Sunday, June 29

Another Sunday ....

 ... and here I am awake, all night again. One would think that even the limited amount of alcohol I drank last night would help me sleep better, but nooooo. So now it is just before 5:30am and I am awake and doing this. I wanted to take one of the edibles, but then I would be out for half the day, and wouldn't sleep good tonight, even if I took another one. That, and I am down to like 3-4 and need to get more. I'm so sick and tired of this insomnia stints my body goes through, and no damn doctor can figure it out, make suggestions, or anything else. Sleep study? Did that years ago, hence the CPAP I am on. What would another prove except I can't sleep?!?

Sigh. Sorry. I've been up for pretty much close to 48 hours, and I am tired. and I can lay down and relax, close my eyes, but sleep just eludes me. Frustrating.

So I went to the Post yesterday. One of the gals I am friends with was making a dinner plate: green chilis with pork, or chicken, in a burrito, with sides of rice and beans for $10. This are those large oval paper plates! And that burrito was huge! I forced myself to eat it all, and I regretted it, but it was so good. My friend really does do an awesome job with food! She offered to send a plate home with me for the Wife, but I turned her down. Mainly because the meat had enough 'spiciness' to it that the Wife would not like it. But it was kind of her to offer, at no cost.

I left there around 9:30pm and headed to my regular spot. Ended up closing that place down about 2am. Got home, the Wife was awake, we talked/joked around/settled into bed, and no sleep. Hence here I am.

No plans for the next couple days. No VFW event until Tuesday. No plans on me going to the bar. Going to be one fat, boring guy for the next couple of days I guess (that means prolly no posts).

Aren't you happy?

PeacE

Thursday, June 26

Thirsty Thursday

 Well, with it getting over 100 degrees, it definitely becomes a Thirsty day any day of the week. And we all know my favorite drink to quench that thirst... iced tea! Well, or beer, whichever they have. But if they have both, I go with the iced tea most times.

So Sunday at the Riders meeting, I did finally get my back patch, and a smaller one for the front that states Dist. 3 - Chap 1433 - Arizona. I already had my Accident Scene Management patch. So yesterday I headed up to AZ Biker Leathers. I found a nice denim/leather vest, picked out an American Flag patch, and had all sewed onto the vest. I had to order a couple customized patches (name badge - I'm going with Ralphie Boy - and my officer badge - Secretary) which should be done today. SO later this morning I will run back up there and get those sewed on. Takes less than 5 minutes. They have a nice outfit at that place.

Yesterday I also ordered my trauma kit to carry on the bike runs. With shipping and handling, it was a bit more than I expected, but overall, everything that is in it will be nice to have, even if I hope I never need it.

Got the Agenda for next week's House meeting completed, and approved yesterday. Will be sending that out shortly. Then I am off the hook for a week until I need to do the Agenda for the Riders.

Not sure much else is going on....

PeacE

Monday, June 23

What Shall Happen....

 Last night, the Middle Son FINALLY sent some pics of the new grandson to me. There were only about 10 of them, and most were from while at the hospital. There were a couple of him in the car seat, as they were to be released for home Sunday afternoon I believe. I'm guessing about that, as we were told they wanted no visitors while in the hospital. Though not happy about that, the Wife and I are trying our best to respect their wishes. I should check with RM and see if he sent any pics to her as well....

Monday has come around again. Sunday afternoon we had our VFW Riders meeting. Nine members showed up. Most we have had in a few months. we did vote to change the date/time from the 4th Sunday each month at 1pm, to the 3rd Tuesday at 7pm. Everyone in attendance stated that that time/date worked better for them. Hopefully it will for the other members as well. I spent a good part of the afternoon working on the minutes, and this morning have gotten the okay to send them out from the Director. So I guess I'll have to do that in a bit. Then I need to start work on the House Agenda for the meeting on the 1st. Sigh. I wish I got paid for this stuff.....

The Daughter sent me videos this weekend (and some pics) of the girls. The videos were more of Widget making squealing noises and smiles. She always seems to be a happy baby! We need to go visit them soon, as it tugs at my heart when the Daughter sends me pics. Thankfully, she does it several times a week...but still.

Welp, I guess I should get those minutes out and do something productive today....

PeacE

Friday, June 20

Catch Up Time

 It's been nearly a week since I last posted. I would normally say not much has happened, but that isn't true this week, it seems.

Last weekend, the Middle Son reached out to us. For several years we have offered to assistance with his car in getting the A/C repaired (he always said no). But now, with his partner pregnant and due any day, he realizes he can't be driving around in the Phoenix summer heat with a newborn and no A/C. So the offer had changed to us "financially assisting" him with finding a newer vehicle. Wednesday he and I went out to a dealership I was recommended to, and after looking at three cars, found the one he felt good about, at a decent price. So he is the owner of a 2014 Ford Escape. I can rest a bit easier knowing the newborn will have better safety and good A/C while traveling now.

While we were waiting to do all that paperwork stuff, I guess the partner felt she was having the baby. Her Mom is in town, and took her to the hospital. So once the Son had the car, he headed there to find out it was a 'panic' and she is doing fine, not yet ready, and sent her home. I haven't heard from them since Wednesday.

The Oldest Son reached out to the Wife earlier this week as well. I guess there is some turmoil in his household (meaning between his partner and he). Sounds like their relationship may be over, but I do not know any details. Not that my opinion matters, but I never much cared for his partner. She refuses to do anything with his family, except the one time we did it at their apartment. Plus she has other "mental" issues.... I just leave that there.

Youngest is still looking for employment - me as well. Nothing has come back in touch for me, and finding something in my area without having to drive across the Valley is near impossible it seems. I wish I was 20 years younger, so I could do more of the physical work that I cannot do now. Sigh. A handful of wishes, and a handful of crap - which will fill faster, right?

Having some withdrawals about seeing the granddaughters. We haven't been able to match up a schedule with the Daughter to visit, or them visit us.

July 4th is coming up. I know the Post is doing a flag raising in the morning. A friend has invited us over for an afternoon/evening party with swimming, food and fireworks. Not sure if we all will make it - the Wife has to work.

Welp, RM can catch up on my life stuff now... I'm off to the pub to watch the Price is Right. Relax RM, I'm drinking tea there, not beer. After all it is only 9am....

PeacE

Saturday, June 14

What We Got Today??

 Absolutely nothing. Nothing to talk about. Nothing to do (except Honey-Do's). And I am already bored and it ain't even 8am yet.

Such is life.

Might go to the Post this afternoon. Might not.

Tomorrow is Father's Day. I expect nothing. Will not be surprised if I get nothing (presents, texts, calls, whatever).

Think I will drink tonight.

PeacE

Thursday, June 12

Blah, Blah, It's Thursday, Blah, Blah

 Well, you can tell from my lack of posting it is a pretty boring week.

Tuesday had a regular month Aux meeting. Went over some new changes in our program reports that they are changing this year. New elected leadership assumed their positions. I did get called out in the meeting. While talking about the Program Reports (these are where we record volunteer hours worked at events promoting Americanism, working community event, etc). I had helped a couple days with preparing for the flag drop at the cemetery, and when I emailed the then President with my information (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and included pictures, she was very happy at the fullness of my report. She brought that p at the meeting. All I said was "Thanks for the training" as we had had it a few short weeks earlier, going over how to report for the Program reports.

Nothing on my agenda heading into this weekend. Sunday is Father's Day, and I don't have any plans. I'll throw PT a text at least. I have no idea if any of my kids will text/call/see me. I'm not worried about it, as I know most of them are busy with their own lives. I definitely do not expect any presents - unless it is cash. I could use some to help purchase my trauma kit to carry on the runs.

I guess I need to get off of here. I do have several Secretary things I need to get toaken care of today, preparing for the Riders Meeting this next week.

PeacE

Monday, June 9

I Did A Thing ....

 .... that caused me quite a it of anxiety.

As I am sure I have mentioned before, I am a member of the VFW Riders Group Chapter 1433 (my Post) and have been the Secretary of said Chapter for a few months. A few weeks ago I learned of this class, called Accident Scene Management, which has like three levels of study, but the level 100 course was being held at my Post, for only $100. I had talked to (at the time) a couple other guys (not part of the Riders) who had said the class is worth taking, so I went to sign up online. I did get a discount down to $50 (thanks to the Husband & Wife Law Team) and that class was yesterday.

I showed up early (my Post after all) and had no idea how many were to show as it was an 'open to public' sign-up and attendance. All said and done, the instructor said there were 12 scheduled - we ended up only having 6. It was an all day class, and I was under the impression it was more information of what to do, versus actually doing it. Was I ever wrong. This class centers around motorcycle riders (why I went) and being able to handle basic emergency needs, prior to EMS/Other showing up in the case of an accident.

I did not know there would be 'teamwork' skills being used. Or partnering up to practice tourniquets/pressure bandages. Or anything aside from sitting in a chair listening to a speaker. I am not much of a people person, especially when I do not know you. I can cordial, sometimes even friendly sounding, and shake your hand.... but leave me the heck alone. No such luck through the skills tests we had to do, which were good, but I had to be a team player. Talking about, in the event of having to move someone how to stabilize the head/spine as we (a 2-3 person group) moved them from the road. OR the 2-person combo to remove a helmet if they are not breathing. Of course there was much, much more about airways, breathing, circulatory and bandaging.... It was so much that by 5pm my head was full, and I needed to decompress and let things settle.

As I sat and contemplated the day over a beer at my regular watering hole, I realized I had had at least 4 anxiety attacks during the day - every time I had to do a skill set with someone, let alone a live volunteer. Unconscious/dead is one thing, but when they are awake and just 'laying there' is different. But I did it, even if I did say "sorry" a lot (the helmet removal, which pulled some hair from the instructor's head) even before I started.

Bottom line is I passed, and the certification is good for three years. <beaming> And I got a badge! Actually it is a patch, that I am supposed to wear on my 'cut' (which I'll be getting early July). It helps identify that as a 'first on scene' person, I have some basic training that works in-line with EMS, even at just the level we have. Now to get more of the Riders group to do the class...sigh. AND I need to purchase a trauma kit ( many sizes/styles available, but as I am 4-wheel support it was suggested by the instructor I carry the "larger one" that provides more - and I am not able disagree). So I will be looking up the 2-3 websites for kits she mentioned, just to rant about how expensive it all is - let alone if ever used, to restock (may I never have to use for any accident though).

Whew! Our VFW leadership were all gone this weekend to Tucson for the State Convention this past weekend. This is the time where the newly elected officers (Post and Auxiliary) are sworn to their positions for the year. Thank goodness it is over. I have been waiting 4 days to get approval on the minutes I sent from the last meeting for several days, and finally got it this morning. So now, officially, I am caught up between my committees and Riders, etc. I do have our regular Aux meeting tomorrow night, but I am not an officer, and though I take notes, I do not have to transcribe into minutes, etc.

Sometimes, I wish I could get paid for this shit, instead of having to look/wait for work. Sigh. Life is ....

PeacE


Thursday, June 5

Last Monday Night

 ...was a bad one. for some reason, down both legs, muscle cramps occurred. And I am not just talking like the calf area. I'm talking full blown - the hamstrings, the calves, the foot (top and bottom) and back up the front of the leg - on both sides. Obviously it woke me, but there was not much I could do. I tried limping around the house to "walk it off" with no luck. I sat in the bathroom, trying to rub the muscles and ease it. No luck. Either way, after what felt like hours of crying and trying everything I can think of, the cramps eased enough I could get back to sleep. Getting up Tuesday morning though, I found I was having some issues walking, especially with my left leg (the bad one) even with a cane. It was painful (like residual cramped muscles) and even some pills did not help.

Needless to say, there were meetings I had to attend, and things to do. So I suffered through it. By the end of the night, I was beginning to think I might have had some kind of minor stroke. I spoke with the Wife, and with some tests, determined that was more than likely not the case, and I just needed to rest. So that is what I did all day Wednesday. I only got out of bed to use the bathroom, and eat something small for lunch. I slept. My legs still ached. I thought I would have problems sleeping last night, but I did not. I was up early today though.

So since I was up early today, I did a walk through the house. The legs do feel much better, though still some soreness. I wrote up our House Comm notes and sent out for approval. I got some bills paid. Now I want breakfast, but cannot find anything to eat here for breakfast, or lunch for that matter. The Wife has been busy with work, and has not had time to cook, so no leftovers even. I feel Red Robin in my future for salad for lunch. If I can wait another 3 hours.

Between events at eh Post, and just things in normal life, I feel the next few weeks are going to be somewhat busy. I have to verify my annual diabetic eye exam appointment coming up soon. 

Guess I'm going to see what I can find to eat somewhere close....

PeacE