Another Friday

 This has been such an uneventful week. I guess in some ways that has been a good thing. Wouldn't want cataclysmic events happening every other time I turn around.

Did the Doc appointment Monday. Everything went as I figured. Increased BP meds, added a second diabetic pill, ordered new labs. I finally got in and did the labs yesterday. They wanted a urine sample, too, which I thought was weird. I have never had to do that before for lab work. Sure, for job interviews, but this obviously was not job related. Shrug. I peed in their cup. Should here by the first of the week what the results are, and have a follow-up with the doc in early November. I'm sure the cholesterol pill will change in dosage at that time.

The Youngest has his first marching band competition this weekend out near Verrado - about 45 minutes plus away, way out on the west side of the valley. I haven't checked with the Wife if we are going or not. I know she likes to get to every competition she can - though I don't always go.

I had a chance earlier this week to have breakfast with the two older Sons. It was nice to take an hour or so and just sort of catch up with what is going on with them. I understand more and more why RM loves to do the same when I get a chance to ask her out. In fact, we are scheduled for next Saturday. I need to figure out what time and where we should go.

Having gone to Tucson last week, and attending the concert, I went to take the car through the car wash a few days ago, and found the Daughter's shawl/sweater in the backseat. I texted her asking if she was missing it, and told her I was holding it hostage until she brought Doodad up to visit. She of course responded she now had an excuse to go shoppping for another one.... but then later added that they might be up in October when Doodad is on break from school.

See how wonderfully drab this week has been? Maybe I can do better next week.

PeacE

Fresh Starts

 I have a feeling that today is going to bring about some fresh starts. I have a Doctor's appointment, and I am guessing a few will be stemming from that visit. Weird though, how my best glucose level, and probably BP reading was this morning, than I have had in three months... go figure.

I chopped it off. Well, more like buzzed it down with hair clippers. I have kept my hair short (near the scalp) for several years. Most of the reasoning was because I worked in a non-air-conditioned facility a good part of the day. Well, I left that job almost exactly 2 1/2 years ago, but still kept my hair short. The Wife has been nagging/asking/begging me to grow it back out to how I styled in my younger years. I tried. I gave it a go. So for the last two months, I've let it grown to about 1-2 inches. It was at that stage where it just sticks up all over, and no amount of gel is going to get it to lay down. It's still warm here in the Valley, and wearing a hat all the time is just not comfortable (or appropriate attire sometimes). I waited till she left, then buzzed it back down again this morning. Feels so much better!

I see I made it over my reading goal for the year, and yet there are three months left. I wonder how many I will end up with by 12/31....

Went to Tucson for the concert yesterday. Due to a mix-up, we were about 40 minutess late to the concert. I ain't pointing fingers, but someone didn't read the full name of the place, and we ended up at the wrong location. We did make it before the first set-break, and was able to enjoy the second half of the show. Made it back home around 10:30 I think it was. I was beat by then, after not sleeping well the night before. I was a bit surprised when the Wife's alarm went off this morning, that I had no recollections of waking during the night. Maybe that was why my readings were good this morning?

Welp, nothing much to do this morning. Appointment isn't until around 3pm, so got time to kill.

PeacE

A Little Bit of Quiet

 It's nice and quiet at 3:30 in the morning. Well, at least this morning it is. I have been sitting here at teh computer for the past three hours since I awoke and could not go back to sleep. I have caught up on my boook reviews I needed to complete. I've done a few searches for some possible ARCs to read/review. I've caught up on my emails (for now). Social media has been reviewed - atleast as much as I wanted to scroll through. The only options I kind ofhave left are play Warcraft, or watch some TV show/movie. Not sure which I will; chose once I post this....

Saturday was a good day. The practice Youngest had for band was cancelled, so we didn't have to rush anywhere and be somewhere at a certain time. The Wife and I ended going out shopping/running errands. I got quite a bit of walking in today - especially for me, and my legs were quite sore come evening. The walking is probably why I was in bed by 9pm as well, leading to the early hour wake-up.

Monday is my next doctor appointment, and I am a little (nervous? leery? apprehensive?) about going. Granted I just started going to the doctor again just around 6 months ago, and you know it may take a few trips to get medication dosages just right ... but I was just getting used to the new doc I was seeing. I liked him. Now he is gone and they assigned me to a new doctor - a female, but I told them it was no matter to me. I am sure the will be yet another dosage adjustment, and I am sure she will want new lab work done (test the cholesterol levels - see if that med is working). I am hoping she can switch me from Lis to Los on my BP meds, as the Lis has been giving me rashes. Then I hope she will just let me go for at least a year. With it being a new doc, I am sure I will get the regular speech about my drinking habits, my weight, my smoking, and who knows what else she will find to chastise me. Sigh. It is what it is. Shaming me doesn't encourage any change.

Later today we will be headed to Tucson for a concert. It is a group called Lo Bros, and this will be their final concert as a group together. We saw one of the shows last year, and it was nice. We bought four tickets and invited the SIL and Daughter to go. Part is early for her birthday this week. Then we will drive back home as I have the appointment, the Wife has work, and Youngest has school. Hoping to get a nap sometime this morning prior to driving this afternoon.

The back is not quite back to 100%, and it was bothering a bit more than usual after all the walking, which does not surprise me. I should be able to get through the shifts of sitting for 2-3 hours throughout the day with little discomfort.

I guess that leaves me without much else to say.

PeacE

I 'Quit' Work ...

 Tuesday morning was a tough one. I woke and realized that there was a problem. It hurt to sit up. It hurt to walk to the bathrrom. My lower back was definitely using my nerves to express displeasure for something... I can only figure I "slept int he wrong position" or similar, as to why it hurt so much. But I needed to get to work, so I took a couple ibuprofen (with the regular plethora of prescription pills) and sat down to the computer. For about five minutes. I didn't (couldn't) sit there long enough to log into the work system. I opted for email to the Project leaders, and explained I needed that day off due to medical issues, and that I should return the next day. I spent the rest of Tuesday, trying to relax on the bed, doing exercises from my PT after teh work comp injury years ago, and attempting to sit for longer perioods of time in the chair.

Wednesday I woke feeling better, but still not able to sit long enough to complete an 8-hour work day, even if I took several 30-minute breaks. Getting the discs in my back aligned correctly will take a few days. So again I emailed the Project Leaders, and removed myself from the current project. I also let them know I would contact HR when I was going to be available agin for other projects. Do I feel bad? Not really. I started this project being told it was only a week ling, and here we are a month and half later... add to that, this final stage was ending Friday or Monday, with Monday I needed off anyways.

Now it is Thursday, and yes, the back feels better. I'm still doing the exercises several times a day. No ibuprofen, and able to sit for more than hour now...so everything is slowly getting to where it needs to be. By Sunday, I hope it back to normal considering we are driving to Tucson, attending a concert, and driving back (about 8 hours probably in total of sitting).

The Daughter, our oldest child, will be celebrating her birthday next week. Hard to believe she is turning 31, especially considering the Youngest Son is only 16 and lives at home still. In some ways that makes me feel old, but I know that is only a mind-set. It's the body's aches and pains that make me feel old....lol!

PeacE

A Friday Post

 I'm tired this morning. Not for any one specific reason. I'm just feeling tired. Not sleepy. Tired. I don't know if it is just age, mental status, or what, but I'm just 'here' this morning.

Work is still going. Have been informed we are moving into another phase for this project, which by my estimation, means we will be working into the middle of next week. Not sure if it will be longer than that or not. Either way, it is still more work, and that is good. Especially considering this was supposed to be a week long project for me in the beginning. Now it's turned into a month, just because they are finally able to see that I know how to do more than they let me before. Did that make sense? I'm not even going to try to re-read it to see if it did.

We had pizza last night that I picked up on my way home from the pub. I was a bit irritated at them though. I ordered through the app, and they have where you enter the code and the door opens, you get your pizza. Well, they had put my order on the two lowest drawers/doors. So imagine my hefty, overweight self, trying to balance a cane, bend over to collect two pizzas. Needless to say, I made it about halfway upright before dropping one, face down of course. A nice guy stopped and picked it up for me, I told him to don't bother opening it to check on the pizza, I was so embarrassed already, and practically ran out the door. The pizza survived mildly, having only some of the toppings misplaced fromt heir original settings. I know they had no knowledge of who placed the order and all that, but c'mon! Every drawer above it was empty - why use the bottom ones if not necessary?

Welp, I should get on with what needs to get done.

PeacE

Another Late Night

 Going on about 1:45am here, and I find myself fairly wide awake once again. I have tried sleeping and gotten back up (so I would not keep the Wife awake). I have been messing around on the computer for the past hour or so, trying to tire myself out with anything that will make me tired. So far, nothing has really worked, though my eyes 'feel tired' my mind is wide awake. I even took some over the counter melotonin, as it is supposed to help make you feel a little more sleepy. Thos pills haven't worked any of the other times I have tried them either. Maybe I just need something stronger, but then I'd argue I don't want to be be so 'knocked out' I can't easily awake at a cerftain early hour if I need to, for work or whatever. Pros and cons, I guess.

That being griped about now, it is Thursday, and that means ... well, not a whole lot. The Project has continued into the week, and my estimate is it may go up to half a day tomorrow, if it doesn't wrap up today. Still no word if they will transfer to a current project, or just tell us to watch our emails for th start of a new one. I almost want to say wait for a new one, but I never know how long I may have to wait. Wouldn't mind a couple extra days off to clear my head from this project.

RM had sent home some stuff with my Wife the other day. It was some sugar-free cookies she had picked up - a few packages with 3-4 cookies of different flavors. aLso a book she had picked up when she and PT were on vacation up north last month. Seems the BnB they rented was this author's house she rented out, and the author had left a few signed copies there to purchase if interested. On the honor system I am sure. Well, RM loves to read, just doesn't seem to have the time for as much as she wants to read...anyways, she picked it up and read it while there and bought all the copies (I think she said it was like 4-5 copies) so she could give out to certain people. I am one of them.

So the cookies, made from a 'mom and pop' bakery called Shut My Mouth Bakery, I was a little leery of trying. I have in the past, and somewhat a little more recently, been trying some of the so-called sugar-free foods/drinks. The drinks are mostly water mixes, and aren't bad. The foods on the other hand ... seems many of those I have tried, leave a weird after-taste. Like a saccharine taste I remember from the old Tab sodas (remember those?). Well, I opened the White chocolate macadamian nut package (I love those from Subway) and they had that weird after taste. I gave the Snickerdoodles to the Youngest this afternoon (I don't care for that flavor) and he said they tasted fine to him. So maybe it is just the way they use ingredients, or something. I'll know in a few days after I open one of the other packs and try them.

Now this book, I got some really mixed up feelings on. I know RM reads here, so RM, know there are no hard/bad feelings about what I am going to say. I don't really like RM's selections of books for me. She knows I like different types of fiction ... fantasy or sci-fi more than others mostly. The only thing is I had asked her years ago to not buy me boooks anymore (for birthday or Christmas, etc). The reason being, was they were from the Christian book store, and always had a religious theme the author wanted to get across in some kind of made-up story. It was tiresome to read each book, even from different authors, that told the same basic story. Sometimes I swear it was like theonly thing changed were the character names, everything else was the same. Now I ain't blaming RM, she was making choices that she knew it was a better book to read than many on the market today, I am sure. And she always wants the best for her kids, especially about religion. Anyways, so this book is a maybe a bit different. According to the synopsis, it's about these two EMTs have some contact with a teen that survived a near-death incident and describes it to them. Then it goes into the whole 'spiuritual awakening' and 'why does God allow this type questions. Bonus .. the book is signed by the author, and you know how I like to collect books signed by the author. And because it is a real book, I'll have to figure out a time to sit and read it carefully to not crack the binding, get it dirty, etc - as it is a soft-bound book.

Welp, I managed to waste another twenty minutes or so with this post. Guess I will try to go lay back down and see if anything happens. MAy be back shortly. Who knows?

PeacE

A Saturday Well Spent

 It was nice to get out of town yesterday. To leave the confines of the house (aka workspace) and travel to a different region (slightly) of Arizona that adds a change of weather (very slightly) was somewhat ... refreshing. Of course, it is always good to see family as well. We left around 8-8:30 in the morning, and made good time to be there around 10:30. Of course, Doodad was being a stinker, and openly said she wanted to have nothing to do with me, but yet loved on her uncles and Mamaw. I'm not hurt. I think she loves me best and just is not comfortable showing it in front of everyone. I spent a part of the day watching a couple movies, then continued on to reading more of the current book. Interrupted for pizza for lunch, and few times of trying to get some attention from Doodad, to no avail. Uncle Youngests kept her attention though wearied of 'playing' constantly. Middle Son and SIL disappeared into their office to play some video game they are trying out. Cookies were made, which Youngest brought some home. I resisted the urge and did not have any - have to watch the sugar ya know. Finally as rounds of hugs were going round, I got some love from Doodad, and my day was complete. The ride home was uneventful, though there were some road closures due to the later hour. Nothing I did not expect, and knew enough of the East Valley freeways I could easily skirt it all.

Today finds me up early. I was awakened around 5:30 this morning with my elbow rubbing against sandpaper. Or rather more direct, a cat was licking my elbow. Said cap got a prompt scooting off the bed, and I discovered I was probably not going to make a return to sleep. I was hhpoing to make it to 8:30, but, you know, the best laid plans .... So I am up, did my sugar and BP counts (both about normal for me at the dosages I am at). A little later this morning I will be going up to the car wash to get all the bug smears off the windshield and a good wash, then headed to the pub. Today starts NFL on Sundays, and myself with a couple friends decided we would meet for the early game then go our ways each Sunday. Two of us have teams that have the early game throughout most of the season, so that will be nice.

Back to work on Monday, though not sure how much longer this project will be. I'm guessing Wednesday ... maybe Thursday at this point. Afterwards, they will probably move us to another project, or report us back to recruiting to be open for the next one. Honestly, I feel like I could use a few days off, but won't ask for them if on a project. Then again maybe I will. I have plenty of time off pay accrued...

We will be returning to Tucson later this month. The Wife bought tickets for a band called The LoBros, which we had seen about a year ago. The 25th is their last concert before disbanding and moving on to other things. Pretty talented brass players that put on a good show. Wife had got some tickets and I think the SIL, Daughter and us are going. IT's a Sunday (ugh) and I am sure I will be driving back fairly late in the day. That's sort of when I hope I don't have a project for Monday...

Welp, it's barely after 6am, so I should go get my regular stuff done. Enjoy your day!

PeacE

Going on a Holiday

 No, not really. We are getting out of town today though and headed south to visit the Daughter and family. I get to see my Doodad, so maybe it is a bit of a holiday. The Youngest and Middle Sons are traveling with also, so it may be a good trip.

Work continues. We were informed Thursday that that day would wrap up the QC work that we had been working on. Yet, they were going to move us on to yet another aspect of the project, what they call Complex Document Review. Basically, it is reviewing the documents that were overly large for a entry-level to review. Pay grade is still above the norm, so of course I volunteered to stay on. BEsides, I already have experience in that sector of work. So that continues into next week, though, it may not last the whole week. We shall see...

Welp, I guess I should get off here and go get the car gassed up and ready to go.

PeacE

To Where Ever They Roam ....

 My thoughts are all over the place this morning. Not for any one exact reason, except that I am still trying to wake up. Made it to bed feeling tired around midnight, and had the alarm set for 6:15. Want to get started fairly early today with work, as I need to be sure to get the Youngest to band by 4:30'ish. Seems they have a football game tonight they are playing at (on a Thursday?) which I don't understand. Then this morning he says he will just stay after school, as by taking the bus hiome, we would have to turn around and have him back to the school within the hour. So that frees up my afternoon, so wonder what I will do with the extra time.

Work is still going. I have no idea how close we may be nearing the end though. While I would love to be doing this level of QC for a longer period, everything must come to an end at some point. Appears we will be working through tomorrow, and after that will be decided over the weekend, I guess. Then it may be waiting time again for thenext project, unless they realize I now have the experience to do QC and move me into another directly. Be nice to stay at the higher pay grade.

It may be time for a new phone. Saturday, I noticed my cell phone seemed to not be able to hold it's battery charge as long as it normally had been. I even charged it up late in the afternoon, and within hours it was dead. I have a cheaper Moto-X from about three years ago. ASide from it was cheaper at the time, I like nothing about it. Similar in use as the typical android, it just had some quirks that were irritating. I will be looking at the newer Samsung phones versus any Apple product. For some reason, I just don't like Apple phones. Plus, being an android system, everything will change over to the new phone easier. I need to be sure it has been backing up my phone list on my current phone, and saving the pics from texts, etc. Hope I can figure that out...

Debating about taking a day trip to Tucson to visit. It has been awhile since we were last down, and even longer since they came up. I know how busy young families can be become, as the Daughter has shared their family schedule each month with us. Doodad is in Kindergarten this year, so that adds to the mix more as well. The SIL has done qquite a bit of work-related travel (including Canada) this summer as well. The Wife was asking last night if I had made up my mind, I said I would figure it out today.

Welp, I guess that pretty much sums up my exciting life right now.

PeacE

Happy Birthday to Me

 Another trip around Sol. Another notch to add to the aging tree (if there were such a thing. Happy Birthday to me.

I celebrated, yet again, yesterday with my friend from Florida. It was good to have a couple hours to catch up in person. It is back to work today, and I started early today due to one of the cats woke me at around 4:30 this morning. At least I will be done early, and have the afternoon to do something for the birthday, like read some more of the book I am on... or something.

Either way, thigns to do, things to celebrate before I am too old.

PeacE

What a Weekend ...

 Labor Day is here again, and you know what that means ... the start of my birthday month (as I say). So Saturday I had planned up to meet at one of my local pubs at noon, and invited many of my friends to come join me in having one, or two, or seven. No presents, no cards - buying me a drink was acceptable. Turned out to be a relly good day, as a friend of mine that lives in Florida flew in that morning, just for my birthday. She is leaving on Tuesday, and we are going to try to find some time Monday to get together for a bit. Not sure what her plans are, nor mine.

Saturday morning got an email from the Company that they are continuing with us on the project into this week. Monday was confirmed no hours, but opened it to 10 hrs/day to make up for being off Monday. Yeah, no holiday pay. I may or may not work the 10 hours shifts - it's not required.

Not having much luck falling asleep tonight, so got some things done on the interwebz as I need to. I think I got four or five reviews done so am caught up on the books. I do not have any more advanced copies at the moment, so will get back to my regular reads I am working on. My goal for the year is almost met (200).

Welp, on to something else to see if I can get sleepy...

PeacE

*YAWN*

  I'm a bit tired this morning. I finally made it to bed, probably shortly after midnight lastnight, and found myself awake at just before 5am this morning. Figured I might as well get up and start working. Bonus would be I will be off early this afternoon and have the possibility of a nap, if needed.

Work has been going well. Since they "moved me up" I have been enjoying the solitude of the workday, as in not being interrupted "a million times a day" with notifications/questions from the general MS TEams chat where most of the 'First Level' people are - many of whom I know are just starting to learn how to do this type of work. But ... still. At this level (and higher pay as well) it is much wuieter, as we have more experience and are actually going through most of the first level work to Quality Control it. A bit daunting at times, but much more enjoyable then the alternative - not having a project. No idea how much longer I will be on this one. Last week we knew it would be through this week - hoping for loonger but not sure, or how much.

Saturday it is time for the annual Ralph's Bday Get-Together I have started doing at one of the local pubs I frequently attend. Starts at noon, and goes til whenever you have to leave, the bar closes, or worst case, I leave and you don't want to stick around. Nothing special, just come out and chat and celebrate my bday. Of course, buy your own, and one for me if ya want. No presents are cards needed, just your presence. Last year was a good turn-out as about 15 or so friends stopped by over the course of a 6 hour period. Hoping for much of the same this year.

Speaking of the RBGT event, my brother contacted me, I don't know ... a week, maybe two ago, about the event. Said he wanted to make me a cheesecake for my birthday, and he was asking if I wanted cherry or some other flavor. First I told him don't even think about bringing a dessert to the bar, and secondly, I didn't want anything from him. Also, I KNOW I told him that I was diabetic, so he should be able to figure out that I really don't need some sugar-laden dessert. LAst night he was texting me he was making me a blueberry cheesecake tonight, and wanted to know when he could bring it to me. I told him again, "I told you I won't want it". ALl he says back is, well you know how well I listen. Yeah, that we do... cuz he don't. I hope he doesn't try to waste the time and materials to makeone, because I really don't need it. Worse case, I'll tell him to take it RM's - let her and PT have it, or share with their neighbors. Ha ha Mom!

Welp, I guess I should get to the work thing...

PeacE