Going To Be A Long One

 I have been awake all night. I went to bed about 10:30p and took my new med to help get to sleep, as instructed - at bedtime. It never seemed to take effect. Since I had started taking it, it seems I was asleep in under 20 minutes. Last night, though, I tossed and turned until 11:30p, then went and watched a episode of a show, then returned to bed only to repeat again around 1:30a. I'm only supposed to take one, so not sure what to do. I guess wait and see what happens over the next few days, as to if the meds are still working or not, before I get in touch with the nurse practitioner. Hate playing around with this insomnia.... the lack of sleep is getting harder for me to handle it feels at times.

Other than the lack of sleep, and maybe no chance for a nap, the day has basically begun already. My Viking game has it's regular 12 hour clash started. I will need to be at the VFW tonight as it is my turn to sale 50/50 raffle tickets for the NYE Committee. I don't think there will be many sales, and this will probably be the last week, as it seems the committee has pretty much collected the monies for everything we have planned out.

Thanksgiving on Thursday went much better than I had been thinking it may go. I am a pessimist, so go figure. There was more food than we really needed, but that guaranteed we all ate plenty. I know leftovers were sent home with the Middle Son (of mine) and us. I think RM kept a plate of food for PT to have later. I have gotten through the potatoes, most of the giblet gravy, the deviled eggs, and a portion of the salad we brought home. Haven't touched the turkey, as I am hoping the Wife will make turkey Enchiladas this weekend (but not tonight, as I won't be home to have fresh and hot). 

My numbers were a little high this morning: 136 glucose, and the BP was 141/67 (avg 125'ish and a BP of 133/70) I figure the BP was higher since I was feeling frustrated and being awake all night.

Did a little online shopping yesterday. Well, very little. I found three books I wanted to get for my Doodad - whether her Dad reads them to her, or I will when I am there. I have another book her at my house, the collected poems and works of James Whitcomb Riley, that I hope to someday be able to get her to settle down and let me share a couple stories in it. The Bear Story has always been a favorite of mine. Plus the vernacular that was spoken back then, make the story so much better as well.

Welp, I guess I need to get back to my game, and whatever else I gotta do this morning.

PeacE

A Little Update

 I woke this morning feeling much better, so I think I may be pretty much over this bug. I feel for the Wife though, as she is just starting it. She has today off, as it was requested for my procedure, and she said she still has plans to get some things done today, even if she is sick. We will see.

Youngest's last day of school for the year is today. out of three classes, he only has one final to take. Then he is done until 1/9/2024.

Shopping online. I know RM has stated she has done quite a bit of her shopping online - mostly through Amazon I am guessing. I did a little through them. I think in the future, I will be doing more. There were a couple other sites I have come across that had items I wanted to purchase for Christmas, and so I did. Turns out they are based in China, and looks like of two orders, neither will be here for Christmas. I got burned on this early this year when I bought a couple carved wooden canes. Freaking Asians can't tell the difference between AVENUE And DRIVE, so the package was delivered (two months late) to the wrong address. Then when I went to seek reparation/refund, the site was no longer online. So these past two sites, I looked to be sure they were US based, and from all I could tell, they were. Nope. Tracking is in a Chinese delivery, and both said it would be 10-19 days to arrive. I went back to the two sites, and looked closer. One says based in LA, CA, the other NYC, NY. I notice now that neither has a phone number or physical address to contact them - only a generic looking email. I think that is the "tell" for future purchases.

Well, it is barely 9am, and I am headed back to bed. Had to get up to take Youngest as he missed his bus, and I am still tired - in body and mind- from being sick.

PeacE

Why Bother the Teen?

 This morning found me wide awake at teh first going-off of the Wife's alarms. I quickly got out of bed to have use of the facilities before she would rise 30-45 minutes later. I was in dire need either way. Then I wandered into the office to sit at the computer. I decided to look at what new possible ARC of books I could find. I had not looked in a couple weeks, so thought I should. I did put in request for about 3-4 books, though if I am lucky, at least one wil lallow me to read it.

Speaking of reading, I just loked at my reading goals. I have finished 263 books this year - goal was for 200. Granted, as I looked through the list of ones I have read this year, many were what I would call short. These are the ones I can easliy read 1-2 of them in a day. Those long-series of serial-type books? You know what I mean. I have one series that has 62 book sin it (currently on book 50) so have a few more of them short ones to read yet. But mix in there some fairly longer reads that take me a week or more. Good stuff for the most part. I only recall a couple I had to mark down as did not finish, or that I just didn't like.

And it comes to today's post title. I am debating on waking the Youngest, to take him out shopping with me. I know I need to stop at our local Fry's Food to get gift cards. They have a good selection, and get 2X the gas points there as well, since the Wife uses them. I know I need at least 3 VISA cards, and a couple more for like fast food (for the two older boys). Depending what else is there, may do more. The Youngest needs to select some things for his Mom, and mentioned a couple ideas. If I can get him up, we will run to Walmar probably to select what he is thinking of. Then, as part of the bribe to get him up, may take him to lunch. All depends if I can get him up.

I'm supposed to dress as Santa this Friday for an event at the Wife's employment. I guess it is for a portion of the patients there, which most are elderly. I think she mentioned that staff was giving out presents to them as well, but I just have to be in the prescence I guess. She still has not confirmed what time, so who knows what will happen. It's at least a good 30 minute drive away, so hopefully she remembers to get the time.

Welp, not much else to do right now. It's only about 8:20 and no need to try waking the kid at least until closer to 10. I know he was up on the computer playing games until late, after all , he is on break from school.

PeacE

Back to the Grindstone

 Last week I had finally gotten an answer to the email I had sent off to the Company. I had written about the numbe rof project starts I had been receiving, but was not credentialed/licensed to be able to participate in, and wondered had my name been added to the wrong recruitment list(S). The way I read the received reply, was that there was some kind of 'glitch in the system' and I was not the only employee having the issue.

What is important, is it seems to have been fixed, manually, and I start a new project today. Though, I se in my email this morning (again) another project start time/date that I am not qualified for. Today's project is expected to last a minimum of three weeks, but could last longer. I am totally okay with that. The longer, the better.

I am feeling much better now, thna I was last week. Whatever 'bug' that was bringing me down left Friday. I did end up going to the hockey game Saturday, and enjoyed the time. Though was upset about Purdue losing to Michigan, admittedly, I wasn't expecting them to win. Sunday morning came football, and of course, my Washington team ends their game in a tie. Monday was spent doing pretty much nothing, except signing up for this project.

Christmas shopping is still going on. I think it was Friday, the Wife, sitting behind me, messages me a picture of a mini-chainsaw. So I turn and ask her, is this a gift hint? Yes, she replies. So Saturday, while she was not around, I ordered her one. At least it wasn't tarps and a shovel. I still have a few presents that need to arrive (All say shipped now). I should go through and check the tracking for all this morning before work.

PeacE

This Ain't Fun

 I awoke this morning at 5am, to the sound of a bedroom door closing. That means Youngest Son as up - probably for a bathroom break. Then again, at taht hour, it could be Middle Son coming by after work, though I think he had taken this week off on vacation. Either way, I laid there in bed for about ten minutes before I realized that I Was not going back to sleep.

Sleep. I have done more of that this week than just about anything else. Thursday I was just miserable again. And this not being able to hold down food is getting annoying. The Wife cooked up a mixture of green beans, corn, rice and turkey last night - not quite a soup - and for once it stayed dwon, so with leftovers today, I may start getting lucky. I think it was a 'chop suey' throw-together from all the leftovers.

The other night, after talking to a friend, we were thinking about goin to the Grand Canyone University Hockey game against UNLV this Saturday night. I've met most of the team, and these college-boys are just super-nice people. Most are from North Dakota and surrounding states. But feeling the way I have been, it may not be a good idea. Once I have gotten far enough into today, to determine how I am feeling, will make a decision and call my buddy to confirm or cancel.

I was hoping to have a majority of the needed Christmas shopping done by now. Of course, that didn't happen. I am expecting several packages today, so will need to keep my eye out. I kno wI menitoned to the Wife a few days ago, things I had ordered in for whom, and for other ideas for those we still need to get for - but no answers from her. I guess we will wing it.

Welp, I think I will see about watching an episode of something on Netflix, then try to get some more sleep.

PeacE

Saturday Shenanigans

 Maybe I should change that title to "What kind of trouble am I able to stir up today?" as that is sort of the mood I am in. Mischievous. A bit Impish even (though I am not a small guy). <Shrug> Will have to see what happens around me to see what I am able to accomplish.

The Wife and I met up with RM & PT for breakfast this morning. RM had texted me yesterday, if I wanted the leftovers from their Friday Thanksgiving meal they had with friends. I said sure, and decided we should meet for breakfast for the exchange of food. Good breakfast, and I could only eat about half of it. Then the Wife and went went on down the road to the discount grocery we like. Around $200 later, we were finally leaving. Yeah, most of that was NOT groceries. They had a sale on a gamer chair colored blue (youngest Son's favorite color) so we bought it for him for Christmas. They also had some Amazon Mystery boxes - where there are items in it, but no idea of what type/cost/etc. For $50 I told the Wife I feel lucky, and bought one. Our cashier mentioned she had bought four of them that she is handing out as gifts this year. I thought that could be cool.... but I feel lucky and I want to open this one. A few months ago I tried one of those sites that you pay, say, $30 for a mystery item, and they ship it to you. I was lead to believe it was a box (like today) but it literally was one item. That was a waste. This looks like there are multiple items in it, but it could be good air packaging. We will see later today. Maybe I'll luck out and get something I am able to gift.

Craving tea bad today. The discount store did not have any, except individual personal bottles, which I did have on the way home. I did pick up a couple half-cases of Mtn Dew flavors - there are like 4 flavors of "energy" drink, and I thought I could try/share them with the Youngest as he likes that sort of drink. But that will be a couple hours as I can't stand warm soda.

Not sure what this afternoon will bring. Maybe some Warcraft. Maybe the VFW. Maybe a good crap and a nap. Well, the crap is happening no matter what of anything else. Speaking of, I should close this off....

PeacE

Mystery Box Reveal!!!

There were quite a few items in the box, and overall I probably got the cost in items, though many I can't/won't use... but here is sort of a list (if I remember it all)

- 4 size 10 mens spinner rings - spinner is a chain design

- 4 some kind of mat to wipe your feet on  - door mat

- 5 XL black rayon dresses

- 4-5 mascara make-up stuff

- 1 nail kit

- 4-5 dog collars with Apple air tag holder (no air tag)

- 2 bicycle cleat sets

- 6 packages of balloons in Halloween colors

- about 6 packages of assorted Halloween decorations you hang

- 1 foldable baby bath

- annnnn-nnnddd onnnnnneeee Mariah Carey CD!

The stuff was packed in pretty tight. Not really much to give as gifts, but I will keep the rings, as it just so happens to be my size. The dog collars are for larger dogs, and I know a couple friends that have dogs I will offer to them. Even without the actual air tag (for tracking) the collars are seemingly thick and well-made. The mats... I may keep one, and hand out if anyone wants. Make-up and nail stuff will go to the Daughter probably, unless the Wife wants any. Decorations will probably get donated to a school, maybe the facility where the Wife works. Balloons, too, more than likely. The dresses - I don't know. Savers maybe? There might be a couple items I missed listing, but either way they aren't important. I think the rings, though probably fairly cheap, are the big win, as I figure they normally sell for at least $15 each ($60 total) so the box was paid for. The funniest part of it, was I think the Middle Son (who happened to be by dropping off the Youngest) was excited to open the box as I was! Best surprise was the CD... I mean, c'mon. Mariah Carey? I'm sure it is one of her older albums but I am not a fan of hers. At least it isn't that Christmas song she sings!

Back Into This World

 Last Saturday, the internet and phone line went 'out' at hour house. Not just temprorarily, and the Wife texted me about it ( I was out with some friends). With the ahole "system out (phones and internet) I knew it was a issue for Centurylink (our carrier) and that somewhere, lines have been cut, or knocked out of commission. Nothing I could do basically but wait. But I was able to get on my pphone and look for outages in the area and of course, it said there were none. It was Monday morning before I could call to try to get a tech out to find out what was wrong. Tuesday before a tech could be there. Sometime between 2 and 4, and they pushed that to the limit. I noticed three different techs from that company helping neighbors a few doors down from me, before my tech showed up at 4pm. I admit though, they were aboe to fix my issue within 15 minutes, and voila! Back into the world!

For four days we 'languisehed without internet services, and I never realized how much just myself rely on having that service. Sure, I work remote, but fortunately was between projects. But just to entertain myself, or watch shows/movies. Emails I could check on my phone. Even most of the social media I do, I was able to do from the phone. But I dislike using my phone for that, and the screen is small enough... I just don't like it. But I was slightly surprised how dependent I had become.

Yesterday was good day. We ( I should say the Wife) cooked the turkey and a green bean cassarole before we loaded to go to the Oldest & Middle Sons' apartment. There the three of them finished the other side dishes, and we then we sat to eat. There was a lot of food. With all the boys and myself having seconds, there was still leftovers, including half the 14# turkey. Wife split the remains of the turkey, and we left all the rest of the leftovers there. We spent much of the afternoon just talking and funning whilst playing games on the playstation or laptop. I had my tablet so I played a few games on there whilst in conversations. Missed having the Daughter and her family there, but did hear from her later that her day was good as well.

Today is Black Friday, and I have no plans of going out to the shopping areas. I
 know there is some shopping I still need to do, but I will do it online as much as I can. I am not even sure I want to look at BF deals at any sites today either...sigh. But how else shall I get the good prices? We will see. Supposed to hang out with the buddies tonight, but am not sure about that as of right now.

On todays good note: BP and Glucose are in the good ranges and I managed to read 4 books since the internet was down. I am up to 246 books completed this year (personal high) and still a month to go. But that reminds me, now that the internet is back up, I need to go write a couple reviews....

PeacE

"It Comes In Threes" They Say ....

 This past Sunday, the Wife received a text message from the Daughter. It seems both she and the SIL were feeling poorly (fever, feeling blah, etc) biut my Doodad seemed to be feeling fine. Later another text came in that the SIL had used one of the at-home Covid tests, and it showed positive for him. The curb-side testing was scheduled for the Daughter and Doodad for Monday. Monday I got a text that now Doodad was having a fever and not feeling well, and then later on, I got the text that yes, all three of them had tested positive for Covid. Sigh. The plan had hopefuilly been that they would be up to visit this next week while Doodad was on break, but that is now changed. Sigh. I do feel for them....

The Youngest's marching band competition went well. They placed third in their division (out of the seven bands there). Their next competition is a week from Saturday at NAU. Only another month and a half until marching season is over - and so are the extra night practices we have to be sure we are available to take/pick him up. Plus the Friday football games. I should be used to it, having had three kids do this for four years each, and this is the Youngest's third year. I'm happy to say, there is only one mor eyear left of it.

Saturday, RM and I plan to meet up for breakfast. She suggested Black Bear Diner, which is about halfway between our homes. I haven't beenthere in awhile, and before, it had generally been for dinners. I'm looking forward to seeing their breakfast menu, and time with RM, of course. 

Still dealing with adjustments to my medication changes. the end of last week showed me doing multiple express travels to the restroom. This week, that has resumed regular traveling speeds and necessity. I spent most of yesterday feeling nauseous, though not quite to the point of throwing up. I asked the Wife to bring home some Sprite to hopefully settle the stomach (it did). This morning I am feeling just a touch of nausea, but will see what happens since I just took my meds for the day. I do have some Sprite leftover just in case ... if it really helps with it.

I guess it is time to start trying to figure out Christmas stuff. We haven't had much of a chance to get presents early, though I know we have a few small items for Doodad. Seems we always find something to get her, and say for bday or Christmas, but end up just giving it to her because. I do have a couple ideas for the kids, that I will order this month to be sure they arrive in time. Others I will have to think of something. I'm sure Saturday I will be asking RM for ideas for her and PT, though each year it is usually the same stuff (PT-socks, sweatshirts, etc; RM nothing...as a rule). I know I am pretty much the same way - nothing for me. If anyone asks, I usually say beef jerky, or pickles, or similar.

That reminds me I have something for RM I will need to remember to bring Saturday morning. I could hold onto it until Christmas, but I picked this up a while back, and just haven't had the chance to get it to her. Just a little 'something'. I know when she reads this she will get a little excited, as she loves little unexpected gifts (don't we all?).

Welp, I got nothing much else to share at the moment, so guess I should mosey on and figure what I am going to do today. Think I might head to the VFW this afternoon depending on how I am feeling.

PeacE