Working Another Project ....

 Yesterday was something. There was a nice rain front that moved through the Valley, and the adverse weather, plus the other medical stuff I had done earlier in the week, most of all concentrated on me. I woke around 10:45a, but only was up about an hour before I found myself asleep once again. I woke closer to 6pm, and the storm was just rolling in good, and it poured for a bit. By 7p, I was back in bed, playing a couple crosswords before off went the light, and I was out again. Explains why I am up at 6am today.

I was supposed to go up yesterday and find out, but with sleeping, I never made it. So today I need to get up to Walgreens and find out what is going on with one of my diabetic meds. They said they got the refill info, but there is a pending problem. This is the same drug I had issues with last month as well. I swear the insurance company just wants me to die so they quit spending all this money on me. In the meantime, this is day 2 of not taking the major diabetic pill. Glucose was at 135 this morning.

This afternoon I will meet up with a buddy of mine that is taking over the annual Santa Run. I have been showing him how we have done it the last several years, and whether he does it his own way next year, or whatever, I don't care. I do have the money from a couple riders, and need to confirm the list of people I contacted and the going or nots, and who has paid. Another project I am giving away.

Not much else coms to mind this morning.

PeacE

The Seventh Annual Royal Order of The Santa Runners....

 ...oh geez. Seven years ago, my buddy Jeff and I started the "Santa Run", well, let's say introduced it to our area of town. Over the years I have seen similar groups (but none) as fun as ours. Anyways, Jeff moved back to North Dakota back in August, and the that left me as the only one in charge of the event this year. Which I pretty much was last year as well, now that I think about it.

Several weeks ago, a couple of my pub buds had asked if I Was going to keep it going. I said I don't know. I didn't have the money to up-front rent the bus, and the whole hassle with getting enough people to show up, and get their money...to me just wasn't worth it. So these two offered up that they would cover the bus, but I needed to send the message out to the contacts.

I kinda blew it off. With my VFW stuff, and the medical going on, I just didn't take the time to sit down and do any of this Santa Run stuff. Well, it came to a head yesterday while I was at the pub. Talk about working under pressure.... In 15 minutes, I had the message with details typed out, approved, and sent. Nearly 10 have responded positively. Of course, we changed it up this year. Previously it was 'Guys Only'. But the Pub Buds want 'women' to ride with us as well, so we just combined the Mrs. Clause run (previously ran by Jeff's GF) in with ours. I tried to be a stick a bit, and say guys had to wear Santa hat, coat and pants, but the girls basically have no dress code. And my buddies just don't care.

I don't even either. I think this is the last year I am doing it. Hanging out with a bunch of drunks for 5 hours, when I can't drink...no bueno. The Oldest Son loves to go on these with me, as it was time for us to hang out, but he understands how I feel about things now, and says he won't go if I don't. One last year....no drinking. Oh boy.

It is Halloween, not that I have cared since I was like 5. Was invited to several parties being put on at some of the pubs, but I think I will pass. Not in the mood for crowds. Probably end up down at the Post. They have nothing planned. I think I need to look at the Agenda due for Tuesday and make sure I didn't miss anything.

PeacE

Playing Catch-Up on Almost Everything....

 ... except sleep. I slept in way too late today, out of necessity I am sure. But still, it has made getting to sleep tonight (last night?) quite the troublesome thing to accomplish.

So once I rolled out of bed around 1pm (yes, I'm aware it is afternoon) the Wife and I went for lunch. I was feeling quite hungry, as had not eaten much the day before. I opted for the Chinese buffet place we like. Today I am starting on the "diet" that leads up to the colonoscopy I am having done Thursday. They suggest 'softer foods' a few days before, and as the date nears, to stop certain types of food/drink (no purple/red drinks - weird).  After I find out later this morning if I work today, or not, I should head to the store for some Ramens, of if I think of some other soft stuff (ice cream counts, right?) as I need to get a gallon of milk anyways.

Saturday was the 5th Annual Santa Run, and from what I remember, it was a good night. I imbibed much more than I should have, and unfortunately do not remember about half the night, but talking to SIL today, I asked if I was an ass at all. He said no, but told me one an incident that happened that he found funny. Of course, it was near the end of the night (close to closing time, or at least for us to get home). So that was good. We took SIL, Daughter and Doodad out to dinner tonight prior to them returning to Tucson until Christmas. There I had the steak filleted salad - and I could not eat all of it, as I was still somewhat full from the large lunch I had had. I did eat all the meat though. I'm sure at some point today, I will have a very fibrous BM. Two plates of salad at lunch, and 3/4 of a big salad for dinner. Lordy, Let's hope I don't clog up the pipes in the house.

Middle and Youngest sons have plans to go out to RM's today for some baking Christmas time with Grandma. Daughter and Doodad went yesterday, meeting up with a cousin and her daughter there as well. I heard at dinner some of the things they did while there. PT sounded like his regular self, yipping at the kids if they got too close the tree, or were 'running' from room to room. He's gotten so much worse in his older age, and I'm just talking about his attitude. And I am sure he wonders why no one wants to visit him... I'm not going there. But I got the impression that even RM was getting irritated with him. I'm sure there was plenty of eye-rolling going on, too. At dinner, Daughter had asked me if I had any ideas what to get PT for Christmas, and I immediately said 'An attitude adjustment, but I don't think any of us could afford it, as big as it needs to be'.

I still need to get out at some point this week and get some gift cards. I guess when will be determined by if I am working or not. I'm going to be off no matter what on Wednesday and Thursday, but obviously will be quite busy those days. I think there will be a slight rise in air-freshener spray market stocks this week.

Alright, it's barely 3am and the sleeping pills are not working. Looks like I am pulling an all-nighter. Time to find a movie that sounds interesting and kill time until 6am.

Edit: Went to bed around 4:30, but didn't get any sleep. Just a couple naps. Logged into work, and looks like I will be working at least part of today.

PeacE

Playtime Is Over

 Last Friday, late in the afternoon, I actually received an email from the Company. They had a possible project starting Monday. Of course I replied I was available, and answered some silly little questionnaire they had online. Over the weekend, through several emails, I was accepted onto the project, and started midday Monday. It is only 'supposed' to last one week, with a slight possibility for advanced work (which I do) into next week, but they are not sure as of that point. So today is day 3 of working again. That's good.

Christmas is fast approaching. I told the Wife I am done shopping except for gift cards, which I will do this Friday. Fry's has 4x fuel points that day, and I intend to rack some up!

The 5th Annual Santa Run is Saturday. As usual, the Oldest Son is going. I invited my SIL for his first time as well since they will be in town. Working numbers this week, trying to find out who is actually going and who is backing out.

That's about all the time I have today. Time to log off from work.

PeacE

Parties and Rain

 It is overcast this morning. Looks like it rained (or is raining). For AZ that is good - we can always use it if it comes in small spurts, rather than pouring downfalls (flooding and the desert ya know). My neice's daughter is having a birthday party today, that was supposed to be outside, but am guessing will be inside now. RM had mentioned it is a Tea Party, and was going to be crowde3dc if everyone is inside. Oh Well. The Wife had stated awhile back she was going, though it is at my Sister's house (whom we have not gotten on with well). Last night I found out my Daughter and Doodad were going to be there - so now I have to go so I can see them.

I guess that that means it is hair day. I have been letting mine grow out the past month or two, and it is at that stage where you cannot do anything with it (too short) and yet it still sticks out any-which-way. I'll buzz it back down to the scalp this morning before the party, and probably trim up around the beard.

Santa Run is coming up soon. My buddy and I (creators/sponsors) are set to rent the 25-man bus this weekend, and start contacting the 23 people that said they are going. I'm sure we will have five or so back out last minute, but usually pick up at least three more extras. Still a fun time, and I enjoy it quite a bit as my Oldest Son goes. Gives us time to hang out and catch up, plus have a drink or seven together.

Tonight I might be going to the VFW - haven't decided. But the drawing for a chance at around $9600+ is tempting. Think I might even try to get the Wife to go.

Welp, it is Clash Day (in a viking themed game I play) so I'm off to war.

PeacE

Miracle? Or Just Recovery?

 Hmph. Last night's 4th Annual Santa Run seemed to be beset with problems from the get-go. About two hours from "go time" I get a text from one of the guys, that he can't find his Santa suit. Not my problem - I didn't put it up last year. But no suit - no go. I suggested he run to Party City ( a store) and see if they have any cheap ones he could buy. He never showed for the run. Out of the signed up 22 persons (guys) only 17 actually showed up. Not a bad ratio in my figuring, but my buddy who co-sponsors it was a bit dissappointed.

Overall I had a good time. The Oldest Son and I got to hang out and talk about "guy stuff" and catch up on just life in general. Yeah, I may have had a couple too many, but woke this morning at 9:ish feeling fine. No hangover, just that strong desire to relive an overloaded bladder. I was there for awhile. I had made no plans for this day, more specifically this morning, as I did not know how I would feel..

Just got a text from my football buddy that he will not make it to the pub for the games. Of course I told him last week, I would probably not be there this week, but actually I will head up there shortly. I guess he has a 'bad cough' (his words) and he is kinda weird about when he is sick, or being around others when they are sick. It's fine. I'll catch up with him next week.

Alright. I gotta go take care of a  few things then I amheading to the pub to see if my Redskins can beat the Giants (tied 2 weeks ago). And I am taking my tablet to do some reading as well.

PeacE

Time for the Running of the Santas

 Whew! I am up early! The Youngest has a call-time of :am at the band room,  and he actually woke me around :am as he was getting in/out of the shower. I waited until the Wife's alarm went off (to wake him, though he was already up) and told her she gets to take him since she had on more clothes than I (she had on pj's). Before they left she came back in and grabbed an old flannel jacket of mine, as she said it was 35 out this morning. I hinted I wondered what is open at 6am for breakfast besides Dennys and McDonalds. Will see if she got the hint and picks up a breakfast from Wendys of JitB. I'm kinda hungry sitting here this morning.

Youngest came in the office here this morning in shorts and a T. I asked if he was going to be warm enough, and he said once they have full uniform on, and the marching, he'll be warm enough. I remember my days back in Junior High in Frankfort, marching in the Christmas parade, in the snow. It was so cold! At least I was playing a plastic sousaphone and not a brass one, or a brass tuba.

Santa Run is this evening. I texted with the Oldest Son last night, and I guess his friend is not going now. Something about having some teeth removed in the last week, and not sure that things have healed up enough that he should be drinking. Wuss. Oh well. More time for my Son and I to talk. I will spend a portion of today getting things together. I have got 200+ candy canes to throw into the Santa bag. I also bought some fur-trimmed boots to use with my suit rather than the 'shoe-covers' that come with it. I need to run by the bank yet at some point and get the money out for this evening as well.

Think I heard the Wife come home. Gonna go see if she brought breakfast - though I doubt it.

PeacE

Edit: The Wife did NOT bring breakfast. So around 7:30 I told her I needed food to get rid of my morning sick feeling (from meds) and I would take her to Ronnie's. She was all for that. Now back home and getting the candy canes all together. Unpacked the Santa suit (the bar one) and my new boots I ordered to go with it. Now killing time until this evening. Definitely will nap at some point.

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

Need Cheese With This Whine ....

 Yuck. I'm not a big fan of cheese by itself, unless it is like a grilleed cheese sandwich. But aside from that, I'm just in a whiny mood this afternoon. Work resumed at noon yesterday, which is a good thing. And I was busy until about 45 minutes ago. Now I am waiting for them to compile parts of the workload, so I can continue working. In the meantime, I twiddle my thumbs and wait. Only an hour until I can end the day, but sitting here doing nothing for that hour is just... a waste.

The 4th Annual Santa Run is this Saturday night. Since my buddy and started this event, it has grown a little each year. I think we had 15 guys the first year, and our token reindeer - my Oldest Son was our DD that year, as he wasn't old enough to imbibe with us. He has made every year after, and again this year I am looking forwardd to an evening of hanging out with him. This year he has a friend coming along as well. My brother is going (yee.haw.). Our numbers have swelled to 22 this year, with one more possible. Thanks goodness we have the party bus that sits 25.

I just checked in on workload again. Still nothing. Sigh. I guess I need to be the squeaky wheel and message the Lead that I need work to do.

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

Getting the Mrs Out

 Tonight is the 3rd Annual Santa Run, and with the headcount we worked on last night, we have 16 guys planning on going. We are planning on picking up the Oldest Son around 6:30pm and then it is off until the wee hours drinking and comrading around with a bunch of guys, dressed as Santa. Of course, with my body build and beard length, I make the Santa look more correct than the others - I may be biased.

The Wife is doing the girl thing, where they copied our idea and are going out as a group dressed as Mrs Claus. Thankfully they are not doing the same bar hops as we are, except for a couple stops, The Wife is one of the designated drivers for their group. I think there are only like 7 or so going...if that. She knows a couple of the guys in my group, and a couple ladies in hers, so she will be meeting many people tonight. Especially at the first stop, as it is my regular hangout.

Middle Son came and 'kidnapped' Youngest for a few hours. After he dropped him back off I was verifying times with him about Monday. Middle is taking Youngest to RM's for some Christmas baking stuff - RM's tradition she likes to keep. Then I made a side note I would see him the following Saturday, and he looks at me blankly. 'Christmas?' I say, and he groans. 'I still need to do all my shopping yet.' I laughed. Then I told him I need nothing, so don't waste time trying to get me anything. He will probably end up giving me a 2-liter of Mtn Dew or something... which is just fine.

Welp, a few hours left until I need to don the suit.

PeacE

Down From the North Pole

 Today is the VFW Post Children's Christmas party, and my third and last Santa Gig for the year. In theory, it is my first, as the other two were cancelled. Either way, I am up early today to prep for the party. I have already used my new beard iron and straightened out the funny kinks in the beard, and applied the first coat of white paint. While it is drying, I am getting all of the outfit together, before looking to apply a second coat, or touch-ups to the beard and facial hair. I'm sure there will be pictures later, as I know several will be taken. We are doing Santa pictures for the kids after all.

Friday I was re-assigned to a new project for work, but had mentioned I had a prior commitment and may not make it that day. The Oldest Son needed to get his car in for some stuff (engine light was on, and another previous issue about it 'stuttering' sometimes). He had asked for me to pick him up that morning so he would not have to sit in the the lobby for at least three hours while they worked on things. My new project meeting wasn't to start until 11am, so I said sure. We went out for breakfast, did some shopping, and had a nice time catching up since I don't see him often.

My project meeting time got changed to 2pm, and he got the call that his car was ready about 12-1230. I dropped him back off, returned home, and started getting ready for the meeting. Suddenly I get a call from the Oldest Son, he had returned to the car shop. About a half mile down the road, engine light came back on and the rpm readings were fluctuating like they shouldn't. He said he would just nap in one of the chairs since he knew I had a meeting coming up. I read through the project protocol (about 10 minutes) and said 'Screw it' and drove over to pick him up. I did tell work I had a prior commitment.... and I emailed the leads about it. Then we went over to one of my watering holes and had a beer while waiting on the new repairs needed. He was back at his car by 4pm'ish, and out more than I think he should have been, but hopefully it is said and done. And I got to spend more time with him. In fact, he has some vacation time in January he needs to burn that we have set some plans for.

Well, this hair paint dries stiff, and in trying to kind of comb it out so not so stiff, it leaves a chalky residue. I couldn't find any hair spray paint, which I which I think would have worked better. I didn't wand to have to mess with real dye, as the bleaching process, etc. The Wife is supposed to don her bought Mrs Claus outfit and go with me today, but as I laid out my suit last night, she didn't say anything, and I truly think she has not even opened the package it came in yet. Sigh. Have that argument in about half an hour.....

Saturday is our 3rd Annual Santa Run, and we have about 14 guys going this year (including oldest Son). Doing things a little different than last year, but overall should still be fun. Some of the wives and SO's are goin as Mrs Clause' (Wife included) and stopping at the same places we do, though staggered in time. I am not big on that idea. I think they should pick their own places to go, so as to not ruin the surprise on faces when 14 Santa's walk in.. and vice versa for them. But no one will listen to me.

Either way, feels like this coat is almost dry so I need to go see what mroe needs to be done.

PeacE