I Almost Done Forgot ...

 ... to write in here today. I was going through the morning routine but when I got to the part where I write a post, I didn't even think about it and went on with whatever I do next. I was like, 'Whoa!'. So I backtracked and here we are. Sitting and staring at the screens between us, waiting for me to come up with some significant ramble to entertain you.

I mentioned yesterday I think, that at the birthday party on Saturday, my Brother and I caught up a bit. While we were talking about my medical stuff (I believe it was the TIPS), I had said something along the lines of '...and eventually get rid of this lump' and he sort of pointedly looked at my stomach. So I lifted the edge of my shirt and showed him the umbilical hernia I have going on. He about freaked at first, then he whips out his phone and begs me to show it again so he can get a picture. I asked why he would want a picture of my 'inside-out' belly button, and his reply ... that thing has a nipple on it! SMH. I tried to explain it isn't a nipple, but the actual bottom of the belly button being pushed out. HE wouldn't see it any other way though and kept on about the "nipple". Needless to say, I don't know how many beers he was in, and he never did get a picture. My Brother is an idiot at times ....

This week is not too crazy. House/Ent Comm. meeting on Tuesday. Para on Wednesday, Middle Son's birthday on Friday, and a Dist 3 training meeting on Saturday (VFW). Next week will be the busy one with a CT, and the tips procedure.

I did finally get the minutes for the Riders done, and the Agenda for the House/Ent Comm. yesterday morning. It only took me like 4 hours. Sigh. But it is done and out of the way.

Looks like I need to place an order at the grocery. I am out of soda. I'd prefer to get like a gallon of tea, but the fridge is too full to support two gallons, plus the milk. Sodas I can counter after opening. I think the Youngest is out as well.

The Wife made a quick stew last night, and I even admitted to her, it had to be one of the best renditions she has made. The potatoes and carrots were cooked to perfection - nice and soft, yet firm enough to stay in shape. I think she used one of the smaller pork tenderloins for meat, so nice chunks there. It was spiced wonderfully (even if I do add more, and hotter, after a try a few bites. I suppose I need to get off my butt and do a dinner again. I was trying for once a week, but this past week I have been fatigued for some reason. That started about Thursday, and still lingers. I think itis just yet another symptom of the medical stuff going on, or worsening. I don't know. 

I did message Mayo regarding the standing doctor's orders I have at Banner Hospital for my paracentesis. I could schedule my own as need for therapeutic reasons, but limited to the 10L max drain. It expires 8/20/26. So I asked if it needs to be extended, could it be extended, what are we going to do? The reduction of fluid build-up to is supposed to decrease, does not happen miraculously overnight, and I may need to do some paras for a bit afterwards - hoping that the length of time between increases, and the drainage amount decreases. I hope to have an answer today.

Yet another prescription to get today. I have one other I am waiting to be filled, and that will be all of them this month. I also need to get some more lancets for the glucose testing. Maybe after I pick up my store order.

PeacE

Let's See What Falls Out of my Gob today ...

 Yesterday I woke about 45 minutes before my alarm went off. I went ahead and got up, as I had plans that morning, and I might as well get things done. Around 7:30 I headed to the City of Sin to visit RM while PT was out of the house. I always enjoy sitting down and catching up with Mom, even though most of the major daily events we share through our blogs, but here we have time to talk in more detail about things happening. We chatted and I drank my iced tea (I love Mom has tea for me seemingly all the time). Around 11:00 or so, PT stumbled home (almost literally) and I visited just a little more. By then Mom and I had moved to the kitchen (from her "work room") and she was making some cookies (oatmeal raisin). Of course we each got a warm one from the first batch, and it was so nice and gooey! I finally excused myself near noon, as I had set the groceries to be picked up between 12-1.

Swung through El Pollo Loco for lunch. I love their queso guac chicken burrito, and the Youngest likes their new loaded queso chicken quesadilla. And a large horchata drink for me. Unloaded all but the soda I bought, and decided I had a couple hours or so before I needed to start dinner. Then I played video games. Around 4pm I started up the makings for baked ziti in the crockpot. By 7:30, it was ready for the last 30 minutes of cooking (where I add the pasta and cheese) and I did. It was SO. GOOD. Everyone liked it, said to keep it for future easy dinners. I'll send over the recipe to RM this morning, as she stated she loves baked ziti, and let her know of any changes/substitutions I used.

Nothing much to do this weekend. I need to work on the Riders agenda tomorrow, for Monday's meeting. I have a couple hours this morning to hit up both my AA groups online. Then it will be video games, I am sure. I shared a post on FB to my Wife that the discount grocery we like to shop at has 'restocked the freezers' and one picture showed many bags of Sonic tater tots. I jokingly threw out that I love Sonic's tots, and we should get some. The Middle Son's girlfriend made a comment she would be up for going along with us to the grocery, bringing along Doc, the grandson, if we were willing to pick her up. It would give the Son some extra time to sleep (he works nights). I did verify that the Wife saw it, but do not know what she will want to do today. I'm all for letting her go with the girlfriend, but I do want to see my grandson. Decisions, decisions.

I finished up 'Day One' in my new book. The last couple pages were a bit repetitive to me, as it talks about 'naming our demons' (admitting our faults) which is Step 1 in the AA program. This book may contain many similarities, as it seems many times, this 12-step program layout works very well. I'll just grit my teeth and move along, even if I feel I've read a section before (from the AA Big Book) because if I just learn one thing in this reading, that will help my relationship with God, it will be worth it.

Heavy thoughts this morning.... I need to finish up my "quiet time" and get a couple emails sent this morning before the meetings. Y'all have a good one!

PeacE

Draining and Filling

 I slept through to the alarm this morning, sort of. I did wake around 5:30am, but told myself 'No. You are not getting out of bed until the alarm (or bladder) makes me. Then I cat-napped until the alarm. I feel more refreshed than I have on these early wake up mornings, so maybe I just need to do that. Works in progress.

This morning I have my paracentesis at 9am. Hoping that they "Drain me dry" today. Last Wednesday, and the Friday before that, it was 10L and stop - both times, leaving fluid in there. I want it out. Plus, I would be able to weigh myself and get a more correct measurement of weight loss/gain. The last time I was able to, about a month plus ago, I was down to 247 pounds. I'm hoping it has gone done, but realistically, if it stay around that number for now, I am okay with it. Just don't want to be stacking back on the weight like before. At least I don't drink and have all that sugar, etc. from the liquor, adding to that weight.

I like to think of the Wife and I being somewhat frugal. Though, I'm the one that does "shopping sprees" more then her. Monday I finally decided my office chair has reached it's end days. Four of the five wheel-rollers have broken off and the hydraulics for raising the seat do not work. I attribute most of that to my previous weight issues. Too dang fat for the chair (Weight-wise). I had already replaced it once under warranty (one of the arms connector to the seat broke) and it is now past the warranty I put on it last time. So Monday I sat in the broken thing and turned my browser to Staples. Why them? They are an office store close to home (for pick-up) and I have some rewards there. Shopping online, I saw no chairs really in stock at that location, but could order it, with free delivery to my home, and have it within a couple days. I found one I liked at a low price (about $60). How to keep the wheels from breaking again? Well, our office was an add-on to the house years and years ago, so the flooring is painted concrete. I guess over the years with Mom and Dad, it has worn some grooves (at the desk where I sit). SO, I saw they also had a floor mat, for hard floors (none of those plastic points on the underside) for about $30. I bought both. The mat was delivered yesterday, is in place already. The chair will probably arrive while I am at the hospital.

The Wife is off today, so not sure what plans will be after I get back home. Lunch will be first though. I almost always fast for these Para appointments (for weighing after). I do need to get those veggies RM sent chopped up and in containers. I need to send out a Riders message about what little happened on the Online Convention last Sunday. Agenda for the House committee will get done Sunday evening for sending out Monday.

With the times for my para, I may miss my home group this morning. I have been going almost everyday, just because I am sitting here playing games. Best to go than just sit here. I may look up any other meeting, where ever in the world, and meet new people. I used to be really bad about changing my routines and I will admit, I still have issues but I do try to be more open to change. Doing these meetings online just make it more convenient, and no traveling.

Welp, I think I shared enough today. Gotta "get dressed" for the para - gym shorts and T-shirt.

PeacE

Good Cop, Bad Cop

 I imagine that is how it will go at the pharmacy at some point today. One of my prescriptions has gotten messed up between the doctor, the pharmacy, and my insurance ... and a little bit by me. My fault in it is that I should have caught it before ...

What am I talking about? This one prescription is one of diuretics, which means it is a blood pressure pill as well. I started these back in December, I think - maybe January) and it was prescribed for two 100mg tablets a day. This was the 'liver doctor' that took three months to see back int he beginning. Anyways, Mayo decided to increase it to three pills/day. The prescription was sent in to Walgreens and life went on with me taking the dosage amount.

I Should have looked at the label (aside from verifying which med it was) and noticed, it still said 2/day. Two weeks ago, I noticed that oddly enough, I was running out. I filled my weekly pill boxes, and yes, I ran out. I happened to check the label and notice it was the old prescription. Well, I contacted Mayo and explained what was going on, they checked again with the doctor, confirmed it is 3/day. I said I need a new prescription sent over then, as well as one to give me an additional 30 pills so I can 'hold out' until it is time to refill. New prescription went over. My insurance put a hold on it because it hasn't been long enough from the last refill. I ran out about mid-week.

So, today I am taking the Wife with me, and going to Walgreens, to see if they can just get the pills to last me until the refill time and I'll pay out of pocket or whatever. My problem is that I start to get very frustrated and angry that even after things were explained, everyone seems like 'Okay. Well, your refill is due...' The Wife is going to keep me from raising my voice and be the voice of reason. I hope. And I hope to resolve this today. Last night I started feeling weird. It's hard to describe, so I won't waste your time describing it, but I believe it is because I haven't been taking this medication for several days. I cannot verify that. This morning I feel slightly better, but not 100%. Lord, please make this happen....

I am making dinner tonight. I figured I will crockpot a batch of chili. I got most of the fixings Wednesday, but realized last night I forgot something, and also picked up the wrong kind of beans. Sigh. What was I thinking? I picked up pinto beans, when I wanted ranch style/kidney beans. I don't even like pinto beans... So I see a grocery stop today as well.

I ordered some things from amazon a few days ago. A new S-pen for my tablet. A can tip that "spreads out" four legs. Not so much needed for balance and all, but because  the cane I am using currently is a walking can, straight, no hook. So when I sit down, it has to be propped just right to keep it from clattering to the ground. This new end-piece will make it "stand on its own" so that I don't need to worry about it sliding down the floor so much. Also got a new tablet protector case that meets my desires - my old one has been abused so much, several clips have broken, and the tablet falls out of it when carried a certain way. I've had that case since I bought the tablet several years ago. Well, the first two were to be arriving on Friday, the tablet protector on Saturday. Friday I get an email there was a "problem with the delivery" and that they would try again. I'm guessing it was marked to go out, and missed the truck or something like that. No biggee - it'll be here in a couple extra days. The cover arrived yesterday with no problem. No other package. I went online to see if there was more information about this error, but it all just stays the same. So, I figure it must be an error on their part somewhere in the process. Hope it comes Monday. OR better yet, today.

Tomorrow, I shall recount the adventures of today, and hope that there are good things to report ... or at least humorous one.

PeacE

*yawn* Hey. Mornin' ...

 ... has come, and I forced my butt out of bed. The Wife is off from work today, so when my alarm went off at 7am, I was going to just 'nap until' it was time for my first appointment today. But no. I argued myself out of bed to get the day started. Have several things I Want to accomplish today.

First up, I have a 9:15am Zoom meeting with the psychologist on my transplant team. It shouldn't last more than 30-45 minutes I think.

At noon I have a 1-on-one with the Group Lead for my IOP. This will be my last personal meeting with her as I finish up the program on Tuesday. That one will last an hour.... she always gets me talking!

Those are the only things on my calendar, but there is more I want to accomplish today. I need to look up a couple crockpot recipes I had saved to try, figure what ingredients we have here at home and go to the store for the ones we don't. I am going to do dinner tonight probably.

Need to pick up prescriptions. I have been out of a couple all this week so far, so "my meds are messed up". I have notice that 3 are ready for pick up. 

I need to schedule a dental appointment regarding this tooth pain. It faded (finally! around 6:30p yesterday, and is only slightly bothering me this morning. Need to get the deep cleanings scheduled as well.

I paid current the balance I had at Mayo Clinic yesterday. Now to start working on my Banner balance and yet leave some monies free to help cover the dental work I need right now.

At some point by Monday I need to get out to the 'one-day' bread store out near RM's. We are doing hot dogs and hamburgers for the Riders meal NEXT Friday and we need buns. We have used this store before and they were ecstatic to help us out and donated what we needed. I am hoping it goes as smoothly as then, as I was not the person that "landed" this place for bread donations. Need to get an email out to the Riders who has signed up for what, and see if anyone will step up.

By tomorrow evening, I need to get the minutes completed and sent from the House/Entertainment committee meeting last night.

So ... busy day for me even though I know probably not all of it will get done. Appointments, dental, medications, then everything else is my priority order. I'll add in I may do an AA meeting today as well. That will be at 11am if I do it. Will see if I am busy at that time and plan accordingly.

I read this morning that my Brother has all five of his grandkids for a couple days. I am debating hooking up and going there to visit them. Everybody loves Uncle Ralph! Some I have not seen in awhile as they live far enough out of town I am not driving 4 hours just to visit someone else's grandkid! Well, depending on the circumstances, but to visit ... no.

The Wife has some things she wants to get done today, like planting some new rose bushes out front. I don't know if we just have some bad soil, they aren't properly cared for (watering, sun exposure), or what, but they newer plants seem to keep dying - no matted the time of year. I know she plants them in fresh potting soil, but other than that, I have no idea what she does, except water them. Maybe she just needs to add some rose plant food. I dunno. 

I am sure the Wife would love to do a lunch date with me today, but I just don't know. I have that appt. at noon for an hour, then I need to get meds, food, running around done before returning home to start on dinner. Sometimes when she gets an occasional day off it is hard to plan anything as she doesn't even know until the day before.

I miss my grandkids. I got to have lunch (Papaw's treat) with the Wife, Middle Son, his partner, and Doc - my only grandSON at this time. It wasn't much, but it was still good - even if the almost one year old wouldn't have anything but a stare for me the whole time. Cried whenever I would reach for him. Sigh. This to shall pass. I think it about time to go to Tucson for a day, or see when they are coming up this way , so I will be able to see the Daughter and family. Doodad is out of school for the summer, and Widget ... some of the antics we hear about her are just wonderful! She's going to end up sassy like her mother.

I am sure there is more I could write about, but I would have to sit and think about what. So on that note (B Flat) I am going to end this for the day with a funny.

 - I used to say "Have a wonderful day!" to everyone I met or interacted with. But now I decided to change it to "Have the day you deserve!". Let Karma sort that stuff out.

PeacE

Some Time With the Youngest ...

 'Friday is going to be a rather slow day,' I thought to myself this past Wednesday. The only item on my calendar was my 3 hour IOP session (9-12). So, I saw I am pretty well out of snack foods I keep here by the desk in my "Ralph's Snack Basket". The basket I got something like two or three Christmas' past from RM and it was full of snack stuff. The basket is great as it is big enough to hold quite a few snacks (depending on amount/size). So, I asked the Youngest if he would want to go with me on Friday, after my session, to Discount Grocery. I know he is out of soda and snacks as well. I verified with him again yesterday, and he is still going with me. I even threw in that we could grab some fast food somewhere while we are out, for lunch.

So I have some running to do. Walgreens for a prescription, car wash as some bird tagged my hood in a large spread that goes across the hood. And it needs vacuumed. Then Discount Grocery. I am running through the food ads to see if we need to run by some groceries we normally do not use for any special pricing on something we could use. Then back home. I'll be tired by then, from all the walking, so will probably call time out of the house over, and play on the computer (after groceries are put away).

I still need to get a haircut. I'm sitting down this morning and will determine who is getting paid how much, and I can get most medical bills paid off, or to a way lower figure due, with the backpay I received. 

Didn't sleep much last night. By 1:30 I knew I wasn't going to fall asleep soon. I was having some toothache pain keeping me up. So I went into the office and watched reels and some surfing the web, until about 5am, then laid down again. I did get about a two hour nap before the alarm went off. Maybe there is a nap after the shopping this afternoon...

Alrighty then. I think I bored you enough for one day. See ya tomorrow!

PeacE

Starting To Get Frustrated ...

 ... at Safelite Auto Glass. True, they had the cheapest price I could find for the replacement. True, they got it completed earlier than the estimated time. True, they messed up my Pre-Collision System (PCS) somehow. I received four emails from them: 1) car is being worked on; 2) windshield has been re-calibrated successfully; 3) Notice that the PCS system may malfunction due to their reset when  replacing the windshield, and to turn all features back on to fix the warning; 4) my receipt. Well yesterday before going out shopping I sat in the car for a good half hour, manually turning back on things like lane assist, etc. Then I went and set it so the PCS was "ON". No change. I shut it off and restarted a couple times, with no change. What is the big deal about the PCS? Well, for starters, it wipes my digital display in the dash, and though I can send it away, it's only for a few seconds and it returns and sits there telling me to see dealer.

So this morning I spent some time looking up some DIY to try to fix the issue. I did get a couple ideas that I will try tomorrow when I have the time to get my hands dirty. One deals with removing the battery cables and let sit for three hours, or hold the two disconnected cable ends metal to metal for about 15 secs. It drain the "juice from the system and when hooked back up, resets the system. I can easily deal putting the stations on preset, and my favorite phone numbers. The second option is to check the fuses. No idea how many for the PCS system (or components) so pretty much have to test most of them. If that doesn't work, then it a call to Safelite. In one video I watched, the place forgot to actually connect one of the connectors back up, up in the compartment by your windshield mirror. I may check that too.

Did my IOP this morning. We have been working through "Anger" this week, and I learned a few things about how to be self-aware of it better, and solutions. Lately, I haven't been angry that often (irritated, yes, angry, no) so haven't had a chance to try any coping mechanisms, or thought processing. It was good to learn of the triggers for Anger, and a better definition of Anger and the Causes of.

Tonight is the Riders Dinner at the Post. I went out yesterday afternoon to Sam's Club and was disappointed with my location. I mainly needed some produce (shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos) and their produce section was very small. No tomatoes at all, so I ended up with cans of diced tomatoes. Got the big jar of jalapenos for any that want to add. Chips, big bag o0f cheese for queso, and a couple other things. Spent too much (just over $60) so I will be asking reimbursement this time around. Then I had to go to Fry's for the rest, plus some stuff for home. I think I got it all, and went to the Post. I dropped off most of the stuff, including the cheese I wanted to bring home to make the queso before I go... So now I need to go earlier and start that up.

Sigh. And to top it off, my diuretics are kicking in full swing today - more than usual. Like every 30-45 mins doing a trip to the bathroom. I know, prolly TMI...

PeacE

What Have I Got Today?

 I'm still waking up a bit. I have been setting my alarm for 7am each day to get in the habit of rising from bed at that hour. Another tactic to try with my sleeping issues. To try setting a more regular wake/sleep times. Last night I was asleep by 10:30p and slept through the night wonderfully. So good, I'm a bit sluggish right now.

Nothing major in plans today. I have my 3-hour IOP at 9am. Afterwards I need to get over to Walmart as the Wife asked me to pick up cat food. Seems she stopped at a Frys (RM - over at 83rd Ave & Union Hills) last night after work. Well, she was wrapping up some shopping, had some really good deals on meat, plus some marked down specials (part of which was going to be supper), when over the speakers they asked everyone to evacuate the store. I mean, leave your groceries where they are, and git. So she had to leave the cart. Seems there was some sort of situation in the Deli area, no idea what, but the Wife saw the Fire Dept go in with some guys carrying fire extinguishers. Needless to say, she was tired and done shopping at that point and came home empty-handed - So we had to 'create our own' for dinner last night. Sigh.

I might head up to the Post after shopping. Not sure. I need to work on the minutes from Tuesday's meeting, and get those turned in before the meeting next week. Sigh. 

Welp, I am going to head out - got some things to do prior to my meeting.

PeacE

When Did Thursdays Get Hard?

 Man, I am beat and it is only 4:30pm'ish. I'll throw out why, and you can just call me lazy and wimpy.

Over a year ago, I started taking a edible gummy with about 10mg THC (or was it CBD?) to help relax me at night and help me fall asleep. These worked great for a long time, and because I didn't need to take one daily, it was affordable. My product was usually on sale twice a month for $18 for 2 bags (10 pieces each) so my normal order was 4 bags about every 5-7 months. Even though these seemed to work just over the satisfaction line, I did some looking for similar products that may be a bit stronger - not to "get high" or the munchies, but to put me in a deeper relaxation, or even knock me out. I found a bundle deal that these were D9 (some classification in the dispensary market) and stronger. So I bought them a couple months ago. Over the past couple weeks, I noticed I have been taking one almost every single night, late at like 12-1 in the morning, then another 1-2 hours for it to kick in... Now you see why I am up at 5am and just then trying to get some sleep - and end up sleeping most of the day away. So I have like 2 bags pretty full, and a third from the stuff from before, but I found another product to try. This one claims to be natural supplements. They only had strawberry (yuck) but it isn't strong. It says take 2 at normal bedtime routine. They also claim it is not a cure for chronic insomnia (which I am pretty sure I have some form of that). I slept last night from about 12am-8am. I still felt groggy and like I had not gotten enough sleep, but that's from days that I can't catch up on in one night. So now I have 4 cannisters of these new ones. They seem to work. Forty pieces per can, should last quite awhile.

Wow, all that to say I slept decent last night.

I did the morning rituals (pee, poop, wondered what day of the week it was) and sat at the computer. I have a morning routine I pretty much follow to the letter in regards to things I check when I sit here. If I have the time, I do emails (which can lead to other things to do) then FB real quick (try to avoid the Reels), then it depends on what I need to get done. Today, I had nothing on the calendar, so thought about what I was going to do today. Didn't feel like the Post. I know, I got RM's Eggs Ol's recipe, so I should do dinner tonight and make it. I put together a list of items that I know I needed to make it, then thought, well, I should go to Peoria Discount, too. So I did. The Discount is nice if you are able to find something you want/need, but you can't just go there like a regular grocery. After Discount, I called up RM, and went for a visit since I was on that side of town. Stayed longer than I meant to, but I was just tired, and was comfortable just sitting there. Finished my tea, and said I needed to go. Got gas, stopped at the Fry's for the food items needed. Texted the Wife, got a few more items to pick up for her (glad I remembered to text - she gets mad when I go to the store and not check with her). 

Then I went home. I unloaded most of the groceries. I have the box (Discount uses them instead of bags) with all the cold stuff out of it, that I will have Youngest bring in...whenever I see him. Not sure if he is sleeping or out of the house. Got everything for dinner, minus the baking powder. I could not find any at the store! And I WALKED THE WHOLE STORE!! Surely we have some here, as it isn't in many recipes these days. Or I'll just not add it and see what happens. I think it is to supposed to help the mixture rise better when baking, so it may be needed. Yes, I did buy snack foods for the Youngest and myself. I made sure I did not overdue it, but I had to get that bag of caramel something flavored Lay's chips, and the Cheeto's Flamin' Hot Dill Pickle flavor. They were out of my pickle de Gallo though. Thought I ordered some from Amazon, but I just looked and I did not, so need to figure something out. I got two bags of tortilla chips....

I'm worn out at this point. I just want to sit or lie down for a few hours - maybe a nap even. But, need to get stuff done. So I mowed the front yard (it needed it bad). By the time I was done, I was sneezing and dripping snot down into my beard. I guess so plant in the neighborhood near us, has some kind of  fuzzy spore and they coated a portion of the yard, then went flying into the air when mowed (like they should). Let's add in other pollens and dirt, and my allergies were to the point almost making it so I couldn't do anything. The trimming didn't get done. I was out of breath, fatigued, oozing snot, coated in dust and pollen, and sweaty (it is over 80 degrees here!). I put the cord and mower away, then got in the shower.

I never understood how people take those 30-minute or longer showers. I have always been a 'get in, get clean, rinse, get out. Today, it was different. I put it as hot as I could tolerate, did the wash/shampoo, rinse, conditioner, then I just sat there on my shower chair, letting that hot water rain down on my head, neck and back. I didn't want to get out. If I had a pool, and it was warm enough (the water) I would have just spent the rest of the daylight hours in there. That shower never felt so good.

So now I am in my PJs, doing little bits of projects I have all over the house. Some I can't move forward on until I have something, or something else needs to happen. No, I am not making excuses. I know there are some stuff here that don't fit that criteria, but it just isn't happening today. I'm off to play Warcraft and enjoy my V8 Splash Fruit Medley on ice.

PeacE

I'm Messed Up

 I know many would agree to that statement, just because you know me, and have seen me do some weird stuff. Honestly, I think my body is just off-balance with all the changes in the dosage amounts, add this, stop that - I'll get there - then add in my body changing due to health, weight loss, and the meds. All I know is that last night, I realized I was a "Chatty Cathy" and just did not seem able to be quiet without blurting stuff (thoughts in my head) out loud to myself even. By the time I laid down, I felt somewhat like my body was on meth again. It's hard to explain, but just believe me. Had many, many cramps last night, but still managed around three hours. Cramps and bladder woke me at 3:30am, and I am just not tired enough to lay back down.

So some updates for you, as if my medical drama that is going on out here truly entertain you.... Yesterday was the weekly paracentesis, and 10.7 liters were drained. Was hoping this was decreasing each week, but not now. I do need to call today and set the appointments for each week in Feb. I met RM for lunch afterwards. We went to Black Bear Diner, and I had a BLT with fries, a side House salad w/Italian, and an iced tea. As usual, I really enjoyed the time with Mom one-on-one, and I know she does as well. Then on the way home, I decided I was going to make dinner using one of the crock pot recipes I had come across and saved. I swung over to Walmart to get the supplies (I didn't have all of them at home). Like most of us, I ended up spending more than I meant too, but they had long-sleeved, moisture-wicking tees marked down from $8 to $2 and wouldn't that look good on me under my Riders vest? Oh, and just some extra foods in general. The Wife needed her nutrition drinks, so that case was a bigger purchase. Looked at PS5 controllers, but at $80/each I'm not getting one for Youngest to use with the computer. Happened to walk through Jewelry walking through the store, and looked at watches. Found a nice one marked down from $23 to $11. Eventually I made the check-out, forgot to tell the clerk I had a watch up at Cust. Svc. on hold while I finished shopping so no watch. Might swing by today and try again - just for the watch. Got home, Son helped unload and I split up the spoils - that's dinner, that's other supplies I think we needed (or I know I did), here's you some soda and tea. Then I started on dinner, since it was nearing5pm or later.

The main ingredients for the dinner were summer sausages, cut  bite-sized, string hashbrowns, red peppers, green peppers, white onion then the mixers: Campbell's Cheddar Cheese, whipping cream, sour cream and shredded cheeses. I did a fiesta blend of the shredded, and also added some seasoning (basil, Italian seasoning, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and some ground black pepper. Cooking said 2 hours high, but ended up being about 3 hours, just in time for the Wife to get home. Wife and Son said they enjoyed it, but it isn't a super wonderful food to ask for all the time.

Pickled up some Grill-o's Pickle salsa. Oh so good. I only had a bout 5 chips worth to try it, and I like it. Good - enough leftovers for a couple bowls. Might be lunch today (dinner from last night - and maybe the salsa, too). I do need to call for the weekly para appointments. Need to call Hyundai as I received an anti-theft warranty from them (for Youngest's car). Supposed to be a software update, and an ignition cylinder protector. I just need to find a dealer and time to take it in.

Hmm, seems my mind is drawing some blanks right now - or is that part of my issues with short-term memory loss, or other parts of the encephalopathy. Hopefully will get tired in the next hour and lay back down.

Other good news: PCP called about my bloodwork. Since my Rybelsus is not going to be happening according to my insurance, my PCP decided to stop the Farxiga (diabetes med). Makes sense since I am not taking any diabetic meds now, to get a better true non-medicated status of my A1C in 3 months. She also said my cholesterol was good enough that to stop taking the Atorvastatin. So now I am down to like 7 meds daily now. Talk about chemical body changes - take this, stop that. Sigh.

That's all I got for now. I am sure there was more to share, I just cannot get it to the top of the mind to write.

PeacE

PeacE

I Awaken and Rise....

 ... but too early for me to actually like it. This new med to help with the insomnia is doing it's job very well though. Last night I got about 7 hours sleep, and woke at 4:30a feeling rested and awake. YEs, I went to bed a little early last night (about 9p) so maybe I need to stay up later so I don't waken so early.

The Wife had Monday off work this week. Time for the yearly boob-squeeze (mammogram) which she wasn't really interested in doing. I don't think any woman does... But afterwards, she and the Youngest went out to the Discount grocery for food stuffs. I have no idea what all they got, but I got a couple bags of Dot's seasoned pretzels, and some Lay's Cuban sandwich flavored chips. I saw they got soda (for themselves) and when I asked, they weren't sure if I like Barq's root beer. Duh! While there, the Wife found some wi-fi type chargers for phones, and picked one up for herself. Her phone has gotten worn at the charging port, that it is super-sensitive about how the cord plugs in to charge it. Well, after the first night, she was impressed at how it charged on the new device. she asked me to pick up a handful more (I'm guessing for Christmas gifts). SO yesterday found the Youngest driving me out to the store. Picked up some more chips, and the Barq's was $0.69/2-liter bottle, so picked up several. Got like six of the chargers for the Wife, and a few other small things to use towards Thanksgiving dinner.

I was still sore a bit in the thighs, but with the assistance of the cart, made it through the store ok. Youngest and I then went to Red Robin, as I craved their bottomless salad. Then home where I spent the rest of the day on the computer playing games or watching shows. I had gone out Tuesday after the VFW meeting, and yesterday morning, I felt the effects. The new pill is what the NP called an alcohol inhibitor. I wasn't sure how that would affect anything, but it seems it makes me sleep more (slept in until the Son woke me around 10a) and makes me feel foggy-headed. I know it is these effects, because I really hadn't had that much to drink. So now I know. And everyone will be happy that d00d won't be drinking like he used too, unless I skip that pill at night.

Decided that I am going to wait until next Wednesday to get the materials for the rest of Thanksgiving dinner. Hope RM will have enough fridge space, as I plan to pretty much bring it all out there to make/bake/mix at her place that day. BTW RM, we have another addition: Youngest's GF. SO that brings it to eight of us total.

Welp, I did get a couple book reviews done this morning, and need to go see if there are anymore out there I want to read, plus check my glucose and stuff....

PeacE

It's Just Money, Right?

 Just when you think things might be going okay, something always comes along. For me yesterday, it was my CPAP machine.

I had walked out of our office room, on my way to the restroom, when I smelled something off. That 'tang' of something almost burnt, but not like food burnt. I finished in the restroom, and began to walk the hall, sniffing the air, trying to determine where it was strongest. Turns out it was coming from the master bedroom (my room). I'm looking around, sniffing from different sides of the room, trying to track down just where was it coming from. I had decided at this point it was an electric-burning type of smell, and so I'm sniffing anything that is plugged in. I finally determined it was the power cord to my CPAP machine. It is one of those that has the wall plug cord that goes to a convertor, then another cord that goes to the machine. Well, the machine was displaying a message to check the 30/90 Watt cord and plug in to start. I unplugged it all, then waited a couple hours. The smell had started to dissipate, so I plugged it back in. The unit started up for like five seconds, then died, displaying the message again.

This was a replacement cord I had bought a few years back. Note, my machine is probably close to 10+ years old, and I know I have been told that they should be replaced about every 3 years... But I never followed up on it, as mine worked fine. Anyways, the convertor had burned out before, hence the replacement. So talking with the Wife last night, we decided I should just get a new machine after all these years. Of course the first place I go is Amazon....

Right off the top of the bat it shows two newer, more compact, user-friendly models running about $800. One has no reviews, and the other had a few, but most were mid-level. Then I tried just Google, to find other places to possibly purchase from. Well, turns out, you need a prescription for most types of CPAP machines. After my trip to the NP yesterday, there is no way I am asking her for one. I am sure she would make me do the whole damn sleep study all over again, and I am not dealing with that whole shenanigan if I can avoid it. Once was enough. I went back to Amazon and bought the $800 machine. It should be here Wednesday.

Hopefully, that one will work well enough for me to get by for another 10 years, so long as I am alive. After all, the NP said that according to their stats, I'm 34.5% chance of a heart attack in the next ten years. 

Go figure.

PeacE

Wasted Effort

 I did get out yesterday. It was near noon when I motivated myself to get going to do the errands that needed done. Grocery store was first, where, yes, I did get more stuff than I really needed ( I was hungry) but also texted the Wife to get anything she could think of. Then it was off to Savers. They did not have any casual pants in my size that I wanted. Ended up choosing a pair of black jeans. As I was checking out, the lady assisting at the self-checkout (no actual cashiers here) came over and said something about a discount day. I know they have color-coded tags, and certain days a color gets 'XX' discount. As she finished putting in my 30% discount, she says "the senior discount is always nice."

Now I don't mind saving a couple bucks, but, really? So I say to her, that I am not a senior though. She looks at me, and glances at my beard, then back to my eyes, and softly says that she is sorry she made that assumption. I just smiled and said I'm only 51, but a discount is a discount. 

People always judging these days....

So, I was out last night to meet up with a buddy, when I got an email from the Court. Turns out my group was not needed today (YAY!) so no trip downtown today. Also, no need to buy the jeans (discount or not). Though I suppose I will keep them, in case.

PeacE

Civic Duty, My Ass...

 Last month I received in the mail a little postcard "requiring my immediate response". Of course, it was that nasty Jury Summons that I was hoping to never see again. It's a "civic duty" to be called to serve on a jury. Bah! It sucks! Over the past 30 years, I have received this summons 9 times. I have served once, on a 2-day trial, been sent home from the courts 6 times, did not have to appear 1 time, and, yes I am publicly admitting that I broke the rules and could suffer penalties, but I refused to respond or acknowledge or even go for one of the summons. That last one was about 3 years ago, in the middle of moving between houses, so I figured I could claim it was sent to the wrong address. You would think, in the Valley of over a million people (combined living area/cities) that there would be more people to randomly select from, instead of me having to do it almost like every 3 years. The selection system sucks!

Either way, tomorrow is my "special day". Of course, I will call this evening after 5pm, to see if my group number is still needed to attend or not. Here's hoping I won't have to go. In the meantime, now they are FORCING me to go out and spend money. Huh, you ask? Well, I don't own any pants (aside from a pair of trousers for my wedding/funeral suit). The court 'frowns' upon shorts (even in Arizona) so I have to go out today and find a pair. Savers and Goodwill are first on the list to see if they have any in my size, preferred color(s), and in decent shape. 

Sigh. I really hate clothes shopping, even if it is for me.

On the plus side, I have put shopping off until closer to the noon hour so I have an excuse to get something to eat from somewhere. I'm thinking Popeye's, but have not decided. A sub sandwich sounds good, too. And while I am out, I should stop at the local grocery and see what kind of cheaper soda I can get (aka Big K brand). My usual Mtn Dew/Pepsi products are getting pricey, even at the dollar store. Maybe look at some snacks, too. Oh man, I better eat before I go to the store....

Anyways, welcome to my whiny day (thanks AZ courts).

PeacE

Banker's Holiday

 President's Day. What a joke. Nothing more than a Federal government day-off, that Banks and many other companies use. Schools, too, as the Youngest is home today. I have never worked a job that got this day off.

I'm still a bit groggy this morning. Slept good though.

Had a good dinner out with the three boys last night. Went to Chili's. Wife got to see the car the Oldest has gotten.

The potato salad was good RM. It's all gone already. She was a bit upset (I'm reading into the comment she made) that I was not here when she came by though. But, my car needed a wash, and I had already made plans to be somewhere else. Sorry!

That's about all I got today. Got a good sale going on at the discount grocery (20% off my purchases with ad) so should probably finish getting ready to face the public. Need to stop by one of the other dollar stores and see about some new reading glasses - my last pair broke.

PeacE

Getting Cheap

 Who doesn't like to save a buck? I know I don't mind saving some money when purchasing things - be it the item being on sale, or discounted for a multitude of reasons. The Wife (the frugal one of our relationship) has always been awesome at finding deals on things, etc. and it has helped us save money over the years. We shop at discount stores for food and clothes. We watch for things to go on sale. You get the idea of what I mean.

So yesterday, after wrapping up with the workday, I decided to run over to the 99 Cent store, as I needed to get some bread, some water flavoring packets, and maybe some soda. Oh, and reading glasses. I broke mine the other day. The one near our home is of a decent size. And there were empty shelves! I strolled down the soda aisle, and the only soda there were about three different flavors of Shasta, where they usually have several flavors, and brands. When I got to the water flavoring, there was only like five available flavors - and only 1 of the kind I like. Bread... oh my. No white bread, but I found one package of white hamburger buns. Are things so expensive now, that even the "dollar store" can't stock it's shelves?

Oh, and I found a pair of reading glasses there. They were stronger than the ones I had picked up before, and when I got home, they actually work better than the previous pair. Bonus.

I have a feeling I will break down and go over to WinCo this weekend. The one 2-liter of Shasta Lemon/Lime I got is last night is almost gone already. I do love my sodas. I know the Youngest has asked if we could get some soda for him as well.

Welp, I should get back to actually working.

PeacE

A Reset Tuesday

 I play a large MMORPG game online called World of Warcraft. I have for years. Anyways, every day they have a reset - usually around 7am PST. Just a quick 'blip' and the "daily quests", dungeon locks, etc, all reset and freshen to a new day. Weekly, on Tuesday mornings, is the "Weekly Reset" - where the larger things (World Quests, Raids, Group Events, etc) do a reset. It is also the morning that they put in fixes for program issues, or adjustments to character attributes, and most important, add new features. This is usually an hour or more of time "down" as they add in the needed software changes, etc. Every Tuesday is the big one.

Today sort of feels that way for me. Woke around 6am, feeling fairly awake, and decided to just lay in bed until the Wife left around 630. Then got up for the necessities, and wandered into the office. I can start work at 7, but have been pushing it off until 730 just because I can. I really am not a fan of this type, and this particular, project. Supposedly it is to last through the end of February, and that feels like a long time for a project I don't like. Sigh. Don't worry, I'm sucking it up and just trying to do the best I can.

With school getting back into the swing of things, the Youngest now has to have Tuesday night practices. It is a percussion practice mandatory every Tuesday. Why? I have no idea. I am not happy about it - additional time we have to take out of our day to get him there on time, and pick him up...Hold on. Tonight's was an "optional" one as they were going to repair, fix, prepare the instruments for next week when they officially start this, but the Son just texted me that the "leader" isn't going to be there tonight, so he isn't going. Nice, for tonight. But they still have the even t going on the next several weeks (months?) that this has to be done. Sigh.

I guess I need to get out and do a little shopping this evening. Used up the rest of the bread yesterday having mayo and pickle sandwiches for lunch, then realized last night that the Wife had picked up more lunchmeat for lunches - but now I have no bread. I also broke my reading glasses. I had picked up a pair that matched my bi-focals, so I didn't have to lean my head back all day working at the computer. So now I need to see if I can find a couple cheap pairs at the dollar store or something. Need some more water flavor packets too, as the root beer ones I got for Christmas are gone already. Course, I like other flavors as well...

Reading has started off well this year. I think I am about 6 books in already. I was able to get about three read over the weekend, which was nice for a change. I see I got RM to get back on one of the sites I use (Goodreads.com) and she has set a goal for herself. I hope she will be able to keep it updated as she goes through books (and the year) whether or not she meets the goal she set. Reminder RM, even if you re-read a book, it counts - just add the additional date range you read it the second time!

Welp, I got about 30 minutes before I need to actually get to work, and I need to get a couple other things accomplished....

PeacE

Saturday Shenanigans

 Maybe I should change that title to "What kind of trouble am I able to stir up today?" as that is sort of the mood I am in. Mischievous. A bit Impish even (though I am not a small guy). <Shrug> Will have to see what happens around me to see what I am able to accomplish.

The Wife and I met up with RM & PT for breakfast this morning. RM had texted me yesterday, if I wanted the leftovers from their Friday Thanksgiving meal they had with friends. I said sure, and decided we should meet for breakfast for the exchange of food. Good breakfast, and I could only eat about half of it. Then the Wife and went went on down the road to the discount grocery we like. Around $200 later, we were finally leaving. Yeah, most of that was NOT groceries. They had a sale on a gamer chair colored blue (youngest Son's favorite color) so we bought it for him for Christmas. They also had some Amazon Mystery boxes - where there are items in it, but no idea of what type/cost/etc. For $50 I told the Wife I feel lucky, and bought one. Our cashier mentioned she had bought four of them that she is handing out as gifts this year. I thought that could be cool.... but I feel lucky and I want to open this one. A few months ago I tried one of those sites that you pay, say, $30 for a mystery item, and they ship it to you. I was lead to believe it was a box (like today) but it literally was one item. That was a waste. This looks like there are multiple items in it, but it could be good air packaging. We will see later today. Maybe I'll luck out and get something I am able to gift.

Craving tea bad today. The discount store did not have any, except individual personal bottles, which I did have on the way home. I did pick up a couple half-cases of Mtn Dew flavors - there are like 4 flavors of "energy" drink, and I thought I could try/share them with the Youngest as he likes that sort of drink. But that will be a couple hours as I can't stand warm soda.

Not sure what this afternoon will bring. Maybe some Warcraft. Maybe the VFW. Maybe a good crap and a nap. Well, the crap is happening no matter what of anything else. Speaking of, I should close this off....

PeacE

Mystery Box Reveal!!!

There were quite a few items in the box, and overall I probably got the cost in items, though many I can't/won't use... but here is sort of a list (if I remember it all)

- 4 size 10 mens spinner rings - spinner is a chain design

- 4 some kind of mat to wipe your feet on  - door mat

- 5 XL black rayon dresses

- 4-5 mascara make-up stuff

- 1 nail kit

- 4-5 dog collars with Apple air tag holder (no air tag)

- 2 bicycle cleat sets

- 6 packages of balloons in Halloween colors

- about 6 packages of assorted Halloween decorations you hang

- 1 foldable baby bath

- annnnn-nnnddd onnnnnneeee Mariah Carey CD!

The stuff was packed in pretty tight. Not really much to give as gifts, but I will keep the rings, as it just so happens to be my size. The dog collars are for larger dogs, and I know a couple friends that have dogs I will offer to them. Even without the actual air tag (for tracking) the collars are seemingly thick and well-made. The mats... I may keep one, and hand out if anyone wants. Make-up and nail stuff will go to the Daughter probably, unless the Wife wants any. Decorations will probably get donated to a school, maybe the facility where the Wife works. Balloons, too, more than likely. The dresses - I don't know. Savers maybe? There might be a couple items I missed listing, but either way they aren't important. I think the rings, though probably fairly cheap, are the big win, as I figure they normally sell for at least $15 each ($60 total) so the box was paid for. The funniest part of it, was I think the Middle Son (who happened to be by dropping off the Youngest) was excited to open the box as I was! Best surprise was the CD... I mean, c'mon. Mariah Carey? I'm sure it is one of her older albums but I am not a fan of hers. At least it isn't that Christmas song she sings!

Making Plans to Sleep

 Yesterday pretty much wore me out, though it wasn't anything I really did for that to happen. I spent most of the day watching a couple football games with friends, then the Wife and I went out to dinner. I was in bed around 10pm, yet find myself wide awake at 3:30 this morning. I was planning on getting some errands done this morning, when places open, but I have a feeling I will be asleep, trying to make up for this morning's early wake-up.

Speaking of things needing to get done, I really need to get up to the cell carrier's store. I am due an upgrade, and I have been having issues the past couple weeks with my cell. Seems if it drops down to 40% power, it automatically will shut off and not restart unless it is has been charged for at least 30 minutes. Crappy Moto-X phone! Think I'll go with a regular Samsung this time. Oh, then the joy of transferring contacts, etc.... so not looking forward to that.

I was also hoping to get over to the 99 Cent store to get some more flavor packets for my water. If not there, somewhere I can buy some tea. For some reason I have been craving it quite a bit lately.

I was a bit displeased last night at the place the Wife and I had dinner at. It is a place called Longhorn, and is labeled as a 'steak place'. It is close to our house, which is nice. The Wife and I had ate there a few years back, and found it comparable to the steak places on either side of it - Texas Roadhouse, and Black Angus. Literally, these three steak competitors had restaurants right noext to each other! Of course, Black Angus went out of business some time ago, so now it is only the two, with an Outback on the other side of the freeway.

Anyways, this place looks 'poshier' than Texas Roadhouse, and the atmosphere is much quieter without all the singing/dancing from the waiters/waitresses. The menu is comparable to TR's, and is a little more procey, but sometimes worth it for the quieter atmosphere and quicker seating than the other place. So we are seated promptly, and get our orders in. They bring some complimentary bread/butter, where the bread was hard and cold, the bitter seemed to be frozen. When our meat dishes arrived the Wife found here's was rare (ordered medium) mine was medium (ordered rare) and we were only asked once about drink refills (at the time of them bringing the meat). I was quite dis-satisfied. I do get better table service and correct meal orders at Roadhouse, so I guess I am back to having to deal with the louder noises and dancing.

PeacE

So, I Went Shopping ...

 Yeah. Me. Shopping. Not the kind where I meander all over the place and look at everything (like some people I know). I went shopping, like a Man. I walked into that Toyota delalership knowing what I wanted, what I willing to pay, and they better have it. They didn't. But, as it turns out, they are due a shipment of vehicles 4/25-4/30 that actually has exactly what I want on the trailer. It's a 2022 Rav4 LE AWD, *AND* it is the same color as my old one. I didn't put a reservation on it ($3000) because that monies would not be applied to the pricing. In other words, throwing $3K out there just to secure it. Naw, I'll ltake my chances. So we talked a bit more, and I found out the price I would pay since I am not financing. All in all, a good afternoon. Just waitng the call when it comes in.

I'm still in pain. The cuts on my leg are healing well, for scratches/cuts. The swelling in my shoulder has gone down. Bruising is starting to slowly fade away. But my chest still hurts. Just below the neck area. Feels like the bone(s) are bruised. I wonder when the air bag deployed, either the force of it, or it and maybe an arm) was thrust so hard, that it feels this way. It has been slowly getting better, and I noticed rolling over in bed, etc, was not as painful this morning. But the pain is still enough it distracts me, even when sitting idle. Hopefully I will be mostly back to my normal here this week.

It is Easter Sunday. We haven't given out baskets of candy on this day for years. With most of the kids grown and out of the house, why bother? Though, I do admit RM still does stockings for us kids at Christmas. Either way, we haven't gotten together (my kids/families) for Easter since they started getting older and moving out. The Middle Son had texted the other day, his work was being closed today, and he wanted to know if we had plans. Yesterday I tenatively said if he and his older brother wanted to, we could go to Dennys for lunch today, thinking it would be one of the less crowded places. He is to get back to me this morning. I would not be surprised if I do not hear from him, or they turn it down.

I think I am going to relax most of the day. The Wife will be working on final tax figures this afternoon. She always waits until the last minute, and refuses to pay  (her words - waste) $50 for Turbo Tax, when she thinks she has to figure out the figures anyways to enter it into the program. <shrug> What do I know? The Wife has tkaen this on many years ago, though I don't remember why.

Doctor's appointment tomorrow. Based on the somewhat record I have kept of my BP readings, I thin khe may increase my HBP meds a bit in the dosage. Maybe another 5-10 milligrams. I know he will send me out for lab work again. Some of the numbers from the last one were just weird. My blood sugar and A1C were sky high, to the point it was ridiculous. Though I don't know why - I had to fast 8 hours before I went. Needless to say I expect to do them again. In fact, I need to stop now and set up an appointment time for Tuesday, so I don't have to wait forever as a walk-in. There, done!

The Wife and I went out to dinner last night. I was craving some steak, so we went to Texas Roadhouse. We expected a wait (told 35-45) and an hour later we finally got our seat. We did get our appetizer and drinks fast, but waited nearly 35 minutes for the food, which arrived somewhat just above room temperature. It was possibly our worst experience at this restaurant. I was a bit disappointed, but the food was still good, and both of us were taking home at least half, if not more, of the meal home. I just couldn't eat it all. Another good thing, as I am working on weight loss.

Welp, the day is wasting away, and I haven't done much as of yet, so I should get going.

PeacE