I'll Take All I Can ....

 So I left you yesterday with bated breath, as I sat on hold with scheduling for my next paracentesis. Yeah, I know. About as fun as having one. Anyways, after being on hold about 15 minutes, she came back and asked if she could work on it and call me back. We verified my callback number, and I hung up, thinking 'She ain't going this far out of her way for me. They do scheduling for all their facilities in the Valley (a number of them). 'Round about this time, I get a text from Walgreens saying my diabetic pill is in, and also three others ready for refill, would I like them yo refill. Duh, yes! Then I sit there.

After a bit, I see it is about 11:30am, and I am already just done mentally for the day. I feel off-balance inside, as it has been three days since my last diabetic pill, and though my morning glucose check was only a bit higher than usual, I still feel some of the effect of not taking it. Practice run I guess, as I have to stop taking it for three days prior to the endoscopy coming up soon anyways. I decide to head down to the Post. 

A couple hours later, I get a call from that scheduler - herself. She was able to get me in on 12/4 at 11am. I am in shock. Of course I take it. When I let the Wife know, she griped it was still over two weeks away, but if they were nearly into next year, and no open slots, I'll take this one. Worst case is an ER visit (again). I am just hoping I can get through to the 3rd, for the endoscopy, without major issues breathing, as they may reschedule. Want to keep it this year, so insurance covers it.

Over the course of the afternoon, through texts, I see three of my prescriptions are ready, one being my diabetic. I decide to stop there on the way home. As I am sitting there in front of the store, re-reading the text, checking their link, I see they want to charge me $300 for the month. No, I did a 3-month discount from the manufacturer just last month. So I go into the manufacturer website, and through the text feature ( I was already signed up) I was able to get a copy of the discount code. Then I went in. Yup. As she rang up the three scrips, the one came to $300. I gave her the code, and through some long and about way, she was able to finally get it to ring-up properly at $10. I grabbed the bag, threw money and ran.

Sometimes things do work out right even after a few days of frustration. RM would say it is God at work. I don't care what it is, as long as it is in my favor.

So I get to start out today, relaxed with the para appointment set, have all my scrips current, and maybe some plans today. I had a hard time getting to sleep last night (I blame it on too much tea yesterday) and the first event today at the Post is the AZ Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs. This is the top 2 leadership in each MC in AZ that meet once a quarter on neutral ground (our Post) to work out differences, etc. Tomorrow is their 'Member Appreciation' breakfast and toy run. I like to go to these events, not because my Chapter is a member (we are not, as the VFW Riders Group is never an MC) but just to get our patch seen, and meet some of the leaders across AZ, and their chapters. But after the hard time getting to sleep, I may just sleep in a bit more.

Second event is a Celebration of Life, at the Post as well in the afternoon. I had helped a friend get the hall rental for it, as his roommate passed a few short months ago. I told him I would stay for a bit for support for him (I didn't know the roomie). Then it will be home I guess.

The Daughter sent out a list of Thanksgiving day food we had the last time we did it at their place, to our family chat earlier this week. I added she needs to add vanilla ice cream to it, and that I was going to bring a small salad (for me) just in case the food does not agree with me. This has been a daily struggle for me and eating. I can eat it one day, the next it makes me nauseous. The Sons have chipped in that one is bringing a couple desserts and some thing else. Another is bringing stuff to make truffles (I have never had them that I recall). Either way, I am anxious for Thursday just to see all the grandkids, family, and their spouses/girlfriends. 

The Daughter tell the Wife a couple days back, that their youngest (Widget - 9 months) was sick and throwing up all over (literally). After a day or two, with trying different liquids, she seemed to finally snap out of it, but not before it spread. As of last night, Daughter, SIL and even Doodad (Age 8yrs) were sick. I hope they shuck it in a couple days and Turkey Day still happens. The Wife is sure things will be fine, but I worry.

Thursday I went over the final plans with my buddy, for the Santa Run. He is booking the bus. I ordered the candy canes ... and a new pair of Santa boots. This is how these look:

Cool, right? Kinda pirate-y, yet personalized for the Christmas Cookie Monster...with bells. The reviews some stated that the bells weren't that loud, which is fine. A couple years back I had bought a pair that were the plain black, with like a 2" white trim around the top of the boot. I think they might fit the oldest Son, in case he wants to go on the Run this year. He hasn't made up his mind yet.

Welp, since my bladder and bowels woke me at 5:15am this morning, I guess you got a lengthy post from me. RM will be happy.

PeacE

What Have We Got This Week ...?

 It has been nearly a week since I last wrote in here. Seems like some days I feel worn down and ragged, even though there just isn't much going on in my life. I think I have mentioned before that I am trying to get more involved int he VFW Post I am at (Auxiliary). Last Sunday we had our second VFW Riders Group meeting and cleared up some basic information. Still waiting the patch approval from National offices, so no sense in going out and buying my 'cut' just yet. Also need to talk to another rider, about patch placements, and about some other issues that may not be included with the main patch - like since I am 'support', per the SOP for National and State, it has to be on my cut that I am support. But where does the patch go, since it shouldn't be on the back, I'm guessing under my name on the right side front? Little things like that. One that I am sure I will sound sort of stupid about, is how do you put the patches on? Are they iron-on, need to be sewn on, and what about the Velcro ones, how is the Velcro attached.

Against my better judgement, I also joined the New Years Eve party committee. We are in charge of the event for NYE, and the theme, food(s), drink specials - all aspects basically. There are nine of us I believe, and most of them I know fairly well, and we get along good. So it will be sort of like hanging with friends planning a party. I donated a little bit to help start our fund, and we are doing 50/50 raffles each Saturday to help raise money. Food is going to be a pot-luck, and has a sign-up sheet online for once the Post approves the flyer, and that it truly is an 'open to the public event'. Nice part, is we are observing the EST ball drop of 10:00PM, allowing everyone to not have to be out until midnight, unless they choose to.

So only two things I have joined, but am able to get to more meetings to find out what things are going on around the Post, etc. I can observe, ask questions, voice opposition if needed, but cannot vote on those meetings. In fact, Tuesday I have three such meetings going on that evening.

Saturday is the Daughter's birthday, and our plan is to head to Tucson for the day. We will also be picking up Youngest's girlfriend. It will be nice to see my Doodad again, as it feels like it has been too long. The Daughter did find out the sex of the baby that is due in late January, but I have not seen here publicly share yet, so I guess I shouldn't here yet. The plan was to have Youngest drive to/from, as it gives him more freeway driving practice, but with his girlfriend going, the Wife and I decided that may be too much distraction, so I will be driving instead. 

Tomorrow (today) is Friday, and I will be spending a good part of the afternoon down at the Post. Got a book that needs reading for a review. Plus that evening there is a raffle drawing for a gift basket. I had bought like $20 worth of tickets back in the beginning of September, and last I knew, still had the majority of ticket sales. Good chance for me to win it!

Haven't seen/heard from the two older sons, so I am guessing things are going okay for them. I did hear some upsetting news last night I believe it was, about a niece. I am sure the family don't need me sharing more about it, so I won't.

So, the Doctor's (rather Nurse Practioner's) office called me the other day. I had lab work done a couple weeks following the appointment I had back in early August. They were just now calling to see if I would schedule an appointment, just for the NP to go over the results with me. I asked if I had any appt set at this time, and they said yes, the follow-up in early November. I said it could wait until then. I haven't gone into the MyChart they use to even look at the results, but I pretty sure I know what they will basically read as. I'm sure she will want to increase the cholesterol pill. She'll moan about my liver, and I will deny getting an ultra-sound done, same with the extra cardiologist crap she wants me to do. I'd also like her to prescribe me something like Ambien to help me sleep better. Every time I bring up sleep issues, she deflects it and goes on to something about my liver or the cardiologist stuff. Might be time to find a new doctor....

Halloween is coming up soon. I don't normally dress-up for it, but last year I almost had. I had got a monk's robe, and some white face paint. Was going to shave my head, and also bought a "magic" lightbulb. Was planning on going as a bearded Fester, but the lightbulb wouldn't work. A couple weeks after the holiday, I was able to take it apart and figured out the short it had, so it works now. But I am not shaving my head... I'll just go to the Spirit of Halloween store, and see if they got something like a wooden cross I can hang around my neck and go as a Friar Tuck figure. Still not 100% I will dress up for sure.

Welp, it's after 2:30AM, and I ain't sleepy yet. Guess I need to find something to do to get that way....

PeacE

Holiday Break

 The Youngest finished up the last of his finals yesterday, and is now officially on holiday break. He won't return to school until January 4th.

My work project ended up reaching completion yesterday. So a project that we were told was going to last three weeks, ended up only being about a week long (7 days in total over two weeks). So no nice paycheck, and no work through Christmas. They said that we would be noitified this next week for a new project, but I don't know what I will do. I may skip it just to have time to get whatever needs doen for the holiday, then get on the next project. I haven't decided.

RM made a gripe (observation? wish?) about Christmas and us kids. She 'wished' that we would tell her what we really want, as she feels that we will be disappoionted with what we actually get. I know we are not young children and make lists for Santa anymore. Plus being adults, we buy what we need/want versus waiting particularly for Christmas. I told RM the same I do every year. I want beef jerky. I like it. I enjoy it. There isn't much else I could think of 'wanting' for a gift. I have mentioned I like T-shirts with sarcastic sayings. I also like T-shirts that are blank - preferably grey- but like the Hanes tag-less ones you buy in packs of four. I go through shirts quite a bit - especially in the sweaty summer. But I know how RM feels. I have the same issue with my kids, who all are adults, except the Youngest.

I think this next week will be spent on wrapping the presents I had ordered online and that have come in. I believe all my orders are here now. After that, I amy check with the Wife and try to get some of her stuff wrapped - just so we are not up til 3am Christmas Eve.

One more day until the 4th Annual Santa Run - where no running is involved, but lots of beers are. Youngest is marching with the HS band in the Fiest Bowl Parade tomorrow morning. That's kinda cool. Three hours of marching - no, not so fun. But at least it will be 40's-50's tomorrow instead of lower, or worse, raining/snowing/sleeting.

Guess that's all I got today.

PeacE

How to Look at It ....

 This last week has been ... something. I am not sure how I would describe it, as I look back and try to figure out what was good, bad, or whatever. In someways it had a some learning experiences, and others it was just boring.

I spent most of Monday morning trying to get my new video game to work. There was one error right at start-up, that was frustrating me. I spent time reading about this particular error through Google searches, on numerous websites. Some sites had the same info to do, some didn't. I tried all the easy stuff first (run program as administrator, re-verify the files are not corrupted, etc). then not knowing any better, started in on particular updates for other files. Then I gave up for the day.

Tuesday morning found me back at. Only into it for about an hour, and I came across yet another website that really explained what was wrong.I had not come across this website at all in my previous searches, and thankfully it should up when it did. Seems when I loaded the game up, off of the actual CDs, it needed to download teh more current updates. The sad part, is the datat fromt he discs was about 55Gb, and teh actual download it needs to do is around 108Gb. At my speed of internet, that's about 20 hours. Maybe two evenings of downloading all night (after we retire to bed). Ok, so I see the problem, and now have the CORRECT info to fix it. Moving on.

I go to start my Warcraft game. It won't load. Uh oh. Then my graphics driver won't load. Reboot. Check BIOS. Reboot. Nada. Downloaded a program that puts in the most current drivers on your system completely. That took two hours, and still did not work. I'm frustrated and angry now. I ended up doing a system recovery, but my most recent was about 5 days before. Another hour for that to finish. Then everything booted up properly - except the new video game, as I had not installed it previous to the recovery data date. So at some point, when I have two hours, I will reload it, and then do the two nights of download. I just have not been as anxious to play it now, due to the issues I have dealt with, without the proper info. If that info could have been found easier, would have saved time and effort....

By Wednesday, I am frustrated that the Company has not replied to the email I sent a week prior, about being available for a project as of the past Monday. I do not know if it is vacation time for the recruiting department, or the upcoming holiday weekend, but I doubt I will hear anything today either. Monday will find me sending another email, even though I am sure the offices are closed.

I did get my prescription taken care of. After spending over half an hour waiting on hold to speak to someone at the Dr office, I logged into the 'MyChart' site they use to share info with me about meds/treatments/appts, etc. I was able to send a note to my care team, where I described what the pharmacy told me Saturday morning. By that afternoon I had a reply from the actual doctor, that he was adjusting the dosage, and that should clear up the issue. So, it is still Metformin, but at a higher dosage, and it is now the extended release version. I picked it up Tuesday, started Wednesday, and have been feeling weird the past two days. It's like a low-grade nausea that is just "there" all day" long. It's early yet, so not sure if it is side effect, or just the change in dosage that may be affecting me. But I can see the changes in my glucose count. So overall, my numbers are getting to where my doc saidf he wanted to get them. Let's give it a few weeks and make sure they stay in that range.

The Youngest finished up the school year on Wednesday. He is officially a Junior now, as long as his final grades are passing ones. At last notice, they were. I had asked him that day, what time did he want me to wake him each day, as there is no way I was letting him sleep all day all summer. We decided on 10am for now, which is okay with me. Yesterday, I actually let him sleep (and he did) unitl about 3pm, when he woke up on his own. Mainly becuase it was his first day off school, and I honestly laid in bed a bit that morning as I was feeling all weird from the meds. This mornig I woke him early (he was already up?) and we got the trash out to the street for pick-up. Plans this morning include a trip out to the discount grocery we like, to see if they have anymore energy drinks, etc that we like. Maybe a side trip to the 99cent store for some sodas low-priced as well. Though, I have been being good about watching the amount of sugar I intake now, since this whole sugar count thing started.

Holiday weekend. No plans.I may be down at the VFW tomorrow for a bit in the afternoon. Probably won't stay for the evening. I did last week, won a $.25 drink, and $25.00 for the Queen of Hearts draw. I had the winning ticket, but only picked a 7 of diamonds. but $25 is $25 bucks. Overall I only spent $10 on tickets.

Welp, since I ain't doin' nottin' else, I guess'em I should close this off.

PeacE

Solidifying Plans

 Another Saturday has arrived, and I slept through a good part of its start. I had went to bed last night at a decent hour, and had problems falling asleep. Around 11:30 I got up and tried watching an episode on Netflix, then returned to bed. Spent at least another hour tossing/turning before finally getting is a short series of naps. By a little after 6AM I was up and just as the middle Son got home from work. He offered and went to McD's for some breakfast sandwiches and a sweet tea for me, which was cool. Around 8 I decided to lay down for maybe an hour nap. Now it is noon...

The oldest Son stopped by yesterday afternoon. I wish I had had more time to visit, but I was working and needed to get stuff done. He and I finalized plans, ordered his Santa Suit, and shared ideas for rides for the upcoming Santa Run. Basically a pub crawl of a bunch of guys in Santa suits, handing out candy canes. The Son drove the rental van last year for us, and this year is able to partake. That's coming up here in a couple weeks or so.

While here we set up plans for Thursday, which I guess is we will cook the turkey he was given from work. It'll just be the boys, Wife and I, but better than nothing. Friday the youngest Son, Wife and I will be going to RM's for another dinner she has offered to make, versus going out, just because she can send leftovers home with me. I do love the giblet gravy and dressing.... and turkey always gets made into turkey enchiladas within a short amount of time.

The oldest and middle Sons have finally found an apartment. They will probably be moving around next weekend, I think. I know they did a "Face-time" walk through yesterday, and the older was going to do the paperwork last night. It is just a little bit north of where his apartment is now, so not terribly far from us, or their work places. I hope there are no final issues with getting the place since it is getting so close to the lease expire on the one place.

Daughter, SIL and most importantly, Doodad, are in town. The Wife mentioned they were suppose to get in touch with each other about plans, but hasn't heard from the Daughter yet. I know the D had mentioned to me that they had things to do today, and would probably not see us until Sunday. So I have no idea what has changed since three days ago, but evidently the Wife know more than I. So I'll see them when I see them I guess.

That's about all I got for now. Almost finished shopping for Christmas. Still need to pick up about 5 things I know of. The rest I will leave to the Wife.

PeacE

November Has Arrived

Halloween is over. Thanksgiving is coming up. Christmas after that. In two months the year will be over, and I think back over what has happened this year, and how it has changed things. New house. One (newer) car. Three accidents, two damaged vehicles. My back has decided to start getting worse. I was off Friday since I couldn't hardly walk when I woke up. That's been twice in the last month. Today it is a bit better, but still not back to normal. At least the exercises from the PT, from my work comp injury two years ago) helps get that disc slipped back into place. It just takes an unknown amount of days and exercises. Took three weeks last time.

I haven't heard officially, but suspect the Middle Son and the band will be going to State this year for competition. They were to do the Senior Walk last night, but he refused to do it. The Wife had even made up a poster for the walk. He's stubborn like his father.... and more traits that I wish weren't shared.

I talked to the Boss at work last month about trying to find me a different position to work. The current job is getting too much physically for me to accomplish. Especially the way it is wreaking havoc on my back. He was "going to see" what could happen, but of course, like everything else there, it hasn't happened yet. Not sure if it will. So, I am still looking for another job. Not having much luck there either.

I need to start looking for gifts for the family for Christmas. I hate shopping. I think Amazon may get quite a bit of my purchases this year. That is if I am able to find anything for anyone. I've never been much of a people person and figuring out gifts for them. Usually I get the ideas from The Wife, and I just buy them. But, The Wife has a bday coming up as well, and the kids never get her anything, so I have to triple search for things for her, as gifts from the boys and from me. Yee Haw. Fun stuff.

Guess I should spend some of this down-time doing some shopping online. Though, I get distracted by books and playing Warcraft.

PeacE

Minus Seven to T Day

I admit sometimes I am slow to realize some things, and it was late in the day, yesterday, when I realized, that Thanksgiving is next week. In the space of about three seconds, I was elated (for some time off work) and then dejected (because I still have to work Friday), and then resigned (because it is not much of a holiday, so why the hell am I getting all excited).

Yeah, I used to like Thanksgiving, but now that I have to work that Friday, it isn't much to me anymore. A day to be thankful. Yeah. Whatever. Thankful for family, friends, and food on the table .... let's eat. Hmph.

Maybe I am just getting into my 'Bah! Humbug!' seasonal mood.

PeacE

Halloween Is Here

Gee, it is Friday already? That came around fast. What? It is Halloween, too? OMFG. It's not even 6:30 in the morning and already my day is going to just really suck. Halloween, I learned last year, is not a fun night to be driving around neighborhoods, delivering parts. Parents don't seem to care about how much room you need to maneuver a 16-foot box truck into a parking spot on the side of the road, preferably in front of, or behind, the van in which I need to access to place the parts in. Most streets where the techs live are not wide enough for me to double-park - even for just a few minutes. Last year, in one neighborhood, the parents would get their kid out of the car at the turn-in of the housing complex, send them on down the sidewalk, and literally, follow along behind in the car... yes, idling speed next to the kids as they went down the street, house-to-house. Lord forbid me to honk at them, trying to get them to at least scooch over so I can pass them.

Let's not forget those "precious" children, too. How they love to where dark clothing, and just run out in front of traffic at any given moment. Considering it is getting duck here at about 6'ish, that is only about halfway through my route, and unfortunately, the half with the most stops. I am so not looking forward to this evening.

The oldest Son's marching band has made State Competition this year, which is tomorrow. From the time they need to report to the school, it must be a late afternoon performance time. Not sure if I want to go. I was able to see the show last Saturday. This one is all the way over in Chandler -across the whole Valley for me. The Daughter is due up in town this weekend as well, so maybe I can just send her and the Wife - let them call it a Mom/Daughter outing. The two younger sons get bored so easily at these events, too, so I could help by keeping them at home. Oh, there are a few other runnings around I need to get done as well, so it would be better off.

The Wife has gotten up, so that means I should probably wrap this up. I wouldn't want to over-entertain you (is that possible?),

PeacE

Sending My Baby Away

This morning it is a low 54 degrees (in an outlying town of the Valley called Buckeye) so it is about 58 where I live. I had the brief thought that it is almost time to start wearing jeans, rather than shorts, not only when I take the son to school, but maybe for work as well. Then I dismissed the idea. There is no way I want to wear jeans any longer than I need to, and quite frankly, with the temps to be in the mid 80's all week, I am not wearing jeans. I'll put up with a slight chill before I put them jeans on. Though, I may need to get out a light jacket ... just to be prepared. And maybe be sure I have a couple pairs of jeans that still fit.

I'll be driving a little further than normal this morning on my commute to work. I spoke to my boss yesterday, mentioning that we need to get the truck I drive back into the shop. The coolant sensor is not working properly (still) plus she needs an oil change. I am not happy about having to send her away. I am getting quite used to the truck (a 16-foot box truck, diesel) and with her being in the shop, I'll be using the standard vehicle the company has: an extended panel van. People just don't get out of my way like they do when I am driving the truck. Plus, I don't sit as high, and I really lose storage space. I just hope over the next couple days I don't have an unusually large number of doors/tubs to deliver to the techs.

So the Government is still shut down. Yeah. Enough said there.

Halloween is in 16 days. Thrill. I know many places are doing their parties the previous weekend (the 26th or something like that) which is cool, since I will be working Halloween night. I know the church the Wife goes to is doing the regular Harvest Festival thing, where they give out candies to the kids, and have games, etc going on. The safe environment thing. I actually like that idea. The kids usually go to that. On Halloween we will drive the kids around to some of the local churches that do the Trunk Treats thing in the parking lots of their respective churches. It seems to be becoming more of the normal thing for us for this holiday.

Speaking of holidays, that means the next one is one of my favorites. Who doesn't like to eat turkey, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, stuffing, etc. all afternoon, and for the next week? If you said you don't care for it, you might as well just quit reading here. I can never get enough. It is truly a holiday that I can just enjoy for a week, meaning the week after, if there are enough leftovers that is. I know the Reverend Mother has posted recently about holidays, family gatherings, and needing (for her) to "let go" more, for us siblings to be able to do/make holiday pans with our own families (or those of spouses) rather than be centered on just Our general family. I honestly don't know what we will do over the next three family holidays. I like to do T-Day with my family (meaning RM, and the other siblings plus their families) but I don't know. Usually we do it at Sis' as her husband doesn't like to go to RM's for holidays. Personally, I think it is the control of the TV remote he doesn't get to have ... well, that and a few other things. But that is my opinion, and since too many family people read here, I am not going to share.

There's the holiday after that one, too. I don't want to think about that one yet though. It's just too damn expensive.

PeacE

A Day of Remembrance

Today the Wife and I are heading to a memorial service for my buddy Smitty, who had passed away a short time ago. It's the ideal thing I want to do, to start a holiday weekend. Actually, it is not something I think anyone wants to do at anytime. But it will be good to get that little bit of closure this will bring.

The son (and the band) seemed to do a fine job at their first performance last night - though the football game was a loss for the home team. I am not sure I particularly like the music selection that was chosen for the band this year, but then, I don't know to what limitations there are for the division/band size/etc. that they have to work with. According to my son, it sounds like they are only about a third of the way through learning and executing their marching show.

The Daughter is headed up to spend the weekend here in the Valley. The boyfriend is coming along as well, but I don't know if he will be joining our family or his for Monday.

The excitement for next week is beginning to build! See ya later!

PeacE

Independent Thought

It is Independence Day. For those of you that can't figure out, and voted for Obama, that means it is July 4th, the day our nation has picked to celebrate its birthday, even if it isn't the true actual date. A day that most Americans have off from employment. Of making memories taking the kids out to watch the night sky for fireworks, after a day filled with family, hot dogs, and just good old plain fun.

No, I am not doing all that for my kids. The basic plan is to head over to Reverend Mother's around the noon hour, have some hot dogs/hamburgers cooked on the grill, and a couple hours of swim time in the pool. Though, I do need to call RM to verify what needs to be brought over for our contribution. For being almost 9am, I am ready to head back to bed.

Only one kid awake so far this morning, and it is the youngest. I have set him up with breakfast, and now he is playing on the computer, whilst I try to organize any remaining thoughts I have. The Wife has to work this morning (thanks Medicare) so will not see her for at least a couple more hours.

Have a great day, make some memories.

PeacE

Hallmark's Holiday*

Valentine's Day. Another holiday for the card companies to make their profits. I actually feel that the meaning practiced this day, is a decent thing. Letting others know you love them is not a bad thing. Of course, it should be done more often than just one holiday (or only on holidays). Even friends like to know how much they mean to you.

I have no special plans for the Wife today, though. With today being a regular work day for her, and one of the boys have extra practice tonight (for Honor Band - am I able to brag enough about him being in it? No). So no special Date Night, or dinner out. I will admit though, that we will have one of those soon...when scheduling permits. I haven't even gotten out to buy a card. I doubt I will do that even. Maybe I will figure something different out....

While I am debating/thinking on that, take this extra time (since I don't have much content today) to go tell someone that you appreciate them.

PeacE

* - I picked up that phrase from Joe, over at Fat in Indiana.

A Worthless Holiday

Let's start this post out today saying this: If you are offended by anything I say, go somewhere else and STFU. This is MY place to rant/bitch about what I want. Don't like it, don't read it.

That being said, today is Monday. This particular Monday being Martin Luther King, Jr Day. In my opinion, still a worthless holiday. At least on President's Day, it w is more for the remembrance of President's. What the hell we memorializing some person that spoke out against segregation? At least, that is the majority of what I know King spoke about. I am sure he spoke on some other things, since he was a church pastor of some sort  ... I think. I am not wasting my time on reading up more on him. 

Arizona used to not celebrate, or acknowledge this day. Then the damn NFL made them. It was the only way they would ever let a Super Bowl take place in the state was if we declared it a state holiday. That's fucked up. Being forced to make a state holiday ... and they did it. All for revenue. Evidently I don't understand enough about politics and financial stuff on the state level to grasp all the reasoning behind this decision. I will admit I am probably pretty ignorant on that subject. I do know I think it is a waste.

It rained here in the Valley last night, so today looks like it will be cooler than the 70+ weather we have had lately. I am sure it will cool off more, and get back into the regular winter mode.

Goals for this week: Yup - ain't got none.

PeacE

Labor Day Weekend 2011

It's Friday, heading into the Labor Day weekend. The last big 3-day weekend for many of us, with just 2 main holidays between now and Christmas/end of the year. I love this weekend, mainly because in that year, I was born on Labor Day. Though, this year, my birthday doesn't fall on it exactly...it's something like every 11 years it falls on the holiday.

Anyways, we don't have major family plans, like a trip or anything. Monday we are going to Sis' with the others (RM/PT, Stuman and family) for lunch and the afternoon. Today the Wife has off work, so we are going to lunch here in a bit. Be nice like a date since it will be the first time in awhile we have ate out without at least 1 kid along.

Hope you all have a good weekend!

PeacE

Happy 4th of July!! (WooHoo! Post 1000!!!)

I hope you all had a good 4th of July. I had a wonderful day with family, and an evening catching up with old friends from high school and their families. Food, pool fun, and fireworks sure made a day long for me, and I am a bit weary.

Edit: I forgot to throw in, that if you didn't get it from the post title, this makes my 1000th post on the blog. Wow, I feel old now....

Sis' was a good family event again. I even got out in the pool and played with all the kids. Dummy me forgot the sunblock though, and shoulders and face are pretty red. Ain't hurting too bad yet, but it isn't tomorrow yet. Ribs, chicken on the grill, and Subway sandwich, plus sides of chips and sodas. Yeah, was pretty good and I thought I didn't eat too much.

Near 5-6'ish we left to head over to a good friend's house (the mom of my best friend from HS). There meeting up with Mom, and my bud Scott (not my bro Scotty B - different Scott), his lil Sis, and their families... Wow! Such a good time!! It had been a good 8+ years we determined, since we last had met up. One of those good signs about good friends.... we basically caught up in 5 minutes, and spent the rest of the time bringing up old stories, names, and then hearing the new stories of our kids, etc. I wish we had more time together, and found out they are moving closer in the Valley to us...so, it is just sorta-kinda working out.

I had gone to the gym early this morning. Still did this week's weigh-in, and came in with another 4 pound loss. So, overall, since Oct 2010 I have lost 27 pounds, and towards my goal in September, I still have another 19 pounds to go. After that, I will have to set another goal... but for now this is working. I was planning to start going to the gym 5 days/week, and doing just some extra walking on the treadmill on the off-days, or maybe starting to try some of that stuff on the elliptical machine. But after today, the work-out, plus sun and playing in the pool, and the high heat of Phx.... I think I may just skip tomorrow morning and help the daughter get stuff ready for her move to Tucson.

Oh yeah, she starts moving in tomorrow. Not the same unit we had picked out, but a compatible one. We are already a week over the time we were told we could move-in originally (basically), and with a little help from me, we got this 1st month rent waived completely, get the discounted price that would have happened Aug 1 for her lease. May not be much, but enough to help with some of the damage of me being angry.

Whew! seems like it has been a busy last few days. This week will be spent getting my stuff ready for San Diego, because I leave Friday morning!!!

PeacE

It is Frickin' Hot!

It has warmed up here in AZ. For the first time I can ever remember since my arrival in 1986, this spring has been pretty mild. We never made 100 until May (usually it is early April) and have only started hitting 110+ the last couple weeks. Though, yesterday it averaged 117, and today feels worse, but I know it is the humidity that makes it feel so unbearable. We are supposedly do for some rain to come to town like Tuesday, so it has been getting more and more humid. Our AC unit is not keeping up with the heat, so we are feeling a bit miserable if not sitting in front of a fan.

To help alleviate some of the uncomfortableness of the whole thing, we decided to go see "Transformers 3" this afternoon. Get out of the heat/humidity for 2+hours.

Tomorrow is Family day for the 4th. Hope your day is good!

PeacE

Happy Easter

Well, another holiday is here. One where I am headed to Sis' for lunch with family. I am bringing some of the dessert that I was asked to bring, so it is okay. We were told to bring swimsuits as well, though I don't think I will be in the pool. I know the kids would like to be.

We decided on a name for the puppy. It is Daisy. No one really liked my idea, as usual. The toss-ups were Molly, Penny, Daisy, Jasmine, and another one I can't remember at the moment. The kids liked Daisy most, so it was decided. Besides, I figured let them name it so they can curse the name as I am not picking up the shit, and cleaning the piss spots up from their dog.

Yeah, so as you can tell, I am bright and happy this morning.... and still a little sore. I should be okay tomorrow morning to resume at the gym. I will need to after today's lunch I am sure.

Hope you all enjoy your day!

PeacE

Countdown to Christmas

Whew! This past past weekend sure felt like a long one! I can honestly say that I feel a bit tired and worn out from all the walking I have done! But, the good part is all the shopping I need to do is completely done... no more last minute ideas, or extras. Now I just got to wrap all that, and the stuff the Wife picked up. Did I mention I hate wrapping? The Wife had a good idea though. At one of them dollar stores, she picked up quite a few different sized bags to put some of the presents in, so less wrapping, and some of them we can re-use next year.

I took the boys out yesterday afternoon to get a couple final things for Mommy. Then we headed out to the buffet for dinner. The daughter's boyfriend had asked my Wife out to dinner last night. It was a surprise birthday dinner for her, and his mom, as their birthdays are only a couple days apart. So she had a nice dinner out, had good convo, and time with her daughter as well. I was in on it, which is why I took the boys out for a few hours.

Today, the daughter and I are taking her car into the body shop to get the work done from that asshole backing into her car. We are dropping it off, and hope to have it back tomorrow or the next day. This afternoon I have a cleaning at the dentist to do. Not looking forward to that. I have not been flossing and brushing as well as I should be. Oh well. Just going to be prepared to hear the condemnation they hand out. I know I am not the only one that gets it.

This week should be pretty slow. Wednesday I know the oldest son has a youth group event to go see the new Narnia movie. Thursday I am meeting a friend of a friend in person finally. We have been communicating back and forth on Facebook, and just now made plans to meet up for a couple drinks. That leads into Saturday, which will be a busy day since it is Christmas. Then the next week I will be opening toys, and hopefully not putting together too many. New Year's Eve a friend invited me over for a Guys Only party. I am looking forward to that, as long as the Wife doesn't mind that is.

PeacE

Back to a Normal Week

Well, I hope it is more of a normal week that is. I am still trying to shake the last bits of this damn cold. The worst of is is over (I hope) and now it is just the matter of getting my nasal congestion to stop... and the runny nose. Don't understand how both can occur simultaneously, but it manages to do so. This morning so far, it is not as bad as the previous week. I get the added bonus of extra exercise this morning, as I am "running" for the bathroom quite a bit as well. If the nose stops. something else has to take its place I guess.

This weekend leaves me feeling like quite a bit go accomplished. Saturday the oldest son and I went out and got some more Christmas shopping done. I believe I only need to pick up an item or two to complete what I consider my portion of gifts. Even got the Wife's birthday stuff as well. Now all I got to worry about is wrapping it all up.

Oldest son has his Christmas concert tonight at school. Then later on, like 10pm or so, the boys and I will head up to GameStop and get our World of Warcraft expansion packs as they are released tonight.

So has anyone else finished their holiday shopping already?

PeacE

Day One (Again...)

... grumble ...

Yesterday was the start of my 'no more smoking' campaign. 'Cold Turkey' is what best describes the plan. 'Iced' is how it ended.

I went out to the pub, and ended up spending the evening there with some acquaintances. And as you have probably figured out, yeah, I bought some smokes. Sooooo ..... today I start again. Mid-afternoon now, and no cravings have really appeared. Maybe the alcohol is subduing them. I don't know. Either way, it sucks to have to start all over. Maybe this time I will control myself better.... then again, who knows.

Thanksgiving is in one week. This is usually one of my favorite holidays because it generally is celebrated by gathering for a meal. There are always many dishes to try, and desserts to eat. The bigger your family gathering, the more food there is.... how can one NOT love it? This year it may not be my favorite holiday.... damn diet. Then again, I could always splurge and then work it off by doing something. Heh. Yeah right.

The Wife and I discussed plans for Turkey Day and she conceded the decision to me as to which side of the family we would be getting together with for dinner. I didn't feel like driving up north, so we are going to Sis' house. I called her earlier today to let her know. She and the Reverend Mother will get together and decide who is making what, and then let me know what we need to bring. Stuman and his family are going to his in-law's so they won't be there.

Just watched "Iron Man 2" on dvd. Wasn't bad ... glad I didn't waste the money to see it in the theater though.

Ok, I think I am off to play some Warcraft.

PeacE