Draining and Filling

 I slept through to the alarm this morning, sort of. I did wake around 5:30am, but told myself 'No. You are not getting out of bed until the alarm (or bladder) makes me. Then I cat-napped until the alarm. I feel more refreshed than I have on these early wake up mornings, so maybe I just need to do that. Works in progress.

This morning I have my paracentesis at 9am. Hoping that they "Drain me dry" today. Last Wednesday, and the Friday before that, it was 10L and stop - both times, leaving fluid in there. I want it out. Plus, I would be able to weigh myself and get a more correct measurement of weight loss/gain. The last time I was able to, about a month plus ago, I was down to 247 pounds. I'm hoping it has gone done, but realistically, if it stay around that number for now, I am okay with it. Just don't want to be stacking back on the weight like before. At least I don't drink and have all that sugar, etc. from the liquor, adding to that weight.

I like to think of the Wife and I being somewhat frugal. Though, I'm the one that does "shopping sprees" more then her. Monday I finally decided my office chair has reached it's end days. Four of the five wheel-rollers have broken off and the hydraulics for raising the seat do not work. I attribute most of that to my previous weight issues. Too dang fat for the chair (Weight-wise). I had already replaced it once under warranty (one of the arms connector to the seat broke) and it is now past the warranty I put on it last time. So Monday I sat in the broken thing and turned my browser to Staples. Why them? They are an office store close to home (for pick-up) and I have some rewards there. Shopping online, I saw no chairs really in stock at that location, but could order it, with free delivery to my home, and have it within a couple days. I found one I liked at a low price (about $60). How to keep the wheels from breaking again? Well, our office was an add-on to the house years and years ago, so the flooring is painted concrete. I guess over the years with Mom and Dad, it has worn some grooves (at the desk where I sit). SO, I saw they also had a floor mat, for hard floors (none of those plastic points on the underside) for about $30. I bought both. The mat was delivered yesterday, is in place already. The chair will probably arrive while I am at the hospital.

The Wife is off today, so not sure what plans will be after I get back home. Lunch will be first though. I almost always fast for these Para appointments (for weighing after). I do need to get those veggies RM sent chopped up and in containers. I need to send out a Riders message about what little happened on the Online Convention last Sunday. Agenda for the House committee will get done Sunday evening for sending out Monday.

With the times for my para, I may miss my home group this morning. I have been going almost everyday, just because I am sitting here playing games. Best to go than just sit here. I may look up any other meeting, where ever in the world, and meet new people. I used to be really bad about changing my routines and I will admit, I still have issues but I do try to be more open to change. Doing these meetings online just make it more convenient, and no traveling.

Welp, I think I shared enough today. Gotta "get dressed" for the para - gym shorts and T-shirt.

PeacE

Messed Up Sleep

 Sunday night I did not sleep well. Around 1am, I even took an edible, but it seemed to have no effect in helping me relax, or feel sleepy, like normal. In fact, I ended up watching TV shows until shortly after 4am, where I tried again to sleep, and finally getting there. Only to waken at 7:30a to get the day started. Needed to do the pills, measure the BP, the Glucose. And be at the hospital by 8:30a for my 9am Paracentesis. I wonder if that is the main reason I could not sleep - being uncomfortable. My abdomen was feeling more internal pressure than the past few weeks has been, and it was not comfortable rolling over, or any movement at all it seemed. This evening, I thought was planned out well - I was having trouble keeping my eyes open by 8pm. At 10pm I called it, and went to bed. I was out pretty quick. Then something woke me - suddenly, and made me wide-awake. 

I had to pee. So I get up to take care of this business, and realize just how awake I am. I go into the office, and realize it is barely 11:45pm. I slept maybe an hour? Oh, I'm feeling tired again already, but not the sleepy kind I was earlier. This is more of a 'realized fatigue' knowing my mind and body has to go through this sleep issue crap.

I have been trying to help out more around the house lately. Seems since all this medical crap started back in September, I have been doing more around the house: cooking, cleaning, yardwork. Most of it I leave to the Wife and the Boys, as I just don't have the energy (or the desire, or both). I did spend quite some time this late night perusing clips of crockpot meals. Some I want to try, so are just yucky looking, and others, I wonder why people would even make something like that.... I suppose now that I have a couple easy fix ideas, I may do a crockpot dinner again this week.

Speaking of food, I need to get to Sam's Club. RM and I were last talking about memberships, and she decided to cancel PT's card, and put me on under her account (he never uses his card anyways). So I need to get up to the one by my house and see if they can get my card issued to me, without RM being there in person. This would be nice for some of our dinner ideas and whatnot for Riders meals, as well as home stuff. The only negative towards it, is the more "bulk" items, which also means higher prices, and me with no room to put the extra "bulk" (especially if it needs to be frozen of refrigerated). Maybe I can get up there today, as I have nothing going on until my meetings tonight....

I have been trying this last week to get out into the yard to get some of the yardwork done, but have failed. Between appointments, not feeling well, and other events going on, I just haven't had the time. Maybe I can try to get out there this morning if I don't sleep in too late from being up late.

PeacE

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

Weekly Wrap-up

 Friday has come around again, and I am avoiding the whole work thing for a few minutes just to put something in here. Anything exciting happen this last week? Nope. Just a week of work, and finished up maybe 3-4 books. Anything exciting planned for the weekend? Nope. Maybe the Post on Saturday, but no other plans that I know of - unless the Wife has something she hasn't told me yet.

The last couple of weeks have had me craving salads. No idea as to why. Last week, the Wife and I ended up at Seafood Harbor (a Chinese buffet) as I was craving their cucumber, onion, tomato salad (it is REALLY good) as well as helping myself to two plates of regular salad with some toppings. Over the past  weekend, the Wife had picked up a bag of salad pre-mixed, and a couple of the sealed salad bowls. The last of which just got finished about 30 minutes ago. Sigh. And still I crave. Guess after work I may have to go the grocery. Or if I wait, maybe we can do lunch at Red Robin tomorrow - they have an unlimited salad there, and their Italian dressing is really good.

Adjusting to getting back to work has been going well. I have started trying to get to bed by 9'ish most nights, so it is easier to get up early to start work. Though I have until 9am (my time) to actually start, I can start as early as 5am. Which is about when the bladder wakes me to be released anyways.... except this morning. I had no desire to get out of  bed until 8:45am. Which means I am working until 5pm ( to complete the 8 hours).Sigh.

Welp, got nothin' else to add ....

PeacE

A Reset Tuesday

 I play a large MMORPG game online called World of Warcraft. I have for years. Anyways, every day they have a reset - usually around 7am PST. Just a quick 'blip' and the "daily quests", dungeon locks, etc, all reset and freshen to a new day. Weekly, on Tuesday mornings, is the "Weekly Reset" - where the larger things (World Quests, Raids, Group Events, etc) do a reset. It is also the morning that they put in fixes for program issues, or adjustments to character attributes, and most important, add new features. This is usually an hour or more of time "down" as they add in the needed software changes, etc. Every Tuesday is the big one.

Today sort of feels that way for me. Woke around 6am, feeling fairly awake, and decided to just lay in bed until the Wife left around 630. Then got up for the necessities, and wandered into the office. I can start work at 7, but have been pushing it off until 730 just because I can. I really am not a fan of this type, and this particular, project. Supposedly it is to last through the end of February, and that feels like a long time for a project I don't like. Sigh. Don't worry, I'm sucking it up and just trying to do the best I can.

With school getting back into the swing of things, the Youngest now has to have Tuesday night practices. It is a percussion practice mandatory every Tuesday. Why? I have no idea. I am not happy about it - additional time we have to take out of our day to get him there on time, and pick him up...Hold on. Tonight's was an "optional" one as they were going to repair, fix, prepare the instruments for next week when they officially start this, but the Son just texted me that the "leader" isn't going to be there tonight, so he isn't going. Nice, for tonight. But they still have the even t going on the next several weeks (months?) that this has to be done. Sigh.

I guess I need to get out and do a little shopping this evening. Used up the rest of the bread yesterday having mayo and pickle sandwiches for lunch, then realized last night that the Wife had picked up more lunchmeat for lunches - but now I have no bread. I also broke my reading glasses. I had picked up a pair that matched my bi-focals, so I didn't have to lean my head back all day working at the computer. So now I need to see if I can find a couple cheap pairs at the dollar store or something. Need some more water flavor packets too, as the root beer ones I got for Christmas are gone already. Course, I like other flavors as well...

Reading has started off well this year. I think I am about 6 books in already. I was able to get about three read over the weekend, which was nice for a change. I see I got RM to get back on one of the sites I use (Goodreads.com) and she has set a goal for herself. I hope she will be able to keep it updated as she goes through books (and the year) whether or not she meets the goal she set. Reminder RM, even if you re-read a book, it counts - just add the additional date range you read it the second time!

Welp, I got about 30 minutes before I need to actually get to work, and I need to get a couple other things accomplished....

PeacE

Back to Normal?

 Up at 6am this morning. a regular time for me in the winter, when I unable to start work until at least 7am. I like the summer hours better, as I can start at 6, but I wonder how that will go now, since daylight savings is supposedly not going to be used much longer. Yesterday's meeting for the new project went fairly well. The work-type has changed a bit for this project, and I feel a little uncomfortable with just reading through the protocols, and going on what very, very basic examples we were shown. I wasn't able to get 'hands-on' as all of us brought in yesterday, were not able to access the project on the needed software. That wasn't fixed until nearly 5pm (for me) last night, and I was not going to log on for 30 minutes of work. So that means I am diving in this morning in just under an hour.

My work day will be followed up by heading to the Oldest Son's abode. Found out yesterday, we had put Comp/Collision on his policy (I didn't think we had) so he needs to call the insurance about his stolen car. He won't get much, but a few thousand dollars is better than nothing. Then he wants to 'test drive' my Rav4. He is looking to get one, or a similar model, and wants to actually drive one before spending the time looking for that particular type. It'll be nice to spend some time with him, even though the situation wasn't the best.

I think I will work on the leftover pizza for lunch (again) today. Seems when there is pizza leftover, I'm the only one that eats it. The Wife didn't feel like cooking last night and told us to find whatever for dinner, mentioning that there was quite a bit of pizza. The Youngest goes and gets ramen noodles, instead of the pizza. Sigh. I may end up throwing some of it out because, honestly, after two days of pizza, even I get tired of it. Follow up with some of the spicy pickle spears that the Daughter made. Once those are gone, I'll start in on RM's bread 'n butter pickles I got for Christmas.

As I was sitting here, waiting on the computer to reboot this morning, I thought, wouldn't it be nice to have a cup of coffee this morning? Then I remembered back a couple days ago. I had thought the same thing, and fixed myself a large cup. Now I don't Keurig, I just use instant. About three hours after I finished the coffee, I was bouncing off the walls. Turns out the instant the Wife had picked up for me, was caffeinated, not decaf, and boy was I wired! I mentioned it to her, and all she said was that she thought that was what I drank. Sigh. Container says makes 120 servings... got 119 to go. Yee. Haw.

Welp, the Wife just left with the Youngest to get him to school. I need to get a few other things done before work.

PeacE

When the Weather Doesn't Cooperate

 I wrote the other day about getting out and doing the forced lawn maintenance. Well, as it turns out, it rained after I posted that. All. Day. Long. So nothing got done. Then I planned on maybe yesterday, the sun would come out (AZ is always sunny, right?) and dry up enough of the damp that we could do some of the trimming or something. Nope. Cloudy and not much sun. As of last night, the forecast was saying possible showers in the early hours this morning, and looking out the window right now, it is dark enough that it appears overcast, so not sure if anything can be done in the yard today. That leaves teh weekend. Joy.

I am in a good mood this morning though, except not being able to get the yard done. I opened up the pajama set (Washington colors, baby!) and put them on last night. They fit wonderfully, and are sooooo comfortable. In fact, I'll probably wear them all day today.

Still working on leftovers from the holiday. Most of the cooked ones are gone, and just working through the deli meats at lunchtimes. The Daughter had sent some pickles she made (spicy) that I have yet to try. Also a jar of her spicy salsa. I opened it yesterday, and had my mouth burning for like an hour. And that was just a small number of chips. RM's salsa is not that hot, but I can't get it eaten before it goes bad. That may happen with this hot stuff.

Welp, not much else to write about far as I can figure.

PeacE

Hangry as Heck

 Today you get a partial post that started later in the day on Monday. Only because as I was working, I realized there was more I wanted to blab about. For starters, I am HUNGRY! I got up earlier than usal so I could get a full day of work in before going to my afternoon lab appointment. An hour into work, I had a granola bar for breakfast. Morning continues, and around 10 I started getting hungry for lunch. AS I am looking int he fridge for leftovers, or something I can microwave quick, I remembered I was supposed to be fasting for 8 hours prior to my appointment. Oh well, guess it will only be about 7 hours. I still have about 2-3 hours yet before I can get something to eat, and now it seems all I can think about is how hungry I am. Hungry? No, hangry. I am being crabby even when I am talking to myself (because no one else is here). Argh!

Whilst in Tucson we went to dinner at a place near the Daughter's house. It was called Dominick's Real Italian. I was leery about what the food might be like (the 'real' in the title). It was a smallish place, in a shoppping center, though not a stand-alone building. They had a place for some outside dinig, though we ate inside. They had average prices, and not a lot in selections. I opted for the Dominicks Chopped Salad, entree size, as it was the only thing that sounded good to me. The salad was good and filling! 

Sunday we just IHOP for brunch, and I was frustrated with them. I ordered a burger, and fries for the side. They are out of fries. I opted for onion rings. They are out of onion rings. The onlt two side options left were two pancakes or a side salad. I am not a fan of pancakes, so chose the salad, with 1000 Island. They are out of 100 Island dressing. Do they Italian dressing? No but did have some kind of vinagrette, so I tried it. Wasn't bad, but I wasn't wanting a salad with my burger. I just couldn't believe they are out of fries, even if they promote breakfast more than other things.

Tuesday: So, already this morning I got an email saying the results of the lab work are in. I'll prpbably look at them, and have to wait until the 18th at the next Dr appointment, to actually have them explained to me.

Today is hopefully another day of work. The team was told last week we would be moving up to the next stage once the current workload finished. It should have been done yesterday afer I logged out for the day. Guess I'll find out here in a afew. Then I have another appointment - this one at the dealership for an oil change. Went over the 5000 mark whilst drivingthis weekend.

Okay, that's it until tomorrow.

Edit: Well, that next step at work didn't happen, but was re-assigned to a new project with a 5 hour wait until it starts. Hope they get me the access to it prior to that time....

PeacE 

It's a Little Depressing

 Friday morning, The Wife packed several boxes and some clothes into her vehicle. Then she climbed in and drove away. I didn't see it, as I was back in our computer room playing Warcraft that morning. Maybe that was why she left me? Naw... she was headed down to Tucson to spend some extra time with the Daughter (Doodad was an added bonus). I don't want to over-share, but the Daughter had recently started to get the feeling of being overwhelmed, as some parents can relate to, in regards to being around young children with no adult interaction, or alone time, etc. So The Wife had decided she was going down to give Daughter more adult interaction. I didn't mind. The two younger Sons were going down with me on Saturday, as we had a concert we were attending then anyways.

So Saturday, as I said, the boys and I drove down about mid day. The Youngest played and entertained Doodad, the Middle Son sat and talked with the SIL about computer and board games they like. I pretty much sat on the couch and played some games on my tablet. The concert was a little early - about 6pm, so was over by 8'ish. Just The Wife, Daughter, Middle Son, and I attended (more adult time for Daughter). Place called the Gaslight Theater, and it was nice. Our table (yes, table seating) was 10 feet from the stage. You could order food/drinks (which I was happy about - stomach was growling, and I was thirsty). The group we watched was LoBros, who are local to the area. They were playing hits from groups that influence their music (Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Blood Sweat and Tears, etc) with that 70's kind of brass band sound. They also intermix classical music into other genres, like samba music. It was very entertaining, and very enjoyable. 

We did both drive home late into the night, arriving around 12:30. This morning found us sleeping in a little bit more than usual due to being a bit more tired - not so much of the late hour, but the driving, etc. Not much on today's agenda.

The Wife had made bread & butter pickles last week. Couple decent-sized Tupperware containers of, anyways. I was told I could have some before she left, but with the stipulation, I had to tell her which one tasted better. To answer that more fully, she had made two batches: one using a recipe from the internet she had found, the other being RM's recipe. I truly didn't get around to this taste-test, but Last night, The Wife brought out two smaller containers from the Daughter's fridge. The Wife brought them down for them to taste. So of course I had to do it as well. It was an easy taste test - I picked RM's within seconds of tasting the second option. It was distinctive in the taste. But we did agree the internet recipe were a bit crisper due to it being a recipe that only called for the mix to set in the fridge for 24 hours, versus RM's recipe is a heated mixture. RM still for the win though, IMO.

I didn't get much Doodad time yesterday. I am a little upset by it, but what can I expect? She is only 4 years old, and having a young uncle that can (and is willing) to run around with you, etc.... slow-moving Papaw is going to lose every time. I'll wait a couple more years when she will appreciate the time with me better, I guess.

Almost noon here, so I suppose I should ask the Wife what are plans for lunch. I know I'm hungry. For some reason got chicken sandwich with pickles on my mind this morning....

PeacE

Trying to Get Motivated

I'm feeling sluggish today. I think it may be because I got more than 8 hours sleep last night. In my defense, I was tired. I did mow the lawn yesterday, which caused my back to start bothering me again. So today it is sore.

I get to leave the house today! I got a call from the high school the other day. I guess the Youngest's enrollment package paperwork had not been received. Found out that no, we never sent it in. So I get to run that to the school today. Then he should be set for the fall. Afterwards I am going to run by a QT (QuikTrip gas mart) and get some smokes, refill my 52 ounce cup with soda, and grab a couple jalapeno with cheese sausage dogs. Yeah... sounds good.

Then it is back home. Tomorrow I may not post as I am going to the hospital with the youngest for his surgery. I've been told that once I am in the waiting area for the procedure, I can't leave for any reason or they won't let me back in. Sounds kinda stupid to me, but I guess it is them trying to limit how much exposure one has being in the hospital... whether bringing it in, or just being around it. Pre-Registration called yesterday and gave us our estimated patient cost for the hospital only part of the procedure. I really need to get back to working. Need less to say our high deductible is going to be met early this year... so in a bad way, I hope all our major accidents/procedures happen this year. Sounds bad, but truly....

Okay, I am outta here to get stuff done... and I'm hungry.

PeacE

It's the Little Things

A good rest came for me last night. I was able to sleep through the hours with only one brief wake-up around mid-early morning.

I'm not much of a cereal for breakfast type person. I mean, when I was younger, I was totally down for it, but now, I don't know. Just not into it as much. Prefer a nice cooked breakfast, at a buffet, where I don't have to do clean up (don't we all). Anyways, while out at the store yesterday, came across a couple cereals I had to get to try. Now I have always been a fan of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes. you know, the one with Tony the Tiger on the box. I found a chocolate flavored, and a honey nut flavored of name-brand Frosted Flakes. I tried the chocolate this morning, and it is pretty good. It leaves the milk chocolatey, too!

Speaking of shopping, I found almost everything on my list, in only two stops. Rice, flour, pasta, Ramen, hot dogs, soda, bonus:cereal, some snack goodies. The only thing not located: paper towels. The 99cent store was out of paper goods completely. The large chain grocery was, too, pretty much. I didn't see TP, paper towels, or napkins (except sanitary ones). They had signs taped up everywhere around that area that when in stock they were limiting people to 1 pkg. per customer. A little too late for that I would think. Debated picking up some Canadian Club, but didn't. Now I wish I had.

Let the Middle Son do the driving while out shopping. Also used "his" car. It is the one we got from the MIL's passing, and has been sitting idle now for about three weeks since RM "sold" us her old van that The Wife now uses. He only has his permit (until summer probably) but I have been telling him to get out and at least start it and let it run for 5-10 minutes so the battery doesn't go bad. Either way we got it out for a drive yesterday.

Had a pork roast with potatoes and carrots last night. The Wife tried some new kind of hickory seasoning she had found, and it turned out very well! Not sure if I want that or the leftover goulash from a couple nights ago... or the baked chicken and stuffing from the night before. Decisions, decisions.

Today's craving, since I seem to have one most days.... macaroni salad. Joe over at Just An Average Joe (see that list to the right----->) mentioned it a day or so ago, and it has just stayed on my mind. I didn't see any at the grocery yesterday. I know I ain't gonna try to make it.

One of the things I am going to try to find today is a way for The Wife to hold her mask on at work, without using her ears. She mentions this morning that the ones the manager got (sounded like someone made for their use) the elastic for the ears is very tight and causes severe discomfort. She saw an idea using a hair piece and putting the elastics to that. I don't know how to explain it. but I said I would for other ideas she could try if this one don't work. It's all about how I give back, ya know.

Tomorrow the Youngest and I get to venture out to the orthopedic doctor. He has the follow-up on his cast for the broken wrist. I have a feeling they will be removing it (yay!) and he won't even have to worry about breaking it again in PE since school is closed. He also won't have any excuses (though he will try) as to why some of the chores aren't done.

Well, it's almost 8am, and I think I am off to "while away" the day now.

PeacE

Attempt Number Two

I made it to that place I was talking about yesterday. You know, the one I was applying for a *ack* job. The application process is a little more detailed than what I had been told from the head honcho there. I'm to fill out an app, leave it there, then call a number to give a phone "spiel" that they provided. The call may be recorded, or if someone answers, I am to treat it like a live call with the script. The purpose makes perfect sense considering it is a position where they are represented via the telephone. I was just not prepared for it. So I took home the app and script, and plan on returning today. I figure I will just sit in their quiet lobby and make the phone call.

Things here have pretty much returned to a normal routine. Well, normal I guess for us. The only thing that has changed is that I no longer need to go to MIL's to sit with FIL so she can go grocery shopping, or pick up the ids, etc. It is kind of nice to have those times free again, though this whole job thing may change that even more.

Since FIL's passing, a few of the ladies from the church have brought dinner by for us. I queried the Wife last night, that I thought the dinners were to go to the family with the loss, so shouldn't these be going to her Mom rather than us. She had mentioned the same to the ladies, and their response was that it was for us, so that we have the time to help MIL be sure she eats and takes care of herself. It was a bit of "different thinking" and either way I don't care. I get a little more variety this way, though I am sure it won't be for much longer. Last night someone brought by El Pollo Loco (chicken restaurant sorta Mexican style). I don't recall having ever ate there (not one in a near vicinity) so when I saw what was there, I got a bit excited. Turns out, I don't care much for their style of seasonings. Nothing too hot or whatever, just not as 'original' like I was hoping. I mean, it was baked chicken. Thank goodness there was a bean and rice burrito for me to eat.

Tonight is another pool league night. I think I am losing the weight challenge my friend Jan and I are doing. I weighed myself in yesterday, and had gained a pound since last week. Them church ladies fault I do declare. He has been losing some each week, though I have been dropping more. He may get it this week.

And that is all I have today.

PeacE

End Results

All my kids have attended public schools, just as I had growing up. Mainly because we could never afford any private schools, or even those Montesorri ones. I always looked at it as public schools are good for preparing them to be around all sorts of people in life, rather than those that are better off financially, or that strive to achieve perfection constantly. Yeah, I am stereotyping somewhat, but that is just the way I am.

Anyways, due to the area of Phoenix we live in, the elementary school the two younger ones attend has been   doing the 'free lunch' program for the past few years. Many of the families in our district area are financially low enough (myself included it feels at times) that the school just made it available to all students, and not just ones that were approved via some financial form to be filled out. Last year they included a free breakfast as well. One other thing they added, was every 3-4 weeks, the school sent home what we call a 'snack-pack bag'. Basically a plastic grocery bag that contains usually a couple granola bars, fruit or pudding cups, about 4 cans of miscellaneous vegetables, maybe some crackers. It is all part of the program to help make sure the students are eating well in these hard times. How we ever got signed up for this part, I have no clue. Maybe the Wife did it. But not all students get these bags. Since I have two boys there, they both get one. I am not complaining. It's nice to have a few days of extra snacks for the kids, and the canned goods always help in dinners. It helps us save a few dollars in shopping.

The other day, the Wife was looking through our cupboards, trying to find something to fix for supper. I think she said she was going looking to throw together a stew, or something fairly close to that idea. One can she located, looked to have sliced carrots in it. Should go good in a stew. Only, she couldn't read the can. The label was written entirely in Spanish, though there was a picture of the sliced carrots on the front. Obviously, it was a can that had been sent home in one of the snack-packs, as we would never had bought it ourselves with it being in Spanish. The can was opened, and she decided not to use it. Turns out the sliced carrots also included onions, and what appeared to be some jalapeno peppers. She tried a carrot slice, and decided it was way to spicy for her, let alone the boys. Being the frugal person she is, she dumped the contents into a tupperware container, in hopes within the next day she would be able to figure out something else to be able to cook this with. She showed it to me the next day, where I tried some of it, and determined it was fine for me (I like spicier foods than the rest of the family). The Wife decided to make some chili with it, and I said I wouldn't mind the carrots in some chili.

Needless to say, she made the chili with the carrots, onions and peppers. Threw in some ground beef, tomato sauce, and pinto beans. At which point, she stated it looked too watered-down, and asked what she should do. I told her to add some pasta noodles. Now I know chili doesn't traditionally have pasta in it, but to make dinners stretch to feed everyone, I grew up with the Reverend Mother always adding some elbow noodles to chili. So, to me, it's chili even with pasta. Heck this wasn't really chili anyways, since it had carrots in it, too.

End result was a huge container of this concoction (as I have no idea what to call it) that I have been eating the past couple days for lunch. I am only about halfway through the container, and am debating freezing some of it, so it won't spoil, and I can eat at a future time, since I am starting to feel a bit tired of the same dish. Pretty good stuff too! I remember now, the Wife also had found an old seasoning packet called 'Cuss Bros Chili Mixings' that she had added. The directions on the seasoning said to add 1/4 packet for spicy, 1/2 for hot, and the whole bag for ... well, Cuss Bros means something! I had told her to put in the whole bag. Needless to say, I don't need to add any additional spices to bring the spiciness to the level I like. The odlest son, he tried some of it, and decided he liked it as well. Makes me a bit proud to see him actually trying some spicier stuff, rather than complain it is 'too hot' like the younger ones. He's even been using a little bit of Tapatio sauce on occasion.

So, the Wife's experiment turned out pretty good, as tow of us males are eating it down pretty good. Though, I do admit, the Wife ain't entirely happy about it. Though we both enjoy eating this new dish, our digestive systems have been having a blast (almost literally). If only we had stocks in Glade air products, we could be a little richer this week, if ya know what I mean?! 

I gotta head out. Doing the regular Tuesday morning trip over to the MIL's to sit with FIL so she can get out and do some grocery shopping. It's been nice with the boys out of school, as I send the oldest one to help Mom. Then we all help unload stuff. I know it helps her out tremendously.

PeacE

Another Hump Day

Sigh. Wednesday. I remember back when I used to work a regular job 8-5, M-F, this day was the longest. Not only was it in the middle of the whole week, but you already felt like you had been working forever (though it had only been two days) and you knew the weekend was coming within a couple days, but they were so far away yet. Yeah, that feels like that day to me today, though, I am not working, and not that anything of major import is happening this weekend. Normally a day like this would be a good one to post some nice pics of women, but I don't think I shall. Then again ....

For lunch today I had  a carne asada burrito. One of the 4 I picked up last night from a place called Julioberto's. We seem to have the 'Berto's Bros. food places all over the Valley. Humberto's, Philliberto's, Juliobero's, the list goes on. I have been to several of the different ones, and I still cannot complain about their carne asada burritos. Maybe it is because I really like them. Either way, I splurged and ate one last night, actually, I shared two of them with the Wife (she really likes them too). Normally I try to stay away from them as much as possible, as the food is generally pretty fattening and loaded with cholesterol, but sometimes you just have to live dangerously.

I'm basking in the warm-feelings of full tummy-ness.

PeacE