Games, Games, Breakfast And Dinner

 Today and tomorrow are going to be somewhat busy for me. Well, at least much busier than my usual days. It is Friday, so the Youngest has their Homecoming game tonight. I am not going - I do not care to sit in the stands, and all the walking.... plus I am sure parking tonight will be terrible, meaning full lots. Though myself or the Wife will need to pick him up afterwards. Also, a game my brother got into playing on the tablet, has this big 'cross-server clash' battle against three other clans, and today is the last day to "power-up" my teams to be in the battle. I will be concentrating on getting as many items to boost my team today.

Tomorrow starts out with a breakfast at Ronnie's Cafe (our favorite breakfast place) where RM will be meeting up with me. I think she mentioned she has not been there before. I mentioned to the Wife about going there, and she may join us as well. Heck, I even mentioned it to the Youngest, and he may be interested in going. Most likely he will be too tired in the morning to go after the HOCO game the night before, but will see. I am sure I will just 'veg out' the middle of the day, and late afternoon, we will be heading out to Olive Garden for dinner with Youngest and his date, prior to dropping them off.

Sunday, I would normally head up to the pub to watch NFL, but I just am not feeling it this year. a good friend that has been meeting up with me the last several years, has decided to not go this year - no reason given to me, and all I hear are stories as to why. I texted him last night, asking him to call me today at his leisure, to find out what the hell is going on. I don't know if he will call. The stories of the reasoning I have heard, are in my opinion stupid reasons to not hang out with friends. But what do I know?

Well, I best get started in on my games....

PeacE

Homecoming Shenanigans

 At the end of the Youngest's sophomore year, the band director of the school announced that he was leaving. Now this obviously was not the first time the director has changed in the many years of my kids attending this high school, so this kind of change to a new director's type of management, etc, would not be unheard of. The new director started that fall, and not many changes were initiated over the 'tried and true' settings that had been followed by several directors before her. Yes, it is a female, and barely out of college. I don't have a problem with the sex of the director, but I do have a problem.

This year, Youngest's senior year, this director has just changed everything. Band used to be at Zero Hour (before school) but this year, she requires only half the band attend that hour, so the Youngest had to give up one of his electives to be forced to schedule a band hour during the day. He is a percussionist, and that hour has ALL percussion of all levels in one class - Jazz, Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginning band. So how are they to practice? Oh, let's add in the outrageous practices this director has scheduled... Used to be just a Tuesday night, 6-8pm, aside from the mornings. No, now it is Tuesday and Thursday each week. Plus this week, she has called Zero Hour for full band today and tomorrow (like two extra practices are going to make the show come together). There is a whole slew of things that this director has changed that just really irritate me, and even sometimes the Wife. I do like that she sends out a weekly email each Monday, highlighting details of information for the week, and upcoming things, but then she ruins it by color coding the events - with no key to know what color is mandatory, optional, or what. For example, the newletter states there is zero hour practice today for full band (highlighted in blue, so blue is mandatory), but under that is the Homecoming Bonfire at 6pm (highlighted orange - so not mandatory?) but the band typically plays at the bonfire.... Tomorrow, zero hour full band (in blue) HOCO parade and assembly (in orange - during the school day? IS the band not playing the fight song or something at the assembly?) with the Friday night HOCO game in blue (again mandatory).

It is frustrating. Now worse, as I am looking at the newsletter, I missed reading before, but now she is changing the practice schedule again - Mandatory Tues nights 6-8, mandatory zero hour Thursdays and Fridays, Optional Thursday night practice (small group/individual practice). WTH?! IT says "In order to support our students’ time management, stress levels, and mental health; we are changing our Full Ensemble marching band rehearsal schedule for the rest of the season".... I think she is making things worse, not just more for the student to lose sleep and stress over, but parents as well. Who has to get up early to drive them on zero hour days? Who has to waste the time for night practices to drive/pick-up? Just ... she really upsets me.

And now I am all worked up about this crap ... at 3:30 in the morning. Looks like I will be up and taking the Youngest to zero hour today, as I am sure sleep will not be coming whilst I am angry.

So the HOCO dance is Saturday, and I guess we are chauffeuring the Youngest and his date. I don't mind, as I am the one that offered, thinking it would give us a little more time to get to know the young lady. I only had just met her last week at that stupid mandatory school meeting. I guess he wants to do dinner before the dance, so they chose Olive Garden, which I am guessing we will be going with them, since we're driving, and that means I will be paying I am sure. No biggee - more time. Then her mother will drive them home afterwards (she's a teacher at the school and is chaperoning).

Welp, this post is longer than I meant for it to be - I guess I had quite a bit to gripe about. I still have more, but just don't want to think about it right now.

PeacE

What To Do Now?

 It is another early morning for me. I had the alarm set for 6am, but thanks to the Damn Cat (aka Crack Kitty, and the One I Want to Die) woke me but evidently shaking his water covered fur-face on the bed. Of course, it startled me awake thinking he had sprayed on me... The Wife verified it was only water though. But now I am wide awake. Is it bad I think I want to see him die? Maybe. But he is around 16-17 years old, and since Daisy, our dog, had passed this last year or so, he has lost a lot of weight, and has begun to just crap/pee wherever he feels like it in the house. Yeah, so he is old, but that doesn't give him the right to just empty the old body wherever he feels like it! Thankfully, we have tile floors throughout, so easier to clean up (which we shouldn't have to do) except when he does it in other places (laundry baskets, on the bed, etc). It is very frustrating at times. And the two younger cats? As long as they don't pick up these bad habits, they will be okay, and allowed to live.

So nothing new from the Company since last week. I may be sitting here twiddling my thumbs for a bit ....

Youngest has Homecoming this week. There is a 'movie showing' today after school that he wanted to stay for, and spend time with his girlfriend. Of course, he has practices on Tuesday and Thursday, then the game on Friday. Saturday ends the HC week with the dance that he is planning to attend as well. I believe it is his first dance ever.

The Eldest, and only Daughter, is celebrating her birthday this week. She is that ripe age of 20 years younger than myself. I like to tease her about it, but she is smart (like her Mother) and usually turns it back on me. I'll have to look and see if I can find something on Amazon she could use and have it sent hopefully in time for her birthday.

Thankfully the weather has seemed to finally cooled off. Enough that we are not having 100+ degree temps anymore. This last week has been nice to be outside, and remember what it looks/feels like.

I'm all caught up on my books for review list. I guess since I am up so early, I will start browsing the sites and requesting anything that sounds good. I did load up the tablet with about 20 books the other day. Most this time around are stand-alone novels, though I have been collecting some series that will be added in next time around. 

I suppose I should close this off. I do have some time to play games today, apparently, so at some point I will be on Warcraft, and the viking game I have been playing. It really sucks being bored....

PeacE

Things Calmed Down ....

 As I was typing away, furiously because of the amount of content I had to post here, my phone had made a noise, something like 'Woo Hoo, text message'. I ignored it of course, as getting all that important information of what was going on in my head had to come first, so you would have something to read. Afterwards, I had kind of forgot about it, until I checked my phone about an hour later. The message was a text, and it was from the Company...? Now I had never gotten a text message from the Company before, though I have had a couple phone call sessions with managers, in regards to some specific details about a project. The message basically read, that I had an email from them regarding a project available, and to please check my emails for it. 'Hmmmm, they must really want me on this project, if they are texting me', I thought to myself. So that settled my thinking about just skipping this project, and I went to my email to answer it. I don't know if it is a new protocol they are using, or what, but they have a few questions (about 7 if I remember correctly) that have to be answered in your reply. Most are regarding things like: Are you able to start on the start date, Commit to working at least 8 hours day, does your system meet this minimum standard, is your wifi/ethernet at least this speed... that kind of stuff. This one had a couple questions about had I worked for such-n-such client before (no) and some thing about (this place) where I guess the review would be about (no). There was one question about if I had worked CDR documents review before. OF course I had, so I replied yes, then clarified it with my level of expertise in the CDR work field. Within a half hour I had a reply that this particular project was a high level CDR review, and my skills were just not quite there yet, so they were returning me to the availability queue. So back to waiting again.

I did attend the MANDATORY school meeting last night (waste of two hours) with the Youngest. It was mostly about preparing for college, financial aid resources, etc. None of which apply to us, as the Youngest is saying he has no plans for college. I am trying to get him to see if there is some kind of technical training school he could attend, but no luck so far. There was also minimal information regarding graduation. I did learn it will be at the old Coyotes arena (Desert Diamond) around the last week of May. Also we got the information from where to purchase cap and gown stuff. Otherwise, it was walking around and sitting through brief discourses about things that were, quite frankly, boring. I did get to meet the young lady the Youngest is "seeing", and her mother, who happens to be a teacher at the high school. Also ran into a old friend who also had a son graduating this year. I may have shared about us meeting prior a few short months ago at a funeral for a mutual friend.

The Damn Cat woke me early this morning, by knocking over a laundry basket in the bedroom. It made enough noise to rouse me from sleep. Well, more like startle me awake. I knew I wasn't getting anymore sleep right away so went ahead and got up. I guess you can thank him for the early post today.

PeacE

Feeling Overwhelmed

 I went out yesterday for a bit. I admit, I probably had a couple too many. Talking with my friend, the attorney, and mentioned about how tonight is the MANDATORY Seniors meeting at the school for Youngest, and my friend got me riled up. Mainly because he states by law they cannot make it mandatory. I showed him the email, and he corrected me that it is the Senior would not walk with their class, if they didn't attend. I'm sure Youngest doesn't care. And he has to miss half of the band practice time to go to the meeting... Sigh. Frustrating.

So after getting home, got into an argument with the Wife over this MANDATORY meeting. Ended up being irritated and sitting at the computer until 5am, before finally going to bed. And I slept until 1pm. I only got up because I had to pee.

I received an email from the attorneys working on my accident case. I guess my deposition is set for later October. Every time stuff comes up on this, I get anxious feelings, and irritated one, that this has gone on for so long.

The Company sent me an email for a project starting tomorrow. I think I will just 'accidently lose' the email. The duration is only for a week, and honestly, I am just a mess of emotions today, that I just don't feel the desire to work for one week. If I sit idle another week, I sit idle.

Well, I know it is early afternoon, but I think I will jump int he shower, then get through the rest of the day.

PeacE

Starting Another Week

 Monday has rolled around again, and I sit here trying to determine what I will be doing this week. Sometimes I wish it was as simple as 'Work, of course', but that isn't happening as of yet. I did send off an email to the Company, explaining that I was on a project, that suddenly was gone from my access, and that I was unsure if they reported us back to Recruiting to be placed onto another project. In other wards, I let them know I was available. I got the auto-reply that they will update my status.

The Youngest has Senior Night at the school tomorrow evening. Parents are to attend with the student for three 20-minute sessions (about what, who knows - better yet, if the kids ain't going to college, why bother). They state in the multiple emails I have received, that it is MANDATORY for seniors to attend or they will not graduate. Attendance will be taken. Asinine if you ask me....

So I am awake just a little earlier than usual. Youngest missed his bus, and I offered to take him instead of the Wife (allows her a few extra minutes of bed-time). Of course, my ulterior motive was so I could stop and get breakfast - which I did. So I have something to eat this morning anyways.

No major plans other than this for the week. Of course, if the Company gets back to me, I could be working soon. Otherwise I feel it is Warcraft and YouTube for the week. And maybe a movie or two.

PeacE

Inked Up and I hate Waiting

 Tuesday I got inked up. I think it looks pretty nice. Of course I should, considering it is on my body pretty much for the rest of my life. I opted to have it done on my upper right arm versus the forearms. In fact, it truly is in a place of honor under my Redskins tattoo. I also remembered why it has been around 15 years since I got a tattoo ... they are somewhat a little painful. I was doing alright until he started doing the shading, and that is when it started hurting. I don't know if it was because the nerves were already irritated, or what, but at least I didn't cry. I have kept some bag balm on it and it has been healing nicely.

Tuesday the Wife had mentioned one of her tires was low again, and would need pumped up before she left for work. She determined (and located) the nail it had decided to run over and impale itself on. So I set an appointment with Discount Tire to get it fixed yesterday. Thought a good plan: had a 10:30am appointment, go pick up the Wife's car from her work, do the appt, return the car, and since she is near RM's, grab some lunch and go visit for a bit. Well, the best laid plans ... I was there about 10:15, and yes the tire could be plugged, but her other two tires were in the needs replacing range. Okay, and they had them in stock so about $400 later .... By noon, they still had not gotten my vehicle into the bays. I cancelled lunch with RM, as I had no idea when I would get out of there at this point. Needless to say, I was leaving there by 12:45pm, after hearing several apologies from the manager for the delay in my appointment and getting the tires done. Wish it had been $$ back instead of just words, but it is what it is.

I got an email from my attorneys handling my accident case - the one from April of 2022. Now this guy's atty wants me to do a deposition. I explained I don't have a camera, and my atty said I could just come to their offices (not far from my home). And that the dates they had asked to confirm for, has now changed to another month out and they will get back to me. Delays that drag this crap out. I just want it over with. This is his third attorney he has hired. Asshat.

The Wife and I went out last night and had some all you can eat at the Seafood Buffet (read Chinese food place). It was nice, just the two of us. I am up early this morning, having awoke around 3:30 and not able to get back to sleep. Besides that, the youngest has to attend band practice at 0 Hour this morning, so will run him to the school here shortly (about an hour from now).

Dang. Sure looks like I got something going on in my life, don't it?

PeacE

An Empty Canvas, Sorta ...

 Another Tuesday is upon us - Look Out! I jest ... yet here I sit trying to come up with something that could be entertaining for someone to read.

Today I have a 1pm appointment that I actually have to drive to get to. What's worse, is it is in the downtown area, and parking isn't looking good. I checked the address last night, and the available parking (if any) near it. The building itself is one of those that has apartments above the first level shops, and the only parking I see is very limited at the back of the building - I'm guessing for owners or apartment holders. There is a larger parking lot about a half block up the street that I may have to use. Which means getting there a little earlier to do the walk.

What kind of appointment would require a trip to the downtown area? A new tattoo. I had a wild idea about a month and a half ago for one, and I checked with my brother. He knows a guy who has done several of his tats, and I set up an appointment with him. I haven't seen any drawings of the possible tat yet, as the artist will hold it until my meeting, do any adjustments (if needed) and then start in on it. Not sure how big it will be, but my end up being two tats, one on each forearm.

No word from the Company for work. I will wait for later in the week to email and see what is happening, mainly to let the tats heal up somewhat, but also to give them time to reassign if that is what is going on.

Welp, that's about all I go this morning....

PeacE

End of a Slow Week

 I'm still coughing. It is more of a nuisance than anything. The cough starts in the upper chest, and kind of feels like there is mucus, but by the time the cough exits the mouth, there's nothing, and I don't feel like there is mucus. It's like a dry, rattlely cough - if that makes sense. The Wife has the same cough going on as well, yet we both have no other symptoms. Irritating.

I received an email from the high school yesterday. It was late enough in the day, and was titled "Monthly Parent Letter" so I figured I would let it slide until today. Before the Youngest left for school, he and the Wife came in and woke me, saying it was an email regarding damages to the ChromeBook he used last year for school. Allegedly there are damages to the cost of $305 that need to be paid. So OF course I had to get up and get started into the daily routine with my email. Yes, alleged damages to that amount. Also said that insurance (which we purchased at registration for last year) may not have been applied yet. I responded with basically we will await the corrected total once insurance has been applied, and also require a list of alleged damages. The Son had mentioned he thought it might be the hinges, as he has heard other students having issues with theirs, but he recalls no damages at all otherwise. It is now a waiting game.

No news from work as of this morning. I am still wondering how long I should wait to contact them that I need a project. I may wait until next week.

No plans this weekend. Celebrate my birthday month some more by taking the Wife out to dinner maybe.

PeacE

Solar Re-Visitation

 Yesterday I celebrated another trip around the sun. Yee. Haw. Glad that day is over.

I attempted to log in to work today, to see what is going on. As of a couple days ago, it appeared things were in a 'holding pattern'. Today, as I log into MS Teams, things got worse pretty quick. There was no project chat features. No project at all, in fact. My guess is one of two things: I got kicked from the project (unlikely), or the project came to an abrupt halt (more than likely). So it seems I will eb sending an email requesting to join another project  here shortly.

Nothing else to really write about. I covered the birthday. Covered work stuff. I don't do much else of interest.

PeacE

A Return to the Virtual

 Today I am returning to work. Or rather, I thought I was returning to work. I did log in and was ready to start, but there appears to be no workload. I know most of last week the Team was on old, and it appears that has not changed. I will probably check back in later this morning, and if no information then, just wait for an email.

Did not do anything yesterday. Slept in a little, played on the computer, watched some episodes of a show I am currently watching. Pretty much the same I will do today if no work is available.

PeacE

Whew! I Ain't Cut Out For This!

 I think I last wrote about Friday morning, where I took over some donuts and sweet ice tea to RM's, and proclaimed it to be the 1st of my Birthday Celebration Month. Now it is the 4th, and I am beat down like a 'red-headed step-child'. My days of lighting the candle at both ends is well past it's zenith. 

And yet, the birthday is yet to be here. I'm hiding until it arrives.

My alarm went off this morning ... the early one at like 6am. I hadn't set it, per se, it is an automatic one M-F on the phone. It startled me, and the Wife calmly reminded me it was Monday, Labor Day, and relax. Then about 7:30 hers went off and she jumped outta bed. I said, half asleep, it's a holiday Monday. No reply, as she rushed into the bathroom. I laid there, contemplating why she was rushing around, and remembered, she didn't have the holiday off. She has to work today. Then I felt bad about being in bed, so I had to get up. Now I'm awake, but really tired. And hungry. Maybe the Youngest will wake and I take us out to have breakfast...

No plans today. Rest, recover.

PeacE

It May Be a Fine Day

 I woke today around 2am. That was after a 9pm bedtime, with a couple sleeping pills. After a morning visit with RM, I had crashed and slept a good part of the day, so the less sleep I got I understand. I will be trying to sneak a couple back in before this morning is over, prior to going to bar this afternoon.

Yesterday started my birthday month. I started with a dozen donuts and a couple sweet iced teas that I took to RMs and visited a bit. Then I went to my brothers, dropped off the remaining donuts (minus the maple bacon and a cronut). Back home and to bed. The Wife is sicker than I was - hers seem to be more the flu than the cold I had. A friend texted me last night he is not feeling well now either, and thought he caught it from me. I told him no, there has to be a bug, as I was not flu sick...  I had a cold.

The Middle Son might be bay the bar and say happy birthday today. He texted yesterday to verify the time frame. I told him I did not expect him as he has to work that evening, and he couldn't enjoy a beverage. He said he could come by and have a coke or something.

Welp, off to bed to get a couple more hours in....

PeacE