A Rainy Day

 It rained last night. For Arizona, it was quite a bit of rain, as we have had a very dry year so far. That leaves it overcast today, which has bothered the Wife and I. Her, the headaches/migraines that come on in cloudy conditions (no idea why). Me, because I just feel a bit down in the dumps today. No word yet from the employer, so I am still waiting for that to happen.

My thoughts in my head are just in a jumble today. So I am sure the content will be sketchy and not completely tied to one another, like a normal thought process.

I watched "Richard Jewell" today, a film directed by Clint Eastwood. The 1996 Olympics being held in Atlanta, GA, and about the bomb that went off there. This was the story of the guard that found the bomb, moments before the explosion. I was young enough at the time, that I honestly never paid attention to the media coverage of the event, and following weeks as the FBI and media continued a huge amount of negativity on this man. Spoiler alert, eight weeks later the FBI gave him formal written notice that he was no longer a target in their search for the bomber. Six years later, the real bomber was caught. Within a few years of that, Jewell passed from heart failure. Overall wasn't a bad movie. Kinda slow, but interesting.

It is mid-afternoon and I have no idea what I am going to do. I should start wrapping gifts I have ready to wrap, but don't know if I really feel like it. Not sure about watching any other movie, or playing Warcraft, or napping, or reading. I really would like to get back to working. Sigh. Not many people say that these days.

Well, I been sitting here for the last 10 minutes trying to think of anything else to add, and I don't have anything. I may spend the afternoon just sitting here, letting the random thoughts run through my head.

PeacE

Another Day with No Work

 Monday afternoon I finished up the last "batch" of information that was the first stage of the project I am on for work. We had been told Friday, that many would be off this project, but Recruiting would re-assign to a new project, as the number of "batches" dwindles that morning. My Teal Lead had singled me out in chat, and told me they wanted to keep me on for a bit longer, for an additional step. But come Monday afternoon, that process was completed as well. They said as we transition to phase two, a few of us left would be kept on, others being re-assigned.

Well, today makes day two so far of not hearing anything. I am hoping I get to stay on the project so I can learn what the next stage is, but overall I would just want to be working. I logged into the work email and Team chat this morning, and though no emails, there was a new chat channel that I had access to for Quality Control. Only one comment was there, that it may be a couple days as they coordinated and trained a few people for the next phase. If I could see that..... must mean something. I just haven't heard anything.

Yesterday was the Wife's birthday. Much of the morning was spent with her in bed, emotionally upset and crying. not because she is older, but because she and her Mom had shared the same birthday (for reals) for all her life. This would be the 2nd one without her Mom. I did my best to do the right ting, but I just don't do well in those situations, so left her to it. The Wife was better in the afternoon, and even baked some brownies. Dinner was taken at Olive Garden. The middle Son joined us, the Older having to work a bit later. The Older Son did come by the house bearing gifts for his momma. So I got to see the two boys at least.

Our Santa Run is this Saturday. I did go out for a bit on Monday, but doubt I will be out the rest of the week due to Saturday. We had gone from an expected new record high of 18 Santas this year, and now am down to about 13. Seems the higher Covid counts had a couple drop out. A couple more from the fear of catching something, as they were going to be near, or help take care of elderly/sick parents. But we did get a 14-seater BMW party van for the night.

I think I am done with Christmas shopping. I can't think of anything else I really need to get - wait. Yes I can. Crap! Well, I will be on Amazon today looking for that one gift then. Then I will be done! We picked up some Tape the other day, so it will be wrapping time soon.

PeacE

Something A Little Creepy

 I didn't share it in the last post because I got so busy rambling on about shopping (who knew I could talk so much about a thing I hate to do). But there was a creepy thing that happened Saturday night.

I had gone to bed a little later than usual. I think it was around 11'ish. I WAS tired. Not quite sure when the Wife came to bed, but I'm guessing it was around the 12-1am slot, as usual for her. I have the vague memory of her getting into bed, then of I rolling over and going back to sleep.

It was dark still, meaning sometime before 5:30, when I woke. And I mean woke - the kind when you are dead asleep and into instant wakefulness the next instant. At first I was thinking "What the...." when I heard the noise. It was a distinct sound of someone walking down the hallway, in our direction. How can I know this? Well, the hall way is linoleum tiled, and it has a 90 degree turn halfway down, that leads the rest of the ay to our bedroom, and the study. The steps were like those of a person, casually strolling down the first part of the hall, coming from the living room.

The steps stopped. I was like "Who....?" when it dawned on me, that those were shoes. Like a hard sole men's dress show, or boots. And the only ones home were The Wife, myself and our Youngest. Maybe it was the middle Child just off work coming by to "play" on the computer... Except his schedule doesn't include that night. The steps had stopped, about where the turn in the hall way was.

Should I get up? Should I check the time? My cane is by the door, and my gun is in the cabinet behind my bedroom door. But whoever it is could rush the rest of the hall and get here before I could get any of that if he heard me. 

The steps started again, and I heard 6 of them - enough to put them in our doorway. I was looking. I couldn't see anything moving. I heard no doors open. I heard nothing.

I began to sonder what I should do, when I decided if something were going to happen, I was going to kill them unless they killed me first. SO I literally jumped from the bed and lunged to the door. Nothing was there. I opened the Study door, to see if it was the Middle child  in there - nothing. I walked all the way to the front door - nothing.

I lay back down and started wondering if I was losing it. I have 4 cats -not by choice of mine - could it have been any of them? Well, I know three at least spend most of the night in our room, on Wife's side of bed. The last one usually sleeping on furniture on Wife's side of room. And how would they make step sounds coming towards the room? Two different instances? The house haunted? I've been in here a year and a half, never heard anything before.

After pondering it for a few minutes, I categorized it as an auditory illusion created by waking too abruptly from a deep sleep. Only thing I could come up with that made sense. I never did check the time. I never told the Wife about it.

And I promptly rolled over, and went back to sleep.

PeacE

Sunday-Not-So-Much-Fun-Day

 Oh, I am feeling the pain of the Commercial Holiday! Not just in the pocketbook, but in my back and legs. Yesterday. the Wife and I went out to try to finish up the shopping for gifts. At least, I was shopping for the remainder of the ones I was "in charge" of getting. I did pretty much get them all, except for one gift for the Wife. It is hard to buy for her, let alone when she is with me. We started at Wallymort where I knew one specific item could be gotten at a good cost. While there, found a few items for the older Sons' apartment, an item for the youngest, something for the RM, and even picked up the basic zip-up hoodie for me. I know, you're not supposed to buy for yourself, but I truly needed it. I used to have this nice lined flannel, but it was lost when they totaled out the car I got rear-ended in about a year + ago. I have a winter jacket, but it is for colder weather, and is a nice one I just don't to use everyday. I found a basic Fruit of the Loom for $10...and in my size even! It's not often I find clothing in my size and the standard box stores!

After there, we went to Fry's Grocery, for the gift cards. The 2x fuel points is nice when I get these all at once. I saw they now have Little Ceasar's Pizza cards, so will have to come back to stock up on them sometime. We eat from there often enough getting the fuel points would be an added bonus. I was going to buy a bottle of Crown Royal as well, so I would have the purple bag it comes in to use for the Santa Run (to hold candy canes, etc) but for some reason, they were out of it at this store. I figured there were enough people like me was the reason. Rather drink through the holiday versus celebrate it. I kept it limited to a small number of cards, and modest amounts applied to them.

I'm really starting to get hungry by this point, as I had skipped lunch. It had to be about 2pm. Next on the list was the 99cent store. It is never good to go there when you are hungry. Ended up getting a full cart of things, mostly food items, though I forced myself to limit the number of Snacky foods I picked out. Of course the Wife picked up several items for the Stocking Ball we started last year. It's a fun (and cheaper) way to do the stockings now that the kids are all older. Basically you take a roll of plastic wrap and start wrapping it in a ball, add in treats, small prizes - whatever fits. Last years was a bit bigger than a basketball when done. The kids rolled a die to find out who started, and one starts "unwrapping" the ball, being able to keep each item as it falls out. While he is doing this, the next in line is rolling dice to get a pair of 'snake eyes', which the person unwrapping has to stop. It gets to be humorous to watch (for Mom and I) and the kids really love it. In fact, I had to ask the youngest (playing on the computer next to mine) what the procedure was for the "game". He got excited about it. Anyway, there were some more items for under the "tree" gotten there as well. I didn't make it through check-out. My back was bothering me, and the Wife was kind enough to tell me to go sit in the van and she would finish up. She's too good to me!

It's after 3pm by this point. I'm tired. I'm hungry. I'm thirsty. I groan thinking we still have to carry all of this into the house yet. But one last stop to be made. Quik Trip. I had brought my refill mug - 52 ounces of drink. Then I grabbed a couple roller hot dogs, some cigarettes, and out the door on the way home we were. Managed to unload it all in three trips, thanks to loading up the bags along the arms like 10 at a time. Thankfully none were over loaded or too heavy.

I checked with the Wife about how easy accessible the wrapping paper would be in the storage room, and we should get some out so I could start wrapping on Sunday. As I was waking up, and groaning, I realized we forgot an important item yesterday - tape. I will see if the Wife will run out and pick a few dispensers of it at the drug store. A little more expensive than say Big Lotsa, but at least has more than 6 pieces per roll.... and sticks better. then maybe I can get some wrapping done. The packages I ordered are starting to fill up the footwell of my desk, not leaving me much room.

So, barring one gift I need to get yet, I believe I am done shopping for the holiday. A nice feeling. Usually it goes until near the end of shopping ability to get it done. I'm happy it is done.

PeacE

What a Waste of a Day...Sorta

 Yesterday was almost a waste of a day off work for the oldest Son. He showed up before 8am, following the plan we were going to take his car in to the shop to fix the window issue. I was diligently at my desk working. Turns out they weren't sure they could even look at it that day (he wouldn't be able to leave it, as he needs it for work). On top of that, they were going to charge him $250 just for the labor to even look at it. I kinda understand that, after watching the video of basically taking the whole door apart. He called another garage. They told him up front they don't really work on Hyundais, and it would take them longer than a day to have the time to get to it, then order the parts needed. So, in short, it isn't getting fixed anytime soon. I am going to try in the meantime to find someplace that does windows for Hyundais and see what they charge. Maybe on his next day off we can get it in - if I find a place.

By this time, it is nearing 10 am, and he is sitting with his Mom. I check on them about once an hour, and they are just chit-chatting about stuff. I can't join because I am working. Come afternoon, it is decided to replace his phone. It has cracked screen, and breaks in the casing. It also doesn't charge off the cord and he has had to charge it wirelessly for the past few months, but now it starting to not work properly at all. The Wife and he went to a Verizon store, and were told they would have to make an appointment, and that they were backed up currently to 2 days out. So they returned home. Another bust. It was finally figured out that there was a phone he was wanting, in stock at a different store location not too far away, and via the website we were able to order it to be picked up in store. Then they had to wait for the email saying the "order was filled and ready for pick up" which took a little over two hours. In the end, he did get the new phone, so one problem actually did get solved, though it took most of the afternoon for it to happen.

All in all, the Son spent several hours with his Mom yesterday. I know Moms like that... mine has said so before in her blog. I'm happy the Son got one issue resolved, and hope the other will happen soon as well.

This weekend is going to be a stressful one. I'm braving the stores (a very few) to try to get some of the last Christmas shopping I need to do. I hate wearing the mask, but will have to tolerate it in spurts. At least I have the trip planned down to maybe 4-5 stores, and most are not crazy with shopping crowds. Smaller stores are better.

Next week is the Santa Run! We had a head count at about 17 going this year. My brother backed out today (the wimp). Though, I suppose not wanting to catch anything while out, a week before he has a weekend with his grandkid, is probably a good idea. The oldest Son took his Santa suit home Wednesday to try it on to be sure it fits. I haven't heard if he has done that or not yet.

Work was interesting today. We ran out of the stock of documents we were going through about 10:30. I had grabbed one of the last ones, and was near completing it when my Team Lead contacted me about shifting me to an new task. Turns out they requested a few people from the project, for this next-level task, and told everyone else to log out for the day. It was said that everyone was to watch their emails, as with the 1st-level review being done, many would be moved to new projects, but it could take a few days (meaning no work). But I was picked to continue to the next level... apparently, I was told, because of the speed I am able to go through the information, pull out the pertinent information, and that I understood the protocols better than most. So now I am on a team with the Team Leaders, Quality Checkers, and a handful of others that were picked. Feels good being picked for my good work!! For now, it guarantees me some work come Monday, and from there who knows. Much depends on the meeting with the client (to be this weekend) to find out how they want to handle things based on what work has already been completed. I'm sure to find out more come Monday.

I worked late today (did a 9-5 versus my usual 7-3) and the Wife is out for a bit doing some errand, and grabbing a couple things. I was thinking of going out for a few beers with my buddy J, but he is going to hi nephew's game - where he believes they will lose sorely, so he may not watch the whole thing. It's almost 6pm and I am still sitting here in my pajamas. Kinda cool.....lounge in these all day while working..... But I should get dressed and meet up with my buddy.

PeacE

A Little Extra Time

 We went out to dinner last night in an early celebration for the Wife's upcoming birthday. She had received a free appetizer in her email for the local Texas Roadhouse and wanted to use it. It was nice as we had the chance for all three Sons to join us. The oldest had about a week ago had issues about a rear window not operating correctly. At first thought, it would be the window lift motor, but after hearing it, it sounded more like the lift connection was off, or broken. He came by yesterday )with Middle Son) and we went to take the door apart to see what actually needed to be replaced. It is a Hyundai, and I now do not like working on them. Once the panel was off, there was more to remove to try to figure out the issue. It got to the point we could not figure out to remove this steel panel to get to where we needed. So it all got put back together, and we went to check YouTube. It turns out that you almost have to literally take the WHOLE Door apart to get to the area we were trying to see. Instead, this morning, he is coming back over and the Wife will run him to the garage and see if they can fix it today. It is just too complicated for me in my limited abilities and time availability, to do.

So I get some extra time today with the oldest Son, as he waits for the car to be done. The middle Son said he would be by tomorrow morning after his night shift tonight, to play on the computer and hang until the local 99cent store opens. He has a list of things he wants to pick up  and they don't open until later in the morning. So tomorrow I will get a couple hours with him.

Then I won't see either again until Christmas most likely. Correction. I will see the oldest on the 12th. He is participating in a our yearly Santa Run, where a bunch of guys dress up in Santa suits and travel to a handful of pubs in the area, handing out candy canes and good cheer, whilst having some drinks. He drove for us last year, but has a suit this year and becomes a full member.

The good part is/was, the time that we got to spend with them last night was good. The bits of time coming up are good as well. Makes me a happier person!

PeacE

Work Day Blues

 I was a bit bummed after our daily meeting in the mid day regarding work. Seems the project had been slated to end at a later date (Dec. 11) and yesterday they started talking about cutting down the number of people on the project. It makes sense, to trim the numbers and slowly place them in other projects, as the work load dwindles down. Maybe I'm just apprehensive about it. They did say those that were better would be kept on this project longer. But I don't know. I think it is just nerves of getting started into a new project. Something I will need to get over if I am going to stay in this line of work.

I woke nine minutes before the alarm went off this morning. I hate that. Usually I would just lay back and try to snooze, but this morning the bladder was demanding attention. As I walked to the bathroom O noticed a light coming from under the study door. It was the middle Son. He had stopped by to play some on the computer after his night shift. Neither of them have a computer at their new place (but have 3 other game stations to play). We had told him he was welcome to come over and play when he wanted to.

Not much to say today. I don't sermonize (ha RM!).

PeacE