Morning Libations

 I slept good last night. After the previous two nights, I guess the body decided to correct itself, and I drifted off to sleep within moments of laying down. Only recall waking twice (bathroom calls) yet still woke 30 minutes before my alarm. Sigh. What can one do?

It dawned on me just a few minutes ago, I'm turning into (I don't know how else to say it, so no offense) an "old" person. I get up early (for me), I do my morning routine - you know, bathroom, get dressed, check blood pressure (been running a little low lately - today is 104/60) then check glucose (97 today). 'Turn on' the computer, check my calendar for what today holds. And the routine drops into place. I almost feel like going outside and yelling at someone walking by to "Get off my lawn" except it is way to hot out, and not many walk by the house.

How am I doing medically? I'm holding on - no. That sounds like I'm near death (which I am not). Medications are the paracentesis every now and then are holding my symptoms at bay. I have about 3 weeks to go in my IOP, at which point I believe I have completed everything on the list regarding the deferment. Which means soon my case will go up to the transplant council to determine making the Waiting List. Am I getting 'antsy' about it? Nah. Nothing I can do at this time except finish the IOP and maintain my meetings. Side note: Last night with my transplant support/AA meeting, we had a great topic about "Giving Without Strings" based off the AA Daily Affirmation of the day. Not in the biblical, sermon-type way. Moreso about helping other alcoholics recover, and support.

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and though the Post has a few events going on, I am not sure how many I will help with. Saturday they do the 'flag drop' at the cemetery near the Post (placing flags at each Veteran's stone) followed by a breakfast at the Post. Monday they are doing three flag raisings that morning, the final one being at the Post around 10:30am, I probably will make that one. Tuesday is their FOD walk, where the flags are picked back up, bundled, and returned to the Post for next year. This is usually done by the high school ROTC groups (about 4-5 of them this year) but open to any that want to help. Maybe I will check with the Youngest and see if he would like to do the flag drop again. He did go with me a couple years ago, and said he actually enjoyed it. Amazing what giving some time for a good thing is ale to make a person feel! I figure he won't do it this year, but I'll ask.

Well, this morning's drink of choice is Canada Dry ginger ale. No, not feeling nausea, just out of other soda and I wanted some carbonation. It'll be tea afterwards I am sure. Side thought: too much tea causing the sleeplessness? Too much caffeine? Nah.

One thing on the calendar for today, and it isn't until 2pm, so I got time to pick up a prescription this morning after 9am. I should work on the minutes from the Riders meeting, but I am pushing that off today. 

Okay, I'm outta here....

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

Only a Few, Small Changes....

That's about all I have going on in Life right now. Still waiting to hear about the job position I interviewed for a couple of weeks ago. Tuesday I think I will call and just do a follow-up to see if they are still considering me for the job, and show that I am still interested. I haven't put out any other applications in the time frame since then. I have skimmed some of the job-search sites, using different key words for looking at what is out there.

Last weekend I finally went out and got a personal phone. I had been using the company phone I was given 4+ years ago for all my "phone stuff", and knew I would need to get a personal one especially if looking for another job. Never realized how many phone contact I had until I started letting people know my new number. In fact, there were many that I did not bother to contact, as they were not close friends, or I had their number for some minor reason. I did a Facebook post so that many on there, if they wanted my number, they could request it from me by private message, if I decided they needed it. No one asked. Needless to say, my contact list is smaller now.

The two younger boys finished up their school years this past week, and are now on break. Wife's work is the same. My work is starting to hit our "slow" season.

The Daughter's family came up from Tucson for the weekend. My lil Doodad was over for a bit yesterday, and I guess will be over for a bit this afternoon. I never thought I would start saying things like "She is getting so big!" and other things you always hear grandparents say.... but I did. And she is! She even said "Papaw" for me last night. It might be considered bragging, but I guess her favorite book to "read" is the one I got her for her birthday. And she loves to play with the dinosaur plushie I got her. I don't know if my Daughter says this because it is true, or if she just wants to make me feel like the things I personally pick for her are wonderful things she loves. I of course, choose to believe it is the truth and they are her favorites. It makes me feel awesome.

Not much else to share today. It is Memorial Day weekend. Past years I used to go out to the cemetery and visit briefly with a couple of friends that were servicemen. I haven't the past three years, and probably will not make it out this year. But as long as they are thought of, and remembered, as well as the many others not only in my family, then it should be a good holiday. We have nothing special planned. Sis invited us over for Monday, but that won't happen. I suppose we will try to find something to do together as a family.

PeacE

Memorial Day Weekend

Another holiday weekend is upon us. A weekend we all should take in reflection for being able to celebrate. To honor the veterans, and current service personnel in our armed forces. Many veteran cemeteries will have programs and speeches to honor those there. Many flags and flowers will be placed on tombstones that mark resting places of those that have fallen, be it in the line of duty, or after there service time. My grandpa is one of our vets still living, and I am proud. My Dad, though no longer with us, is one of them, and I am proud. My brother is another, though he is still serving, and I am proud.

Appears like we may have no major plans for our weekend here. I think we may end up at Sis' for Monday barbecue and just hanging out. I know over the next couple weekends I want to try to get the Wife out to look at minivans so we can pick another up. Otherwise, it is, once again, flying by the seat of my pants as to what happens around here.

Okay I gotta get going... time for the gym.

PeacE