Do I Really Miss Working?

 Yesterday was a truly long day. I mentioned being up early, to get to my emails, make sure I was prepared to start work. I logged in at 9:30am, worked until 5pm. After a bit, I decided to head up to the pub and do some reading. During the evening, the Oldest Son had texted a couple times about questions from his girlfriend (who I got to apply to my Company, and is starting a project today). Then later, as I was readying to head home, the GF calls me and is freaking out about not knowing what to do and what program(s) she needs. The Oldest Son is at work, so I ended up going over and helping her (somewhat) and answering questions. It was after 1am when I got home. I had planned to be up earlier (like 5-6am) but that wasn't happening now. I logged into work at 8:45 this morning....

Yesterday I griped about now being told the project was going to last 13 days, instead of the before mentioned 125 days.... Well, in the meeting, things were cleared up. Seems they started me right off in the Complex Doc Review area, and that work was going to be 2 weeks, then they move us to the regular review, which will last much longer. Whew!

But I admit, with yesterday being such a long day ... I'm mentally tired today. Which means work is going to drag on. I don't miss the work....just the paycheck.

PeacE

Earlier than Usual...

 I got up early today. Well, earlier than usual (by quite a bit). Though the alarm was set for 7am, I was awake off and on from about 5am. I guess telling my body I needed to be up earlier helped actually wake me earlier. But why did I need to get up? I actually have work to do. Yesterday afternoon, the emails started arriving to complete tasks in the online HR for the Company. I'm just a re-hire, so mine are pretty easy, just re-confirming previous entered data. So this morning when I checked my email at just after 7am, I already had an email giving project information. I began checking my connections to be sure I can access the virtual desktop, but I'm guessing they do not have everyone approved for that as of this hour. The email said to wait until about 9:30am (my time) so I will give them a couple hours to get it approved for me.

And, of course, the Company lied ... kinda. The email I received this morning stated the project duration is 13 business days. Last week the email stated 125 days. But I guess there is a clause in there, as I re-read it just now. They mention afterward possible switching to CDR (Complex Document Review - which I do have training in) or onto another aspect of the same project. So maybe it is just this first part that is 13 days (2 weeks). I dunno. Just happy to be working again.

That being said, I should get off here and get some other stuff done for my regular routine since I have to wait a bit....

PeacE

Memorial Day 2024

 No fancy post title today. It is Memorial Day, a day many people have off from work and/or school, even though many just celebrate it with family and barbecues, without knowing the reason for this day. Friday night, I asked the Youngest if he wanted to get up early, go with me, and help put flags on veteran's graves at the cemetery near the Post. Surprisingly, he agreed. So about 6:30am we were off to the cemetery. We did a couple sections, though quite a bit of walking for me. Estimated just between the two of us, we put out about 65 flags within the hour. At that point, most of the cemetery was covered, as we had a couple school ROTC groups, a Boy Scout troop, and a few other volunteers there helping as well. I was surprised to see only 2 others there from the Post, and definitely felt a bit sad about there not being others there from he VFW to help. I mean, if I can get my butt out there, walking around with a cane and doing it, why cannot they? I know, there may be other things going on in other's lives.... but still. Youngest and I finished off the morning by going to the Post for the free breakfast (open to the public), then it was home.

I was hurting by the time we got home. Muscles had started to let me know I used them, and they weren't used to it. I took a couple acetaminophens and laid down. Ended up napping a couple hours. Went back up to the Post for Saturday festivities that afternoon. Nothing exciting. Sunday was spent resting as I was still sore. Was going to take the family out to dinner, but Youngest said he didn't feel like going out to eat", so the Wife and I went to Seafood Harbor. They have a cucumber & onion salad I love, plus it is buffet, and I was craving salad. I did have some meats, but mostly stuck to the two salads. Spent the rest of the evening messing around on the computer.

Last week I had gotten an email from the company about a project hoping to start Tuesday. Saturday they followed up with they hope to have word out Monday, but Tuesday at the latest. The Oldest Son's girlfriend got the same letter, though she has never worked for this company before, or done similar work. She ahs the Son texting me questions about the job, and I'm starting to get frustrated with her. Why not just call me? Faster than trying to type answers/questions, and faster than going through the Son. Sigh, not my business. I will sending her an email her after this post, that contains more information for her. She is worried about not "getting the programs on the computer" that she will need for the job, even though I explained you work from a virtual desktop, that has all the programs needed. I'm beginning to wonder if she just doesn't grasp the idea. I probably shouldn't say that, but it is true. So here is to hoping to hear something, though at this time, it will probably be tomorrow before I do. Project is supposed to last approximately 4 months ....

Not sure what I am doing after I finish up here at the computer. Can't remember if the Post is open today, though they did do a flag raising this morning (and no, I didn't go).

PeacE

Getting Caught Up

 Monday was a long, long day for me. I had not slept well Sunday night, and with only three hours of sleep, was up at the crack of dawn. There were things to do, final plans to be set, all prior to the graduation set for that afternoon. Even running Youngest out to a park to 'hang out' with a friend for a couple hours. I was doing my best to work out things with Youngest, as he had a couple friends that flew in from Washington for his graduation, and I realize it would be nice to be able to visit them before they headed back on Tuesday.

A couple hours prior to what we had kind of set as the departure time, I received an email from the school stating all pre-paid parking at the event center was sold out. Paid parking? I should have thought of that, being it is held at the arena, and just the area, etc. I went back through some emails regarding graduation and see I had missed it is $10 cashless (card only) to pay for parking, and I had not seen a link to pre-pay. So plans adjusted for all driving, that we would go a bit earlier to ensure we got a parking spot (me as I was picking up PT & RM, and preferred a handicapped spot). SO I picked up the folks a little early, and we ended up with a spot that was pretty much directly in front of the doors. We only sat int he car maybe 15 minutes.

The ceremony came and went, like they all do. Parents, and associated guests are always asked to refrain from yells, and to keep applause to a minimum when announcing names, but they never listen. I missed many names do to people yelling, and I hope their families were able to hear the names of their kids being called. Luckily we heard Youngest's, and got a picture of him crossing the stage. Afterwards, it was the mandatory family pics with the grad outside. Then it was trying to figure out what Youngest's plans were, as he was spending some more time with those friends prior to the overnight event later.

Once I had gotten the parents home, I was ... I was ... beat? worn down? exhausted? tired? All the above? I ended up heading down to the VFW and had a couple beers. The Youngest's GF's mom had offered to take him to the event starting at 11pm, so I didn't have to do that, but I was the pick up person at 4am. Which I stayed up all night for, and made it on time. Dropped off the GF, got home, and pretty much crashed. I slept Tuesday until about 12:30pm, woke, saw the time, rolled back over. Did not climb out of bed until 5 or so. Had dinner, and was back in bed by 9'ish. Slept pretty good last night, too.

So I hope I am caught up on sleep. This morning I need to get up to the store to pick up one last prescription (for this month), and then run the Youngest's car through emissions. Middle Son picked up his brother this morning to ride along with him on an errand to help keep him awake. No major plans other than that.

PeacE

The Ending of an Era

 Today, my Youngest walks across the stage to accept his high school diploma. It truly is an ending of an era for the Wife and I. The end of seemingly endless years (16 in total, though only the last 12 straight) of band practices and events, extra-curricular events, plays, concerts, parties, school meetings, etc, etc. No more early, early morning band practices, or late night pick-ups when they get home from an event.

And of course, the Wife is sick and not sure if she will make the ceremony today. Seems she came down with a chest cold, and is just feeling miserable with coughing and stuffiness today already. I may be attending as a single parent today, though the Youngest siblings will all be there. In fact, The Daughter has already texted she is on the way into town (about a 2 hour drive). With the Wife not feeling well, I truly am playing taxi today. The Youngest has already been dropped off to spend some time with a friend from out of state and will need to be picked up in a couple hours. Then after the ceremony, he is hanging with friends again and will need to be picked up. And finally, at 11pm tonight he is to be dropped off for a graduation celebration that lasts until 4am, and then I pick him and his girlfriend, take her to her grandparents, then home ourselves. I'm going to be beat.

I'm tired just thinking about that last paragraph. I think I should start by going to the Reading Room....

PeacE

There's A Black Hole Just Over Yonder ....

Ha! If you thought this post was going to be about science, you were wrong. Thinking anatomy? Wrong again, but it is somewhat about some people being A-holes....

After the adventures on Thursday, I though the rest of the week would go smoothly, and would end just peacefully. Of course, with my family, it can never do that. 

A little over a month ago, I posted about an event that happened. I didn't say exactly what it was, but that 'Family Drama' was involved. That shit show has come back around now, and somehow pulled me into the the blackness of it. I don't want to really discuss any of it publicly, but want so much to write about it to get it off my chest. Originally, the situation did not involve me (and I am going to be sure it WON'T be involving me) but due to the actions of others, I am dragged into the mess because I'm family, and thus 'guilty by association' (falsely accused). I'm 'accused' of sharing information that should not have been shared (another false accusation).

Sigh.

I found this out Thursday night. After thinking on it the past couple of days, I'm not sure what to personally do about any of it. I am leaning more towards just waiting to see what happens, and just how much this situation will give any blow-back towards me. The whole thing just weighs heavy on my chest, because of these false allegations to my honor (sharing info that shouldn't be? Like I'm not trustworthy?) and to my character.

Sigh. Breathe in, breathe out...

There is some kind of big horse race event today called the Preakness. I think the Kentucky Derby winner (Mystik Dan) is favored to win today as well. I went and pulled up a generic website that Goggle threw up when asked, to see the list of horses running this race. The name of one sticks in my mind - Uncle Heavy (glad my nieces/nephews don't call me that) and at the time of the list, the odds were 20-1 for that horse. Mystik Dan's odds were 5-2 and most of the other horses had odds between those two. So Uncle Heavy is not favored well to win. I mention all that, because years ago when the off track betting had dog races, that was how I won quite a bit - by just looking at the names of the dogs running, and if one stood out to me, I bet on it. Or if the dog took a dump while they were 'showing them off' prior to putting them in the post. I have tried this method with horses before, and usually don't win. But today may be different. And it won't be a huge bet either...maybe $5 (that's a $100 win if it happens).

So the bar my buddy owns, is one of two on the Valley westside that has the OTB to place bets. I think I will head up there early this afternoon and see what current odds are, and maybe place that bet. I probably won't stay to watch the race (it is at like 4pm my time) as I may head over to the VFW as I do most Saturdays. The Queen of Hearts draw there is up over $15k now.

Guess we will see how things turn out this next week. I'm sure you are all so interested, that you'll be back....

PeacE

Whew!

 What a day today has been, and it is barely half way over. It started with the Middle Son calling about 7:30am. My first thought, as a parent knows, is 'something bad happened or went wrong'. So of course I answered it, ready to jump out of bed and do whatever I could to help whatever problem. No worries. Not really a problem. Seems his battery had died at work, and he had purchased a new one, put it in, but the battery indicator light on the dash had not gone off, and it had been a day. He was asking if that is normal, or should he be worried. I mentioned it was more than likely an issue in the battery/wiring/charging system, and best bet would be the alternator is/has failed. Suggested he get to a garage service to have them check it before ending up "dead" somewhere, when he has to be somewhere.

We finished the short chat, and he agreed he would see about getting it in to a place near him today (he is off work tonight, so has the time today). I went ahead and got out of bed since the Wife was getting ready to leave for work anyways. No sooner had I sat down at the computer, getting ready to take my meds, Middle Son calls again. His car is dead - won't start. He had called not five minutes before, and now it is dead. He had driven a roommate to an early doctor's appointment, and was stuck there now. So I threw on yesterday's clothes and grabbed the 'jump kit', then headed out to meet him - way up on the northside - out past the VA cemetery (for those that know the Valley). We got it started, then the decision was made to get it to the garage now. It is several miles back to the one he had picked, which is near his place. We made it maybe 2 miles up the road, then his dash went dead, and power faded. Ended up calling for a tow (1 1/2 hour wait) then headed to the garage. Explained the issues, then we went to my house. Decided it was 11:30, and I was starving, so we went to lunch. Waiting for the call still from the garage, we hit the vitamin shop (I got some milk thistle), then the car wash (it sprinkled and dirtied my windows of my car), then Walgreens (I had 'scripts to pick up).

The call came in, and it is the alternator. Labor and replacement quoted about $650. Sigh. But the work could be done in less than 2 hours. So we okayed it all, then headed back to my house to sit for a bit before the call comes in that it is ready. Poor kid has been so stressed about this happening, and not counting the other stressors he has going on. Of course, I said I would pay for everything (tow, repairs) as I know his finances are tight. We have offered many times over to help with things regarding the car, which he has refused, but it is working out now. In fact, he just said he is going to lay down to rest his body (he hasn't been to bed yet, and just got off work this morning early). I love that I had the chance to really help him out, and teach him how to handle situations like this when they occur. I am happy I had the time free to assist, with no work currently, though I would have called off today to help him. 

I know that as parents we have to step back and let children learn things on their own, especially as the reach adulthood. I agree they need to learn the results of their actions (or lack of), their financial decisions, etc. But sometimes, you do have to help teach them. Maybe in someone else's eyes, I helped too much paying for the repairs, etc, but I don't care. I know that if there is a next time, he'll know how to handle it, even if he does have to ask for a loan from Mom and Dad (read loan as financial gift, in my opinion). 

I think once we get back to his car, he'll be more relieved, and less stressed. And he got to spend some time with Dad, just hanging out and catching up. Regardless of the reason, it was a good day.

PeacE

Prep Week

 This is the week before the Youngest graduates from High School. Which means getting things "planned" for graduation on Monday, and a few events that are happening he wants to attend. Like, his girlfriend's birthday/graduation party on Saturday. A water/splash party at the HS on Thursday (Seniors are released from school early that day, and this is in the afternoon). Plus he has a couple friends coming from out of town for his graduation, that would like to spend time with him as well over the weekend. Plus the graduation party the night of at Dave & Busters.

I'm waiting to hear from the Company. Last weekend they mentioned a possible project (not yet approved) to start this last week, but each day it was pushed off as no approval had been received. As of Last Thursday, they were hoping for a Friday start (didn't happen) and now we are into the next week and I have not heard anything at this time yet.

Finally heard from the last of the kids that they will be attending their brother's graduation. I think I have a plan for everyone to get there (on time) and all. I need to get in touch with RM about us picking them up and times. Youngest was able to get all the tickets we needed.

I've been on this new medication, Rybelsus, which is replacing the Metformin I was taking. It has been a bit different. I no longer have the nausea in the mornings while I wait an hour after taking (per Dr orders) before being able to eat. My sleep schedule has been really wonky, but I don't know if it is the meds or just me. I will have to keep an eye on how things are over the next couple more weeks to let the NP know if I have side effects.

Welp, think I shared enough today...

PeacE

Breathe In, Breathe Out

 Sometimes I wonder how I get by day to day in this shit hole of a place we call a world. Even as I typed that last line, more crap that is making me question my sanity, is happening, in the form of email.

I have spent most of this last week stressing. The Company contacted me last week about a "potential project" to start this week, and every day this week, it is the same 'we are awaiting confirmation, prior to setting an actual start date/time'. In other words, the haven't got the client to hire them yet. So every day I await the call to get to work...and then get upset and disappointed when it doesn't happen. I miss working. How many people do you know say anything like that?

Tickets are available as of today for the graduation. I sent the Youngest in with the money for three additional tickets, which should round out the number we need for family/friends. Graduation is in 10 days.

Nine months late, but I finally was able to have some time with the Middle Son last night. His partner and I went out for a couple drinks (he turned 21 in August, and never let Dad take him out for the first one in a bar). His partner is nice, and we had a good time for a couple hours.

I picked up the new 'script yesterday. Reading the instructions, I realized I have to take it, with no more than 4 oz of water, then wait 30 minutes before taking any additional medications or food. Really? Sigh. But the NP says this one is better for me than the Metformin. A noted side effect is weight-loss, so could be a win-win. I just need to watch for any weird effects from this new one. Best part? I was worried about cost, but when I picked it up yesterday, it also rang up $0.00.

I know it is only mid-morning, but I am going to go lay back down. The Wife and I have a play we are going to tomorrow. Something we have never done before. Seems we are doing a bit more of that lately.

PeacE

Anxiety Builds

 Saturday afternoon I received a phone notification that an email had been received. As the usual, I ignored it after hearing the 'ding' notification sound, until I had a break later on. It was the Company, stating that they had a "potential project" that 'MAYBE' slated to start 5/6, more than likely 5/8, that had NOT been client approved at the time of the email. The Company was sending out notice, so that they could find out actual availability of employees for this POSSIBLE project. Individual replies would NOT be monitored, as the email went out to "hundreds of employees". I responded from my phone, that I was available, before seeing there was a link to complete an 'availability survey', which I did later that evening when I got home - too hard to read it on the phone.

So, I know it is only slightly after 3am (not sleeping well again) but I have not heard from the Company with any follow-up information. I know that there is a distinct chance I will not be chosen for the project, but it is the first time in quite awhile they have even mentioned possible work. I have been looking for other related work-from-home (remote) jobs, but have not found anything that suits me, or that I am willing to do. So for now, it is a waiting game to see if this project comes to fruition or not.

Later this morning I also have a doctors appointment. Rather, a Nurse Practitioner appointment. Right now she has me on seven medications to cover all my medical issues (well, most of them). The past six months I have been seeing this particular NP she has adjusted the meds at least 4 times (over the zero changes the prior 1 1/2 years from three others). Two weeks ago she wanted to get me off the Metformin, and replace it with Rybelsus. I did some reading on it, and for what the NP will want, is dose changes every 30 days starting at a 3mg to 7mg to 14mg, each costing more money per 30 day supply (even with a MFR 'savings coupon'). I was to start it 2 weeks ago, but somewhere in the process, someone, somehow, inputted something wrong, and the insurance won't approve it because of a mis-match on the patient (me) address. I verified with the pharmacy, and the 'MyChart' for the NP, that my address is correct. To spite this, the same day, the insurance filled all my other prescriptions with no problem. So my guess is someone typed/transferred something wrong (from the NP office) so I am sure this will be discussed today. Other than that, I am thinking of asking about some sleeping aid. The OTC Melatonin and sleep capsules don't seem to work at all.

Sigh. Other things I need to get done this week.... mow the lawn. I really hate having grass in Arizona. It gets too fricking hot to do it in most of the months, and doesn't grow well (dry spots, etc) unless you have a good sprinkler system (I don't) and landscapers cost too much to come and mow it each month. Aside from that, the last time the Wife let me hire some landscaper to mow the lawn, they weed-eater'ed (new word folks!) a couple of her rose bushes to ruin, and she was not happy. Even I don't use the trimmer around her plants anymore. I leave it for her to do whether she uses the trimmer or does it by hand.

I also need to get the Youngest's car up into emissions for registration before the 15th. It has been sitting in the drive and needs to be "jumped" again. I swear this child has no motivation to learn to drive, and never asks about it. And he is graduating this month. HE will need to drive to get a job, because he ain't living here forever. 

Argh! Being tired has gotten me a bit cranky this morning. I guess I better close this off before I get really mouthy about things.

PeacE

Gee, Where'd the Week Go?

 Seems like this last week just flew by without any notification. I know I didn't have anything special planned, but still... I think I spent most of this last week, waiting to hear about when the extra graduation tickets are going to be available for purchase, so I am able to plan out stuff better.

Tuesday night the Youngest had his last band/Jazz band concert. Here in about two weeks is graduation. He has a 'sober graduation party' that night from like 11pm-4am at a Dave & Busters (an arcade place). And now he is asking if we are doing a dinner after graduation (that starts at 3pm). I have no clue. I suppose the Wife and I will talk about it this weekend. I know we are planning to pick-up and take RM and PT so they can avoid the heavy traffic of the event, plus get the benefit of handicapped parking with me. I'm still trying to figure out time/travel logistics for all that as well.

No plans this weekend really. Next Saturday the Wife and I are going to a play. A "Mad Hatter Musical" playing at the Herberger Theater downtown. Another thing that we have never done - a play. Seems we are doing things we have never done before more often now. Must be the 'do it before we die' or something....

Goes I should close this up for now. Have my Viking game clash today, and also need to get abotu three more reviews written.

PeacE