Final Mid-Week Reflection of 2015

As 2015 draws to a close I have had my mind on many things.  The Christmas holiday, family, friends, and of course health.   I wonder if I did enough for the Christmas holiday (not so much), spent enough time with family (probably not).  Did I spend enough time and energy with Friends.  

Yesterday I started my second week of pet sitting Preston.  All week long I split my time between him (and his “siblings”) and my very own two babes.  I know that the kitties were lonely because they have been very cuddly once I get into the house.  Of course there were times they avoided me for like ten minutes.  I really can’t wait to get back to them full time (or regular schedule).  

I had my CT-Scan yesterday which took only a matter of minutes and will get the results at my next appointment with Dr. I.  This gave me the opportunity to drop off the FMLA papers to the cardiologist.

Today I managed to do some pen pal letters and get the final of the gifts to family off to them. Considering one branch of the family made a big change and finally moved out of the house they lived in for nearly 20 years.  

That’s right E and her family have moved on to the next step and moved out of the house in WH and moved to a nice home in Hamden.  Actually the house really belongs to her Son Rob and his girlfriend (and maybe one day the newest Mrs P).  I have to wonder if we'll ever get to see them again.  I mean I see them at the 4th of July party and at holidays but I don’t know if we'll ever get to go there (we meaning me and the rest of the family).  Its not as though I call them every day or every week but I follow them on FB frequently.

The weather has now returned to “normal winter weather”.  Its foggy and cold and damp at lunch time the temperature was in the mid 30’s with a possibility of getting into the low 40’s and supposed to stay there.

New Years Eve should be quiet.  The weekend is going to be very busy.  Friday is Dave’s Party and I will only be there for a few hours.  As Preston’s Parents will be coming home at midnight on the First/Second.  

On Saturday is Tiger’s Physical and Rabies shot.  This should be very interesting as its usually a big production to get this girl into a crate.  I have been trying scenarios in my head in ways to get her into the crate without traumatizing either of us.  

Saturday afternoon is Nelson#3’s 5th Birthday.  Its going to be a pizza party and I am looking forward to it.  Not sure what to get him but I have three days to figure it out.

Sunday is Bingo and Mexican Train Game.  The First of for both for 2016  Then its back to reality.  I have a few appointments next week so like I said back to reality.

Messy day but not as bad

Today was messy but not as bad as they the weather forecasters has said it would be.  I got up around 2 this morning and noticed the ice and slush (to me it looked like snow)and by the time I was ready to take Preston for a walk it was raining more than anything.  It wasn’t anything Preston wanted to be out in and so our walk was cut short.

This gave me an opportunity to head back to the house and check on the kitties.  They were wandering around the downstairs when I came in and seemed like they wanted to be fed.  Actually Sky was tiger took some time coming down.  I fed them and got my coffee and got their boxes cleared out.  I made sure I spent a little more time with Tiger as I remembered what Mardi had told me in her recent reply to her blog.  Kitties don’t like being alone...I have to say SKy followed me around and rubbed up against me alot. and Tiger came on to the couch with me and they did like the attention.  

While I was there I filled out some papers and watched TV even though I swore I wouldn’t.  I had to leave by 9 to be in New Haven for a CT-Scan.  I showered and dressed and was back out the door by 9.  

The Drive to New Haven was not bad.  I got to the parking garage and was on my way to DR.  I am really glad I parked in the garage.  It wasn’t that far of a walk to DR and they validate parking.

The drive back to Milford was equally good.  I stopped at the cardiologist to drop of the long overdue FMLA papers for him to fill out and sign.  He won’t be in until after the new year.  They will hopefully call me when they are available.  I will then submit them when I get back.  I first have to find the number to fax them.  I am pretty sure the number is somewhere on the other copies.

I stopped at a Deli near the house and got lunch and dinner.  Sausage and Onions sandwich and pasta salad with Deep River chips.  What is Deep River chips you ask?  They are Potato chip company out of Deep River Connecticut.  They were featured on a local newscast last month as highlight of trip.  After I picked them up I came home to Preston.

I had gotten word from Olivia her boyfriend was going to stop by today and pick stuff up for her.  When he arrived we talked about the holidays and my adventure with young Preston.  Olivia has got a nice young man for a boyfriend and i wish them well.

After he left I continued to watch TV and almost fell asleep.  Spent most of the afternoon doing that as well.  So it was a fairly lazy day.  

I know it's only Tuesday but I can’t help feel this week/recess is going by so fast. I always think the week goes by fast but this time more so than usual.  There is a few more days of 2015 and the next weekend is 2016 and a busy one at that.

I will talk more about that later...for now I gotta see what Preston is up to.

Monday Musings

It is nearly noon time on this last Monday of December 2015.  I have been up nearly 6 hours and in that time I managed to walk Preston, feed the cats, have coffee, surf the net, chat with Livia when she arrived (that was nearly 10) and spent some time with the cats.  Tiger has been very elusive of me.  Anytime she comes near me she takes off.  I am not sure what that is about .  She let me feed her.  Unless she knows she is going to the vet next weekend.

I did order the breads for D’s party but will have to pick them up the day before as they are closed on New Years Day.  I am going to have to let Dave know so he can warm them up.  I was  hoping the shop would be open New Year's Day as their site alluded to but if they don’t have to be there I understand..

The rest of the day was definitely quiet.  I took a nap in the afternoon and took Preston out on his walk before the ice and snow hit.

The Last Weekend of 2015

This  is the last weekend of 2015.  The weather is completely different than yesterday’s very unseasonable temperatures.  It was cloudy and going to remain cloudy for the day.  Earlier in the day it was in the 50’s..  Much cooler than yesterday but again I thought it was a bit chilly for the 70’s too.

On Saturday The dog has been walked twice and fed so far, the fish and mice both been fed.  I spent a good part of the morning over at the house and spent time with the kitties and doing laundry and getting the dishwasher going.  I stopped at the Adams Market to pick up lunch and dinner and ran into some friends of mine.   I have had the NCIS marathon on throughout the day and an occasional PBS show that I like watching.

I heard from Nephew James last night.  He is still in Colorado with his Mom and siblings.  He wished me a Merry Christmas but I didn’t see the message until much later.  He and Emily will be getting their presents when they return to PA later this week.  At the prompting of Jim Kris sent me a text with hir address.  Kris has been having problems with the phone so she didn’t get the messages I had sent.  So Kris’ gift  will be going out tomorrow morning.

I chatted with Jim a few times today I was showing off my new cat magnets.  He was taking it easy and loved the magnets and wants to know where to get them.  I didn’t know but would find out.  

Late in the evening I got a call from Nancy.  She had texted me but I didn’t see it until the phone call.  She didn’t sound happy.  She did manage to tell me something was up with her 98 year old Father but would go into it tomorrow with me.  I told her everything here is fine.  Sending good thoughts to her and her family at this moment.  Sensing things are settled for the night I headed back to bed.  I got a message on Sunday indicating they would be extending their visit to Florida by one day.

I talked with Dave about his party on Friday.  He wants me to bring stuffed breads.I have three places in which to get them from.  Napoli's on Bridgeport Avenue, Emerald’s  by my house, and Julia’s Bakery in Orange.

Sunday aside from bingo, checking in on the cats and more laundry it's been quiet.  I did do some surfing and neighbor visiting as well.  I put some stuff away so that Livia would not have to deal with it.  Unfortunately I didn’t realize I had left my lights on in the car and drained the battery.  I had to get Neighbor Sean to help and it worked.  

I am thinking how long has it been since I did that.  I know I have been so careful.  Well I had to finish 2015 with one dead battery even if it wasn’t long.  

Christmas Day 2015

This wonderful holiday started early for me with a beautiful walk and looking at a beautiful sunrise.  After the walk I showered, dressed and packed up the car with a few of the presents to distribute.  I headed over back to my house and was greeted by a gift from Neighbor Dolan's (their traditional cookies and some socks) and with disdain by the kitties.  I quickly got to feeding the kitties and cleaning out their boxes.  They still were playing hard to get but eventually got over it.  I did some more laundry before leaving and will get it out tomorrow upon my return.

Once I finished there it was nearly ten so I headed to Liz and Nelson’s with a quick stop at the post office.  Nothing was there (not really surprised as I haven’t mailed anything with that address of late).  Traffic was not bad at all this morning.  What would normally take 15 minutes took less.

When I arrived Liz was playing cards with Rich and Friend Rick was visiting.  He only stayed a short time.  Nelson was in the other room not feeling well.  According to Liz and him he didn’t have a great night last night.  He was not breathing well and couldn’t swallow.  We had coffee and exchanged gifts.  

Rich and Liz Loved their gifts from me.  I got cat magnets for the car litter mat for the cats and toys and some beautiful fleece nightgowns.  The thank you notes will start soon.

We were waiting on Chris and his fiancee to arrive.   They had been partying well until 3 am and had some last minute things to prepare.   When they arrive Chris made eggs and bacon and Jen made cinnamon rolls French Toast bake.  A recipe she got from Facebook and I think I just found.  I had a number of cups of coffee and I hope it won’t keep me up tonight.  They loved their gifts from em as well.

It was nearly one when I left there and headed back to Preston.  It was 72 degrees at that point.  There was still a little chill in the air (at least for me).  Liz pointed out I wasn’t feeling well.  while I was at the house I walked Preston and then gathered the last of the gift s.  I headed to Cheryl's via the Merritt.

The Drive to Cheryl’s was not bad.  I did notice the change in the sky.  The sky grew gray.  I got to Cheryl’s some time after 2.  Nelson jr greeted me at the door and offered to get the box of gift s I still had in the car.  Then I saw the rest of the family and we all chatted and stuff.  The only thing was I spent a lot of time washing my hands whenever I had to wipe my nose.  Liz and Nelson came after I did.

We played and talked and then eventually ate a feast.  There was ham and pork, and macaroni and cheese (I didn't have that) but I ate almost everything else.  Around 3 or 4 we opened presents and did the Yankee swap.  The parents loved the gifts I got their kids and as I looked around I probably could have gotten some of these kids different gifts like clothes.  In the end I was really satisfied with what they got.

I got home some time after five and we have been relaxing.  Preston wanted to sit on my chest and I couldn’t let him but he was cuddly just the same.  He was barking at something and now he is quiet again.

I think I am going to go back to bed for now.

Christmas eve 2015

I am at the house doing laundry and other chores before I head to the doctor and back to Preston. 

Yesterday was busy with the eob piles I got.  I have gotten some really beautiful gift s from Ann and Mary.

Last night I got some more things for the kids and the candles.

I had dinner from on the border restaurant.  I ran into neighbor Shea and asked her to keep an eye out for the coffee delivery. They would.

It was pouring out and I was anxious to get back to Preston.  He was much more cooperative last night.  We did not get out either.  I watched TV and slept.  I wasn't feeling great.

I heard from brother j and he has a pt job at a car rental place in Allentown.  Will find out more tonight when I call.

Mid Week Reflection

With two days left until Christmas I am already burned out.  I did mass shopping over the weekend and last night.  The gifts included mostly gift cards for most of the adults and coloring books and stickers for the children.  I haven’t even finished all the cards yet either.  The logic I have about this is I can still send the cards until the New Year.  I have really enjoyed the ones I have gotten from friends and family this year. 

As of this writing I am having Christmas morning brunch at my sister’s where her son will be cooking for us that morning.  Later on in the afternoon we will have Christmas dinner at my niece’s house in North Haven.  Among the festivities will be a Yankee swap.

Work will finish for me at 4 pm tomorrow afternoon.  It will resume on January 4 2016 at 8 am.  This will be the first time in the years I have worked at the University that I don’t have to go in at all.  In the past we would have the choice of going in.  This year only certain teams are going in.

I am pleased to say I have been doing additional duties at work when the mail is done.  It is basically recording when refund checks are being mailed out to patients.  I have been doing since Monday.  Today doing mailings for insurance refunds also were done.  We discovered that the prior-authorizations that I was getting and redirecting were taking up a lot of my time.  Now I can learn new things.

I saw my hematologist yesterday and he said things looked good today I get a call asking me to call him tomorrow. He wants me to take more tests soon.  I am wondering if he sees a blood clot forming again.  Well I will have to call him in the morning.  I am not sure what to think.

My Pulmonary Dr. scheduled me for a CT-Scan a week from today in New Haven in the morning.  I have to tell you it’s going to be weird to come into the city and not work.  Although no weirder than when I was on sick leave earlier in the year.

My kitties must have been sensing something was up because they were very cuddly last night while I was sleeping on the couch. Tonight before coming to start my pet sitting job I managed to get Tiger to stay in my arms for five minutes.  I managed to put out more kibble and water for them.

I also got some laundry going again.  Will move it around when I go there tomorrow and get ready for work.

So how is Preston you ask?  Anti-Social.  He is up in the bedroom he usually sleeps in.  He came down to sit in his favorite chair in the parent’s room. I have been told he doesn’t sleep in or on the bed anymore.  Although I suspect that when it’s time for me to go to bed he will be right next to me.  I am trying to get him to go out and do his job but he isn’t cooperating.  I have an hour more to try before I go to bed.

I brought my laptop unsure if I would be able to connect to the internet and luckily I have.  I would prefer to not have to use their equipment unless printing.  I actually don’t know if I will be able to print but I will find out later.

Enjoyable Afternoon

The Gift Delivery was pretty good.  Since it was our first time doing it at the new place (new for us).  There were some “hiccups”.  There was some question as to what would or could be given out.  The young man there a bit confusing us in directions.  Again it was suggested by our alumni that hats and socks be the only choices next year.  I couldn’t agree more.  It’s a waste of time and money on our part if we can’t give the stuff out (it was cologne, toiletries).  After the activity R, T, M and I went out to lunch.

WE followed T while she dropped one of the girls off at Private Community off of E. Rutland Road.  It had been a long time since I had been there and we have had friends over the years live there.  It was beautiful.  Then we went to Mama Teresa’s for lunch.

We spent the next hour and half eating and talking and laughing about stuff.  We talked about travel and life in general.  It was a lot of fun.  I got home about 2:30-3.

I called Liz to let her know  I was still going to be later than planned for me to pick up stuff for today’s  Luncheon but as a result I got an invite to pizza party (for 4) for my nephew’s birthday (he is 41).  So this allowed me to relax for a bit and take care of stuff.

Around 4 I got a phone call from my friend Nancy to discuss the details of the week.  We discussed feeding times, walks, and new tenants and security stuff.  She asked what my plans were and I gave her my itinerary and that I would have to check in on the cats and stuff.  The whole thing didn’t take long.

After the call I manage to relax for a bit longer and then went to the store for cards and then headed over to my sister’s house.  They were full card game mode when I got there.  We chatted and almost got sassy with each other and Liz apologized later.  She has a habit of saying things to me that are unkind.  Like all siblings do I would imagine.  After we ate I headed out to the mall for shopping.

I didn’t go far and didn’t shop for long.  I started off at Target and saw nothing I liked as far as coloring books and stickers for the kids.  I then headed to Dicks for a gift card for Chris’s son.  I realized I had to get gift cards back at target and got them.  Including the I-Tunes for Jim’s kids.

After that I headed to Michael’s Art Supplies (I am sure there are many near anyone who reads this) again I wasn’t all that enthusiastic with the volume of coloring books but I managed to get several for $1.  I did get some stickers and felt stickers.  I am probably going to split the stickers up in between all of them.  I won’t do that until its closer to the day. 

Since I decided I wasn’t going to participate in the ornament swap I decided to skip Pier one and headed home.  I also decided that the rest of the gift cards would be bought on the way home from the luncheon or in the next few days.

I have to get some gift cards from the bookstore, Wholefoods and Macy’s, and Chefs, and Old Navy.  I just remembered I need to go to Lowes or Home depot.  The rest of the older kids in the R branch aren’t getting gifts this year (not because I don’t want to do but Liz has been pushing me not to have to do it).  The ones for Macy’s and Whole foods and bookstores are for the P branch of the tree.

When I got home the kitties were roaming around and so I cleaned the kitchen up a little took care of the litterboxes and swept the bathroom up (a lot of good that did).  Watched a little of the NCIS marathon and the end of WOZ then went to bed.

It was a while before I got to sleep though.  I was sniffling, and my neck was bothering me and I was coughing (not a good sign).  I took meds and eventually had no problem sleeping.  That would explain my need to sleep more today. 

When I got up it was almost 6:30.  The kitties were very patient I thought.  I got up did the regular routine, got them fed and had coffee and went back to sleep on the couch until 9:30. 

I am keeping my eye on the clocks so I am not late to Cheryl’s.  I will do the cards later though I just feel like relaxing and doing some more sleeping.  I think that could be the Zyrtek.

Well that’s all the news for now…have a great day.

The Weekend Before Christmas

It is the weekend before Christmas and I haven’t done much shopping except for a few things and cards and stamps.  I tried to do some of the cards last night but I found the ones I know I had already done not even with notes in the various places written.  It got to be so frustrating that I kept getting distracted and now they are just sitting here to continue.  Next year has got to be different.  Anyway after the gift delivery and picking up stuff from Liz for tomorrow I will do some shopping.  Even do marathon shopping for the next few days.

Yesterday was our office luncheon catered by Bourassa’s in Wallingford.  The buffet table was on in the foyer (of the office) and there were tables in the waiting area and boardroom.  There was salads, breads, main entrees were penne ala vodka, eggplant rollattini, and chicken dish.  Desserts were cookies.  The gift they gave this year was a canvas bag with the Yale Logo on it.  It was very nice.  I took a picture of a co-worker dressed as an elf and posted it on Facebook too.  Last year she dressed as a Christmas tree.

I ran into KT when she walked by my cubicle yesterday and we talked about the news about Chris and Jennifer and she has known about a week or so when Chris told her he was going to propose.  We squealed and hugged and some people thought we were probably nuts.  Later on in the day she came to me and said Jennifer posted the announcement and I shouted and probably a good chance I will get spoken to about it.  Of course I shared the announcement on Facebook. 

I was trying to contact Jim yesterday but he was in the middle of job hunting/filling out applications.  I haven’t heard how he did with it but I have a message to him.  He is probably sleeping at the moment.  I did call Kris on the way home last night to get hir address but again haven’t heard from hir either.

Liz called me suggesting that with all the time off I have that maybe I should go down and visit Jim.  Of course she forgot that I am housesitting for the entire week.  Something she totally forgot about.  It happens especially with the MS.  I was chatting with her while writing this and we were talking about              tomorrow’s Luncheon at her daughters.  I have to pick up her stuff this afternoon as she won’t be going this year.

I went to the post office yesterday and found two cards/letter in my box.  They were from Linda in WV and Connie in TX.  I spoke with Connie last night (she did what I usually do-forgot to sign it) and we chatted briefly.  I  sent a message  to Linda this morning and told her I got her letter.

Now I have to start getting ready for the day with no real list yet. 

This week is going by

I haven’t had much of chance to write at all this week even though I tried a couple of times unsuccessfully.  It has been one thing or another like not enough time, the cats, social activities, and exhaustion.

The mail meeting I mentioned last week went well and I have made changes to the distribution.  There have been some changes but none that will be bad.  I have eluded that if I continue to keep up with things I may be able to help out with other things (such as scanning as originally intended).  Of course the minute I said that I get an influx of EOB’s that seemed to have grown.  I am not really worried.  I was able to contribute to a team gift for my Supervisor the other day.  I am not sure what we are getting but it should be very nice.  There was another collection for a co-worker who has been out again and is struggling.  Friday is our annual Holiday Luncheon and I am looking forward to it.

I had dinner with Dave Monday night at Michael Anthony’s here in Milford.  It was our first time and very nice.  We talked about our families, my health, work, friends, cars (he has a new mini coop) and of course his annual Open House for New Year’s Day.  He just sent out a “Save the Date” text to me yesterday.  There were a few times I got annoyed with him only because we were going over stuff we discussed before (like the MS/Lupus) but once he said “I can’t remember” it wasn’t worth it.

I have had some issues with the breathing this week that usually makes me tired by the end of the day (another reason why holiday stuff hasn’t gotten done) I am making notes for Dr. M for January’s appointment but that has a couple of people concerned as my face got red a couple of times this week.  Sometimes I get the gasps of air and it sometimes hurts.

I had a wonderful visit with Roberta and her Daughter Miriam on Tuesday.  We spent nearly two hours discussing our lives, volunteering, health, all kinds of things it was just so much fun.  We will be volunteering on Saturday when the woman’s club/girls club will be delivering gifts to the Birmingham Healthcare residents.

I haven’t done a lot of shopping for the holidays this week but I am hoping part of the weekend I can do it.  I have contacted a couple of family members to get ideas and addresses (specifically Kris’s).  I have gotten a number of beautiful cards from family and friends this week.  I actually tried to get some labels printed up and it took me so long because there were some addresses I need to find and I tried to update all my address books.    I will probably get more done this weekend and beginning of next week.

Sadly one of my pen pals lost her battle with cancer earlier this week.  Donna T W died early Tuesday morning surrounded by her family.  There are memorials on many of the pen pal groups.  I am feeling slightly guilty because I haven’t written her since the summer. Her funeral is tomorrow in her town in KY.

I received some wonderful family news tonight.  First Jim is going to be doing an event in NY at Artists without Walls on December 22, 2015 in NY.  He told me about it a while back and I am just so excited for him.  I share it on my timeline.  I don’t know if I can go as it is part of the week I am housesitting.

During the conversation Liz announced her son Chris just got engaged to his girlfriend Jennifer.  Her friend Kari works with me so I don't know if she knows or not but I will keep it quiet until she says something.

It’s been raining all day and now I am going to bury myself under the warm blankets along with the kitties and go to bed.

The Weekend

It was very foggy Friday morning and it didn’t cause many problems.  It cleared out by lunch time and then sun for the day.   The temperatures got into the high fifties.  Again very different from last year.  Saturday was in the 60’s and sunny for part of the day until about 1 when it clouded up and a shower.

The literary club party was lovely.  The home they meet in is very nice.  It reminds me of the Baldwin Sisters house on the Walton’s TV Show.  There was a wide variety appetizers and cookies.  I ate it all (not surprised).  This was more of a social gathering than discussing the latest book.  Maureen tells me that they meet every two months instead of the monthly meetings.  Maureen is looking to get back to the old way of socializing as well. 

Friday night was the Knights of Columbus Christmas party and it was a lot of fun.  Lots of food.  We sat with friends and classmates and we had a great time.  Santa came for the kids and of course Liz and one other was Santa’s helper.  I left sometime after 8 and was home a short time later.  I was pretty tired by then.

Jim contacted us on Thursday and told us he had a health event earlier this week and had some tests and would be going in for a procedure yesterday.  It turns out that he got a pace maker implanted.  He had x-rays early on Saturday morning and was home late Saturday afternoon.  He was still uncomfortable when we both texted him so I am hoping he is okay now.  I sent him a text early Sunday morning but I think he was still sleeping.  Which would be a first in a long time.

Saturday morning wasn’t feeling well myself I had a headache so after feeding the babes and cleaning up a little I went back to bed until about 11:30.  The rest of the afternoon was very full.  I had my hair done around 1:30 and was late for the Gift Delivery.

The gift delivery was really odd.  This year we had to “censor” what we gave the residents.  Usually we give gifts that range from various toiletries (shampoos, body washes, luffas, razors, etc.) well this year we were told we couldn’t give them certain items and we had to take them out and just give certain things to them and the rest to the nursing staff.  Apparently some of the residents have been known to eat, and drink them.   So now for next year we are going to reevaluate the gifts.  It would have been nice to know in advance this was a new policy.  Dr. T wanted me to make sure that I let the Rec Director know we did what they wanted us to do. 

When I got home I ordered pizza and sat down and watched TV for a while. I was excited to see the original Star Trek Movies were on.  I was hoping ST 4 would air but alas no.  I didn’t watch the 5^th one.  I did watch parts of Rudolph.

This morning I am trying to get the labels done for more Christmas cards.  I am hoping to get at least two pages more done (that means about 60 more cards done).  I am also doing laundry and getting that done for the week.  This afternoon is Bingo.  I have nothing else planned except the cards.  Maybe some shopping.

The kitties are exploring the closet in my old room and I can hardly wait to see what it really looks like in there.  I am hoping that during the recess I may clean it out.  Sky slept with me most of the night and Tiger slept probably downstairs.

Things don't always work out as planned.

For a number of days now we were supposed to have a meeting about the mail distribution and delivery.  I have lost count how many times it has been rescheduled.  Now it has been scheduled for Monday afternoon.  Now it may be cancelled again as one of the participants is leaving early that day (just my assumption-we will see on Monday).

There seems to be a lot more going on around the campus then just the Labor activities I have mentioned in the past.  For example two professors (husband and wife) have quit teaching because of an incident that happened last month.  It was over Halloween costumes that one of the on-campus organizations (International Cultural affairs felt might be offensive.  One of the professors expressed unpopular opinion via email and erupted into some serious problems.  The husband defended his wife’s stance in a confrontation with a student and it was not good.  I guess this could go along with the PC conversation/discussion we had on Sunday.  How much is too Politically Correct?  At the same time would we accept disrespect from anyone both children and adults?  How far do we go?

Yesterday was a long day.  After working until 1 and then going for my Benlysta infusion I had my health coach session with Courtney which can be found here.  I trekked to ShopRite and Julia’s Bakery to pick up my contributions to tonight’s Literary club party.   I think it was sometime after 6 when I got home.  The kitties seemed very happy to see me.  I had dinner and then did some laundry and promptly fell asleep until 9.  I am hoping tonight won’t equally long.

The weather has been crazy warm one day cold the next.  We had some rain this morning but the sun is shining brightly.  Last year this time it was very cold and wet.   I think its going to be nice the rest of the week though

Monday Musings

It looks like I am going to have to reset the light timer in the bedroom.  IT went on around 2 am after I dropped my breathing exercises and it must have hit it.  I had to turn it off at the lamp.  I looked at the one I have for downstairs and there is instructions on the timer itself and they seem straight forward.  I tried to fix it last night but it didn’t work.    I was taking a look at digital one on line and that seemed like it would work.   It was a cheap price.  The ones I have are annoying. 

I ordered a pound of Christmas/cookies from Julia’s Bakery in Orange for the literary club party on Thursday now all that’s left is appetizers.  I looked on Shop Rite for theirs and I saw two things I would like to bring.  They are spinach dip tray or stuffed bread tray.  I called Maureen to know what the others wanted and she sent a text message that the stuffed breads would be fine and she also gave the time she would be picking me up.

When I got home I placed the order for the breads and my regular groceries.  The groceries will be delivered but I have to pick up the breads.  I also have to pick the cookies up the same night and have until 8 to do that.

Work went pretty well and I was feeling pretty accomplished with getting stuff done.  I have been re-batching the older EOB’s for NEMG and have returned them to TE’s office.  I still have more to do.  As well as the new stuff that came in.  A part of me was hoping the desk would be completely cleaned off and organized by the time I left but it didn’t happen.  I have a meeting tomorrow with my Supervisor and SR to discuss and review the mail distribution.  IT always makes me nervous.  I do have the lists updated for now.

As I was driving home tonight I was noticing how orange red the sky was and it brought back the poem Red Sky.  It was one that Mom often recited when we saw the skies like that.  The sky also looked like the sandy bottoms at the beaches.

I spent a good deal of the night paying the house bills and finally registered for the RWA site.  OMG it took so long to get a freaking password to work and I was getting so aggravated.  It took so long that I didn’t get to the Christmas labels.

I did get a couple of lovely cards.  I got them from family today.

I think though I am going to bed.

                        

I am really struggling with the Holidays

I am still working earlier entries but I wanted to get this one done.  That being said this holiday has once again came too quickly.  I have not done a lot with the Christmas cards except send out three and started the labels.  I have so much to do and a lot of things going on all at once. 

I was able to get the gift for the club party tomorrow and was able to get the contribution to the food.  It was wings and T approved of it.  I am never sure how much to get.    The only thing is they nearly fell all over T.  The party went well and there was a lot of food.  The meeting went well too.   We have three Christmas activities this coming weekend.  Two sing-a-longs and one gift delivery all at the nursing homes.  Two are at the same nursing home we have been associated with and one with the newest nursing home we did the Veteran’s day Service for.

 The office Christmas Party that Nicole organized was last night.  She has invited friends outside of the office as well.  She gave us the option to invite others but I didn’t because I didn’t know DO’s schedule or JK’s.  We got to see people we haven’t seen in quite some time.  The facility is owned by a former co-worker Dani.  She and her sister own Birchwood at Oakland in Woodbridge.  The food was awesome.  From the Appetizers to the main entrees to the dessert.  The music was great but I didn’t dance.  I was finding it had to breathe and the walk from the car was also hard.  I sat with some lovely ladies I work with and it was fun.

Of course I almost didn’t get to go last night.  For some reason my eye was all red.  My boss noticed it and asked me and I didn’t know a few of us thought it may have been pink eye.  However, I made an appoint to see the doctor and had it checked it out and it seem it was an irritation and I have to use the Refresh for a few days.  If it doesn’t go away they want me to see an eye doctor.  I think its better.

There is a luncheon on the 18^th at the office.  Last year we got to sit down all over the place (boardroom and lobby).  We usually get a nice gift.  Not sure what It will be this year but I am sure it will be useful.

My sister invited me to the KofC (not the restaurant) Christmas party for Friday the 11^th.  I don’t have to do much except pay her for the ticket.  It’s my third or 4^th time attending the wonderful party. 

I was invited to the literary club’s holiday party scheduled for the 10^th and I need to get a cookie or dessert and something else for that day.  I will have to figure it out over the weekend and beginning of the week.

Yesterday I got the invitation to Cheryl’s holiday Luncheon for the 20^th.  We will have an ornament exchange, cookie exchange and Hors d'uvre (Mom would jokingly call them horsy doovers)

I don’t know if I will be getting to the cards this weekend as I have a full weekend with the bridal shower, the sing-a-long, and Volunteering and the Mexican Train Game on Sunday.

Well I am going to relax for a bit before I have to get ready for the shower.  I also have to get the gift sort of wrapped (put in the bag) and do the card. 

It’s rather chilly right now I can see the frost on the car but it is supposed to get warmer today.

I am done for Tuesday December 1, 2015

I have had me a day!  I woke up early and got the cats fed and watered by 5:30.  I managed to relax for a little bit and then had to get my day organized.  I left the house shortly after 7 and headed to DD by the highway. The line was too long I thought so I went to the rest stop on the highway.  I got my coffee the extra-large and do you know it was $3.07!!!!! I thought I was crazy.  I will never do that again.  EVER!

Work went well.  The Gargoyle/Guardian Angel was very complementary about the work.  We worked on making some changes as one department wasn’t just accepting all Mail for their department.  She made sure to let both my Boss and myself it wasn’t us.  We were getting kudos from the mail clerk at the main Mail Room.  The only thing is I don’t know what it is I am doing right.

After work I headed to Staples and Wal*Mart.  I went and got some labels and envelopes at Staples.  The Labels were for the rest of the Christmas cards and the envelopes were for everything else.  The Walmart was to finally get those safety locks for the cabinets and closet doors.  The girl at Walmart was incredibly obnoxious when I couldn’t see what she was pointing out the item.  I told her she was rude.  I don’t know if she heard me or responded.  I was glad my next stop was home.

When I got home I checked the house and the litterboxes and the kitties.  I made myself some dinner and called Liz later on after I worked on the label list.  I soon discovered I need to revise my contact list and address book.

Now it’s bed time.

Monday Musings

Today went by very quickly.  I got up before 5:30 and got the kitties fed and had my coffee.  Then I got ready for work.  I was in such a hurry to get out I forgot to leave a check for Livia to clean the house.  Half way through the day I realized I had done that and texted a message to Livia.  Late this afternoon when I got home I found a note from her.  I will write it out as soon as finish here.  She did a great job this week.  Of course I have already messed up the kitchen with dinner dishes. 

Today is the final day of month end and everyone had to work really hard to get the closing done.  We were asked not to do any Cyber Monday shopping while working.  There seemed to be a lot of mail waiting for me when I got to work.  Most of it was the prior authorizations and the Healthlogic EOB’s.  I still have to finish one that came today (the Healthlogic).  Sadly there was a flyer going around announcing that one of our own lost her sister last week.  I was aware of it because I am friends with the coworker on Facebook.

Now the next part is going to a huge revelation.  My Niece who has been gay (not sure if openly would be a correct term) just announced that Ze is transgender.   Ze had shortened the name from Kristina to Kris.  Ze has been getting a lot of support including from my brother Jim.  Of course I am supportive of her.  It’s just going to take some time for me to getting used to using the Gender neutral speech.  Of course I have a friend to go to for advice.  She sounds incredibly happy and that’s what is important.  So if anyone is reading this and is transgender or the family of transgender please be patient with me as it is an adjustment period for me.   

It was pretty cold today and cloudy.  There were snow flurry sightings a couple of times during the day.  I didn’t actually see it myself but I could feel it.  As I was driving home tonight I couldn’t help think that the sky looked like it would in movies.  It could be any movies.  It also looked like some mornings.    I have to check what the rest of the week is going to be like but I will check before going to bed.

Well I have to pay some bills and go to bed so I will say good night.

A long Day

I am exhausted!  It has been as the title says a long day.   It actually started around 1 am this morning when I started feeling Nausea and then for the next hour and half vomiting.  It finally subsided long enough for me to get back to sleep until 6.  

Admittedly I was not feeling all that well as the day progressed so after doing the daily ritual with the kitties I managed to get some coffee and went back to bed for a while.  I did manage to surf the net and send some messages and answer them as well.  I did this until about 10.

I showered and dressed and left here after 11 for the 11:30 mass.  Almost all of the family was there. I sat with Liz and Nelson and Nelson’s sisters.  As the mass progressed I noticed where everyone was sitting. 

We had to await a while until it was time for the Christening.  There was chatting, picture taking, and laughing.  The ceremony was lovely.  It was a half hour long and I managed to get a few pictures.

The reception was held at Wood N Tap in Orange.  There was so much food.  It was basically buffet and included hamburger sliders, pizza, egg rolls, pita snacks, chicken fingers.  I know I had a lot but knowing my limit.  It was 3:30 when the party broke up.

On my way home I stopped at the pet store to get more dry food for the kids.  It was the only stop I made and was anxious to get home. 

Since I have been home I answered the wedding rsvp.  It’s going to be late.  I did buy the shower gift and should be here in two days.

I also have found my password list.  It was buried under some papers on the night table by the bed.  Wee.

This week is going to be busy.  I have a couple of holiday parties, a doctor appointment, and the bridal shower, and two sing-a-longs, and the Mexican train game.

Its raining

It has been raining on and off all afternoon.  I could  hear it on the windows occasionally.  It isn’t as bad as out west.  My Oklahoma friends seem to be dealing with an unexpected ice storm.  Well Oklahoma City is having rain as well but I think Northern Oklahoma got it more. 

I managed to write my letter to Pam S in Oklahoma.   I thought I would be able to get it mailed this afternoon but I have been procrastinating a lot this afternoon and on top of that I have a feeling my computer to be warmed up and allowed to get more recent emails up.    I still have one more to write and that would be Angel in Texas.

Guess where I found the kitties today?  They were sitting on my overnight bag in the closet.  I noticed one of the doors ajar and so I closed it and looked in the other closet.  There they both were sleeping.  I don’t feel like fighting it or making them come out.  It’s probably a little warmer in there than around here.  The heat is on and the furnace is working.  I just have a T-Shirt on.

Mama Roberta and Papa Mike came home from NC last night.  I got an email from Roberta this afternoon.  She was thanking me for sending her the article on new business that is replacing the Smiles Entertainment center on Boston Post Road.  I told her about Thanksgiving and the rest of the weekend activities.

A little after 4 I got dressed and headed to the store to get the card and I asked for their phone number so if I need to call in the future I have it.  Information/Directory for the cable/phone company are totally useless. I stopped at the post office and mailed my letter and four of the Christmas cards out.  I am not sure what time I got to Liz and nelson’s but they were on their way out to talk to the Priest about her serving at mass tomorrow.  Then they had some errands to run.

The only traffic it seemed was on the highway and in the parking lots at the mall.  I was surprised that route one Boston Post Road was moving swiftly.  After stopping of Captain’s Catch for lobster Rolls I was home by 5 or so. 

The kitties are now roaming around the house again but they were in the closet again when I left.  They did actually go into my old room while I was printing out Pam’s letter.  They didn’t stay long which surprised me.

While I was in the bedroom I managed to put more stuff into the big plastic tubs that I have had in there.  The stuff isn’t in any particular order.   Maybe if I have time soon I will go through it and organize it.  I have a bag of garbage too.

I have been eating the pumpkin bread that was in the bottom of the gift bag from Claudia.  I knew I had one because Liz got one too.  I suspect it will be gone by Monday.

Well I have to clean up the kitchen and straighten up before going upstairs and watching the rest of the marathon.

Have a great night.