A Return to Monday

 Here we are at the "start" of the work week again, and I have no work. Turns out that for whatever reason, I was not selected for this new project. Personally, I believe it is because they have so many people not on projects, that everyone is vying for a spot when they have one available. I have reached out to a couple other companies that do the same type of work, but have not heard back from any. Most the other companies seem to want only people with a college degree (which I don't have) even though I have work experience doing the job. Sometimes, I just don't get it.

The weekend came and went. The friend I was to meet up with couldn't make it. I guess he was having a bad back day. Through text he shared he would be doing a series of shots to help alleviate the pain, though I think his better option is to do some Physical Therapy, similar to what I went through for my work comp injury. But he is 15 years older than I, and quite a bit heavier, so maybe that is not a valid option for him. I did go out and met up with a couple others that were going to be there, and had a good visit with them as well. Sunday I just hung around the house.

Nothing major on the agenda this week. Going to be a slow one I feel.

PeacE

A Happy Thirsty Thursday

 A friend I have known for about 25 ears called me up yesterday. We had shared a few texts over the past couple months of things going on in his life. He had been having some health issues since about August (I think) and we were not able to hang out like we were able to as before. Then in late December he retired, and went to Idaho for a couple weeks - to visit one his of his step-kids and family. Last we texted he had issues about a bulging disc in his back and was waiting to get into a specialist to see what could be done. Either way, he wants to meet up this Saturday and spend a couple hours together.

The Company contacted me yesterday about a new project starting Friday (tomorrow). So of course I replied I am available and ready to start. This one is slated to last 2-3 weeks, and hopefully will lead right into another project. I have been too idle this last month. Just waiting to hear confirmation I will be on the project as of this point.

I'm pretty much recovered from Vegas. Leg muscles are back to feeling normal (not saying much) and all that were traveling have made it home safely. Such a good time being with friends again, and even enjoying their first look/taste of Vegas was fun. I have no desire to return to Sin City for at least another 20 years. Gambling isn't my thing, and most shows are outrageously expensive (the good ones). I can without the crowds and traffic as well. I mentioned to the Wife on our ride back home on Sunday that if we were to ever go again, we are staying at the South Point hotel. It is more isolated from the Strip, and better restaurant choices (within the casino). Rooms are cheaper and better quality as well. But, we will address that in 20 years....lol.

It's barely 7am, and I have pretty much finished up my regular social media look-ats, my emails, my updated books searches. Thanks to the dog waking me up early. Mainly just waiting around for my work confirmation, then I think meeting up with some other buddies for a couple beers later today.

PeacE

In Recovery Mode

 What a trip! Got into Vegas around 1am Saturday, got checked in and crashed for about 4 hours before getting up for the day. We met up with our friends and walked to a Denny's (about 1/4 mile from the hotel) to start the day. From there it was decided we would walk the Strip a bit. Of course, mostly it depended on me, since I have the issues with my knee, hips and back, plus walking with the cane. We strolled along, stopping at some shops, stopping so they could get pictures of the buildings, etc (it was their first time to Vegas). We finally ended up at the Venetian, and their step-counter thingies said we had walked almost 4 miles. Holy moly! *I* did that much? I knew I was in trouble. The Wife and I took a Lyft back to the hotel. Wife was having a migraine starting, and I knew there was no way I could walk that distance back. Our friends ended up walking back, stopping at other shops. 

The Wife took a nap, and I went down to waste money. I sat at the bar, had some drinks, played some video poker. My buddy met and we sat and talked, drank and played for a couple hours. Then we met up with the rest of the group they were with, and headed to downtown Vegas for the Fremont St Experience. I had never been, so did not really know what to expect. It was cool with the overhead light show. But by then mu leg muscles were starting to "stiffen up" and ache. We did a Tony Roma's $11.99 Lobster and Steak dinner (the whole group) and then I pretty much said I needed to call it a night. I think it was around 11pm Vegas time (12am mine). The Wife and Lyft'ed back to the hotel, with plans to call our friends to say bye in the morning. Another night of like 4 hours sleep, and we were up, packed and ready to go. Met up, exchanged goodbyes, and we were on the road.

Sunday morning I was doing the baby-step walking because I was so sore. Even today I still taking shorter steps, but feeling a bit better than yesterday. Probably be a couple more days before it feels normal again. I've some muscle rub for the worst of it.

Not much else going on at present. Still waiting to hear from work. No plans for anything exciting as of now. Might go to the VFW later.

PeacE

It's Vegas, Baby!

 The pas seven hours have been nothing but a waste of time for me. Sleep has failed to show up for me once again. Now, at the early 4am hour, I decided I was tired of tossing and turning, so just got up. No idea why sleep is eluding me. Too much of something on the pizza we had for dinner? Too much sugar/caffeine in the Pepsi I had with the pizza? It's not happened before, so why would last night be any different? I don't know. I just know I will be making time out this afternoon for a a three-hour nap as I will be ....

... driving to the bright lights of Las Vegas tonight! Whenever the Wife gets home from work, and throws her things together (because she didn't like I asked her to do last night) we will be on the road. It's about a 4 hour drive, so my guess is we won't reach the hotel until midnight or so - depending on traffic, and how many times we have to stop for me to go pee. So looking forward to spending time Saturday with my Best Friend and his Wife. It has been a handful of years since we have been able to get together.

Then we will have to get on the road by 8am Sunday to get back home in time for a wedding the Wife and Kids are attending. So overall, will feel like a busy weekend. I have a feeling I will be spending Sunday afternoon catching some much needed sleep from the weird schedule I will be having because of last night.

So that is plans. Beats just sitting here waiting for the Company to let me know there is a project. It's been a month now.

PeacE

Untitled Post

 I could not think of a snarky, or informative, post title today. I think it may be because my brain is still in wake-up mode. It was well after 2am before I fell asleep last night, an even then my rest had interruptions until I decided at 9:30it was time to get up. Some very weird dreams were going on as well. The kind you wake up from, then when you drift off again, it drops you into the same dream, and the story goes further. I thought about writing down what I could remember, to save for maybe writing content of  short story, or something. But as of yet, I have not.

It is MLK day, and frankly I don't care. It was never a state holiday in Arizona until they wanted a Superbowl out here. Then they were told they had to have one. Of course, that was back when the SB was played in January. So some people are off today. The Wife isn't. In fact she was taking her vehicle in today for routine maintenance at the dealership. Hers got the maintenance package - mine didn't. RM is helping out by picking up and taking her from dealership to work, and return trip.

Well, getting tired of sitting here staring at the screen. Guess I should go figure out what I am going to do today.

PeacE

Another Week Gone

 Welcome to Friday, that day of the week that many consider the last work day. Normally I would as well, but I am not working still. I spent the week playing Warcraft, binging shows, and trolling social media. I did find the book I was looking for, and expect the phone call in the next few days that it has arrived. It is an ex-library edition, but a hardback. Beggars can't be choosers, sot hey say.

That summed up the week so well I have nothing left.

PeacE

Idle Hands, Making Plans, and Other stuff that doesn't Rhyme

This morning is another early one, thanks to the bladder. I tried to lay there in bed, bypassing any thought of actually getting up to go use the bathroom, but after what seemed like some very, very short moments, I was heading to the hall. As I "dragged my feet" I knew I was not going to be able to lay back down and get any more sleep. So began the computer perusing for the morning.

As I scrolled through FB, noting there was nothing to read from anyone that was "worthwhile", plans were being made in my mind. The Youngest has a bday coming up near the end of February, and like with all teens, is hard to find an actual present for the occasion. Most teens just want cash, or similar. I remembered the Wife had mentioned a couple months or so prior to Christmas there was a book he had read, not knowing it was second in a trilogy, but had enjoyed it, and requested the whole series. So I decided that was what Dad was going to find for the bday.

What Dad didn't realize, is how difficult that may be to accomplish. I was able to locate books two and three easily enough on Amazon. Book one, however, is eluding me. I wanted to get hardbacks, so the books would hopefully last longer, and was able to order the two that way. I also noticed, that new, paperback versions, were as expensive as the hardbacks, nearing and going over the $30 mark. I guess in this new age of ebooks, print publishing has definitely gone expensive. I searched the websites of the large, well-known book retailers. I checked some thrift book sites. I did a Google search for book sites that may have this elusive first book of the series.

I cannot find a copy. I gave up on hardback only, but cannot find ANY published copy. Now, I am sure the local library has a copy. The big book sites did have a Kindle, or Nook, version available for sale, and I have found it on many other ebook sites I am on. But that is not what I want. 

So this morning as my mind wanders as I peruse the interwebs, I decided I should take a chance and head up to Bookmans, a used book store, and see if they have a copy. If no lock there, I know of, but never been there, a used book thrift shop a short distance from home. Maybe if the "Luck of Ye with the Early Bladder Needs' holds up, I will find a copy at one of these places.

Then, since I am going to be out and about in that area, I should probably go over to another VFW that is there, and check it out. It is closer to home distance-wise than the one I am posted at. Maybe see how it is a few times, then switch posts. I'm not too fond of the one I am at now, for reasons I don't want to get into. I wouldn't be able to get my brother to switch, though, as our current one is much closer to his place.

Well, I guess you know my day plans now. Which it included more work, but not as of yet. Guess I am off to go through the blogs.

PeacE

Another Saturday

 The first full week of this new year has gone by and I am totally unimpressed with how the start of the year has been. No work project has started (or that I've been called for). The facility The Wife works at has had several new cases of Covid, in patients and workers. This has resulted with testing twice a week for Covid positives. The Wife shouldn't have an issue, as she has had it previously, and also has had the two-shot vaccine. She plans on getting the booster, but is waiting for it to be offered on a Friday, as she is sure she will not feel well the next day, and would prefer to not miss work. Youngest has started back to school. I have read 6 books so far.

No big plans today. Later this afternoon there is an event for Friends & Family at a bar I am a regular at. My friend had bought the place and took over ownership December 1st, and is having this today to sort of celebrate the occasion. I plan on going, and the Wife has not made up her mind yet. She has over the past year been slowly getting out to get togethers with my friends and has met their wives/SOs, so is getting to socialize a little more. She may not stay as late as I would like, so I told her to drive, and I would get a ride or a Lyft home.

Over the last three months, I have lost probably about 10 pounds, and taken in the belt at least a notch. That means I have lost an inch off the waistline I guess. I have not been dieting, and really haven't changed the foods I eat. Just doing smaller portions. Sometimes I will pass up a regular dish and do a salad, if it is somewhere that has a regular salad, not with all that fruit and crap in it. I drink more water, and have cut down on the beer/whiskey intake to a degree as well. It's a slow way to lose large amounts of weight, but some is better than none. I hate "exercise" especially when I know it is such. I try to go 'shopping' with the Wife, where I will be walking more than regular, though, I get exhausted with her shopping methods. This weekend or next we need to get the Youngest out to find him some nicer pants/shirt for an upcoming wedding. I might end up doing that tomorrow afternoon.

I've started having problems sleeping again. I will feel tired and retire at a decent hour, only to be awake around midnight. I waste time trying to watch Netflix or something for a couple hours, then get back to bed. Again last night, and the Wife didn't turn off her alarm, so it went off at 7am, so I was up again. I think most of it is caused by not working. I am not mentally exhausted and able to shut down at night. I don't know, but it sure sounds good to me.

Welp, I have rambled enough about my non-important life that you aren't interested in.

PeacE

I'm Bored

 I am bored today. I have been trying to distract myself with anything to keep me from going out to have a few beers, but ain't much working. I know there are plenty of things I should do: small loads of laundry, dishes, etc. But I just don't feel like doing that today. If I pick up the tablet and start reading, it will be nap time, and I don't need to be sleeping most of the day, then trying to sleep through the night.

I got two emails from the Company yesterday. Well, one from them, the other from a survey company. The reply from the office was "as soon as we have a project for you, we will place you" to the email I had sent. The survey I went ahead and completed, and was very ... descriptive ... about how I felt about the 'continuous project placement' they claim to have, and many other key points. I'm curious what changes the Company will make once all the surveys are compiled and results are in (near the end of January). Hoping they will continue to allow remote work, and not be required to go into an office. The location here is still about 15 miles or so from home, and the traffic... sigh. I do not miss having to go to an office.

Youngest started back to school today. I'm sure he is "excited".

Welp, sitting here staring at the screen ain't doing nothing for me....

PeacE

Welcome to Day Three

 It is officially January 3rd, of this year. The good ol' 2022, where everything is supposed to better than the last year. Well, I ain't seen anything improving yet, and that includes work.

So, just minutes ago, I sent off an email to the 'recruiter', who is the one I always hear about projects from (at least the past six months or so - it was a new thing). Last I heard from him was last week, telling me 'We will get you into a new project as soon as we have one' speech. But I am a bit tired of that.

Tonight I wrote him an email, stating, long before he was "assigned as a recruiter to me", that I had been with this company, and the jobs were not scarce. They were so busy, that with my skill set, I selected to be on a team to do a next-level job type, on a regular basis, and as needed move up to the next tier, Quality Control. I was trained by those the Company trusted, and I never have heard of any bad performance on my part. I listed names of the Team Leads, the Attorneys, and other Head people on these projects. I openly admitted, since the last contact he and I had had, that the system was going to "kick me out" again as being non-active for more than three weeks, and I would have to go through the whole process of being a new hire (re-hire) which entails the watching of many videos, confirmations of tax deductions, yadda yadda yadda.

I am not happy about that. Why should I have to go through this like a new hire every time, when I have been trained to do more? I guess I am going to find out. If they decide to say, do to my email, that I am just not what they want in an employee... Fuck yeah I'm going somewhere else. They trained me to be more. Why are they not using me? Fucking idiots.

So yeah, I'm angry right now. I re-read the email like seven times before I hit send. I wanted to be sure I wasn't overly pissed off at them (though I am). I wanted to be sure that I stated the facts, especially that they spent the time training me to do more for their company, then all of a sudden I was kicked to the curb for over 9 weeks, and had to do the new hire (re-hire) process not only once, but twice. Also that since each time, I am in meetings where they train people how to do the stuff I was trained on when I first started with them.

Sigh. Pissed off? Ya think?

Sent that email about fifteen minutes ago. He is in New York. He'll hopefully see it in like four hours. Best part, I cc'ed four other Project/Team Leads I have worked with, that put me in, or helped with, my advanced training.

Curious to see the "Company" reply. I may have to look for new work soon.

PeacE

Cranking It Up

 Oy! I am moving a bit slow this morning, and yes, it involved alcohol. I might have imbibed one too many last night. But it was still a  fun evening at a friend's house. Oldest Son went with, and we met some other people that seem pretty alright. Wife even said she had a good time. Of course then midnight came, the fireworks came out, and shortly afterward, we took our leave.

So. It is the first of January. The day of resolutions (which I am not going to go into again). Just past noon and the Wife is still in bed. I know she had a long workday yesterday, and then staying up til the wee hours probably drained her good. I'm sure Youngest is still asleep. He's always sleeping when not in school.

I have nothing going on today. No plans. Kinda boring way to start the new year.

PeacE