Another Early Morning

 I think I am at the cusp of being back to normal (for me). Though I don't like waking at 2am and being able to sleep, I know it is because of all the sleep I have done these past few days. I will probably try to get a nap in at some point this morning, then push through the day. Hopefully over the weekend I will get my sleep schedule back on track.

Being sick means not much went on. Yesterday I did get quite a few text messages from friends asking if I was among the living yet. Some joked that the bartenders were saying they were having their worst nights ever (because I was not there spending). I know it is in jest, but the fact some reached out means a bit to me.

RM is out on her vacation with the girls this weekend, so who knows if I will get to read anything from her until next week. Then I am sure it will be about how great my Sister, her Daughter and Granddaughter are....But it is okay. I know I am the true favorite. After all, I was the adopted one....

I spent my awake hours working on my House Comm agenda, as the meeting is Tuesday. I had asked RM about the Microsoft365 and mentioned some issues I was having regarding saving/moving/losing files. Somehow this morning, I think it knows I asked, as it worked fine. Damn Big Brother listening into everything...

That's all I got today.

PeacE

Playing With The Dead ....

 So Saturday morning, I did not call RM. I did go to the Post early, and helped load the totes that contained the flags. I also stuck around and helped make sure chairs/tables were up, did some assistance setting out some foods, and clean-up. By then it was noonish, and I had nothing to do until the birthday party at 6pm, so I had some beer. One of the other guys I know from one of our committees hung with me for the afternoon, and it was nice to get to know him better than I did before. The party came around, and I dropped off my card. Unfortunately, the gentleman turning 80 has some dementia, and couldn't have real conversations. Around 10pm or so I went up the street to stop in at a bar where one of the bartenders I know was filling in, just to say hi. 

Sunday was a bit slower day. The Wife and I did a late breakfast at Denny's (well, she had breakfast, I had a salad) after running my car through the carwash, and a stop at Walgreen's for a card for the Nephew. Stopped at the bank to pull cash out, but evidently between Friday and Saturday nights, the two ATMS were both out of cash. We talked and thought it best if I dropped her off back at home, so she could drive separate, in case she didn't want to stay at the party as long. So I did. She never did show up, but I did go. It was nice to sit and visit with RM (I guess PT, too, though not as much). Brother was running around too much as it was his step-kid. After the party, I left to go to my regular hangout and stayed out much later than I should have.

Monday I was back up somewhat early again. I did make the ceremony at the cemetery by 9am, then over to the Post to do our flag raising ceremony there. After that, it was a day. I was still feeling some of that beer I drank the day before, and added more....needless to say, there were people there that are saying they never heard me talk and be so funny ever since they have known me. Honestly, what I heard was all good - nothing bad.

Tuesday, I woke up to dying. At least I felt like it. I said I had the flu, the Wife says it was just a bad stomach bug. Achy, coughing, can't keep anything down, voiding so much wiping hurt, weak, dizzy.... I slept all day. Wednesday wasn't much better, but I was able to keep some Ramen soup down, and part of a regular deli sandwich. Still slept most of the day. This morning, aside from being up early from all that sleeping, I feel 50% better, but not going to push my luck. I'll probably head back to bed to rest after finishing this up.

I do have a meeting agenda to get done by this weekend for Tuesdays meeting, and in a couple weeks need to do the one for the Riders. I'm still having to learn how to use MS365 instead of Google Docs, and there are enough differences I get a bit confused. I blame it on the old and not techno savvy thing.

Now, back to bed ....

PeacE

Purpose

 I went to a Celebration of Life yesterday. It wasn't for a life-long friend, it was a guy I barely met like 2-3 months ago, at the bar. I admit, he got me when I was ... tipsy... and late at night, asking me to go to this CoL for his mother, which was a few weeks out at that point. Sure! I'll be there for support!

Well, yesterday was that day. I stood on my word, and I went. Truly, it was a nice service. I admit, I teared up a bit. I also got to thinking about, not what if, but when, for my parents, let alone my Wife and I....

Hence, an all-nighter, with no sleep. It was going to be an early morning, as Youngest wanted to do the flag-planting on Veteran markers at the cemetery, but late last night he backed out. So gimpy Dad is going to try to do some still. Imagine the fat guy, walking with a cane, a piece of rebar (to make the hole) and a bundle of flags under his arm, to drop one in each place. Yeah. Gonna be fun....

Later today I got an 80th bday party to go to as well. already got the card for him. Still need to get the graduation congrats card for the step-nephew (and the money to put into it) for Sunday.

I wonder... if I called RM now, would she come help with the flag thing?

PeacE

In Recovery Mode (Again)

 Turns out I had the wrong times for Sunday's event. As the Wife and I showed up at the Post around 1pm, the parking lot was empty. I managed to look up the event again and saw it was listed as 4p-8p. Oops! SO we went to lunch at Salad World. Our first time there, and I had a coupon to boot. Wasn't bad, but still far enough West of the homestead probably won't get there much. Then we went to a Goodwill near there (the Wife loves her thrift stores) I let her go at it while I checked a couple things, then waited in the car. After that it was back to the Post for the evening.

Monday I made it down to the Post to help finish inspecting/sorting/bundling the flags. Thankfully a few more volunteers showed up and we were able to finish within a couple hours. But the damage was done: from being on my feet so long, my knees and hips were aching pretty bad. The back had started acting up on Sunday, and it let me know it wasn't happy about that stuff either. I spent most of yesterday lying down, as sitting for longer than 30 minutes hurt. Today I feel much better, though still some minor back pain.

No major plans for today or tomorrow. Friday, an acquaintance asked me to attend his mother's Celebration of Life, but he has sent me the info, and I don't think I will reach out to get it. I don't know him very well, and I think he was just "tears in his beers" that night when he asked. Saturday is the morning the Post will mark Veteran markers with the flags we bundled. Last year Youngest and I did it, but I am not sure if I will feel up to walking around all that much. Will see how it goes to that morning.

Sunday is my step-nephew's graduation party. I let all my kids know, though I doubt they will show. Most don't know him well. I haven't asked the Wife if she wants to go, but I will be there to at least drop off a card and get a plate of wings.

Not sure what may happen today. The Wife told me last night that she has today off (due to low census). Hope I can slip away to read for awhile.

PeacE

Nuttin' Much ....

 ... to write about this morning, but I felt I should work harder at putting something in here.

Spent the afternoon at the Post (as a regular Saturday) as a friend was doing bartender duty. We were able to catch up, which was nice. I did my Viking/clash/game thingy most of the afternoon. Saw my Brother in the evening. The SIL came up and was talking to another person sitting to my left (an acquaintance) and of course I ignored her. At the same time she said nothing to me (which was a bit odd, as she always tries to). Brother came up a few minutes later and said the SIL had already started drinking at home, and on the way, he had told her to NOT speak tome, because she was already half-drunk. I guess he knew I would rip her a new one if she started spouting off to me....

Today plans are made. Once again back to the Post as a friend is celebrating her 80th birthday and has the Hall rented out from 12p-4p. I had stopped yesterday morning and picked up a couple cards - one for her, and one for another celebrating their 80th next weekend. No gift, as I am not a good gift shopper, and at 80, I am sure she has most things she needs/wants, so want am I going to change. Today's challenge will be trying to get the Wife to go with me. She has met this friend before, but the Wife seems to hate going to the Post. Got a few hours to work it out yet....

Today is also my Oldest Son's birthday. He turns (counting on fingers and toes) DAMN! He turns 27 today! I sent off a text to him saying the happy bday thing. No, with plans I have today, I didn't even try to do the family dinner thing. I would have loved if he wanted to come 'hang out with Dad' for his day, but none of the kids like to do that anymore. I feel like when I am texting, I am still intruding into their personal lives. I guess being an asshole dad will make that happen.

Tomorrow starts the week again with a Monday. I'll be heading to the Post (again) to help inspect and bundle the flags for the Veteran markers at the cemetery next Saturday. Still need to check if the Youngest would like to do it again this year with me or not. 

Nothing else coming to mind that I can share about her, so I am guessing I am done.

PeacE

Did I Drink Enough...?

 ...of tea? Oh my! I had too much (is that possible?) considering I am feeling like I am on a caffeine high, I would say it was too much. I had gone up to the Posy, and trying to not drink alcohol, and as my usual habit when I spend an afternoon at the Post, I was drinking tea. Yeah, it comes from a box through the multi-pour device they have, but it is what it is. I don't sweeten it. But the handful of small pitchers I had.... and now I am still wired! I even stopped and had a couple beers, thinking to "offset" the effect - no luck. So now it it is almost 4am and I am wired.

Some people are naturally born to be multi-event people. I think of parents of kids in youth sport events, with multiple kids, and the planning to be at a game, driving to practices, on a multiple level. I ain't one. Luckily, my kids mostly did Band at the HS level, and they attended one at a time. So it wasn't a juggle of time/resources for the Wife and I to be at a band event, and have to worry about one of the other kids. Most of the time, if a younger one had an event, it did not coincide with the HS one, so it wasn't an issue. But this weekend and next, I feel like I am strung out.

And that's just me. When I got home tonight, I mentioned to the Wife the things I got going on between this weekend and next. She just sighed, knowing I would not be home much. I invited her to a couple of them (a birthday party at the Post I need to at least make an appearance at, and even a volunteer event) but I doubt she will want to partake in them. Other things are truly volunteer, but I feel needs to be participated in, especially come Memorial Day weekend. Last year, the Youngest did come with me to do the flag placing at the cemetery for veterans. I plan on asking if he would like to go again this year. If he says no, I am not sure I will, as I cannot carry a bundle of flags, the rebar to make the hole, and my cane all at once, but we will see. Then on that Memorial Day Monday, there are three separate flag raising events the Post is doing. I don't think I will make all three, but the last is at our Post, and I do want to be there for that.

This is also the time for graduations, and my nephew (Brother's stepson) is having a grad party at the Post on the 26th. I kind of do not want to go. His mother (my now SIL) is someone that has caused some strife in my siblings and above - not so much my kids. RM blogs about forgiving, and not talking bad about people. And much more. But I am only me. When I see her, usually at the Post when she comes up with my Brother, I just ignore her. She might say hi to me. I act like she isn't there. I feel, if I don't talk to her, she won't piss me off, won't drag me into any of her narcissistic bullshit, and be able to blame how she is a victim to anything I say. I'll talk to my Brother, sure. I even talk to her Son, when he comes up. He's a good kid, just has a Mother that is really messed psychologically (my opinion). So I will at least get a card, put some money in it, drop it off personally at his party, but may not hang around.

At the Post tonight, I played 'what ya wanna hear'. Several regulars were asking if I was going to sing karaoke, and I shrugged. I said I wasn't in the mood for anything particular, and no "pretty girls" to sing to (jokingly). Then was asked, 'Oh, you do this song that I really like', so I said, okay put me in. I got three in before the night finished. At least some people were happy. Kinda wish RM would come up sometime, and maybe give me a couple songs she likes so I could sing for her. BTW RM, I know Don Williams tunes, and have about four I'll do. Saturdays... 7pm-11pm but the early shift (before 9pm) there are more singers and harder to get through the rotation fast. FYI.

I don't want to talk about the job searching, because it hasn't gone anywhere. I don't know if it is my age, or the jobs I'm applying for - well, I'm over-experienced for, but I'm willing to do them. I am not sitting on a low-pay job until something else comes along... Sigh.

Miss my Doodad and Widget. Daughter send pics to the Wife and pretty regularly, which we compare every couple of days - to be sure one of us didn't get some different, or extra pics that the other didn't. Right now I know of no plans to go to Tucson soon, and I hope maybe they will be up this way in the next couple weeks - though unsure of their plans.

The Oldest Son has a birthday come Sunday. No plans have been made. He works nights M-F, and due to, let's just say, his 'work management above him', his weekends generally are a time for him to catch up on sleep, and spend time with his girlfriend. So I plan to reach out tomorrow (later today) and see if even at his age, he might be interested in at least Mom & Dad doing dinner out with him. I have no present for him as I have no idea what he may need, or even want. I saw him on Mother's Day for 10 minutes, and before that it had been a few weeks. Will see if he answers my text, and go from there.

Sometimes, ya just gotta roll with whatever is going on...

PeacE

Goings Ons

 Pretty much nothing at this point. Monday was my medical appointment, where I received good news. My A1C was down to 6.0, BP was good, actually all my numbers were good, so I don't have to keep doing these three month visits and was cleared for 6 months. That will save about $300 in extra visits through the year. Tuesday was the regular General/Aux meetings, and not much went on. And here it is Thursday.

The Youngest and I have been looking for work, but with summer coming up, it's going to be harder. All the college/HS kids taking a portion of what is out there.

Welp, I got nothing else today.

PeacE

Training Day

 No, not the movie, though I liked it. It is Training Day at the VFW Post, specifically regarding the new program reports they want to start using in June. Usually this is just for the Ghairperson that heads a certain area (Americanism, Hospital, Schools, etc), but I had asked if I could be included. Yeah, I know ... I actually asked for it, but only because I felt if it is something I am able to learn, it might carry over into the committees I am on, or worse (sigh) I could be elected into some position to have to do the report. Shrug. Either way, I felt it needed to be done.

Sunday is Mother's Day, and I apologize RM, I have not gotten you a gift. I do have an idea of what I am going to do, but it may be a couple days or so before I am able to get back out there to deliver it. I have made no plans for the Wife for her Day. I figured at worst, we could go to dinner. At best, I sort of left it to the kids to make plans if they were going to do so. Unfortunately, only the Boys live in the Valley, and I am sure the Daughter will not be up this way. She will be enjoying her day as well.

Monday is my medical appointment. I had kept thinking it was on Tuesday, but last night I checked the date to verify, and it is the 12th, so Monday at 8am. My glucose and BP numbers have been good, so I don't think they are going to change anything. That's when I'll ask if I can go 6 months between appointments, as right now they have been keeping it at three months.

Tuesday is our regular VFW Aux. and there is supposed to be a graduation party for an acquaintance that evening as well that I may attend after the meeting.

So, I made a "big" purchase this week. I broke down and purchased a laptop. I have never had one, as I always felt my fingers were too big and fat to "squish" in together to be able to type. Maybe that was with laptops years ago... being smaller. I didn't really look at the size dimensions, outside of storage, when I bought it. It's just a little thing, as I don't to expect to use it more than my meeting notes, agenda, training, etc. It does have wi-fi (and bluetooth) so I can connect to the internet to access my Google docs, or Office365, or OneDrive, etc. Bought a carrying case for it, and a small wireless mouse as well. All for under $300. I thought it was a good deal, and will be better than having to rely on my scratchy writing for notes when I type up stuff.

Three book reviews, one set of committee notes, and training stuff today.... I'm busy.

PeacE

You Know What Today Is....

 ... it's Hump Day! Well, for those that work a M-F job it is anyways. Though, not for a lack of me trying to find work....

My buddy J had taken his car in last week for an oil change, and had asked me to pick-up/drop-off when done. It was a new "mom and pop" shop that 'took over' the vehicle repair section of the Pep Boys at 35th Ave & Cactus. They don't have the store part, just the auto repair area. Anyways, while dropping him off, I set an appointment for my oil change. It has been about 3 years and 10K miles since I bought the car. Around 5K miles, Toyota said it wouldn't need to be done until 10K due to the synthetic they use. So, I took it in today. Youngest picked me up and we went to lunch at Red Robin, then he dropped me back off. I was a bit shocked at the cost for an oil change, but inflation....

Afterwards, it was a quick run to Walgreen's to pick up a 'scrip for me, and one for the Wife. I have my medical appointment next Tuesday, though I don't see anything changing. I'm going to push for a 6 month between visits, as no prescription has changed in at least the past 9 months.

Last night was the VFW Entertainment and House Committee meetings. Chairman loved the agenda I created, and now expects one each month. I'm glad to do it, even though I had to learn several new things between doing them on Google Docs, and format, etc (thanks RM for the * info - it works). I'll get around to the minutes later this week.

This week I have received three notices for book reviews on books I have requested. I have managed to get two read already, the third I just got the email today, so will start it this afternoon. Then I'll have those to type up as well.

That's quite a bit of typing for someone that has no secretary skills....

PeacE

Already May?

 Geez... time is sure passing by seemingly quick. Or maybe I just have enough things going on that I am busy enough I don't pay attention much to what day it is.

This week I worked on the minutes I took from last Sunday for the Riders. Yes, it was a multi-day thing, as I am still learning how to use Google Docs. I still haven't figured out how to make those dots used when making bulletin notes. I guess I should break down and use Google to find out... Either way, I did get them done, and heard back from the Adjutant regarding an address I needed to add to the minutes. Those were emailed out today. Now I need to put together an Agenda for the House Comm meeting on Tuesday. I may put that off until tomorrow.

My new shoes arrived the other day. I had ordered a couple pairs from Comfofeet, that are supposed to be good for those with Diabetes and/or neuropathy. I have worn one pair a couple days now, and have not noticed any changes, but I am sure it will be a bit before I do.

Doing Date Night with the Wife tonight. Thinking Cheesecake Factory (we have a gift card) as we have not been there in many years. Since it is out on the west side, was thinking of maybe visiting RM & PT for a little bit prior to dinner as they are not far from the restaurant. Will have to see....

PeacE