End Of Year Chores and Other Stuff

 Welcome to the last day of 2023. It is a nice 3pm here at this moment, and I am, preparing to go out for a bit to the pub. I won't be out late, as I hate the amateurs that think they can handle their alcohol. But I thought I would take a few moments to kinda recap this year... for me.

I'm, still working for the same Company, though projects this year were a bit more sparse than previous years. Hopefully this next week will find a project in my email ready to start, but I am not holding my breath. It is nice to be employed, though more hours would be nicer.

My health has improved. Through a number of doctor visits, we have gotten my diabetes back into a controllable range, and seemingly getting lower each time we check it. My BP is under control in a nice range the docs are happy with. I had to re-schedule the colonoscopy to mid January due to being sick, but it is still int he works to get done and find out those results. The docs are not happy with my fatty liver, from alcohol, though I have made efforts to reduce the amounts I was drinking. They can go stick it as far as I am concerned at this time. Still taking 5 prescriptions/day, plus the allergy pill and a vitamin (Centrum silver for those aged 50+). Overall, I feel healthier, though body pains are still there (knees, hips, and back). My weight has dropped from the beginning of the year, approximately 15 pounds.

I griped the other day about the notice from the city regarding one of our vehicles. Today I went out and did a 'tow truck trick' I found on youtube that got it out of park, and the Youngest and I rolled it so it is sitting at the end of the drive. Then I went online to Wounded Paws and set up to donate it. I will hear from them in the next 48 hours, and they should be coming to pick it up. I'll help the tow driver push it onto the street so he can hook it up, and it will be gone. Also got the new battery into the car the Youngest will get, and ran it for awhile. He has instructions to start it up every few days and let it run, unless we get some time out to practice his driving. Another thing to accomplish these early months so he will have his license by end of school year.

Caught up on all our bills, medical and otherwise for the year. Hopefully the Wife will have her W-2 by early February, and I will get taxes filed and done. No major trips planned as of now for this next year. Youngest graduating is the main plan as of now.

I lost too many friends this past year. I expect that number will slightly grow this next year, as we all get older.

I read 247 books, breaking my original goal of 200. I don't think I will start/finish one on this last day.

I've bettered family relationships, learning to let go of some of the anger I have had at certain people. In fact, I am doing lunch tomorrow at my Sister's home, and that in itself is a big step for me. I'm not saying I am completely over my issues, but I am trying to do better. My Brother is just a goofball idiot, and it is what it is, though we get along pretty good.

I have many good memories from this past year, most are probably of my granddaughter and time spent with her. A few are the rare times we were able to get all our children and families together for any reason. I was able to take RM out on a few "dates" though I don't think I made the quota for 1 each quarter.

I hope you each find happiness and joyful occasions as often as possible this new year that starts tomorrow.

PeacE

End of the Year Clean-Out

 The other day we received yet another notice from the city. This one reports that we have an inoperable car at our residence. We do. Buy who and why would they report it? I bet it is the same people that report my grass if it is over 6 inches high. That has been an on-going ordeal these past years - even when MIL & FIL lived here. Someone has it out for this house. The car is parked nicely on the driveway, and isn't sitting out int he front yard like trailer trash. It has been there for nearly three years, and NOW someone wants to complain. Why has it sat there so long? I can't get it out of park, in order to roll it onto the street, so the charity tow place can tow it (they can't pick up from driveways). The battery is gone (dead - non-chargeable) and the only other way to get it from park to neutral, that I have found (without buying a new battery) is to take the middle console out and more work than I wanted to do. Sigh.

So I have an old battery at hand. I am going to try to "jump" the car enough to get it out o park, then use the E-brake. If that doesn't work, then it is tearing it apart. I dread that. Just the hassle, etc.

So I am not happy today. The Wife also has to work some today to finish up EOM and EOY stuff. This last week has been short-handed on top of that. She has been working until 10pm most nights.

I need to get started on this car thing. Ugh.

PeacE

Another Commercial Holiday Over

 Christmas has come and gone, and I regret somewhat the amount of money we spent on presents, but I guess overall it was worth it. We had a good afternoon over at RM's and I don't know for everyone, but I know I enjoyed the gifts I received. One of the more favorite gifts for myself, a few hand-towels with family recipes for certain dishes that I enjoy, and now am able to look forward to making. Our late lunch/early supper of lunchmeat sandwiches was much more than I expected. RM had gone to the deli for meat versus just picking up some ones from the pre-packaged meat section. So there was pastrami, black forest ham, and more! Lots of iced tea for me (Thx Mom!) plus potato salad and deviled eggs.

Our second stop was at the Oldest Son's apartment, were we gathered the siblings for gifts exchanges. The Wife brought the annual stocking ball, and we found out the Oldest Son's GF is a natural! Giving out he gifts seemed like it would take forever, but I was finally able to sit down and open the few I received. I was happy with some homemade T-shirts my Daughter made, and the ordered in Hawaiian-style shirt the Wife got me, with pictures of Lucious, my kitty, showing off some of his different facial expressions. Afterwards, Middle Son had to head to work and the rest of us settled in to play some Cards against Humanity. By 10pm, the Wife and I were done and headed home. I even left the car unloading (except for food) until the next day.

Yesterday was mild. as I said I unladed a portion of the car. The Youngest got his stuff out this morning. I was feeling sort of weak throughout most of the day, and ended up napping a couple times. I'm guessing leftover from being sick, and then over-exerting myself Christmas with all the activity. My Sister has invited us for NYD lunch at her place. I have recently been trying to put our relationship into a better place. Needless to say, I don't want to speak of the event that sundered it... The Wife has to work, so I am debating if I want to go or not. I need to figure it out soon as needs to be known for how much food to supply.

Not sure what today will bring. I know I need to pick up meds from the store. Maybe a beer or two later on.

PeacE

Christmas Eve

 Almost 11:30pm, and yet I still cannot go to bed. The Wife has packages, presents, paper, boxes - all over the bed. Why she cannot do it at a table I do not know. But I have been trying to keep myself busy the past 3 hours. I was last told about 30 minutes ago she was "winding down". When I checked right now, they still are going. I asked about getting to bed.... no answer.

Tomorrow will be a busy one, even though we are only going to two places. I'm at the point I want this holiday over already. Might be because I am extremely tired right now.

Welp, off to see if I can get to bed now...

PeacE

Saturday, Pre-Christmas

 I am up sort of early. This week's sleep schedule has been soooo skewed from being sick, that even though I am trying to get back on track, there will be a few early mornings and late nights I am sure.

It is Saturday, and there is still so much that needs to be done for Christmas int he d00d household. Majority of it is wrapping, and the Wife does most of that (since she knows who gets what, etc). I know I still need to get my own wrapping done as well. Looks like two packages are not going to make it here in time, so that is four gifts I am missing.

I had gone out the other night, first time in almost a week - well, five days. As I was driving home I decided I should make my dessert this year. It's based off a recipe my Grandma Smith used back int he day, and was my Dad's favorite. Obviously, I have tweaked it since then. I shall wake the youngest here in a couple hours, and do what I hate to do - go out in public to a store two days before Christmas, for the supplies needed. Then he and I are going to make a couple batches (if I find enough supplies). If all works according to plan, I end up with 4 pie-sized portions of dessert. One to my buddy J, as I don't think I have ever made it for him before. I'm going to see about maybe giving one to my sister. The last two will go to RM's. Merry Christmas early RM, I know you'll read this before Monday!!

So I know what I need to get done, and now just to do it....

Edit: So I goofed. I realized I had forgotten a gift card for one person, so thought I would get that whilst at the store. Crowd wasn't terrible for 8am. I picked up my supplies and a couple other things needed then headed home. Was starting to put things away, and asked the Wife where the mixer/beaters were, then realized. I forgot the cherries I needed. Ugh! I don't want to go back. I'm tired of all the walking I just did. I thought maybe I could just order for pick-up, but they charge $$ if under a certain amount. So does Walmart come to find out. Amazon also charges more for same day if under $25. So, I just may not make it this year or at least for this weekend. It could wait until NYD, or until I am ready to go to the store....unless I can talk to the Wife into going today.....

PeacE

Ugh..... Sticky Keyboard

 I made the mistake of the other day, of opening a 2-liter soda in front of my computer. I was not thinking well (obviously) as it bubbloed and fizzed out as I was getting the cap of.... onto my keyboard. So today I am unhooking the wireless module, then running the keyboard under the faucet. Maybe get the stick away from the keys I use much of.... like s, ".", and other randoms. Shaking my head.

Got many other not so nice thoughts in my head tonight, but that happens when I can't sleep, the Wife is in bed sick, and I have no control over what happens. I am not saying I am a control freak, I just like to be able to plan for things. Right now, the next two days are ( waving arms madly in the air) I DON'T KNOW!!!

I know. Deep breaths. Find your center. I got that from movies versus an actual therapist. With my issues, I'd need a psychologist or better to figure my mental issues... damn sticky keys.

BE back after Christmas...... with a clean keyboard I hope.

Enjoy your holidays. Love your family.

PeacE

A Little Update

 I woke this morning feeling much better, so I think I may be pretty much over this bug. I feel for the Wife though, as she is just starting it. She has today off, as it was requested for my procedure, and she said she still has plans to get some things done today, even if she is sick. We will see.

Youngest's last day of school for the year is today. out of three classes, he only has one final to take. Then he is done until 1/9/2024.

Shopping online. I know RM has stated she has done quite a bit of her shopping online - mostly through Amazon I am guessing. I did a little through them. I think in the future, I will be doing more. There were a couple other sites I have come across that had items I wanted to purchase for Christmas, and so I did. Turns out they are based in China, and looks like of two orders, neither will be here for Christmas. I got burned on this early this year when I bought a couple carved wooden canes. Freaking Asians can't tell the difference between AVENUE And DRIVE, so the package was delivered (two months late) to the wrong address. Then when I went to seek reparation/refund, the site was no longer online. So these past two sites, I looked to be sure they were US based, and from all I could tell, they were. Nope. Tracking is in a Chinese delivery, and both said it would be 10-19 days to arrive. I went back to the two sites, and looked closer. One says based in LA, CA, the other NYC, NY. I notice now that neither has a phone number or physical address to contact them - only a generic looking email. I think that is the "tell" for future purchases.

Well, it is barely 9am, and I am headed back to bed. Had to get up to take Youngest as he missed his bus, and I am still tired - in body and mind- from being sick.

PeacE

It Has Happened ....

 Tuesday morning the fever started. Low grade, only about 100.4, but still there. By mid-afternoon it was up to 103. Coughing was worse, ribs hurt from coughing so much, achy all over. This morning, I called and cancelled/re-scheduled my colonoscopy for January. Late morning, the fever broke, but still feeling bad. Similar to what I had a few weeks ago, and I got over that in about three days, so hoping the same here. Unfortunately, the Wife came home with it tonight, starting with the cough and fever. Here's to hoping we will both be better by Christmas.

Not much else has happened except alot of sleeping here.

PeacE

Oh No ... This Better Not Happen!

 My work project finished yesterday around 1pm. I was able to lay down and take about an hour nap, but was having difficulty getting to sleep due to my allergies. The Wife had been doing quite a bit if cleaning and it has kicked up some much dander, or whatever, that my eyes are watering, nose running, draining down the neck, causing me to cough. Most days this is normal for me the first couple hours, but then my allergy pill kicks in, and I generally will be fine. But not yesterday. By the time I went to bed around 10, tired as heck still, the drainage was bad enough, my coughing was pretty constant, and that led to a much interrupted sleep. Now at 3:30am, my throat is sore, cough is there, and I am starting to worry about it getting bad enough I need to change my appointment. Rubbed some Vick's on the chest, took an allergy pill, a decongestant (to hopefully stop it dropping into my chest) and now the waiting game. Give it half an hour, and see if I feel better enough to get more sleep.

The Company did send me an email yesterday afternoon, asking me to return to work Tuesday for additional work on this project. Nice that they want me to do the next level of review work required, but I wrote back turning it down since I have a medical procedure that would me unavailable for work Weds and Thurs. No way am I going to try to work when I am up and running for the toilet so often! I explained I could return to work next week, but they responded that is fine, and I would be contacted then for placement on a project.

Even feeling as I do right now, I am going to try to make it down to Fry's today. I need to look into some powerade/gatorade type drink for tomorrow, plus some sodas. Maybe find some soup broth that I can heat up (no noodles). I also need to get gift cards. The Wife and I talked over who and what type I was thinking of getting, and we agreed. Hope to get it done by late morning... we will see my motivation if I get to sleep more.

Family plans are made, and the times scheduled in for our Christmas traveling/visiting/exchanging. I verified with RM yesterday, and then blasted our Family Chat with the details so everyone knows the plan. We are mixing things up a bit as the need to accommodate Middle Son. He has to work at some point The evening of Christmas - thanks Wal-Mart! But he will still be able to be a part of things the way we planned them out.

Already feeling a bit better. Gonna rub some more Vick's on in about 20 minutes, then see if I cen get some more sleep.

PeacE

Playing Catch-Up on Almost Everything....

 ... except sleep. I slept in way too late today, out of necessity I am sure. But still, it has made getting to sleep tonight (last night?) quite the troublesome thing to accomplish.

So once I rolled out of bed around 1pm (yes, I'm aware it is afternoon) the Wife and I went for lunch. I was feeling quite hungry, as had not eaten much the day before. I opted for the Chinese buffet place we like. Today I am starting on the "diet" that leads up to the colonoscopy I am having done Thursday. They suggest 'softer foods' a few days before, and as the date nears, to stop certain types of food/drink (no purple/red drinks - weird).  After I find out later this morning if I work today, or not, I should head to the store for some Ramens, of if I think of some other soft stuff (ice cream counts, right?) as I need to get a gallon of milk anyways.

Saturday was the 5th Annual Santa Run, and from what I remember, it was a good night. I imbibed much more than I should have, and unfortunately do not remember about half the night, but talking to SIL today, I asked if I was an ass at all. He said no, but told me one an incident that happened that he found funny. Of course, it was near the end of the night (close to closing time, or at least for us to get home). So that was good. We took SIL, Daughter and Doodad out to dinner tonight prior to them returning to Tucson until Christmas. There I had the steak filleted salad - and I could not eat all of it, as I was still somewhat full from the large lunch I had had. I did eat all the meat though. I'm sure at some point today, I will have a very fibrous BM. Two plates of salad at lunch, and 3/4 of a big salad for dinner. Lordy, Let's hope I don't clog up the pipes in the house.

Middle and Youngest sons have plans to go out to RM's today for some baking Christmas time with Grandma. Daughter and Doodad went yesterday, meeting up with a cousin and her daughter there as well. I heard at dinner some of the things they did while there. PT sounded like his regular self, yipping at the kids if they got too close the tree, or were 'running' from room to room. He's gotten so much worse in his older age, and I'm just talking about his attitude. And I am sure he wonders why no one wants to visit him... I'm not going there. But I got the impression that even RM was getting irritated with him. I'm sure there was plenty of eye-rolling going on, too. At dinner, Daughter had asked me if I had any ideas what to get PT for Christmas, and I immediately said 'An attitude adjustment, but I don't think any of us could afford it, as big as it needs to be'.

I still need to get out at some point this week and get some gift cards. I guess when will be determined by if I am working or not. I'm going to be off no matter what on Wednesday and Thursday, but obviously will be quite busy those days. I think there will be a slight rise in air-freshener spray market stocks this week.

Alright, it's barely 3am and the sleeping pills are not working. Looks like I am pulling an all-nighter. Time to find a movie that sounds interesting and kill time until 6am.

Edit: Went to bed around 4:30, but didn't get any sleep. Just a couple naps. Logged into work, and looks like I will be working at least part of today.

PeacE

Battles, Clashes, and Runs

 What a post title today! I'm sure you are confused, but that is my normal state anyways...

I dragged myself out of bed this morning around 9:30. I do mean dragged. I wanted to sleep more, but knew I have things to get done today. First is the game I have been playing for several months now. It is a Vikings-based game. Every Saturday they have a 'Clash" of four random clans that fight in an arena. There is a 4-round tournament, yada yada yada. Anyways, the event runs 7a-7pm (my time) so I am in and out of it all day doing battles. In fact I am playing as I type this...

At some point today I need to clear out my car. I have a couple pieces of trash that need to be bagged. Also some of the santa suit I wore last week to a party. I have been lazy and just not brought them in. They belong to my "good" Santa suit. I need to de-wrinkle the "bad" Santa suit, as tonight is our 5th Annual Santa Run! I have been really getting excited as this year I was able to get the SIL to go. I also always enjoy the time I have with my Oldest Son.

Monday will start my cleansing process, and I start on soft foods. So Sunday I will probably got out and buy some Ramens. I know, high in sodium, but it is only for a few days. Wednesday will be when I pop the tablets and drink the juice. Thursday is the colonoscopy.

The work Project carries over to next week. There was not much left in the pipeline to do when I logged off yesterday, but they may have a bit more. I will have to inform them that Wed and Thurs I will not be working.

Guess this post is short on content, and I thought I had more.... 

PeacE

Playtime Is Over

 Last Friday, late in the afternoon, I actually received an email from the Company. They had a possible project starting Monday. Of course I replied I was available, and answered some silly little questionnaire they had online. Over the weekend, through several emails, I was accepted onto the project, and started midday Monday. It is only 'supposed' to last one week, with a slight possibility for advanced work (which I do) into next week, but they are not sure as of that point. So today is day 3 of working again. That's good.

Christmas is fast approaching. I told the Wife I am done shopping except for gift cards, which I will do this Friday. Fry's has 4x fuel points that day, and I intend to rack some up!

The 5th Annual Santa Run is Saturday. As usual, the Oldest Son is going. I invited my SIL for his first time as well since they will be in town. Working numbers this week, trying to find out who is actually going and who is backing out.

That's about all the time I have today. Time to log off from work.

PeacE

Memories, and an In Memoriam

 I may, or may not have, shared about how my sleeping habits have been skewed for the past couple weeks. Aside from being sick over the last weekend, the sleeping has been erratic and seemingly, non-existent. I tend to sleep more between 8am and noon, than any other time of day. Regardless of this issue, a couple nights ago I had some strange dreamings (go figure) and one point stuck in my head after I awoke. We have to go back many years to when I was in second grade...

A short background. I grew up in Kirklin, Indiana. A small town that actually gets a dot on the map, but pretty much straight north of Indianapolis on 421 (the Michigan Road). Being a bit more rural, I was bussed to the school of the area, Clinton Central. I attended there from Kindergarten thru about half of my 5th grade year... but enough. We gotta drop back a bit.

Second grade was never a big remembrance. I think for many of us, aside from a catastrophic event, those early years are just blips, some may have small memories attached, but it is what it is. Mine are, until this one. I don't remember what time of year it was - fall, winter, spring. I just remember we had library day where as a class we would go to the school library. They had a 'pit' - a recessed lower area - where the librarian would read some sort of picture book to us. At the end, she would encourage us to go find a book we could 'check out' of the library for a couple weeks.

I never went book hunting. The picture book readings were stupid. I didn't want to look at picture books, so had no intention of checking on out. I think this went on for a couple weeks or so, and the librarian noticed I never went to look for books like the other kids. She gently confronted me, asking why didn't I...blah blah...I vaguely remember telling her it was because I had no interest in picture books, as there is no story to them. She took me aside, and we went back over the side of the library that was for 4th grade and higher, and she pulled a book off the shelf, handing it to me. "I think you might like this one then," she said. I glanced at the cover, which had a picture that looked interesting. Then I read the title.

"Nope. Not interested. I already read this one," I told her. She gave me a weird look. "My dad gave me several books he had as a younger kid, and the Hardy Boys was one of them. They are boring. You know they solve the case in every book."

With a nod, she placed it back on the shelf, and led me back to the main desk.

"Come back tomorrow at recess time, and I bet I will have something to interest you," she said. I think I just shrugged, and went on as it was time for the class to return to our rooms.

The next day, at first recess, I remember telling my teacher that I was to report to the library for recess, and she let me go. I walked in to that quiet sanctum, headed for the main desk, and the librarian sat there, watching me approach. In one movement, she placed a hard-backed book on the desk. No picture on it. Looked really thick (my 2nd grade eyes). "Take this and read it. In two weeks, come back and tell me if you like it, or if you need to finish it, or whatever.," she said.

"There's no check-out card," I mumbled. Remember those? Check-out cards?

"This is not a book from the library," she said. "It is my personal one, and as long as you read it, return it, and tell me about what you read, you can borrow it as long as needed."

Wow! Talk about special privilege!

Let's call that the end of that memory. The book she handed me that day was Tolkien's 'The Hobbit', and two weeks later, I was asking her to let me have it one more week, as I was almost finished reading it. This was one person in my life that helped encourage my reading...one of many. As it turns out, her son was also in my class, and we became somewhat friends, though, he was more for destructive ideas, versus my reading ones. Over a summer I spent time at his house (running through the woods, destroying whatever at his whim) and he at mine (can I kill your rabbits?). Sigh.

So this odd memory came up, and since there is nothing else to do at 3am, I did some googling (is that a word now?) to come up with some information. First thing I came across was yearbooks. That school, the same year I graduated, and saw names/faces. That son was there. As were many people that I was not happy with. Another story, another day. But Google did lead me to the obituary of Mrs. Gruelach. That librarian that knew I was something different and encouraged me to read more, above my level, and enjoy it. She passed away in 2018, and admittedly, I probably have not thought about her since ... 5th grade? Circa 1981? or so?

So, yeah. I'm a bit depressed. I'm sure the lack of sleep has nothing to do with that...duh... but in ways, I'm truly sorry I didn't know before. Obviously living out in AZ to get news like that from IN, well.... Is what it is. She is missed.

PeacE

Mid-Week Crisis (or I'm So Freaking Bored)

 Welcome to Wednesday, or as we called it in my younger days, Whiskey Wednesday, and then we would drink shots for hours into the night. I can't do that anymore (health, age, etc) but I still occasionally will have one or two. A buddy I meet up with once a week has asked to change from our regular Thursday to tonight, as he has plans tomorrow. So that means I will more than likely be having some Jack Daniels tonight.

I was book working this morning, meaning going through my emails, seeing what books have been recently released that I would like and trying to locate copies. I was able to get about four I had been watching the sites. I have one that signed up to read for a review that I need to get started. And according to my meter, I have read 237 books so far this year. I might make 240, but not much higher I feel. Not bad for an original goal of 200.

Christmas Shopping. Ugh! I hate shopping. Period. Now having to do it with having to think what could this person use/want/need. I just cannot do it. I think I may just end up doing a majority of gift cards this year. At least for the kids. When it comes to RM & PT, I have like an idea of one gift for each of them, then I'm out of ideas. RM would say it doesn't matter, but I know PT would want something versus nothing. I tell RM every year to not bother getting me anything, but you know how mothers are....

And speaking of gifts... the Wife's birthday is in a couple days, and as usual I have no ideas of what to get her. I know I will pick up some pajamas for her, for Christmas, then <shrug> no clue. I actually was talking to her about it the other night, and she mentioned she would love the pan set she had been watching before it went off sale. Of course, it is no longer on sale, and she bought it before the sale ended... so it still counts as a gift, even though she bought it before her birthday? I would have gotten it earlier if I had known...

I do have a few gifts coming in the delivery system over the next week or so. It is getting almost too late to have ordered in stuff now. Which means I will send the Wife out shopping for gifts as she has free time. I can't do it. I don't have the tolerance for people and crowds.

Anyways, that's my mid-week crisis.

PeacE

Feeling Good

 

A little music to start your Monday. I like this song ever since my Aunt 'Nita turned me onto Buble' many years ago when I was visiting. But the real matter is, that I am feeling better after being sick most of the weekend. So pretty sure it wasn't the flu, or covid, but just some 'bug' that I caught.

Monday morning is here, and I am not sleeping. Was in bed by 10pm, but sleep would just not come. Same for the Wife. However, she just drifted off about 20 minutes ago - I know, since I heard her snoring. So I decided to try a couple sleeping pills (OTC that just doesn't seem to work for me) and hope they work this time. I think my next doctor appointment I am going to ask about something prescription that will help me fall asleep. All I know is if I am not having at least a drink, I ain't falling asleep easy. Could that be a problem? I Am sure.... after all, I am doing this ultrasound of my liver, additional blood testing on top, to find out... though I really don't want to know.

Anyways, so that's how early my Monday problems are starting.

PeacE

I Blame The Doctors

 Saturday morning, I woke at 6am as the alarm went off, feeling terrible. I was shivering, achey, sick to my stomach. I went to use the bathroom, and realized how much my joints ached (more than usual) and had a few dry-heaves (which didn't help the stomach feeling). The Wife woke as I crawled back into bed, and stole most of the covers (I was freezing and shivering) and she commented my core felt extremely hot, as if I had a fever. Well, I tried to nap for an hour or so (no luck) before we had to get he Youngest up for practice before his concert. Wife made me check my temp, and it was 100.5 - so back to bed for me.

The Wife ran Youngest to his concert, then ran by the grocery (at my request) to pick up some soda, similar to Sprite, so I could have something to drink aside from water. She also picked me up some chicken noodle, she said. Near noon she had to leave to pick up Youngest's girlfriend, then to the concert. I opened up one of the soup cans she had picked up, without looking, and realized something was wrong. It was a yellow glob of who-knows-what. I checked the can. She had grabbed two cans of Cream of chicken, condensed. I added water to eat, and heated it since it was already opened, thinking I could drink it like a broth. Nope. Was nasty tasting. Into the drain it went. When Wife got home later I pointed it out to her, and she was upset at herself. Told her not to worry, as she also picked up some granola bars, and I had a couple of them instead. Last night was some pasta and beef, as I didn't want anything heavy. I had tried to stay awake most of the day, so I would sleep last night, but had to go to bed about 8:45, yet here I am at 3am.

Still not feeling quite up to myself yet. Fever is gone, but still feeling a bit weak and ache as well. I blame going to the doctor last week....

PeacE

Tests, Scans, and Probes - All Before Christmas

 I made it to my appointment. The one for the consult on the colonoscopy. What a waste of time. I think the last five minutes I was there, with the gall at the exit desk, was the most informative because she gave me the paperwork telling me what OTC meds to get, and the guideline/timeframe for the few days before said event. The Doctor himself was pretty bland, and though asked questions as to my health, spent more time telling me how bad of a person I am (yes, in my opinion he was trying to shame me but the surprise was on him) for drinking any alcohol, and having a fatty liver, and we have to do more test.... Sigh. Pompous ass. Either way, looks like I need to add an ultrasound of my liver, and more blood draws for liver tests. All before the colonoscopy - which is now scheduled for a few short days before Christmas.

Youngest has Honor Band practice all day at a local high school. I'll have to pick him up late afternoon once the bus returns to his school. Concert is tomorrow at 2pm. Once that is done, he is done for the year as far as concerts, since the school cancelled the Christmas concert that usually happens. Bad band director, to say the least of excuses....

Still trying to get information from the rest of the kids regarding the holiday, plans, gift ideas, etc etc. Middle Son reached out to me yesterday and it seems he will have to work the night of Christmas, so may have to miss dinner with family that night. Still waiting to hear from Oldest Son, if he has to work, as he also works nights. Daughter is to hopefully get in touch today with info on what their immediate family plans are. Maybe I'm stressing out too much on the details. I talked to RM last night and though we were discussing times/food/etc for at their place, she didn't seem worried about any of it.

I gotta get a couple things done this morning, so laters.

PeacE