A True Weekend

 This is the first true weekend I feel I have in over seven months. The reason is simple. I actually worked this last week, and this is my 2-day break for real. It feels good to be back to working, even if it is "remote" from home. Friday was almost a full 8-hour day, there were some issues that shut us down for a couple hours. I felt I got a good understanding of what we are doing, and how to do it, plus the use of the software. I think I am going to like this job. Sure pays more than the last one....

Today is Halloween. I'll be up at the pub with friends tonight. I still need to get the iron-ons done on my shirt.

Nothing much else going on....

PeacE

Trying to Work

 Well, the excitement from earlier this week has pretty much worn off. I was supposed to start this new project on Tuesday, and even after a couple tech issue delays, we were still able to be online for a client call. After that was able to do a review session on the software (which I had still had not used). At that point, they said there was still a tech issue about getting our login credentials for the system and software we were going to be using. They estimated about a half hour or so. Fifteen minutes later, we were told to log off, and it would take a day or two to resolve.

No news came the rest of Tuesday. Wednesday morning I got up early, hoping to find updated information, but no. I did get a notification about a cyber protection training I needed to do online though. Late in the afternoon yesterday I finally heard we are to meet back online at 2pm today, and at least in this email, there was no mention of our specific login credentials, so I wonder if they are revealing that at our meeting. Either way, I hope to finally start work today. I am going to do the training thing I need to complete, probably when I get done writing here. At least it is paid training. (Raising imaginary glass) here's to starting today.

Halloween is Saturday. I noticed the moon looked pretty full last night. Normally in instances like this I prefer to stay home and away from the possible crazies out there in public. however, my friend is dressing up to go to the pub on Saturday, and talked me into doing part of it with him. he is going as a fictional rock star, and his girl made me some iron-ons that have the rock star name, and then SECURITY that I can put on a black T-shirt and hang out with him. Kinda corny, but I said okay.

Life is moving along. Let's see if work can start....

PeacE

Back to Work

 Late yesterday afternoon, I received the email that I was accepted to start in on a new project with the Company. This project is only to last about three weeks, but it is a start. I logged into the "work info" site they use last night to update all my info and be sure everything was current. This morning, the arranged "meet" time online was 9:15am for me (MST), and I had 4 additional emails, so I got up early to make sure everything was taken care of. Those four emails were all things I had already checked on the work info site, so I was happy and read to start. Then another email comes in. Seems there is a delay getting the proper credentials out for the remote desktop we will be using. Basically a tech issue. So now am unsure when today it will all start.

It feels good to be employed again, even if I am going project to project, with some unspecified lengths of time in between. Nice to be able to get a paycheck again. They didn't say anything about training, or a review of how to use the software, so I am playing "make it til I break it" which will make things interesting the first few days I am sure.

PeacE

This Could Be a Good Week

 I went to the pub yesterday for football. More to hang out with a particular friend - who couldn't make it up unfortunately. Either way, spent longer there than I should have. While I was up there though, I did receive an email regarding work. Seems the Company has several projects starting this week, and have been re-vamping some of the ways there are processing things. Since so much of it is being done remote (at home) they have had to change some things around about how things are done. They didn't get specific, but as long as I can get on a project, with a small training reminder, I will be happy. I responded my availability this morning....

So now I will be siting here awaiting any reply from them. I understand it still may take a couple days.

Hmmm... don't have much else today.

PeacE

A Saturday Post

 I voted today. I finally was able to sit down and complete my mail-in ballot. It has sat here on my desk for the last week or so, with the pamphlets about the props up for vote as well. Took me about two hours, but I feel confident in my choices, since I spent the time to read all the information on the props, and looked up candidates for many other positions. How did I vote? I already told you - mail-in ballot. I'll drop it off at th post office later today. The Wife will wait until the last minute to complete hers, and will have tio drop it off at our voting location the day of, I am sure.....

I guess RM was a bit "butt hurt" about the notion of the Wife wanting to go through another realtor option than my sister. At least, that's the way I read it from her blog. So, RM, let me clarify for you.... We ARE going to another realtor/company, as we want a second opinion. WE want to get as much as we can out of the sale of OUR home. No, my cousin is NOT my concern. He is an adult, and therefore needs to take care of himself. Depending on the better offer for our home, we will go that route. I talked to Sis about this yesterday, and she agrees completely with me.

I feel a bit better now. That has been sitting on my chest most of this week. I did talk to my sister about the contract offer they gave me... and she did agree that we should get another opinion, I also agreed to allow them to counter-offer if the second opinion came in higher. It's all about the Benjamins to me....

Thinking dinner out tonight... not sure where...

PeacE

Pulling a Late Night

 Things too good to be true: getting a good night's sleep, as it ruins the next night when you try to go to bed. I went to bed around 9-10, and I did my usual little bit of reading. Then I tossed/turned for around 40 minutes. Finally out in my ear buds and played some mellow music from my tablet for the next hour. By midnight, I was no where close to falling asleep, even though I felt mentally drained. I'm thinking about just giving up and going to the store to buy some Ambien, or other sleep aid, then forcing myself to take one every night - unless I been drinking. those nights I seem to relax quickly into sleep. Must be the alcohol.

Not much went on today. The Daughter and Doodad are still in town until at least tomorrow - not sure how long they were thinking of staying. According to the Daughter there is only a couple loads (back of van) in the old house. Maybe it will be done this week and I can call WeButUglyHouses or something. I know my Sis and BIL had ran comps, and were possibly interested in it to fic and re-sale, but the Wife is not happy about that idea. I'm sure it has to do with things that has gone on before... I am not expanding on it here.

It's around 1am now, and I am trying to figure out what to do to get sleepy. I've tried watching some shorter videos. Maybe I should try a movie on Netflix or Disney+. I honestly do not know what I am going to do.. just knowing that I feel so tired and not able to sleep, makes me feel angry. Maybe I should do a couple hot toddies each night before bed....

PeacE

Where NOT to Talk Politics and Religion

 Yesterday afternoon I took a trip over to my favorite pub. I was looking forward to getting some reading done on the current book I have loaded on my tablet, but that was not to be. As I finished my cigarette on the patio before entering, I received a text from one of my good friends that he was at the pub. So I walk in, and there he is! I hadn't seen this friend in a couple weeks or so, so we chatted, and another good friend called, found out we both were there, and came up. I admit, I am the cause of not being able to get any reading done. I have a rule that when I am with either of these two friends I turn the book off no matter what, so we can actually talk. So obviously, I brought my tablet there for nothing.

What prolific topics did we discuss? There were several. What actor/actress did we think had the best ability? What movies are slated to be coming out. Caught up a little of what is going on in our lives. All this talk was going on as the football game started, and got boring. That's when a political ad played during a commercial break. Oh yeah, the crap hit the fan then, as we were having a good time. My two friends seem to love to play each others devil's advocate. One is a self-employed business owner with a successful business, the other an attorney/insurance agent/financial consultant. I pretty much just sat there thinking 'Oh geez, Lord, let this end without bloodshed'. A short 20 minutes later (seemingly much, much longer) they toned it down and we agreed that they could just cancel each other's vote out, and only my vote would count. Those crazy guys!

The Daughter and Doodad made it into town last night whilst I was out. I did get to see them as I headed to bed once I got home. They left with the Wife this morning to go do who knows what... shopping, at the old house, visiting... Not sure what plans for this evening are in regards to dinner - if we are eating out, or picking up, or cooking at home. The Youngest has started back to school on a hybrid program this week. So he attends Tuesday and Friday, at home via online the other days. Today is his first day to the physical school - wonder how he did finding his classrooms....

PeacE

Anger Issues

 I had to remove my post from the other day. As I went back to review it this morning, I realized I wrote it when I was quite angry. I've noticed I have done this a number of times over the years, removing a post written in anger. It isn't so much that it embarrasses me, I just seem to realize afterwards that all it really does is makes me feel better getting it off my chest. 

Either way the rest of the weekend went fine. I actually was not feeling well. I don't know if it was something I ate, or a "stomach bug", but was just feeling blah, and had some of the most atrocious gas. Even the Wife, who has still not recovered her sense of smell from COVID, says it was worse than normal...and more frequent. So far this morning, I am still sort of waking up, but feel marginally better.

I actually got about seven hours of sleep last night. Maybe feeling a bit under the weather has helped. I know I slept in yesterday, and then even had a 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon. By 9pm I was ready for bed. I read until 10, then slept pretty much straight through until about 5 this morning. Best sleep I have had without the aid of alcohol.

The Daughter and Doodad are expected up today. I guess they are coming up for a couple days to help the Wife finish getting out whatever crap she still wants from the old house. I was hoping to be done with it all last week, but that has not happened, obviously. Maybe this week. No updates on jobs for me. I have started looking into other jobs since nothing has come up recently at the one employer.

Halloween is coming up soon. My kids are old enough that trick or treating is out. In past years, because we would not be home, we never passed out candy. I have no idea what the Wife may want to do this year. Sit out front with a bowlful and pass them out id any come by? Supposedly there are restrictions about being out and about for the "traditions".

Thanksgiving is after that, and I really am lost as to what we will do. Last year we went to the Daughter's and had a good day. Perhaps this year we will do the same. Not sure how it will be since two of the boys have odd working schedules, and may not be able to attend, even if it were in town versus out of town. Part of them all growing up I suppose.

Still need to get out and do some vehicle shopping for the Wife. I haven't pushed it as the weather is still warm, even if it below 100 most days now. Between that and the crap at the old house.... Once we get that sold, I also will be looking for a vehicle, though I already have in mind a couple ideas for me.

PeacE

Wasting Time

 Somedays I feel like that is all I am doing.... wasting time. Waiting on job offers. Waiting on responses. Waiting waiting waiting. Seems such a waste of time. Haven't heard anything from the new company, so decided I needed to open myself to the thought of other job offers. Though, that search is going about as well as it was when we were all supposed to be quarantined in our homes. Sigh.

That being said, I haven't been doing much of anything to comment on. Spend most of my days on the computer. Not necessarily playing games, but I do some of that as well. Catching up on television series/shows. Exciting I know.

Today is my brother's birthday. I wonder if he has plans for this evening. normally I would call him and ask, but with some of the drama going on with is family, I don't think I will, though it would be nice to go out and have a few drinks together. Probably for the best....

Heard the Daughter may be coming into town this weekend again. Always love seeing my Doodad. Not 100% about them coming up though.

PeacE

Got A Lot of Nothing

 Tuesday came and went pretty fast. No, I have not just woken up -another night of sleeplessness... I actually have not been to bed yet. The Wife was sorting clothes on our bed, deciding what to keep, and logging how many of what size/type she is bagging to send to Goodwill/Savers. She asked for 15 minutes notice if I wanted to go to bed, but I have decided to let her work on that. the more stuff we get rid of the better. After I finish this post, I'll probably go check and see if she is done for the night. I hope so.. I'm starting to get drowsy.

We went out to brunch today - just the Wife and I. We hadn't been to 'The Place' in many months for a brunch. She had let me pick, and I remembered they had a huge breakfast serving. I was going to get some eating going on! Alas, it was not to be. Seems they have changed their menu since we were there those many, many days ago. The menu got smaller. The Hungryman Breakfast was not found.... I settled for a chorizo skillet with a side of biscuits and gravy. It was filling, but just wasn't the same. 

The MMORPG game I play, World of Warcraft, is having an 'expansion pack' coming out prior to the end of the year. It was to be this month, but recently said no, and pushed it back. however, today they still did a 'pre-release patch' that didn't really add any new content, just put in place the changes in dynamics that are going to take place (changes in abilities, etc). Had to wait all day (7am-4pm PDT) for servers to be back up, then I spent another 3-4 hours trying to get online. They were so clogged with people trying to get on for the new content (that was stated would not be there) that it was impossible for many to connect to game servers, including myself. Before I came to that realization, however, I had searched tech support about the errors I was seeing, and spent way too much time trying their fixes, when all I needed to do was wait until server traffic slows down (late night). Frustrating a bit, but finally was able to get online and play some. Even made a new character and got to check out some of the appearance changes they have now added. Cool.

My brother called me today. I don't know why I answered, but I did. He starts off with "I tried to call you a couple weeks ago, but you didn't answer". I was like, wtf? So I said, "I must have been busy. You didn't leave a message, so I didn't call back." I mean, duh. Anyways, I think he was just bored out of his mind. Was asking me about the pub I go to, and if their outside cameras cover only the patio areas, or over the parking lot. I said patios only, why? Seems a couple weeks ago one of his friends that came to his retirement get-together ended up getting arrested in the parking lot that night. Charged with an Extreme DUI, and also something like Collision while intoxicated. Supposedly, he was walking around the parking lot and the police approached and arrested him. No way. I think he went to leave in his vehicle, inadvertently backed up into, or rolled forward into, another vehicle, and the police saw it (the sit at the roller skate rink at the end of this small shopping area). Then when he gets out of the car, to "walk around to sober up" is why they approached him. I told my brother - Oh well. He's an adult. In some ways it was a bit funny.... maybe not so much now that I typed it out.

Well, I managed to fill some space. Time to check if I can go to bed now.

PeacE

Wow

 I definitely love the world I see in the new glasses. I know they said at the vision test that both regular and bifocal had  "had to be improved". And I am ok with that! I got the new ones today...Whoa! Big difference!

Not that changed for anyone I met tonight. 

Just saying. Leaving it alone for now.

PeacE

Is What IT Is....

 Not talking IT,,,, literally I could care less. They help those that need it. My RM needs it at times. It is not a bad thing. Some people have the right idea of doing the things the company need/want. When it comes to RM, it's a different matter.

Enough about her for now.

I have had a wonderful world working with people that know how to use computers. Many that are above and beyond me at what I know, but that is why the help the company. I admit, most times they know more than I when it comes to computers. 

But 'what if'...... I knew more than them. I could hack systems. I could 'like in TV shows' be the bad guy. Do I want to be? No. But what if.....

What IF?

Things we can only imagine, because most of us know it ain't true. WI we did that.. WI we did those.... WI we just did...   It's stupid.

Most of us don't think them things, cuz it's worthless.... to us. Other peoples might, because they don't know no better. And we don't spend time watching them.

Life is. If we watch those that never needed, or those that do need, we spend time watching instead of living life.

 But if we save one.... keep watching. I bet you don't save one while watching, but while you live life. Share some time with someone. Maybe the weird story helps them.

PeacE

Whine Day

 I just feel like whining about stuff today. My back is bothering me. I twisted the wrong doing something Saturday night, as when I awoke Sunday, it was giving the needle-stab nudges that something in the lower part wasn't feeling good. I imagine I twisted at the wrong angle, probably when getting out of the car when I got home, and it just took some time to set in. Doing acetaminophen for "pain control" and trying to stay off my feet, but sitting or laying down for long periods is not good for it either. Trying to do some of the exercises when I had to PT a few years back for this issue, and it seems to help a little. Most of it is stretching exercises in different ways for the lumbar area.

I am hoping to hear something from the company this week that there is a new project to start up. If not, I think I may go back to looking for a regular job. Being stuck at home right now with no job is depressing. With the Wife not working it drives me even a little more nuts - not that she is constantly bugging me or anything, because she isn't. I just need to get back to a job - preferably one not far away, and not as physical as the last one I was at.

I am expecting a call from the eyeglass store though. Went about a week and a half ago to do a new vision screening, and picked out some frames. Yes, my vision did worsen a bit, as did the vision in my bifocals. I lucked out and found a set of frames that match my current ones well, and just ordered two sets of those. I always get two, so I have a back-up pair. It has proven useful many times over the past years due to scratches on one set, etc.

The temperature finally dropped under 100, ending the run for a record streak of days over 100 consecutively. I know the record was 143 days, and we were getting purty darn close to that number. I think we ended up around 138-139. 

Still need to get the Wife out to test drive some vehicles. She seems pretty stuck on a Traverse, but has looked at pics of some others. I would like to take an afternoon and test drive 4-5 different ones so she can "feel" how they handle. She has agreed to do that, we just haven't set a date/time. Maybe this week. Would like to get her vehicle bought by next weekend. That way I'll have at least the minivan she is driving now, for me to use until I find me a new car as well. The last two months has sucked not having a car of my own. Catching rides and Uber have been how I have been getting around when I do get the chance to leave the house.

Youngest Son is on school break this week, then they return to school with a hybrid program when they return. He will go to school on Tuesdays and Fridays, be online Mondays and Thursdays, and all students are online on Wednesdays. Hopefully after the winter break (at the latest) they will return to a 5-day at school week.

Christmas is approaching, as I know RM has mentioned several times in her blog, and shopping just ain't getting done. I have no idea what to get anyone - sons, daughter, granddaughter, mother, stepfather, wife - and that's all I need to buy for. Plus the Wife's bday in early December. It is never many things for the kids anymore. Most of the things they want, or have asked for, or that we feel they could use in their lives, are generally more expensive. When it comes to my parents, there is just nothing they really need or want (according to RM). I know gift cards are pretty much what I am thinking for the most part for everyone. Yeah. Not a lot of thought in the gift-giving, but they can use it for what they want. I know I have some Amazon sites marked for some items I am considering for the kids. Who knows?

PeacE

I have to write something

 That's how I feel at this early hour. But I don't have anything really worth saying.

The sun will rise, whether the cloud cover lets us see it or not.

The sun will set... copy  from above.

Beer and whiskey go down smoothly regardless of either.

PeacE

It's Thirsty Thursday!!

 The other night I decided the Wife and I needed to get out and have a little time together to sit down to talk about things going on. We haven't really discussed much about exact plans for any of the monies from her inheritance, about her job seeking, about getting the old house sold, etc. I had mentioned going to breakfast, and she was agreeable. Only I was too tired at 7am to get up. I actually had slept decently that night, and didn't want to rise to start the day. I ended up in bed til 9, and then we went out for brunch instead. Either way it worked out fine.

There are a couple restaurants I have been wanting to try just a couple miles up the road... or at least take the Wife to. One is a Mexican place called Don Reubens, and I have eaten there before many years ago. Good stuff! Just haven't had a chance to take the Wife.... The other is next door to it called Ronnie's Cafe, and it is one of those places that the open hours are like 6a-2p. We got up there about 9:30 and the place was still half full, and much more seating than I was expecting. It looks smaller on the outside. We read the menu - nothing really fancy - some breakfast, some lunch, couple "specialty" items. Prices weren't bad - close to what I would consider at a Denny's - about $10 a plate. I ordered a meat omelette..not really reading the ingredients. What I got was huge plate filled with food. It was a 5-egg omelette, that took up half the plate, and the other half was filled with friend potatoes (homestyle) and an English muffin on the side. I was so stuffed!! The Wife had a smaller omelette on top pf her potatoes, and ate only a third of it. We definitely both love this place and plan on going again sometime.... just not sure when. Saturdays I am sure they are crowded all morning with food like this!

Today there is not much on my agenda to get accomplished. Late this afternoon, towards early evening, the Wife's brother is supposed to be coming by the house. This is the one that lives up north here in AZ, and is currently high on my 'People I am Not Happy With' list. Over the past year and a half he has called so much anguish for my Wife, in her trying to complete being Executor of her mother's estate. Constantly alluding to things such as she is stealing monies, overcharging fees to the estate for stuff that needs to be done, etc. One of the biggest things was a couple of her brothers had debt ledgers with their parents. The attorney said any outstanding debts had to be paid from their portions, and this brother owed the most. So for a few months, there was bickering and comments from him saying 'Oh, that was forgiven' or 'that's duplicate charge'. Anything he could say to lower the amount due (my opinion). Finally she and her four brothers reached figures everyone agreed to, and this same ass of a brother then starts spouting that my Wife had delayed this whole disbursement all this time. I want to just beat the shit out of him....

Anyways, the Wife mentioned he was going to be dropping by this evening, and supposedly dropping off the last signed document that deals with the acceptance of the disbursement, etc. Hopefully, she will make him take some of this crap from here that she has put back for him. Give us some more space. Either way, when she made the announcement, I casually looked at her and asked what time, and just got late afternoon/early evening. I said okay, I'll be out of the house and gone til after he leaves.

Sooooo.... that means since it is Thirsty Thursday, I will probably end up at the pub. Have a beer, read a book.... sounds better than seeing my BIL.

PeacE

So Glad I Am Not in the Middle!

 The Daughter and Doodad headed home this evening, and have made it safe. It truly was good to see them both, and they have plans to be back up soon, in a few short weeks. I got some Papaw and Doodad time in, so I feel good. Since last time I have seen her (Labor Day) it seems she has grown some more, and her vocabulary has improved to the point I can understand most of what she says now. Soon it will be time for her and I to go out and get into trouble.... and have ice cream.

This morning, as I do most every morning, I read RM's blog. She mentioned some family drama that went on this weekend. Mostly it was my Brother and his current wife. And the drama drew in a cousin that is staying at my brother's for now. Also my niece as she lives there as well. I sat here and thought for a bit, then texted Sis to get the details. Oh boy, were there some details! I sat here and laughed at most of what she told me that happened. Not so much at the humor of the situation, but at the fact that everyone knows to not include me when this drama happens. My Brother knows I would not be happy if he dragged me into it, and I'm pretty sure RM and Sis know it too. And none of them have, even if I called for details.

RM wrote in her blog about 'calling oneself a Christian', and how others accuse you how can you call yourself that if you blame a person, who in most appearances, is at fault. And both parties claim to be Christian, and the other cannot be..... All I know is I haven't proclaimed to be of any religious belief, and I certainly feel free to point at who I think is at fault. I also take what I feel is any necessary steps to remove that influence from me and mine.... no questions asked, and as quick as lightning, with no chance for any possible explanation. My judgement - my punishment - I'll live my life.

I got to rambling about that more than I meant.... RM reads here and I know she knows how I am. I'm not looking to change any time soon.

PeacE

Little Surprises

 My Doodad and her mom (the Daughter) came into town yesterday. I think the reasoning was to help the Wife go through stuff and decided what to keep or not. There is still so much here in the house that was the MIL's that needs to be gone through. So much stuff that is just not needed. We try to send off to Goodwill or Savers the things that can be used, but unfortunately, I think most of it is just stuff that needs to be thrown away. We have a couple sheds in the back yard, one of which is pretty full of stuff the Wife has set aside for her brother that lives her in state. Only, no idea if he will ever come and get it. Most of it is old missionary stuff from the FIL, that the brother may want since he is in the same field. Either way, they are up for a day, maybe two. We went out and had a nice dinner last night.

Had plans to meet up and hang out with a friend I don't see much of, this morning. He doesn't have any qualms about the NFL, unlike me, so we try to meet so he can watch his game. That is code for "at the pub". I got a text just a bit from him he won't make it today though. I guess he hurt his ankle doing yardwork yesterday.

Hoping to hear something in the next day or two regarding work. Wife is still taking her time. I know she needs it to get things "right" in her head - and I mean that in the truly correct fashion. It is very upsetting when one is let go, or force resigned, from a job. Those feelings of inadequacy and hurt can be quick upsetting. She seems in better spirits though, which I count as a blessing.

PeacE

A Week's End

 I have been quiet this week. Partly because nothing really happened, and I didn't really have much to say. Not much has happened in my life. there was the first presidential debate that I did not watch. I did not listen to any newscast/podcast/radio chat talk/tv talk show regarding anything to do about the debate. I don't even care what their points were. I have only heard a couple of friends mention how it has to have been the worst debate they have ever watched, and they were embarrassed by it.

Earlier this week, the Wife and I had talked about our financial/employment situation. things will be okay. Between her mother's inheritance, and the proceeds from the sale of our old house (hopefully in the next month) we will be fine until she is able to find another job. Since my ID situation was taken care of last week, I am just waiting my company to contact me for the next project. So that is a bit of relief off of our minds.

The school district has finally gotten to where the youngest son will be returning to school on a 'hybrid' program. Basically, half the population goes there one day, then the next day the other half goes - for two days of the week, then the last day is everyone at home online. So something to that effect. Son is not happy about it, but we don't care. It will make him more responsible than falling back to sleep in his bed.

Guess that is about all I got to say at this time.

PeacE