What Have We Got This Week ...?

 It has been nearly a week since I last wrote in here. Seems like some days I feel worn down and ragged, even though there just isn't much going on in my life. I think I have mentioned before that I am trying to get more involved int he VFW Post I am at (Auxiliary). Last Sunday we had our second VFW Riders Group meeting and cleared up some basic information. Still waiting the patch approval from National offices, so no sense in going out and buying my 'cut' just yet. Also need to talk to another rider, about patch placements, and about some other issues that may not be included with the main patch - like since I am 'support', per the SOP for National and State, it has to be on my cut that I am support. But where does the patch go, since it shouldn't be on the back, I'm guessing under my name on the right side front? Little things like that. One that I am sure I will sound sort of stupid about, is how do you put the patches on? Are they iron-on, need to be sewn on, and what about the Velcro ones, how is the Velcro attached.

Against my better judgement, I also joined the New Years Eve party committee. We are in charge of the event for NYE, and the theme, food(s), drink specials - all aspects basically. There are nine of us I believe, and most of them I know fairly well, and we get along good. So it will be sort of like hanging with friends planning a party. I donated a little bit to help start our fund, and we are doing 50/50 raffles each Saturday to help raise money. Food is going to be a pot-luck, and has a sign-up sheet online for once the Post approves the flyer, and that it truly is an 'open to the public event'. Nice part, is we are observing the EST ball drop of 10:00PM, allowing everyone to not have to be out until midnight, unless they choose to.

So only two things I have joined, but am able to get to more meetings to find out what things are going on around the Post, etc. I can observe, ask questions, voice opposition if needed, but cannot vote on those meetings. In fact, Tuesday I have three such meetings going on that evening.

Saturday is the Daughter's birthday, and our plan is to head to Tucson for the day. We will also be picking up Youngest's girlfriend. It will be nice to see my Doodad again, as it feels like it has been too long. The Daughter did find out the sex of the baby that is due in late January, but I have not seen here publicly share yet, so I guess I shouldn't here yet. The plan was to have Youngest drive to/from, as it gives him more freeway driving practice, but with his girlfriend going, the Wife and I decided that may be too much distraction, so I will be driving instead. 

Tomorrow (today) is Friday, and I will be spending a good part of the afternoon down at the Post. Got a book that needs reading for a review. Plus that evening there is a raffle drawing for a gift basket. I had bought like $20 worth of tickets back in the beginning of September, and last I knew, still had the majority of ticket sales. Good chance for me to win it!

Haven't seen/heard from the two older sons, so I am guessing things are going okay for them. I did hear some upsetting news last night I believe it was, about a niece. I am sure the family don't need me sharing more about it, so I won't.

So, the Doctor's (rather Nurse Practioner's) office called me the other day. I had lab work done a couple weeks following the appointment I had back in early August. They were just now calling to see if I would schedule an appointment, just for the NP to go over the results with me. I asked if I had any appt set at this time, and they said yes, the follow-up in early November. I said it could wait until then. I haven't gone into the MyChart they use to even look at the results, but I pretty sure I know what they will basically read as. I'm sure she will want to increase the cholesterol pill. She'll moan about my liver, and I will deny getting an ultra-sound done, same with the extra cardiologist crap she wants me to do. I'd also like her to prescribe me something like Ambien to help me sleep better. Every time I bring up sleep issues, she deflects it and goes on to something about my liver or the cardiologist stuff. Might be time to find a new doctor....

Halloween is coming up soon. I don't normally dress-up for it, but last year I almost had. I had got a monk's robe, and some white face paint. Was going to shave my head, and also bought a "magic" lightbulb. Was planning on going as a bearded Fester, but the lightbulb wouldn't work. A couple weeks after the holiday, I was able to take it apart and figured out the short it had, so it works now. But I am not shaving my head... I'll just go to the Spirit of Halloween store, and see if they got something like a wooden cross I can hang around my neck and go as a Friar Tuck figure. Still not 100% I will dress up for sure.

Welp, it's after 2:30AM, and I ain't sleepy yet. Guess I need to find something to do to get that way....

PeacE

I Lived ....

 ... I ate that loaded baked potato salad the Wife had bought, even though it was past the best sold date. It tasted funny. I attribute that to the sour cream (which I don't like in raw form) but the tummy was not a happy camper through the day. Being Friday, I headed to the Post, and shortly after arriving, I had to the trip to the 'head' (I'm sure it was the potato salad) and leave a package to be sent to the President. Nice personal touch, too, if I say so myself. Over the course of the evening, he got a couple more sent as well.... or, would that be her, because I can't tell the sex of the clowns in office right now....

Anyway, I had a good eve at the Post. It was a small crowd, the Regulars, that sing every chance they can, no matter how good they sound or not. I chose to read, and finished 2-3 books tonight. No songs. No one to impress, no new songs to "try", and didn't care. Tomorrow may be a different story. It is 'steak night' where you can get a nice rib-eye, baked potato, beans, salad and a dessert for $20, and I am waiting for the Wife to see if she wants to go this week or not. What she decides, fixes most of my plans for the day.

The Brother is having a party for the 1 year old grandkid he is now 'raising'. He's one. Being still associated through the State, they get an allowance for things needed to help (diapers, bottles, formula, and all the other special stuff because he is supposed allergic to something). So I have no present. The Brother was at the Post tonight, and I admitted I was not sure if I would make it there tomorrow. It's farther than I like to drive, and his spouse's family might be there, and ....yeah. I'm trying to prevent an altercation, versus starting one. RM is planning to be there, and I guess she said she is bringing tea (another story for another time, that we will just forget about). for me. But I dunno. Drive there, home and back to the Post...lotsa miles. I'm leaving it til the morning and asking the Wife what she wants to do.

Depending on what the Wife says in the morn, I may go hunting for a gun tomorrow. I have been looking at some different ones, and asked opinions from other gun owners. I have an idea of what I want, but need to shop around and find the best deal. Then, whilst I wait the 10-day (if feasible in AZ) look into the concealed carry classes. I already know some of the 'cuts'/vest for the VFW Riders have pockets to help with that as well. I'll spend a day to get a CCW. Yes, I'm a good guy, there will be a gun safe bought for the handgun as well, for when I am home, when little ones are around. I'm not that bad....

So, I think I shared enough for this early hour, and all that caffeine from the tea is still working... but we're done. Until next time.....

Peace

I Gotta New Name

 Wednesday, the Youngest and I were going to do another highway/street trip to give him more practice driving. Trying to find purpose in these drives, I chose that we would go to White Castle (I been craving) way over on the east side of town (there's only 3 in the Valley). It's a good jaunt on the highway, then I was going to have him drive the 'streets' back home. Practice, right? Well, Middle Son came by that day, so we both agreed to put it off to the next day. Then yesterday, I woke with a really bad headache, and asked to push to Friday. That's later today, and as of now, I'm still ready.

So it was Thursday, and around 1pm my headache finally started its way of disappearing. The Youngest had plans to go to the HS football game with the girlfriend around 2-3pm, so I said I was going to head out. I went down to the VFW. I had a tablet, I had books, and they had iced tea. I spent a good part of the afternoon and evening there, then headed towards home. One of my regular spots was on the way, so I stopped. My tablet was under 50% battery power, so I didn't even take it inside to try to read.

I got a spot at the bar, ordered my usual, and was just kinda watching sports recaps and whatnot on the television. Someone stops by and says the usual, "Hi. I'm (name)." I respond in kind, "I'm Ralph. How ya doing?" Almost immediately I get this blank look, then they say they have to go over to whatever table with their friends. Weird.

A little time goes by, and someone else stops by me, ordering a drink, and make small talk, I say, "Hey, how ya doing?". They are cool, and respond back they are well. I put out my hand, saying, "I'm Ralph. And you?". The blank look again. I'm trying to figure out what the heck is going on...

At this point, someone I know actually comes in, comes down and sits next to me, and I'm thinking this is good. He and I talk for awhile, just regular guy chit-chat, and talking about sports recaps, etc. A gal come walking up next to me, to order drinks for her table, and again, I offer up a hi, how are you. I get an enthusiastic answer about the good time she is having, so I ask her name. It's Cindy (spelling I don't know). I say I'm Ralph. Again that blank look. She quickly carts the drinks back to her friends, and coming back for the final one, I asked her, "What is going wrong? You are the third person to meet me tonight, and everyone gets this blank look, then goes away". She does the whole over-the-shoulder looking thing, then tells me that there is a "saying", or "rumor", that if you bother Ralph the Reader, it can get ugly. I mention that I am probably the guy, as I know the bartenders tend to tell people to leave me alone when I reading, but I didn't have my book with me that night. Her words... her words... if you mess with Ralph the Reader, and you bother him, he will hurt you.

Sorry RM, but OMFG. Really? You interrupt my reading, I'll hurt you? I mean, if you can't have a decent convo, after interrupting my reading, yeah, I'm not going to be happy. And I will verbally blast you until you leave me alone and run to the other side of the world. But physically hurt someone? Wow.

So, if you are ever in the north side of the Valley, in my 'stomping grounds', watch out. Don't interrupt the fat guy reading at the bar.

On a side note, the Wife got me a 'loaded baked potato salad' from the grocery a couple days ago. It was marked down for clearance sale. I checked the date about 15 minutes ago, it was for 9/14 for best sale. It smelled okay, so I just ate it. Not a fan - too much sour cream for my taste. Just letting someone know in case I die tomorrow from toxins.

PeacE

I Have Been Called Out ...

 Good ol' RM called me out this morning. 

As my usual morning routine (when not on a project), one of the thing sI do is read her blog. Today she mentioned I had not written in mine since last Tuesday, and she was wondering how I was. Most likely, because I was in recovery mode. Well, Mother dear, I am fine. This past week has brought all my numbers into a good range, and I am drinking less (more on that later). I just have been a bit busy to actually have content to write here.

So, around the time of the birthday shenanigans, I discovered that the VFW Post has tea as an option on their 'gun dispenser' at the canteen. I have gone there for over three years and never knew this! Well, now that I do, when there, I pass on the beer and drink tea instead. It is unsweetened, which I do not mind, but it sure has helped mu glucose numbers this past week, and even the pocketbook! I still have a  beer every now and then, as most places do not have tea as a drink option, unless it is a 'twisted tea' or some other tea with vodka from a can stuff.

I made a decision this past week as well. I decided to get more active in the goings-on at the Post. I mentioned I had already joined the VFW Riders Group. Tuesday they have a first meeting for a New Years Eve Committee to plan a party for NYE. I've volunteered to help re-do the lining int he kitchen drawers, help sort out the miscellaneous utensils scattered throughout, and assist with the cabinets as well, though I don't do ladders. I have been volunteered for Santa for the kid's Christmas (third in line, though admittedly I am the best Santa) but yet have no info if there is even going to be one. C'mon people! It's September and you are not planning this yet?!? So, yeah. Add in the miscellaneous other committee meetings that happen, that I can attend to hear what is going on, offer suggestions, but not vote, it fills up the calendar pretty quick. Good thing my friend showed me how to use Google Calendar, because it is getting well used now.

With all this going on, I still miss work. Another email sent off this morning to the Company. It may be time to seriously start looking for something else, hopefully close to home, and not requiring a dress-code (like suits, etc). I may even take smaller pay just to be able to wear shorts and not interact with the public. I don't know. Will have to look and see what is out around the area....

And with that, I am out of here.

PeacE

Getting Older

 I am sure I have several posts with this same title, and I am sure I felt the age (whatever year it was) that I did at that particular time. This year is no different, and again, I overdid it celebrating my birthday. Friday I never did make it to any restaurant for a free bday meal. Instead I was at the Post for much of the duration of the afternoon and evening. Saturday was my regular meet n' greet, which went fairly well. I ended up at the Post again, then got a ride to another pub, before taking a Lyft back to my car then home. Sunday was Football, and I meet a friend I hadn't seen in about a year. We watched the afternoon game and caught up, then I took the Wife and Youngest to Olive Garden for dinner. I was craving salad. Youngest drove, because, well, I had had a few. Monday morning found me literally hurting. Due to not taking better care of myself over the weekend, I was a bit dehydrated, thus was getting leg/muscle cramps all day, as well as just feeling nauseous. I did not do much. This morning I am feeling a bit better. I will still take it fairly easy today though.

Not much on my plate to accomplish today. A couple meds need to be picked up. Aux meeting tonight I should attend. Might go to the store and pick up a couple things I know I would like to have, and probably Youngest would like as well.

I know, nothing exciting when in recovery mode....

PeacE

The Birthday Month

 September is my Birthday Month. I like to say I try to celebrate it all month long, but that is pretty hard to do. Most restaurants only give one free meal (or entree, dessert, whatever) on the exact day of your birthday, or they have a limited time coupon to use (usually a week around your birthday). And though I do drink quite often out at the pub, or Post, that just is ridiculous to try to do it every day - and expensive! Either way, that Day, is Friday. Later today (not sure what time yet) a friend from Florida is arriving herein the Valley. I have known her for many years, and this year, she flew out specifically for my birthday. So plans today will be probably meeting up with her once she is settled into a hotel. Not sure what Friday will bring, as I would like to see what kind of birthday lunch I can find (or where near me anyways), which will then end with me at the Post (with my friend). Saturday I am doing my yearly 'Come hang out with me for a drink' afternoon.

I guess the Youngest is asking about going to Tucson this weekend. It is unusual for him to kind of 'push' about going to visit, but I guess he has an ulterior motive. The Daughter recently just had part of her computer system re-built/modified, and I guess she offered up some old parts to him, that are an improvement for his system. The Wife told Youngest that I had plans this weekend as it is my birthday weekend, but talking with me last night about it, I mentioned maybe we could go down Sunday for a few hours. My requirement being we are back home by 6'ish, so I am able to have a couple more hours with my friend before she leaves Monday. Decision to follow on that one.

I have been "learning" some new things this week - or maybe, just how to utilize resources I have not used before would be the better turn of phrase. I actually started using the Google calendar feature. I have missed several Auxiliary meetings, and other such related to the VFW, because they are only on certain days of the month, and I forget. I figured out how to set them to repeat on special terms (like second Tuesday of each month) and to send me a reminder hours before the event, so I can plan to be there better. I hope it works....

Also going to be messing with Google Docs today. This year brings about he 6th Annual Santa Run my friend and I started a few years back. We had to change up some of the requirements to attend, and I need to get some sort of flyer out about it. I work so much easier from my PC than my phone or tablet, I figured I could type up the info, or even make a flyer format, and sync to the phone, and send messages to those that have gone in the past years, or are interested this year. There have been some other changes that my friend is doing as well, as far as the locations we go, and already that is getting some negative feedback. So I am starting to wonder if this is the end of the fun....

Went to bed early last night (for me) at around 9pm. Must be why I woke at 1:30am wide-awake. I really need to see if my medical provider will prescribe me some sleep aid (like Ambien) so I would be able to get a decent 8-hour sleep. This 1-4 hour nap crap with hours awake between is just brutal.

Enough of my griping already....

PeacE

Labor Day Laziness

 Saturday was a pretty busy day. Friday night, while at the Post, I had offered to come in early Saturday morning, to help clean up from the party that had rented out the hall on Friday night. It was a mess. So I was there at 8am, dragging my feet since I hadn't made it home until near midnight the night before. But I swept, another two guys mopped (there were gummies smashed into the tile all over - had to do two runs of mopping). Then we set out tables and chairs for the next event due that morning. We were talking about going to breakfast, then back after the meeting, to re-arrange the tables/chairs for the evening rental, but it never happened. We ended up deciding to wait until after that meeting and just get it all done. By then it was afternoon, and I had to get headed out. Ran home, changed into my KSU jersey, and headed up to the pub we were meeting at to watch the game. I lasted until half-time, then decided I needed to head back to the Post, as one of my friends was celebrating his birthday that evening. He's an older vet, and doesn't have many that like him. For some reason, we get along great. Sunday was spent just lounging around the house. I didn't go anywhere. I took a nap. Cleared the bowels several times (what was up with that?).

Today has no special plans. Sister invited us to their place for a barbecue and swimming, but the Wife has to work today. I asked the Youngest if he wanted to go, but since there weren't going to be many there, he said not really, so I declined it all. I do have a couple book reviews I need to get done, and I should do that today - but don't really feel like it at this exact moment.

Sent the weekly email to the Company, though they won't see it (or do anything about it) until tomorrow at the earliest.

Welp, it's time to check my glucose and BP.

PeacE