End of an Era

Today ends my Birthday month. It has been quite the party, but like all good things, it has reached its end. Anything major happen in the last 30 days? Well, aside from me hitting the ripe age of 45.... my Redskins (1-2) finally won their first game (and hopefully the start of a good, long, winning streak). The oldest son had his first car mishap (explanation later on). The temps in AZ have been below 100 for over a week now. I can't think of much more that would be worthy of mention.

So, about a week ago, the oldest son, new to driving (on his own) as he has only had his license maybe a month, had his first accident. Thankfully he wasn't hurt, and there wasn't much damage. Seems on his way to classes one morning, another driver was "driving pretty fast, faster than the speed limit" somehow glanced off the Son's passenger front fender. Minor dents, pushed in the wheel well area a little, and luckily didn't rip the bumper off, or break the headlight assembly. The wheel well was pushed in just enough it would rub the tire when he hit a speed bump. When I got home that night, I was able to pull it out about a half inch, and he said later that did the trick so it isn't rubbing anymore. The worst of the whole situation, is the other driver didn't even bother to stop AT ALL. Our guess was they were probably un-insured, as too many seem to be out here. That, or possibly even illegal. I felt good that my Son handled himself well, and wasn't hurt. Bonus was that the car wasn't damaged so bad it would not be able to be driven. I just bought that thing!

I had a Doctor visit this past week. Nothing to do with age, just a 3 month check-up following being released back to work after the back injury. Doc wanted to go over blood results from a draw I did last week, for this appointment. Liver activity was high, as were the Triglycerides. I got the usual quit drinking, quit smoking, lose weight speech. I had gained 3 pounds. Got a prescription for something to help lower/manage my triglycerides. Was stressed at to quit/cut-back on the drinking, to be sure I don't get cirrhosis of the liver, or pancreatic problems. Well, the birthday month is over, so the drinking will slow down again. I'm going to be more aware of portions and what I eat. I am sure the alcohol intake being reduced will help with the weight loss.

Supposed to be 96 degrees today. I'll still use the AC in the truck until the sun goes down. After that, it feels nice to be out and driving. Work is the same. have a new tech starting soon, and just had one go on medical leave - ripped his bicep muscle. Probably be out 4-6 months. Saves me about 20-30 minutes of driving to/from his house. He is the furthest out I go to.

Guess that is about all I got for now....

PeacE

And Here I Go Again ....

.... too bad it isn't like the video from Whitesnake.

It is Monday once again, and I am up earlier than I feel I should be. I could be sleeping for another two hours, but such is not my luck today.

The middle son got a new phone this weekend. The iphone he had, I had gotten the replacement screen. Saturday I went to do the repair. Needless to say, it got messed up and it wasn't working anymore. I didn't even complete the repair. The flowchart sent witht the kit, the video and the flowchart on the video did not even match each other at all. So I quit after the 2nd step (removing 5 screws) and tried to put it back to together (5 screws) but still something went wrong and it wouldn't even power up. Need less to say, he got a Samsung now, with the phone plan insurance on it.

Nothing else much to say. My Redskins suck it seems this year. Already 0-2, and I am losing hope fast.

PeacE

Slow Moving Mornings

My birthday was just shortly over a week ago. I turned 45. This morning's aches and pains, did not just suddenly appear once I hit that age marker. The arthritis and other general pains, have been present for years. Though they may be more persistent and stronger now, they are still not debilitating. Hence, me still going to work. I do admit, however, this morning found me wondering how much longer I will be able to do this much of a physical job that I do now.....

It is barely past 7am this morning, and I find myself awake and aching. The other night Preacher Tom had texted me asking about breakfast this morning. We had fallen out of our routine of them more often since I had a weirder work schedule due to vacations. I'm guessing he feels it has been awhile since we had one. Personally, I would rather the sleep-in time .... but we all do what we can.

The middle son broke the screen on his phone awhile back. Reverend Mother had given us an old phone she had, an iPhone 4s, that they no longer needed. We just had service to it turned on when we added him to the plan. No insurance on the phone, so of course he gets the screen broke. Found a repair kit online for a decent price, and it arrived the other day. I sat down after work last night, waiting for him to come home from band practice, thinking I would get it done. Not a chance in Hell. Just reading through the instructions informed me the whole process on average is 45 minutes (experienced techs) they also recommend watching the video (on YouTube at just short of 35 minutes), and then watching the video as you do the repair. No way was I doing all that at 9pm. I told him it would have to wait until Saturday.

Oh shit. That reminds me... something going on Saturday. Thankfully you could not see, but after several minutes of pondering (meaning slapping my forehead) I remembered that the Daughter and SIL are coming up this weekend. Saturday I set aside for dinner out with them.

So between the aches and pains of getting older, memory losses or shortages, Life can sometimes be good.

PeacE

I'm Beat

This week has started off pretty crappy. Yesterday (Monday) I had an oil change scheduled for my truck. I set them up so I am the first one at the shop at 7:30am, and it also gives them time to check the truck over and if something needed has to be done, I have a couple extra hours before needing to be at work. That also means, I need to be on the road about 6-630am to get to the shop in time, as it is across the Valley from mt house. Yesterday started out normal enough. Left at 6, dropped off the middle son at school, and was on the freeway by 6:15. In Phoenix, the two major freeways (I-10 & I-17) cross at two different points, one going through downtown, one going more around it, then joining back up. By the time I hit the "Stack", the 10 was already backed up, so I stayed on 17 - a normal occurrence for this trip in the mornings I have done previously. Four miles down the road, I hit the parking lot.

Actually, it was worse than a parking lot. At 7:30, the time of my appointment, I called the garage and said I was running late due to a rig had overturned, closing the freeway pretty much. They said no prob. An hour later, I called back and told them I had only moved a mile and a half, and I needed to reschedule. We did for Friday. I continued on, heading to work (same direction) just to avoid the problem later in the morning. All in all, it took 3 hours to get to work (a normally 45 minute drive).

Needless to say, I was more tired than usual from getting up earlier. Then add the sitting in traffic waiting tiredness. I was pretty beat last night. This morning, still feeling tired, too.

PeacE

Holy Crap! It's September Already!

I hadn't fully realized that it had been a month since I last wrote anything here. I know that Life has seemingly been keeping me busy ,,, or if nothing else, my schedule is nuts.

Today is the 6th, and follows the Labor Day weekend. It also marks my 45th birthday. Normally, this day would be a normal work day for me, except of all the texts, Facebook notifications, and calls that have come in, preventing me from sleeping in to my regular 9am wake up time. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate them ... just appreciate the sleep prior to work even more.

So what has happened in the last month? School started for the two younger boys. The Oldest Son started college and got his drivers license. The Wife and I ... we got to work jobs and pay bills. Nothing new there.

Went out to Olve Garden for my birthday last night. Had a good meal. They had the Eat one there and take home special going on, so I have Raviolis for tonight ... but no OG salad. I even brought home some of the pepperoni fettuccine Alfredo I had (and the rest of oldest Son's, too) that I may have prior to going into work today.

Guess that is about all I have today.

PeacE

First Week Done

Today is the last day, of the first week of the boys going back to school. I realize I am going to have to get better at getting up at 6am to take the middle son, but otherwise wasn't a terrible week.

Work is pretty much the same. My back is fine, and hasn't given me any problems. Things are picking up, as we head into our more busier time of year. Who's think that appliance repair would have a busy season versus just steady work?

Rev Mom and Preacher Tom are headed out this weekend. RM celebrated another birthday just a few days ago, and being the black sheep I am, I still haven't gotten her bday card(s) over to her. I know she won't mind if I wait until they get back, but still....

Guess that is all I have today...

PeacE

Another Week

It is Monday again, and the last week before the kids return to school. I don't have much to say today. I thought about griping about the problems we went through last Tuesday getting the middle Son through registration ... and the three hours it took, but I decided not to do so. It just gets me riled up a bit more each time I think about it. One would think a school that has been there for many years would have the process down to a routine by now.....

Got insurance, registration and title changed over for the oldest Son's car.

And for some reason that feels like all I got accomplished last week. I am sure there are other things that got done, but I can't recall any off the top of my head.

PeacE

Chaos Rules!

The last couple of weeks have been a bit chaotic. Adjusting to being at work again. The back is holding up well, though we are in the slower period of the year for the business. I have not had to lift many heavy objects, which is even better, as it gives me more time. One of the guys in my dept. took vacation last week, so I had to put in a few extra hours .... like 10, so that 50 hour week was a bit long. Overtime is over time, and though our pay periods aren't matched to a Sun-Sat week, it will average out that I get a couple hours overtime for two pay periods. Beats the 36 hour weeks I was having. By winter, I should be back up to about 42 hours/week. Yes, we get that busy.

We bought the oldest Son a car this weekend. It was off of Stuman and his wife. We went to a DMV office this morning to get the title changed to his name, but couldn't. Seems even though the registration is good until December, they said it needed a new emissions done prior to changing title. Which means we will probably have to pay registration fees on top of everything else now as well. Either way, we ran it through emissions where it passed. Now to get back to get the title changed, but due to other things going on, may not do it until Wednesday. then setting up the insurance....

The middle Son is at band camp this week. Tomorrow is his school registration (hence why it may be Wed to do the title thing). Two weeks until school starts for the two younger Sons. The oldest Son is to be getting ready for community college, but I have not seen him do anything yet.

Guess I should get out of here. It is almost time to head to work.

PeacE

Feels Like Another Day

I have been back to work for a week or so about now. In other words, long enough for pretty much everything return to normal. Everyone was pretty happy to give up whatever part of my job they were doing while I was out. Lazy bitches.

In no way,shape or form, am I saying anything improved, for my lowly station, but at least a couple people recognized what my little bit does. Pros and Cons of being recognized, I guess.

Life otherwise is falling into that same old rythym, minus me drinking so much. Damn Doc. At least I don't see him for a couple more months.

Exciting? Yeah not here. Scared for who Trump names VP... and either party, and the rest of the nation.

PeacE

Day Two

I started back to work last Friday. Wasn't a bad day. Legs were a little sore on Saturday, but back felt fine. The 4th wasn't anything major. The Wife had to work. The Boys and I went to Sis' and hung out for the afternoon. RM & PT came, too. We watched a couple movies and snacked on food all afternoon. Now I don't have another holiday until Labor Day.

Not much to really write about today. I just got up about 15 minutes ago, so haven't even read any news updates as of yet. I'm sure there will be plenty of BS to sift through.

Have a good one!

PeacE

Back To Work Soon!

I finished up with the physical therapist last Thursday. Tomorrow morning I see my PCP, and should get the release to return to work. I'm a bit excited about that. After a month off, I am going stir-crazy here at the house.

It has been a pretty crappy month for us. About the time my back went out, our freezer quit working. Nothing like the smell of rotting food to bring it to our attention. Saturday, took the Wife's van in to have diagnostics done (the engine light was on) and find out it is the catalytic converter. The place we took it won't replace it as the system is "welded in". Then Saturday night, our wall oven decided to take a quit ... luckily the Wife was able to finish getting dinner made before it died ... or as it died. Today, my last "free day", I have taken the van to Firestone, but they won't touch it. however, the referred me to Midas. It is there now, and I am at home waiting to hear the estimate. They said it would be an hour or two. Thankfully, Preacher Tom is available today for the ride home, and one back when it is ready. So, back, freezer, van, oven ..... I'm scared as to what may be next.

My PCP will be going over my blood test results tomorrow. I know it will be bad: bad cholesterol high, good will be low. Not sure about the A1C (diabetes) as years previously I had been borderline, but was slowly lowering it. Blood pressure will be discussed I am sure. He will probably up my dosage on the meds I am taking. And again he'll bitch about my weight.

July 4th is coming up next Monday. No plans here. The Wife will probably have to work that day.

PeacE

Good News/Bad News Friday

For those of you that work M-F, I am sure you are happy today is the last day of the work week. For those that work longer than Friday, due to work schedules ... yeah, I get ya. Being out of work pretty much make today like a Monday ... or any other day pretty much. The only difference is that the Wife is not home all day.

Either way, I feel like I have a day that is packed full of stuff that needs to get done. I have to be at my PCP's office for a blood draw sometime between 9a-12p. Per my work comp insurance, I need to see if they will do a voucher saying when I saw the doc, that I was unfit for work. Since my PCP doesn't do work comp claims, I am sure they have nothing in my file ... and the doc just went to Hawaii until the 27th. I see him on the 28th, hoping he releases me back to work, and I know they will want a release voucher, too. Wonder if he could back date the one...? Wouldn't be lying, just didn't do it until he got back and found out I needed it .... right?

My last scheduled (as of now) PT visit is this afternoon about 2:30. I have been doing the exercises he gave me, and hopefully today he will say he doesn't need to see me anymore. I'm hoping anyways. I know I feel so much better after seeing him already earlier this week.

Then if I got time in between all this, I probably should run my car through emissions. Registration due this month on both our vehicles. Only the Wife's has the engine light on, so need to get it in to the shop to find out what is going on, if anything, and get the light off before her emissions.

Wow, only three things that make the list today, and only two of them NEED to get done. Yeah, this sitting at home crap is driving me nuts.

PeacE

What Have We Got Today?

A whole lot of nothing.... Almost 9am, and I am bored out of my mind. Think I just might go take a nap. The two older boys are still asleep. Why not I as well?

PeacE

I'm So Butt-hurt

No. Really, I am. My buttocks are sore from the physical therapy regime I am going though. Today was the second visit, and he says I have improved quite a bot just since my visit on Monday. He added a couple more exercises for me to help build up better abdominal and lumbar support, and have another visit scheduled for Friday. That may be the last one for me. I asked him who releases me back to work, and he said my PCP, not him. My complaint about that, is I don't get back to my PCP until the 28th. So looks like a couple more weeks off work.

I am feeling so much better now. Walking without the cane. No hurting pains in the back, though the lower back, buttocks and hips are sore from the muscle stretches, etc, the PT has me doing. Now I just need to get started in some weight-loss regime....  

Well, need to get ready for the dental cleaning I have next, and the Middle son's cavity work...

PeacE

Slowly Getting Better

Yesterday I had my appointment with the physical therapist. For almost two hours he evaluated me. Worked up a good sweat. At the end he has me doing a handful of small exercises a few ties throughout the day, with a return visit for Wednesday and Friday. The impression I got was by Friday, I may not need to return to him at all. Which means that is a good chance I will be back to work soon. But just because the PT clears me, I don't know if that means I can return, or need to see my PCP again, as that won't be until the 28th.

Other than that situation, I am feeling better. The back, having to wait a week for the PCP, and then another for the PT, has slowly gotten better on its' own. Today I am sore in the buttocks and lower back, mostly due to the stretching of muscles the PT has me doing. It is supposed to help loosen, and strengthen the lower back muscles, etc, to help prevent future injury and to heal this one up better.

Sunday we had family get together to visit with and Aunt and Uncle that came to town. Everyone seemed to have a good time. They A&U are out of town again with PT & RM up north for a day or two.

Nothing much exciting is happening otherwise. Off to do my exercises...

PeacE

Finally Friday!

Yup, Friday is finally here, not that I am jumping all over the place to celebrate it. I do admit I went most of yesterday without a cane, but come the evening, had to get it back into use. The back was just hurting too much.

Not much going on today or this weekend. Have and Aunt & Uncle coming into town from Indiana on Sunday, and the family is all getting together at Sis' place. Other than that, I am just waiting for that PT appt on Monday.

Have a good weekend, ya hear?

PeacE

Working My Way Back To Being At Work

This past Monday I was finally able to get in to see my PCP for my back injury. I expected flak in regards to my smoking, drinking and weight, before even starting on how it has been 5 years since I saw him last. I was a bit surprised. Smoking and Drinking were never brought up, but he spent plenty of time harping on my weight. Aside from the fact it is a strong contributor to the arthritic discs in my back, and adds more strain to many joints/muscles, it also helps with my high blood pressure. In short, I got a new prescription for the high BP, a prescription for muscle relaxers (to help ease the back pain) and a referral to a PT that specializes in lower back. I can't get in there until Monday. Another week pissed away.

Since the weight is such an issue, and though over the past 5 years I have kept a good 50+ pounds from coming back, I haven't been able to lose more. Looking into a weight management place mike Medifast, is going to be happening soon.

But in the last three days, I have noted great improvement. I am able to get around without the cane now, though I still move slower than before. I am not waking at night from pain as often (almost none). Bending over to touch toes is still out, but I think today I may be able to get my socks on without too much problem.

It's good to being closer to getting back to work. I have been going stir crazy sitting at home. There is only so much Netflix I can watch, and video games to play.

The past few days we have had a mystery in our house. A strange smell, like rancid corpse in the Arizona sun. We have looked thinking a dead mouse behind furniture, or something, Nothing. Then thought maybe in the duct work or ceiling...nothing. Turns out our full -size freezer quit working, and pretty much defrosted, ruining all the food inside. Ugh! So now I guess we will be looking for a new one. The Wife is pretty upset about it, but I am not. Seemed we put more stuff in that freezer than ever took out. But it is something she wants....

Today I am taking the oldest Son to the MVD to renew his driving permit. He has had it a couple years now, but still is not ready for his driving test. His admission, not mine. I know we are looking for a decent used car for him, and he will need to get his license soon, in order to be able to transport himself to school this fall.

PeacE

Happy Memorial Day .... for some

Take that moment of silence for all fallen veterans, whether it be while in the service, or not. Normally I get out early in the morning on today, to visit a couple friends that are buried at the National Cemetery here in town, but this year I am not able to do so. 

Time has a way of taking hold of a person, and spinning them into a whirlwind of things that need to get done, places to go, people to see to, and no time to sit down and catch one's breath. At least, the past couple of months have seemed that way.

Since Easter, The Wife and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary. We took of work for three days and went north to Sedona for a little get-away. It was nice to get away and not have to worry about pets, kids, work, or anything else. We also exchanged silver rings (because the 25th is silver anniversary. 

Once we returned to the Valley, it became a period of increased hustle and bustle. The Boys (all three of them) had concerts for the Spring, plus the oldest had Jazz concerts/competitions. The Middle had a trip to Disneyland with the 8th grade wind ensemble (the Wife went as a chaperone for that one). The middle of May brought the Oldest's birthday around in which he turned 18. Last week, had me taking another day off work (Monday) as we had to attend the Middle's 8th Grade Promotion in the morning, and the Oldest's high school graduation in the early evening.

This past Thursday I was injured at work. At first, I thought it was a muscle strain in my lower back. I hadn't lifted anything heavy, but was sliding it on the floor (it was a washer tub piece). I didn't think much of it at the time, other than I must have strained a muscle. Friday I took some ibuprofen to help, as it still felt sore, but not as bad as the day previous. I worked a regular day. Saturday found me having painful difficulty rising from a seated position, to standing. All in that same lower back area. As Saturday progressed, the pain grew worse.

Sunday came around, and when the Wife returned home from church, I informed her we were going to the ER. Once there, they IV'ed me, hooked up the ecg/ekg, popped the oxygen meter on the finger, then looked at my vitals. BP was high (212/100-something). immediately the gave me some BP lowering med and some morphine in the IV. From there I had a chest x-ray, then a CAT scan done of my abdomin (to make sure the aorta was okay) and the lower back. I think I went in about 2pm, and by 7pm the ER Dr. was back to let me know what they determined.

I have a protrusion in my lower back, and another spot that is "narrowed" near it. Around the L4 & L5 discs. The protrusion is causing the inflammation and irritation of the nerve there. I guess it is similar to a herniatic disc. Fortunately, this is only causing extreme pain for me - no tingling along the legs, or numbness anywhere. However, it also means I am barely able to walk (with cane assist) and sitting/laying in most positions hurts. Small adjustments to sitting/laying send spikes of pain. They released me with a small prescription for some BP medicine, and some Percosets, as well as orders to contact my PCP Tuesday morning first thing as I need to get an MRI set up to find out more details. My PCP will be adding/adjusting to my BP meds I am sure, as well as any pain management needed going into treatment(s) once we find out more.

My main worry now is about work. Obviously, I am not able to climb into my work truck, let alone carry/lift/deliver parts to the technicians. Also, because it is work comp, I don't know what kind of hornets that will be stirred up from that whole ordeal, since it wasn't discovered the extent of the injury until later. Top that off with my boss is out of town until Thursday this week, and he is the one that covers when I am on vacation days. Basically, it was not the best time to have this happen (though, no good time for something like this).

First thing this morning I emailed my boss the details of what happened, starting from last Thursday. Then I sent a text to him, to let him know I was injured and definitely would not be there tomorrow, and maybe most this week, pending the results from my PCP, and that I had emailed him the details of what happened/is going on. I feel bad bringing this bad news on his vacation ... but what else should I do? He needs to know ASAP.

For now, I am just waiting until tomorrow to get in to see my PCP and go from there.

Happy, happy, joy, joy to me .....

PeacE

Easter Sunday

I haven't really had the time to write anything much here of late (as you noticed). This past month, my department at work has been short-handed every now and then due to sickness, and vacations. This all leads into me having to help fill other positions, as well as my own, and giving me 12+ hour days. So from getting up at 5:30-6 am and and getting home 8:30-9pm, there isn't much time for anything. The kids are usually in or on the way to bed. I sometimes will go out and have a beer or two to wind down, or just plain crash into bed.

But today is Easter. Of course, the best day for me to sleep in, I awaken early. The Wife and boys will be headed to church in a couple hours. Our family had gone over to Reverend Mother's for Easter dinner there with her and Preacher Tom. Afterwards played a couple rounds of Apples To Apples. Seemed everyone had a good time. This evening we will be headed over to the MIL's for dinner with her. Or at least The Wife will be with the boys. Haven't made up my mind if I want to go.

This week also brings out some other good things. The Wife and I celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary this Wednesday. We are leaving town that morning and headed north to Sedona for a couple of nights, before returning home. The Daughter is coming up from Morenci to stay at home with the boys, to get them to school, etc. The Wife and I each bought silver rings to exchange on our anniversary. It isn't much, but it was something we both thought would be nice. Getting out of town and to be able to relax a couple days is the big present.

Still a couple months from schools closing for the year. The oldest son will be graduating this May, and then off to college in the fall. He is not clear yet as to where, but won't be a regular university. He wants to get some of the pre-req classes done at a Jr college or similar trade school. The middle son will be moving up to high school. The youngest into 5th grade. They grow too fast....

Not much to say about now. Thinking about trying to lay back down and catnap or something....

PeacE

What Changed?

I worked today. Many Americans did that same feat. Desk-sitters, construction workers, police, fire, rescue... blah, blah, the list can continue. I cannot name every type of worker in America, just trying to include them all.

I guess my political tendencies are going to come out. So be it.

I spent more time on that facebook thingy then I meant to do. Of course there were posts from people I know for this candidate ... some for another... and more for another. All of them posting the drivel, or accusing grievances from the other against their candidate. Maybe I am just human. It made me feel sick to my stomach. Yes, I am proud to say I am registered as Republican. Does that mean I like every Republican candidate? Of course not. I can be honest to say at this time, I am not sure about any of them. But I have a duty to return my primary vote. It's not the final vote for Presidency. Will I use the "write-in" option? Who knows.

But reading "posts" ( I use that lightly) of other people that I do consider, to have somewhat higher intelligence than most, I learned... oh, sigh and shake your head. Most people, if, whatever state of mind they are in, will share a meme. I know, shocker, right? Saw many tonight.

Some I agreed with, to a degree, and I posted a comment, or a discussion, as to why that was not entirely correct. But like the normal US citizen, I am sure it will not spread.

The lesser of two evils. Does that exist? Here's the Wiki post for it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesser_of_two_evils_principle

Funny how the first line relates to a cartoon.... much like I feel our candidacy for a President is turning into...

Demos .... Repubs .... are there any Independents still running, that are anywhere close? Lesser Evils?

Yeah. Super Tuesday is tomorrow for a number of states. I think I want to see what happens.

PeacE