday.  Just came home watched TV and did the dishes.  Then off to bed at normal time.  I still managed to be up during the night which leads to low energy in the morning.  I should have gotten going early but instead I loafed around and went back to bed after breakfast.  Between the cats climbing on me and my phone I opted to just get up.  I didn’t feel the best but made it to the grocery store. 

I was in a checkout line that had a bagger and he was super hot.  However, another line opened and I was motioned to switch lanes.  So I never really did get to look at him like I wanted to.  I put off my Target trip for now.  I can limp through the week and hit them up on either Thursday or Friday morning. 

3 days of work which I don’t look forward to at all but it’s better than 5.  Then two days off.  I see the doctor on Thursday and back at my friends place on Friday morning.  Were supposed to grab lunch while my car is being worked on.  I have to pick up my on-call shift at 5p on Friday but there is typically nothing going on which is why I set it up that way.  So I have a few things to look forward to. 

I wanted to go out and move some stuff in the yard but that didn’t happen because Sir Barks A Lot (my nick name for the neighbors dog) was out.  If he sees his own shadow he starts barking.  I didn’t want to upset him and honestly I didn’t feel the greatest.  So I grabbed my laundry, mail and receipts and headed down. 

My business is all done with bills paid, receipts entered and I found a bunch of good porn that was waiting for me.  I think the washer just finished.  Need to swap the clothes over to the dryer.  Then upstairs where more cleaning chores await.  Cuddle time with the cats is around the corner and they both want their fair share of attention. 

I’ve noticed that they are eating the new dry food and not really touching the old dry food they were given at the shelter.  Morea got sick a couple more times.  I promised her a brushing last night but we never got to it because she was being a squirrel.  So I need to get that done today.  Claws are super long and sharp so they need to be trimmed.  Not sure if I am going to do that today but I might, kind of depends on how adventurous I feel.  Rudy isn’t crazy about it but he tolerates it much better than his sister.  She doesn’t want you to touch her nails and it’s truly a fight.  I wish I could knock her out for like 2 minutes and I’d be done.  I just take the point off and don’t really trim much more.  Within an hour of trimming they are back to a point and razor sharp again.  I like to leave her with some defense since her brother gets horny (despite being fixed).  He gets that desire in the middle of the night now and he tries to go at it with her while I am sleeping which wakes both her and I up.  Neither of us is happy about it. 

Well now that I have poured out what happened over the weekend I have no idea what I will write about tomorrow but I am sure something will happen.  I hope that it’s been a nice weekend for you and that all is well.  Talk with you again soon. 

Dude Soup–Enjoy

Thumbs down–zero stars

Morning and Happy Friday!

Last night things were calm up until Social Media hour.  I just started browsing when I saw a car whip into my driveway and about take out my garage.  A man leaped out of the vehicle and rapidly approached my front door.  Cameras were on.  I did a live view of the front door and he was placing a flyer.  Then he left a little bit calmer than when he arrived. 

I opened the door and grabbed the flyer.  Of course it was the damn HOA giving us all an update about the amendments they asked us to vote on in December.  Everything including the dues increase passed with an overwhelming majority.  The president said that he recently went door-to-door to talk with several homeowners.  Well he didn’t come by here.  It would have been nice to know that the dues were increasing before the notice was plastered on my door.  The flyer was a newsletter that they infrequently drop off.  There was a blurb about having to print off the new CC&R’s and having to get them registered with the county and how much money that is going to cost.  It’s all about how much they are spending and these people think we live in Beverly Hills California, you know the upper crust.  When in fact were in the middle of nowhere and a very middle class neighborhood.  There is now also a late fee on dues and if your two years late they “might” place a lien on your property.  They have so little money that until the dues seriously increase there is no way they will be able to afford placing liens.  Every damn time I think about this HOA it just makes my blood go straight to boil.  I fucking hate them.  I’ll pay my dues reluctantly but it’s only to keep them off my ass.  I thought about making them beg for their money but now that I know there is a late fee I don’t want to give them anymore than they are entitled to, so I will be sure to pay by the deadline. 

Between the HOA and my spineless boss who has shitty optics based on my review, I was just angry all night long.  I had some insomnia, no surprise.  Rudy was trying to get it on with his sister and that woke me up.  I watched TV and she came to cuddle with me.  After an hour I went back to bed.  Morea climbed in bed with me and let me hold her until I fell asleep.  That was so sweet.  I guess she sensed that I was stressed out. 

With regards to work I don’t know what happens if you fail to sign that you acknowledge a review took place.  I also don’t want to find out.  I did have a box to put in any objection with my review.  I used that for the first time ever.  I documented that I felt my bosses overall assessment of me was unfair and that we talked about it.  He said that is the way he feels and I put in words to the effect that I think he needs a set of new glasses and reviews should be based on the actual caliber of work produced and not feelings.  I further added that my caliber of work has not changed.  Then I signed it and moved the process on.  The boss has to sign off on it and I’m sure he will see it, which I could care less about.  I’m sure all of this will put me on someone’s radar but it’s not fucking fair.  The one who fucks up all the time gets promoted and a pay raise but here I am busting ass and producing top notch work but I am no longer exceeding expectations despite the fact I am continuing to go the extra mile.  Me thinks it’s time to quiet quit and just do the average.  I mean that’s how I am rated so why not live up to my rating?  I should know on or shortly after Independence Day as to what kind of a pay raise I will be getting.  My boss kind of beat around the bush that pay raises might be what they have been or slightly less but he “didn’t know”.  He’s the moron who has to tell them what his feelings are as to pay increases for each person, so he fucking knows but he always acts like he is so innocent and clueless.  He’s a damn good liar which I suppose is why he is in management.  I’m interested to see how this all plays out but know that my heart won’t be in my work and I won’t go the extra mile since it’s no longer appreciated. 

I’m glad that I have time off scheduled for next week and that today is the last day of the work week.  I hope it’s beyond quiet until Monday but then again I don’t have the best luck.  Still dreaming is free. 

Sorry today’s post is nothing but a bitch session.  I hope something good happens to get my mind to a happier place.  Talk with you all again soon.  I hope today is a great day for you and the weekend is even better.  Take care.

Da Review

Much to my surprise things were short and sweet.  I asked about why my overall score has decreased but still I am being told that I am doing a good job.  I got nothing but double talk as a response and was told that it’s not a bad review and it won’t impact my pay raise.  To which I call BS.  I don’t think it’s a fully accurate review but there really isn’t much I can do, short of walking away and we all know that’s not going to happen.  I think if I can ever recover from burn out that will help to give me new optics and a new outlook.  I’m thankful for what I have but I don’t feel that I truly get what I am entitled to. 

I talked with my bone head co-worker that I am always cleaning up after and got him to do his job so that I am not stuck with it.  He told me that he had forgotten about it.  I had a choice to make either mention it with the hopes he will get it taken care of or say nothing and let it fall through the cracks, then I would be stuck picking up the pieces.  While I am not happy with the choice I made – given how this could have gone sideways I think I made the right call. 

I got curious and looked to see what it would cost for a plane ride and hotel for a week trip to Hawaii.  It’s around $3 thousand dollars.  That’s not bad but doesn’t include food and/or boarding of the cats and then getting around town.  It’s something to ponder but I didn’t book anything.  The hotels look really good and if you want a nice view you have to pay for that, short of walking to the beach on your own.  Also factor in the time difference and jet lag – that would be a mess.  I’ve not had to deal with that before.  Hawaii sounds like a great place.  I just wanted to know an idea of what the cost would be.  I can imagine that pretty much staying within the US the cost would be some where around that.

I’m just biding time right now waiting for the top of the hour to roll around.  I’ve got a person leaving and then unless something else comes rolling in, I should be done for the day. 

Trash day is pushed back because of the holiday so I don’t have to lug anything out to the curb until tomorrow.  It was 83 degrees here at lunch time.  I wanted to open the door for the cats and they were a bit confused as to why I didn’t but they didn’t whine about it. 

We also got in some cuddle time in bed and I managed to take a couple of very quick naps.  They took turns sitting on me as I was laying down.  Like I was going to blow away.  No chance in the world that is going to happen unless there is a Tornado. 

Hope you have a great evening.  I’m looking forward to see what I can pull out of the freezer and watching TV as well as being with the cats.  Social Media hour is always fun for me but the cats really aren’t fans but most of the time they are passed out so it’s just a chance to sit in silence as the day winds down.  Talk with you all again soon.  Be well.

Happy Pride

Today kicks off Pride month.  I’ve never been to a pride event.  This year I see that being different has turned political again and it seems that the LGBTQ community is under attack.  That is part of my reasoning behind not going to an event.  However, if I had an invite and someone to go with I would be inclined to go.  I hope it’s a great month and the message of pride doesn’t get lost in the politics. 

That aside I get my review today.  I noticed something that I know my boss won’t have an answer for but it will be fun to put him on the hot seat.  We get an overall score determined by our managers of how we did.  In the past 3 years my score has gone down, not by much and the comments changed this year to occasional exceeds expectations from the past 2 years where I exceeded expectations.  I am producing the same caliber of work so I don’t get why things would change.  I know the explanation I get will be some double talk corporate bullshit excuse but it honestly bothers me.  I throw my heart & soul into my work.  I find this very disconcerting and it’s like a slap in the face.  Sure I am respected but I’m not there for respect I am there for the money.  You can’t tell me that the overall score doesn’t have an impact on how much of a pay raise one gets.  Otherwise, what is the purpose of scoring?  My reviews aren’t bad but they seem to me to be less glowing as the years pass.  I guess I should put in less effort so it matches with the decline in score I was given. 

I made it home yesterday afternoon with a little bit of clean up work and a surprise waiting for me at my front door.  The HOA raised our rates.  They say that the membership approved it but this is the first I have heard of it.  I know there was a vote last year and I voted no but they say that 51% of people approved it.  They also cited the fact the cost to cut the grass has gone up.  They are using the highest priced firm in the area.  They wanted $96 per week to cut my grass and I have never ever paid anyone near that.  I’ve got a small lot that isn’t worth more than $45 tops per week.  They are paying almost $200 per week for common ground to be mowed.  Don’t get me wrong the expensive firm does to the very best job but it’s just not worth it to me.  They are all up in arms about the insurance and are seeking a new carrier but they have no qualms about paying so much for the grass to be mowed.  They also want us regular common folks to reach out and start to bug our neighbors to pay their dues and/or back dues.  It’s a spineless HOA they have the power to place liens and go after people but they don’t have the balls to follow through, it’s all just empty threats.  I honestly don’t want to pay but considering they have the power to foreclose on your house I’d rather give them their money to have peace of mind.  I don’t agree with HOA’s and I never ever will.  If I should ever wind up moving I will be sure it will be to a place where I don’t have to pay any dues to an HOA or similar organization.   This is an average middle class community but they act like we all have money and are the upper crust of society, when that is so far from the truth.  Houses still turn over rapidly here because people move in, think they can afford it and then wind up drowning in debt and have to move out or are kicked out. 

Yeah I am a little upset today but it’s not for no reason at all.  I hate it when other people try to take my money.  You start messing with money and it gets personal really quick. 

Last night I am not sure how I did it but I managed to spill some tomato sauce on my shirt.  I never knew it was there.  Morea came over and sat in my lap and then started licking my shirt.  I let her clean it up.  This morning when I woke up I had a mess to clean up.  I realized after she ate it cats shouldn’t really have anything acidic.  Plus it doesn’t help they got brushed last night.  That always means they do extra grooming. 

Rudy was by my head most of the night and just counting the hours until morning.  He loves the morning and waking up.  He always greets me with such enthusiasm and knows how to make me smile.  He’s still not great with being spot on time but this morning I just gave in.  I had a bad night with a headache and I never get them.  Not sure what was going on.  I feel fine now.  Had some strange dreams and it was difficult to go back to sleep. 

Looking forward to what I hope is a quiet day.  I’ve got the feeling that I am going to get a mess dropped in my lap by my co-worker.  He’s got today and tomorrow to complete a task, then he goes on vacation.  If it’s not done by then to save us I will have to take care of it but I am hopeful that his drug filled pea brain remembers and does the work. 

Speaking of which I should get back.  Hope that it’s a great day for all.  Take care and be well.