Returning to a Routine ...

 The Youngest has some Zero Hour practices at school this week, and into early next week. Which basically means that he has to be there prior to 7am, similar to when marching band is in session. This is because the band director that started there last year, decided to split the band up in regards to their practice times. Which means, instead of full band rehearsing at Zero hour all year, only wood winds and brass at zero hour, and percussion has a class schedule at like 4th hour. Meaning the Youngest had to give up an elective this year. It also means, that the percussion section does not practice at all with the full band. Needless to say, this band director was "asked to leave" do to complaints of possible behavior related to possible drug use. So A new director started this new semester, and this is the only way to get the full band together to practice for the spring concert (which is March 5th at 7pm RM). There is no way he could fix the students schedules halfway through the year....

I don't now why I just rambled through all that. Must be because it is 1:30am and I am awake. I went to bed about 9, and read/did a couple puzzles on the tablet, and was trying to sleep around 9:30. But about an hour ago I woke and cannot get back to sleep. Maybe realizing how boring my life feels at times will put me back to sleep.

No major plans this week (Again). The weekly email will go out to the Company about my availability a little later this morning (or maybe here shortly). A friend showed me a small battery booster they had purchased at Harbor Freight last week, and I am thinking of going there tomorrow to see if they have them in stock, versus just regular jumper cables. Then maybe off to the store to find some things for lunches this week. Be nice if I could get out to the Discount Grocery we like, AND they were to have the huge bag of shredded lettuce (like 5 lb bag). That would be perfect for eating healthier, however, the last few times we had been out there it was not in. Their stock fluctuates daily.

Today is also the Youngest's 18th birthday. We have asked several times over the past few months what he would like, and always got a 'no answer' type answer. No idea if the Wife has found a couple things he would maybe like. If I find that battery booster pack, that'll be at least a present he can use for the car. He put off the birthday dinner until next weekend, as he would like to see if his brothers would be able to go as well. Middle Son said he could, just needs when/where info ...  Oldest Son has not responded. In fact, he hasn't responded much to my text inquires of late. I am guessing it is because of the work hours/time but who knows. I'm sure RM goes through thoughts like these with us kids as well. I invited the Oldest Son's girlfriend as well, but who knows. I think  I will just tell them a time and location, and if they show, they show. I just hope Youngest isn't disappointed.

Still working out plans for our 33rd Anniversary coming up late March. I've mentioned a few ideas to the Wife, and I think we have settled on one idea. I need to verify with her to confirm, prior to starting to plan the drive, places to stay/visit, etc. More to share when I confirm....

On a good note, I am 49 books into my goal of 200 this year. Right now it says I am at 25% of my goal (though by my math I am one short of that true 25%). Looks like it will be another good year of reading....

Guess I am off to watch an episode of some show or something to see if I can get sleepy.

PeacE

It's Nice To Sleep Better

 Wednesday the new CPAP machine arrived. I was happy. The previous two nights had been long ones, as I woke many times throughout each night. I tried napping during the day, but that didn't happen either. I spent a good half hour going through the setup instructions and setting the parameters the best I could match my previous machine. That night I slept much better! Around 8am, I noticed it was set for APAP versus the CPAP, so I changed that real quick, and fell back asleep, not waking until noon. I still need to tweak a couple things, if I can, but it is pretty much set and I am happy.

Earlier on Wednesday, I did get up to the DMV to take care of the title issue on one of our vehicles. After waiting in line over an hour, standing line, no seats, within five minutes it was done. As I was leaving, then I see three chairs at one far end sectioned off for Handicapped persons. Wish I had done that, or even did the 'make an appt', so I didn't have to stand in line so long. My back was not liking me much the rest of the day.

Yesterday I did take Youngest up to the DMV affiliate office just down the road from us to renew his permit. Turns out they don't expire on their birthdate anymore, but on the date of issue, which is in July. But I went ahead and renewed it. He better have his license by July though.... We stopped at Autozoned looking for jumper cables on the way home. None. A car shop, and the only cables they had were $124 because there was some fancy voltmeter with it. I told Youngest I would try to get over to WallyWorld today to pick up a basic set. But I don't know if I feel like it today.

Well, it's 10am and I am starting to get hungry. I don't see any leftovers in the fridge, and I don't feel like ramen soup, so I guess I need to figure what I am going to go pick up.

PeacE

It's Just Money, Right?

 Just when you think things might be going okay, something always comes along. For me yesterday, it was my CPAP machine.

I had walked out of our office room, on my way to the restroom, when I smelled something off. That 'tang' of something almost burnt, but not like food burnt. I finished in the restroom, and began to walk the hall, sniffing the air, trying to determine where it was strongest. Turns out it was coming from the master bedroom (my room). I'm looking around, sniffing from different sides of the room, trying to track down just where was it coming from. I had decided at this point it was an electric-burning type of smell, and so I'm sniffing anything that is plugged in. I finally determined it was the power cord to my CPAP machine. It is one of those that has the wall plug cord that goes to a convertor, then another cord that goes to the machine. Well, the machine was displaying a message to check the 30/90 Watt cord and plug in to start. I unplugged it all, then waited a couple hours. The smell had started to dissipate, so I plugged it back in. The unit started up for like five seconds, then died, displaying the message again.

This was a replacement cord I had bought a few years back. Note, my machine is probably close to 10+ years old, and I know I have been told that they should be replaced about every 3 years... But I never followed up on it, as mine worked fine. Anyways, the convertor had burned out before, hence the replacement. So talking with the Wife last night, we decided I should just get a new machine after all these years. Of course the first place I go is Amazon....

Right off the top of the bat it shows two newer, more compact, user-friendly models running about $800. One has no reviews, and the other had a few, but most were mid-level. Then I tried just Google, to find other places to possibly purchase from. Well, turns out, you need a prescription for most types of CPAP machines. After my trip to the NP yesterday, there is no way I am asking her for one. I am sure she would make me do the whole damn sleep study all over again, and I am not dealing with that whole shenanigan if I can avoid it. Once was enough. I went back to Amazon and bought the $800 machine. It should be here Wednesday.

Hopefully, that one will work well enough for me to get by for another 10 years, so long as I am alive. After all, the NP said that according to their stats, I'm 34.5% chance of a heart attack in the next ten years. 

Go figure.

PeacE

Back To The Torture Chamber

 Monday morning has come again, and I had a busy morning planned out. Last week I had received a notice from the AZDOT that the car we had bought off the Oldest Son, now apparently has an abandoned title issue, and they cannot allow me to re-register the tags. However, last year, this was supposedly taken care of when we changed the title from his name to mine. It all stems from when the car was stolen, recovered, and the police never notified him. His insurance found it at a tow yard, and yadda yadda yadda, the car was fixed/repaired, and should have been done. So after the morning doctor visit I had scheduled I was going to go to the DMV. But it is Presidents Day, and they are closed.

So I went to the doctor visit. It has only been two weeks since the last visit, but she had me do more labs (regarding heart markers allegedly). Well, the BP was still higher than what this new NP thinks it should be, so she added another pill to take. Then she started talking about all these liver tests she wants me to do - NOPE! Not doing it. I know my liver enzymes are high, I know I have a 'fatty liver'. Not doing an ultrasound. Not doing the chest x-ray or the cardiology visit, or even more follow-ups with gastro docs. But we did get the test strips and lancets situation corrected.

So that has been how this morning has gone. No appointments today now, though tomorrow will be off to the DMV. Such exciting times....

PeacE

Sunday Is A Late Day

 Everything is late today. I slept in late. Blame the alcohol, and the late hour I was out until last night. Didn't win the money at the VFW, but the pot rolls again to next week. Always another chance. Afterwards, I went to a pub I had not been to in quite awhile. It's called 007's, up around 43rd Av and Union Hills (for those of you that know the Valley). Met my buddy J there, since he is not allowed at the regular place we used to go to... long story. We hung out for awhile before I declared I needed to go home.

So I slept in late. The Wife went to pick up lunch (late) as she didn't feel like making anything. She asked me where/what I wanted, and I said she could decide. Of course, she hates having to make decisions. So just before she left, I asked where she had decided, and she asked me again what I wanted, so I said Subway. Then she left. I have no idea where she is going, or what I will have for lunch. In some ways, that's interesting....

Going to spend most of the day doing screen time. I know I need to catch up on some of the shows/movies I have saved.

PeacE

Saturday, and No Sleeping In

 I woke this morning, and seeing the status of the light coming in the window, I guessed it was around 6am. Boy, was I wrong! I got up and went into the office, ready to start the day off with the weekly 'clan clash' in a game I play, and realized it is barely after 3am. Oh gee, I guess I will be going back to bed after awhile, but I am just not tired enough right now.

No clear plans for the weekend. May go up to the VFW for the Steak dinner tonight, then stay to try the raffle. The pot is around $13K I think. Last week, my brother said no one picked the "reset" or the the winning card, so it rolled again. It's getting closer to being won, or reset.

The front yard has gotten some growth - the wrong kind. After the rains of about a week ago, the weeds have started getting quite a bit higher than any of the actual grass. The Wife prefers to go out and pull them up before we mow, but I think this is quite time consuming, and there is enough out there, I believe just mowing them over for now is the best bet, just so no one complains about overgrowth to the City. Seems like there is always someone doing that, and we get a notice 3-4 times a year. I don't know if I can get Youngest to get up and help this morning, but really should be done. I tis hard for me to get out there with the push mower, and also do the trimming. Will see if it actually gets done today.

Welp, enough griping I guess, so I am going to go lay down and try for a couple more hours sleep.

PeacE

Hmmmm, What To Share Today ...

 ... I think not much, as I really have not had much going on.

I have another doctor appointment set for this coming Monday. Their office had called this past Monday to let me know the lab results for the 'heart markers' was in, and that the NP had wanted to schedule an earlier appointment than the 3-month check-up. So I am quite sure she is going to change up my blood pressure and cholesterol medications. Possibly adjust the diabetic meds as well, once she sees the log I have kept this past week. All the numbers are higher than normal, though offhand, I don't know why they would be. Stress? Not eating healthy(er?) I don't know....

The Company emailed me I think it was Tuesday. I think they were replying to the email I sent last week about being available for any project. They basically said they are slow on projects at this current time, but hopefully not for long, and would keep my status as available for the next one that starts. So, more of sitting around I guess. I have started looking into some other companies that do the same work-type, but haven't pursued anything yet.

It is Thirsty Thursday, so I am headed up to the pub, where I am sure I will meet up with my buddies, as is our usual Thursday thing.

PeacE

Super Toilet Bowl

 Yes, today is that one sporting event, where two football teams play against each other for bragging rights for a year. Pretty much a 'whoopee' from me, as my team, Washington, isn't in it this year. And to be honest, if they were, I don't know if I would be excited about it. Ever since they dropped 'Redskins' from the name, I have lost a lot of interest. I still cheer them on, as they are "my team" but it isn't the same. I don't know if I could love another team like I did my Redskins.

Either way, today I will be headed up to the bar my buddy owns, to spend the late afternoon and evening watching this wreck of a SB. Really? Usher for the halftime show? Seems like the past too many years it is some pop star, or crap rapper type show, and it just irritates me. I know, I know... they want the younger generations to get interested in the sport so they can make their billions. Sigh. At least the game time will be with friends, and we can talk versus watching that shit-show. I had invited my older boys (of age) but one has to work, and the other thinks he has caught some bug and wants to rest before returning to work. I joked that the Youngest (17) could go, and he said sure, but I don't think so.

I had to do some specific lab work a couple days after my appointment with the doctor last week. They were more specific to heart/circulation (how I have no clue) as she was concerned about the adema in my legs. Well, I saw Saturday I had a note on my chart, so I guess she wants me to schedule an appointment sooner than the 3-month check-up, to re-check my blood pressure log I keep at home (which I wasn't, but have been the past few days) and possibly change-up my BP meds. I suppose I should call early on in the week to schedule that appointment.

Yesterday was a nice day to visit the family in Tucson. Drove into a little rain on the way, though once down there, it cleared up pretty fast, though was still a bit chilly with the wind. Midday temps were about 50 degrees (I know that is nothing to some of you). We did an early dinner at Chilis, and headed home around 8, so made it home about 10pm. Wife called the Daughter, who said thanks for the visit. The SIL has been in Peru (the country) and isn't due back until this next Sunday (according to plan) and the Daughter said it was nice to have 'adult talk'.

I guess that is about all I have this morning. Time to find some breakfast...

PeacE

Friday Special

 Hmmmm, let's see what I have on mind today....

I'm chowing down on a pretty good salad. Wednesday, between the Wife's appointments, we had stopped at the grocery. The main goal was milk... by almost $90 later we were leaving. I had to use the restroom, so that meant we strolled through the produce section. I decided to get salad for my lunches the next few days (eating healthier, right?). They have all those pre-made salads, and the Wife noticed that many were marked down due to date of freshness. So we ended up with a handful of those as well. Then, since the milk was clear over on the other side of the store, there were some deals we came across that we couldn't pass up, like tortillas for $1.49. I love them... I spread Miracle Whip on it, a couple pieces of salami and roll them up. nice easy lunch. That meant we had to get lunch meat as well. You see how this is going.... Oh, but back to salad. One of the mark-downs was a $10 salad down to $4.50, and this thing is quite large. Plus it came with the add-ins of red peppers, eggs, cheese, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. I'm nearly done with it, and I am stuffed!

Tomorrow we are headed to Tucson for the day. The SIL is in Peru (the country) for a couple weeks for work, and we thought we would go down and spend the day with the Daughter and Doodad. Which means I will miss the drawing for $12.5+ going on down at the VFW tomorrow night. But maybe my brother will win. Sunday afternoon I will be headed up to the bar my buddy owns to watch the game and maybe play some "squares". Maybe win.

Then Monday will be here. Yee. Haw.

PeacE

A Post Of Nothingness

 So Tuesday I had my doctor appointment. The Nurse Practioner was nice. We went over my current BP averages, and my glucose averages. She did a diabetic foot inspection. I mentioned an issue about my test strips and lancets being changed by the last NP, and I wanted them changed back, but I forgot to bring in examples so she would know what I am talking about. I have enough to get by until the next appointment (3 months). As she checked my breathing/heartbeat, she mentioned the heart murmur that has shown up off/on since I was a kid. Wanted to do an EKG, but saw I had one done last May and so was not needed again. Instead she wanted certain lab work related to the blood/heart done, so this morning I am headed up there in a bit to have that done. Hate having to fast for it, but it is what it is. Oh, and we are adjusting my diabetic meds a bit. Insurance will not cover a higher dosage of one of the pills, so we are lowering the mg amount, and doubling up on how many I take, to see if that will eb allowed by insurance. And it must, as I have a text from Walgreens to pick them up this morning.

The Youngest is wanting to play hooky from school today, I think. He 'missed his bus' and then complains of nausea, and asks if we have anything for it (I'm sure he knows we don't). Waiting to hear from the Wife what her decision is. The bus he misses often, and she drops him off on her way to work. So we will see...

I think that about covers the nothingness that is going on right now.

PeacE

Weekly Restart

 Monday has come once again, and I am back to twiddling my thumbs. First thing this morning I sent off the weekly email to the Company that I am available for any Project work that comes along. Then I figured I had nothing better to do, so started the "regular routine" of my blog reads, email checks, book sites, and game stuff I do. So a restart? No, I guess not really... just another day.

There are things I could do today... I need to get some food stuffs for lunches for me here at home. I think we are down to just ramen noodles, and though I like them, I don't think I wan to have them everyday for lunch - unless I had to do so. 

Tomorrow afternoon I see the doctor. I guess you would them my PCP, but it is a medical facility versus a doctors office, so this is the third doctor I have had since I started going there about 2 years ago. I know I need to get the newer doc to correct my prescription regarding the lancets and the test strips I use to check my glucose. The last several times (previous doc) changed it to a style I do not have, and is not compatible with my current reader. I am figuring the rest of the meds will stay the same.

PeacE

Saturday Ramblings

 This morning started out fairly nice. Slept in until about 8:30am, still feeling a lil groggy as I was out at the pub/VFW/bar with friends. Took the Wife and Youngest to Golden Corral for breakfast/brunch. I could not eat but a fraction of what I used to put back! I guess this 'smaller portions' I have been doing since the pre-colonoscopy has made a difference in the amount I eat... so the weight just keeps slowly dropping. I think since the first of the year, I am guessing lost about ten pounds. I know I need to put a couple new notches in my belt to keep my pants up. Reminds me I should check some of the older shorts I put back as were getting tight, and see if they fit better now.

Other than that, today is Clash day on the game I play with my brother. That'll be an on and off thing throughout the day. Then, depending on how hungry the Wife feels this afternoon, the VFW has a brisket dinner tonight we might attend. IF she doesn't want to go, then I will head up to play the raffle. Gotta try for 12K.

Tomorrow will likely end up being our lazy day.

PeacE

Weekly Recap (meaning, I got nothing really to share)

 It has truly been another boring week for me. I did go out a couple nights and hang out with friends, but mostly I just 'vegged out' in front of the computer.

I did finally hear from the Company, but it was a termination notice. I get them all the time. Seems if you are inactive for more than one payroll period, they consider you terminated. It doesn't disqualify from a re-hire, just clears the books for them I guess. If that project had started a couple weeks ago, this would not have arrived today.

My glucose and BP were in the good range today, and seem to have settled into a "normal range" for me. I do need to get up to Walgreens to pick up a recent refill, one that I actually need to take yet this morning. Then I may treat myself to breakfast at QT. Gotts love a 52 oz soda (I have the big mug) and a couple brats from the roller machine. Or maybe I'll just do Whataburger. Either way I have an hour or so until Walgreens opens.

No major plans this weekend. Saturday I know the Post is having brisket dinners for $20, so the Wife and I may do that, then stay for the raffle. It is over $12K right now.

PeacE