What a Pain

I woke up hurting a bit today. I have a headache, which I don't get very often. And my back is feeling a bit sore. Best I can figure is I must have slept in a very awkward position to have both. Waiting to see if some Acetaminophen helps. The good part is I didn't wake at 3AM today....

The Governor announced officially yesterday that schools are closed through the end of the school year. Stay at home rule in effect through April 30th. Only essential businesses are to be open (though the list of what that constitutes was very detailed and included golf courses...???). Restaurants can stay open with staff as long as it is carry-out or delivery only. So the only things that changed was closing school out, and extending the stay at home. This is my third week. I admit I am starting to get a bit of cabin fever. I have been lucky enough to get out a few times to hang out at a buddy's house and have a couple beers. Other than that, it is home or if briefly, the store for weekly supplies.

So how do I entertain myself? World of Warcraft, an MMORPG online game, that I play several characters on. Reading - I actually find myself only doing this right before bed because any other time I read I start to fall asleep. Never had that problem when I could sit at the bar and have a beer while reading. Surfing Social Media and info related sites to whatever fits my fancy. Sometimes even do some thing around the house. And the job search continues as well... just in case something does happen to show up.

I noticed I am going to have to fill up the gas in my car next time I drive somewhere. It has been over a month since my last fill up. It used to be at least once a week, if not twice.

PeacE

When It Is Not Good To See Old Friends

This morning an old friend dropped by to see me. I was not happy about it, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I could not refuse his visit. That, and he showed up at that nice 3AM hour. I tried being polite and using the restroom. Then tried thinking nice thoughts for the next 25 minutes or so. All to no avail. This "friend" just won't leave. Let's see what I can do to occupy myself until I can fall asleep again.

Today marks the 29th year of The Wife officially putting up with me according to some sort of supposed legal document.So Happy Anniversary to us. She has to work. Can't go out to dinner to celebrate. And it is a Monday. How much better could it be?

This weekend kind of just cam and went. Nothing special going on. Heard Trump is extending the 'quarantine' to April 30th, or something along those lines. The Middle Son's school is doing some online instruction starting this week. Not sure about the Youngest Son's. I need to check into it. Not liking that they too may extend their period of being closed, but what can ya do?

A friend of a friend of a friend.... of a friend  serves on a small city council here in the Valley (you know how that goes) passed some information along. Though, like playing the game "Telephone" I don't know how garbled the original message is/was - but it was something along the lines of  it is going to get worse before it gets better. This is referring to the current practices in place for the COVID 19 issue. My attorney friend and I were discussing it a couple different nights last week, and we've discussed a bit of conspiracy alongside this all. I'm not going to post my thoughts/beliefs.

Let's get off that topic. Haven't seen my Doodad, but with social media outlets, and video phone calls, been able to get by. Not as good as actual hugs and whatnot, but some is better than none.

With the "free" time I have had, been playing quite a bit of Warcraft, but am starting to burn out on it. Which is good. I haven't been reading as much because of game play. I probably did get more reading in this weekend, and my reading goal count says I am still ahead of schedule.

Guess that is all I have to bore ya with now. I'm going to Facebook and see if it will bore me to sleep....literally.

PeacE

I Have Been Called

Wednesday was a good day. Ended the day over at my buddy's place, having a couple beers as we chatted and whatnot. My Buddy happens to work at the company that I have been waiting to hear from since the early part of the month. For the past several weeks the company has been "shut down" prior to the quarantine, due to some kind of breach in the system software. My buddy, who is an attorney, was still getting paid, to sit at home as the offices were closed. Then last week, we were notified that someone in the office had tested positive and they were closing doors for a time. This past Monday, my Buddy received an email that they were providing laptops for remote location so they could continue the work. He picked his up on Tuesday. Wednesday, whilst I was over, he was finishing up some work and gave a quick view of the program(s) they use. Mind you, he is an attorney and works on different stuff there than what I would be doing.

Yesterday I got an email stating that they were starting a new contract job next week, and I was to answer some direct questions regarding internet connection, computer OS, etc. It appears this will be remote location as well for now, and they are providing laptops if your personal system does not meet their requirements. Mine does not.Either way I got that nice feeling in my stomach because I haad finally been contacted to start work.

Only one small problem though. Well, two actually. First, I have not filled out any employee paper-work with them, as original plans were once I was called in, I would do that the first morning and then train on their programs and how to use them (which is the second issue). I simply do not know how to use their main program.

So I emailed back the Coordinator, and explained that I am available, but have not had the training class, and have not completed an employee packet. I mentioned I am willing to wait until offices re-open to complete both these issues, but would think this would make me not available to start this next week.

That was yesterday. I am waiting to see if she replies this morning. It's nice to know I am getting close to being hired.

Other than that, today is Friday. Made an "appointment" with the HS band director so the middle Son can get his instruments from the band room, so will be running up there today. Nothing else special planned for today, or the weekend. I may need to actually get gas in my car... since I haven't had to fill it up since last month. Used to have to do that once a week or more....

PeacE

The Struggle is Real

Well, it is good to see and know that I have survived another day of quarantine. I don't know how, but I think the drinks I had Monday evening helped.

I didn't have my seemingly, and hated, 330AM wake up this morning. I think because I went to bed about 1030 last night, read until about 12, then tossed and turned until almost 2AM. However, I was still up at 730AM thanks to the neighbors dog barking like crazy for 10 minutes. I almost went into the back yard just to see if someone was outside our bedroom, teasing the damn dog over the fence. It seemed he was right at our wall doing all the barking.

No trip across the Valley for now. Son left his trumpet at school, so won't be able to upgrade it, now that I know the details, until he can get access to it again. So we are looking like April 10th if not later.

Plans for today? I don't have any.Though, I am debating going to the store to get a bottle of whiskey... just to have something to sip on other than flavored water or soda. Depends on if I feel like getting more dressed than I am currently.

Just because I can, here is a pick of my Doodad that the Daughter sent late last night...

I don't know why the face... I bet her mother told her to make a face at Papaw..

Enjoy your Wednesday, and wash your hands.

PeacE

I'm Still Alive

I lived through going into public yesterday. Got those cigarettes and batteries... also some snack foods and soda. Came home and played Warcraft most of the afternoon. Then went to a friend's to imbibe in some adult beverages whiles conversing on the driveway, while sitting 6-feet from each other. Ended up talking to one of the guys I used to work with, and hearing about how things have been falling apart since I left there. Then home where I ended up doing some facetime on the phone with my Doodad. Was a good evening!

Big plans for Tuesday? Sigh. I need to go to the bank. The Wife wants me to do something about the Middle Son's instrument rental. Something about changing it in for a new one using the equity from the rental (we have rented it for 5 years so far). I think I may wait and talk to her about that tonight to get the right details.The music shop is like 6 blocks from where I used to work, so I don't want to drive clear across the Valley for something I don't know the details, and if additional funds are needed or not. That may be a trip for tomorrow,

Still need to go to the bank. Just a quick deposit. But it the whole 'getting dressed to go outside' and driving, and doing what needs to be done.... when all I wanna do is sit around in my shorts and pretty much do nothing. This quarantine is making me a bum.

PeacE

It's Go Time!

I am about to take a huge risk this morning.... and go out into public. I have to do it. Not because I need TP or hand sanitizer. Not because my family is starving, or the water from our tap is no longer flowing because no one is working so no paychecks and bills didn't get paid. I'm out of cigarettes.

I know, this could be a good time to stop smoking. I don't think so. I have already had to put getting a job on hold, being out in public restaurants and bars... I am not giving up this bad habit just yet.

...and I need to get some AA batteries. Seems our thermostat likes to reset to 60 degrees consistently. I noticed it a few days ago, saw what sort of battery size was needed, then realized I don't have that size here. Plenty of AAA, but no AA. When I had my unfortunate, early morning wake up around 330AM this morning, it felt a bit chilly. Checked and it was close to 63 degrees in the house. I know, many of you are fine with that, and I am, but I knew the Wife would wake in a couple/three hours and complain about how cold it is. So I turned it up to our regular 72, did some Facebook, and laid back down for a bit. Up again at 7'ish, felt warmer. Awake again at 8 and it was cooling off again. Sure enough, temp had reset again.

Cigarettes. AA batteries. What else do I NEED? Nothing I can think of. Be nice to have some beer, but I think that can wait a bit. I think I shall pick up some carbonation in the form of soda though. I haven't hda a carbonated beverage in several days now. I'll run by the 99cent store and get some 2-or 3- liters of the cheap stuff the boys and I like. Check on some lunch meat if they have any... maybe see if they got more chicken nuggets or similar.

So, that's my plans for today starting around 10 this morning. Want to make sure that if the store has certain early hours for the elderly I just have to wait.

PeacE

I'm Not A Broken Man .... Yet

Well, I made it through Sunday with the bars being closed. I haven't even picked up any libations at all from the gas station or the grocery. In fact, I haven't left the house at all this weekend. Spent most of the time playing Warcraft, and reading.

What's going to happen this week, I wonder? The end of last week brought our schools being closed now through like April 10th. I think tomorrow I will have both boys check their school portals to see if they have homework requirements that need to be completed. I had an email from the HS dist. that they would be providing online instruction, and classwork (the way I read it) beginning March 30th. Which means now that Spring Break is over for them, and they are going into "school tine" this week admin and staff will work up instructions for online instruction. I'm sure that is going to be fun.

No word as to a set date that bars/restaurants will be able to re-open. I would think it is going to be around that March 27th, or April 10th time frame as well. The Wife has been able to stop at some different stores on her way home from work to pick up essentials for the Boys and I for lunch, as well as our dinners. She works in the healthcare field so is not being sent home.

Tomorrow starts another week of "quarantine" and it hasn't been bad. I am starting to get a little fidgety... kind of like being caged in. But it hasn't hit too hard just yet. I am sure this week will be the test. I have never spent so much time at home.

PeacE

Because Sleep is Overrated

This is the third day in a row this week I have awoke (wakened? woken?) at the early hour of 3AM or so. Not sure why. In a normal world, I would say it is because of getting up at an early hour for work, but that wasn't until 430-500. So why 3AM? No clue....

Needless to say, I get up and end up on the computer. Mostly checking emails and social media. Might even play a little Warcraft. After a couple hours or so, I slip back under the covers and sleep again just fine until the Wife's alarm goes off. I usually got to bed about 930-1000 and fall asleep pretty quickly.

Today looks to be day number three in this new habit my body has started performing. I admit, I don't like it.

There's nothing like additional bad thoughts to go back to bed with in your head. Everything closing down everywhere. Doctors dying (of the Coronavirus supposedly). AZ has deployed the Nat'l Guard - accordingly to help grocery stores re-stock is the major reason. I mentioned Phoenix and a few other surrounding cities have actually closed bars and restaurants. Think I may just go buy a 30 pack so I can have some beer the next couple weeks.. maybe a bottle of Jack Daniels too.

Well, it's only 430, but I thin k I am going to try to get back to sleep. Hope your night's rest was better than mine...

PeacE

Quarantined ... Sorta

Thank you Covid-19 for screwing up plans.

Whilst waiting on the new job, now many companies have forced employees to work from home, or worse, have closed. Their closures have sounded more temporary, but depending on how long this goes, some might be final. Especially in the small business bracket. Phoenix has closed schools (my boys at least til the 27th), have limited restaurants to take-out and drive-thru only, bars are to close at 8pm. In fact, one I frequent has closed for at least the next three weeks, and not even sure about that time frame. Some surrounding cities have adopted this same aspect, or parts of them, and encourage businesses to follow through on their own.

Obviously at this time all major sporting events, concerts, and other large group events/venues have been cancelled. Courts are closed. Any Government office environment is probably closed. All these people out of work now, and me being an ass about it, probably unemployment services are closed. Grocery outlets are reducing hours, and thankfully, allotting certain times for elderly to be able to shop for needs without the mass crowd of TP hoarders.Even heard of people here in the Valley driving two hours or more to smaller towns to stockpile supplies. 

I just don't get it. On a normal shopping trip, doesn't one buy enough usually for the household for a week or two, if not more? I do. And what's with hoarding TP and sanitizer? Does this virus just make you crap all the time? But why hoard it? Or worse, already hearing supposed stories of people turning around and selling on Ebay/Amazon/what-have-you at ridiculous prices.

Sigh. Makes me wonder about the general intelligence of society.

No one from my family and friends have asked for any supplies from us, though if they did, we would gladly help them out. I have had a couple friends offer the same, if my family were to need. Especially those that are older (no offense Reverend Mother). 

I'm getting to that point of feeling frustrated. not just with society, and the dealings with how the government is handling preventions... but even of just being at home. The Boys being here is not an issue... just feeling cooped up. And can't really go anywhere in public (like to have a beer). Rain has been through off and on the past several days, so that has kept me inside as well. Reading can only do so much for me at a time. I'm seven books ahead of me projected goal. Warcraft has gotten a bit boring as I have been playing it quite a bit.

At least no one I know has been tested positive.... that's a good note.

PeacE

Plodding Along

Only Tuesday and had an expensive week already. Youngest Son broke the ulna and radius below hiw wrist yesterday in PE class. ER trip took most of the afternoon, and a orthopedic appointment tomorrow morning to have a cast put on. Took my car into the shop today. It was "chugging" that just started the other day. Turns out a tune-up and coil clean up was needed. Getting ready to go pick it up here shortly.

Still waiting to hear about any jobs.

PeacE

I Messed Up Again

Still waiting that phone call/email notifying me to report to work. It looks like that will move on into next week now.

In the meantime, I have been spending quite a bit of time at home playing Warcraft, or browsing blogs, book sites, etc.

Last night the Wife asked what plans were for dinner. She had had a rough day (7th year of her father passing) and seemed like she was not in the mood to cook. So I offered up some ideas and she settled on me picking up pizza. I did an online order for our general pizza place, Little Caesars, and asked which Son wanted to ride with to get. The middle Son chose to go, and we headed out to the car... except I couldn't find my car key in my pocket. I hadn't been anywhere since the day before, so I went back in and checked where I might have emptied my pockets on my bedside table. Nothing. Checked the pockets of the casual shorts I had worn most of the day. Nothing. Yeah... started to get that sinking feeling int he stomach. Sure enough. Found the key sitting in the ignition of my locked car. Let me also add, that when I bought this used vehicle, it only came with one key... that I had never got around to making a "dummy" key or replacing the broken fob.

I went up to Lowes this morning and picked up an "air level" kit ( the air pump bag lock-outs use basically) and tried it with a hangar to pop the unlock button, but couldn't get enough pressure on the hangar at the right angle. Couldn't find something else that might work. Ended up calling a lock-out service near the house. Waited and waited for a call back from the tech, but it never happened. Called another service, who turned out to be $20 cheaper, who called me back in less than 5 minutes and gave me a time frame (within the hour). So, now I am waiting for them to show.

These "chip int he fob" things bother me. I like the anti-theft of them, but to replace one, or to have a second made is freaky expensive. I'm going to have to shop around and see where I can find it done for 2 at a reasonable cost. Reasonable I guess considering I won't have to wait around for some service tech, and pay after hours fees (if needed) etc.

Such as my life goes it seems...

PeacE

The Waiting Game

Received confirmation yesterday from the new Company that my status is now Active and Available. No new applications to send out (as of my looking this morning anyways). Twiddling my thumbs as to what to do....

Guess it's Netflix for a bit...

PeacE

A Good Post

With the amount of free time I have today, I thought I would browse through my list of blogs here ont he right-side. Seems many of them have been dormant. Some the owners have passed, some just because Life takes you away from it, and some even have admitted other media outlets have taken their purpose from writing a blog. I can see how all that happens to people. I admit I have had Life and other media take the time I once put in here... anyway, I am rambling now....

I came across a post from Neanderpundit, written by Og, that referenced a post he made back in 2016. I thought it was touching, even if it is not Father's Day. Made me sit back and think a bit....

Let me share it... (taken without permission from http://neanderpundit.com/?p=977)

Saturday 05 Aug 2006

Witness marks

A witness mark is a mark made by the builder of a machine- or a firearm- that indicates the place where two parts line up- or where they should.

It’s also used to refer to the spot on a machine where two items have made repeated enough contact. The spot where a bumper hits the frame on an offroad vehicle, the place where a cam follower rubs agains the cam, the spot where your keys rub the dash smooth hanging from the ignition.

On my tractor, there’s a spot where if you stick your fingers through the spokes you touch the steering column. I never noticed I do this, I just do. Now that I have noticed it, I remember dad doing it too.

And today, I noticed, that the years and years and years of sticking my fingers through the spokes as I steer and dad doing the same, the paint has worn completely through. We’ve left the same witness mark on the tractor, father and son, thirty years of doing the same thing.

I think about the other things Dad did that left their mark, and I realize that some of those witness marks were left on me. And I’m trying to leave them on my child. What witness marks do you bear? Where will you leave your witness mark?

Think about it...

PeacE

Out with the Old and in With the New

Yesterday was the last day of six and a half years of employment with the Company. I'll miss a few people there... I'll miss some of the work I did. But now is the time for new things.

First thing this morning I contacted the new Company, and let them know I am now ready to go active with them. I am hoping to hear from them within the next couple of days. In the meantime, I sent out a handful more job applications online today as well. This is going to be my regular procedure for the next few days until I hear something from someone. Though, I really want to get on with the first Company.

Other than that, today was spent just playing around on the internet and Warcraft. Waiting for the two younger sons to get home from school. The Wife will be home in a couple hours or so. Last week while on vacation, the time spent idle like this was no big thing. Maybe it was because I was getting paid for it. Though, I have paid dearly for the time there. I found out what parts of my body are truly hurt (knees, back, shoulder) versus the regular everyday of everything hurts all over. I have only taken acetaminophen once in the past week and a half... compared to several every day.

I just noticed, the spellcheck option on here is gone.Weird.

PeacE