New Year's Eve

Well, I been sitting here staring at the screen for like 5 minutes now and nothing comes to mind to share today. I know last night, whilst I was in my cups, I had a great topic to share. However, this morning, I am unable to recall such points of wisdom.

Enjoy yourselves this evening. See ya next year.

PeacE

Prepping for the End

It's Thursday. This week's end brings on the end of the winter holidays. At least in my book. New Year's Eve is tomorrow night, and I cancelled plans to attend the Men's Only poker night party I had been invited to. I decided it was better to spend the evening with my family, probably at home, watching a couple movies or playing games. I don't know exactly what we will end up doing. Sis invited us to their place, but I don't like to stay the night, and don't really want to drive home after midnight, just to drive back the next day for lunch... not to mention the possible drunkards on the road.

Looking forward to hearing from the auto shop today saying the daughter's car is done. Wish they would call this morning before I get too wrapped up in doing something. Be my luck they won't until I am busy.

Checked on my friend's cat this morning. Even after a week of being alone, she is not coming out of hiding when I am there. I know she isn't dead as the food is disappearing. But I cannot locate her hiding spot(s).

Only to be in the 40's today. With more rain. I am a bit chilled this morning, so I am thinking about crawling back under the covers on the bed.

PeacE

Actually Getting Dressed Today

I am sure that post title gave many of you sickening mental pictures, especially if you have seen pics of me. But it is completely true. Arizona is a pretty warm state most of the year (warm being a nice term considering 6 months of the year it is sweltering). So, usually at home I run around in shorts, no shoes, no shirt. But today, a rain front is moving in for the next three days (supposedly) and temps have dropped down to pretty cool levels (maybe 30's at night) and I am a bit chilled. I put a shirt on, and am now debating putting on a pair of socks, too.

I remember reading, or hearing, somewhere that there are like 700 million (exaggerated figure but you'll understand) types/versions of the common cold. I feel as if I have 250 million of them. Seems I start to think I am finally shaking it, and a new symptom appears, or another one gets worse, or both. I am not feeling so energy-less, but just more congested sinuses, and a bit of chest. Bouts of sneezing come along from time to time. But it is irritating more than uncomfortable. I am doing whatever I can to "ease" the symptoms (so I can breath through my nose). It still sucks.

Hopefully the auto shop will call later today and say that the daughter's car is ready to be picked up. As of Monday they had said today or tomorrow. My luck it will be tomorrow.

Finally downloaded pics from the camera from Christmas and just before. Still need to load the software and do the new camcorder as well.

That's all I got today. Not much happening otherwise, until I can get rid of this damn cold.

PeacE

My Nose is Like New York City in Rush Hour

I don't know what is wrong with me. Feels like some of the worst allergies I have had, or some kind of damn cold. I know I had a cold a few weeks back, due to additional symptoms. And another just a couple days ago.... But this whole congested sinuses issue is driving me nuts! And I know it is not a sinus infection. Maybe I just need to get some stronger allergy medicene, like a shot. Sis says I should go to an allergist, but c'mon! I just finally went tot eh regular doctor, now another one? No, I don't think so. Bad enough I need to get into a hearing specialist soon.

Well, I didn't get out and do some running yesterday like I sort of wanted to do. I guess I should do it today, maybe. The daughter came back fro up north yesterday with some kind of irritation to her eye. Not sure is it is some form of pink-eye or just a scratch/irritation. Went and got her some Clear Eyes stuff to see if it helps any. I may need to run her to Urgent Care of something today if it is not better.

Daughter's car is not going to be ready until late tomorrow, or Thursday. Seems that they ended up replacing the whole door. I thought it would be just some cosmetic work, but evidently not. I don't care. I ain't paying for it.

Watched the new "The Karate Kid" yesterday. I was so disappointed. I had hoped there would be a little more in way of differences in this movie, but Hollywood let me down, again. I was so unhappy with Jackie Chan.

Well, I should get started into the day. Wife and kids will be getting up soon.

PeacE

Weather I Should, or Not

Ugh! I had to run over to a friend's house this morning. She is back in Ohio for the week of holidays, and I said I would check in on her cat. Yeah. that same cat that clawed the crap out of my hands back in November. Anyways, listening to the news talk radio on the way, and hearing about that blizzard hitting the East coast. Wowza! People stranded in vehicles all over. People without power. And so much more. I feel for them, but at the same time, am glad I am not there. I think the worst we are going to get is an expected storm cell to hit about Wednesday, and stay through the weekend. A bit odd for AZ, bit then, everyone is getting weird weather.

So yesterday I felt pretty good, besides awakening so early. Though, by mid-morning, I was done. Seems 5/6 of our household came down with a cold. We were feeling pretty miserable. This morning though, the kids seem fine. The Wife has lost her voice, and I am still abit congested. Hopefully it was just a small cold going through, and we will clear up by tomorrow.

Many people returning to work today. well, in places they can get out on the roads anyways. Hopefully, the auto shop will have the daughter's car ready... though probably not until tomorrow. I will be calling to find out today.

Thankfully now gifts to return for our family. I will be going out the early part of this week and looking at refrigerators. The Wife pointed out that yesterday ours was making a "weird" noise though it seemed to be operating fine. We are due for a new one anyways. The door on this one is pretty shot, and we were trying to get all the use from it we could. I got the tape measure out to measure today (ours fits into a little alcove) and may get out to the stores today... not sure if I want to yet. Still a bit tired and achey, plus don't know how store traffic may be today.

That's my plans for now. Maybe a movie this morning... I dunno.

PeacE

Rolling Into the Day After

It's nice and quiet at my house. First time I have noticed it over the past day or more. I know it is only because everyone is asleep still. It's another one of those mornings where I woke up too early, and couldn't get back to sleep. Though, how very nice to enjoy some quiet after the hustle and bustle of the whole Christmas season.

Our day was spent very well with family. We started off about 8:30am with the opening of gifts here at home. My kids each loved their "Big Santa Gift" and the Wife and I are just excited that each was accepted with the enthusiasm we hoped. Even Rusty, Cat Spawn of Satan, got a few things and was happy. Though, how easy to please a cat give him a decorated tree, and some treats - what could go wrong?

After that we headed over to Reverend Mother and Preacher Tom's place. We did our gift exchanges, and RM had a nice ham sandwich and sides layout for lunch. I decided today was the day to really splurge off my watching the weight. I had extras. Stuman and his family showed up there as well, and we did our family gifts. Then we were off to the In-Laws. The Wife had a brother's family in town as well, so again, gifts were exchanged. The kids were happy to see some cousins they had not seen in several weeks. Lastly we headed up to Sis' house for the final giving of gifts. We hung out there, snacking on more ham  and other goodies for a few hours before I returned to the domicile. The Wife and kids headed back to the In-Laws to do more visiting. I spent some time at home, unpacking some of the 4 yr old's stuff, and putting together a couple other toys.

Our Christmas was, once again, a very happy event. I made out with some clothes, beef jerky, music and movies.. not to mention some home made goodies as well. Though, I need to go easy on them from now on.

So now we have just under a week to the new year. I never do resolutions, as I can never stick to them. Though I do have some guidelines I want to try to follow, they are just what I have been doing the past couple of months either way. My family is getting together for New Year's Day lunch, where we have a traditional (for my family) ribs. We need to decide if we are going to join everyone or not. Yeah, tough decisions, huh? The Wife will want to go so she won't have to cook I am sure.

Okay, I need to go. I have camera pics to download, and I need to figure out how to do the video stuff from the new camcorder we got. Video editing... wonderful.

PeacE

Merry Christmas

Hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday!

PeacE

T'was the Night Before ...

... and the headache was going strong. Christmas Eve is here, and the boys are seemingly trying to do everything they can to make sure they are on Santa's naughty list. The sibling fighting and nit-picking is just wearing me a bit thin tonight.

I did go out and make one more purchase today. I am soooo glad I had finished all the shopping beforehand. The one store I was at, was crowded, and I was quick to anger with the impoliteness of people. Either way, I got in and got at pretty fast. The Wife and I decided on a present to ourselves, and I picked up a new Sony Handycam. I had looked at camcorders before, and settled for a particular Sony model, but they were out of stock on it. He went back to see what he did have left in stock, and came back with a more expensive Sony cam, that I ended up purchasing. It had more memory included, more features, and I would spend less overall than had I gone with another model, and had to purchase the extra memory, etc. They threw in the carrying case at 15% off too, because I was purchasing the camera at the same time. I was very happy with my deal. And now we have the camcorder to help with those memories to come.

Most of the presents are wrapped. I think the Wife still has a few more to do. Tomorrow will be a busy day for us running to 2 sets of grandparents, and then Sis' house at some point as well. Not sure what order we are doing all the running. Figure it out as we go I guess. It all starts first at our house though. Just need to figure what time we are getting up to do it.

If you are stopping by here, I wish you a Merry Christmas tomorrow!

PeacE

Crossing my Fingers and Hoping

So it's Thursday, and only basically, two more days to Christmas. I am hoping that after yesterday that there is absolutely no reason the Wife would send me back out to another store for anything. Yesterday, one store, crowds... reminded me why I hate shopping so much. Inconsiderate assholes.

SO the son and I caught the new Narnia flick. I enjoyed it better than the first two Narnia movies. Afterwards, we stopped at Best Buy for the last minute pick up stuff. I got a bit pissed. I had priced an item there online the night before, and checked store availability (which it said in stock). I know that can change from opening to the time I get there, and we didn't arrive til about 1'ish. I picked up the last 2 of this particular item. Notice I say item, in case it is for someone that reads here....

So we go to the checkout, to stand the typical 45 minutes in line as I seem to have to do EVERY time I am at Best Buy (which I hate, because they are a fucking pain in the ass store and I hate their whole policy about returns and I think they are owned by the French - though they probably really aren't, I just hate them). Just as we reach the front of the line, Customer Service says they can help whoever is next. So now I have to back track (excuse me, excuse me) through the line to go out and around to the customer service desk. By now, I am cranky, sweaty (it's exercise all that waiting in line) and just ready to leave. She rings me up. I look at the total, and say how much did you charge me?

The two items I got (same thing, just 2 of them) rang up at $20 each. I asked why online, they are advertised at $13.49, and why are you charging me $19.99? She started in some memorized spiel about how the online prices are "always" different than the actual store prices. I asked why? Another version of the same story. Again, I asked why. This time she says that this particular store does do price matching. I nodded okay. She then asked me if I would want to match a price on the items. I wanted to do a Bill Engvall here and hand her a sign....

Looking her straight in the eye, I said yes, I would want the price to be matched. Then, while looking me in the eye, she asked if I had a price from a competitor to match it to.

At this point, I just wanted to slap her. Reach right across that counter, and swing putting all of my tremendous bulk behind it, and just connect to her head.

I took a breath. I counted to 10. I quietly said, "I want you to match the price from the website of your employer, on these two items. There is no need for a competitor's advertisement to do this."

Okay, she says, and starts pushing the buttons. She had to call for some manager or something to ok the discount. We are still standing here... 5 minutes go by, she calls again, then says..."Sorry it's taking so long. Would you like me to go ahead and ring it up like normal?"

She needed it badly. I mean, maybe I just needed it badly. My arm was ready to just beat the shit out of her. I said "No. I will wait for the manager to give me the correct price on my purchase. I do not want you to ring it for 6 and a half higher - each! - just so I don't have to wait."

Another 5 minutes went by before someone came over and put in there seemingly 5 digit auth code and I was able to leave.

It just galls me, that companies do that shit. Advertise somewhere a price, then when you get there, it is higher and no one complains because it is the Christmas rush, or it was the last one on the shelf. I mean, I saved $13 just because I inquired about why the price is different than their website. AND, because I bought 2 of this item, I got a FREE $5 gift card. Which I will never use, as I have no plans to ever go back to that store again.

As I said in the past, things like this make me fucking hate Christmas.

PeacE

Movie Day!

My oldest son has a Church Youth Group function today to go see the new Narnia movie, and lunch afterwards. I am tagging along as I don't see the need to waste the gas doing the drop off/pick up thing. Besides, I want to see the movie too. So there is the midday plans. We are catching the 10:40 showing.

After all that, I will be swinging by Best Buy to pick up a couple last minute things the Wife asked me to get. I was lazy yesterday, and not only did I not do that running around, I did no wrapping. I suppose we should start some of that tonight so we aren't up til like 4am Christmas eve again. My Wife is notorious for that, because she is such a procrastinator.

Soooo, my day is planned out. What are your plans?

PeacE

Yawn! Stretch! Snap, Crackle, Pop!

I feel lazy this morning. Not the typical tired kind of lazy. The type of lazy that one just doesn't want to do anything productive. Maybe like sitting int he chair flipping through channels because nothing is on, but too lazy to get up and put a movie on. I think part of it has to do with my nasal condition.

A week or more ago, I thought I had cleared up from that cold (or whatever) I had. But this morning, it is back with a vengeance. I am starting to think maybe it wasn't entirely due to a cold, but maybe my allergies are starting to get worse. I have three different allergy medications (all OTC) that the main ingredient is different. But I can only take one per day, so I can't tell which one is actually working, or if that particular day, my allergies aren't as bad. February I am supposed to see the doctor again, and maybe I can see if he can give me maybe a prescription strength, general allergy type pill. All I know, is this is getting to really annoy me.

Originally my plans today had been to do some shopping with the daughter. I find out that she no longer needs to do any. But after talking to the Wife last night, I need to get out and find a couple last minute things that she had planned on, but was unable to find. I get the wonderful job of trying to find them. At least she was able to tell me what stores she had specifically looked for them at. That helps so I don't do double work. I'm thinking since I feel lazy today, I will put that off to tomorrow. The crowds for last minute shopping are going to be the same either way.

Then this afternoon, I will pick up the middle son from Grandma's and spend some time with him.

Anyone check out the lunar eclipse thingy last night? I know some people were making a big deal of it, being on the eve of the solstice and all. I didn't care, and read until about 1am then went to bed.

Okay, I am off to do what lazy people do.... probably watch a movie or something.

PeacE

A Later in the Day Post

It's late Monday night. Trying to not lose my temper at all the noise the two older boys are creating in the process of brushing their teeth (which was a much shorter time than what it should be). Daughter is secluded in MY bedroom, going through gifts for her brothers with the Wife. I have no frickin' clue when I will be able to get to bed to sleep. Sigh. And I am tired.

Daughter and I got her car dropped off. Then we are told the guy that does the estimating (for our particular claim) is not in today. So we are already into Day 1 of repair being wasted, and won't hear a time estimate until sometime tomorrow. Not happy about that. But daughter and I went to Denny's for brunch, and had a nice breakfast and discussion. We have plans for me to run her around a few stores tomorrow for some last minute stuff. I brought the older son home today for some time together, and tomorrow I will do the middle one.

Well, I feel like pressing my luck, and I think I am going to go knock on MY bedroom door, and ask if I can get into MY bathroom to get MY teeth brushed, and then get into MY bed.

Oh yeah, and my dentist cleaning appointment - I got good marks, they said they looked alot better than last time! Scheduled the cavity work and crown for Feb. (yee haw)

PeacE

Countdown to Christmas

Whew! This past past weekend sure felt like a long one! I can honestly say that I feel a bit tired and worn out from all the walking I have done! But, the good part is all the shopping I need to do is completely done... no more last minute ideas, or extras. Now I just got to wrap all that, and the stuff the Wife picked up. Did I mention I hate wrapping? The Wife had a good idea though. At one of them dollar stores, she picked up quite a few different sized bags to put some of the presents in, so less wrapping, and some of them we can re-use next year.

I took the boys out yesterday afternoon to get a couple final things for Mommy. Then we headed out to the buffet for dinner. The daughter's boyfriend had asked my Wife out to dinner last night. It was a surprise birthday dinner for her, and his mom, as their birthdays are only a couple days apart. So she had a nice dinner out, had good convo, and time with her daughter as well. I was in on it, which is why I took the boys out for a few hours.

Today, the daughter and I are taking her car into the body shop to get the work done from that asshole backing into her car. We are dropping it off, and hope to have it back tomorrow or the next day. This afternoon I have a cleaning at the dentist to do. Not looking forward to that. I have not been flossing and brushing as well as I should be. Oh well. Just going to be prepared to hear the condemnation they hand out. I know I am not the only one that gets it.

This week should be pretty slow. Wednesday I know the oldest son has a youth group event to go see the new Narnia movie. Thursday I am meeting a friend of a friend in person finally. We have been communicating back and forth on Facebook, and just now made plans to meet up for a couple drinks. That leads into Saturday, which will be a busy day since it is Christmas. Then the next week I will be opening toys, and hopefully not putting together too many. New Year's Eve a friend invited me over for a Guys Only party. I am looking forward to that, as long as the Wife doesn't mind that is.

PeacE

One of the Fastest

Serving as a Juror is probably one of the fastest jobs I have ever held. Yes, there were a couple that didn't even last as long as this one. And yes, I am done already. It was a simple case of 2 people, charged with third degree burglary, and possession of burglar tools. We felt it was pretty simple case, adn actually wondered why did it go as far as a court.... oh well.

So now I am back top my regular crap. I was actually almost enjoying going downtown and hanging out at the courthouse. Maybe I should do that when there is nothing else going on.

It's Thursday. Nothing exciting planned for today. Or tomorrow. Kids last day of school is today.

PeacE

The Next Couple of Days

With Juror Duty being the main thing going on for me, posting may be light the next day or two. Thursday is the estimated day I would be done, but who knows. And since I am not allowed to say anything about it, nothing to write about really.

Take this time to finish your shopping for Christmas, and other things.

PeacE

If There Is a God ....

... he is a trusting thing that is willing to let the fate of certain people depend on the juror verdict I decide at this hearing. Yes, I was chosen to be a juror, and obviously am not available to comment about what, who, etc etc. Which really doesn't matter, because anyone that needs to know, well, they will have to suffer. Like in Hell, where the person(s) pleading Not Guilty may end up.

Such responsibility. At least I am busy doing something different for the next 2 days. And lots of walking to do down there! My legs hurt from the amount of walking I had to do today! And I know I will be doing more tomorrow! Woo Hoo! Exercise.... though by Thursday, I will probably be regretting it.

The daughter made supper tonight. Stuffed Bell Peppers... and they are sure to be good. She made them once before and I loved them. Now they are cooling fresh from the oven right now in front of me. Obvious to understand why I must leave.

PeacE

Will I or Won't I?

I actually got something accomplished yesterday. I did make it out about 3pm to do some clothes shopping. I got a couple new pairs of pants (Dockers style) and a couple nice shirts. All prepped for what was coming today. At 5pm I called the number provided, held my juror info at hand, and listened to the recording. The first 9 groups they mentioned (including mine) are to call today at 11am to again listen to the recording, to see if we will be needed for afternoon service. So, there is a chance I won't have to go, and that increased by half a day so far. Now if I go, I will only have ti fight evening traffic, instead of including the morning rush with the whole day there.

And I though Life couldn't get better for me....

Now I sit and wait, wasting my time doing the games on Facebook, whilst I watch the clock on the corner of my screen for 11am to get here. Sigh. Yeah, exciting existence I know.

Found out this morning that the daughter will be here through tomorrow. Seems she is having finals, and her next isn't until Thursday.

My oldest son has made the District Band again this year. His first practice was last night. Also, I found out at his concert last week, he had been promoted in band. Seems his level of playing was higher than they expected, so they moved him from the Concert Band, to the Wind Ensemble. Most of the ensemble are 8th graders, a year ahead of my son. A good example would be like a JV player on the football team being promoted to Varsity because he is good. And he plays French Horn. I am so proud of him!

I got nothing else really today. 2 more hours til I call.

PeacE

Trying to Get Motivated For the Day

I woke early today. I mean, after all, 4:30am is not my usual wake-up time. No idea why I awoke so early, and being unable to fall back asleep, I went ahead and got up. Maybe because I was in bed and out by like 9:30'ish last night. I know I have been sleeping better since the CPAP machine, and maybe was body was just saying I got more than ample amounts of sleep last night. I definitely do not feel tired at this point.

Monday morning. I was reading through my friends' Facebook status messages this morning. Many of them are back in the Midwest area and are mentioning snow. Especially those up in Michigan. One friend commented that in her area, they have closed (at the time of her posting earlier this morning) 163 schools. She is up near the UP of MI. Several others commented on varying amounts of snow, but the main message was if there was some out there, be careful driving and being out in it.

I miss the snow. Growing up in central Indiana area, we always seemed to have snow by Christmas. Some years were heavier than others, but that I can remember, nothing like 1978. I remember walking to school in less than 12" (Lincoln Elementary was only like 6-7 small blocks from our house - though, it is completely gone now). I remember one of my winter chores being to shovel out the walk in front of the business my step mom ran. We lived in the apartment above it. Then my Dad would let me warm up, then tell me to go across the street and do Mr. Robinson's walk. He was a retired gentleman I am guessing in his late 70's. By 6th grade, I was as tall as he, though he was a bit stooped. During the summer, Dad could always find me over at Mr' Robinson's, shirking my chores, just to hear that guy tell stories of growing up. Sometimes he would pull out his guitar and play some tunes. Other days it was a harmonica, or a banjo. He was very talented, musically, and with story-telling. I am happy I got to meet him in my life, and somewhat regret not ever knowing what happened to him. After I moved away, I am sure he passed away at some point.

Well, I got a few hours to kill before I need to get up and out of the house. Today I ABSOLUTELY need to get go shopping for some clothes. Tomorrow is the scheduled date for my Jury Summons. Though I am supposed to call after regular business hours tonight, to get a recorded message that will state what group numbers are required to show. I am hoping mine is not mentioned, so I won't actually have to drive downtown. As it is, having to get up like 2 hours early, drive the 3-40 minutes to downtown, find the "free parking garage" they tell us jurors to use, wait for the free shuttle, and arrive at the jury summons room - all by 8am.... Not looking forward to that hassle. That's the main reason I hate these things. Either way, I need to get out and fins a nice pair of pants r two. And maybe a new shirt. I am hoping to get the next size or two down in pants. Crossing my fingers, at least one size. For some reason, the sizes differentiate between denim shorts, and say, slacks, or Dockers type pants. Example, if I were wearing a 36 waist in blue jeans, it may actually be a 38, or sometimes a 40, in slacks. I don't know if it is because the denim has a bit more give, or it is measured before wash shrinkage - I have no clue. Just seems to work that way. And I wish I WAS back down to like a 38 or 40....sigh. Getting there SLOWLY.

The Reverend Mother invited our three boys over last night, to do her "Annual Bake Time with Grandma". She loves getting each family's kids for a few hours at some point before Christmas to "help" her do some baking of cookies, and other treats. I believe she gives most of it away as gifts to co-workers, or people from church. Or maybe donates it all to some shelter - I never paid attention. I know the kids usually come home with a ziploc bag of samples they made. Usually for them, but my boys are nice they will offer some to Daddy... though, come to think of it, they didn't last night, and I would have to say no anyways. Damn diet. Besides, the Wife brought home Cold Stone Creamery ice cream for her and I last night.

Daughter will be in sometime tonight for an overnight, then back to school for the week. Saturday they start the break at college, and she will be home until about the 11th of January. During her break we will need to get her car in to the shop to fix that damn dent. I got a shop that says they can do it during that time, I need to call them later this week to see about scheduling a time for next week.

That's all I got for now. If you got snow, and gotta be out in it, be careful.

PeacE

Blow It Out Your Nose!

I am sick of this! I do not see anyway I could have this "cold" for two weeks now. I think there is something else... maybe some sort of allergy(s) going on worse than my usual bout. My nose has been running/clogged, and the sneezing! I hate sneezing. I go through several in a row, uncontrollable, then a brief 30 second respite that leaves you "feeling" a sneeze coming on, and then WHAM Three or four more. My OTC allergy meds (Benedryl equivalent) is not working. OTC med (Claritin type) not working. Nasal spray, cold meds - neither of them work. I don't know what to do to get relief short of a trip to the doc to be examined, and told there really probably nothing they can do. I don't know that, I just feel that way. Knowing me, I'll stick it out a couple more weeks before I finally just get pissed enough to go to the doc again.

I don't want it to come to that though. I don't want to see how my weight is doing. I feel like I have been slacking quite a bit on the watching what I eat. I know I need to do better at the amount. I know I need to get more exercise. Yes, I have been out walking, doing the final bits of Christmas shopping; but not every day, or in any way that could be called consistent. Sigh. And the holidays are coming up, and my favorite time of the year, because frankly, I love all the food and candy... in amounts that are not good for me.

The daughter is due home Monday for an overnight and an ortho appt Tuesday morning. Then back to Tucson until Saturday, which starts their break for the holidays. Tuesday is that damn Jury shit I got to do. I hope when I call Monday evening, my group will be excluded. Crossing fingers, saying prayers to any deity... burnt offerings on the corners - whatever it takes. True, my name gets tossed back in the "random name selection" progress, but that could reprieve me for several years.

Saturday. I know the kids and Wife will be doing stuff around the house to try to get it more ready for the holiday. I haven't decided, but I will prolly end up on WoW making that last level to 85 (be first in guild to do so). I had some salsa and chips yesterday, but I think the salsa was too old - I have the unwanted and undesirable digestive condition that makes my most important exercise of running to the bathroom before shitting my pants the only thing I will do much of today. Sigh. Not turning out to be a wonderful month so far...

Get on out of here. I know I am running for the door right after I hit enter.

PeacE

She Ain't No Spring Chicken

Happy Birthday to my Wife!

My Wife is now officially the same age as I am. That makes me glad. There are those three months of the year between our birthdays where she likes to tease me about being older than her. I usually don't mind, because she is not that far behind.

This morning we let her open one of her gifts before she left. A pair of Isotoner gloves for the "chilly" mornings here. Of course, she wasn't real surprised. She had mentioned to me a few days ago she wanted to go to the store to look for a pair of gloves, and I told her to wait until after her birthday. Another reason I gave that one to her this morning. I am not real original with gift ideas....except the ones I can't afford maybe... and even then I still am not great.

Today I hope to get some running around done. Have a couple store in mind to hit for those last gifts on my list to get. Not looking forward to it, but it will be good exercise again, and actually accomplishing something. Also gives me a chance to get out and get some clothes for that damn possible Jury Duty.

PeacE

A Day to Last in Infamy

Or something like that. December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese. I am better at remembering bits of history than I am the more life-threatening ones ... like the 8th being my Wife's birthday. It's amazing the way some people use little tricks to remember things. Today helps me for tomorrow. I figure, Pearl Harbor was hell that day. I know I would probably end up in Hell, or maybe just wish I was, if I forgot the Wife's birthday. Kind of goes hand in hand sort of, maybe.

No, the Wife isn't as bad as all that. She can't be to still be with me. But either way, it is truly how I remember her birthday.

Last night was not as fun as I had hoped, but still enjoyed it. World of Warcraft had a new expansion to the game released at midnight last night. I took the 2 older boys with me to pick up our 2 copies. We had gotten there about 10, and I paid for them. Didn't need to be back until just before 12, so we went back home. When we did arrive back, there was only about 40 people there, just standing around - no lines. By midnight, there was maybe 60-70. We were about 30 people back from the front. The first so many people in line received free posters (of the game expansion called "Cataclysm") so we were hoping to be close enough for one. Turns out we weren't. However, my faith that there are still nice people out in the world came true. One gentleman, in his mid-20's, comes out with the game in one hand, the poster in the other and hollered out, "This is the last poster! I don't want it! Who does?" Everyone pretty much shuffled their feet, and didn't say nothing. My younger son raised his hand and waved it. The gentleman comes over, and hands it to my son, whose eyes just get really big with surprise and excitement. I looked at the guy and told him thank you very much, and he said no problem. He was glad to give it away to someone that got excited over it. And then he left. Didn't ask for nothing for a limited edition poster... way cool. We went on to get our games and headed home, where the boys were sent to bed (it was late and they still have school today). I stayed up and loaded the new stuff for each account, and played until about 5:30am. A reason I am running a bit later today.

One week until Jury Duty. I still hate that I may have to go, let alone be picked for service. Guess I will find out the night before if I actually even have to show up. I hope not. It's a bitch to park downtown without walking several miles (I am exaggerating a bit, but not by much). I had to reschedule my cleaning at the dentist to another day because of this.... really upsets my schedule.

Okay, Wife's birthday presents wrapped up and hidden. Birthday wrapping paper hidden. No tale-tell signs of anything out of the ordinary. Using that phrase (tale-tell) reminds me so much of Edgar Allen Poe.....

Only have a couple last presents to pick up.. that I have to make special stops for. Now I just have to motivate myself, to do that tomorrow, because it isn't happening today.

PeacE

Back to a Normal Week

Well, I hope it is more of a normal week that is. I am still trying to shake the last bits of this damn cold. The worst of is is over (I hope) and now it is just the matter of getting my nasal congestion to stop... and the runny nose. Don't understand how both can occur simultaneously, but it manages to do so. This morning so far, it is not as bad as the previous week. I get the added bonus of extra exercise this morning, as I am "running" for the bathroom quite a bit as well. If the nose stops. something else has to take its place I guess.

This weekend leaves me feeling like quite a bit go accomplished. Saturday the oldest son and I went out and got some more Christmas shopping done. I believe I only need to pick up an item or two to complete what I consider my portion of gifts. Even got the Wife's birthday stuff as well. Now all I got to worry about is wrapping it all up.

Oldest son has his Christmas concert tonight at school. Then later on, like 10pm or so, the boys and I will head up to GameStop and get our World of Warcraft expansion packs as they are released tonight.

So has anyone else finished their holiday shopping already?

PeacE

Getting ready to Head Out

Yawn! It's Saturday morning, and I am awake, though the Wife is still abed. She deserves to sleep in a bit I do believe. Whenever she arises, and wakens up, we are going to sit down and figure out what Christmas presents we have gotten, who we still need to get, etc etc. Then, I have the feeling I will be headed out today to try to get some done, plus her birthday which is this week. The oldest son talked about maybe going out with me today as we "exercise" by walking the stores.

For any of you World of Warcraft fans out there, the new expansion "Cataclysm" comes out midnight Monday. I have two copies reserved at our local GameStop. The boys are excited, especially since I said I would take them at midnight to pick them up. They think is it is great, I am more, will they be grouchy and hard to get up for school in the morning?

Not much else planned for this weekend except some more shopping. I am still trying to shake this cold, but I feel better today, though am a bit clogged up yet. Popped another OTC cold "remedy" pill this morning with my regular aspirin, and waiting to see if it will make any difference.

So Jury Duty... some of you have had good experiences, some bad. I think this makes like the 6th time I have been summoned since I turned 18 and registered to vote. Only once have I actually sat in the jury box, though I was dismissed by the attorneys. Each time otherwise, I have spent the day sitting there until they release us, or be released by the judge as they would not need me as an extra. I am glad I have my Kindle now, so I will have reading material, without having to worry about needing extra books. I do need to get out shopping this week for some pants though.

Okay, I am out of here to get the day started. Have a good weekend!

PeacE

Sweet Dreams are Made of These

I was awakened early this morning. Not by the alarm clock. Not by the kids. Not even by the police because I passed out in a parking lot (that's a story for another time). No, this morning, an hour before my usual "wake up" time, I woke myself. With what I thought was screaming. Needless to say, I had a very disturbing dream. I couldn't go back to sleep, unlike most previous times this has happened (the startled awake from a dream - not the actual dream, which does differ from what I remember of previous ones). I am not going into details of what the dream was... so get over that already. Good news is, once the Wife was up (at the regular time mind you) I asked and discovered if I had yelled, she never noticed.

So I know she is sleeping better at nights now; since I started on that CPAP machine, I think we both have been getting better sleep, and more of it. Though the past few nights I have been waking up more during the night. I think it is because this damn cold I have, and the clogged nasal passages are preventing the machine from helping as well as it should. I was hoping to be over the final stages of it by this morning, but here I sit typing, wiping or blowing my nose seemingly every paragraph. We aren't counting sneezes - though I just jinxed myself by mentioning them.

The Wife and I are going to sit down tomorrow and attempt to make a list for those we would like to get gifts for, that we have not already. Then I suppose I will spend part of next week doing some more shopping. I know the week after that, I have that damn Jury Duty. Not happy about that. It should be if you register to vote you DON'T have to perform this service. That would encourage more people to register, let alone actually vote, in my opinion. I just hope I don't get picked so I can go home. Be my luck I'll actually have to be on a jury panel this time. I am soooo not looking forward to it. I need to get out and purchase some pants just for it as well. I have no non-denim type pants to wear - it has been near 11 years since I was required to wear anything more than denim for work.

Well, nothing else going on. I am headed over to Hoosierboy's to see if he has his Friday Five up. Come and play!

PeacE

The Cat Got My ...

I was a good friend yesterday. My friend lives a few miles west of me, and the place she had told me to take the cat was basically in-between our homes. I figured no big deal. Pick up the cat around 8am, have it there by 8:30 no problem. Except in my life, nothing goes right at times. I was running late by about 10-15 minutes. Still no major issue. I was to drop Sammy (the cat) off between 8:30 and 9. They just didn't open until 8:30.

I get to her house, see the pet carrier, the free spay voucher, and the other paper listing the places she could go. I see Sammy and call to her, and she comes up rubbing my ankles. Gently I eased her up into my arms, and moved to the carrier. As lowered to my knees and extended Sammy in my arms to the opening of the carrier, disaster struck. Suddenly, she wanted to have nothing to do with me or the carrier. In about 5 seconds flat, she was in the carrier with the door shut, mewing like mad, and I was on my knees thinking what he hell got her flipped out like that. Then I felt it. Sammy in her attempted effort of freeing herself from my hands prior to her entry to the carrier, got in some good claw licks. My left hand across the back of the knuckle of the first digit has a nice scratch about an inch long, bleeding. the palm side of my thumb, from just above the base, across the bend, and right into the meat of the print area, is the worse one. It's dripping red, and hurts like a .... well, you can imagine. The other hand got a couple minor scratches that weren't leaking rivers.

I stick the thumb in my mouth to keep from dripping blood on the carpet, and grab the "Locations" paper. I see an address highlighted, and think to myself that can't be right. I go thru all the other addresses. The one highlighted is where I am supposed to go. Instead of being 39th AVENUE, it was 39th STREET - meaning in Phoenix, about the difference of almost 10 miles, back past my house and to the East side of town. I call my friend, and she had misread the direction of the street and thought it was our side of town. I still had to take the cat, because she had it scheduled there, and the voucher had to be used before 12/1. I grab the stuff and the carrier and start on my way. Mind you, it is 8:30 by now, and still have morning rush hour going on. I got there at 9:10, luckily they didn't mind me being a few minutes over the limit they had gave. I called my friend and let her know the best way to get there after work.

Needless to say, my thumb hurts still this morning. Every time I bend it, put pressure on it, I get a nice little pain to remember Sammy by. Imagine trying to do things without your thumb, then I am happy that I am right handed.

Still fighting the cold, though I think I may have a winning edge happening. The worst of it is the nasal congestion, then runny nose, back to congestion seemingly changing every 30 secs, or a combination of both. My nose is tender from blowing it so much, and wiping the runnies from it. What's weird, is if I lay down for like 15-20 minutes, it clears up a bit - or if I walk around 5-10 minutes. But as soon as I sit - BOOM! It's back to being filed up. Driving me crazy.

We had a freeze warning yesterday in Phoenix until 9am. Seems we got a freak low pressure cell and the temps dropped into the 20's at night. But the good news it will warm back up to the 70's (daytime) by Friday again!

PeacE