Ho-Um Thursday

 Here we are into day four of this week, and still no work has come along. The past couple days I have been going down to the VFW and spent the afternoons reading, and having a couple beers.

Heading out in a bit to have lunch with my Brother. I offered to buy and so of course he is willing to go. Not sure how much fun it will be, since I am going to be bringing up some stuff he probably won't want to hear. He has a lot of people looking at him to do some good things at the VFW, but he has to straighten up his act a bit. I'm not going into detail here.

The Middle Son is over this morning helping the Wife get some moving of things done. Why aren't I helping? Because the things they are moving, there is no way I could manage picking up and twisting/shifting, etc around like she wants, with my back the way it is. Wife just came back to check what time I would be leaving for my lunch, and I told her she should send the Son home to rest, as he has to work tonight yet. Instead, she is taking him out to lunch for the help he has given. 

Not much else going on, since I ain't working. Just plodding along ....

PeacE

Monday Morning Musings

 Of course, the phone makes the noise of notification at 5am this morning. It is a distinctive one I set up so I know when I have an email, versus just a text, or other kind of notification. I was hoping for one early today, but when I opened one eye to check it, the email was not the one I was hoping to receive. It was "junk" mail. The one I was hoping for was from the Company, saying they had a new project I had been assigned to, and here are the details when we are starting.

I laid there a moment, thinking I should roll over and nap until the alarm goes off, but the bladder was pretty insistent I get up. So I did, and once that problem was taken care of, went ahead and decided to stay up for the day since I was on my feet. I deleted the junk email, and wrote one up and sent it off to the Company, reminding them I am now available for my next project. Hope to hear something later today.

I am in the process of downloading a game this morning. There is this 'platform' (?) called Steam, that you can purchase games through, and the Daughter had recommended a couple that looked interesting. I picked the $4.99 one and is working on being transferred to my computer as we speak. It is large enough in size it should take about an hour - I have slow d/l speeds. Daughter mentioned she plays it with a Playstation controller, on her PC. I knew one could do that, but have you seen those controllers? There are buttons all over, and two joysticks to have to use... I just never had the dexterity? hand control? patience? to learn to coordinate all of them just to play a game. But I have a feeling later on this morning I will be asking her recommendations for the type of controller to get, and if not too expensive, order one. After all, I am sure there will be other games I may use it for, or worst case, I give it to one of the Sons and they will find use for it.

After completing the last book I read, I reached my goal of reading 150 books this year. I had lowered the goal from 175 (last year) since I was hoping to be working more hours this year (didn't happen). I thought about raising the goal, but decided not to. I still will try to get as many books in as I can, but I reached a goal setting from almost 10 months ago, and though I may make new ones, I'll leave that marker set. Next year is next year. In fact, I need to go over and write up a review for yet another I have finished.

I didn't include it in the last post, but the new car has finally lit up it's first warning light. Low tire pressure. It happened when we were leaving the restaurant on Saturday in Tucson, and stayed on the trip back to the Daughter's house. I checked the tires (looked at) to see if any looked low, and concluded that though a couple looked possibly low, it was hard to tell in the dark with a flashlight, and the way I was parked. We visited about another hour or so, and I checked again before we got on the road to home with no difference. About a third of the way home, the light went off, and I thought it may have happened since it was about 70 degrees there (they were getting a little rain) and that was the coolest I had driven the car in (I bought it in April, when temps were in the 90's already). Now yesterday was a rainy day here in town, and I don't recall what the temps were, and I did not get in the car to check if the light came back on or not. I will check it today. If so, will hit Discount Tire and have them do an air check (since I ain't working today anyways).

Well, enough gabbing this morning. I need to get stuff done - or at least pretend that is what I am doing.

PeacE

Day Tripping

 Today, rather now, yesterday, was our trip down to Tucson. We arrived just before noon, and had fun talking, visiting and playing with the Daughter and family. Doodad was a bit less energetic (from what the Wife told me of her day trip a couple weeks earlier) but she was still so full of energy. I remember a younger me having more energy than I do now, and still can't imagine having as much energy that Doodad has. I am sure I was just as bad when I was her age.

The Daughter is turning Thursday this week, so we also took down some birthday presents we had gotten for her. And since we had the chance, we took the family and a favorite Niece out to dinner to celebrate her day. Nice place called Guadalajara Mexican, and it seemed to specialize in southern Mexican cuisine. Many dishes I had never heard of, so I got to try a new one.... and it was different! I had a Molcajete Ultimo, which is 4 jumbo shrimp, steak, and chicken breast all packed into a molcajete with bell peppers, onions and queso fresco simmering in a molcajete sauce. In short, it was that all literally boiling in a bowl-shaped lava-looking rock - and I mean boiling! Add a side plate with beans and rice, some flour tortillas - and whew! It was good. Another thing that was cool, is when they do the chips/salsa before your meal, the 'salsa lady' comes around to your table with a cart, and asks if you want salsa, or guacamole, and then prepares it right in front of you. On recommendation from the SIL, we tried a medium salsa, and it was awesome!

Most times we go down, the Daughter and Wife spend much of the time together talking crafts and whatever. This time around the Daughter put me on the spot more, wanting to know more about what is going with me. So was uncomfortable a bit. I usually don't have the kids asking me about my health, or work, or about other things that are bothering me right now. Today she did, and it actually felt good to fill her in, and to let her know that she is not responsible for anything I do/say for my benefit, and she could make her own decisions regarding things.

So was a very good day trip, and we made it home around 11pm. Doodad was sad we had to go home, and said we could sleep there. When asked where we would sleep, Papaw had to sleep on the couch and Mamaw would sleep in her bed with her. I always get the shit end of that deal, I guess. But it was funny. Am looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with them this year, and hope the Boys will be able to within their work schedules.

The Wife was sound asleep within 20 minutes of us getting home, but I find I cannot drop off to slumberland. I am just physically and mentally tired, but things just won't shut down for me tonight. So I am back to trying to bore myself (writing here) and see what happens. May have to watch some dumb videos or something.

PeacE

End of Week Gifts

 Friday, being considered the 'end of the work week' for many, myself included, has come and brought gifts. Not that I like all of them...

My back is feeling much better today. So the exercises and TENS treatments are working as they should. Wish the body would do that and quit trying to fall apart.

Work project ended. I knew when I logged off yesterday, that we were going to be reaching the end at some point today. I did not expect it to be an hour before I logged on today. But it was. So now waiting for re-assignment.

The Youngest has a football game they are performing at tonight so I decided I would go and check out how much they have done this year so far. I am sure there are going to be many other times I see him perform in competitions, etc.

Tomorrow we are day-tripping down to Tucson to visit the Daughter and family. I set it up yesterday. I just want to get out of town. The temps are much cooler there, but I want to get out of the area of town I am in for a day and just "GO". At least turn it into something fun, being able to see Doodad and all as well.

Guess sitting here ain't gonna get nothing done - not that I have anything to really do today.

PeacE

Let's Take It Easy - Ouch!

 As I drifted off to sleep last night, I had the thought that today would go pretty smooth. Then I did something, in my sleep I am thinking. Around 4am, I am not sure if it was my bladder that woke, or my back, as I went to roll over. That sharp little stab of pain in the lumbar region, that tells me I have moved in some fashion, in some unregular way, somehow, and started a disc slipping, or something. It repeatedly reminded me it was there, as I did shuffle off to get the bladder to shut up at least.

I returned to bed, and did a couple leg sifting exercises I was taught at the PT's for my work comp injury. It felt like it helped a little. Then I stretched out on my back and just tried to relax. It wasn't long before I was able to fall back to sleep, though most of the morning I would wake when shifting/rolling....so didn't get much of a "good sleep".

So sitting here, trying not to shift or twist in my desk chair, for the next several hours trying to work is going to be fun. I already started the acetaminophen, and at the expense of my liver, would love to just add some Jack Daniels throughout the day to 'numb the day'. But duty calls. I am sure if I get to where I need to log off and lay down, or whatever, the 'bosses' would understand. I just hate having to do that.

Guess I should get back to actually working, and off this break.

PeacE

Disliking My 'Fellow Man'

 It's Monday night, and for football fans, all that means is that there is a game on and the weekend is extended for three hours usually when one is off work for the day. Of course that all depends on what shift you work, and travel time, etc. Details, details. I got a text about 4 this afternoon that three of my good buddies were meeting up at one of the pubs, one friend who had a vested interest in tonight's game - he is a Detroit fan. It did not end up well for him, but that's for another conversation. Anyways, I went up, had some fun with friends, and called it an early night, thinking I would just hit the McD's on my home for some grub.

It's just after 10'ish, so the McD's was not swamped, and as I pulled in from the street, I have to turn, and go in front of another local business, to get to McD's. I see what appears to be a homeless person, laying on the sidewalk in front of this place of business. I stop, put down the window, and ask... "Are you okay?'. He was laying on his back, legs out in the driving area of the parking lot. There was another man there, looking just as desolate, and he says to me, "HE's fine". And so I roll on through to McD's drive-thru.

It bothered me. Another person answered for him, and I never saw him lift a hand or head to register any of that short convo. As I went through the ordering process, I ordered a couple extra sandwiches. Yes, they were the cheaper ones, which is what I was ordering anyways. And I got my Sweet Tea. I didn't think to order another drink - bad on me.

As I completed the drive-thru process, and received my food/drink, I looked over to the front of that business. This guy is STILL laying out the same way, and the other person that answered before is long gone. I don't know why, but I got pissed. I rolled up again in front of him, yelled out asking if he was okay. Did I need to call for help (an ambulance) or the police. He slowly raised himself up, and only asked, "Do you have something to drink?". I only had my one, sweet, iced tea.... which I had not had a drink of yet. My mind rebelled against me, as I said "Yes, and here you go.". HE got up and took the drink. I asked if he was hungry, knowing I bought a couple extra items, and I handed them out as well. I asked again if all was ok, or did I still need to call an ambulance or ER services. He said no, and I drove away, to head home.

That all sounds like I did a "good deed" in helping someone that appears homeless, hungry, etc. Unfortunately, in my town, like many across the nation, this is appearing more and more, and most of them, at least in my area, avid drug users. In all honesty, if this guy had looked like one (believe me when I say I know what they look like - past history) I would not have done this much.

But what really infuriates me, is the first time I stopped by, prior to getting in the drive-thru, I am not "Blocking" traffic behind me in the parking lot. Yet another little POS looking car has the audacity to not only pull up behind me, lay on his horn, then make a big show about backing up and pulling around me... to get to the drive-thru - not caring about what was happening, and that driver could obviously see the same I was seeing. So this dickwad makes it into the queue before I do, and I flipped him the finger the whole time I could, knowing that he couldn't see it behind my headlights, since I was the car behind him. He gets his order, and starts to pull ahead ... then stops. Literally three feet from the pickup - I assume he is 'checking his order'. So I lay on my horn. HE promptly gives me a finger, which I see through the back window, the he proceeds to open his door.

I'm thinking, this MF'er wants confrontation? I'm ready. I'm already angry at his lack of social conscience, let him. I shout out my window to him, "Get back in your Piece of shit and fucking move. You ain't worth any of my time." He looks back again, climbs in his car, and drives away, again passing the guy laying halfway out in the parking lot.

I gave up my drink, and half the dinner I picked up, to help someone. Did he play me? Was he really that dehydrated and hungry? Was it a plea for some sucker to get him stuff? I don't know. I felt I did what a human should.

I know many homeless, and the 'pretends'  that do the cup hold-outs, etc, at intersections, and what not, are not always what they seem to be. Caught many at the closest gas station counting the money they collected, then whipping out their new iPhones and calling for a ride and talking about how much the y made that day. I hate that. Makes me so angry. Which is why in a case like this that someone just fucking ignoring a human, laying half off the sidewalk and into the parking lot, they just drive past them.....

I hate people. I am not a good people person. I never will be, especially if this is the way human ity os becoming.

Angry. Angry. Angry.

PeacE

Headed to Bed

 It's Saturday night, and I am at home getting ready to head to bed around 11:30pm. I did go out for a bit - but it was to take the Wife and Youngest out to dinner. Decided on Garcia's (Mexican). I ordered my regular, a large sampler-type  meal, and noticed I could only eat a portion of it. So my self-imposed serving limitations is working, and I am getting used tot he smaller portions - I can't eat as much as I used to.

Finished work on Friday, looking to see what was still "out there" to be completed. It looks like at least another day. Last time I 'guess-timated' they ended up adding in more work. I am NOT complaining. We have already hit the estimated project length of time. Still have not heard if I will continue on to the next portion, or be re-assigned to a new project or what. See what Monday brings.

Nothing exciting planned around here for the rest of the weekend. Guess I am headed to bed.

PeacE

Dang Bladder

 Another early morning thanks to the wonderful way my bladder works. I guess in a way, it is a good thing it wakes me, since I try to drink so much water each day. I would just prefer it being able to wait until regular waking hours. Tonight I think it made it about 6 hours. Cut back on my water intake? I dunno...

Work has been going good. This project has exceeded in time length better than the past 3-4 projects I have been on. From what I am guesstimating, today may clear up the remaining portion of stuff we are going through. Or it may not. Sometimes they surprise us by adding more when we are not online. Either way, still waiting to hear if I will be kept on this project longer or not. It has pretty much met the "expected length of time" they gave me for the project.

Been doing quite a bit of reading lately, and have almost met the goal I set for the year. I admit it was a little lower than last year's goal, only because I was under the impression I would be working more hours than what has actually happened. I have had a chance to read more ARCs this year, which means getting more reviews done, which helps get more ARCs. My only problem is there are so many ARCs available, and I worry about picking one I will have to do a bad review for. I have been able to stick with ones that I'm pretty confident I will enjoy so far.

Welp, I think I am off to find something to bore me back to sleep. Alarm is set for before 5, and here it is 20 mins til 3.

PeacE

Little Things That Irritate

The time had finally arrived to purchase the Youngest Son his first cell phone. With students actually returning to the physical classroom, plus all the extra-curricular groups being active again, he really needed a way to reach out to us for pick-up times, etc. That way, if they are late getting back from an event, he can call so we are not just sitting in the school parking lot for who knows how long. So we removed a tablet from our service plan - or rather, changed that slot into a phone, and purchased a phone for him. The Middle Son decided to upgrade his phone at the time as well, so they got ordered together.

I don't understand the practices of some companies. FedEx for example. They were the delivery company for the phones, and according to Verizon (our current provider) the phones should have arrived yesterday. But for some reason, FedEx sent the phones, from the pick-up in California, and sent them to their main facility in Tennessee, then back out to Arizona. So the package didn't arrive "on time" it was a day late. 

That was a bit irritating, considering that the Wife was told that someone would have to be here to sign for the package (which she didn't sign anything when they finally got here). But that is FedEx.

The boys got together this afternoon and were setting up the new phones, giving contacts to the Younger, etc. After an hour or so, they come to me... seems Verizon did not include a charger with either phone, only a USB-C to USB-C cord... no charger. WTF? Irritating!! Luckily we have chargers that will work for them, and not have to order and wait extra days to arrive (thanks FedEx).

Well, I guess that is enough ranting for now.

PeacE

In Need of Sleep

 I found myself up at the ungodly hour of 5am to get started on work for the day. I have lost the ease I used to have at rising at that hour. When I left the last company, just before Covid hit and we "had to quarantine" ourselves to our homes in March of 2020, Getting up and out the door by 5am was not a big deal. I have gotten too comfortable with sleeping in a bit since then. Sigh. But I sure like getting done with my workday by 1pm, and being able to do whatever I want - even if it turns out I need to be in bed by 9-10pm.

Either way, with all the rest I had gotten this weekend, I found myself having a hard time getting to sleep last night. The Wife had issues as well (and she is making up for it by lounging/napping in bed still this morning (it's almost 8:30am). I finally got up about 1am, and messed around until about 3, then laid done. I did get a couple naps in before the alarm went off. But I am yawning while working, with 4 1/2 hours to go yet. Sigh.

Thinking of asking the Wife to run to a new place near us - a salad drive-thru place. Supposedly she had them before, and said they are quite large in size and are good. Some good food - well, healthier than burgers anyways. No leftovers for me since we went out to eat last night. Sigh. No idea what we will do.

Middle Son came over early this morning (but not before I started work) and we visited while I worked a bit. I like when he comes by just to "say hi".

PeacE

Issues

 The past eleven days have been stressful for me. Things that needed to change in my life were brought before me, and needed to be addressed. Several of those things have been taken care of, others are in process, and a very few I am still deciding on how I will handle to get the result that is best for me. Yes, it sounds selfish, and in truth, it is. But I don't care. If it is what I feel is needed to be changed, then so be it.

I turned 50 on Labor Day. That weekend was a nice one. Saturday I had gotten together with a few close friends and had a few drinks at the pub. I didn't stay late, though, I admit to having a couple more beers than I should have.... but it was a birthday celebration! Sunday I spent at home, recuperating mostly. A good portion of Monday was spent just being idle around the house. Monday evening I was able to get all four kids, with their families/SO's all to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and had a wonderful evening meal. Yeah, Birthday Boy had to pay for it all, but it was the gift I really wanted, was the time for all of us to be together.

Started a work project (yea!) just before that weekend. It is still currently going on, and I will return to it again tomorrow morning. This one has been a bit different than most I have been involved on before, but at least it helps advance my skills a bit more. I am hoping to be kept on it past the First Level, so I get he pay grade increases as we move each step closer to the finish. I won't know probably until later this week.

Since mid August I have been having health issues. From that ER visit, where the docs could find nothing wrong about my abdominal pain, I have had pain in other places. Most have receded over a few days, but will flare up every now and then. Due to this I have been a 'good boy' and cut back on my alcohol intake, and am working on drinking more water - at the pub, and at home. Weight has been a problem for me a long time, and I have now been cutting back on portions, as well as types of food I eat. Some of that pain has been in my gall bladder area off and on, so have been trying to have a healthier diet to help prevent issues that may arise there. Plus side is it helps me lose weight. Yesterday, I actually took in my belt a notch, so something is working.

Not much to add for now. I am not going to bore you with other changes I have made I felt were necessary.

Just got home from a nice dinner out with The Wife and Youngest at Chili's. I tried their Caribbean Salad, which had citrus, pineapple, and cranberries on lettuce with a honey-lime balsamic dressing, and it was actually very good and filling. Lately I have been getting signed up on the apps/rewards programs for the restaurants we go to, and tonight got a free drink, and a free desert (for my bday) off the tab. Even the Wife agrees, if it is only an appetizer somewhere, it's something for free.

PeacE 

False Starts

 So, about a half hour before the scheduled time for the start-up meeting for the new work project, I get an email from the Team manager. Seems they were some issues and that they had to delay the start of the project. Everything was pushed back one day. I did receive later in the day, the expected email containing information specific to this project, so as of now, I am guessing we are on schedule with no hiccups today. I actually woke up early today and will be logging in shortly after writing here, to verify I have the access(es) to programs and chat channels needed, and go over any additional information provided there.

Still dealing with some back pain. Though it is decreasing daily, just not as fast as I would like. Same with the right knee. I think if the knee pain would go first, the back pain would go away faster. I think much of the back pain is from change of gait due to this knee hurting.

I posted on social media for Saturday afternoon, to gather those that may want to, for my birthday. I did a select invitation, so it would not be to everyone on my "friends list" as some people I just don't want there. Why am I still friends with them? No clue for some, others are family members that I just don't want there. RM already mentioned that they would probably not show, not because it is at a pub, but it is a little far for them, and they don't know many of my friends. I get that. Right now only a small handful have replied that they may/may not make it. No worries. If no one shows, I still have my tablet to read books on. It looks like Monday evening I will be able to get all the kids together for my bday dinner. Only the Oldest Son has not confirmed as of yet.

Well, I should get other things started to get the day going.

PeacE