KateP's musings

Liz just sent me a video

2012-02-12T21:38:00.001-05:00

Liz just sent me this video of Adam and Olga’s October wedding. There are two a short three minute one and the other nearly 40 minutes. I haven’t seen the longer version but loved the second one.

Home Nearly an hour

2012-02-12T19:36:00.001-05:00

It seems very relaxing to be home. It’s quiet except for Mom’s movements in the kitchen. She is making chicken soup and chicken dish for dinner tonight. That’s great because at 30 degrees it is needed.

When I changed my password for one of my accounts this weekend I totally forgot I would have to do it for outlook. It seems to be working just fine but I had a momentary panic attack.

I unpacked my bag and put the clothes that need washing in a pile. I decided that I have enough things to wear for tomorrow without having to do laundry. I just got real lazy for now.

So you obviously can tell the taxes and the laundry is not getting done tonight. I really don’t think a day would make that much of a difference.

The only regret I have and could possibly bite me in the proverbial ass is the three little white lies I told Mom today. The first one was telling I went to church today. I didn’t go. The second was telling her I didn’t wear a sweat shirt that was a political ad for probate judge a couple of years ago out in public. The littlest things will eat at you when you least expect it to.

The reasons were simple I didn’t want to get into it with her or hear the lectures she would be giving me.

Well its time for me to take a shower and get into my pajamas

Last Day

2012-02-12T15:02:00.001-05:00

I left shortly after 9 for the nursing home. The boys and I had been awake awhile but stayed in bed until 7 or 8. We took our morning walk and they did pretty good. We played inside for a bit and made sure the bed was made and things were straightened up.

The main topic everywhere I have gone whether it’s the TV or the internet has been the news of Whitney Houston’s death. She was found dead in a Hotel in Los Angeles. She was getting ready for Clive Davis’s Pre-Grammy party last night.

Bingo went well. Unfortunately there was a GI outbreak on the second floor so they had to contain it. As a result I cancelled bingo near the end when most of the second floor was in the room. It was okay by me because I was having a headache and wanted to get back to the pups early. The headache was gone after I had some ibuprofen.

When I got back to the house it was nearly noon. I checked the house and found a package in the office. I am guessing it was from Packy. I took them out immediately and the only one who went was Preston. I surfed the net for a while and got things together.

When NH,P, O came home we chatted and then I headed home. I had laundry and perhaps taxes to do.

Snow disappointment

2012-02-11T21:00:00.002-05:00

The snow ispicking up. I just took the boys out fortheir morning routine. Packy wascompliant and wanted to come back in. Preston wanted to continue. Theyboth did the peeing so I am hoping that will be enough for now.

In theafternoon I helped the club distribute our valentine’s cards to the residentsat the nursing home. It took about anhour to an hour and half. When we werefinished I went to the store to get juice and some canned fruit. I ran into an old club member J (she was alsoa friend of another classmate (RB).

The snow didn’tlast long. It was HUGE disappointmentfor me. It was apparently a hugedisappointment for others too. :) I am guessing there won’t be any more snowfor tonight or tomorrow.

I took theboys out for a walk a few times since I have been home. On one of the occasions the boys were beingalittle uncooperative. Packy keptstopping and of course Preston kept pulling. I was getting a little tired of it. When another large dog came around the boys got feisty with each other. While on the walk I noticed huge piles ofpoop. One had a note asking the owner topick up after their animal. I can tellyou it wasn’t to me because a mini poodle and pinscher make small piles. The final walk for the night was a hugesuccess.

I called Momto see how she was and she sounded better. She had a quiet day and night.

Lots going on

2012-02-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

So much going on…didn’t write last night. I got home to the pups just about 4:30 and needed a little time for adjustment. Preston was a little cautious at first but came to me while I sat on the floor. Later he jumped into my lap and gave kisses. Packy was happy to see me he greeted me then went back to his bed in the bedroom.
While I was there Nancy called and they were in tricky traffic but wanted to check in. She is doing fine but has more tests next week. They will be home mid afternoon Sunday. They also left me instructions for the boys meals. Preston gets chicken and rice and Packy gets dog food. At one point I could see Packy squatting in the new room so chased him out of there he almost did it in the living room (EW). So I rushed them outside to do their business and it nearly took half an hour. When we came back I still found crap in the new office.
I left for the store before 6. I got a call from Roberta with an invite to pick up but I turned it down because where I was. I got to the store got the veggie plate and some chicken for me. I headed to Telka’s and managed to get lost. Don’t ask.
I did get to Telka’s before anyone else did. She showed me the Call to Conference from the state level that had a name of one of our trouble making ladies. A short time later everyone arrived and we started the meeting. After wards I gave Kelly a ride home and I was back at the beach house soon after.
I got the dogs walked and then got into my pajamas and watched TV until I started to fall asleep. It was a light sleep as I could hear Packy scratch his bed. I was afraid he was crapping somewhere. Preston sleep deeply under the blankets.
This morning the alarms went off including the one for the TV. It went on! I stayed in bed for a little while longer. Then we got dressed and walked. When I came back tried to access my Google mail with no luck. I think I know why (was still logged into it from the office). Okay I just checked on something and the reason was password memory (I couldn’t remember it)
I talked with Mom this morning. She said the meetings she attended were really good. The sewer commission included. They are going to buy the property and have sent it on to Aldermanic Board. However, PJ&JJ are angry with us (they now have legal representation) and apparently Sylvia and MN are as well.
After work I went and picked up the snow boots from the house so incase I have to go out tomorrow.
Well its almost time to leave.

finally got some sleep

2012-02-09T16:03:00.000-05:00

I finally got to sleep sometime after two this morning. The alarm did go off but later I noticed itwas flashing. I must have pushed the bedagainst the wall or something. I stayed Ibed until 6:15

When I did get up I was a semi speed demon. I got the garbage out and the garbage can tothe back of the house. I got ready for workand managed to get on line for a bit.

I really should have taken the time to make sure I had my IDholder. I couldn’t find it at first andgot as far as the elementary school half mile away. I came back to see if it was upstairs it wasn’tbut it was in the car on the passenger side. Talk about wasting time and energy! I was late for work. It reallystressed me out.

Now though I am so tired. I drank coffee and the rest of my soda and a few doughnut holes thatGayle brought in. I am trying reallyhard to keep it low key. Only talking toa few people and speaking softly at all times. When I get so tired I end up getting loud and obnoxious.

After a two day absence the Milk Lady is back. She barely talks to any of us. When she does its “eye-rolling” time when shetalks about how she is shaking and “her head isn’t right”. We have all scoffed and agree it never hasbeen ‘right’. She is logging out andsorting the cash batches and it takes her ALL DAY when it takes most of thescanners two hours.

I talked with Liz and Mom. They are fine. Liz finished PTand Mom was working on some reports for tonight.

I finally woke up after a few more munchkins and 1 EggRoll. I don’t know for how long as I wasstill feeling tired.

In Fifteen Hours

2012-02-09T00:31:00.001-05:00

In fifteen hours and after a day of work my weekend with Packy and Preston will begin. Their Mom let me know they are looking forward to seeing me and spending time with me. You have no idea how that pleases me. It’s that unconditional love we all look for. I have a feeling the next two days they will be alone longer than during the recess (well maybe not). It will just seem like it. Anyway, their family should be home some time Sunday afternoon.

My co-worker GO just recently got a puppy and she is going through new parent issues with the puppy. She is afraid to leave the puppy alone for long periods of time. She was concerned as he was having the runs recently and she shared it with all of her Facebook family. That I probably could have done with out but I also could empathize with her.

Happy News Mom is continuing to recover from her sinus infection. She sounded much better today but wasn’t feeling completely better. She had a busy day of meetings. She came home and made dinner (Left over Chicken and Gravy and various vegetable dishes). She has more meetings tomorrow and tomorrow night including another Sewer Commission. That will be on going until the Pumping station is built.

Okay I am going to go watch NCIS from season 3. Yeah I know I should be sleeping but that’s not happening right now.

2012-02-08T21:08:00.002-05:00

For the last two days I have been working and running around. Mail was very heavy yesterday making up fro the lack of it on Monday. I didn’t finish it until this morning. Today’s volume was good and I was able to finish it. Well that doesn’t include the readdress mail or the lobby mail I haven’t picked up since Friday. I got another bin of the Medical Society magazine today. These really, really don’t belong at the Med School but at the individual MD’s homes.

If I am honest the other reason it took me so long is I was online for quite a bit yesterday. It all had to do with the NCIS fandom. All of that can be found here. Let’s just say it was “Okay to Fair”.

After work yesterday I rushed around to get Jamie’s Birthday gift/card mailed out to him in time for his birthday at the end of the week. I got him an I-Tunes card at Toys R Us and then a few cards at a card shop and then hauled my ass back to the post office and got supplies (stamps) and mailed it. I think it was nearly 5 by the time I got home.

I spent the rest of the evening preparing for the NCIS milestone (and all that went with it). Again you could probably find it in my NCIS blogs.

Tonight when I got home I did some laundry. It is enough laundry to carry me for the next few days as I am going to NH’s house to baby sit the pups and Gerbils. NH and I were playing telephone tag for the last couple of days.

I don’t know how it is I was able to manage sleep when my hip (at least I think it is my hip) has been bothering for the last couple of days.

I better get the garbage out before it gets to late…see ya later.

Got home earlier than planned

2012-02-06T21:27:00.000-05:00

The session went by quickly but she noticed I was feeling and sounding much better than our last session. I wasn’t as agitated as I was last week. I pointed out that I sometimes vent to people and depending how it went I usually does well. I was home earlier than expected. Mom thought Debra short changed me out of time. First of all I told her the session started at 5 and it usually is 45 minutes to 50 minutes. I got out of there at 5:45 pm what’s the big deal? You are not the one paying for it.

We had lamb chops and potatoes and vegetables for dinner. While Mom cooked dinner I had taken a bath and watched TV. USA is showing the episodes from season three. We watched the news and finished eating. I realized a short while ago Mom just finished cleaning the kitchen. She really wasn’t feeling well. Usually after dinner I am to clear and clean my own dishes and Mom usually cleans up the kitchen. Tomorrow will be slightly different.

Before I get home from work I will be going to get Jamie’s birthday gift and card and get it mailed to him. His birthday is Friday. Mom asked me about and she reminded me I didn’t have a lot of time to do it. I told her I would get it done.

I got some emails from Telka this evening. It was in preparation for this Thursday’s General Meeting. I have phone squad messages to send out and make a phone call to Beth-El Shelter for our annual international dinner. She also will be announcing the new secretary for the Girls Club. It’s Jacqueline F. Nicole’s sister. I am so excited.

There were also a couple of postings on Facebook from the GFWC I am wondering if I can share those at the meeting on Thursday. I will call Telka after I call Beth-El and tell her. One was about the death notice of one of our sister member in Florida. Today’s entry was I think a newsletter form for the members to read. I have to look at it again.

I got a weird call today. I suspect it was a collection call. One of those that are a recording or don’t answer right away. I also suspect it is from the Silkies Company. I still have not paid for the last shipment of pantyhose. I think I better do that.

Well I am going to do some reading as it is getting to be 9:30. I have another long day ahead of me tomorrow….:)

Did everyone take the day off?

2012-02-06T16:15:00.001-05:00

Did people take the day off after the big game? Traffic seemed light to me. I was still a little late (I left the houselate) to the office. It is amazing howquickly the game changed. The fewmoments I watched it the Pats were leading and then I saw Madonna. When I woke up during the night I found outthat the Giants had won. Congratulationsto the franchise and the fans.

There were many comments on Madonna’s performance at half time.Some were nice and some not so nice. The unknown performer that has the worldshaking their heads at her lackluster performance and her obscenity reallyneeds a reality check. If you don’t wantto be there don’t say you will take the job.

My Niece D and brother B stopped by on the way home from thetrain station. D looks great. She has much on her plate coming up. She is thinking about going back to schoolfor journalism and having surgery on a polyp. R is in Amsterdamon location.

I heard from CD today. She was becoming aware that if you don’t contributeto things for the people in registration (for various things) then you are not included. Other than that she is great and so are thekids.

Oy vey the post office mail was very heavy for a Monday. I was stillworking on it until I left for Debra’s.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2012-02-05T16:05:00.001-05:00

It is three hours and fifteen minutes before game time. There are supposedly a number of pre-game shows on that would make most sports enthusiasts slobber over the tube. Not me. I have been doing nothing really. I had left over shrimp and rice from the Dominoes game dinner we had last night. I watched TV for a short time the rest I have been sleeping.

This morning I went to bingo and despite the behavior of one resident I had a good time. I was able to start on time and finish on time but still went to church late. The reason I was late is partly because I went and chatted with the workers picketing outside.

We had a great time playing Mexican Train last night. DebbieM was the first to arrive then D&D from WH. Followed by M&R who were a little late but at least they got there. We ordered dinner and started playing the food arrived and we ate and talked about everything. Once we finished dinner we continued playing until 10. We still have to schedule the next night out. It was suggested that instead of playing we have dinner only.

I will be babysitting Junior in Mid March and again in May. R&M are going to North Carolina and Las Vegas. It will be good to see Junior I miss her.

I just got the shock of my life! I received an email alert that Brother B finally accepted my Facebook Friend Request. I don’t even remember how long ago I did it. He is definitely too funny. He also lived longer than Dad. We lost Dad 21 years ago at the age of 62.

I have been trying to find blog entries from Indiana mentioning activities going on in their state for the Super bowl. I haven’t seen any-yet.

I like to see blogs that write about their daily lives (not list links to various stuff) and definitely not just pictures alone. I realize people will write about their views on certain things about certain subjects but I want to know about everything-if I can’t be able to visit your town or state tell me about it. I would like to do the same for you.

Double Birthdays

2012-02-05T08:52:00.000-05:00

Today is Mom’s and Brother B’s Birthday. It is also B’s 33rd Wedding anniversary to my SIL. As you may recall we got together Friday night at Stonebridge Restaurant for their birthday. Mom had requested that I don’t get her flowers but contribute to a house phone (the ones we have basically suck for her hearing). So that’s what I did. I have put money in a card for her to get the phone. I don’t normally get Bob anything for his birthday as I don’t know what to get him.

I woke up rather late this morning but I still managed to get online for a short time. I still had to leave for the nursing home by 9 to start the bingo session. Then I am going to church.

I am not sure what I am doing the rest of the day. I might do the taxes or I might just sleep. I am still very tired.

One word Meme

2012-02-04T13:41:00.002-05:00

Here's a little meme to see who's reading my posts. So, if you read this, leave me a one-word comment about your day that starts with the third letter of your Blogger username. Only one word please. Then repost so I can leave a word for you. Don't just post a word and not copy - that's not as much fun!

I can't believe

2012-02-04T13:11:00.000-05:00

I can’t believe I am sitting here sweating. I have been sweating for the last hour and half and I am still in my pajamas just for all intensive purposes sitting around. The thermostat is reading 46 degrees out and we probably have the indoor thermostat to 68 degrees.

I actually don’t feel I am just sitting around doing nothing. I have been moving the laundry along and it should be all done by 1:30. I have managed to pay an overdue phone bill this morning and that should be it for now with the bills (oh trust me that doesn’t mean I don’t have more to pay. It just means that’s all that can be done for now).

Jim called this morning. It was a health update. Apparently when he went to the doctor they overbooked or gave him the wrong date for the appointment and now its going to be in two weeks. That really sucks.

Mom is out running some errands. Among the errands is the post office to mail her income taxes. She finished the taxes this morning but she doesn’t do it online. I plan on doing them on line when I can actually sit down and focus on them.

When she gets back she is going to make “Grandma’s Cake for tonight. We have already put the extra leaf in the dining table. I was thinking of using paper plates and stuff but I went looking for them and I didn’t visibly see them. All I saw was Mom’s good stuff she uses for parties.

Well Mom just got back and says there were not tax form envelopes around. I told her probably because they want you to do it on line. I reminded her that here in CT we can do our state income tax online now. I suspect she already knew that.

Okay I need to go take stuff to the cleaners, and get some stuff at the store….Will chat with you probably later on tonight or tomorrow.

Tonight is Mexican Train Game

2012-02-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

Good Morning everyone I finally got some sleep after one. I have already started laundry and had breakfast. I was watching TV for a little while. I am going to work on the room for a bit and then get ready for tonight.

Mom was up before me but she isn’t feeling great. It’s clear she has a sinus infection. She is working on her taxes now at least it’s a little darker in there.

Everyone should be here by 5. We were supposed to play last month but because of the snow storm and messy weather we delayed it until this month. We are going to play a couple of rounds of the dominoes game then have dinner.

We usually have Chinese food from the restaurant down the street from us. We usually get something different and mine is usally General Tsao’s Chicken but I think I may go with Shrimp and rice or something. We will have snacks as well. I think Mom made some pie. I believe we have cookies too.

I am hoping we won’t be still playing after Midnight. I have a full morning of things to do and I want the afternoon to do my own things-even though it is Mom’s birthday and Bob’s.

Okay time to check Laundry.

Having a hard time sleeping

2012-02-04T01:19:00.001-05:00

I am having a hard time trying to sleep between the hand aching and me being agitated for unknown reason. I have been checking out various blogs on the blog sites and I am not finding what I want.

Mom went to bed just around 11:30 last night. She was getting tired. She was feeling better earlier but still not completely better.

For some reason (probably the signal strength is low) the computer is really slow. It is really frustrating and I have done pretty much everything to improve it.

I have looked out the window (as I have proclaimed several times this week) to see light reflecting off the clouds. It is clearly cloudy now I am not sure if it is supposed to rain or not but I have been looking at the weather report for the weekend. There is a 10% chance of rain (just what the hell does that mean) through out the weekend. How about snow? Well at least maybe Sunday?

Next week I have a busy week. I have my meeting with Debra Monday and then the end of the week I have the woman’s club meeting and then baby sitting the pups for Nancy. That will be the entire weekend. I will be doing the valentines card delivery at the nursing home as well.

I know it’s only the early part of the month but I am already amazed that we are starting the second week of February already. It’s going by so fast.

Okay now I am babbling…let me try and get some sleep. See you later.

The Birthday Dinner

2012-02-03T21:25:00.001-05:00

It was after 4:30 when I got home. I was trying to get ready for the birthday dinner at Stonebridge here in town. We were meeting Liz and her family and Bob and Ethel for the special dinners.

Mom and I were the first to arrive. Mom gave the maître d explicit instructions to put the dinners on her card (she handed it to him). I was a little surprised and annoyed she would hand over the card. We played musical chairs at first at the table. After we settled in my Nephew Rich and his Girl came. We chatted for a bit ad commented that Liz would be late to her own funeral. Eventually they arrived followed by Bob and Ethel.

For the next hour and half we shared memories, discussions of Facebook, and stories. Some I didn’t remember at all. Like the fact my brother Bob took Liz to the hospital for her appendicitis and for the birth of Chris or Rich. Mom had a hard time hearing most of it not just because of her crappy hearing anyway but because of the cold she has. There was a variety of different entrées. We started off with either soup or salad. Most of us had seafood. There was a couple of Beef and fowl. I had linguini and clams. I had to take it home as I was full. I didn’t even have the dessert.

I am hoping the pictures Liz took will show up on her Facebook page (if Bob doesn’t object. I actually would post on my own but Bob is very private and doesn’t want to do that.

Now that we have been home I may go to bed as I am tired and have a lot to do tomorrow. Mom has asked me NOT to get her flowers but to put Money towards a new phone for the house. I told her I would do that. I need to get a card though.

Okay I will see you in the morning.

TGIF

2012-02-03T15:52:00.002-05:00

Thankful today is Friday. We are celebrating Janet’s first anniversary with us with doughnuts. I first spoke of herlast year. We had just gotten abreak from the storms that came through and I wrote about work. She has been an awesome co-worker and friend. I have had about four munchkins and a couplepieces of the bliss chocolate.

Lockbox was light and that allowed me to get the postagetallies done from yesterday. After that Iworked on re-address mail until the post office mail came. It came after 11:30 and that’s reallyunusual. According to Jack he had to doa few more runs than usual.

This past week we had two activities go “live”. The Epic system and the new NEMG (externalcompany we do billing for). I haven’theard any major problems this week but I am sure I will. Epic is supposed to interface with thehospital better (no one seems to find that really so).

At lunch time I went to the bank to get money out forseveral events coming up. They are for the dinner tonight, dinner tomorrow, theretirement dinner in two weeks, money to pay EH back for helping me out lastweek. I did stop at a wings place to getlunch. My eyes were bigger than mystomach.

I emailed Cami to see how she was doing and to tell her MilkLady was complaining about double vision.

2012-02-02T22:10:00.000-05:00

My earlier plans to do laundry pretty much got under way after 6. Mom had been doing some of her own stuff and they are either drying or waiting to be dried. My intent was not to be up all not for this but I am thinking it won’t happen.

I had a call from NH today she is home from the hospital recuperating. She is not completely well but getting there. I didn’t ask her what happened (even though Mom asked me) I wasn’t about to push it. We will be calling next week to reaffirm. As of right now they will be leaving Thursday afternoon and returning Sunday.

I nearly had a slight panic attack when the computer monitor returned from screen saver...Read about it here. Its working fine now but something tells me that the mouse has to be replaced or the monitor does.

I got a call from DebbyM last night about this Saturday. We apparently moved the time from 5:30 to 5 pm. When Roberta mentioned the time in her email to me I didn’t think of correcting her. Besides if we get started early then we might finish earlier. I don’t know if Jim will be ehre or not. However, the reason she called me was to ask about the pitcher and the nuts. She sent me an email about an hour later to ask about this stuff. I just didn’t want to call her at that hour. We have being emailing each other and have it all taken care of.

Well the final hour of the mini NCIS Marathon is on (season three “Kill Ari” part 2). I am going to watch it...

Ground Hog Day

2012-02-02T20:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Ground Hog Day! Connecticut’sVeryOwn Ground Hog has indicated that winter is canceled. I say look out the damn window or watch theweather reports on TV! Leave the damnanimal alone. Its bad enough they willbe out in full force in March. Howwould you like to be woken up out of sound sleep to give weather forecasts?

I can feel just a slight twinge of a headache forming. I have had it since I woke up. I have been drinking coffee and at break timeI had some oatmeal. The stomach is juststarting to feel “meh”. I am hoping totake some thing for the head shortly.

I called Mom this morning she had a few complaints for methis morning. The bath mat, the bath rug(we have extra’s on the floor), and the garbage that was out was not either putback right or tied up. My answer to allthat was okay will do it the next time. She is still not feeling well and called the doctor for some anti-biotic.

Work went okay. I amcaught up with the postage/bad address tallies and Lockbox was very light involume and so I was working on readdress mail. I was not sure how long that I will be able to do that. I was hoping the regular mail would be lightas well. IT was. I cleared out the lobby mail box around 3.

The afternoon brought clouds and cooler temperatures thenwhat we have had in the last several days.

This evening is laundry, and room cleaning so that I am notstressed out for the rest of the weekend.

the temperatures

2012-02-01T21:38:00.000-05:00

At 5:15 the temperature was 59 degrees. It was a little cool but comfortable. It’s the beginning of February!!! According to Steve McLaughlin the temperatures will go to mid thirties over night. He did say no significant snow for the next 8 days.

Mom and I did our own thing for dinner. I wasn’t really hungry and Mom is going to make herself a sandwich. She is also getting prepared to make a mince meat pie for Jim when he comes this Friday/Weekend.

I did nap for a little while before dinner but it really didn’t help because even now I am very tired. I spent some time watching TV but I think I am going to go to bed a little earlier.

Liz called Mom today and told her that Audrey would be joining us for dinner. This should be really fun. I am not sure why Jason isn’t but I am not going to second guess things.

I just sent a friend request to my nieces Emily. She must have gotten permission to get back on Facebook. She doesn’t have to friend me but I am a little put off that she friends Liz and Diane and not me.

Okay I am having a hard time keeping my eyes open so I am going to bed now…I want to get up early to get the rest of the garbage and recyclables out.

I watched Jay last night

2012-02-01T11:04:00.000-05:00

Most of you who read this blog or know me know I am not alate night talk show viewer. I usuallyfind the monologues stupid, boring and belittling. The only times I will actually endure thiscrap is if a celebrity I like is on. Last night was just that night. They had First Lady Michelle Obama as the first guest.

She was funny, witty, and informative and I found the anecdotesabout what life is like in the White House for the Obama’s to be veryinteresting. They keep some form ofnormalcy in their lives despite the fish bowl existence. She barely if at all touched on political issues. She talked about the things she is involvedwith (the military, kids health).

Of course I loved the interview with Mark Harmon. Jay did interrupt him a few times but it wasn’tas bad as usual. I watched it a few moretimes on line.

I did have a hard time getting back to sleep last night andwhen it was time for me to get up it was 6:30. I could hear Mom getting up as well. She had to be in Hartfordearly and so I was in and out of the bathroom in good time. One minor snafu was when Mom starting bitchingabout the top. She has to learn that ifshe insists on 1) being so damn critical and 2) nasty about things she willalienate people around her including her children.

The drive in to workwas okay despite the rain shower. I wasin the office a little after 8. I wasn’tpleased at the fact I had to ride up in the elevator w/SR. She may have a tad problem with me not at mydesk at 8.

LG hasn’t come in yet. She called earlier to say that her eyes were still “blurry” and shemight be in later in the day. She hadthe surgery Monday. It is generalconsensus that she is milking the situation. I have now dubbed her “the Milk lady”.

My Plans for this evening are to do laundry and get my roomin some what good shape. I have tworeasons for that. The first being if Jimdoes come up I suspect the kids will be with them. Second I will be too busy Saturday to do anycleaning in time for the Mexican Train game at 5.

Okay the lockbox is finished and now on to the otherstuff. I will see you later….

2012-01-31T22:29:00.003-05:00

Military dad makes surprise visit

WTNH.com Connecticut I saw this tonight and nearly cried…Mom thought I was losing it…

Not a bad night

2012-01-31T22:18:00.000-05:00

I have to say I am enjoying the evening. I didn’t have any problems getting home from work. The traffic was light and I managed to get home just about 4:30.

Before going in I decided to clean the windows of the car because they seemed dirty and the glare at times can be quite dangerous. I was surprised to find there wasn’t a lot of dirt. That can mean only one thing (or more) and that is the wind shield is pitted. I will check it out tomorrow while driving.

I found Mom in her pajamas and talking on the phone regarding her one of her committees and boards. I think she has to speak and she is still having a hard time with clog ears. I have noticed she is not coughing as much as she was last night or this morning. She did manage to get dinner started.

We had pork chops and mashed potatoes and home made biscuits. She is cleaning up and going to watch TV for a while.

The rest of the work day went okay. I took a walk to city hall to pick up parking vouchers for GC and came back and got us lunch. Longhini sausage sandwiches. I have to finish the lockbox and do the lobby mail and do the month end of postage tallies.

I watched TV for a while and now I am heading to bed….

Terry's Birthday

2012-01-31T15:45:00.001-05:00

Ah today is a very special day. Today is Terry’s Birthday. She was given a breakfast by friends on anotherteam. DK brought in bagels not realizing we had planned on something later onin the week. She is definitely wellloved woman by all who know her.

I was annoyed by some incidences today. Apparently when I complained to someone (itwas in passing) about the Pit bull regarding coffee. They in turn told SR told GC. First off I thought I could trust the personI was speaking to but GC reminded me that person is still a manager. Two campus mail things I sent out yesterdaywere back on my desk. It had the rightaddress on (it was going to a particular doctor) but when I have several forthat one address I just put the department and address.

Late in the day one of the couriers came back for stuff hewas taking back to the Long Wharf. I gave it to him but he was expectingsomething else.

I called Mom a couple of times and she still feelsmiserable. She even went back tobed.

One Step Closer

2012-01-30T23:28:00.000-05:00

I found one of the 1099 forms waiting for me when I got home from my appointment from Debra tonight. I am waiting to see if I get one more from another bank and then I can start doing the taxes. I have those H&R block programs they send you every year. I have been using them for the last two or three years for a small fee I guess. Last year and the year before I kept putting off doing the taxes for some unexplained reason (probably fear of doing it wrong or taking long) but once I went through the instructions slowly and what ever it wasn’t bad. I can’t even begin to think about how much I would be getting back but what ever it is I will put it in the savings to go to my trip.

Earlier today I talked with JB the financial Admin in the finance office (she handles the tax stuff for the doctors in the Med School/Medical Group) and I asked her about the H&R block programs. Whether or not the update disk goes in first and she explained to me to put the first disk and follow the instructions.

My session with Debra was at 4:30 tonight. I was pretty agitated for no particular reason. I reviewed the entire week with her and shared the highlights (Mom’s cold, Mom almost getting us in accident on Thursday, work). The fifty minute session went by really quick. I also shared some of the upcoming activities as well.

Mom was home when I got home after 5:30. She had the dinner reheating in the oven. She still wasn’t feeling well. Her ears continue to be clogged even more than usual. Her back is still not that great. She went to Hartford for the Bonding hearings. The bonding hearings are hearings that the Finance committee has to hear request from various organizations to help pay for various projects in the Human Services territory.

I am starting to fall asleep here so I am going to say goodnight.

Mondnay Musings

2012-01-30T16:10:00.001-05:00

I had a great sleep but of course I wanted to stay in bed asmuch as possible. It was nearly 6:30when I finally got up. I showered,dressed, and got on line for a short time. Mom got up shortly after I did. She is still not feeling well but she had to be some where this morning.

The drive into work was fine until I got close to thegarage. The exit ramp was full andblocked. There was a truck parked on theN Frontage RDbehind the office and another car parked behind it. We had to go around them. Time was of the essence.

Work is fine. Finishedthe lockbox early and got some readdress mail done. At first impression the US Mail seems to beheavy. It usually ends up not beingheavy. I was able to get almosteverything done.

We had a surprise visit from CD…she was in training here andstopped by for a visit. I also found outthat JH was relieved of duties last week. Some people knew last week.

Mom Slept Late

2012-01-29T16:10:00.002-05:00

I was quite surprised to find Mom still sleeping when I left for bingo this morning. I knew she wasn’t feeling well so I let her sleep. All the while I felt weird about it. I was beginning to let my imagination go wild. She didn’t get up until noon. She wasn’t feeling good either.

I will go to Costco shortly for some things Mom wanted. She had a couple of coupons she wanted to use before they expired.

Bingo went well we had about ten people and JV came to help. I had been visiting a resident and she was telling me about her life here in Milford. It was quite interesting but I was there longer than I should have been.

Oh and I don’t have a meeting tonight but on February 19th. We may have dinner together too. I got a late night email from Telka and she suggested we have dinner. I called Roberta when I gto home and we talked about it.

I cleared out some more emails this morning over 100 of them. I received an email alert for Joseph A. Foran High School this morning. It was part of description for real estate. Before I read the entire email I thought it was about the school itself so I asked Jillian about it and she didn’t know of anything.

My trip to Costco was short, sweet, and successful. I managed to get a few things and run into a few people from work and get home by 2. I had made one call to Mom about the eggs. When I got home Mom was sleeping again. I have closed her door so she can sleep.

I found some left over frozen lasagna in the freezer in the cellar I am probably going to have that for dinner.

I finally cleaned the car out of garbage that I have “collecting” for a few weeks. I was relieved the weather held out for it.

I called NH today and found out she is in the hospital. I can’t believe. They are still making plans for their trip to DC next month but right now have to concentrate on her health.

MVB called to ask if we were going to the vigil (for the Local 1199 workers who were locked out at the nursing home I volunteer at). I told him I would but Mom wouldn’t be and he asked if I told the DTC secretary that Carlton Giles had rejoined and I hadn’t so I fixed that when I got off the phone.

I have some things to do before I leave for the vigil so I will see you all later.

Final entry for the night

2012-01-28T22:03:00.001-05:00

I was just heading to bed but I thought I would do a quick update. The kitchen faucet is fixed after Bob had to run to the store and get some more washers. He was chastising himself for not having the right materials for the repair so he had to go to the store. It seems to me that happens a lot. Well at least it’s done.

Jim called tonight just as I was leaving for church and told Mom he went to the doctor and it looks like he has skin cancer on his face. He told her he was going to have it taken care of I think Monday. When I returned from church I asked Mom about the phone conversation. I also told her that I would go see Jim and take care of him during his recovery. She put a kybosh that suggestion completely. I am surprised she didn’t even ask how I knew.

I am not sure if we are having a Board meeting tomorrow or not. Roberta and I haven’t heard from Telka since earlier in the week. She did have an agenda but no actual date confirmed. I left a phone message for her so I am waiting and will have to call Roberta back tomorrow.

Roberta took some time to discuss Hawaii. I asked her if she was able to transfer her time share to the Island and she hasn’t done it yet. She said she would do it tomorrow. I told her about the prices I have found for air fare but not for the hotel. I suspect the price alerts I have been getting include those.

I couldn’t believe all the good movies that were on today. There was Willy Wonka, LOTR, Hook, and there were some I had no interest in watching. There were also shows I hadn’t seen in years such Lost in Space and of course The Original Star Trek. I haven’t seen the shows in a good long time.

Okay well its time for me to say good night.

This Time last year

2012-01-28T15:32:00.000-05:00

I have wanted to write this entry for the last two days but something else came up. So now here it is:

This time last year we were digging out from the biggest snow storm in a long time. The actual storm started on the 26th. There was small storm that morning that no one was focused on but later the other one came down hard. It was also the day I got to meet Nelson 3. The state was still shut down on Thursday. The neighbors helped with the snow removal. That Friday I had gone to work and caught up on stuff. Mom had gone to a seminar that day. Commuting was a pain as well.

This year has been a total different story. There has been very little snow and the temperatures have been in the 40s and 50s. The sun is shining. The forecast for the next ten days is sun with clouds. There is some chance of rain (nothing about snow) but a lot to make a big difference.

Mom got home from grocery shopping and the library and some how she threw out her back. She was moaning a little bit ago. She is probably not going to church.

I have decided I am going to church tonight. I am tired of getting to church late every Sunday. So I won’t be going to St Mary’s for a while. I have not gone in two weeks either. I will be getting ready in a short time.

I know I wrote that it would be good to see Bob this morning but now I am once again disappointed by his lack of commitment. Once again he has proven to me that he can’t be depended on when needed. He didn’t get here until 3:30. Of course Mom could have misunderstood and didn’t hear him say “this afternoon”.

Okay its time for me to run….

Got into the day

2012-01-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

I have not been up long but I got right into the day by doing laundry and paying some bills and doing some banking. I really don’t have much planned in the way of activities today. If the weather holds out (and I am expecting it to) I am planning on cleaning out the crap n my car.

Mom is in full cold mode so she isn’t feeling great. I don’t know what she has planned but it may not be much. I am going to make sure to help out as much as she needs me to.

Bob is supposed to be coming sometime this morning to fix the faucet. It will be good to see him.

Well I am going to get dressed and finish up the laundry part.

Oh Good Grief

2012-01-27T20:29:00.001-05:00

Well guess what I found this evening? After Looking in Mom’s car and mine for the second time and in both the spare room and my room I looked in my pocketbook in the center pocket and it was among some personal stuff. No I know I looked there earlier and I couldn’t find it.

It looks like Mom is having fun on her Facebook page. She has both my cousins ganging up on her:

http://facebook.com/ccphelan1

I don’t think she is mad at them per se but it’s the kind of thinking she has dealt with being a Democrat. I pretty much know to stay out of it. She probably will tell my brother about it tomorrow when he comes to fix the faucet.

We are all having dinner together on February 3, 2012 for the birthdays next week. That’s good. I am not sure what restaurant we are going to either. I am guessing its Stonebridge.

Dinner was left over Chicken and Dumplings while Mom had egg and pepper sandwich. It looked good. I was almost wishing it was what I had.

I am in my pajamas for the night. The rain has stopped and the sky has cleared up so that I can see the crecent moon.

I am going to pay some bills and then go to bed.

I knew it

2012-01-27T15:59:00.001-05:00

I had a feeling today was going to be a long day. I had no problems waking up at 6:30 the alarmwas set for it and it was relaxing but I still manage to leave the houselate. I finished posting and writinglast night’s entry and then I got dressed.

Before I left the house the coat stand fell over knocked thepictures and lamp off the top of the desk next to it. Mom didn’t help me with it and it made melater then I wanted.

The commute to work obviously sucked when everyone was going20-30 miles an hour. I didn’t seeanything but there was a state trooper on the side of the road. Apparently it caused quite a back up after becauseI really didn’t see anything.

When I got to work I discovered that my little ID holder wasnot in the pocketbook. That really sucksbecause I parked the car already in the garage. If it isn’t in the car I don’t know what to do. I can’t go to the bank because they need ID. I have been depending on others to let me into the area.

I also found out I left one of my gloves at the house. Mom told me when I called her this afternoon. I didn’t tell her or ask her if she sawanything else because I wasn’t sure how she would react.

I had a pleasant surprise this afternoon CD called me fromher new job.

I am calling the Doctor tomorrow

2012-01-26T22:00:00.000-05:00

My coughing fits were very prevalent during the DTC meeting and we had a speaker tonight. I was very afraid it was getting disruptive but both Mom and Tessa said it wasn’t. Tessa wrote in an email that she was going to suggest I go home because it was making me stressed and distressed. I had emailed her to thank her for helping get my stuff. As it was I was stressed out before I got there.

Mom drove to the DTC and before even getting there I swore she was going to hit a truck in front of us. I think we were on New Haven Avenue near Roberta’s house and the truck was preparing to turn and I had to tell Mom to watch the truck. I told her I really think I should drive. She told me to keep still and sit there. That’s when I should have gotten out of the car and called the police. I was steaming the entire ride to meeting. We tried to find a parking space and it was near a light post. Her exact words were I don’t want to hit the lamp post. Guess what she did? I told a few people. I was handing a document to Phil for him to sign. I later apologized to someone who was the receiving end of my wrath. I don’t want to take away Mom’s independence but I sure as hell don’t want to get into an accident.

Like I said we left the meeting early and came home. Since I have been home took more cough medicine it just made it worse I think. The same thing happened to Mom once. I also put the Vick Vapor rub. The coughs have subsided a little now.

I got a text message from NH about the house sitting gig. We have to talk about it. Tht sounds kind of ominous. I am wondering if she found out I was telling her cousin that I am babysitting the dogs again and why? I will call her tomorrow night.

I am going to go to bed and get some sleep.

still working

2012-01-26T20:55:00.000-05:00

I am still working on my entry from yesterday. I fell asleep early again and then woke up inthe middle of the night. Mom was in bedand told me that Olivia is coming today. I am not looking forward to that. I am not sure but I think today she is going to organize my room. I was all gung-ho at the beginning of themonth. I am not feeling it rightnow. I have visions of Mom helping andgoing through all the stuff and trying to see what’s on my desk and on thefloor. I will hear all about it probablylater. At least I took down the two cupsand the plastic container so that Mom doesn’t have a complete frosting. I realize I may be worrying over nothing.

My pay check came to $600 and change today. I need to pay some bills. I didn’t have very much in this particularaccount but from there I put some of it in three different accounts (if I can). Then a second account I do the entire billpaying from. The other 2 accounts aresavings.

I talked with Mom she was getting ready for her Dr. Appointment. She filed a complaint with me. (If you don’t know it yet I am a slob) I leftunderwear in the bathroom. I washed themout but not well enough.

Woo Whoo Wednesday

2012-01-25T20:30:00.000-05:00

I really had a good nights sleep last night so much so that I stayed in bed longer than I should have (note to self been doing that a lot lately). I managed to get ready for work and read emails and surf the net a short time.

I had a great day at work. Got to the office on time and got most of the daily stuff done (the lobby mail can be done tomorrow along with today’s postage tallies)

I talked with Jim today after my email attempt failed last night. He still is waiting for the insurance company to finish investigating the break-in and theft from last autumn. He is doing okay. He tells me that he is going to have to start preparing for a new surgery. This surgery is for things that couldn’t be taken care of during the Cancer episode. Now he apparently has known this since September but has been putting it off. He promised he would schedule it once we got off the phone. I would have liked it much better if he told MOM!!!! I can’t even begin to imagine exactly what he meant but things to be taken care of. Admittedly it made me a lot nervous but what is making it worse is I haven’t said anything to Mom yet. I don’t know if I should. Anyway I told him if he wants I can come down to care for him like I did when he went through the prostate surgery a few years ago. It seems like a life time now.

We did talk about other things such as the birthday dinner for Mom and Bob. The trip to Hawaii I am planning on taking in August and how the kids are doing in school. They have mid-term exams for the last two weeks.

1. I also talked with Liz. She wasn’t happy that I complained at her ex-DIL’s post about her upcoming birth of new baby. 25 more days...not that I'm counting! I thought it was a slap in the face of Chris and the rest of us. Liz says ex-DIL doesn’t care about anyone but herself.

We also talked about the Birthday dinner. Liz seems to think that Mom would rather have dinner out at a restaurant then have it cooked. A part of me felt like she was hurt and I told mom about it. She said she would talk to Liz. I get the feeling that Liz would be at the slightest “slight” to her. Anyway I offered to help pay for it if we do go to dinner.

We will see what happens as the day gets closer but right now I need to hit the sack…

managed to get back to sleep

2012-01-24T15:30:00.000-05:00

I managed to fall asleep sometime between 1 and 2. The next thing I heard was the alarm goingoff. I stayed longer than I shouldhave. Mom got up even before me! When I heard her get up I jumped into theshower and started getting ready. Idecided to lie across the bed before getting dressed. I figured I still had plenty of time. So I thought. I managed to read a couple of emails and got dressed all before7:30. When I left Mom was in theshower.

Mom has a meeting atBridges today and a dentist appointment to fix a broken tooth she got lastweek. I don’t think she has anythingelse today.

I asked her about the funeral arrangements for the husbandof the bible study companion and she tells me they are not having afuneral. They will have a memorial downthe road.

My stomach has been rather queasy. It started at home and so I took somemilk. When I got to the office I hadcoffee. Around mid morning I had gingerale and mountain dew.

I took a walk with DK to the hospital and got some lunch. Both of the items I got were too much toeat. Mozzarella sticks and chicken nuggets.

Clearing out

2012-01-24T01:00:00.000-05:00

It’s almost 12:30 and I tried to sleep. I woke up when I heard Mom go to bed and decided to get back online and clear out some emails and update my Computer blog. It’s amazing how original I can be when the last two entries have the same title.

Speaking of clearing out the rain has pretty much washed away all the snow we got from the weekend snow fall. The temperature is still hovering at 48 degrees. It’s supposed to be this way for the next couple of days. It looks like the weekend will have showers. That’s not bad I don’t think we have any big plans for the weekend anyway. I may clean the room then (unless Olivia has done it by then).

Well I am going to try and get back to sleep…if I don’t I will be useless again…

A good night to stay home

2012-01-23T21:38:00.000-05:00

Well got a late call from Debra asking to move the appointment time back to 4:30 as she was running late. That was great because I could stay a few more moments to work on some of the bad addresses from Friday. I still have today’s to work on. I was so happy to have the daily work done. All that I need to do is the lobby mail tomorrow and the readdress mail.

The session went well. I told her all the stuff that went on the past week within five minutes of sitting down. I then said okay it was good talking see you next week. A little spiel from NCIS (yeah I have it on the brain). I was really tired but managed to talk about the week a little more detail. We talked about woman stuff, my headache experience yesterday. We talked about the plans for the next week and the weekend. I told her about the birthday dinner we are having for Mom and Bob. She asked if Jim and the kids were coming up and I didn’t know. We got the discussion of periods. She wanted to know when I got mine (I explained the problems I had been having this weekend). I have a feeling I may have told her that story a couple of times over the years.

After the session I walked to the car and drove home. The traffic was slow. There was evidence of earlier accidents strewn along the lane. Along with traffic going less then 50 miles an hour I could see State Troopers driving along with flashing lights.

I got home by quarter of six. Mom left me a note for dinner. The stew was enough for two people. She indicated she may have some when she gets home if she hadn’t eaten at the Bridges meeting she was attending. I had a bowl of it with potatoes and 2 slices of apple pie. I haven’t eaten anything else and that’s unusual because I would be foraging by now.

I watched a little bit of TV and checked the emails. Everything seems fine but the little computer has the “x” in the corner as though it’s not connected. I checked the modem and they seem fine. I am able to access the net.

Well got emails from Telka it looks like we are going to have our board meeting on January 29th. There is some good stuff to discuss like our budget for the upcoming year. I can’t believe it is that time again.

God I want to go to sleep but I can’t. I have to still do the minutes from Thursday. I don’t wanna….so I will do it tomorrow.

It's Monday

2012-01-23T13:45:00.002-05:00

Yep it is Monday. Admittedly I am still not feeling well. I still had a small headache this morning. I am not sure why because everything was on the bed correctly (no judgments please). My stomach has been “meh”. I am still coughing despite the fact I have had cough medicine. I managed to have some toast and coffee and the stomach hasn’t erupted. I bought some juice for later and yogurt.

I was pleasantly surprised that I got a few things done and still managed to leave the house by 7:30. The drive in wasn’t bad. It is over cast and we are expecting some rain. It’s supposed to go into the 50’s today and tomorrow.

Hey Congratulations to all the Patriot and Giant Fans across the country. On to Victory!!! I didn’t see Steve Tyler’s rendition of the National Anthem but if it was anything like Roseanne Barr’s version I am glad I didn’t. The radio Station was going to play it and I just turned it off. Apparently he was been tweeted about all night.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford from AZ announced she is resigning from her office effective immediately. She released a video yesterday and tweeted about it as well. She looked great but still has a long road ahead of her. Her Husband Commander Mark Kelly also tweeted about it.

I talked with Mom this morning. She was just getting ready for her Mammogram and then a day of meetings. She has them right up until 7 I think.

SR complained to G about the pile of refund requests I gave to her on Friday. G asked if I held on to them I told her no. I reminded her that I told G about it the minute SR had a melt down.

I emailed CD to see how her new job is going and she says she loves it. Of course she misses us. I am very happy for her. Its everything she enjoys doing.

Well it’s getting late and I still have lots to do before I go to Debra’s for our session.

my Day jan 21, 2012

2012-01-23T06:58:00.002-05:00

Well my day started some time after 3. I started getting a headache. I had to get up to take care of a few other things but not the headache. I went back to bed and got some sleep but still had the headache.

I know the reason I got the headache. My bed wasn’t made-and I was lying on the bed with out sheets just blankets and that usually gives me a headache. Around 7 I got up took a shower and the headache continued. I spent the next hour and half dry heaving and lying down. Mom could tell I was dragging my feet. I finally told her what happened. I did finally take some aspirin before leaving for the nursing home.

I was about a mile and half from the house when I started gagging. I felt really dizzy (I called it my Linda Blair impression) I pulled over and put the flashers on opened the door and then checked the car to see if I put in park-I hadn’t but fixed that. Five minutes later the headache was gone after vomiting. I waited a few minutes then took off again.

I got to the nursing home after 9:30. Angela was there and was about to start but I was feeling better and better. I called home and told Mom and she was relieved. I just had ginger ale and took it slow.

It was too late for me to go to church so I headed home. I had decided to do some laundry while waiting for Mom to come home. Mom did some repackaging while I did some laundry and started making the bed.

Around 2 we got ready for the Meet and Greet with Congressman Chris Murphy. It was held at State Senator Gayle Slossberg & her husband David’s home in Milford. The weather seemed to be changing but it didn’t interfere with the driving or the event.

Many people attended including the Mayors of Woodbridge, Milford, and friends and family and members of the local political parties. The food was plentiful. I had a little to eat because I wasn’t sure how the stomach would feel. I had lunch earlier and it may have been too much for the stomach to handle.

It was after five when we got back. I did some laundry and finished making my bed and watched TV and Mom watched TV.

Enjoying the snow

2012-01-21T16:49:00.000-05:00

Well it is now after 12 Mom is making stuffed peppers and I am bopping between my NCIS fandom forums, watching TV, and trying to motivate myself to do laundry. The snow is coming down hard and fast. The temperature is 19 degrees. It is supposed to end later tonight (I am really hoping it doesn’t it).

The cable guy came out to see the phones. The phone jack wasn’t in the wall. Trying to get Mom to check the phones was frustrating. She finally got it. Now all is well. It must have been knocked out some time last weekend. Only one phone was ringing the others were not but still registering on the TV. We were trying to figure out how it came out I figured someone (either Mom or Mike) knocked it out-very easy to do.

Mom got some bad news today. A friend’s husband from the bible study group she is part of past away this morning from Cancer. I am sure the funeral arrangements are for early next week.

I don’t think Mom is going out to lunch with Martha today. I think it would be wise if she didn’t. I thought I heard Mom say that perhaps the United Way dinner tonight was going to be on after all. She said she may have to cancel her self going (I would prefer it actually).

It is now late afternoon: Mom cleared off her car and headed to the store. For all intensive purposes the storm has moved on to the Far East (RI). The Dolan Women helped her a little while doing the rest of the neighborhood. D next door cleared out the driveway. Mom was home by 4 and got a few things. She says the stores were empty.

Spoke to DM and it looks like we are moving the Mexican train game to February 4th and that works for me. Whether or not it works for the others is something to see.

We are eating dinner around 5 and I want to clear out some stuff that’s been sitting in the mailboxes for a long while.

Tell me about your snow storms

We are supposed to get snow

2012-01-20T20:30:00.000-05:00

I should say we should be getting more snow tonight and most of tomorrow. The weather reports say most of the state is slated to get 4-6 inches. We got a dusting last night and it didn’t last long (time wise and temperature wise).

The meeting went to 9 and there were ten of us there. I have minutes to write up and I can do that tomorrow during the storm. We had cake for Phil for his birthday. After the meeting Mom and I talked with AB about housing and stuff. Mom suggested that she would clean up from the meeting and that I go to bed.

I don’t think it took that long fro me to go to sleep. However, I know I woke up a few times from a cough now and then. When it was time for me to get up I did and got ready for work. I had to make a call to the restaurant for the breakfast order for Cami’s breakfast and by 7 then I left after 7:30 and got to the office on time.

Terry helped me set up the table and Evette helped collect money (we were really short at one point) and I know I messed up some how the whole bill came to $98 and change. There was still a lot of food left over.

I managed to get a lot done despite my lousy temperament. I have to say I was proud of my self for not getting all mushy on Cami all day long. She was doing well until Joanie said goodbye to her.

The work that is still needs to be done is readdress mail. At this point I just keep adding it to the piles already there. I hope to work on it this week. I managed to do most of the lobby mail. Today’s and tomorrow’s is all that needs to be done Monday morning. I think I have at least three days worth of the postage tallies to be done.

I brought a very large batch of refund letters to Susan. I thought she was going to have a heart attack. She also looked pissed at me. Happily MBW understood that it probably went to the departments instead of to our address. There were at least ten envelopes with them in it.

Well I have taken the Nyquil again so I am going to try and sleep.

Today Connecticult lost a Weather Icon

2012-01-18T20:11:00.001-05:00

Memorials are going out tonight via Facebook, Twitter and every imaginable venue on the internet for the wonderful and most loved Weatherman Dr. Mel Goldstein. He died this morning of Multiple Myeloma. WTNH announced it mid day today that he had passed away at the age of 66. The Governor’s Office released a statement that he was an icon and will be missed. I always remembered him as being very informative in his weather reports. I am not sure when he became a full time member of WTNH but you can read the story in the link above. I don’t think I have ever met him but many others including Dave did. Dr. Mel retired last November.

Today was pretty busy. Lockbox was high in volume (well more than yesterday’s) and I was still working on it when I left work this afternoon. I thought the regular post office mail was heavy but I was wrong. I still haven’t gone downstairs to the lobby mail. The readdress mail is still hanging over my head as well but I can’t keep worrying about that.

At Break Time I took a walk over to the bank to take out money for “things” (read below). I was really sorry I did it but I wanted to participate in festivities. It was so freaking cold and windy I almost lost my hat. It wasn’t a pretty sight when I had to run after it.

We celebrated Gayle’s Birthday with Pizza and cake. We ordered a variety of pizza toppings (plain, meatball, sausage, and broccoli). Most of us took two slices each. “Diva” took three!!!! I was freaking appalled. I don’t know about you all? But it’s customary to take two slices first and then go back for more. There were still people who hadn’t gotten theirs yet.

I was really happy to be leaving at 4. I was growing tired and whiney. I helped CD get the boxes we have been collecting for her big move next month (she is moving to a condo with her family as well as moving on to Registration) to her car.

The drive home was a little precarious. The sun made it difficult to drive and so did other drivers who almost collided with each other. I was relieved I made it home by 4:30.

When I got home I put the garbage and recycle bins out front. I didn’t want to be doing it later on in the evening. I managed to get the other garbage out as well. Unfortunately when I do that there is always more garbage to put out. Its now going to wait.

Mom came home around 5 and was able to have the lasagna she made for our dinner. She also had a phone call to come to the meeting she was heading for early. She got home a little while ago.

I got a call from DM again about possible cancellation because of weather conditions on Saturday. We will have to make a decision sometime Saturday.

Mom almost forgot this evening.

Okay It’s a special night of NCIS so I am going to watch it before I zonk out.

Pez Candy Factory

2012-01-18T07:20:00.000-05:00

For the last several weeks I have been noticing a billboard promoting Pez Candy Factory and wondered what was going on. Until I saw this over the weekend the company is expanding their visitor’s center. I have always known that Pez was in West Haven for years but never visited there. Through the years bought their candy and managed to get a few dispensers. I have one for my car (the Teddy bear that Telka gave all of us one year). I might take some time one day and take a visit to the company and have a tour.

Today was a messy start to the day. We finally got some white stuff but it was barely left by the end of the day. I think most people got up to two inches every where. It caused some traffic snafus as well. It also seemed like many staff members had to take the day off because many schools either delayed or closed.

I spent most of the morning working on the postage and bad address tallies until I got lockbox. Surprisingly I didn’t get very much lockbox either. The regular post office mail seemed heavy but I suspect part of it was from the day I didn’t get any. I was finished with the mail by 3:15. I do have the lobby mail to do and I can probably do that tomorrow.

I got a message from NH today. She wants me to watch the boys in February for a weekend. I am really looking forward to that. I sent her a reply and called her when I got home tonight.

Mom had a meeting this afternoon and it went longer than she planned. She decided we would finish the pork chop dish we had last night. It was delicious. She is also making plans for baking cakes for the Mexican train game session and I think Phil’s birthday. She won’t be here on Saturday as she is having lunch with her friend Martha and to United Way dinner Saturday.

When I got home I took the Nyquil so I am going to watch TV for a bit and then hit the sack. Have a great one.

The Saline Solution

2012-01-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

I am really beginning to think the Saline solution really doesn’t work for me. Every time I use it-it either goes down the back of my throat or runs out of my nose like the runny nose I have had all week. Then I also have to blow my nose right after. Then my nose feels stuffed all over again

I also am thinking the Nyquil didn’t work either. I barely slept since I took it last night. However, it must have kicked in at some point because it was quarter of six when I got up. I did get up once to get some juice.

This morning I have been watching the NCIS marathon and wishing my nose would stop doing what ever it is doing. Mom is making some dishes for her lunch with the bible study group.

I am not sure how long the bible study group is going for probably a couple of hours hence the reason for the lunch foods. Personally I hope it’s for hours because right now I am really annoyed at Mom’s attitude.

A few times I told her what I was going to do. I will empty the garbage and or try something to get the cold out of me. She was very dismissive and rude. I finally said I really don’t want to make a big deal but I don’t like the way you are answering me. What was her response? Don’t be so trivial!!! I am not going to argue about trivial stuff. I wanted to slap her right across her mouth. I just looked at her and said okay and walked away.

Once she left I did one of my rants. That we were done and that I thought she was just as bad or worse as the rest of her family and is abusive and then claims that her children are abusive.

After a couple of hours the anger subsided and I busied myself with a few phone calls. One of them was to DM. She had called me at one point and I missed it. Her attempt at humor was a huge fail but (she said I had lied about having the phone with me) what I meant was my cell phone. Anyway for the next almost hour and half we talked about our Mexican Train night and things we might need. She insisted (if we didn’t have it) the kind of pitcher that holds 32 oz’s of liquid. She suggested (as in the past) to go to the dollar store. She is always talking about sales and comparison shopping (something I find extremely boring and unnecessary).

I also made phone calls and emails for the club. I have the dates confirmed for the carnival and the Fashion show. I have not done anything about the blood drive yet but I can some time this week.

The rest of the time until Mom came home I showered, and got out of the pajamas had some tea and watched TV. Mom came home around 3 or so.

Mom did some cooking and I did some laundry and then around 4:30 I left for my session with Debra. The drive was uneventful. The garage was almost empty and eerie. I parked in my normal spot on the sixth floor and walked to Debra’s office.

It was nearly 5:15 when the session started. I told her about the incidences today and the managed to bring up everything that has been bothering me about the family. I also told her about the fact that Dave lied about the whole Lulu thing to me. It made the entire session fly by.

It was almost 6 when I got back to the car. The drive home was uneventful. If you don’t count every one in front of me dropping to 40 miles an hour on the highway the minute they saw the state trooper. That’s one way of tying up traffic.

By the time I got home it was after 6:15. I got my dinner together that was cooking in the oven. Mom made pork chops with vegetables. I had taken Nyquil and then sat down and watched TV. When I realized Mom wasn’t going to be home anytime soon (she went to a classmates wake) I put the pan with the pork chops in the oven again and kept them warm at 355 degrees. Mom came home sometime around 7:30.

She is watching her Monday night programs and having dinner. She also has a long day tomorrow. She says she has lots of meetings and I wouldn’t be surprised if she went to the funeral of classmate.

I am planning on going to work and then home. I Have nothing planned as of yet. The rest of the week is going to be busy.

Okay I need to hit the sack.

This cold seems to come in waves

2012-01-15T19:30:00.000-05:00

What I mean by that is I woke up and was able to breathe okay with a few coughs. After a while the nose is half stuffed and a few coughs continue. I tried the saline solution. Mom had an extra one and I am not sure if I did it right but my nose seems to be clear.

Mom has been doing various things. She has been doing paper work and doing some cooking and later on attending the Martin Luther King service at the City Hall.

We are going to have dinner later. There is left over cream chicken and Mom suggested I put it over toast. It sounds good. I am not sure what Mom’s going to have but she is making stuffed mushrooms. She says she is also making something else as well.

I got a call from DM around 4 didn’t hear the phone at all. Of course I was downstairs during that time. I also didn’t notice it flashing when I came up a few times before I finally answered. She called back again after 7 but I was eating. I had just taken my Nyquil and really wanted to go to bed.

That being said hitting the sack now…

I am fighting a cold

2012-01-14T12:30:00.000-05:00

For the last two days I have been fighting a cold. Actually I think all week I have been fighting a cold. Almost every day I have come to work with a runny nose. It went full blown yesterday with the nose bleeds and full on runny nose. The throat started hurting and I have felt miserable. My intention this three-day weekend is to get as much sleep as possible. I am not sure Mom is keen on that idea but hey it’s my weekend so there!

Work for the last two days has been hectic. In between the nose bleeds and the nose wiping I managed to get the mail opened and delivered. I still have a lot of the readdress mail and the return mail/postage tallies to do. I caught up with the lobby mail (except for today’s-I can do that Tuesday).

We said goodbye to a couple of co-workers as they moved on to other departments. KG who had only been in AR/Patient SVCS a short time is moving on to Reimbursement. TD who has in Reimbursement for 9 years is moving over to Surgery department. Cami is leaving next week for Registration over at another location.

Happily I slept until 10 this morning. Actually getting up for the bathroom earlier doesn’t count but not really caring. Yesterday I slept until 10 of 7 and had to run around crazy for work.

I am not sure what I am doing for bingo tomorrow. It all depends on how I feel this afternoon and tomorrow.

Early Morning start

2012-01-12T07:07:00.001-05:00

As usual I woke up around 3 for my first bathroom run of the day. I did notice that there was rain drops spattered all over the window pane. I am not sure how long it’s been raining or if it has stopped or not. The last I heard it was starting after midnight. I decided to get up and attempt to do some things.

I actually picked up some papers I threw on the floor last night and threw them out. I had butter biscuit cookies from Dave that I finally tossed. I paid some bills and did some early morning banking and then went back to bed until 6:15.

I showered dressed and watched a few moments of TV and then put the garbage out. My hope was to get to work early. UNfortunaely I stayed online a little to long.

I have the democratic Caucus tonight at 6:30. I hope it won’t be a long one as I will probably be tired from the day.

My intention for today is to stay off the net unless its work related.

Tried to Sleep

2012-01-11T17:24:00.000-05:00

I tried to sleep last night but it just hasn’t worked. I have gotten up a few times for the bathroom. I have been on line for about 25 minutes moving emails and updating the other blogs. One or two yawns but that’s it. I finally did get to sleep by one. It was a light sleep because the computer did a security update and rebooted.

I have been home now for about 20 minutes. I put the garbage out and talked with Don and Lulu for a bit and then Mom came home to make dinner for me.

I spent time watching a little of the NCIS Marathon and now I am going to surf the net before dinner. I have to save the entries I wrote at work.

I called Natalie and got the dates and time for the Valentine’s Delivery and the Mardi Gra carnival we are planning. I have to give the dates to the club tonight and we will pick them and I can tell Natalie on Sunday.

The drive home was uneventful. Instead of taking my normal rout I went out to Ella Grasso BLVD from Frontage Road and then on to the highway by the VA Hospital. I think I may have pissed some people off. I got the horn blown at me for some reason. I also decided to use the cruise control at 55 mph. It sure saves gas! The winter sky was beautiful as the sun was sinking down below the skyline.

Okay it is getting to be 5:30 and I need to freshen up before dinner and the meeting. Have a great night.

I was right

2012-01-11T14:54:00.001-05:00

As I suspected my email didn’t gothrough. I resent it this morning butdeleted later as all I had to do was to paste and copy from here. I guess the server was having “issues’.

I called Liz and Nelson around 10this morning-no answer. Something tellsme they were still sleeping. I probably expecta call back during one of those times I am home sleeping.

It was cold out this morning. I had to clear the frost off the car. I also found it to be cold in the office too. Despite all that I am still chanting “snow”or doing a snow dance. People haveobjected. They have suggested I gonorth. It’s just about 40 to mid 40’sright now.

I heard from RAH. It was one word-Thanks. IT makes me think he is still annoyed with myFaux Pau at the wake last week. Timewill tell.

I talked with Mom at Noon she wasworking on prescription stuff. She had agood morning and had some time to do stuff before her next meeting at 3.

I tried to get the lockbox done forthe last two days. It hasn’tworked.

Uh oh

2012-01-10T21:18:00.001-05:00

Earlier today I had written an entry for today and I thought I sent it to my Gmail account but I can’t seem to see it. I am hoping it wasn’t sent to my work email. That would be stupid. Maybe the outlook program at work wasn’t working and it will wait a day.

I have been home nearly 45 minutes. I had an opportunity to chat with Chris down the street. He says there has been a guy with a small dog walking around the end of the street at the same time every day and it was starting to freak him out. Apparently he tried to pet one of the boys and his finger got nipped by Simon. He asked if Mom has noticed him or anything and I told him I would ask.

I would have been in a lot of trouble if it had not been for a phone call from D next door. He let me know I left the headlights on the car. I wouldn’t have been able to go any where tomorrow.

I got an invitation from Senator Gayle Slosberg and her husband David to attend a meet and greet with Congressman Chris Murphy who is running for US Senate at their house on Sunday January 22, 2012. I am really looking forward to that.

When I was talking to Mom about the event I told her that will be a busy weekend for me. I told her that was the weekend for the Mexican Train gain. She didn’t hear me say Mexican. I had to say it to her like three times along with what it was (because her response was “like I know what that is?”) I told her it was the domino game. I also felt like telling her think before opening her mouth.

Currently the temperatures are 37 degrees and a clear evening. However by tomorrow night it will be different. It’s funny because I am wearing the read shirt with the black snow flake and I was talking to Joanie R and we were encouraging each other for the snow dance. We are supposed to get wintery weather tomorrow night and part of Thursday. Then back to nice weather for a few days then back to cloudy and wet weather next week.

We had fish for dinner with rice and vegetables and asparagus and salad. It was very good and I liked it but now a few hours later I am hungry again. I did have a piece of the orange cake Mom made over the weekend and its almost gone.

I just finished watching NCIS. I thought it was very good. I will probably write more on it later in my NCIS journals. I actually have a lot to catch up on in those as well.

I am trying to also clear out my emails for the various files. I am not sure how much it will get done.

Getting Back to Normal

2012-01-10T15:25:00.000-05:00

Things here and at home are gettingback to “Normal”. Normalbeing my desk filled with mail (the postage tallies, mail to be opened andsorted and delivered, and readdress mail). The file cabinet behind me brimmed with dishes to be washed that I haveused over the last few days.

At home there are clothes all overthe floor in my bedroom. Dishes on mydesk and the top of my dresser all a skewed with things. The bed hasn’t been made really since thekids left last month. This is somethingI really didn’t want especially for the work area. The home part doesn’t bother me as muchbecause Olivia will be organizing my room some time over the next few months.

I was exhausted by the time I gothome yesterday. I woke up around 3 andstarted writing yesterday’s entry and surfing the net. I did put one load of laundry in the wash andtotally forgot it. That wasn’t pleasingto Mom and she said so when I called later on. She had dinner with Sophie K yesterday.

Who is Sophie K you ask? She was the home health aid for Nanny beforeNanny went into the nursing homes many years ago. She has remained in contact with Mom over theyears.

I watched TV until about 8:30 andthen went on line for about an hour or so and then went to bed. I was supposed to make phone squad messagesfor the club but now will have to do it tonight when I get home. I still have to do the calls to Natalie.

I have been getting responses fromthe 4^th District Members. Some of them (one in particular) annoy the daylights out of me. She wasn’t sure if she was still amember. I told her that’s why she shouldcome to the caucus on Thursday.

Sunday was Nice

2012-01-09T21:35:00.000-05:00

I was in bed until 8 and then got online before heading into the shower. I answered some emails from Telka and surfed the net for a short time. I got a late start to the shower and to getting to the nursing home.

Some of the protesters were outside when I arrived. I talked with Phil for a short time and now I can’t tell if they are winning or what. I went in and made coffee for a few of the residents and had some myself. I managed to get everything set up and ready to start playing on time for a change. WE also ended on time and I made it to church sort of on time. I managed to get here before the liturgy started. I found out the new pastor (or priest) will be arriving on Tuesday to begin his assignment at St Mary’s.

After Mass I came home and did some chores. When I arrived Mom was cleaning in the bathroom. When I arrived she must not have heard me at least twice she jumped. I did some laundry and did some vacuuming downstairs.

Around 4 Dave came and picked me up and we along with Rose went to Plan B Restaurant. It opened in Milford back in August and is doing nicely. I had something called “Double Double” Cheeseburger. It was two large patties (fat) and cheese on Kaiser Bun. I had onion rings and a couple of root beers. Rose had sliders and salad. Dave had some type of chicken sandwich and we also had fries. There was so much food we couldn’t have dessert.

We talked about various things, trips, finances and food. When Dave wasn’t around Rose and I talked about Lulu. Apparently Dave didn’t tell me the truth about the circumstances surrounding Lulu’s death. He didn’t go to a store but to festival or fair and spent three hours there without checking on Lulu. This is what Rose thinks. I kind of said to her you know you could have told him you were pissed. She acknowledges that he did love Lulu and made a mistake but she also said if they hadn’t been friends she would have called the cops on both of them (she holds Jim accountable for it as well).

We went to see the newest Sherlock Holmes movie with Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law. I liked the story and the writing but the stop motion was a bit tedious. At one point I also thought it was getting long in the tooth.

The movie ended at nine and I was home a short time later. I got ready for bed after reading some emails and checking some sites out.

Long Day

2012-01-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

I don’t have much time to write today. In about an hour or so Mom and I will be leaving and driving up with Bob and Ethel to the funeral mass for my cousin Judy. I have already picked the outfit I am wearing and it’s lying on the bed to put on after my shower. After the funeral Mass we probably will be going to some restaurant.

I am struggling with some issues I brought on myself. I went to the wake last night and the lines were out the door. Mom who had been there earlier was walking out and suggested that I go in (aka cut in the line) and sit with he family. I did that. I also somehow managed to cut the ENTIRE line and I have a feeling (that I expressed several times to the family) that Robbie was a little annoyed with me. I also found myself complaining about things to my cousin Chuck (the oldest of the three “H” Boys). So I am going to make sure I don’t do that today. As for the “cutting in line” and “RAH” being annoyed everyone kept telling me to “not worry about it”. That’s easier said then done.

I stayed for a long time even after Mom, Bob & Ethel had left. Liz left before me (or so I thought) but as I was leaving the parking lot at Wal-Mart (the funeral home is right next to it) she was behind me and followed me for a distance. She went one direction and I had to stop and reset my GPS (see below).

Oh my GPS crapped out on me a few times last night. It would stop working and shut down. I am not sure why that is happening but I suspect it could be the battery inside is dying the cord to it is dying or countless other problems.

I got home probably by 6:30 quarter of 7. I had called Mom to let her know to go ahead with dinner and mine would be warming in the oven.. We talked about who else would be attending and the embarrassing moment I had.

The rest of the night I didn’t do much except watch TV. I went to bed at 10. Still bothered by the incidents at the funeral home that may be “No big deal” with the rest of the world but it will stick with me for a while.

I am meeting with Nancy this afternoon sometime. I am not sure what time she is actually coming but I hope it won’t be too late because tonight I am going to the Disney on Ice show in Bridgeport.

Was really Late today

2012-01-06T00:40:00.002-05:00

Today was a really stressful point this morning. I woke up around 6 and started getting ready for work. However I let myself get distracted by other things. I got online a few times, I watched TV a little bit, had to iron my clothes, showered late, and got the garbage out and went to the store to get groceries. Do you want to know what time I got to work? 8:15.

I finished up the mail from yesterday and was able to work on Lockbox early. Apparently Joel and or Linda had a discussion with the people from BOA and asked that they bring the stuff or send the lockbox early so that we can work on it as soon as we can. Happily it was light in volume. The POST office mail threw me for a loop. I forgot that I would be getting the monthly Connecticut Medicine magazines that come out. I still have a lot there to send out but got a small amount out for tomorrow’s run. I do have to get the lobby mail done haven’t touched it since Friday.

I was able to get my haircut today after work. Mom “thinks” it’s nice but should be shorter. Personally her attitude about it is a little rude for my taste. But hey what do I know. She feels that Jamie didn’t do a good job to the front. I looked at it again and told her I would call and ask her to cut it a little more.

My Niece D scared her grandmother with a picture of her on Twitter with a black eye. There was no real explanation and I told her that she will probably talk about it on Facebook. She asked me what I knew of it and I said this is the first I heard of it.

I am going to finish watching the movie with Johnny Depp (about Dillinger).

Huh?

2012-01-05T20:06:00.000-05:00

KYLsCMBubmj6 @KYLsCMBubmj6 is now following you (@KateP06460).

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This "person" wants me to follow them? Not likely. BEsides now that Mom is following me on twitter she would flip.

Good News-It looks like the account was suspended...yeah no worries now.

Minor Aggravations

2012-01-04T23:23:00.000-05:00

It is nearly 11 at night and I am tired. The day was good even though there were some stressful moments. The first stressful moment was the large amount of mail. Then again if I think about it since the lockbox office was moved the volume for each day has moved. So technically this would have been mail for yesterday!

The other stressful moment was when the guys at the courier service neglected to pick up mail-the interoffice mail that had been there since yesterday morning. I even told Jack twice that it had to be done. He still didn’t take it. (He really has a knack for pissing me off.) I told my friend Dottie in Credentialing and she told her boss. The reason for telling credentialing is they had important applications that needed to go to the departments. Claudia M came down and asked questions about it and then came down again with Joni. In the end the courier service was called and someone came and picked it up. When I told Gayle this she suggested that from now on I make sure I tell them I am going to be making sure they take the stuff that is needed.

Nancy H and I had been texting through out the day making arrangements to meet sometime soon. I had to call her because I apparently was tripping over my fingers at one point. I think we are getting together some time Saturday afternoon.

Okay I better get to bed. I can tell I am not really making any sense tonight.

The Temperatures are dropping

2012-01-03T21:45:00.000-05:00

It was very cold this morning. I believe it was in the 40’s and lower. There were even some flurries as I walked to the office from the garage this morning. It was just as cold coming home tonight too. Right now the thermostat is reading 15 degrees. I am so glad I am inside.

I spent a good part of the morning doing readdress mail until lockbox box came. It was light so I got it done before the US mail. The US mail was a bit heavy and had more return mail then normal. I was working on the return mail before leaving the office today.

We got some bad news tonight. My cousin RAH lost his best friend and wife Judy on Monday. The last time I saw her was at the family reunion and she looked good. I have known her most of my life as they have been life long friends and got married probably 10 years ago.

Been home

2012-01-02T21:00:00.001-05:00

I have been home a while now and I am already tired. I hauled everything in from the car and have put it in the spare room. Mom needed me to fix her stapler that jammed but haven’t been able to.

Nancy called from Westchester around 6 they were just getting into the car for the drive home. I hope they had a key to get into the house. I offered to go back to the house and wait for them. They declined. That’s okay too because I was tired.

We had roast beef sandwiches for dinner and they were good. I really didn’t feel like eating much else.

I took a nice relaxing shower and watched TV and think I am going to bed.

Relaxing day

2012-01-02T12:43:00.000-05:00

I haven’t been up long. We stayed in bed until about 7:30. Something I don’t normally do because of work. I have Star Trek the Next Generation on in the background. (I think my friend Kradical would love to know!!!)

In a short while I am going to strip the bed I have been sleeping in for the past ten days (it has been ten days already right?) and wash them and the towels I have used. I am going to make sure the garbage is out and things are all in place for N&P&O to return in.

The house next door is continued to be worked on and will be worked on for the entire day. They don’t get many holidays and today is one of them. Although right now it seems quiet.

Well I just checked the checking accounts and everyone seems to have cashed their checks I gave them for Christmas and Birthday. Hopefully this will allow me to build up my accounts again and make sure the bills are paid off.

One of the reasons I want to do this is because I think I have been invited to go to Hawaii. I am not sure yet. I just sent an email to Telka indicating I could take a vacation then. I would love to go. It just means having to save for it.

I talked with Mom she was working on her budget all morning and was just taking a shower. She probably will be doing the budget stuff for the afternoon. We will have dinner sometime after I get home.

I think I better get to those thank you notes when I get home tonight. There won’t be a lot but I want them to be done.

The Open house circuit

2012-01-01T22:36:00.001-05:00

I heard something very funny today. Dave told everyone at his party I was doing the open house circuit. It was true. My day started around 7 I stayed in bed long enough to relax with the pups. We got up and walked and then I showered and dressed and was out the door before 9.

I picked up coffee for people at the nursing home. The picketers were not there today. So I gave the box of Joe to PJ and Bryan. I was so early and I was hoping I could start early but that was not the case.

We had a small crowd today and we had fun. I cleaned up and headed ot church. I was late for mass so I started off in the crying room and then after communion I went into the main vestibule so that I would not miss Nelson in his full Knights Uniform as honor guard for the laying of flowers for former residents who helped people a long time ago. I sat with Liz when she got back from communion and we were in the procession to the cemetery. After that we walked back and waited for Nelson to do some stuff and then we went on our separate ways.

My first stop was to M&T’s Home. I was early and then others followed including Mom. I wasn’t there long maybe a half hour and had some food. Mom says I had enough food (yeah that went over well-not). My second stop was to Dave’s. It was nearly 2 when I got there. There was hardly any place for me to park. Dave’s Sister and her family were there his Aunt and cousin. Jim from New Britain with his new puppy Macy was there. M&S from Torrington and Mary’s Sister were there as well as K&J. I think I was there for at least an hour. Then I went to Cheryl and Mikes.

I was there for about an hour and half. I had more food. I stayed longer than my sister and BIL. We had a great time. I think it was nearly 5:30 when I left and came back to the house.

The pups were happy to see me and left me some packages. I walked them and fed them and we came upstairs to relax. I took a quick shower and got into my pajamas. I called Mom back after playing telephone tag with her.

We were watching The Star Wars Marathon and I came down to write this. I found another package in the main living room for the second time today. I probably should have taken them out earlier but I was too tired. Now it’s been raining since 9.

I have put some of the dishes I used into the dishwasher but can’t find the dishwashing soap. I am doing it now so that it doesn’t have to be all done when they come home tomorrow night.

I am planning on sleeping in later than normal and then getting the boys their walk and making sure all the things are done by then.

Well Preston and I are going back upstairs now…

Nelson 3 First Birthday

2011-12-31T21:03:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone it is almost 3 hours and 23 minutes until 2012. The pups and I are watching the NCIS Resolve to watch Marathon on USA. It seems to be mostly from 8^th season.

Today was a pretty good day. The boys and I got up probably around 8. We discovered that it must have rained during the night as everything was damp and there were puddles. After the walk we spent more time here and then I went back to the house.

Mom was out back reading her paper and the others were still sleeping. Mom had told me the dinner she had was apparently to heavy for her. It made her sick last night. It also apparently scared the girls when they heard her get sick. Anyway we read the paper and I had some coffee until the others began waking up.

Jim was the first of them to wake. We talked about many things including Medicare (a major project and concern for both of them in their lives). We also talked about other things (like politics and the wildlife around our homes). It was nearly 10:30 when the kids got up.

That’s about the time we had waffles and eggs and bacon courtesy of Jamie and his grandma. That was also an opportunity for me to have a chance to talk to Jim about many things.

It was really great to talk with him. I was feeling a little sensitive because there were a few times when I am with my family that I feel as though my contributions to discussions were either being dismissed or disregarded and the first question this doll asked me was if anything he did or say made me feel that way. You see why I love my brother so much??? He gave me so many good ideas. One of them was too take what the others telling me “hey why are you getting angry or frustrated” as meter and see if my reactions are warranted. Especially if I feel people are telling me how to feel (a subject that I brought up) and he also suggested that I tell them “let me feel my feelings right now”. He also brought up a good point not everyone is going to behave the way we want them too.

It was a little after 12 when they left for Allentown. Mom and I had to rush and get ready for Nelson 3’s birthday party. It was to start at 1 we arrived shortly after that and just as the pizza arrived. We arrived before Liz and Nelson and Princess Audrey.

We all chatted and talked for the next two hours and we watched Nelson slowly attack his specially made cake. I expect to find videos and pictures showing up on YouTube and Facebook very soon.

The party was Curious George theme. Nelson Jr. (Nelson #2) dressed up as Curious George and traumatized Nelson 3. He tried a second time unsuccessfully as well. There was a big cake with Curious George and balloons and a doll as well.

Among the presents were many books (I think a number of the guests went to Costco and had the same idea). He also got some clothes and more toys.

Mom and I left around 3. Mom was exhausted and I wanted to start coming home because I had things to do before coming back here. Mom drove home despite the fact I took her out of the way to get back to the highway. We were going to snap at each other but I remained calm. We got home a little after 4.

Bob was there when we arrived. He had been repairing the leaky faucet in the kitchen. He had to get a whole new faucet. He just finished up when we arrived. He also had a rather large puddle he missed cleaning up. Guess who cleaned it up?

After he left I sent out the email that Phil asked me to send to the fourth district. I also saved some journal entries in the last few days to the hard drive. Mom got in her pajamas and I got ready to come back here.

As I was leaving I dropped the papers to the neighbors and I talked with Chris and Chris. I also got to see Simon and Sawyer. I really should not have stayed as long as I should have because Chris was still recovering from his really bad cold.

Once I finally left I went to Subway and picked up my dinner. A veggie wrap and a foot long seafood sub. I asked the workers about the stabbing incident that occurred there last night. It was late and one of the sandwich makers says the kids need to experience those “scared straight” programs. After getting the two sandwiches I went to the pharmacy and picked up chips and dip. Completely forgetting the soda I was supposed to get.

I drove through the center of town here and there were many people walking around. There was a carousel in the parking lot of one of the banks. They were all waiting for the fireworks display that would be held behind the library. I got home a short time later.

The puppies were happy to see me. I got them out and they left their deposits on our route. Yes I will pick them up sometime tomorrow but it was dark there now. Once we got back I fed them and got my meal together.

We all went upstairs. I was surprised that Packy came up. I came down a few more times when I realized I forgot some stuff. He stayed down then came upstairs a short time later. It was though he just appeared.

Preston was really cute. He must have been feeling a little blue. Once I got into my pajamas (yes at 6) He laid on my stomach for a while. He curled up like a child. He had to move when I got out of the bed for a bathroom run and a few more things.

Packy had this low growl when I was petting him a few times. I am not sure what that was about but I just told him to stop. I think he will be alright once he realizes I am not taking anything from him. Preston has been lying beside me when I was in the bed. I tried a few times to get him to come back on my stomach and under the covers but no go. Maybe when I get back up there he will.

Well now there is three hours until the New Year I am going back up stairs. I don’t want Preston to get to the potato chips up there.

Family Night 2

2011-12-30T17:12:00.000-05:00

Well it is after 4 pm and I have been home nearly an hour and half I think. When I got home the boys were waiting for me and were greeting me at the door. We moved quickly to go for a walk and to let them do their “jobs”. I have to admit they were very good inside. While we were out I took the time to make sure any packages going north of here on our walk were picked up.

We talked with the neighbors that are kitty corner to the house. She assured me that sometimes both Nancy and Patrick and Olivia come home late or actually leave the dogs by themselves for some time.

Nancy called from FL around 3:30. We spent about 20 minutes talking about the boys and the holidays and movies. After we got off the phone I made sure I spent equal amount of time with both boys by playing with their toys and giving them hugs and kisses. I had a brief notion that when I spoke about Preston that she may have thought I was ignoring Packy. She admitted he is more independent.

Mom called me while I was walking the dogs. She says we are all going to be meeting at Stonebridge Restaurant at quarter of 6 for dinner. The whole family! Whoohoo! I am not sure if that includes the little ones but it would be nice but I think Liz told me they were heading back to Fairfield today. Anyway, Mom did some errands while Jim and the kids spent time with Liz and Nelson and little ones.

Tomorrow I will spend the morning with the pups then around lunch time go back to the house and get the gift for NAR3 ready and then Mom and I will leave for the party. I am not sure how long that will be staying but I am going to be here for the New Year. I am thinking of picking up something to chow down on tomorrow night.

While I am home I will need to send out an email to the 4^th district for the caucus meeting that we will have. PV sent me an email some time to do and I need to do it asap.

Last Working Day of 2011

2011-12-30T13:26:00.002-05:00

Today is the last working day of 2011. It is pretty quiet right now. Throughout the office there are a number of people that are working and will either work until 4 or leave early to start their holiday activities.

I did get the lock box mid morning and there wasn’t a lot for either day. Now I am going to work on the readdress mail that is here until the Post office mail comes.

Mom had Olivia (the cleaning woman) come in and do nice things to my room yesterday. It looked good (aside from my desk looking like it was dumped on). Olivia has agreed to organize my room for the 2012. I acquiesced. Even Jim had some suggestions about letting her do it.

Called home this morning no one answered so I sent a text message to Emily and she told me they had been sleeping. Oh what have I done? They are probably hanging out doing what ever right now.

Cami came in around 11. She will be here for 2 hours. Gayle called to see if she should come in for the cash wasn’t really sure. Annette came in around quarter of 12 and I saw GH just about the same time.

I called Dave and asked him what time the party was and it will be at 1.I will go there first and then to M&T’s and then to North Haven for the party. Then I will come back home and spend time with the pups.

Family Night

2011-12-29T22:39:00.001-05:00

It is now Thursday afternoon just after 3 and I have been home a half hour. I have managed to get the dogs walked and soon will have the cards ready for the kids. I did call home to see what was going to be next. The kids have been there since 2. They had some macaroni and are not real hungry for the roast. So it was decided that we would have pizza around 5:30. I think Mom gave me the okay to come around about then. Then we are going to the movies.

I am a little apprehensive about leaving the pups and the gerbils alone for that time but I will feed them early and hopefully get home at a decent hour. Mom has not understood why I am not gung ho on leaving the dogs alone.

Okay its now several hours later. It is also after 10:30. I left here around after 4 some time. I had fed the dogs, put laundry in the machine and headed out. I found Jim and Mom talking in the kitchen. Kristina was playing a game on her new I-Pod in the living room. Emily and Jamie were both in separate rooms upstairs.

We spent time talking and then Mom got more movie passes and then we ordered pizza. Jim was on the phone with our siblings. That notion made me feel good. I think we will all be getting together tomorrow for dinner.

We went to the movies and saw War Horse. It was excellent. It was over by 10. I think Mom enjoyed it but she admitted she missed parts of it because of her hearing. I think it will do well at Oscar time.

I have preston sitting in my lap right now so I have to get going now…

Playing catch up

2011-12-27T21:22:00.002-05:00

I have been playing catch up with my entries in the last couple of days. Unfortunately I spent most of my day off yesterday with a headache. The wonderful Preston was at my side constantly. He would like/kiss my face or sit at the top of my chest and or follow me to the bathroom every time I vomited.

Today I drove to work instead of taking the train. I couldn’t find a parking place near the train station and so I went on by car. I got to New Haven early and managed to get some food for the office. My stomach was not completely recovered from yesterday’s session of barf. I was pretty thirsty so I had a lot of juice.

I can’t even begin to tell you who came in to work today but I had enough to do. I wasn’t able to finish lockbox but I was able to finish post office mail despite the volume. I almost forgot about the lobby mail. I will have to do it tomorrow once I finish the lockbox from today.

I made it to the lupus doctor appointment early. I was able to stop and get some hot cocoa. I really needed it. It was raining when I left New Haven and as I am writing this the whole house is shaking and the wind is loud and strong. She says everything is looking good.

After the appointment I came back to the pups walked them and fed them. Around 4:30 I headed back to Mom’s and spent some time there and got some dinner. I managed to check emails and to turn the machine off as it was emitting a green light that could wake the dead. We had pork chops and Sauer kraut and potatoes and string beans.

It was nearly 6:30 or 7 when I got back. It was raining hard and windy and the pups didn’t want to go walking I didn’t blame them. We came back in and have been watching TV. The house next door is being renovated and the scaffolding is making a lot of noise as well.

Preston has been at my side until now. I came down to check on Packy. He made a few packages in the new room. I don’t know if Packy will come upstairs when I do go back up but I will let him do what he wants. I just hope the house will not collapse.

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T19:59:00.000-05:00

Christmas Day was a pretty good day. My sleep was an interesting one at that. Preston slept with me in between my legs which made for some really interesting sleeping patterns. Once I got some sleep it was fine (we moved around the bed a few times) while Packie slept in Livia’s

We got up and walked early and then I got ready for Bingo and Church. I went to stop at the Dunkin Donut shop near the nursing home but it was closed. The workers were not picketing outside that early anyway. Both Natalie and PJ were there for the holidays. They served Danish and coffee to the residents and I did the bingo.

Afterwards I went to St Mary’s Church for the 11:30 mass. Even on one of the holiest days in the Catholic Church I couldn’t even be on time. I met up with some cousins and chatted with them.

I got home after 12:30 and Mom was cooking and feeling much better. We opened our presents:

1-2 sweaters (from Mom)

2-A faux Fur blanket and angel from Claudia and the kids

3- a book bag from our neighbors across the street (K&S)

4-Candy from P&D next door

5-Candy from C&C down the street

6-Liz and Nelson gave one of those shawls with pockets

7-Cheryl and her family gave me a gift card and socks and a note pad.

From that time until we got ready for Bob and Ethel’s I didn’t do very much. Changed the sheets and washed the others.

We left the house around 4...and got to their house a short time later. Mom almost drove past the house. We arrived and we found the kitchen in a flurry of activity. To say they were unorganized would be an understatement. They put some of the food on the table and we hadn’t sat down…

The kids would be at one end talking and Mom would be saying she is missing out. Well first of all they were not talking to all of us. The kids were talking among themselves. We had Roast beef loin. We had various vegetables and a couple of pies.

We left around 6 or 7 I had to be back at the doggie house because they had been left alone for most of the day.

For the rest of the night we (the dogs and I) were watching TV. Packy was probably down in his spot.

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T21:25:00.001-05:00

Early in the morning I did laundry and cleared off my desk. Around 10 or 10:30 I went to check in on the dogs. It went well. I quickly read the note that Nancy left me regarding Preston. She suggested that when I come in or greet Preston to get (for me that would be o the knees or sitting) get to hi level and or let him come to me. He hasn’t bitten me yet in all the times we were together. I got them walked and spent time with them before running the errands and then coming back to the house.

The traffic I thought was awful and people were really angering me with their rudeness but then I realized I made some mistakes as well. It didn’t stop me from slamming on the breaks in front of those who were rude to me. I was pretty stressed out when I got back to the house.

By then an old family friend was still visiting with Mom. I came in at the tail end but they were talking about many things. Politics and health were among the many discussions. You see WM is married to my Uncle Ray’s SIL. Mom became very good friends with WM and SM. Especially when Uncle Ray and Rosalie moved to GA.

After Warren left Mom did more cooking and I signed cards and put all the gifts I had together for both the party at Liz’s and the dinner at Bob’s tomorrow afternoon. Foregoing the rest of the cleaning in the room and changing of the bed sheets I had planned on doing.

WHiel I was home Nancy called to check in and to let us know where they were. I told her everything went well with the pups. We didn’t have the best connection.

It was nearly 4:30 when I got back to the house. I went through the same routine as I did earlier in the day. This time I fed them as well.

I got to Liz’s by 5:30 and saw many of the Rivera Clan there. Chris was there with his kids. Cheryl, Mike and Bryan were there. Jr. and Lisa and Nelson 3 were there as well as some friends. The newlyweds went to Olga’s family in the eastern part of the state. Rich came later in the evening. I got back around 9 and walked the dogs.

Now we are getting ready for bed and watching the NCIS Marathon….Good nght.

Quite Day and slow

2011-12-23T13:16:00.002-05:00

Been here a couple of hours now and its pretty quiet still no lockbox mail yet. There were a couple of things from the Yale Treasury. Other than that I made a couple of outgoing mail pick ups (from the floor), a breakfast run. I am doing readdress mail and that’s getting boring.

The US Mail finally arrived around 11. Happily it was light in volume. The Lockbox finally came around 11:30. IT was light in volume so that made me feel better. The postage and bad address tallies will keep me busy for the afternoon I think.

I did manage to hand out Christmas cards to a few of my co-workers and team mates but not many. I will do more next week.

Christmas Recess Begins

2011-12-23T06:31:00.000-05:00

Today the 2011 Yale Christmas Recess begins. For the next week some departments and schools in the University will be officially closed so that we can celebrate the Christmas Holiday. There are some offices such as mine who post cash and do accounts receivable that will be open but shorter hours if we choose to. I plan on working every day in the days ahead. Many of my co-workers keep telling me that the taxes will be taken out will not be worth coming in. No one will be working on Monday for either Christmas or New Year’s Day. During recess we get to dress more casually.

My intention was to take the bus in but I have a lot to do so I am going to drive in and then finish the shopping after work. It will allow me to be done with the shopping and home sooner then if I had taken the bus.

I want to check some emails before getting ready so I will chat with you later…

Not Really sure what to do next

2011-12-22T22:12:00.001-05:00

It is Thursday night and I feel I should be doing something. I have already hung the clothes I washed last night but that is about it. Actually that’s not totally true. I managed to have dinner and paid shared expenses to Mom.

There are two days to do any shopping for Christmas and I have just a few things to do. I have to finagle more money around to give out as gifts.

It looks like Christmas Eve Night will be cut short for the Rivera’s Nelson is grand Guard for the 10 pm “Midnight Mass” at St Mary’s and has to leave early for it. (Oh and he is in the Knights of Columbus.) I also told Liz that I am going to be house sitting and that I will have to probably leave fairly early because I won’t be going to church at night. I said the same thing to Mom when she got back from the store too.

Cablevision came today and worked on the phone lines and its working fine. Mom got a new phone and is having some problem connecting it so the electrician friend will come by some time tomorrow.

I put another small load of laundry in the wash about an hour ago so I am going to check on them so I can go to bed soon.

Obviously the Christmas cards aren’t going to get done tonight-again.

Party atmosphere

2011-12-22T15:28:00.000-05:00

It was really warm this morning it was nearly 50 degrees again. I was glad I got up early enough to get the garbage out and the bins in the back. I managed to leave the house on time and get the bus.

The bus ride was uneventful and the bus didn’t get full until after we passed the church. Even then it wasn’t at full capacity. I was afraid I was going to sleep past my stop though.

I ran into an old acquaintance of mine on the way to the office. His name is Dave A he is or was part of the DTC and more specifically the 4^th District. Until this past year a member of our BOA in town but he hasn’t been to our meetings in a while.

The mood here has been in party mode all morning. I have gotten there myself even though I started off with a headache. I got a nice gift from Janet this morning. It is a box of K-cups and a gift certificate for downstairs.

There are a few parties going on today as well. EV’s http://www.facebook.com/#!/evollano birthday is today as well. Teams were having last minute luncheons and a few of us had pizza together. KE from Compliance gave us some nachos and guacamole.

By late afternoon the office had grown quiet. Many had left for the day. Some would be returning tomorrow some not until the middle of next week or even after the New Year starts.

I was panicking when I had not gotten the Boston leg of the lockbox. It finally came to us and was very light in volume. The lobby mail was early for today and got that done. That left me about half hour to work on the postage tallies.

Not the best of days

2011-12-21T22:00:00.000-05:00

I woke up in plenty of time for the bus and work. I got ready for work and made sure there were no clothes in the dryer. I was out the door shortly after 7. When I arrived at the bus stop I thought I was late but it turned out that the bus had a flat and was waiting for maintenance.

I had a couple of encounters with co workers who either questioned why things were done or had attitudes when I told them what had to be done. I gave one co worker mail for her that I had to open so that it could be date stamped. I do that with everyone except maybe the administration. I was told to date stamp everything instead of just the envelops they come in. The other one gave a document back to me and told me it wasn’t ours. I looked at her and told her she is supposed to do check it out and send it to the correct person. Her great come back was “I thought you were the mail clerk and you have been giving us wrong stuff!” This was the second time she spoke to me in this manner. I spoke to Gayle C and she said the next time she says that be diplomatic and say you’re right but it is your job to make sure it gets to the right place.

Twice I dropped a basket of mail and plastics that we use as batch holders. It was a really frustrating time for me. A few people told me not to worry as it was the same kind of thing for them today.

The things that made it better were really sweet. GC gave me a gift card from Subway for all the help and support over the year. I felt much better then. The fact I had almost every thing done work wise was uplifting. I have to get the lobby mail and the readdress mail done (its starting to build up a little.

Mom is still annoyed with me but is talking with me. She tells me that Jim and the kids will be here a week from today. She talked with him on the phone too. I told her that will be great the girls can sleep in my room and Mom can sleep in hers. Mom objected and told her I wouldn’t be here anyway. She wants the room cleaned though. It will be.

It rained for most of the day and it stopped as I got home for a little while and picked up again about an hour ago. The temperatures are in the low to mid 50’s right now and will stay that way for a few days. There are reports it might snow in the next day or two or for us here rain. There was also some talk of snow for Christmas Eve. As of five hours ago it’s a no go on the snow.

I have not done anything else Christmas related tonight but there is still time. I will wrap the things that need it and sign the cards that need it by the time I come home Friday.

I did manage to pay a couple of bills tonight. One of the bills really got up there and so I paid half of it tonight.

I am getting tired so I am going to hit the sack…see you tomorrow.