Had a Text Conversation 5/23/2019

I was having a text conversation with Sis today and I told her how I have been...I said “busy” and she asked with things needed to be done or...and I went through a laundry list of things I had been doing.  IT was just about that moment when it brought me back to the argument we had last fall.  That precipitated  a 6 month (or more) cooling off period for us until the holidays. 

I had gotten the feeling she was questioning me on the extent of busy...with regular daily stuff or additional.  So I hopped on the net and searched ways to react to questions regarding busy?  Well a bunch of things came up that all seemed negative towards telling people “I’m busy”.  The premise in most everyone already know you are busy along with the rest of the world.  One writer wrote “tell them I am focused!”.  To me that makes no sense.  Why do we have to justify what we have done.  Are we taking away from your superiority complex?

Do you say you are busy or focused?  

Wonderful Wednesday

So far today has been wonderful.  The headache I had yesterday is but a distant memory (thud).  I got up only a few times during the night.  I had forgotten to turn the TV off and apparently so did Mom.  I did get up early and got online a little (actually to finish last night’s entry).

I managed to leave the house by 7:15 and get some coffee (that is really  affecting me this morning).  I got here just by quarter of and chatted with JanetN.  When I came back to the desk there was very little lockbox *Yay*.  So far this morning been working on the re-address mail.  I would love to say I made a dent but looking at it now I would be lying.

The second wave of the mail should be here soon.  I think Courier Jack should be delivering it today.  I am hoping its light as well so that I can catch up on the backlog of stuff here.

I will be doing OT this evening until 6.  It will be the scanning EOB’s.  I hope I can get a lot done as we are down another scanner as AC is off entertaining her Mom from Poland.

I haven’t talked with Mom this morning-yet as she has a full day of meetings and I don’t know what time she will be home.  Probably in time for dinner. 

It should be a quiet night tonight.  It is bill paying night as well as getting some sort of agenda together for the meeting tomorrow night.

The mail was incredibly heavy for the second run.  There are those STUPID journals from the medical society and I am bound and determined to get these out as soon as possible.

I am a little worried about DeniseK.  She got a message her Mom may have had a stroke.  She left her shortly before noon.  I know her Mom well and she is a sweet lady.  So for those of you who are reading please keep her family in your thoughts.

Okay gotta get going…see you at home…

Everyone is talking about it

Patti and I got the lockbox mail done early (and it was light) so she washed down some of the equipment in here and I updated staff meeting notes I had.  There are a number I don’t have but I am sure I will find them. 

Patti was showing Mama Joanie the office and we were about to show her the desk drawers and Diva jumped in.  Mama Joanie told her off.  Pattie was trying to calm Joanie down and I explained later what the situation was. It turned out she knew all about it.  They apparently had issues a couple of days ago that I wasn’t aware of.

Everyone is talking about how great the contract is.  Some like me are a little confused about certain things but when I have a chance I am going to go and ask people who understand better what it will mean.  Gayle was happy we got what we did but supervisors don’t get much and are not unionized.

The mail is coming so I better go…I will be finally writing in my Canada trip-soon.

Okay it is now quarter of 1.  We are breaking for lunch.  The mail is almost done we have just a little bit more to go and then I will work on the postage tallies and the like.  I invited SR to come take a look when she has a moment. 

We had a farewell cake for Patti and thanked her for all of her help both in Scanning and with me in the last few days.  We hope she will be coming back after tomorrow.  She is going on vacation for two weeks and then hopefully will return to us.

Gayle says she will have someone teach me to log in the batches and log out the batches the days I have nothing to do.  I would really like that because sitting around the office doing nothing really defeats the purpose of working.

Okay got to go…see you later…

Messy Monday

Today started out with a really messy weather. By mid morning we had gotten a thunder and lightening storm but no major damage like Mardi got up in her area. The sun came out again for a short time and then by the time I left Debra’s the sky started opening up again. I thought I heard some thunder a short time ago but nothing continuous.




Today was Diva’s return. She kept mostly to herself at least that’s what I thought. I found out later she was talking often to “P” (the woman who has been doing her job these last several months). . This concerns me because if “P” over hears me.



“P” was assigned to help me with the mail. I had her do the readdress mail (the tedious stuff she called it). When I first was giving her instructions on what to do-she kept saying oh I know what to do I was a “senior Admin”. That’s great so what did she ask me if she could batch all the interoffice stuff together?



The way I wanted her to do it was. Condense all the mail going to say one particular address for pediatrics (LMP 1093) she didn’t do it that way. “Oh this is what we did in Central”. That’s great but it isn’t necessary to do it here. I don’t know how many ways to say it to people. They still do what they want.



When she realized she didn’t have to do it a certain way I finally said to her well I figured you were comfortable with what you were doing I wasn’t going to stop her.



Anyway a part of me was feeling a little vulnerable What if they feel I am not doing enough. I did most of the mail and sorted and delivered it. Tomorrow I am going to show P the steps. What if she does it better than me?



It was a long day that’s probably the reason I felt the way I did. Tomorrow she will be helping me with the actual mail. I expect a lot for Tuesday.



After work I had my session with Debra. I told her how the weekend went and about the rest of the week. Our next session is a week from Friday.



When I was done I headed out to the Anastasio’s Restaurant. Traffic was horrendous. But I did get there a little after 5:30 the restaurant is literally behind the beach club in E. Haven. I got there before Mom. There were about forty people already there. Town leaders from Hamden, East Haven, West Haven and after a short time later Congresswoman DeLauro arrived.



The owner welcomed everyone and then introduced Congresswoman DeLauro and she talked for about 20 minutes about things that are going on and what can happen if things go the opposite direction. She thanked everyone who was there including Mom.



The food was very good. It was mostly finger food but I didn’t want to over do it and I wanted to go home. So we left shortly before 7:30.



I would discover that once again I left my lights on. This time the windshield wipers would go slowly. The engine wouldn’t turn over. So Mom waited with me while I asked the owner if he jumper cables. He was kind enough to get the car going for me. When I got home I left the car running for a while to keep the battery juiced.



I spent the evening watching TV and on the computer. I even bought myself some LJ-Tokens and a virtual gift for the lovely Mardi as her birthday is tomorrow.



All in all the busy day but messy at times.

Uh oh

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.

I think I may be getting my wish

The 31 year tradition is over. This may be the last one and those words came from Mom after we learned about the numbers of people who were invited and confirmed and who basically showed up.




Tessa told us she sent out 300 invitations/flyers in the mail. They were to those who were in the fourth district that were families with children in the school system, Single mothers with teenagers all that could come and meet the candidates. Of the 300 people 28 confirmed (RSVP) and said they would be here. Guess what? This was the list:



Three of our neighbors from the street came

One of my neighbor’s sisters and two friends of hers.

1 friend of Mom’s from Bridges

Six Candidates

Four other 4th District Members

Kevin Lembo the state Treasurer

One woman I didn’t recognize

My friends Mike and Roberta came in support.



Tessa was thoroughly disgusted. She says and I agree with her that the people in this town are apathetic. They are not informed and could have learned so much from today if they bothered. I also consider it The Height of Rudeness that all these people who said they would come didn’t. MAN UP and say I am not coming and Please don’t invite me next time.



Mom just went to bed. She was exhausted. Tessa and Sylvia and I tried to get her to sit down and just let us do it. I made sure I started clearing dishes as soon as they started to pile up. We had one load of dishes going and they will be finished soon but I will bring up the boxes for these dishes before I go to work tomorrow.





There is enough food here for leftovers for the next week. We had the corned beef. Chips and crackers and cheese, Two types of frittata , various salads, An Assortment of desserts, wine, soda, and apple cider.



Instead of the candidates speaking it was mingling and talking amongst them. Sylvia had expressed the concern that would be too long. Well that’s too bad. That’s part of the “meet and greet” usually.



Well we will see how it goes next year. I really hope that this is the last year for us to do this. Let some one else pick it up if necessary.



In the mean time I need to get to bed. I have a long day ahead of me. I have work. my session with Debra and my evening out with Dave.



G’Night.

Things have been hectic

Things have been hectic.   I helped EH with the signature and lit drop Tuesday in the pouring rain.  I had to leave by 7:30.  I still had to see Mom before meeting M&T.

I got to Gaylord by 8.  Mom was watching NCIS and was relieved to see me.  We spent about half an hour. Never did get to meet with M&T.  We both had things to do.

I was home by 9:30, exhausted and not so hungry.  I didn’t do much except watch TV and then go to bed.

Wednesday work was hectic.  We had a party for EH.  After work I was so tired I went home.  I found BC working on the roof.  Short time his son came and did the lawn.  HE had some questions about the door so we called Brother #2 and worked out what the results would be.  Later on he made a request that the final payment for the “project” be paid

Sis stopped by after having a dodgy phone conversation with her.  Partially I was having the conversation with BC and the other is the service on the phones are crappy.  Have I ever said I hate cell phones?  We went over stuff that needed to be organized and gather some stuff up for Mom. 

I ordered O’s bridal shower gift.  They are two Martha Stewart mixing bowls and I am praying they will be here by Saturday.  IF not I am not going to be happy.

After all that I didn’t really get a lot done except send some emails and watch TV and get the garbage out.  I went to bed around midnight.

Thursday I woke I found Mom’s PC at the “window’s log in”.  Tried every which way I could to get to desk top-no luck.  I contacted TM and she said their computers had a lot of updates and probably will have to ask Mom her info.  Sis isn’t worried.

I went to see Mom and Sis was there.  We had the checks signed and she looked at some of the cards.  L stayed until about 6 and then I stayed for a longer visit.  We got the checks signed while I was there.  I left some time after 6.

When I got home BC was still there working and cleaning up.  I paid him and just as he was leaving I noticed a ladder on the ground.  I thought it was his and it was actually DB’s next door.  It turned into a mess.  He ran over it.  He also dented the fence.  So DB stopped and talked with him. He was annoyed and I think he was annoyed with me.  BC Promised to get him a new one.

For the rest of last night I watched TV.  I still didn’t get the laundry done.  I was supposed to make calls for the club and didn’t even do that. 

Today I will work and maybe catch up on stuff.  I need to get the calls made and get the house in order.  I need to check my calendar to see what’s coming up.  This weekend is going to be busy.  Next weekend as well.

I am glad this week is almost over

As I mentioned earlier this week I was indeed busy as indicated here and in this entry. There were some rough moments and moments that were not so bad.

. Mom has been busy with all the stuff she normally does. In her concern for the internet and stuff she forwarded one of those “email alerts for viruses and hoaxes” from a friend of hers. After I read it I searched out Snopes (it was the one about Hallmark greeting card) and I sent a link to Mom. I called her up and made her aware of it. I also told her that she needs to tell her dumb ass friends to stop freaking sending these out! She was trying to say it was legitimate blah-blah and it really freaking annoyed me because the entire email was verbatim for what it was on the snopes.com site. She avoided the whole discussion and jumped on the fact I was online a lot. Something that freaking pisses me off because well it’s none of her business. She was asking me how many breaks etc. I finally had to tell her I had to get back to work. Later on during dinner I told her I would be mindful of online activity but to be honest. I shouldn’t have to.

She did some other stuff this week that was equally annoying. She repeated comments that Sylvia (my neighbor) made towards Tessa our friend in the DTC when Sylvia found out Tessa took Mom to antiques store and sold it in New Haven. Obviously it hurt/angered Tessa and I don’t understand why she even said anything. I made mention of it this morning and she said “don’t put so much emotion into it!” If I did something like that my ass would be on the fucking floor.

She did have her 66th Class Reunion and had a great time. It was a luncheon instead of a dinner as I previously thought. It was held at a local restaurant and apparently the food was superb.

The 4th District meeting went well despite the low turnout. When I made mention of the fact that it was summer and vacation time it was acknowledge as not a good reason and it in essence they are right. I got the minutes written up that night and emailed to everyone by 6:30 last night. Mike made a comment earlier that I didn’t mention about the attendance and I responded that it was decided that I not say anything that it was the chairman’s job to do so. When I talked to Mom about she said I gave a good answer. She wasn’t jumping over rainbows at how the minutes were written and she will be giving me “pointers”. I am trying to be open but really it’s not for her to do. I don’t know how to explain it.

The rest of my work week was a huge success. I managed to get everything done and spent time in cleaning my office. I was also able to do a few extra hours on the scanning projects. I worked today from 12:30 to 4:30 because of the Oyster Festival. On Friday we found out that LG is returning to work part time. That has some a little annoyed. The rest of us are dreading her return because she is the “drama queen”.

Earlier in the week we discovered that a Laptop with patient information was stolen within the Medical school last month. The theft was made public by the newspaper by Tuesday and the Dean sent out a FYI. What this means is there will be new protocols put in place for use of laptops and patient info outside. The State Attorney General’s Office (currently Richard Blumenthal) has launched a full investigation. Yale is cooperating. Of course The New Haven Register allowed some stupid ass people to make comments that had nothing to freaking do with the article. OF course it is no better at WTNH.com.

The woman’s club is having the first of two ice cream socials tomorrow. It’s at 6:30 and I have no idea what I am going to wear. I am probably going to wear one of my dresses with a sweater. I have to get some ice cream.

I saw Liz a couple of times this week. The first time was when she came over with Nelson on Thursday to help Mom with hanging the curtains. Apparently she didn’t like the white walls and that there should be more “color” to the rooms. Mom and I spoke up about the picture snafu. She had taken a few of me of the party so now I don’t feel so bad. I saw her again today at the festival. We talked about walking and stuff.

Everyone in her family is doing okay. Everyone is busy with work. The grandkids are getting ready for school. Some good news that I found out about Chris (my nephew and her son) He had been working at Savin Rock Roasting Company Restaurant in Stratford. And as of last Sunday he started working there. It is a franchise of the one in West Haven.

I haven’t heard from Bob or Ethel but Diane has been posting to facebook frequently. She is having a great time in Toronto. When she is not performing she is exploring the city. The show is closing there on September 5. Then it moves back to the states. John is North Korea. He has not posted in a few days.

Mom talked with Jim yesterday. The kids are staying with him while their mother is in NY for a few days. Kristina is still trying out for the tennis team at school. She also passed all of her summer school courses. Emily has been posting videos from her adventures at Camp to facebook. Jamie is keeping busy as well. He is experimenting in swearing and impressing people on Facebook.


I took my friend Dave out for his birthday last night. I took him to the Savin Rock Roasting Company I mentioned earlier. It was okay. I found myself getting annoyed with Dave when he asked me about working on Saturday s and working until 6. I have told him at least six times since I have started doing OT and this just reminds me he doesn’t listen. Anyway we had a nice dinner he had chicken and I had lobster pasta (it was very rich for me) and we Bruchetta, salad, and dessert. He had pineapple upside down cake and I had tiramisu and this thing was huge. We were treated to music provided by the restaurant. After dropping him off I came home

Okay I have gotten clothes out of the dryer and taken some warm milk its time for me to say good night. Have a great one.

Pie in the Sky

It is almost 8:30 Sunday night and I am exhausted. First I did my bingo with “my team”. I was the first to arrive and started the coffee. After a while the girls came and they started getting everyone. I had made the announcement so the residents were starting to come down anyway.

The Bingo session went well. I started the games and the girls finished them. As soon as it was done we headed to Telka’s.

The girls had to do some things first and came later. I arrived just as Donna K and her Mom were arriving. Telka greeted us at the door. Roberta was near by. I was pleasantly surprised because I expected her to be with family today. Roberta had the days mixed up.

We got started on the whole process. Telka gave us instructions and then the assembly line began. The 120 lbs of apples were washed and then we started the peeling and coring while the toehrs got the other ingredients done. The next several hours there was fun, laughter, food, and stories. We even had our pictures taken and we were featured on local cablevision 12 news. NO I wasn’t on TV but it was fun to watch. We made 35 to 44 pies. We even got to have some of the pies because we even took some orders.

Roberta and I left Telka after the second clean up (we had been cleaned up when the media arrived) there were still several pies to be baked. It was nearly four when we got to Roberta’s house. I stayed for a short visit because the sun was setting and all I had were my sunglasses. I had left my regular glasses at home.

When I arrived home Mom was out shopping. I wasn’t sure where she was at first. I looked around for a note but there was none. Only a candle she had left going. I decided to sit down and watch TV or actually let the TV watch me. It is Sunday so most of it was whatever was on the PBS stations. I did watch the News on Cablevision 12 but the segment didn’t go on until 5:18. Mom arrived home shortly after that.

Over the last several hours I spent time watching TV, emptying out the dryer, moving the roll away bed down to the blue room, and writing up my weekly newsletter for the lists. As soon as I am done with that I am going to bed. This week will be a very busy week.

Jim's Birthday

Today is/was Jim’s 58th Birthday. Unfortunately I haven’t done anything for it. No e-card, no snail mail card, and of course no phone call. I am not sure what I feel but I will send him something maybe tomorrow. I have no idea if Mom did or not. It has been quite a hectic couple of weeks for her and she is concerned and a little bit annoyed with him with his choices. Yes I know it’s his choice but she is a Mom and is worried about him.

Last night was awesome. Before I left work we picked our secret Santa and I got Lucinda G. Unfortunately I have to guess at what she wants because she didn’t write it on the list. We were not supposed to tell anyone but I managed to tell Cami and Liz. They rolled their eyes.

When I left it was shortly before 4 but I managed to get to the polling place before my appointed time and got in and got to vote. I personally didn’t have any problems but I would later find out that there was a fire alarm that morning. There was one while I was there as well. I would later find out that some ballots from Fairfield showed up at our polling place as well. I am not sure how that was cleared up but I am sure it was.

I called Liz around 5 or so and told her about the fire alarm and she told me how it was at her polling place (apparently chaotic). After my stint I went directly to the headquarters.

There weren’t that many people there at first. Technicians setting up the Satellite feed for Cablevision 12 and MZ who was having dinner. I had a sandwich and water. It was only the first of many things I would eat during the night.

As 7 pm approached more and more people came in and then it got crowded. I had some lovely chats with many people. Around 8 the final numbers were starting to come in and then I think by 9 the victory speeches were made and of course we found out that President-Elect Obama had won the election.

It was nearly 9:30 when I left. My arms and legs were hurting immensely. I knew I had too much to eat and was glad I was going home. When I came home I turned on the TV and did some channel surfing. I decided to come upstairs and get ready for bed.

I had been dozing when I heard noises. It was after 1 and mom was home. She was getting into her pajamas and was rushing so she wouldn’t burn the tea kettle out in the kitchen. I went back to bed and fell asleep until 5 this morning.

Today was pretty good. Some people talked about the election and I told them about the bizarre occurrences at the polling place. I probably shouldn’t have done that but I really didn’t see anything wrong with it.

Work over all went very well. I finished sorting and delivering yesterday’s mail and then worked on today’s and managed to finish everything on my desk by 2:30. When it was all done I pulled EOB’s with Liz.

It started raining when I left the office. I got home by 4:30 and while Mom cooked dinner I relaxed. We had dinner around 5. It was leftovers and they were delicious. We had to eat quickly because we were needed to help clean up headquarters.

We got there and found that most of the work had already been done by (someone else.) Mike and Tessa had been there and said it was generally already done and they were just getting some of their stuff they contributed/loaned. We were not there long and we were back home by 7:30 I think.

Since we have been home I had emptied the dryer, taken a bath, and watched TV. The Mummy Returns is on FX Network tonight but I am not really feeling that well so I am going to bed.

Time Change

Did you Change your clocks yet? I had to do change the VCR in the living room (again) and the microwave and the oven. I had to change my alarm clock and my watch. Everything else did it on its own. Well not everything. The two kitchen clocks will have to be done later. In the past I would sometimes get up at the 2 am time and change it then go back to sleep. I don’t know why but I did. I don’t even know why 2 am was the appointed time but I guess there is a reason. Yahoo had an article on the time change I probably should have read it.

Today will be the last Sunday that Mom goes to the Mercy Center for a while. Starting next week the Center will be starting renovations for an indefinite period of time. Mom is so not looking forward to that. She loves going there and listening to Father Whitson. She will most likely go to St. Agnes. She really doesn’t like that church but it is our parish. I would imagine she will go to St John Vianney’s if she has a choice and that would be the 4:30 one.

Well this week history will be made one way or another! I can’t believe Election time is here again! I hope all of you will let your voices be heard no matter what your political viewpoint is. All of you who read this blog know where I stand. I am wondering if some of you did the early voting system. Connecticut has the absentee ballots (for those who actually can’t leave their residence or will be out of state/country at the time of election). I don’t know if I could do the early voting. It would be too confusing and now that we have the semi-new voting booths (we don’t have the lever pulling type) It seems a little better but could cause people to have issues with privacy and whatever else they can think of.

Well I forgot to do my weekly newsletter for the lists last night. I just got tired and went to bed. I started the newsletter before going off to bingo but finished when I got back. It was two pages long but I hope interesting.

Bingo was wonderful today. I had my helpers from the woman’s club and girls club and we will be welcoming two new members very soon. I am so pleased with the girls and their participation. We had 20 resident participating and it was just so fun.

I went to the 11:30 mass at ST Mary’s and then chatted with the girls who came to the bingo and it looks like we will have some new members. I called Telka for the third time in an hour to talk to her about it.

Mom was home from Madison when I got home. I told her about the morning events and asked her how Father Whitson was and she said fine despite some arguments that transpired between them. One of the arguments was about the ballot question that Connecticut will be dealing with on Tuesday and that’s about having a Constitutional convention. But if I understand her she and Robley agreed that this constitutional convention is wrong because (and as I see it) that we have those who in power (the politicians and legislators) that we voted to make the decisions and laws that need to be done.

Mom had me call Jim today and ask him who should we get to sponsor Emily for her Confirmation and he said he didn’t have anyone else in mind (apparently he got into an argument with Claudia over it-he wanted Liz but she and Nelson were not married in the Catholic Church) and he was either pleased or satisfied that I offered to do that. So Mom and I will fill out the papers this week and send them in.

Mom spent the latter half of the afternoon doing some cooking. Some of it was for our dinner for tonight and the coming week but the oven was being uncooperative and it was making her late for the sign making activity at the Democratic Headquarters. I helped where I could.

I spent some time emptying out my out my Outlook Express Mailbox. I moved some emails to the hard drive and updated document lists. I had answered some emails as well.

Mom came back from headquarters an hour later. There was some miscommunication because no one else was there. She came back and checked her email and then got into her pajamas. I fixed some tea for her.

I had my dinner while she was gone and I enjoyed it. I also called Liz for a brief call she had been dozing and I wanted catch up with her from Friday. She says she got a cute picture of Jason some where from the Halloween parade and she will send it to me.

I got the minutes to Telka for the meeting and she had already sent me the phone squad messages. I will be sending those out later on in the week. I am thinking Friday.

Well I am going to update files and stuff. I may even try and write some letters. I will see you tomorrow.

Going Apple Picking Today

Good Morning! I am leaving in 15 minutes with Dave to meet Mary and her sons at the restaurant for lunch and then go to the Orchard. I suspect we will also do the Corn Maze. That should be fun. Not really but what the hay.

Hey everyone I am back. It has been a long day. Dave didn’t get here until around 11:15 and we had to wait a bit because Mary was still at church. I told Dave they should have said this originally. I mean I could have done bingo if I tried and also went to church. I was going to go at 8:30 but by the time it came time I didn’t.

We started off at 11:30 and headed to the Meeting place while we were driving Mary called and said she would not be getting there until 1. So we made a few side stops. (Now that I am writing this so late I can’t remember what order they were.) They were Dunkin Doughnuts, Vinnie’s garden shop they all didn’t take very long.

Mary and the kids were just ordering when got there (we had no trouble finding it). It was in a lovely place on Route 66. Yes Connecticut has a Route 66. We sat down and then gave our order. I had chicken nuggets, onion rings and water. I think Dave had tuna something.

While we were talking Mary had to reprimand or scold her son Eric a few times and encourage her other son Garrett to eat. She was saying that Eric was spoiled and that her MIL spoils him and then criticizes her for not disciplining him enough. Something I have felt on a number of occasions.

After we ate we took off for the Lyman Orchard Complex. We met up with our friends Julie and Keith. They brought their son and another little boy. We went to the Corn maze and went through it. It was $8 and as in the past went to the Cancer Society. This time it was in the shape of a lady bug. As in the past there were trivia questions and some extra stuff too. It got a bit hairy a few times.

Once we were done with the corn maze (maybe an hour later) we stopped in the Apple Barrel shop and did some shopping and tried the samples. I didn’t buy anything but everyone else did. Julie and Keith had to leave for home but we decided that we would do a pot luck dinner for November 1. Once we said goodbye to them we headed to the Orchard and did some fruit picking. Before we left Mary was a little annoyed with Dave for taking his time at shopping while she had the boys who were getting bored. It was not really Dave’s problem but he also does forget he is with other people.

First we headed to the Pears and got separated from Dave. I stayed with Mary and she had to scold the boys. I called Dave to see where he was but I saw him as he was coming back.

Our next stop was the Apples. I got just over 4 lbs while Mary was picking some and so where her kids. Once we finished we chatted and she admitted or criticized Julie for making comments about disciplining her kids or letting the kids stress her out. Dave was totally ignoring it but I made some suggestions (and observations) that counseling might help. I also said that some people feel they can discipline other people’s kids in their homes or set boundaries. She didn’t seem to buy it. I asked Dave later if she said those things not only to criticize about Julie but in around about way tell me not “to discipline her kids”. If they had gone on ahead or something I would say something and I asked and she said she had no problems with it. She also felt her SIL’s were too strict. I felt differently.

We said goodbye and headed back home. The ride was fine until we got to Milford. We got to Merwin Avenue and I asked Dave if he could help get he bulk trash out with me so Mom wouldn’t have to. (That was my intent but) from there it went to hell very quickly.

He hemmed and hawed and said he wanted to go walk the dog first and get some pie for Mom and me. Well I got angry because he wasn’t taking me home first and was reduced to us call each other names and him almost throwing me out of the car. He reminded me that the day after his father died I bitched about Mom but did he say anything no. I realized he was right. I apologized and I offered to go back and get the dog walked with him and we would do the bulk trash after. Things were fine after that. We emptied the car and then came back here.

I was apparently pretty hyper when I came home because Mom commented before I left. She has no idea what had preceded our arrival. We talked about the corn maze and how successful I was at the apple picking and how we found our way with little difficulty.

Once we had gotten enough stuff out for now Dave and I went back to the house and walked the Dog and then he had dinner and I had a piece of pie and then he drove me home and I apologized again.

Mom was watching and having a late dinner. She was exhausted and wanted to relax. I went upstairs and watched TV for the next few hours. I got into my pajamas and put the AC on. I was watching Philadelphia (1993) and something on the History channel about the Twin Towers on 9/11. It got to be too much.

I also checked some emails and answered some of the ‘Sad News’ replies when I posted last week about Dave’s Dad passing. One of them was from Telka. I was so embarrassed that I hadn’t seen them before this. I replied tonight. I also got an email from my friend Michele P asking about Lyman orchard. I hope she got the link with ease.

Mom went to bed a short time ago and I will be following suit. Tomorrow I go back to work. I was checking the work emails and found one from Stephanie M. She had the revised documents I had given her to use while I was on vacation. I have no idea what to expect when I get there. I am still concerned I will be spoken to about the stuff under the desk. I hope not but this will be chance to start out fresh again.

Well I better get going. I am too wired to get to sleep. I may throw out some more papers and then hit the sack. I am really worried that my alarm clock won’t go off. It was ringing when I got home.

mom's surgery

Well good morning everyone. IT is after 10 and I am working on today’s mail. The mail from the post office should arrive any moment now.

I got up fairly early to be getting some things done before taking Mom to the hospital for her surgery.

I did get to watch some TV before showering and ironing and dressing. It was the show Alias. It wasn’t a fan favorite of mine but I did see it from time to time (I seem to recall watching the series finale when it aired).

Mom got up around 6:40 and I finished getting dressed and she got herself ready. We left by 7:30. We had to turn around because we left the directions on her desk. After the fifteen minute drive and a circling of the hospital and going into the garage we were at the hospital by 7:58 or so. We went into the surgical waiting room we met the triage nurse and then I gave my number and headed to work.

It is now after 1. I called the hospital around 1:15 and after a few moments got the info that Mom went into surgery at 10:15 and the surgery was to be 2 hours long. So she should be getting into recovery just about now. They will call me when she is there I guess. I can’t help but feel a little anxious.
I called around 3 and she was in Recovery. I went after work before going to the picnic

Still not Feeling well

It is after 9:30 and I am just about to hit the sack again. Despite the fact I was chilled for most of today it was a good day. I got almost everything done again. I am still doing the readdress mail. I managed to get through the Diagnostic mail that was there and found mail that should have been opened and I did.

I had to separate the Diagnostic return mail into a couple of piles ones with addresses and ones with no addresses. Patti will check them on the system (the ones with updated addresses) and I probably will readdress them and send them back out.

I left a little before 4 and brought the mail for the 4th Floor downstairs then I left. I walked with Mary C to her parking garage and then went on to mine.

The traffic was a bit slow and heavy. However I still managed to get home before 4:30.
Mom was home when I got there. She was starting dinner and we had decided earlier in the day I would get into my pajamas and stay home from all the evening activities.

While Mom was grilling the chicken and making potato salad I got changed and watched TV for a while. It was some time after 5 when we ate and we enjoyed the dinner.

Mom went to the meeting and I fell asleep until about 9:20 when I got a call from Roberta. I didn’t recognize the phone I thought I was dreaming. It took me a few minutes to answer the phone. I explained what was going on. She felt terrible. Anyway the reason for her call was two tiered. The first was to let me know that I had left my appointment book in the car and to tell me about the kitty box. When she heard me cough she decided it would be best for me to go back to bed. We hung up and I went downstairs to get some cough medicine.

Mom was home from the meeting and in her pajamas and watching TV. She had brought home the $10 I was going to give for donation for tonight because of papers I had to fill out. She told me there were a lot of people there. I am glad. I feel terrible that I didn’t go but I want to feel better.

Dave invited me to his house for dinner with him and our friend Rose. He is making meatloaf. I told him I wasn’t sure because I am fighting a cold. Mom told me I should have given him an answer. He could have asked me a day or two earlier. I probably will go.

Well I am going back to bed. See you later.

The snow came

I have had me another day. The snow started during the night and there was a lot on the ground by 6. As I was getting ready for work Mom got up and was having a really hard time walking. I got really scared and admittedly over reacted. Anyway I calmed down and helped her to the bathroom. When she finished she went downstairs. I went with her and got the newspaper. I also shoveled the sidewalk and put the de-icing pellets on the ground. I even tried to get the snow off the sidewalk. This was all done in anticipation of taking Mom to the Doctors. When I left for work I told her to call me one way or another about the Doctors. She said she would.

The ride in was long. I had fallen near the car as I was trying to clear it off. I used the broom to get the heavy stuff off and the pulled out of the driveway and headed up to Woodmont Road and exit 40. The traffic was slow but I went twenty miles an hour. As I got into Orange and West Haven I managed to get over to the far lane. Usually it is reserved for fast driving (or what ever). I got to the garage by quarter of 8. I had to take the long way around and come in to the garage by George Street.

When I arrive it was a skeleton crew. I told Patti my intentions of leaving early if Mom needed to go to the Doctors. She acknowledged it. When I told her I probably should not have come in with Jeans she said not to worry about it. As long as you are here that’s all that matters.

As the hours passed I was getting everything done. The lockbox came after 10 to me. There was not a lot. However the charts were getting returned to me and so I needed to get that list done.

It was just about that time when I realized that one of the reps still had the chart she ordered from yesterday on her desk. What a fucking moron. She told me if I hadn’t come by today she still would have forgotten. I just told her we can’t do that again. I mean I am just as responsible for this mess as she is. Now every time I have to make sure the charts are all there before leaving.

I was going to start the bulk mail at one point but by then the mail came and so I did that. I was still doing the mail at 1:15. I did stop and chat with a few people. I told them the story about the chart.

I did call Mom a couple of times and she called me once to let me know the Doctor couldn’t see her today. It’s only logical if we think about it but she will now be in pain until then. I am just worried it will get worse. I was really worried if something really happened to Mom. Gerri Brown put a stop to that. Really fast! She told me ‘not to think that’. So I went back to my desk and got back to work.

The staff has gone back down to skeleton crew as many have left for the day. It is still snowing and will continue through the night. I am hoping there will be very little or no traffic when I leave here at 4.

Now if Mike would use the brains God gave him he would be sending out a cancellation email or phone call for tonight! As of 2:19 I haven’t seen it.

Well I am heading home. It is five minutes before 4 and I have heard from Mike. He called at 3

December 3, 2007

It is now after 12 and I am about to finish the rest of today’s mail. It has been unexpectedly light in volume. I should be finished by the time I leave here today. I have already done the chart requests for tomorrow and I am just waiting on some info. I still have to go check the mailbox downstairs in the lobby.

I was able to get the candy I promised Renee Trotman late last week. I also got some Hershey kisses with cherry liquor. I managed to get some cereal and have had some of it already.

I got to the office around 8. I noticed many people were not here or were going to be coming later. According to some people they got a lot of ice and power outages.
That woman Tamara is an obnoxious little witch. Her tones in the email are accusatory as though I am misreading or misunderstanding and what is she doesn’t get it. She was rude and obnoxious. She continues to portray herself as a victim and continues to attack me for what I am saying. I finally told her we have been over this and let it go…I had to block her from emailing me again

Well it is after 9:30 and I am going to bed now. I have been home from work since 4:30. Mom came home around 6. I had been eating diner and I couldn’t even finish it. I think it had to do with the food I ate at work.

I got a lovely card from Stacy S in New Milford, CT. She has been my pen pal for a while now but I haven’t written her in such a long time. I also got my insurance reimbursement today and that’s going directly into the bank.

I talked with Liz today. She had to go into work an hour early because they were going to do track repair I think. We talked about Christmas gifts. I hope she wasn’t thinking I wasn’t getting all of her grandkids something. I would never do that.

I am getting really frustrated. I still can’t find the stamps I bought about a week ago and I know I haven’t taken them out of this room. This room is getting on my nerves too. I have to clean it before the weekend starts.

I am going to say good night…I am really getting tired…
PS;
i got a cute email from Antoinette Carey tonight. It was 'A santa" one.

PPS; i also got an email request to share fotos from heidi Boyko at Ringo.

Many Thoughts

I have so much going through my head right now. I did not get a chance to write at all while at work. Although I found time to get online a few times. I left here a little after 7:15. Mom was just getting up and having coffee and about to get ready fro her meeting at Bridges.

The drive in wasn’t bad at all. Well maybe when I was pulling into the parking spot. One car was coming at me and didn’t look like he was going to stop. Thankfully he did. I kvetched about it to someone.

I got to the office a little before 8 and managed to pick up the mail from Customer Service and Registration. I even took some to Registration. The day went pretty well. I started off with the charts and there were like 32 (I counted them) MR. Mike from Gofor had to bring them in two totes (the long ones that look the chests you bring to college. I sorted them and delivered them. While I was sorting Arcenia brought me the lockbox for today. It wasn’t bad but would have to until I did yesterday’s post office mail.

Once I had the charts delivered I started the rest of the mail. It didn’t take long and so I was able to finish lockbox before post office mail came. From time to time I delivered the mail to customer service and Susan and Sally. I also was doing the labels for the personal mail.

At one point I was talking with Jocelyn and we talked about food. She gave me strudel (the frozen ones from Pillsbury) and some mini wheat box. It just about that time we decided to get wings from a Chinese place and some rice. I also got finagled into loaning Jocelyn $25. $5 for today’s mail and I have no idea for the $20. All morning I was feeling a little awkward and nervous. I didn’t want to be mean but neither did I want to give that much. Now is done with. I gave it to her. I just hope she doesn’t make a habit of it.

At lunch time I went to the bank. As I was walking near City Hall I was crossing the street and this woman came barreling down the street and almost didn’t stop. She slowed down when I didn’t move and looked right at her and yelled slow down. She did for about 30 seconds. I walked to the other side and she almost hit someone else. I swear there was a full moon because I watched woman cop give a state employee a hard time about parking in front of the city hall.

I got to the bank a short time later. I told the teller what had transpired earlier and they were shocked or disgusted I really couldn’t tell. I got the money and headed back to the office.

I made it back to the office by 12:30 I can’t remember if I was still working on opening the mail or starting on the chart request. The food came around 10 of 1. I had wings and fried rice, soda and later on got two more. I gave Jocelyn hers. She would it eat later.

I also took the opportunity to pay Michelle S my contribution to the group gift for Patti and Susan. I couldn’t pay for the candy IOU to Carol so I can do that tomorrow. I got a couple more soda’s that probably contributed to my feeling hyper this afternoon.

I worked on the individual personal mail and made more labels. I took care of the bad addresses and delivered the last of the interoffice mail.

At one point I found myself asking Patti if she has had any complaints or problems with the way I have been doing the mail. The reason I did this is all the managers and team leaders were at a staff meeting. Sometimes I get a little worried. Pattie reassured me that everything is fine and if it wasn’t I would know about it. That’s very true. I think it was because I was feeling a little hyper and sensitive.

I managed to make a few phone calls today. One of them was to Mom and the other to Liz and Nelson. Mom had just come home from her meeting and she told me it went well. She also was driving along New Haven Avenue and a doe crossed the street in front of her. I started to sing the song from Sound of Music (the scales). When I called Liz and Nelson’s house Nelson answer the phone. It was close to lunch time and Liz was still asleep. I explained the reason for my call (the question about where does everyone get their gas from) and he said anywhere.

When I left the office it was 4 on the dot. I got to the car ten minutes later and drove home. The sun was setting in the west and traffic was heavy but moving along I-95. I got home by 4:30 I think.

I checked my mail and noticed dinner was cooking. Mom was upstairs on the phone. I decided to go and watched Charmed. It was the 1st season finale where Ted King ended his run on the show. After a while and once I thought Mom was off the phone I went looking for her only to find she was still on.

She came down around 5. Checked the dinner and started cooking potatoes. We talked about whom she was talking with and some good news. She called Union plus and got info about the finance charge and then told them about mine they looked into it and I was given the finance charge in error they will be refunding me the .50 It was just about then the phone rung. It was Liz.

The conversation lasted about 10 minutes. She gave a list of the places for the gas cards. Either Mobil or Shell would be the places to go. She suggested Dicks Sporting Goods for young Brian. She thought that a gas card for Mike Junior would be wise as well.

While dinner was cooking I emptied the garbage and put out the recyclable stuff. It didn’t take long but I wanted to get it out early. I wasn’t sure if it was going to rain or not. I also managed to get some stuff out of the car too.

Dinner was great. Mom and I talked about her conversation with Judge Beverly. Mom says she will be making an appointment to see Beverly and then arrange one for us to go together. I asked what did she want to see come from this meeting. She does have some concerns that I wouldn’t be able to live here. If that were the case then she would like to see me in an apartment of the same value. I told her I think I would be able to because in the last several months I have been following through with my own bills. She also said that at one time she wanted all the kids involved but not now. She says Beverly would be in charge of it all.

Since dinner finished I have been trying to write this and watch TV and surf the net. No big news. No messages from people I have emailed. I did hear from Mary G last night. She also recommended that I don’t send/get a gift for Patrick that there is an urgency to get Dave moved out. She also sent a joke about Math...


Now that I have the Christmas gift list updated I can probably start the shopping next week sometime. I would prefer to do it when I get my paycheck next week. I might be able to get Patti’s gift and the gift swap. I probably should start the Christmas Card list. I will think about it later.

Mind is racing.

My Mind is racing so much that I can't sleep. I know part of it is the soda I drank yesterday. The other part is because I was worrying if I was too negative with people or if I my attitude was worse then anyone else's during the oyster fest.

I was also remembering all the people I met through out the day. There was Shirley from the bus, Barbara from Treats farm, Dottie B (and that was a little awkward but I maintained civility. I told Roberta about it too. She said she avoided her altogether), I met one of the athletes from MOM. I also saw classmates I called the wrong name. I saw the Novistein Family through out the day. I also saw Rob Serrano and Barbara Genovese.

I decided to watch TV but all I managed to do is lose more sleep. I am thinking if I don't any sleep that I might have to skip bingo. I probably will get an argument from Mom but I just can't help it.

I am thinking that I need to change some things about myself. The fact I am so critical or negative. Even if people don't say it to me I knew I was being critical. Whether it was about interacting with the people in the tent or about seeing people bring animals to the festival.

Well I am going to try and go to sleep. I was hoping that the ambient music I am listening to would calm me but it isn't. Maybe I can try the meditation music. I may have to look up meditation on the web to see how to do it. I asked Mom about it last night. She said there are ways to do it...

Well I will let you know how it works out.

Okay I finally got some sleep. The player stopped playing during the night. I don't remember what time I finally fell asleep but I woke up around 7. I got online for a bit. answered some emails, checked some forums, and read any articles there were on the Oyster Festival.

The one I read was from CTPost.com In the article it said over 1000 people were there. When I told Mom later she said there had to have been more. She is right. The article quoted one woman who complained the crowds made it hard to shop. I have not seen what the Register wrote about it but I am sure some others will. I will check the blogs again. Now though I need to move for bingo.

It is stupid people day

I got a message from JG asking me to remove the picture she took of me from my myspace.com. I haven't and posted a question to the three journaling lists that I am on. Satia responded from JournalWriting and said its my perogative to keep it up there if I want.

While driving up to the Temple Street Garage someone cut me off to get up the ramp and some cow who apparently doesn't know that you are not supposed to walk down the vehicle ramps was walking down. She saw me yelling at her. I don't care. It is really annoying to watch people do this. Not to mention dangerous.

Around 9 I checked my emails and Satia was relating how she had problems with a person who was harrassing her and suggested to me to choose between being right and keeping peace.

I also had a response from Jill on the same list as well. She also says I can do what ever I want as well.

I went walking at lunch. I was going to the Post Office over by Church Street. It was clossed so I dropped off the envelope to a mailbox in front of the courthouse. I got back by 12:30 and kept on working and surfing the net.

We found out that Jeri K's MIL passed away over the weekend. I will need to get a contribution to either Alexis or Michele S by 8/3/07

The rest of the afternoon went by quickly. I was not able to finish the lockbox but I suspect I will finish tomorrow. I will also pick up the lobby mail. I was able to clean off the desk and get the bad addresses done.

I did get a chance to talk to Mom before she went to her meeting. She said the services for Mrs Williams was very nice. The reception was here at the house (at Mrs. Williams home). Mom told me what she would do for dinner. The zucchini, chicken and spinach yum.

When I got home the street was fairly empty. Sean was washing the cars and Maria was having her lawn taken care of.

I found a letter from Rebecca Neilson in the mail for me. I just started to read it and will read it more later

Right now though I just want to relax and maybe take a nap until Mom gets home.

Well a few hours have passed now and I didn't get to rest all that much. Mom came home around 5:30 while I was watching TV. After she started getting the dinner cooked I started setting the table and came upstairs. We ate around 6 and was pretty much finished by quarter of 7.

On the local news more reports on the memorial services that were held for the Petit family over the weekend and one that is going on right now in Plainville CT. This whole situation was also discussed on the journaling list in which I mentioned it in my midweek reflection last week. It continues to be on TV across the country. Well the Inside Edition tabloid is on every night.

Now there is a push and an online thing to sign to call for the three strikes you'r out for repeat offenders.

Today is Bulk Trash Pick up

Every summer the city of Milford has bulk pick up. Every six weeks I believe the last time for the year will be either Sept or October. It is the time where people can empty out their garages, their attics, their basements of things they no longer need or want. Everyone starts collecting it and putting it out to the curb two weeks before the date of pick up.

During that time potential junk collectors come through and pick through and see if there is anything worth getting. They are freaking morons. They break stuff, they just leave stuff all over the place and make it a mess. After all the time and effort that the homeowners put it out there neatly.

I hate when this happens. I so can't wait for the final one of the year....

Well it is now just before 11:30 and I am working on today's mail. The lockbox was pretty lite so I am taking the rest of yesterday's and putting it with today's. I am confident (or delusional) that I will be caught up once again and can be a little more relaxed for the rest of the week.

I talked with Mom this morning and she was just getting ready to do some stuff. The truck and crew for bulk pick up came early (around 8:30) and woke her up. Shitheads. I had called her earlier but she didn't answer we are not sure why she didn't hear the phone. I am thinking maybe I dialed the wrong number. We talked about her plans and about dinner.

More and More information about the Home invasion has been coming out. Two men who were captured shortly after the fire and the crime were apparently in the same halfway house in Bloomfield. They really tortured the girls and made the mother go to the bank with one of them to take out money. They both have very long records. The Father is recouperating in Waterbury Hospital. The town and churches in Cheshire are providing counseling for those who are in shock and mourning. The two men have 15 million dollar bonds and that is supposed to be the largest bond ever. The women's autopsies were done in the last two days as well. It is indeed very sad.

Well it is almost 3. I haven't finished the lockbox but I do have a couple of piles of eobs to sort which I am going to do now.

It is after 9 and I am heading to bed I am tired and don't feel well. The Dentist appointment went fine no cavities. came home had dinner spaghetti. I had bread I didn't know was moldy and wormy. yech. Mom told me that when she was getting her dinner together. We got it at Trader Joe's on Saturday and the date was "by before today". That's just not right.

The recycle stuff is out and ready to be picked up.