Closing of the Year

 New Year's Eve is upon us, and like many people, we are going out to celebrate it (somewhat). We were invited to a friend's house for the evening to 'hang out', eat food, drink beer (or whatever) and set off some fireworks around the midnight hour. I've known this couple for a few years now, and have been to several get togethers with them, so it should be fun. The Wife is driving so I can partake without having to limit the intake. Oldest Son was thinking of going also, but I haven't heard from him as of yet. I suppose I should call and see if he is planning to go still. We offered him a ride as well, so he would not have to worry about it.

The Company has not contacted me for any new projects this week. I don't know if there just aren't any, or because the holidays and people in the office needing off. Not all offices are open again, just some of them. They did email that they are sending out an employee questionnaire regarding our opinion of the company and how it is working. I did one last year as well, and it resulted in being able to stay working remote from home, and the company worked at bettering the process of working remote. We will see what they question this year. I think they will allow remote working still - it is cheaper overall for them in my opinion.

As usual, I do not set any resolutions for the new year. I don't set goals. I have thoughts, but that is about it. Years ago, we would write down goals, aspirations, resolutions, and seal them in an envelope to open the next year and see where we ended up. But that was depressing, as many of us did not follow through on them. I know people think 'new year, fresh start' but I think anyone is able to start when they want, if they want. One goal I had set this past year was to read 150 books. In past years, I have always made the goal I set, and this year was no different. My final number was 213. I had lowered my goal from last year, as I expected to be working more this year, and I did work more. But somehow I was still able to get all that reading done.

I think this weekend I should go through my list of authors and see if any of them have added to a series they may have wrote, or have new books out I should look into. That'll keep me busy most of a day. I do try to keep a lookout for the authors when I quarterly check on new books coming out soon, and think I am able to catch most that way. Find out when I sit down and research them.

Welp, I guess that is about all I got to say here, at the end of 2021. Hope the few that read here enjoy your holiday.

PeacE

Christmas Round-Up

 It's almost 10:30 and I am just completely worn out from the days activities. The family met up finally around 2, and we had some lunchmeat sandwiches with chips and a veggie tray. Then it was on to some games the Wife had decided to do. I had to do a quick trip back to our house to get the stocking ball she had made (and forgotten) and also grab the summer sausages I bought for the boys (because I forgot them). After said games were played, the opening of gifts came. I was surprised by a few of the gifts I got (that I hadn't bought myself) and everyone seemed happy for those we gave. Having that time together and letting the siblings catch-up, tease, and love on one another was the best part.

We finished up and then headed to RM's for more gift opening and dinner. It was nice getting a couple new T-shirts with snarky phrases, and a Washington football shirt. RM always knows I like jerky and summer sausage, so I got a bit more of those, along with some Little Debbie oatmeal cookies that I love. Throw in a few other candies and snack mixes, and my stocking was complete. Dinner was cooked ham we could eat on the plate, or make sandwiches, potato chips, potato salad, mashed potatoes, and corn. I probably forgot something. Dessert for me was some blueberry cheesecake with a lemon flavored cake-like bottom, and a slice of a turtle pie I think it was called. Everything was good!

by a little after 9, I was getting tired so forced the Youngest and the Wife to pack up and left. RM sent home quite a bit of the leftovers, aside from what she split off to the two older Sons. I think by this time next week I am going to be tired of ham, and other lunchmeats, and potatoes. So now I am kinda kicking back with my new slippers on. I put up the gifts I have received, except for a couple that need to go back to the car. I got a lot of pickles and snacks this year, which is always a good buy for me. I enjoy them whilst working. 

Been a damn good day.

PeacE

Christmas Day 2021

 It is mid-morning here at the D00d's house. The Wife is finishing up Christmas stuff - in particular the saran wrapped stocking ball we started for all the kids a couple years back. It is so much easier than having to do individual stockings, and they all get pretty competitive when playing the game to unwrap it all. We have discovered we have "lost" a couple gifts, or stocking ball items, that were picked up earlier in the year, and we just cannot remember where they were put at the time. I am sure it is someplace out of the way of normal day activity, but we cannot figure out where.

The car should start being loaded up with gifts in the next hour, and probably around noon we will head to the Son's apartment with gifts and food to began our day of togetherness. Daughter's family should be up around 1 I believe. Then after that is done, we will head to RM's for the last of gifting and a ham supper with sides of potato salad, corn and mashed potatoes. At least that is what I heard from the boys. There will be dessert, but I am not sure what will be left as we are the last family to do dinner. I'm hoping for some blueberry cheesecake or the turtle pie...but will have to wait and see.

Yesterday was good as I met up with some friends for pre-holiday drinking. The family was invited to a NYE party next week, and we may be doing that.

I guess I should get my things done before we start loading things. No one likes Dad to use the restroom at their homes, so best I take care of that now.

PeacE

The Eve of Destruction

There is a distinct possibility I will be able to actually get to bed at a decent hour tonight. I am sure I have mentioned the Wife's penchant for doing all the wrapping on Christmas Eve, resulting in me not being able to get into bed until the wee hours of the morning. Well, I did do some wrapping the other day. The Wife did some more wrapping last night. So, in my thinking, there shouldn't be much left. With the kids being older now, there are fewer gifts (and more expensive). I might be able to come home from the pub and go straight to bed.

Which brings up my other dilemma: What to do today? I was thinking head to the bar this afternoon, get some reading in. I have read 209 books this year, with the goal being 150. I am sure I can finish one, maybe two more this next week. Be the largest amount I've read in a year, based on the last six years goals.

I think we are pretty much set for tomorrow. The Wife picked up some deli meats and bread last night, that we will take over the the Son's apartment where we are doing our family Christmas around 1pm. Figured something light as we are doing a ham dinner at RM's sometime near 6'ish.

Welp, outta ideas to write about.

PeacE

Holiday Spirit

 It's only the 23rd, and I am starting to feel the Holiday Spirit. Well, my version of it. I never have cared for Christmas and its marketing scheme brought on by businesses. I hate the crowds at stores when I am trying to buy something needed, not wanted and not to be given away. I hate the number of idiot drivers on the road, out to do their "shopping". Of course, here in AZ it is snowbird season, which doesn't help that last point at all. I'm grumpy and irritable more than usual. I'm Scrooge. Bah Humbug.

I got some wrapping done yesterday. I worked on it for like three hours and managed maybe 15 presents. Very ugly, wrapped presents. I re-learned/remembered why I don't do the wrapping. I can't cut straight lines. I tend to use 4x the amount of tape, as I put pieces on to cover the gaps because I can't cut straight. I don't care what the wrapping paper color is, a scrap is a scrap and if it fits, I'm using it. I also don't have the patience for it. Not today anyways. I guess the Wife is going to be up late tomorrow night.

Talked to the Daughter and discussed times for Christmas planning. I need to contact RM to push back dinner a bit. I know it is sometimes a hassle to try to accommodate in-laws and regular families. Especially when that other side of the family is a controlling geriatric, that you *have* to meet their demands. Sigh. Spineless sheep. 

Bah humbuG

F the Worm - Being Early Bird Sucks

 5:11am.

That's how late I made it sleeping in after not falling asleep until after at least 2am. These past couple nights have been pretty rough, but I have been able to make do with at least an hour nap around mid-day. Today probably won't be much different. Part of it may be the 'illness' I have been feeling. A few short days ago, I notice that with my usual morning blast of the horn (blowing my nose) There seemed to be a bit abnormal amount of green-yellow snot. A sure sign that I have at least in some small part, a bit of a sinus infection. No big deal as I tend to get small ones throughout the year due to my allergies. I made sure I took my allergy med daily, and after a couple days noticed the discharge was clear again. But now I was having "drainage" issues. Down the back of the throat, tickling enough to cough. Two days ago, my abdomen was sore from the coughing. Yesterday I felt a bit better, but still coughing. LAst night, I noticed it had dropped to my chest.

So now the sinus infection has dropped, and is trying to start up a case of bronchitis. Over the years, this has happened several times, and usually I catch it, as I started to day on a decongestant, added with some Vicks rubbed on the chest. Hopefully a day of this and it will clear up (like normal). I would hate it to ruin what little good I feel for the holiday season.

Speaking of that, I guess this morning will be spent wrapping gifts. I tried (really!) to start it yesterday, but as I started looking into the multitude of shopping bags the Wife has, I realized I had no clue who got what, was it actually for one of the kids, was it for some one else? I gave up. Last night I explained it to the Wife and she had already split the gifts amongst the kids, and labeled which bag was to whom, and all were from us. The Youngest had already picked out what he was getting his siblings and had those in his room to wrap himself. Definitely makes this easier, and I think I can knock it all out within a couple hours over the next couple days.

No word from the Company for a project. I am not surprised with this holiday week and all. Hopefully by the first part of next week something will come along.

A bit after 6am now, guess I should get the Vicks on now that I just took the pills for the morning.

PeacE

Getting Things Done?

 Well, my work project ended yesterday as I had predicted. Since I was up early due to my sleeping issues, I was able to max out the time working at least. Now it is sit back and wait to see when the next project comes. I know the offices are closed Friday, and I think they were closing Thursday as well, so I might not hear anything until next week. Almost fine for me, with it being this close to Christmas, it frees me up to do some other things.

I told the Wife last night we are doing things differently this year. In past years, she would do the majority of the wrapping of presents, and since she is a procrastinator, it always went undone until the 24th. Then it would last until 2-3 in the morning, because she had to have each child that lived at home come in and wrap presents for their siblings. With only one child at home, I said he and I could at least wrap several each day, which would lighten the load and leave her only the things she doesn't want us to wrap (aka our own gifts). The Wife actually agreed, so in a couple hours I'll wake the teen and we can get a couple hours in today.

The Middle and Youngest went to RM's house yesterday early afternoon for some Christmas baking with Grandma. They must have had a good time, as they didn't return back here until 6:30. Daughter checked in about the time her family was to be here for unwrapping of gifts, and was informed (again) it was at their leisure, so they would not have to rush their own family time that morning. My guess is noon'ish before they make it up. Then we have the afternoon for Family, followed by early evening and dinner with RM and PT. Makes for a long day, and though we have been doing similar with small variation over the years, it is very tiring.

Hoping I will be feeling a bit better by then. Yesterday, I was having bouts of nausea, but not bad enough to be sick. Also, I am hoping it was bad allergies, but the nasal draining and coughing from it, have my stomach area muscles hurting today. So far the drainage isn't bad today, and haven't felt sick, but it is still early. 

Welp, I guess I should get on with the day, and see what I might do.

PeacE

Before the Sun's Rising

 I'm up at the ass-crack of dawn, I guess one would say. I've gotten maybe 2-3 hours worth of interrupted sleep, finally gave up about 5:50am. No idea as to why sleep isn't coming, as we were all up around 9:30 yesterday morning, and I didn't have a nap. I know I felt tired when I went to bed about 10 last night, but played that toss 'n turn game most of the night.

So I'm up early, and cruising some of my regular sites. She wrote this morning about her sudden wake up at 2am yesterday, and how she might think something happened to myself or Stuman since we were out on the Santa Run. But it wasn't us. Well, at least not I. The Oldest Son and I were driven home by The Wife, and I don't recall when exactly we arrived at the domicile. I woke to having two santa bags, each with the hair and beard wigs in them - I think they are Stuman's and his friend that went with. I also found out I had an extra pack of cigarettes that appeared from somewhere. I didn't buy any, I do know that. Overall the Run was fun, and even the Wife had a good time out with the ladies.

Now I am just killing time, waiting to be able to start work. This project I cannot start before 7am daily, and I believe based on what was "left" to finish up on Friday, it may be ending this morning. If it does, hopefully they can get me into a new one by tomorrow. I could use the extra time off today to try and take a nap.

PeacE

Getting the Mrs Out

 Tonight is the 3rd Annual Santa Run, and with the headcount we worked on last night, we have 16 guys planning on going. We are planning on picking up the Oldest Son around 6:30pm and then it is off until the wee hours drinking and comrading around with a bunch of guys, dressed as Santa. Of course, with my body build and beard length, I make the Santa look more correct than the others - I may be biased.

The Wife is doing the girl thing, where they copied our idea and are going out as a group dressed as Mrs Claus. Thankfully they are not doing the same bar hops as we are, except for a couple stops, The Wife is one of the designated drivers for their group. I think there are only like 7 or so going...if that. She knows a couple of the guys in my group, and a couple ladies in hers, so she will be meeting many people tonight. Especially at the first stop, as it is my regular hangout.

Middle Son came and 'kidnapped' Youngest for a few hours. After he dropped him back off I was verifying times with him about Monday. Middle is taking Youngest to RM's for some Christmas baking stuff - RM's tradition she likes to keep. Then I made a side note I would see him the following Saturday, and he looks at me blankly. 'Christmas?' I say, and he groans. 'I still need to do all my shopping yet.' I laughed. Then I told him I need nothing, so don't waste time trying to get me anything. He will probably end up giving me a 2-liter of Mtn Dew or something... which is just fine.

Welp, a few hours left until I need to don the suit.

PeacE

Title in Progress

 Friday has arrived, and I should be working, but I am taking a quick break. I Haven't felt like writing here most of the week, mainly because not much has been happening. Last Sunday, my Santa gig for the VFW went well. The lack of information (what time to be there, etc) was a bit frustrating. I showed up early, in costume, to find out that they didn't want Santa until the last 45 minutes of the allotted time. So I changed and sat in the bar area for three hours (drinking water) before dressing back up and doing the event. I thought the kids loved me. Had a couple parents come tell me that I was the best Santa they had seen in years. All said and done, it was a good day.

Work has been good this week. I have been plodding on this project, which looks to go into most of next week as well.

Tomorrow is the third annual Santa Run. Oldest Son and I will be going (we are originals of the event). I think I mentioned before, spouses, etc are doing a Mrs. Clause run as well. The Wife is going on that. I guess the girls are going to a few different bars, but at least two are on the guys trip as well. The previous two years, I had enjoyed and gotten excited as this time of year came. This year, I don't know. It feels more like going to work then having a good time out with friends doing something fun, unexpected, and that brings some happiness to others. At least I get a night hanging out with the Oldest Son.

I still need to get a couple more presents to finish up the Christmas shopping. Hoping to do it this weekend, and be done with it all. Geez, only one week to Christmas already? Sigh.

PeacE

Down From the North Pole

 Today is the VFW Post Children's Christmas party, and my third and last Santa Gig for the year. In theory, it is my first, as the other two were cancelled. Either way, I am up early today to prep for the party. I have already used my new beard iron and straightened out the funny kinks in the beard, and applied the first coat of white paint. While it is drying, I am getting all of the outfit together, before looking to apply a second coat, or touch-ups to the beard and facial hair. I'm sure there will be pictures later, as I know several will be taken. We are doing Santa pictures for the kids after all.

Friday I was re-assigned to a new project for work, but had mentioned I had a prior commitment and may not make it that day. The Oldest Son needed to get his car in for some stuff (engine light was on, and another previous issue about it 'stuttering' sometimes). He had asked for me to pick him up that morning so he would not have to sit in the the lobby for at least three hours while they worked on things. My new project meeting wasn't to start until 11am, so I said sure. We went out for breakfast, did some shopping, and had a nice time catching up since I don't see him often.

My project meeting time got changed to 2pm, and he got the call that his car was ready about 12-1230. I dropped him back off, returned home, and started getting ready for the meeting. Suddenly I get a call from the Oldest Son, he had returned to the car shop. About a half mile down the road, engine light came back on and the rpm readings were fluctuating like they shouldn't. He said he would just nap in one of the chairs since he knew I had a meeting coming up. I read through the project protocol (about 10 minutes) and said 'Screw it' and drove over to pick him up. I did tell work I had a prior commitment.... and I emailed the leads about it. Then we went over to one of my watering holes and had a beer while waiting on the new repairs needed. He was back at his car by 4pm'ish, and out more than I think he should have been, but hopefully it is said and done. And I got to spend more time with him. In fact, he has some vacation time in January he needs to burn that we have set some plans for.

Well, this hair paint dries stiff, and in trying to kind of comb it out so not so stiff, it leaves a chalky residue. I couldn't find any hair spray paint, which I which I think would have worked better. I didn't wand to have to mess with real dye, as the bleaching process, etc. The Wife is supposed to don her bought Mrs Claus outfit and go with me today, but as I laid out my suit last night, she didn't say anything, and I truly think she has not even opened the package it came in yet. Sigh. Have that argument in about half an hour.....

Saturday is our 3rd Annual Santa Run, and we have about 14 guys going this year (including oldest Son). Doing things a little different than last year, but overall should still be fun. Some of the wives and SO's are goin as Mrs Clause' (Wife included) and stopping at the same places we do, though staggered in time. I am not big on that idea. I think they should pick their own places to go, so as to not ruin the surprise on faces when 14 Santa's walk in.. and vice versa for them. But no one will listen to me.

Either way, feels like this coat is almost dry so I need to go see what mroe needs to be done.

PeacE

Wednesday Shenanigans

 Sunday night was bad. I was lucky if I got a total of two hours of sleep. But I did start work as early as possible that morning. Monday evening I was dragging from lack of sleep, and went out for a bit, had a few beers, knowing I would sleep good that night. I did, and Tuesday morning found me at work later than I wanted, but still made it there. Thank goodness for a flexible time schedule. Project is expected to end this week, but it is rumored there is another one I will be switched to at that time. We will see ...

Today marks The Wife's birthday. She has finally caught up to my age (again). I asked her last night about when and where she would like to do a bday dinner. I have no answer, so who knows if we are going out tonight or not. Trying to get the kids all together is hard, and I don't see it happening at this time.

Oldest Son is looking to spend some time at the house with me tomorrow. Seems he is taking his car into the shop for a couple fix-its, and asked for a ride to/from so he won't have to sit in the lobby there. I'll have to work, but he can sit and chat while I am working. Or he may just go lay down and sleep through it all.

Guess that's it for now. I should start working now.

PeacE

Resting Up

 Sunday has come around again, and this one finds me resting up for this next week. The Wife and I went out for a brunch yesterday, went to run an errand, and ended up shopping for a couple hours. We did complete much of our holiday gift shopping, yet I still need to go out for a couple more things. I also got the car washed and then spent part of the evening up at the VFW for some beer and karaoke.

Tomorrow it is back to work. This project (from what I was told) was to be about a week and half long, which means by the end of the week, it should be finishing up. Hoping they will be able to get into another quickly - I know for a fact that there are at least 4 other projects going on right now as well.

I do believe The Wife and I have finally figured out birthday and holiday shopping, in regards to/from each other, or from kids. While out yesterday, I saw her pick up an item and add it to the cart, I asked who that was for. She says, 'Me, it's from Youngest Son for my birthday this week'. Later on, I added an item, and said it was for me at Christmas from Youngest. She did finally give me at least one idea that I'll take Youngest out to select whatever design/color he likes for her.

Anyways, got nothing of importance to say today, and feel like I will just be ramblin' on ...

PeacE

About Time!

 I started working on Wednesday finally. So today's writ will be fairly short, as I need to get started here in a few. Aside from sleeping issues, getting up early enough to get to work early has been difficult. I like to start at 6 and be done by 2, but this week it has been 9-5 ... that nine weeks off made me enjoy sleeping in a little more.

My second Santa gig was to be tomorrow. Yesterday it got cancelled due to the possible government shut-down that may occur today. Regardless if it does/does not happen, it has been cancelled. That leaves my third gig next weekend. Which as of right now is still on.

Guess I should get to work... it's about that time.

PeacE