Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

I remember back in the day when the first stay-at-home order came in. It was just as the two youngest boys were starting their Spring Break from school, approximately March 15th. The youngest son had just broken his wrist a couple days before the "break" started (see what I did there?). Well, yesterday that final cast came off, and pins were removed. One could say he is almost back to normal/ Obviously, his left arm is a bit smaller than the right, due to two months of a cast.... but at least it is pretty much all done now. He does have a brief follow up in three weeks, but the doctor said the breaks appear to be healing fine, especially the one they had to re-break and pin. It'll be nice to get him to help out more around the house without using the excuse about the cast.

Other changes... The middle son officially graduated from high school last week. We went and picked up his diploma. I actually had a good laugh at him later that same day. The district had called my cell (automated call) about checking their website for details for summer classes.... and I faked that they were calling that there was an issue with his diploma and they needed it back. The confused look on his face was priceless. Moreso, when I said that means he hasn't graduated and may need to make up some courses over the summer. Either way, he is ready to move on to other things, and I suppose I will allow him a couple weeks free time before starting to push about a job or school.

Speaking of graduations, it has been 10 years since my oldest graduated HS. I don't know who feels older, me or her....

The Reverend Mother is going through many changes right now. The past several weeks (months?) she has decided that they need to down-size their living accommodations. I am saying it this way, because it the best way I understand it all. Now RM and PT have lived within 5 miles of me for years, and at times that was good... other times not so good. Guess it depends if I had to be the one to help with something or whatever. No offense meant Mom! Anyways, the Sis and BIL have been helping them get things fixed around the house, or "spruced" up so there is better appeal. 

This is where I start treading on dangerous grounds.... Because they are "down-sizing" the normal things one accumulates over time has to be gone through, and gotten rid of/distributed/donated - whatever you want to call it. For years I have been telling RM that there isn't anything I could think they have that I would want.... but she still asks. Do you want these old school papers...art projects...watches...certain pictures. I know these items pertain to me more than my siblings, and she wants to be sure they were offered to me prior to making whatever decision (trash). I just get frustrated a little. I have actually said yes to a couple things she has offered up. My siblings seem to have been more anxious and excited about these offerings than I have been. Maybe I just am not materialistic or something. Or maybe there really is some sort of mental disturbance in my head.

Either way, it looks like whenever they do find a place to move to, it will be further away from my place. I'm sure it may be closer somewhat to one of the siblings, but just further from me. Not sure how I feel about that. Just one of those things I've taken for granted I guess. It's big for RM to be doing this... having to go through and decide what to keep or not, the move itself, actual thoughts of not working anymore some time soon (I wish I had that problem sometimes).

I don't know if I'll come back and edit this or not... but there it is for now.

Last change.... looks like Blogger is changing my "dashboard" appearance and functioning. I switched over to the "new" one, and I see how it is supposed better if you were doing this from a phone or tablet. From a desktop not so much... but it is what it is. If I don't like it, I can always return to LiveJournal or some other site I am sure.

PeacE

School is Over

The confetti has fallen, now littering the floor amidst the spaces between half-filled balloons and the random graduation caps. the middle Son's "graduation was Wednesday night on the school's YouTube channel. What a joke. They should have disabled the "live" chat feed while the slideshow was going, but they didn't. Disrespectful comments continued throughout. I only watched to see my Son.

This afternoon we will be driving over to the HS to pick up his diploma. that will make it official he has graduated and moves into the next stage of his life. What are his plans? I haveno idea. I don't think he does as a rule either.

Then summer will follow. It has been mild here and not many days over 100 yet, though I know it will change rapidly I am sure.

One kid left. Four years of HS. Then they are all done.

PeacE

A New Normal

No content. Whining, complaining, not benefiting society, being free-loaders. This is the New Normal. I read some short article this morning about how media outlets are all using that term "new normal". Supposedly, the repetition of the phrase is to imprint it on society, so they accept it. Kind of like learning by rote. Do I agree with it? No.

I say that, because what all does it mean? The way it appears, the phrase refers to the way all levels of government are using 'guidelines' interpreted as a law (which they are not) as the way things are going to be now. Restrictions on Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Freedoms. Our Rights. More control to those that never had it before, and more control to those that DO NOT need it. 

I mean, to me it sounds like taking things away from the People. Is that a normal thing, let alone a NEW normal? Seems to be happening that way. Because People are letting it.

So, again, do I agree with that phrase? I'm going to have to say no. Do you want what society has been turning into over the past three months to be a normal? I don't.

PeacE

Just Not Feeling It

So, as I stated in yesterday's post, I am feeling better. I could use some more sleep, which is eluding me right now (again).

Both myself and the youngest son but had the fever temps gone from Monday. I had a couple moments where I felt a little weak, but otherwise was fine. I think it some bad food or a stomach bug of some kind.

Today brings us to the Middle Son's High School Virtual Graduation taking place tonight at like 7:30pm on a youtube channel. Classy. Using the standard yearbook photo (he didn't have senior portraits done) they'll stick it up there with his name. And that is it. I got an email today that on Friday, graduating students can pick up their diplomas (by car/drive-thru) on Friday. He did receive Honors, and some other AP placement thingy... and today I skimmed through almost 16 minutes of a Google slideshow the school put together to show as the Honors and Awards recipients. My son rated 4 whole seconds at the 15:30 mark of the 18:09. I have a strong feeling that the graduation is going to be pretty much the same.... only longer, because supposedly they have recordings of the speeches that were to be given. Oh joy. I think this may just run in the background until they get further along in the alphabet.

Not much else going on. Want to get out in public, but not really. Would rather get to work again... still waiting to hear on that front.

PeacE

Second Covid Scare

Yesterday was worrisome. I got up and took the youngest to his school for final 'end of year' stuff. Mainly turning back in books, etc. By the time I had made it home, ate some breakfast, and sat at the computer for about an hour, I was exhausted. I went and laid down. Shortly after noon I awoke, was nauseous, threw up, went back to sleep. Up again at 3, had a temp of 100.9, felt like "blech". I'm thinking, is this the Covid that the Wife just recovered from? Slept a couple more hours in the early evening. Just feeling these flu-like symptoms. I didn't lose taste/smell.

This morning my temperature is back to normal. I don't have aches and feeling of 'blech'. I have a little bit of an appetite. I think it was a one day stomach bug. Who knows? The Wife was saying last night I need to get tested to be sure. I asked why? They will tell me the same thing they told you. But it is for the statistical numbers she says. F that.

So it feels like I am back to normal today. I am not counting on it being Covid. I think it may have been the burrito I picked up at QT that morning for breakfast....

PeacE

Finally Friday....So?

Friday has rolled around again. Nothing exciting here. Wife is feeling better, but not quite back up to 100% yet. Boys are doing fine. I'm feeling fine. Gov. Ducey is not extending the 'Stay-At-Home' order when it expires today. Places are slowly starting to open back up (including bars). Probably is one of the better Fridays that has come along in awhile.

That being said, I still have nothing to talk about.

PeacE

Boring Post About Nothing

Another day is here. Taking out 2020 HS graduate to the school today to turn in a couple items. He will be picking up his cap & gown even if he isn't doing an actual ceremony. Heard that there is some sort of 'sweepstakes prize' every senior gets as well. A friend of his got a yoga mat, so I am sure it is just some sort of compensation because of Covid the school is giving out.

Health updates. Yesterday morning the Wife said she is feeling much better. Temp is still about 99 degrees, but the aches/pains were not as bad, and she actually got out of bed. The day before the middle Son had a temp of 102, but as of yesterday that was back to normal, and he said he is feeling fine. Could we be on the way back to normal around here...well, normal for us? I hope so.

That's all I got.

PeacE

Let's See Who Wants My Money!!!!

Monday just gave me a splitting headache. In the last few days I have gotten news that I don't like, made life changes (no matter how temporary or not) I don't like, and have to live with it (which I don't like). Monday just turned the temperature up on that oven that my head is in....

I have been lazy. I don't know how else to describe it - and part of the reason I am so angry at myself because of this whole situation.... I left the last employer in early March, and I had not gotten around to getting the 401K out of the "employer" account, or the monies I have from the ESOP the company is in. I was able to get online account access and do some changes, but could never figure out a way to basically, set up a traditional IRA and move the funds to the new account. This on the advice from my financial consultant. Every time I went on and tried to figure out how to do this, I would end up getting a headache because I could not navigate through the financial language, or find the correct way and process to do the thing I want to do. With many companies closed the past few weeks, it's not like I can just go into any office and do this... especially if I don't know if they even have one locally.

Well, today I was determined to get this crap done. I had a stack of things I wanted to get done on my keyboard, so when I got up, I could get started on it all. Took the Wife's van up through emissions (passed). Next up.... 401K. Got on the website (again) took about a half hour of trying to get to where and what I needed with no luck (again) and clicked the "Contact Us" option. I got like three different numbers. One was for TDD, so I didn't even bother with that one.

First one was labeled 'Planning and Investment Services - Call a Representative' so I called this 866#, and was expecting the usual recorded 'this is the company you reached, press option # for what you need' kind of thing. Nope. The recorded message went something like this:

"You have a chance to win a $100 gift card for Wallyworld (you know who). Press 1 to answer the short survey and claim your prize. You have qualified for a $100 gift card, please press 1 to accept. . Press 1 to claim your prize." I thought this VERY strange, so I pressed "1" and ..... the clouds parted and God's abundance of people that speak in that damn India accent comes on telling me that I have won a  gift card and would I answer some questions. I interrupted the person (couldn't tell by voice if male/female) and asked, "Is this ?" 

"Oh thank you  and we will connect you quickly after conducting this brief-" I hung up. I compared the number I dialed to what was on the company website for Customer Service - same exact number. I'm thinking, what the heck?

Okay, errors can be made. Maybe the web designer mistyped/misread/was given it wrong.... whatever. Went on the the other number that was labeled 'Benefits Center - Toll-Free Number'. At this point, I am fully expecting to hear the company name again, etc. No. A recording comes on and says something like....

"Please enter your name on the dial pad, or key your social security number for access."

I hung up and dialed it again. Compared phone numbers. Same message. No way am I giving out my SS# to a recorded message, that didn't even say what company it was for, or any other info. My head is starting that low-thrub beat with my heart.... like when you were 12 and that girl in English class that you sorta crush on, actually asks you what book are you reading for your book report. Not quite a good R&B, but there's a beat started.

Okay, this is a pretty big investment firm, in my opinion, so there has got to be offices somewhere across the US. Maybe I can call LA or NY, or somewhere to get actual help for a person in AZ. What do you know. three offices in the Valley of the Sun.... one of which is only a 15 minute drive from home. Ohhhhh... I felt that low-throb beat take a stutter step. My breathing shortened. I felt the dawning of HOPE. I grabbed all the paperwork and bolted to the car. I did not speed on the way there, though was tempted.

Found the place easy enough. Easy access. Good signage. Including the ones on the doors saying CLOSED. I mean, I know the empty parking lot should have clued me in, but I had to make sure. Maybe they had posted something about when they would be open to public again since so many places are slowly doing that now. I don't know. I did not read all three different pages (the ones in English anyways). I skimmed and saw a local telephone number on the second one, took the phone out, snapshot, and drove back home.

Had to make a stop on the way home (for the Wife - she wanted/needed something to drink with some electrolytes, so I got some Powerades. By the time I got home (about a 45 min round trip) it was noon'ish. I brought the Wife her drink in bed, and sat down and was telling her what all I have had to go through this morning, plus all the other times (I had not mentioned to her the previous attempts at online stuff). She was peeved at the issue about the toll free numbers I called. That headache had turned back up, and I was not going to feed that bass... so I set the pile of paperwork aside, for Tuesday (read, later today). I'll wait until a respectable business hour, like 10am and try that local number. Edit: BTW, the Wife is feeling slightly better. Still a low-grade fever, small flu-like symptoms, but not coughing or having breathing issues. Orders are for bedrest as much as possible. She eats and drinks what she can (still not smelling well, though can barely smell orange now). The Boys and I are not showing any symptoms, though still have most of the 2-week incubation period to go through yet.

Why does it seem the weird crap like this always happens to my family or me? Sure seems that way sometimes. And should I note here.... My Wife was the first person I knew to get this crap? No other friends/family have gotten it that I am aware of....

PeacE

Mother's Day 2020

Happy Mother's Day to Reverend Mother.

The Wife is not having such a wonderful one.

Wednesday evening, The Wife mentioned she was having an issue. Her sense of smell had disappeared. I asked if she was sure, as having allergies, mine kind of comes and goes. She mentioned she wasn't able to smell the pork chops cooking, a freshly peeled orange, or air freshener. She is a tad worried, as this is one of the early possible symptoms of Covid. She was having no other issues, just the lose of smell, which to went on to test, cleaning the cat litter box to be sure she couldn't smell it.

The Wife is a Physical Therapist at a rehab center. they have some Long Term Care there, as well as respiratory, and other patients in different stages. Many of the one she directly work with are elderly , on their way home, but haven't had enough PT to handle being back home yet. Either way, Some cases have popped up there, and now she is starting symptoms.

Thursday she informed her boss (obviously) and that evening, she started spiking a low grade fever (99.3). By Friday, she was feeling achy, similar to flu, but was not worse off. We were able to find a place to get her in for a test Friday, and by Saturday Morning, had the result that her test was positive.

So, now our house is on lockdown for the next couple weeks, depending in any others here show symptoms. So far it is just the Wife, but with her being home for at least the next week, who knows. She is able to return to work once she has had three days with no symptoms.

We contacted family members that need to know. I let a couple friends know as I had been over there a couple days ago. Now it is a minimum of 7 days together...with one of us sick. Joy.

Playing the waiting game now. Does anyone else get it? Does the Wife get it worse? She hasn't had breathing issues as of right now... Will it just be a mild case? Sounds like something to keep me wondering and guessing about like an old television serial.

PeacE

Taco Tuesday

I feel so much better today. After not sleeping pretty much all Sunday night, I was able to crash early and hard last night. Downfall is I am awake earlier this morning. In some ways that is not a bad thing.

Yesterday was Star Wars Day (May the Fourth be with you), which makes today May 5th, Cinco De Mayo, and it happens to fall on a Tuesday. Restaurants are still pretty much closed, so my chances for tacos today are slim unless I want to get Taco Hell, or we make our own. Hmmmm... that sounds like an idea. Could go to the store and get the makings. The Wife would love me making dinner rather than her trying to find and idea of what to throw together after work. Either way, it almost sounds like a good segue into tomorrow, May 6th. What is that? Kind of another Star Wars reference... Revenge of the Sith ... or in this case, Revenge of the Tacos depending on how spicy they are....

Our Gov. made a couple announcements yesterday. One, that starting Friday, specifically, hair care centers are able to open as long as they provide social distancing in their waiting areas, and provide other means of protection (masks, etc) to their employees and customers. I thought it was kind of weird that this is a specific one. there may have been more info/types of businesses listed, but this was the ony type in the brief breakdown I read. Second, starting Monday, restaurants and bars may start opening again come Monday, as long as the same protocols are in place, and they serve food. So 'just a a bar' can't open.

Bar owners have been hit pretty hard through this I think. Talking mainly about the places that don't have kitchens... forced to close their doors. Will be one of the last businesses allowed to open due to social mingling. Once they do open, the complaints that customers will have when coming in for service. Drinks aren't served "hard enough". Prices are too high. I admit, I have thought of this. I am a social drinker and enjoy going to the bar to have a few drinks with people I know, ad friends. But during this time, also realized that I have saved more money just buying alcohol at the store and drinking less than normal. As to the drinks not being made "hard enough" for me it never mattered. I drink mine pretty much straight up and don't mess with mixed drinks. I am more likely to complain about the amount poured.

The next couple weeks have some days that are set aside to accomplish things for the middle Son's graduation from high School. This week there is the yearbook pick up from the school. Seniors also get a "yard sign" that announces something like they are a 2020 graduate from "NAME" H.S. They sent out an email yesterday. There will be a drive-up procession line process, and the route through the school area, to avoid social contact. This years students won't be getting many signatures in their yearbooks I guess. Next week is the final return of technology (if used), books, etc. to the school for the year end. The Son actually had a library book that they sent a mailed letter about last week. It was due back in March, but how is one supposed to return it? Plus he will need to return the school provided instrument for Band/Jazz.

Graduation. In a city-area as large as the Valley, you can imagine how many High Schools we have here. how many venues are reserved/scheduled for district graduations. Halls and restaurants are reserved for graduation parties. all gone. I have seen some districts still planning formal ceremonies, delayed to the end of June at certain venues, provided the restrictions have been lifted. The Son's district opted to not do that. Instead, they are providing a "virtual ceremony" online, where the regular speeches will still be done, and the District Representative(s) will read off the names of the graduating students while a picture (I assume senior portrait) is on screen. Obviously with no restriction on the number of people who are able to "attend" anyone around the world could watch. I will not be surprised to see this option listed starting next year, even with an actual ceremony, providing a "televised" viewing link for families. Either that way, it is coming up around the 20th...link to be provided later. Now you know, Reverend Mother, and I will be sure to send you the link as soon as we know it, and the exact date.

And that, concludes today's post.

PeacE

Hunting For Something

The past few days, I feel like I have been hunting for something. Maybe 'hunting' isn't the right word, but maybe some more like 'looking', or 'expecting', or 'anticipating'. Not so much like an anxiety feeling, but just, "something" over the edge of the horizon that Life is going to throw my way, knowing it has got the edge with this change-up, and I am going to whiff it. (Like that? Got a sports analogy in even though there hasn't been any sports on).

Seriously, I do feel that way. The fault is able to be placed so many different ways, that it isn't even worth thinking about. Covid-19. Government trying to control the People. Losses of Rights and Freedoms. Stay at home orders. Closing of businesses. Fake news. Wrongfully labeled deaths. Food from Farmers being dumped/wasted. The Sheeple becoming more and more accepting of Communistic control. There is no end to the crap that's wrong in my eyes today.

If only I could go back to the naivety I had back in the day, when my biggest concerns were if the cute girl in class liked me and what I was going to do that evening once I finished the chores. Yeah, that was a few years ago. I don't question why anyone drinks, that's for sure.

So catch-up: Az Gov. Ducey extends the 'stay-at-home' through May 15th (but left it open to extend farther). Allowed limited retail businesses to re-open, only if they provided curb-side pick up only. Example, a hair salon could re-open, but only to sell product, not services. Plus, the person cannot enter the store and browse through things, unless the store CONFORMED to the government's idea of social distancing. Bars and restaurants still closed unless providing pick-up or delivery service only.

Here's a link to the basic story of a couple businesses that decided May 1st was enough. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2020/05/01/coronavirus-arizona-businesses-defy-doug-ducey-stay-home-order-covid-19/3066898001/

Gov. Ducey basically told the public in his address that if they had a liquor license that they should be prepared to lose it if they defy his "orders" (not laws) and tried to open doors for the public.

Sigh. I get upset that the Gov't is trying to control our rights and freedoms in the "way of safety" when not even a group of medical professionals in the field of study can confirm what is the proper protocol (my opinion). I also am concerned that same said healthcare professionals have no idea how to control this situation, and the "what-if" pops into my mind more lately.

What-if:
- someone in my immediate family gets it?
- someone I know gets it?
-said someone above, dies from it (or dies, and the death is supposedly caused from this - a whole other issue that pisses me off)
-I get it?

I like to think we are prepared if it were to come into our home. I believe we are healthy, and of an age that is good, that should someone in the household is tested positive, it will be fought out. Granted, this would put us in a self-imposed isolation for a time as recommended, regardless if businesses get to open back up or not. Blah, blah blah blah.... When ifs and buts are candy and nuts what a wonderful Christmas we'll have....

This lack of sleep I have been going through the past couple weeks is starting to take its toll  I fear. I ramble on and though even after re-reading, it sounds right about what I want to say... but it probably sounds like some backwoods hick doing a cellphone video to upload to TikTok and Facebook. I don't know. I just know I ain't happy about all this right now. And I am tired.

PeacE