Friday Shenanigans

 I slept in today. Not that I was "hungover" because I wasn't. I just felt I deserved to sleep in. Yesterday I did my annual diabetic eye screening. It was at the same place I have been to before, but the regular doctor I had seen (and liked) retired at some point over the last year, so they 'assigned' me to another one. This Doctor was much younger, and after meeting with him, I like him as well. Not that often you get a doctor you get along with well. Not that it really matters, as I generally only see this one once a year. Either way, I was given a good eye exam and off the hook for another year.

So, with my eyes dilated, non-prescription sunglasses on, I headed to that Dollar Tree for the donations pick-up. It wasn't bad, as I just took the 101 freeway from the doctor's. Once I get there, I walked up to a cashier and explained who I was, and what I was there for. She grabbed a box they had for the donations, and there were only like 5 items in it. I asked if it was the only box, and she said yes. So I left it there. I was a bit peeved that I made that trip and that was all there was to pick up. I explained I would be back again in two weeks, and the two weeks after that. Hopefully there will be more the next times.

They are sorting the other collected donations this afternoon from 12-5p. I did not actually volunteer to help with that, but I feel I should. At least it would be an afternoon better spent than drinking at the pub. Less money-spending, less reading time, but for the betterment. Besides, the Riders dinner starts at 5pm and I should be there for that, as it is our first one, and being in Leadership.... Think I will take the laptop, as I am sure our Director of the Group will be wanting me to note this, note that, and look this up, etc. I know I am the Secretary, but c'mon dude, you have a laptop you can do this on, too. Any notes you come up with for our meeting you can just keep until the meeting on Tuesday. I won't be sending out another Agenda.

Selfish sounding, I know, but if you think about it, I don't feel that way.

I don't read the comments on my posts very often, even though I know there is a simple button on the side from the dashboard to do so. Today I saw a couple from RM, and maybe we will see if we can do a lunch during the week. I need to check my calendar stuff and get back to you.

Well, guess I should get ready to head down to the Post....

PeacE

Never, Ever Volunteer

 Many of us have seen military comedy skits, when the Commanding Officer asks the squad for a volunteer, and all but one step back. I kind of feel that way after Tuesday nights Auxiliary meeting. Every year we participate in Operation Homefront, a program that assists kids with school supplies, donated from people at certain stores. Most of ours are the Dollar Tree ones around the west side of the Valley (where our Post is located. Once picked up, we spend a day sorting it by type (markers, crayons, etc.) and now that the event is bigger, they do it out at one of the high schools. This year that is on Saturday. Well, donations still need to be picked up. I offered, they asked my cross-streets, but nothing was in my area, and they had one location that really needed to be picked up, so I offered (again, mistake). It is down around 107th & Thomas, way out and south of where I live. And they need it by tomorrow. So that means I need to get there today. I have my annual Diabetic Eye Screening this morning, then will have to head there to get it. With my eyes dilated. Sigh. Not going to be fun.

Then I find out, we have to keep picking up donations until the end of August. So more trips there. Sigh. Do NOT volunteer Ralph. Sorting day is Friday. I might be there for that. Riders dinner is Friday night. Need to be there for that. Too much going on again, I am starting to feel overwhelmed, due to my stupidness in volunteering.

Well, I should go try to lay down more. Woke around 3am and couldn't get back to sleep, so here I am.

PeacE

Playing Some Catch-Up on Events

 Though it did not seem I was overly busy during the month of December, as I am going back through my calendar, I see several things that I had done. In fact, I have spent some time this morning getting the information needed into the Riders Group, and the Post Aux, so my volunteer hours show involvement for our Post. What's nice, is because I am a member of two groups, I get to "double-dip" the volunteer hours, counting one event for each group. Well, I think I got everything for the Riders Group entered into the system now. I only had one from what I could tell, for the Aux. Their paperwork is harder to figure out, and even just the one event I listed for them, I couldn't figure out where on the sheet it should go, so just emailed the information to the President. Let them figure it out.

Today, Saturday, will be dropping back into the regular routine somewhat. Have my all-day battle in one of the games I am playing. Probably end up at the Post this afternoon for a bit, haven't made up my mind yet.

See? So exciting....

PeacE

I Have Been Called Out ...

 Good ol' RM called me out this morning. 

As my usual morning routine (when not on a project), one of the thing sI do is read her blog. Today she mentioned I had not written in mine since last Tuesday, and she was wondering how I was. Most likely, because I was in recovery mode. Well, Mother dear, I am fine. This past week has brought all my numbers into a good range, and I am drinking less (more on that later). I just have been a bit busy to actually have content to write here.

So, around the time of the birthday shenanigans, I discovered that the VFW Post has tea as an option on their 'gun dispenser' at the canteen. I have gone there for over three years and never knew this! Well, now that I do, when there, I pass on the beer and drink tea instead. It is unsweetened, which I do not mind, but it sure has helped mu glucose numbers this past week, and even the pocketbook! I still have a  beer every now and then, as most places do not have tea as a drink option, unless it is a 'twisted tea' or some other tea with vodka from a can stuff.

I made a decision this past week as well. I decided to get more active in the goings-on at the Post. I mentioned I had already joined the VFW Riders Group. Tuesday they have a first meeting for a New Years Eve Committee to plan a party for NYE. I've volunteered to help re-do the lining int he kitchen drawers, help sort out the miscellaneous utensils scattered throughout, and assist with the cabinets as well, though I don't do ladders. I have been volunteered for Santa for the kid's Christmas (third in line, though admittedly I am the best Santa) but yet have no info if there is even going to be one. C'mon people! It's September and you are not planning this yet?!? So, yeah. Add in the miscellaneous other committee meetings that happen, that I can attend to hear what is going on, offer suggestions, but not vote, it fills up the calendar pretty quick. Good thing my friend showed me how to use Google Calendar, because it is getting well used now.

With all this going on, I still miss work. Another email sent off this morning to the Company. It may be time to seriously start looking for something else, hopefully close to home, and not requiring a dress-code (like suits, etc). I may even take smaller pay just to be able to wear shorts and not interact with the public. I don't know. Will have to look and see what is out around the area....

And with that, I am out of here.

PeacE

Memorial Day 2024

 No fancy post title today. It is Memorial Day, a day many people have off from work and/or school, even though many just celebrate it with family and barbecues, without knowing the reason for this day. Friday night, I asked the Youngest if he wanted to get up early, go with me, and help put flags on veteran's graves at the cemetery near the Post. Surprisingly, he agreed. So about 6:30am we were off to the cemetery. We did a couple sections, though quite a bit of walking for me. Estimated just between the two of us, we put out about 65 flags within the hour. At that point, most of the cemetery was covered, as we had a couple school ROTC groups, a Boy Scout troop, and a few other volunteers there helping as well. I was surprised to see only 2 others there from the Post, and definitely felt a bit sad about there not being others there from he VFW to help. I mean, if I can get my butt out there, walking around with a cane and doing it, why cannot they? I know, there may be other things going on in other's lives.... but still. Youngest and I finished off the morning by going to the Post for the free breakfast (open to the public), then it was home.

I was hurting by the time we got home. Muscles had started to let me know I used them, and they weren't used to it. I took a couple acetaminophens and laid down. Ended up napping a couple hours. Went back up to the Post for Saturday festivities that afternoon. Nothing exciting. Sunday was spent resting as I was still sore. Was going to take the family out to dinner, but Youngest said he didn't feel like going out to eat", so the Wife and I went to Seafood Harbor. They have a cucumber & onion salad I love, plus it is buffet, and I was craving salad. I did have some meats, but mostly stuck to the two salads. Spent the rest of the evening messing around on the computer.

Last week I had gotten an email from the company about a project hoping to start Tuesday. Saturday they followed up with they hope to have word out Monday, but Tuesday at the latest. The Oldest Son's girlfriend got the same letter, though she has never worked for this company before, or done similar work. She ahs the Son texting me questions about the job, and I'm starting to get frustrated with her. Why not just call me? Faster than trying to type answers/questions, and faster than going through the Son. Sigh, not my business. I will sending her an email her after this post, that contains more information for her. She is worried about not "getting the programs on the computer" that she will need for the job, even though I explained you work from a virtual desktop, that has all the programs needed. I'm beginning to wonder if she just doesn't grasp the idea. I probably shouldn't say that, but it is true. So here is to hoping to hear something, though at this time, it will probably be tomorrow before I do. Project is supposed to last approximately 4 months ....

Not sure what I am doing after I finish up here at the computer. Can't remember if the Post is open today, though they did do a flag raising this morning (and no, I didn't go).

PeacE