Another Nothing Post

 Welcome to another Wednesday edition of "I Have Nothing To Post About". I don't know how RM manages to find a topic to write about most fays, even if it is based off of personal memories, or tales of exploits, or even things she has to do that day. I work, eat, sometimes drink, and sleep. Kind of hard to get excited and find a topic out of all that....

I slept in yesterday - on a workday at that. At least an hour longer than I normally would have. I only got that much more as I had asked Sis to call me about 7 as I had a question for her. Then I laid in bed until about 7:40am before getting up and heading to the computer to start work. Most mornings I like to get up a couple hours before, just to go through emails, FB, and whatnot, prior to starting the day. Sometimes I even post some boring stuff here.... like today. Of course, today, I was up an hour before the alarm, so made a trip tot he local QuikTrip for some cigarettes, soda and breakfast (that being the jalapeno cheese and sausage hot dog (x2) that I call 'rollers'). Now haven eaten, and had half a Mtn Dew (loading up on the sugar already) I think I may be ready to start the day.

The middle Son stopped by yesterday morning. Though I was later about getting up, when I got to the computer, there was a McD's bag with breakfast in it, and a couple large sweet teas. When he had gotten off work that morning, he had came over (about 6'ish) to "hang out" until the 99 cent store opens. So, sausage mcmuffins and sweet tea was breakfast. And I love me some sweet tea. Over the past few years, a few more places here in AZ are starting to actually serve it. A few of the restaurants we go to, serve it, and it is my drink of choice. Otherwise it is just a regular tea and I add sweet 'n low. The Wife almost always has a raspberry tea. Anyways, the middle Son is so nice about doing the breakfast thing sometimes when he comes over after work like that. Then when he runs to the store, he always asks if we need anything. I usually just tell him a 2-liter of Mtn Dew, which he always gets me. Wife will sometimes ask for something small. He always refuses to take any money from us, even though he spent less than $5 getting things for us. He is turning out to be a nice young man. Now, if he and his older siblings would 'rub' off on the youngest. Sigh.

The mortgage company that is handling the Note on my old house is confusing me. Even with my Real Estate experience, and the several years I worked for a Mortgage Broker, I am so lost in regards to how this company remains in business. Thank goodness The house will be done and out of my hands by the end of the month. So, over the last year plus, we have been slowly getting things out of the house. Don't ask why so long, just go with it. At one point earlier 2020, the insurance company found out we were not living in the house (I'm guessing got a forwarded mail notice) and cancelled the policy as it was not a landlord type policy. I understand that. They refunded the overage for the remaining coverage (about $500). I'm like, okay, maybe we don't need insurance and let's just get this cleaned out and sold finally. When we got it under contract (around the 1st of 2021) we needed insurance because there were going to be workers there doing remodeling, etc, and needed coverage 'just in case'. My attorney/insurance friend, helped me find a temporary coverage agent, and got something in place. This is where the mortgage company confuses me.....

Edit: I figured it out - sorta. The mtg co wants back the difference for those months... about $518. Afer they cut the check in another dept. Best I got....

Let's start off by saying my payments to the mortgage company are escrowed - meaning I pay insurance and taxes with the monthly payment. So the insurance company had already refunded some money for overage when they cancelled.

Back in early January, the mtg co sends me notice that they show there is no current insurance on the house (working on the temp ins at that time). They say they are going to put a policy in place if I don't and it may be expensive. Understood. My insurance agent sends the new temp insurance info to the mtg co. Monday, I get a new letter from the mtg co, and included in it is a check for over $2k, that they are refunding to me for an escrow overage. So they were overcharging me on the escrow account? THAT MUCH?!? AND, last week there was a letter from the mtg saying they are going to CHARGE me $518 to have insurance in place that would have covered from Aug-Jan (period there was no insurance). HUH??!!?? Give me 2k, but charge me 518.... shouldn't that have been taken out before you gave me a check? I'm confused. That's why I got a second opinion from Sis. And it concurred with my thought. Deposit the check. If they need to charge me the 518, let them add it on the payoff when the house closes later this month. Geez.....morons.

Well, maybe tomorrow I will have something better to post.

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

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

Friday, Thankfully!

Today brings on the last day of the work week for me. It sure has not felt like a 4-day work week, but somehow I managed to get through it all again, without too much hurting. I have 20 million idea going through my head of things that need to get done this weekend, but I know most of them will get pushed to the wayside. I am notorious for doing that. One thing I am looking forward to, is Saturday night's date night with the Wife. I picked a place for dinner that I have never been to, so it shall be interesting. Other than dinner out, (minus the kids) I have no idea what we will do. I figure just play it by ear.

Thew boys are out of school officially now, and already it has begun. With the newer computer we bought, I was able to load a couple more games onto it, that the previous computer processor could not play. The two older boys (16 & 11) have been on almost every night playing one of the new games until I get home from work at least. Last night, the middle son asks about the Wife and I leaving the three of them at home, under the supervision of the oldest, instead of taking them to grandma's house. I took the safe answer, and said Mom & I will discuss it when you guys aren't around, but for Friday, you are going to grandma's for sure.

I know the boys want to stay home, so they can play on the computer (all day) and with the three of them aged 16, 11, 8, it wouldn't be hard for the 16 year old to watch the others. They all know how to "create you own adventure" (usually Ramen Noodles). Is it time to finally let go, and let them stay home alone? How bad will the fighting be to be the one to play on Dad's new computer? Will they pass my levels on the new games, and leave me in the dust? Yeah, that though crossed through my mind. Petty, but true.

I figure this will be one conversation the Wife and I will be having out on Saturday night.

PeacE

Drizzly Day

The Wife woke me up at 5am this morning, just to tell me it is raining. 'Good. We need it,' I said, as I rolled over and went back to sleep. I guess she had been awakened by the sound of the rain, and felt she needed to share the fact with me.

Getting rain in Arizona is generally a nice thing. It helps bring down the temperatures, brings in needed moisture and water for the dry desert areas. I like it as it helps bring down the particulate count in the air. For those without allergies, it means usually a couple days of easier breathing for me. Less blowing of the nose, watery eyes, etc. We had some rain just a couple days ago. It had rained out one of our softball fields our league plays on, but otherwise, was not bad. Temps had dropped down to the 60s daytime level, so the weekend was actually quite nice. This morning however, it is a bit chilly. As I drove to the gym, newsradio said it was 40 out, though the rain had stopped, it was a bit chilly in my gym shorts and work-out tee. I was able to work up a good sweat though this morning, and felt even colder as I left to head out to my vehicle. The hot shower at home felt good!

Tomorrow morning I return to the dentist chair, as they  do a re-treat on one of my crowns. I don't recall if I had specifically posted the issue, but either way, they need to go back into the tooth as it appears they may have missed a micro canal when they did the root canal. They can't numb me up until it is found, so I am not looking forward to it, but it needs to get done.

Other than that, the boys have parent/teacher conferences this week. I do not expect any issues to be brought up to our attention. All the kids have always been well-behaved and do well at their schoolwork. It'll be nice though to hear the teachers give them some nice words of praise.

That's it for now. Down three pounds this week, in my goal to lose 15 this November. At least that is somewhat on track. I should call the Dr. Office and set up my appointment for Dec. Bah!

PeacE

Finishing Out the Week

It is Friday, though I feel only half the week has gone by. I think most of that has to do with the fact that I haven't accomplished much this week. Today I am spending the time with my youngest son. The plans are: 1) a run to the bank, 2) grab some lunch from McD's and 3) play on the computer. Yeah, real quality time with Dad, huh? But, it is what he asked to do today. I don't mind. It keeps him entertained while I do whatever else around the house.

This Sunday is my middle son's 9th birthday. We will be going out to dinner Saturday night to the place of his choosing, though he won't open gifts until Sunday. Luckily, last week the youngest & I got out to do some shopping for the occasion. The Reverend Mother will be celebrating her birthday and wedding anniversary pretty soon as well. Still have no idea what to get her... (RM, you can always email me some ideas).

PeacE

Just Sick to the Stomacah

My middle son (8 years old) is starting to try to pull some crap over on us. Last week, we had the incident about  the "bullying" at school, and his refusal to go in the morning. I took him in, trying to understand the situation, and we spoke to the Principal, etc. The next day things seemed fine. He was out a couple days sick (he really was, so we know it wasn't pretending).

This morning, he threw a tantrum, a fit, whatever ya want to call it, and refused to go again. The Wife called me, and I had her put the phone to his ear. HE was screaming, and wouldn't respond to me, so I drove over to the in-laws (where my kids go to school from). I was mad. Not angry, mad. As I pull up out front, the Wife is trying to get him to the van to get him to school - he was already late now. He is yelling, crying and fighting her. I walked up and of course he could see he messed up and got me there, so now her is trying to get away from me. Over my knee he went, and received 5 from hand. Then I physically carried him to the van. Once in the van, in my most menacing voice (which was easy, considering how pissed I was) I informed him we were going to be talking tonight, and that he is going to the school, with no further problems, and if there were more problems, life was not going to be good for him.

You know how parental threats like that sometimes work. I was hoping. They left, and I returned home. I called the Wife about 15 minutes later, and they were standing outside the office, for some "calm down time". I could hear him still sniffling and crying in the background. The Principal had already spoken to the Wife, and was aware of what was going on. As I sat here though, and I calmed down several notches, I got sick to my stomach. I mean it, literally. I had started to eat breakfast before being called, and it didn't stay down. Even now, I am still feeling that queasy, nauseous feeling in th4e pit of my stomach.

Guilt? Self-anger? I don't know... Not enjoying it though. So now I get to ponder the whole situation, wonder if I am being unfair to him, and decide on some sort of punishment. Though, now I think about it, do I know the whole story of why this refusal to go to school is there? Is it more than the "bullying" he brought up last time? Is it a plea for attention, though, I feel we give all our children attention, love and acceptance. It only happens before school, but once he is there, things are okay, and life goes on.

Once again, I just don't know.

PeacE

Another year has gone by....

Today my middle son turns 7 years old. As a parent, you see your kids growing seemingly so fast before your eyes. He has become a great young man for his age, and simply thrives on showing his affection amongst family. Now if only I can raise him correctly to have solid ideals about everything....

... that brings to the oldest, my daughter. In about 15 minutes we are off to McDonalds to have a sit down discussion about her interpretation of permission, and how we can resolve things to make it less stressful all the way around. She had come home last night from a date only an hour late - after I even called her on the phone. Yeah, Dad wasn't happy. Mom wasn't happy. And now - because I told her last night we would be discussing punishment this weekend, she is taking the "I hate you and everybody hates me - I am moving out when I am 18" trash talk. Oh didn't I mention the yelling at every one and the tears?

(sigh)

I am still trying to figure where I went wrong in raising this one. I am sure everyone has a finger to point me int he direction of my error, and I am trying my patient best (and I am not a patient person) to at least remedy the situation if not fully correct it. Too little too late probably, but I got to try something. The Wife and I are both tired of this all. At least she graduates next summer and is striving to get to UofA that next fall.

Today though, is a good day. Concentrate on the son's birthday. He will be opening his presents and such tonight whenever The Wife gets home from work. Fridays she has to work late enough that it makes it hard to do a family dinner out, so we moved the event to tomorrow. He has decided on a pizza place that has the games/tokens thing going on. Now I have to figure out when to do that so the daughter can be there, as she has a bday party for a friend's baby (yes, young mother) also. Plus, a bunch of my high school alumni are doing a large get together tomorrow night I would like to attend. I have a feeling I am not going to make it.

(sigh)

The things parents give up for their children. Too bad this is only a lesson learned. Would have been nice to know maybe ahead of the whole being a parent thing. Not that I would change it, just would like to have known about it ahead of time. Or maybe I knew it, but just didn't pay attention. That is more like it.

Enough of this today. I am off to have the discussion, then picking the boys up and headed to the Sis's house for all the cousins to play together for the afternoon.

PeacE

Friday before a big weekend

Another Friday has come and a busy weekend to boot. At least I will have had a couple quiet nights to prepare. Spent last night at home and watched a couple movies. “Delta Farce” was definitely not as funny as I had hoped it would be. Then I sat down and watched “The Seeker: The Dark is Rising” with my oldest son. He enjoyed it, but it was bit far fetched for me. Tonight I will be headed home and probably watch a few episodes of “Numbers”.

The daughter has been out of town since Thursday on a trip to Anaheim for her Drama class. They are going to Disneyland today for a 2-hour clinic, and then have the rest of the day to enjoy themselves. She is due back tomorrow late afternoon. About the same time the Wife is going to a wedding. I have a golf tournament in the morning then was going to spend the afternoon at the pub, but I have to pick the Daughter up now. Sunday is the regular schedule: softball (if I wake up) and then the pub for steak breakfast and Nascar.

Sunday is also the 17th anniversary for the Wife & I. With the plans we have, it looks like we may not celebrate it this year. That, or maybe just do a dinner later in the week. Seems hard to believe it has been that long, and four kids to boot. She is definitely a good woman, and I probably don’t deserve her, but we are stuck together now.

Work is slow again today with it being Friday. I am hoping to get out of here a bit early, but am not expecting it. So I’ll be sitting here most the afternoon reading some ebooks. Hope y’all have a good weekend and I’ll see ya back on Monday!

PeacE

Only thing left is wrapping the damn things!

That's how close to being ready for Christmas I am as of this point. I was able to take the boys out and finish up Sunday afternoon. Man, the crowds were just terrible! I am so glad I am done. I checked with the Wife, and she has yet to finish up some shopping. The kids are done as well. Now I just need to wrap, and deliver. I sure hope I have Monday off next week. It would be a good time for me to get that done, plus help the Wife finish up her wrapping since she will have to work.

Saturday was a good day of golf! Only shot a +5, and landed 4th place Net Score. That was worth a $25 certificate for the golf course. My step dad and I will have to get out and play again sometime. Was nice weather and I had 2 birdies (really good for me!). I spent the rest of the day at the pub, and won an auction for the karaoke host that night. We are going to get together for drinks later this week - the pub gives him $$ for dinner, but I said screw that. I ain't going out to eat with him - we'd do drinks somewhere.

Sunday I slept in. I never made it to the Church of Holy softball and Beer, nor my steak breakfast. Nor my friend's house for a birthday party. I did good to get the shopping done, and went tot he Christmas play my two older boys were in that evening. Of course, they were wonderful in it. The older one even had a big speaking part (his first) and a solo. Afterwords, we took my parents out for supper, and home to bed I went.

My youngest woke up about 3'ish this morning screaming his head off. Couldn't tell if he was hurt, or scared or uncomfortable about anything. Took the Wife about an hour to get him to where we all could go back to sleep. The Daughter gets up this morning, coughing phlegm - so we told her she wasn't going to school. She was ticked. Imagine that - a kid WANTING to go to school. She has finals Tues - Thurs this week. At least she can stay home today and try to get some rest to feel better.

Not much else to really talk about right now. I think I am headed to the pub tonight for steak dinner and the football game. Looking forward to Chicago winning, but I doubt it will happen.

PeacE

Mommy is back! Yea!!

I never thought I would be so happy to see my wife again. I mean, it almost brought tears of joy and happiness to my eyes at the airport as I watched her coming down the walkway. The kids were excited she was back too, and I have every guess as to why. No one likes Daddy in a bad mood.

Friday night started off well. The 'Men' went to Lonestar for steak dinners. Leftovers were taken home - picked up the daughter from theater in time. Everything went ok. Saturday I was up early for a gym class, then took the kids to Denny's for breakfast. We went to the bank, got gas, went to Wal-mart and did some shopping. Followed that up with a trip to the used book store, where I turned my daughter onto Dean Koontz (she has problems putting down "Fear the Night"). Lunch soon followed at Dairy Queen before we finally made it back home to rest for a couple hours. Ran the daughter to school for theater, and went back home. Back to pick her up about 8:30 and then home for the evening.

Sunday was a busy day. I woke everyone at 7:15 and headed for the ballpark. A quick stop at McD's for breakfast, then we were at the park for a double header softball game. The kids behaved well there and things were going pretty good. After the park I took the boys to church for play practice and then we followed that with lunch at Top Shelf - a Mexican type restaurant. After lunch we went home. I was tired, worn out, and ready for a nap. About mid-afternoon, the oldest boy comes in and timidly wakes me up.

"What's up Bud?" I ask him.
"Dad, we were playing in my room and I was tossing the ball up on my bed when brother hit it with his pillow and it broke the window." Instinctively, he winces back.
"YOU WHAT?!? Broke a damn window?!?!?" Now I am awake and following him back to his room.
"Dad it was an accident."
"How could it be an accident if you aren't supposed to be throwing the ball in the house anyways? Now be quiet for a minute."

I surveyed the damage. Of course. It had the be non-regular sized window. ::sigh:: I gave up and called the Wife. She was at the gate waiting her flight home, so I explained what to expect when she got home. I told her it was safe. I was refraining from anger until she got home.

The kids walked, sat, and did everything else on eggshells that afternoon/evening, especially when we headed to the airport. The Wife was going to see if her father could run it up to the Home Depot and get glass cut for it today. I hope it gets done - I have no clue how to do that stuff.

So it is off to the gym tonight after all that eating out this week. Though I did take it easy, and did not overdue it. Still I think I could stand a couple more pounds off especially this being Turkeyday week. At least I only work 3 days this week.

Okay I am out of here for now. Got some checks to turn in so I can get paid later.

PeacE

Ding! Dong! The Wife is Gone!

Euphoria! That was what I was feeling until I got home last night. Here I was set for a weekend with the older kids, and my bubble got busted. Imagine if you will .... I went to the gym after work, then over to the pub for a couple beers (figured would be the last until the Wife is back home). I get home and first thing is I am handed an itenerary for the kids - not the Wife, the kids. Daughter has Theater, Oldest son has a church play practice, etc., etc. I am looking at this thinking 'Where am I going to find time to go get me a steak dinner?'

::sigh::

Either way, I am too tired to do much today/tonight. Been up extra early to get the Wife to the airport in time for her flight, then to work. I have a couple loans to get out and signed, but no one can access the database this morning. The bosses just arrived, and I have no idea how long it will take to get it up and running again. I just want to go home and take a nap.

Have a good weekend - come back onday to listen to my hellish weekend!

PeacE