The wind decided to visit Arizona yesterday. Normally, that isn't a bad thing. A nice little breeze when it is 110+ in the summer is always nice, and with the weather in the 90's right now, it makes it feel like a very nice spring. However, it was gusting up to 50+ mph yesterday, which does not bode well for those of us with allergies. By noon, there was a brown cloud over Phoenix, and I couldn't even seen the mountain that is a mile from our house.
I knew what was coming. Past experience had taught me that I was going to be blowing my nose like crazy, and sneezing. Let's not leave out the itchy, watery eyes, too. But I was surprised. Even int the evening, none of that had happened. I had hoped staying indoors with windows shut would prevent it, and it seemed to have worked. Some showers came about in the evening and through the night, so I hoped that it would clear the dust and other crap in the air.
This morning, I have a river pouring down my throat from my sinuses, and my eyes are watering. No sneezing (yet - crossing fingers). But that tickling from the drainage is already bothering me, by making me cough quite a bit. My abs are sore from the crunches I did yesterday to top of my inconveniences. Woe is me.
Either way I need to get out in the world today to hopefully stop at a few places and do applications. I figured I should wait until I a more respectable hour,say 9-10, before I start.
What a fun day. Yee. Haw.
PeacE
Tuesday, April 9
Monday, April 8
I Am Beat
What a long weekend. I knew there were things going on that we were obligated to attend, and then the other things that had been scheduled. But I didn't think I would be so feeling so tired after it all. I do admit, however, that I am sure I am not feeling as sore and tired as the rest of my family is this morning.
Saturday morning found the Wife, our kids (including the Daughter), plus two of the Wife's brothers, their kids (teenage or older), and the MIL, all hiked up Shaw Butte Mountain to spread a small amount of my FIL's ashes there. My FIL had hiked that mountain trail (about 1.5 miles base to tip) several times a week for many years. At times, he would hike it more often, when preparing for one of his twice yearly Grand Canyon hikes. About a week ago, one of the other brothers had been in town, and they had made that hike for the same reason then as well, though the MIL didn't go. Needless to say, I know the Wife and my kids were pretty worn out after that. The Wife had sprained her ankle a bit earlier in the week, so was dealing with that pain as she hiked.
Saturday afternoon and into the evening was spent at the memorial service for the FIL. As a worker with the American Missionary Fellowship, he had been in charge of helping start and maintain churches throughout all of Arizona. The number of people whose lives he had touched was quite amazing, and many had stories to share during the open-mic part of the service. It was another couple of hours it seemed, after the service before we were able to leave, as everyone was catching up, and sharing more stories. Myself not being much of a crowd person, and not knowing so many of the people, was quite anxious to leave. About 9:30pm the Daughter swung by to pick up some things, as she was staying with her cousin at MIL's, and noticed the Wife's van had a tire leak. So I had to do a tire change at that late hour, rather than do it at 5am Sunday morning.
Sunday morning, the Wife and kids were participating in a 1K/5K walk/run to benefit Parkinson's. Already they were feeling sore, and the Wife's ankle was bothering her, but they all completed their events. A niece and nephew had joined them that morning and did it as well, the nephew winning the first in his age division. Myself, I had a couple softball games to play. The afternoon was spent spending time with family as one brother was to leave back to Florida this morning. Both families and the MIL went to dinner last night at one of our favorites, Black Bear Diner.
Monday morning has played out the same as a regular one, excluding the extra trip I have done to get a new tire for the one that went flat. I will have to put it back on when the Wife gets home tonight. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to her this morning, to see how she was feeling, but I am sure she is quite sore. The oldest son said he didn't feel too bad. Darn young'ins. I went to the gym, and am still down at the lowest I have been, though I haven't been able to drop just a bit more as of yet. After this weekend, I thought I may have ended up gaining several pounds, with all the family dinners together, but thankfully I haven't.
I did not sleep well last night, tossing and turning. I don't know if it was just being mentally drained, or what. Today I think I will relax here at home, maybe have a nap this afternoon. Tomorrow I will need to get out and do some more applications at places. The need for a job is getting pretty strong at this point.
PeacE
Saturday morning found the Wife, our kids (including the Daughter), plus two of the Wife's brothers, their kids (teenage or older), and the MIL, all hiked up Shaw Butte Mountain to spread a small amount of my FIL's ashes there. My FIL had hiked that mountain trail (about 1.5 miles base to tip) several times a week for many years. At times, he would hike it more often, when preparing for one of his twice yearly Grand Canyon hikes. About a week ago, one of the other brothers had been in town, and they had made that hike for the same reason then as well, though the MIL didn't go. Needless to say, I know the Wife and my kids were pretty worn out after that. The Wife had sprained her ankle a bit earlier in the week, so was dealing with that pain as she hiked.
Saturday afternoon and into the evening was spent at the memorial service for the FIL. As a worker with the American Missionary Fellowship, he had been in charge of helping start and maintain churches throughout all of Arizona. The number of people whose lives he had touched was quite amazing, and many had stories to share during the open-mic part of the service. It was another couple of hours it seemed, after the service before we were able to leave, as everyone was catching up, and sharing more stories. Myself not being much of a crowd person, and not knowing so many of the people, was quite anxious to leave. About 9:30pm the Daughter swung by to pick up some things, as she was staying with her cousin at MIL's, and noticed the Wife's van had a tire leak. So I had to do a tire change at that late hour, rather than do it at 5am Sunday morning.
Sunday morning, the Wife and kids were participating in a 1K/5K walk/run to benefit Parkinson's. Already they were feeling sore, and the Wife's ankle was bothering her, but they all completed their events. A niece and nephew had joined them that morning and did it as well, the nephew winning the first in his age division. Myself, I had a couple softball games to play. The afternoon was spent spending time with family as one brother was to leave back to Florida this morning. Both families and the MIL went to dinner last night at one of our favorites, Black Bear Diner.
Monday morning has played out the same as a regular one, excluding the extra trip I have done to get a new tire for the one that went flat. I will have to put it back on when the Wife gets home tonight. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to her this morning, to see how she was feeling, but I am sure she is quite sore. The oldest son said he didn't feel too bad. Darn young'ins. I went to the gym, and am still down at the lowest I have been, though I haven't been able to drop just a bit more as of yet. After this weekend, I thought I may have ended up gaining several pounds, with all the family dinners together, but thankfully I haven't.
I did not sleep well last night, tossing and turning. I don't know if it was just being mentally drained, or what. Today I think I will relax here at home, maybe have a nap this afternoon. Tomorrow I will need to get out and do some more applications at places. The need for a job is getting pretty strong at this point.
PeacE
Friday, April 5
Yea! It's Friday!
For no other reason, I'm glad it is Friday. Maybe just because I know it is the end of the week. Maybe because it is a day I usually (though not always) hang out with a few of my friends. Maybe it's just because we are socially trained to think of nothing but good things in relation to Fridays. Don't know. Don't care.
Tomorrow the services for my FIL will be taking place. It would be nice to just finally get that all done and over with. I know I am being a bit callous, but I would just prefer it all to sort of just, go away. I'm being selfish, I am sure. The Wife has today off from work, as she wants to spend some time with one brother that has flown in from out of state. I am still trying to figure out what her plans are, so I can plan my day around hers, or if she needs me to help with something so that I am available. Last night, all she said was she had no clue what she planned on doing. Sigh.
Sunday the family is doing the Parkinson's Walk. The Daughter and two younger boys are doing the 1K walk, and then the Wife and oldest son are doing the 5K run. Me? Well, I'll be at the Church of Holy Beer and Softball.
PeacE
Tomorrow the services for my FIL will be taking place. It would be nice to just finally get that all done and over with. I know I am being a bit callous, but I would just prefer it all to sort of just, go away. I'm being selfish, I am sure. The Wife has today off from work, as she wants to spend some time with one brother that has flown in from out of state. I am still trying to figure out what her plans are, so I can plan my day around hers, or if she needs me to help with something so that I am available. Last night, all she said was she had no clue what she planned on doing. Sigh.
Sunday the family is doing the Parkinson's Walk. The Daughter and two younger boys are doing the 1K walk, and then the Wife and oldest son are doing the 5K run. Me? Well, I'll be at the Church of Holy Beer and Softball.
PeacE
Thursday, April 4
Banging My Head On The Desk
Alcohol makes me very vociferous about things. Even when it is just a blog post, or a Facebook status. I admit, I had a few last night, and though I wasn't falling down drunk, I still shouldn't get on Facebook. Evidently I read someone's status crap and it sort of pissed me off. I know they are just trying to show "positive thoughts and inspirations" but it just makes me think they are a two-faced f*ckhead. Either way, I hadn't realized I had even made a blog post last night, until I read RM's blog this afternoon. I had sort of slept in today, so am running behind my regular schedule of things. Her post was about opinions, whether they are ours, or hearing others. When she mentioned my post, that sinking stomach feeling came, and I hurriedly read what I posted. It is now a draft.
I don't care who reads my posts, as they are only my opinions, rants, and raves. I don't care if they agree or not. Frankly, I am so apathetic about it, I don't know why I am making such a deal of it. Maybe I do care, somewhat, in some way. I pulled it from view because I thought it was written poorly. Not that I am a great writer, full of prolific thoughts. It was a rant, and a poorly worded one I feel.
So why am I explaining to you? I don't know.
PeacE
I don't care who reads my posts, as they are only my opinions, rants, and raves. I don't care if they agree or not. Frankly, I am so apathetic about it, I don't know why I am making such a deal of it. Maybe I do care, somewhat, in some way. I pulled it from view because I thought it was written poorly. Not that I am a great writer, full of prolific thoughts. It was a rant, and a poorly worded one I feel.
So why am I explaining to you? I don't know.
PeacE
Wednesday, April 3
Having Second Breakfast
If any of you have seen "The Fellowship of the Ring" there is a bit of humor in it, where the hobbits are reprimanded for starting a fire, in which they were cooking second supper. There were also a couple other spots where comedy was made about second lunches, third teas, etc. This morning I am having Second Breakfast. Well, maybe it is more breakfast seconds. I don't know. But it is the leftovers I took home from breakfast with PT yesterday. He had ordered a Mexican skillet, and it was loaded, so he shared some if it with me, and there was still some to take home after he was finished. I had my regular there, the Nicholson (spelling?) which a hash brown stuffed omelet with a bunch of other good stuff in there. I can't remember all that goes into it, but it is huge and good. There was about a third of that to eat this morning as well as a piece of toast.
That being shared, and now you are salivating, it is hump day, and I have nothing major on the agenda. Figured I may get up to Wallyworld today to put in an application. Then maybe shoot over to Kmart. I applied online Monday with Walgreens. It's getting to be a bitch trying to find a job.
Then when I come home, I suppose I shall play World of Warcraft, to try to fight the urge to go drinking. We'll have to see how that works out.
PeacE
That being shared, and now you are salivating, it is hump day, and I have nothing major on the agenda. Figured I may get up to Wallyworld today to put in an application. Then maybe shoot over to Kmart. I applied online Monday with Walgreens. It's getting to be a bitch trying to find a job.
Then when I come home, I suppose I shall play World of Warcraft, to try to fight the urge to go drinking. We'll have to see how that works out.
PeacE
Tuesday, April 2
No Thoughts
I have nothing I can think about writing today. Oh, wait. I just blew that one.
Not much to say. Getting ready to head out to breakfast with Preacher Tom this morning. Not quite sure where that will lead me to.
But man, am I hungry.
PeacE
Not much to say. Getting ready to head out to breakfast with Preacher Tom this morning. Not quite sure where that will lead me to.
But man, am I hungry.
PeacE
Monday, April 1
The Problem With Family Gatherings ....
Most people that I know, get along with their extended families pretty well. By extended, I mean, more than just the immediate family. If you're married with kids, I refer to your parents, siblings and their families, maybe even go so far as uncles,aunts, and cousins, too. But for a few holidays of the year, getting the family together is expected. Well, I say most, though I could be statistically wrong, I don't know. Either way, I am referencing my family for the most part, because, as a compliment to them, we're pretty normal I think.
So the family all gets together at one family's house, in our case it was Sis', and proceed to have little kids running and screaming throughout, the teenagers avoiding the adults, and the adults sitting around watching TV. Yeah, matches what happened yesterday pretty much. For us, it was a normal gathering. Don't get me wrong, there was maybe a bit of 'catching up' between some people. I think most of us know what is going on with the others enough that there usually isn't much else to catch up on. Maybe just little snippets they want to share.
But what I hate about family gatherings of this sort, is the food. Granted, I don't put much say-so into what is being fixed, or how, and I don't eagerly offer to fix and bring as much as possible. Shrug. I'm a guy that doesn't care to be cooking all that. Sis and Rev. Mom do a good job of it all, organizing and deciding who is bringing what. I offered to bring something this time around, but I guess it wasn't needed. It was said that maybe Memorial Day I can bring the dessert - or part of it anyways. I haven't committed to it yet. The food was great: deviled eggs, salad, ham, yams, green bean casserole, strawberries, chips, and for dessert, key lime and vanilla pudding pies. I forgot to mention, the Olive Garden dressing for the salad - I love that stuff.
I ate too much.
I know, you're supposed to pack it in, so no one has to fight over what leftovers to take home, et cetera, et cetera. I am not putting all the blame on just Sunday though. Saturday like I said the Wife and I had Souper Salad. But I packed away quite a bit of salad yesterday, and quite a few slices of ham. The remaining salad, some ham, and the deviled eggs were sent home with us, and I finished off the rest of the salad last night for supper.
Weighed myself at the gym this morning. Gained four pounds since last Tuesday. Sigh. This week, we have a "bye" for pool league, so I get an extra week on the bet between my buddy and I, but still means extra working out at the gym, and being careful of what I eat just a bit more.
... and that is the problem with family gatherings.
PeacE
So the family all gets together at one family's house, in our case it was Sis', and proceed to have little kids running and screaming throughout, the teenagers avoiding the adults, and the adults sitting around watching TV. Yeah, matches what happened yesterday pretty much. For us, it was a normal gathering. Don't get me wrong, there was maybe a bit of 'catching up' between some people. I think most of us know what is going on with the others enough that there usually isn't much else to catch up on. Maybe just little snippets they want to share.
But what I hate about family gatherings of this sort, is the food. Granted, I don't put much say-so into what is being fixed, or how, and I don't eagerly offer to fix and bring as much as possible. Shrug. I'm a guy that doesn't care to be cooking all that. Sis and Rev. Mom do a good job of it all, organizing and deciding who is bringing what. I offered to bring something this time around, but I guess it wasn't needed. It was said that maybe Memorial Day I can bring the dessert - or part of it anyways. I haven't committed to it yet. The food was great: deviled eggs, salad, ham, yams, green bean casserole, strawberries, chips, and for dessert, key lime and vanilla pudding pies. I forgot to mention, the Olive Garden dressing for the salad - I love that stuff.
I ate too much.
I know, you're supposed to pack it in, so no one has to fight over what leftovers to take home, et cetera, et cetera. I am not putting all the blame on just Sunday though. Saturday like I said the Wife and I had Souper Salad. But I packed away quite a bit of salad yesterday, and quite a few slices of ham. The remaining salad, some ham, and the deviled eggs were sent home with us, and I finished off the rest of the salad last night for supper.
Weighed myself at the gym this morning. Gained four pounds since last Tuesday. Sigh. This week, we have a "bye" for pool league, so I get an extra week on the bet between my buddy and I, but still means extra working out at the gym, and being careful of what I eat just a bit more.
... and that is the problem with family gatherings.
PeacE
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