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.

 

Another Day In the Office

Here I sit in my office, things are calm and I am freezing because the AC in here is on over drive.  It’s 68 degrees with 41% humidity.  I feel like I am in the frozen food section of a grocery store but I can’t escape.  It was comfortable this morning but afternoons are when it gets cold.  That is pretty much the case all year long. 

The cats had me up last night.  I think it was more Rudy than Morea but I know he started trying to wake me up at 5a.  I told him nope one more hour then it’s biscuit time.  A cat is not always an accurate alarm clock but any house that has one doesn’t need an alarm clock for the most part.  Unless the cat is on sleeping pills or not feeling well.  All of my cats have been pretty good about getting me out of bed.  Something about hunger and that morning meal that seems to motivate them.  Matters not the day of the week or if it’s a holiday. 

I still set my alarm just in case but either my body wakes me up before it goes off or a cat wakes me up.  Once and a while I get woken by the alarm clock but it’s not that often. 

Next week I learned is going to be fun.  One co-worker is out on vacation for a few weeks.  My other good for nothing co-worker is off next week for the most part.  I am off on Thursday & Friday and the boss is flying back home late in the week.  It’s going to be a real shit show but as long as I get my two days off I will be pleased.  Hopefully, I don’t have much to deal with when I do work for 3 days.  I do not plan on being in the office at all next week. 

Speaking of which my gas tank is 1/2 full and it felt a bit strange driving into the office without a full tank.  I know I will make it home but it does make me a bit nervous. 

I am ready to go home and I probably could get away with it now but I will save it for a bit later in the afternoon.  I might leave a bit earlier than normal.  I’ve got work that needs to be done after hours so while I will be home I won’t be free from work for a little bit. 

I checked on the cats and they are in the living room this time.  Normally they stay in my room.  Rudy was on the couch sleeping but the camera woke him.  Morea was looking at the camera and next to the litter box.  I thought about saying hi but I don’t want to confuse them and make them think I am at home. 

Nothing else much going on, just another day another dollar.  I get my annual review tomorrow and I have previewed my review.  I get to listen to my boss read the entire document to me which is a boring way to do a review.  Overall I got a great rating but my score seems to drop a bit each year.  I am more interested in how much of a pay raise I am getting and could care less about the review.  Not to toot my own horn but I already am well aware of the caliber of work that I produce.  Show me the money, that’s the only damn reason why I am here and the only reason why most people show up to a job.  If it wasn’t for money they would find some other way to occupy their day. 

Like most people I wish that I didn’t have to work but I’ve done it for so long I honestly don’t know what I would do with my time, but I can tell you I wouldn’t have a difficult time occupying my day if money wasn’t a concern and I was dripping in wealth.  Dreaming doesn’t cost anything but it sure is depressing when you have to come back to reality. 

Hope your Wednesday is going well.  Two more days and this week will be history.  Feels odd that were going into June and we only have 6 more months of 2023 left.  It will fly by like the first half has.  The year seems to start out at a crawl and then it’s a walk and pretty soon it’s running and then towards the end it’s just on coast and the year is done, at least that is the way it seems to go for me. 

Talk with you all again soon, back to the fun. 

Monday

It turned out to be a real Monday.  I woke up early, took care of the cats and then got showered.  I decided to make it to the new breakfast place, only problem they were closed.  I was hungry so I wound up going to Cracker Barrel.  Saw the looser waiter that said he would call me.  He said hello but thankfully he wasn’t taking care of me.  I got the crab ass old lady instead.  I had a new dish Steak Tips with Hasbrown Casserole.  It’s a breakfast bowl and wasn’t bad but they burnt part of it so it’s wasn’t the worst but it wasn’t the best.  The Steak Tips were enjoyable for a guy who isn’t a big steak fan. 

Then I tried to get together with my friend but he had a bad night and was still in bed.  That turned out to be a bust.  I even tried again later in the afternoon but our paths never crossed. 

I spent the majority of the day at home with the cats.  The new air purifier came.  It’s pretty interesting.  Took me a little while to get it paired up with my Guest WIFI but now I can control it from my phone, which is kind of nifty.  After 20 years one of the filters does need to be replaced but otherwise it’s all wash off, dry and put back in.  That is a money saver in it’s self.  The unit keeps track of how dirty the filters are and lets you know when it’s time to clean them, so you don’t have to guess.  It also shows you by color the quality of your air.  I kicked up some dust last night when I emptied out the litter box and it was quick to notice that and started to get rid of it right away. 

There are some remnants of the odor left over but they aren’t nearly as strong as the original smell was.  This is all because of hooking up the shop-vac to the furnace and emptying out the water in the pan that drains out.  It’s all humidity that the unit extracts.  I think that with a little bit more time the odor will be all gone.  

I kind of shot myself in the foot last week by staying home on Tuesday.  There is a person who is relocating to our office on Thursday.  I was supposed to send it to him by inner office mail but forgot all about it until this morning.  Damn that means I get to get up early tomorrow and go in early.  It’s either that or take a chance tonight and make the trip over and back.  I’d just as soon go in.  I will still leave early because I have relocation work to do later but I can announce it so I won’t be “under the radar” and it will look more legit.  I am not fond of going in tomorrow but it’s my fault so be it. 

I watched more Lance 210 You Tube stuff yesterday.  Had some good laughs which kind of helped.  I wanted to get to the movies but the show times never lined up with my schedule. 

I started to try to mentally spend my bonus and well it’s a good thing I didn’t actually spend it.  I saw that it was a mere $500 after taxes.  That sucks but hey it’s better than nothing.  My review will be this week and soon (probably not this week) I will find out how much of a pay raise I will get.  That is usually something I always look forward to.  Hopefully, there won’t be any disappointment. 

As for the work day today, I have a meeting to run this afternoon.  I am just watching and waiting for something else to crop up.  If that doesn’t happen then it will be a quiet day.  I think everyone is trying to recover from yesterday as well as some people made it an extra long weekend and either took the entire week off or took an additional day.  I don’t expect it to be hopping but then again one never really knows. 

Morea & Rudy are doing okay.  They really like the new sensitive stomach dry food I bought them.  They are both great at passing out attention to me as well as taking in the attention I provide to each of them.  Rudy was making his biscuits at 5a and while he wanted food I can’t help but think it was just another Tuesday to him.  He thought I was going in and needed to be up at 6a.  He was pretty relentless but I managed to keep him at bay and not give in completely until it was almost 7a.  Now saying that I am already, ready for a nap.  Considering that I need to go in tomorrow I shouldn’t be taking a nap because that will just make it difficult on me tonight. 

The grass guys showed up yesterday.  My bushes got trimmed on Saturday and they did an okay job.  There is plenty of breathing room for the condenser.  I glanced over at my neighbors and his is all covered by bushes and vines.  I am amazed they have never had an AC service person out yet.  I think that will be in his future if he doesn’t change something but it’s not my place to say something to him. 

I can already tell you today is going to be quite the struggle to stay awake.  My home insurance and tax bill will be waiting for me at the post office.  I already know how much the insurance is no idea on the taxes but I’ll find out soon enough.  Taxes here are out of control and it’s also a great excuse to move.  However, for me it’s all baked into my mortgage payment so there really is no major concern until the Escrow account balances out later this year and I find out how much my house payment is going up.  That’s always not fun but just another joy of the ownership experience. 

Hope you had a great weekend and that today is a great day for you as well as the days ahead.  Were much closer to the weekend which is a good thing.  Talk with you all again soon.  Take care & be well. 

Nice Weekend

  Howdy, I hope that your holiday weekend is going well.  I’m doing okay thus far and am thankful that there is still time left in the weekend. 

I saw an infomercial ad for an Air Purifier that never needs filters and it’s not cheap but not super expensive.  I ordered one on Amazon and it was supposed to be here today, but alas Amazon can’t seem to get their act together.  I saw this morning that it never shipped so I already knew that it wouldn’t be arriving today.  I got word late this afternoon that it will be here tomorrow.  Not exactly sure why ordering something for Sunday deliver always seems to be a problem. 

I bought it to help with the odor in the house.  However, I got one of my original ideas back last night.  I used the shop vac to empty out the drain line from the AC.  Since when the air is on that seems to make the smell worse.  I think the a-coil needs to be pulled out and cleaned and if things were setup differently I believe I could do that on my own but as it stands now that’s not possible.  My idea seems to have helped tamp down the smell.  The smell is still here but it’s fading, which leads me to believe it’s the HVAC system/a-coil.  I’ll need to remember to empty out the drain line again when the temperature changes and we go back to heat. 

I am interested to see if the air purifier can get rid of the lingering odor.  It’s suppose to eliminate dust completely.  You can fill a room with smoke and within 10 minutes it will have the smoke gone.  Hey I have 30 days to play with it and if I don’t like it I can box it up and ship it back, no harm/ no foul. 

I got my head shaved on the sides and back.  I cut the top to the normal length.  Then it hit me about two hours after this was done.  The reason why I don’t like to shave my head is because it itches for weeks as it grows back.  It looks cool but the itching can drive one mad. 

Didn’t make it to the new breakfast place but I have had breakfast out the past two days.  Not sure about tomorrow I might go out, kind of depends on what time I get up.  I am supposed to text a friend to see about meeting up for part of the morning.  No invite from my Thanksgiving friends, which is okay. 

There are a couple of movies out that I would like to go see so that is always an option for tonight or tomorrow.  I did venture to a new pizza place this afternoon.  It wasn’t bad I got one of there suggested combination pizza’s minus green pepper.  Not bad, kind of wish there was more left over than there actually is but I did get a box to go. 

Hit up Sam’s Club after a nap this morning.  Used Scan N Go.  I didn’t know it required you to connect to Sam’s WIFI so I had to launch my VPN first and then connect.  It was super easy and made check out a breeze.  No lines and I was in and out.  They moved the printer ink that took me a little bit to find but other than that it was a very quick trip.  Hit up the grocery store afterwards.  Then home to unload and that took a bit. 

I discovered this new to me YouTuber called Lance210, he showed up in my feed and apparently a few years ago he pulled pranks but he’s been on for a very long time.  He’s got a great body but he’s straight.  He made me laugh more than once and I just watched a bunch of prank videos which passed a bunch of time and was fun. 

I hit up the pet food store and got some new dry food designed for sensitive stomach, both cats really like it thus far.  Not sure if that is because it’s new and something different.  I am over cleaning up messes and I have two waiting for me upstairs now.  I am working on some laundry. 

Of course no holiday weekend would be complete without an internet outage.  My internet is down now but I am using a hot spot on my phone to get out.  That’s where having this $30 unlimited data plan with Visible really pays off.  The internet has been going out a bit more than normal lately.  It went out one night last week and that woke me up, because I use my Echo for White Noise, when the internet went out the sound stopped, which caused me to wake up.  It’s actually supposed to be back up now but that hasn’t happened as of yet.  The only real affect it has on me right now is that my cameras are down but otherwise everything else is functional.  That’s why I don’t put all of my eggs with TV – Phone and Internet in one basket.  It’s unlikely that two different providers will go down at the same time.

At the moment I am doing way better than I was on Friday from a mental perspective.  Probably because I have been out and about.  That seems to the cure.  I really hope that I am able to meet up with my friend tomorrow. 

Going back to work will suck come Tuesday but I know I won’t be alone.  Shame that I can be off longer.  There is plenty to do around here it’s just having the motivation to stick around and do it. 

I’m off to see if the laundry is ready for the dryer.  Then up to be with the cats to clean up the mess.  I need to get my medicine setup and then perhaps a Chocolate Muffin with some Soft Serve Blue Bunny Mint Chip ice cream will be in order, then it will be time to work on the dishes.  Then it will be a judgement call if I want to stick around or go to the movies.  Take care and I will talk with you all again soon.

Dude Soup–Take it all in

 

Jibber Jabber

I finished watching the Tina Turner Documentary on HBO.  I remember seeing something like her Final Farewell Tour so I went in search of that, I found something that I thought was similar on Amazon Prime.  I had to pay for it and thought it would be a couple hours entertainment, it was about an hour and went by quick.  Still it was a decent concert, not what I was looking for but it was good enough. 

Then I moved back to continuing to watch SWAT on Netflix.  Before you know it Social Media hour and the TV was off.  I was able to catch Morea and dropped the phone to get in brushing time.  She didn’t know what she was in for at first but once I started she didn’t want me to stop.  Damn furry beast.  I had fur in my mouth by the time we were done. 

I picked the phone back up and went on to the Gram and then I brushed Rudy.  He liked it just as much as his sister, he just woke up from a nap and he didn’t want to move so I only got one side of him but any little bit helps. 

Then it was treat time, they polished those off.  I got ready for today and was sitting in my chair watching TV.  I was super hot and finally the AC kicked on.  Morea is just fascinated by the air that blows up from the floor.  The AC kicks on and she goes hopping from vent to vent.  They both love the heat as well, something about air from the floor is just appealing to them.  It’s funny to watch her.  Normally cats hate anything blowing in their face but it’s like she can’t get enough of it. 

Both cats are hours of entertainment and enjoyment, not all the time but a good portion of it. 

I got woke up in the middle of the night and Rudy I guess wanted Morea’s spot at the foot of the bed, she wound up moving but not before putting up a fight.  Then I had to get up and watch TV for an hour before I could go back to sleep. 

I had the strangest dream and my mouth got me in some trouble.  It seemed all too real but I was thankful when I woke up it was just a dream.  I saw Rudy all curled up by my head sacked out.  That was one of the best sights to wake up to.  The only thing that would have been better would be a beach front view and fresh food waiting for me. 

Up and moving I went through the morning routine.  Here I sit after knocking out my morning work tasks and doing some porn surfing.  Unless something comes in my day is pretty well done.  I love it because it’s free time on my hands but on the other hand I hate it because it does make for a long day.  I can step away but I know that is a sure fire recipe to be called back.  So I will sit here for a bit to see if anything happens to pop.  I am ready to run away for the day but can’t exactly do that.

The trash got picked up this morning and I was sacked out, never even heard the truck and that is such a good thing.  With regards to my insomnia I tried taking Magnesium like I saw in a YouTube video, it worked like the first day or two but after that it doesn’t seem to have any affect on me.  I think it might be contributing to the fire that I felt inside last week.  I have had rumblings of it the last two mornings but I can stave it off with some cold water, it’s a mild fire that does have the potential to rage out of control but the more I drink the quicker the feeling dissipates.  I want my Spinach & Ricotta Ravioli tonight but I am taking an anti-acid pill for sure before I eat that meal.  Then for extra insurance having some ice cream afterwards. 

I am thinking of taking Sunday and sleeping in, it might be my muscle relaxer day where I throw the day away.  Kind of depends on how things go for me on Saturday.  I know for sure I won’t want to wake up early but I’ll need a shower then I have about 30 to 45 minutes of travel time to get to this new breakfast place.  It will feel good to get out and once I am out I won’t think much about being back in bed.  Partially because come the afternoon I will probably come back to take a nap.  It’s nice to have an extra day to the weekend from a tasks perspective but mentally I think I would do better being back at work. 

Speaking of work, Tuesday I will be staying home because it will be just me and 1 other person the rest of my team is out and I don’t want to take any chances being on the road home and missing something that could be critical.  I still am not happy with myself for taking two weeks of back to back on-call and honestly don’t know what I was thinking .  However, it did give one of my colleagues time to take off and he’s taking quite the break.  I am jealous and looked at my time, I need to plan a trip or at the very least plan on taking a solid week of vacation, even if I don’t go anywhere.  A get away would be beyond healthy for me but I have no idea on where I want to go and considering I would be by myself my motivation would be seriously lacking.  That’s kind of depressing. 

Here’s hoping that I can enjoy the time I have this weekend and that it’s time well spent that makes me happy and that I am relaxed and ready to go when it comes time to get back to working (yuk).  I hope that the same is true for you.  Have a very nice weekend!

No Sleep 4 U

Rudy is such a smart boy.  I took a break this morning, had my oranges and let the cats bask in the breeze that was coming through the back door.  That keeps them occupied for a while until I close the door. 

We moved to the couch and I sifted through some YouTube as they relaxed.  Eventually I got sleepy and opted to move to the bedroom.

Of course the cats followed me.  Rudy was first in and Morea joined us a bit later.  He climbed up on my chest and made some biscuits and then settled down.  It was short lived because I had to move to accommodate his sister.  He jumped up on my side and started the same thing.  Then he opted to brush up against my lamp shade and decided that it was something to chew on.  I stopped him and he wasn’t happy because I took away his toy.  He kept going back and I kept stopping him. 

We settled down for a couple minutes and of course the phone started going off.  Nothing to deal with so I could lay in bed.  It just felt so good to stretch out, if only for a brief minute before I was joined by cats.  I did nod off but it was super quick. 

Rudy knew I shouldn’t be sleeping so he started bathing my forehead and then washing some of my hair.  He tried to get into my face and I stopped him there.  He does a good job of irritating my skin it feels good for the most part but there are occasions when it starts to burn, kind of depends on what bacteria is alive in his mouth. 

He also wanted something to eat so it was a little after lunch time I got up and passed out some food.  I didn’t have a great lunch but it was okay.  They both ate and napped.  About the time they are comfy and all is super quiet is when I opt to head back down.  If I sit there terribly long just watching them it’s like taking a drug and I will be out.  They are so cute and so relaxed.  Morea snores and Rudy makes some noises.  They both love to stick their tongues out and I don’t see how they keep from biting it. 

Thus far all is well.  I plan to break out the brush tonight and see what kind of fur I can get off of both of them.  Most of their fur seems to be on my clothes and my bed.  I think they are pretty well sold on this place as home and they seem to like me, which is a good thing I suppose. 

Not much going on at work which is a good thing.  All hell will break loose soon enough but right now I am enjoying the calm.  I am going to check to make sure all is well after I publish this and then head up for the day.  No sense in sitting here doing nothing I can easily do that upstairs with the cats.  Plus it’s trash day so I need to get that out. 

My boss called and told me that we would have our reviews next week.  We were supposed to meet for a check up but I told him I had nothing.  So were gonna talk next week, oh joy.  Part of me wishes that I could let loose all of the pent up anger and frustration – letting it all out I know would for sure make me feel better.  However, I for sure would radically change his high opinion of me and I’d probably be in the market for a new job.  Hence why I keep my mouth shut and bottle most everything up.  I used to have a sounding board in my co-worker before he made me mad and we have went from talking multiple times per day to hardly talking at all.  That doesn’t do well for me but it’s probably better this way. 

Here’s hoping that I find something enjoyable to watch on TV and it’s a nice evening.  I hate the fact that we have one more day but it will be over with before I know it.  Most people are taking the day off or working a 1/2 day.  We’ve got 1 person out on vacation.  The boss is working a 1/2 day tomorrow and then won’t come back until Wednesday, which hopefully means less meetings and BS to deal with.  I think after that he is going on vacation. 

I hope that you have an enjoyable evening and that today hasn’t been all that bad for you.  Weekend is around the corner, which usually perks everyone up.  Talk with you all again soon.

Mild Concern

Poof it’s Thursday!  That’s the way it’s seemed to play out this week for me. 

I got a call from my boss yesterday afternoon, it was an out of the blue call.  He told me that on my next check there will be a bonus for all that I do.  The company calls it a Quarterly Bonus but your only eligible once a year.  He wanted to give this to me around Christmas but since I already had a bonus last year he couldn’t.  Unless they change the rules I am done with bonuses for this year.  I got the max, or so I am told.  I’ve still got a pay raise coming and that won’t happen for a few weeks.  I haven’t had my review and don’t know what kind of raise I will be getting.  I do not expect a bad review and I do expect at least a 3% increase if not more.  Time will tell.

Last night for the first time ever I got puked on.  Of course it was Rudy.  He was sleeping on my leg and woke up, started gagging and then it all came out all over me and him.  Not sure how he managed to spare the couch but that was a small miracle.  Mora puked a short time before him.  She was next to me but got the urge and sprang to the floor.  She hops around until she is done. 

I thought it was rather odd that both cats got sick.  Rudy hardly ever has any issues.  They played, drank and ate some more.  Rudy was after me to give him more food after he was done puking.  I can’t imagine wanting to eat after that but I understand hungry. 

Oddly this morning I had another mess to clean up after I was done with breakfast.  I wasn’t sure who did it because it was silent.  Morea is acting a bit off but she could be covering for her brother.  I will have to keep an eye out. 

I’m wondering if it’s the odor.  I don’t exactly feel the best.  It never seemed to bother Gator or Marv.  However, just as every person is different so is every cat.  I really don’t want to venture over to the vet but I am watching both of them and if this continues were going to have to fix it.  Oddly enough they are still acting normal which to me is abnormal for a cat or anything that just threw up.  However, I guess the problem is gone so they feel better.  I dunno. 

Listening to Tina Turner Radio on Spotify.  I started rewatching her HBO Documentary Film.  It’s sad that she is gone but I read that if it wasn’t for a kidney transplant some years ago she would have been a goner then.  She lived quite the full life, it wasn’t all roses but It seemed to me like when she went on her own she became a much happier person. 

I do dread the extra day off just because there will be some idle time and that is when my mind goes to work against me.  If I can manage to get some good sleep Friday night I want to hit up a new place for breakfast.  Spend some time with friends and do some shopping.  No word from the Thanksgiving crew but if they are doing something I will get minimal notice at least that is the way it’s been in the past.  Like maybe late in the evening on Sunday.  It’s almost like I am either an after thought or they don’t want me to come and hope that I already have plans.  If an invite does come my way it will depend on timing and my attitude at the time if I go or stay home. 

Right now I am anxious to get today over with and move closer to the weekend.  I still feel burnt out but I am doing a little bit better today.  Not a whole lot of sleep last night.  Part of that was the cats fault.  Then there is my bladder and finally when I am going nothing like my new toilet seat that loves to spontaneously lower the seat and that is loud.  It scared me and the cats, so we were all wide eyed awake. 

Here’s hoping the day is uneventful but fast moving.  I hope all is well in your world and that your looking forward to an enjoyable extended long weekend.  Take care, talk with you all again soon.