Some Weeks Just Suck

I had barely started work when Sis texted me that my Grandpa had passed that morning. Great start to a Monday. I am mixed with emotions even now as to what I should be feeling. Sad, obviously as a bit of grieving is in order. Happy, because he has moved on to be with Dad, Grandma, and Uncle Earl, plus the stress the uncles were under in with him at the retirement manor, managing things, etc. Needless to say, I was not planning on flying back to Indiana for the funeral, which is this weekend. Sis and Stuman are going.

Of course, today is Tuesday, and let's throw another zinger my way! Tonight on the way home from work, my check engine light came on, flashing. Felt a stuttering-type through the car (I was on the highway doing 60'ish). For a few miles I debated pulling over and shutting it off, but was worried if I did, I would not be able to re-start the car. So, may not have been the brightest thing, but I exited the freeway and took surface streets headed to my area of town. At red lights I had to shift into neutral due to some rough idling. Plus every time I accelerated, the flashing engine light would pop back on, but go off when decelerating, or at a stop. I took it ton the local Pep Boys, as they did the last work I had done (water pump). Their mechanics had just left for the day (yeah... just left) and they couldn't/wouldn't look at it until 7am tomorrow. So I had to leave it. Good thing Oldest son was able to pick me up and get me home.

Once home, I probably did another not so smart thing. I looked up on the internet what could be some possible issues with the flashing check engine light... and I was amazed at the array of issues. From carbon build-up in the cylinders, to mis-firing cylinders, catalytic issues, O2 sensor issues, lose connections in the injectors/wire/plugs, bad plugs, and of course stories about having to remove the heads and .... Now I feel more worried. And I have to take a personal day as I have no way to work tomorrow....

Here's an update with some good .... Boss just called me. He can get me to work, and either get me home, or can catch a ride with the parts driver (my old job). So now I don't have to waste a day not going to work.

Now if I could quit worrying about the car, ease the grief of losing a buddy and a Grandpa, and just chill tonight... that would be great

PeacE

Adjusting Just Fine

I've been in my new position at work now for nearly a month now. Things are going well. I think I have adjusted pretty well to the earlier hours. Enough that at least when I can sleep in, I still wake up around 5am without the alarm. This last week was seemingly long due to the parts driver (my previous position) was out two days, and the other gal I work with also was out two days. But I think I handled things pretty good even have to do more than my job position.

Was out last night to a pub I had not been to in awhile. Found out one of the guys I played softball with many years ago had committed suicide just the other day. He was one heck of a nice guy, and loved his twin boys very much. Still hard to believe he just walked out in the parking lot and put a bullet in his head. I'm a bit baffled by it all. Another friend was saying that there were some depression issues going on, but I had not seen the him for at least a couple years.... so would have had no clue about that.

Another friend of mine has been diagnosed with ALS, and given a remainder of life time of 3-6 months. My buddy Jan flew out last weekend to Illinois to be with Bill, the one with ALS. Together they were going to travel to the Football Hall of Fame in Ohio for a one last road trip together.

Received a phone call Thursday I think it was.... or maybe Friday, morning. Seems my Grandpa is not doing well. Grandma had passed away back in January. Seems he isn't eating and has caught some sort of virus. Doctors say it is similar to the symptoms he had a couple years ago with a bout of pneumonia. Only this time they are not sure if he will be able to fight it off. Without Grandma there, he may just lose the will to continue on.

On the plus side, the Daughter is due in just over three weeks. The Wife is going down to their place for two weeks nearer the due date. Thank goodness I have the Older Son to help get the boys to school. I imagine several days of eating out during those two weeks. Or several Ramen noodle nights....

PeacE

Learning How to Feel Old

I have transitioned into the new job pretty well. Getting up at 4:30 in the morning, well before the sun rises was a big change from the previous 10 am awakenings. Makes me feel a bit like some old, retired person going to bed at 9-10pm so I can get enough sleep though. And it feels so weird getting home by 4pm....

Life in general hasn't been bad. The Daughter is still due mid-April, and will be up in the Valley next weekend for her baby shower. The Boys are behaving and doing fine in school. Leaves me sitting here thinking I really don't have much to write about. I guess I'm going to have to get opinionated on political topics just to have content (probably not good) to post about here.....

But not today.... I;m off to watch a movie.

PeacE