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

Returning to a Routine ...

 The Youngest has some Zero Hour practices at school this week, and into early next week. Which basically means that he has to be there prior to 7am, similar to when marching band is in session. This is because the band director that started there last year, decided to split the band up in regards to their practice times. Which means, instead of full band rehearsing at Zero hour all year, only wood winds and brass at zero hour, and percussion has a class schedule at like 4th hour. Meaning the Youngest had to give up an elective this year. It also means, that the percussion section does not practice at all with the full band. Needless to say, this band director was "asked to leave" do to complaints of possible behavior related to possible drug use. So A new director started this new semester, and this is the only way to get the full band together to practice for the spring concert (which is March 5th at 7pm RM). There is no way he could fix the students schedules halfway through the year....

I don't now why I just rambled through all that. Must be because it is 1:30am and I am awake. I went to bed about 9, and read/did a couple puzzles on the tablet, and was trying to sleep around 9:30. But about an hour ago I woke and cannot get back to sleep. Maybe realizing how boring my life feels at times will put me back to sleep.

No major plans this week (Again). The weekly email will go out to the Company about my availability a little later this morning (or maybe here shortly). A friend showed me a small battery booster they had purchased at Harbor Freight last week, and I am thinking of going there tomorrow to see if they have them in stock, versus just regular jumper cables. Then maybe off to the store to find some things for lunches this week. Be nice if I could get out to the Discount Grocery we like, AND they were to have the huge bag of shredded lettuce (like 5 lb bag). That would be perfect for eating healthier, however, the last few times we had been out there it was not in. Their stock fluctuates daily.

Today is also the Youngest's 18th birthday. We have asked several times over the past few months what he would like, and always got a 'no answer' type answer. No idea if the Wife has found a couple things he would maybe like. If I find that battery booster pack, that'll be at least a present he can use for the car. He put off the birthday dinner until next weekend, as he would like to see if his brothers would be able to go as well. Middle Son said he could, just needs when/where info ...  Oldest Son has not responded. In fact, he hasn't responded much to my text inquires of late. I am guessing it is because of the work hours/time but who knows. I'm sure RM goes through thoughts like these with us kids as well. I invited the Oldest Son's girlfriend as well, but who knows. I think  I will just tell them a time and location, and if they show, they show. I just hope Youngest isn't disappointed.

Still working out plans for our 33rd Anniversary coming up late March. I've mentioned a few ideas to the Wife, and I think we have settled on one idea. I need to verify with her to confirm, prior to starting to plan the drive, places to stay/visit, etc. More to share when I confirm....

On a good note, I am 49 books into my goal of 200 this year. Right now it says I am at 25% of my goal (though by my math I am one short of that true 25%). Looks like it will be another good year of reading....

Guess I am off to watch an episode of some show or something to see if I can get sleepy.

PeacE

Late Start Yesterday - Early Start Today

 I haven't been to bed yet. Correction: I haven't been to sleep. I think it is because I slept in a bit later yesterday morning (as did the Wife after dropping Youngest off at school). I laid down near midnight, and tried for an hour or so before just getting up so as not to wake the Wife. I came into the office, thinking to watch a movie or something, but  started looking at some of the book sites I go through, and pulled in some more authors/books I want to try reading - meaning, these are already published pieces, not necessarily for a review (though I could do one still). I then went to my ebook library program (Calibre, if you must know - which is completely free to use) and started comparing that to my 'Want To Read' list on Goodreads.com - and there were some I removed from that list, and some I removed from my library. I try not to keep books that I just didn't like, so anything in the 'Books Read' library, are probably books I enjoyed or am willing to recommend to someone. I have like over 30 sections in the entire library, as I try to sort the books out ie) a longer series, or collection of series that continue the long story. Some I just have by author name, as that author wrote many books (mostly series in my library) like Lincoln Child & Douglas Preston writing the Pendergast series (separate from their individual books written) (also, 'The Relic' the first book, was made into a movie, but the series character Agent Pendergast, was not in the movie - weird fact).

Okay, okay. I just spent another 45 minutes going to check one thing, and then found some more books to get, plus wasting that time instead of finishing this post....

So last Saturday I had met my brother up at the Post. He had asked about me going up north this weekend to visit his kids. I scoffed and said something along the lines of 'Like they want to see me'. But I guess they do. His wife (notice she only gets a small 'w') isn't going, so I thought about it. I was thinking this could be good, as he and I don't get 'alone' time where we can talk. But then I found out there was a friend of the kids that he was planning on picking up and taking as well (there and back). Well, I told him I needed to talk to the Wife, and see what she thought. Then I get a call from him today, that there was another small change in plans - I am not sharing here, as it is not mine to do so, but it is a consequence of him not raising his children very well, in my opinion. 

Well, the Wife and I had our lunch date (went to Cracker Barrel, and it was hmm, okay. I brought up about this possible trip, and she thought it would be good for us to have some time together. So I said I would go. I'm paying for two nights at the hotel, and he is paying for the gas (about $5/gal right now). I demanded we take my car (better gas mileage, plus the AWD should the need arise). Plan is to leave Friday late morning I think, and return by Sunday evening. It shall be an interesting trip..... hoping I can get some reading time in as well.

Besides packing a backpack with a couple days worth of clothes, and getting the hotel reservation done, not much on my plate of things to do today. I know I am meeting some buddies around 5pm when the NFL draft starts today. For the past few years we have always met up to watch round one, regardless where our teams pick in the order. Just like to see who we get, and who got whom. I mostly do it to hang out with friends, as I can't keep sports facts in my head like they do. Never could, but some stupid trivial fact, and I'll never forget it. Sigh.

I think I might work on my music list on Spotify, so will have some good traveling music. Might play some Warcraft. Might even be nice to get a nap in, but at this rate, I may pass on that so I will sleep good this evening. Who knows what will happen...

Edit: I never did get to sleep. I did lay back down, but couldn't even nap. So gonna be a long day ....

PeacE

It's Just Irritating

 Since Monday, I have been putting off doing things. Didn't get the lawn mowed - put that off for now. The Oldest Son showed up Monday as planned, to go change over the title on the car, etc. Turns out that there is an abandonment claim now on the title. I now have to call the MVD Abandoned Vehicle department to figure out what needs to be done to get it removed. My guess is, when the car was found, it was in a parking lot, then towed by private to some salvage lot. There, they put in a claim based on the VIN that it was abandoned. Which would explain why the police never called my Son... they had no idea it was recovered. The Insurance found the car, I'm guessing by the VIN, and then took the car to the repair facility, where I drove it home from. It is physically in my driveway - how can it be abandoned?!? So that phone call I have been putting off for a couple days... mostly because I get so angry about the whole situation.

I've also been putting off doing the taxes this year. I finally talked the Wife into letting me do them this year, electronically, with one of the programs out there. For many years, she would always wait til the last minute, then figure out by hand the medical costs, etc, and fill the forms by hand, beating the midnight mailed deadline by minutes some years. I need to get that done... otherwise, I am just as bad as her procrastinating to the last minute. I know we don't owe, but still....

Still haven't heard from the Company. Another put off ....

I haven't been able to sleep at all tonight. No idea why. I took some over the counter sleep aid pills but haven't felt sleepy at all. No since trying to bed down now, as I try to get up in the next 2-3 hours as a rule anyways. Putting off another night of sleep....

Maybe something better tomorrow - or later today, rather....

PeacE

Wiped Out

 Ugh. I have been having problems with my sleeping again. I go to bed at a decent hour, feeling tired, and ready to fall asleep. But once I lay down, I cannot relax enough to actually sleep. After an hour or so of this, I usually get up and head to the other room (wo Wife can get some rest). I spend a couple hours watching some shows I haven't gotten around to, then head to bed to try again. With starting a new project yesterday, I got through the workday but needed some sleep shortly afterwards. I took an hour nap, knowing that that would probably screw up sleeping that night. And it did. I finally made it back to bed and struggled for surely what felt like an hour, before drifting off.. probably around 3am. I had originally set the alarm for near 6am, to get a good start on work, but reset to near 7 due to not getting to bed as early as I hoped. This morning finds me dragging a bit, and already wanting a nap.

Youngest is sick with something. After two days of sore throat, headaches, and ear pain, he finally consented to going to an urgent care last night. Wife had explained that if he had ear infections, we want to catch it early as possible, I think that is why he relented. Either way, home test for Covid came back negative. At the facility, they did a quick Strep test (negative) but sent a culture to the lab as well, to verify that result. Otherwise, all they could determine was he ahd some bug/virus. Recommendation was rest and taking ibuprofen/Tylenol alternating each dose. (Throws hands in the air) Whatever!

Today's good news: I'm working again! Glucose and BP numbers were very good today.

PeacE

The Things I Do ...

 It's going to be a long day today. I didn't sleep well, not getting to bed until after 2:30am. I was tired, but for some reason just could not get comfortable and fall asleep. Then I had set my alarm for 7, as I wanted to get up and have plenty of time to shower, wake-up, and take care of a review or two I need to get done, before heading to breakfast with RM & PT. We're going to the Black Bear Diner franchise, where I have not had breakfasts there before, but the dinners are very good.

Tax Time is upon us, and that means the Wife is going to get cranky for the next several days. Like most people I know, they do their taxes as soon as they get their W-2s. Why the Wife waits until April 14th to do ours, I do not know. Then she does them twice, as she has to try itemizing everyone and then without to see which one gives us the lower amount to pay (or highest amount back - if ever). I think this morning, between breakfast and a couple other errands, I will see if I can talk her into let's using TurboTax this year. Pray for me.

I emailed into work yesterday, that I would not be able to make it online for the day, due to health issues. I had awoke with my mind completely just foggy. I had a morning "energy" drink to help clear it, but no such luck. I opted to not work instead of possibly messing up some important information. Then I slept another three hours (reason I couldn't sleep last night?). It finally cleared late in the afternoon, and could have logged in a couple hours, but decided not to do so. Sometimes we need a mental health day.

Guess I should get on to my other thigns this morning rather than sitting here trying to think of something to write about.

PeacE

It's Always the Weird Stuff

 It is a dark 2:30am morning post for you today. Seems the body needed to relieve some water pressure, so it woke me, then decided that I was awake, and did not need to return to the Land od Nod. Instead, the ol' squishy stuff in the noggin' started throwing all these weird thoughts. I'd be there thinking 'How nice it would be to be relaxing in a hammock" you know, trying to get the sleep-vibe going .... the the brain would be like 'Yeah! And these zombie-esque monsters appear and they have crab-claws for hands - razor sharp! - and they keep cutting down just one end of your hammock so you flop to the ground all the time'. Yeah ... stuff like that. After a half hour of it, I realized I was not going back to sleep anytime real soon.

Still like three hours until I can even think about signing into work. Sigh. At least it looks like we have work on this project I think for at least two more days. I could be wrong, and misjudged the workload left, but it will be close. Then I have no idea what they will throw my way. It may be nice to have a day or two off though.

Late in the day on Friday, I received a message through my 'medical chart' thingy on the interwebz. It stated my referral had gone through, and I needed to contact this number in order to schedule my colonoscopy. I think I have said it before, I know I am fifty, and it is a regular "screening" they do, but I am not looking forward to it. I had met up with my brother and asked about him going with me (cannot drive after procedure) and he was open on time whenever I scheduled it. The Wife is not sure if she could get any particular day off due to staffing issues, as well as her own medical that may be going on. I am guessing they will need to schedule me within the next couple weeks.

I bought a Samsung tablet several years ago. It finally decided to die (with one of the cats' help, of course). Seems Saturday morning while we were out taking care of errands, one of the cats knocked it off the bedside table where it was charging. My best guess is it landed hard enough, on the connection port with the cord in still, it jammed the port. It would not charge, it would not allow transfer to the computer, it would say it could connect to the wifi, but really didn't. It held some games I play, but most importantly, it held my ebooks/reader. I don't really have another one. I have a Kindle Fire, that I have replaced a few times over the years since RM first bought me one, but I don't care for the Amazon only content. So Saturday afternoon I went out to find a new tablet. Of course, the one tablet that was closest in size/capability was out of stock, and I wasn't waiting days on end to get a new one, so paid an extra $100 for one slightly better. Screen size is larger, as well as system memory .... and it is faster in processing. I was able to get my reader program downloaded, then loaded with books (including the one(s) currently reading). My Google account was able to reload many apps from a previous backup (though most of those I don't use). They did not have any 'good, sturdy' cases at the store, so found one on Amazon (cheaper than the crappy flip ones they hadat the store) and am expecting that package today. It has an adjustab;e hand-grip thingy on the back for easier holding, and an actual shoulder strap for easier carrying, though I don't know if I would use the shoulder thing.

Ugh. I woke up thirsty and have already drained a 32 ounce bottle of water. Looks like I will be making multiple trips to the bathroom today.

... and now that I have given you more info than you care to have, I am outta here.

PeacE

Sometimes, It Just Gets Wasted

 Ugh. It is still early, pre-dawn in AZ at this 5:00 am hour. It won't be long before the sun will be up and over the mountain almost this early in the morning. Thanks Summertime. I have no clue what woke me around an hour ago, but I just could not get back to sleep, so here I am.

It is only Sunday morning, but this weekend feels like it has been "wasted". Yesterday morning, I was woken up by the sound of the Middle Son coming by the house. He and the Youngest were going to Tucson to visit their sister and stay overnight. Our first night in I can't remember being with no kids at home. We have traveled alone overnight before, but never alone at home. The Wife had to attend a Continuing Education course, and had to be gone for nearly half the day, across the Valley no less. After class, ahe came home bringing a late lunch for us from Taco Bell. Then the Wife proceeded to pretty much nap the next few hours away. when it was time for dinner, we decided to go to the Outback near our house -convenient, close-by, and well...they have steak. 

We walked out the door, and headed towards my vehicle, when I nnoticed I had a front tire that was flat. The night before I had noticed the low tire pressure light had come on, and I checked the tires, but seemed fine, though this one had looked a little low. I guess the leak was slow enough it didn't flatten out all the way until I was home. I had not driven at all Saturday, so never noticed until we were going to dinner. Something to get fixed, but I was hungry at that moment so we took the Wife's car.

Outback: needless to say, I don't recall it being as expensive as it was, and the service, though was decent, made us feel like they were trying to rush us through our meal. I don't think we will be returning their anytime soon. After dinner, I retired to the computer, the Wife to her phone. It was nearing the 9 o'clock hour, and I was just feeling mentally/physically tired and just wanted to get some sleep. I forced myself to stay awake until 11pm, then went to bed, read for 20 minutes finishing the newest Mark Greaney, and was out. Until 4 am.

Today - the boys are do back from their overnight out of town, at which time I will shanghai them into changing the tire out on my car. I'll get on the ol' Discount Tire website and see about an appointment for Monday afternoon to take it in. Hoping it is able to be plugged/fixed, versus a new tire, but need to have it fixed either way. The Wife and I are going to Tucson this coming Saturday to celebrate our 31st. Don't want any flats on the way there or back. I was going to do a can of fix a flat, but with the upcoming traveling, I don't think so.

I guess that's all I got for now....

PeacE

Before the Sun's Rising

 I'm up at the ass-crack of dawn, I guess one would say. I've gotten maybe 2-3 hours worth of interrupted sleep, finally gave up about 5:50am. No idea as to why sleep isn't coming, as we were all up around 9:30 yesterday morning, and I didn't have a nap. I know I felt tired when I went to bed about 10 last night, but played that toss 'n turn game most of the night.

So I'm up early, and cruising some of my regular sites. She wrote this morning about her sudden wake up at 2am yesterday, and how she might think something happened to myself or Stuman since we were out on the Santa Run. But it wasn't us. Well, at least not I. The Oldest Son and I were driven home by The Wife, and I don't recall when exactly we arrived at the domicile. I woke to having two santa bags, each with the hair and beard wigs in them - I think they are Stuman's and his friend that went with. I also found out I had an extra pack of cigarettes that appeared from somewhere. I didn't buy any, I do know that. Overall the Run was fun, and even the Wife had a good time out with the ladies.

Now I am just killing time, waiting to be able to start work. This project I cannot start before 7am daily, and I believe based on what was "left" to finish up on Friday, it may be ending this morning. If it does, hopefully they can get me into a new one by tomorrow. I could use the extra time off today to try and take a nap.

PeacE

Another Boring, and Sober, Saturday Night

 Another long, boring week has come to an end. Friday did end with an email from the Company though, with a brief 'questionnaire' to fill out regarding one's current availability for Projects. OF course, I had mine done within five minutes of receiving the link. I am so ready to get back to work. I went out that night to the VFW as my usual routine. By the end of the night, I might have another Santa gig for a nearby American Legion. They are supposed to call me and give me details of what they would want of me, before I commit to anything.

Saturday was spent not doing much. Middle Son came over to help out with mowing of the lawn, and helping move some heavier items around front for the bulk trash pick up that is due soon. Youngest Son helped out doing the trimming around front. I went up to the 99 Cent store to stock up on 2-liters of Mountain Dew and Pepsi, as they almost always have them there for $1. No Mtn Dew.... so got extra Pepsi, and a couple Shasta Lemon-Lime. They Wife had me get some packages of pasta. I threw in a few other minor items for lunches for me, and a couple snack items. So I'm stocked with stuff for the next couple weeks. Found some Tampico iced tea up there too! The Wife had found a Peach flavor one a few days back, and thought it was that store, and sure enough it was. I grabbed her a couple more quarts, and they had one lemon left, so I grabbed it to try (I hate peach tea). It's not bad! I like many of the other Tampico drinks available by the gallon at most stores, but ad never seen the tea.

Sat around most of the afternoon binging on episodes of 'Blue Bloods'. With supper the Wife and I watched the final episode of "Bull", and I headed to bed. That was about 9pm. Just after 12 I am awake again. Damn bladder. But I knew once I got up to go that sleep wasn't going to be coming back for awhile. So here I am at the computer, trying to find something to make me sleepy enough to go lay down and try to sleep again.

I'm leaving Friday for Las Vegas. A fried has retired from his many years of service in the Army, and is doing a Guys Only retirement party/ get-together. There are about 10 of us in total going, and 4 that are riding up from the Valley together. We are staying at a nice Casino further south on the strip, where one friend's family has been going for years, and gets many comps. The NPRC Rodeo championships are there that weekend, too, so rooms were a bit higher priced, but will still save some money on food and drinks thanks to connections. I know I won't lose much gambling, as I am not into it. I might end up in an Uber up the street to Madame Toussad's or something. I think I might have mentioned all that before some time. Coming home Monday. The Youngest has a Homecoming game, Competition on Saturday, and the district exposition on Monday evening, so I will miss two of the events.

The Wife may be returning to the workforce soon. She had a couple phone interviews last week, one which had her do a physical one as well. Unfortunately, that one turned her down. Have not heard from the other one. I have no idea how many other places she might have applied at, or have places in mind yet. But it is a start.

Nothing more to clear out of my head today.

PeacE

Day Tripping

 Today, rather now, yesterday, was our trip down to Tucson. We arrived just before noon, and had fun talking, visiting and playing with the Daughter and family. Doodad was a bit less energetic (from what the Wife told me of her day trip a couple weeks earlier) but she was still so full of energy. I remember a younger me having more energy than I do now, and still can't imagine having as much energy that Doodad has. I am sure I was just as bad when I was her age.

The Daughter is turning Thursday this week, so we also took down some birthday presents we had gotten for her. And since we had the chance, we took the family and a favorite Niece out to dinner to celebrate her day. Nice place called Guadalajara Mexican, and it seemed to specialize in southern Mexican cuisine. Many dishes I had never heard of, so I got to try a new one.... and it was different! I had a Molcajete Ultimo, which is 4 jumbo shrimp, steak, and chicken breast all packed into a molcajete with bell peppers, onions and queso fresco simmering in a molcajete sauce. In short, it was that all literally boiling in a bowl-shaped lava-looking rock - and I mean boiling! Add a side plate with beans and rice, some flour tortillas - and whew! It was good. Another thing that was cool, is when they do the chips/salsa before your meal, the 'salsa lady' comes around to your table with a cart, and asks if you want salsa, or guacamole, and then prepares it right in front of you. On recommendation from the SIL, we tried a medium salsa, and it was awesome!

Most times we go down, the Daughter and Wife spend much of the time together talking crafts and whatever. This time around the Daughter put me on the spot more, wanting to know more about what is going with me. So was uncomfortable a bit. I usually don't have the kids asking me about my health, or work, or about other things that are bothering me right now. Today she did, and it actually felt good to fill her in, and to let her know that she is not responsible for anything I do/say for my benefit, and she could make her own decisions regarding things.

So was a very good day trip, and we made it home around 11pm. Doodad was sad we had to go home, and said we could sleep there. When asked where we would sleep, Papaw had to sleep on the couch and Mamaw would sleep in her bed with her. I always get the shit end of that deal, I guess. But it was funny. Am looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with them this year, and hope the Boys will be able to within their work schedules.

The Wife was sound asleep within 20 minutes of us getting home, but I find I cannot drop off to slumberland. I am just physically and mentally tired, but things just won't shut down for me tonight. So I am back to trying to bore myself (writing here) and see what happens. May have to watch some dumb videos or something.

PeacE

The Dream job

 We all have a "dream job" of some sort. That one type of employment that pays so well, the work so easy/love to do, the hours and travel necessary are perfect. I know I have several in which I try not to day dream about, because I hate disappointing myself. For many of us, these things never come about, and for some, they work hard to get those jobs, or very near to them.... and yes, it makes us envy them a little.

I was up late last night. The Wife and Middle Son had traveled on the local Light-Rail to the Mercury WNBA game last night, so I needed to pick them up afterwards. That was about 9:40pm and we stopped to bring home shakes for all from Sonic. I messed around a bit on the computer playing Warcraft, then went to bed about 11:30pm and COULD NOT FALL ASLEEP. Around 2am I was ready to just get up and go for as long as I could, but somehow drifted off. Around 5:30am I was awakened quickly - not quite startled to full attentiveness like hearing someone breaking into the house, but close to it. I realized I had a dream - one I was actually remembering.

I plopped my head back down onto my pillows to try to drop back into this dream, as it was like watching a movie, and it was good! I kinda dozed for maybe 10-15 minutes, and awoke again, realizing, I had to write this down. And should I run up to QuikTrip for some soda first, maybe get an ultimate burrito, as well? No, no, no... need to get this idea down. This could be a book. So as I spent the 500 million years getting up out of bed and setting off the snaps, crackles, and pops of the body, then that quick old man shuffle to the bathroom, I am in front of the computer screen, text doc open, making notes.

Oh, I am out of practice. Trying to note all this before it slips from my mind... what is the basic story? who are the characters (protagonist/antagonist)? Where? What When? How???? Things I will need to find a way to research (meaning hours of reading time on the internet I am sure). Is this plot outline even sound like anything that is realistic? Names? Descriptions of places, items used, etc. What is the connection of it all? how does it end - I never saw that in my dream. What would be a good climatic finish, with maybe an opening for additional story(s) - for the publisher of course. Because, this would be written so well, they'll be stabbing each others backs to get it, right?

Dream job - I have a couple I would like. Beer Taster. Book Reviewer (I'm trying this one, but my review writing needs work yet). Video Game Tester (for PC) - I have to specify for PC, because them handsets for XBox/Playstation - they have WAY too many buttons/levers for me to understand.

Either way, I'm about a page, and them some, of notes on this dream/story idea. Every time I sort of re-read through the notes, I get a heartbeat speed-up, like this could be doable. I gotta get up to the QT for some soda - maybe two - and start looking up some of this info and see if the idea is gonna work.

Dream job - being a published, popular writer. I know it just doesn't usually happen with ONE book. But if I wrote that one.... RM is always mentioning I should do it - write a book. Heck, she tells herself that as well. Who knows, maybe one day it will happen.

PeacE

A Wednesday Post

 I knew it was going to happen. In the wee hours of the morning (about 2:15am) I awoke. I looked at the time. Way to early. I rolled over and closed my eyes. Sigh. Ain't happening. I went ahead and got up. All that sleep I got yesterday, I knew there was no way I was going to sleep through until the alarm went off at 5:30.

With work hours based on a Mid-West time frame (Project Lead and many on the Team are in that locale) I can't start until 5am at the earliest. I played some Warcraft. I read some blogs. I did social media. I even did a post here. I still have around 40 minutes before I can start work, and I am wide awake. I was hoping that I would 'get tired' earlier, and catch a two hour nap, but no.

At least I can say I will finish up work earlier than a usual day for me. Then I probably will need a nap. Try to get my sleep schedule back into a rhythm again. Was doing fairly good until that shot.

No agenda this week. Just work. Yay.

PeacE

Sunday Morning, and I am Going Down (for the count)

 Ugh! Up at the unwelcome hour of 2am this morning. No idea what woke me, but it was a full awake mode when it happened. I didn't feel threatened, or startled, just ... wide awake. I laid in bed, trying to get back to sleep before succumbing to temptation and checking the time. Then I knew I might as well get up. So instead, I laid there a bit longer. Then thoughts of food and drink started popping through my head, and I decided I was going to run up the QT to get a couple jalapeno/cheese sausage dogs, and fill my travel mug with Mtn Dew. So I did. Got up, dressed, drove up there - no sausages. The kitchen was closed - doesn't open until 6am. All hot food available was a couple taquitos, and I didn't feel like that. I filled my mug with soda, and grab a pack of Zingers, then returned home. Breakfast of champions at 2:30am.

I ate, drank and played Warcraft until about 5, then started this post. Not much on the excitement level, huh? No major plans today. Oldest Son is actually off work today (last I knew) and I will cehck with him if he is interested in joining us for a dinner out this evening. Middle Son went to Tucson yesterday for the weekend. Daughter is doing plans with her In-Laws this holiday weekend.

Work has been crazy lately. I might feel like checking in with them today to see if anyone is working, and if they need a couple hours or so of help. All week, I have been moved from project to project at the QC level (3 projects this week) which is weird considering the previous three weeks they weren't allowing me to do the QC work they had trained me to do. Like I said - weird. But it is happening now, so I am not complaining too much. I hope to get past this feeling of the 'speed bump' the company is stuck on. Could lead to real good things if I stick it through....

North Dakota trip is pretty much set. Flight booked, hotel booked, got a couple "essentials" I felt I needed to have for the trip. I think the only thing left really, is I need to get a new set of slip-on shoes (for the flight - I hate having to try to find someplace to sit and re-tie my shoes after security), and maybe a good set of tennies for while there.

Well, it is starting to get a little light in the sky outside the window, so I guess I am going to try to lay back down for awhile.

PeacE