What a crazy busy few days, filled with emotion of all kinds.
Getting back from Dad's very late Tuesday, sleeping in on Wednesday since I was off that day too, unpacking, cleaning up the house, and adjusting to the new kitchen arrangements. While I was away our stove died--well, the oven and broiler died. So J went out and found a deal on a slightly dented but otherwise new stove. It's very nice but it's stainless -- and black. The only other appliances in the kitchen are white, except for the microwave and the printer. So he did some rearranging to make the shock of the black less of a shock. He moved the microwave over to the tiny counter next to the stove. Now we have less counter space there. Hmm.
He also switched the two sinks-- so the washing sink is right next to the stove, and the dish drainer side is on the left. Big change. I get stuck in routines sometimes, and these changes can be difficult; if I'm being totally honest, sometimes those changes are more difficult if he's the one who initiated them!
Then he also moved the kitchen table to under the side window, where it had been when we first moved in. Now the kitchen looks huge again, and the scars and gouges on the tile floor are more noticeable. One of these days we will have to get that fixed.
Until then, we are planning to buy a rug for the kitchen. SO MANY CHOICES in rugs--I'm feeling overwhelmed. That's on hold.
Back at work for some reason Thursday was utterly insane. We expect some level of crazy, but it seemed excessive that day.
First there was a very loud thunder and lightning storm very early, in fact waking me up before the alarm. Second, I had also been texted the day before that it was RN's birthday, so... presents and potluck were planned. Unfortunately I had gotten that text after J and I got home from all kinds of errands on Wednesday, and I had a bad headache. There was no way I could head out again for shopping for a present, so J went out for me, and picked up a gift card to a local restaurant (in addition to the prescriptions he'd forgotten to pick up earlier when we were out). Sigh. What a good guy. I made a cold farro and chickpea salad, and brought that to work.
Third, it was the kind of day where things should have been smooth, and weren't: pts showed up who weren't on the schedule, pts didn't show up at all, the new "easier" electronic narcotic prescribing system didn't work, and is definitely more labor intensive.
Anyway the presents and potluck were the best part of that day, other than the welcoming smile on DrI's face when he saw me back on the job. I was utterly exhausted and aching by the end of the day so I didn't do the gym as I'd planned. I came home and let J take care of me!
Friday although the difficult CoWorker was gone, in many ways the day was easier despite a full pt schedule of 10. Two didn't show up, and 1 rescheduled, so that helped a lot. There was extra planning and discussion for Monday and Tuesday because RN will be gone for two days doing some required certifications. Arggh. Not looking forward to Monday and Tuesday.
After work I raced home, changed clothes, and then raced out again to yoga, where once again it was just Sis and me--very nice actually when the session is that small. For some reason J and I both got almost no sleep that night. I know I was awake until after 3, and woke again around 4, then slept until 7:30. Hate starting out a day like that. I didn't even have the Meeting to look forward to because the long-awaited Tax Aide appointment was at 11.
Naturally we arrived early for the appt, and they were running a bit late. They do it differently here: you wait for your Aide, and depending on how complicated or how organized you or they are, it can be as simple as 10 minutes, or as long as 30 minutes. Ours was about 25 minutes partly because Otis was a very personable and funny guy. Otherwise it was fairly simple return. We discovered we were getting a refund, smaller than it could have been because I was penalized for not having health insurance all year. The amount of the fee was subtracted from my whole refund. Thanks, ACA.
Then you go and join the crowd who are waiting, again, this time for the Quality Review person. He basically does the whole return again making sure the first guy got it all right. Waiting for that QR guy was another hour. Then it was 20 minutes or so while he checked it out. He caught the fact that I was entitled to another $390 from the State of OR (which I can file for myself, from my two months at the OR job last January and February). So hey, I was happy. Worth it.
In addition to our refund of $700, the extra money from OR will all go toward the amount we owe my Sis. J figures this whole 3 hour process earned us over $1000, so that made him happy. We were exhausted again by that time, since we didn't get out of there until about 1:30. We did other errands after grabbing a quick lunch out, and were home by 4, which was too late for me to get a nap.
I ended up falling into bed by 8, loaded with my melatonin and anti-anxiety medication, and I still couldn't get to sleep until after 10. Once I was asleep though, I slept right through until 7am.
This morning was Pilates, then out for groceries, and Goodwill for more shoes for J, and gas for the Caddy, and then J worked on the replacement back bathroom door, painting it too. It makes a big difference.
In the mail this week was a special mailing from the insurance company; you know, the one we've had such a tough time with. Enclosed in this --wait for it-- two checks, totaling the same amount that had been Fed Ex'd to us the week before. You guessed it: they sent the whole amount twice. Sooo tempting to say, hey thanks! and cash it... but we didn't. We were honest, although that was a struggle.
Last night J contacted our new cable company to complain about not being able to see the playoff basket ball game. In the course of the conversation, that got fixed: we now have many more stations, and a landline phone number, for less money. He was happy to watch that game.
Also J decided to look at the TV manual and discovered he'd misunderstood why the antenna we tried hadn't worked previously. So we've ordered the antenna again from Amazon, and this time maybe it will work. It should work. Then we'll cancel the cable, keeping only the high speed Internet. Winning.
Also the flight departure time to Philly in June (for Jennie's wedding) was changed by the airline, so I had to contact Expedia for help. It took almost a full hour on the phone to manage this, but my original reservation was cancelled, and the new one was made, saving me $32 on that flight. This time I get in at 10, instead of noon. Jennie's wedding is at 4, so this is far better.
Over all of this, or underlying it all, was processing the visit to Dad's, and the changes they are going through, and knowing they had to put the dog to sleep yesterday morning, and how challenging their life is. I'm so grateful I was able to be there with my Sis. I'm exhausted, but grateful.
And so happy to be home, in this gorgeous weather, with a good job, and a most excellent husband. Sometimes I wonder if I'm "whining" too much: I basically use this blog as a way to vent, and process, and get stuff out of my head. I have so much gratitude, and feel so blessed every single day. There's a beautiful breeze here today. The windows are open, billowing the curtains. The sun is shining, but it's not hot inside. The bird sounds are a wonderful background. Butterflies are drifting, the flowers are brightly waving, the pool is bubbling and sparkling clear.
Yes, I am blessed. TYG.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Sunday
Today it's one year since we arrived in FL--and I am currently in VT visiting my dad and stepmom! There was a huge snow storm 3 days before we arrived here, and I was concerned about the road conditions. But there have been absolutely no problems either with the flights here or the drive from the airport to Dad's
I had a bad moment at the baggage pick up where I didn't see my suitcase. They had made me remove my rainbow-colored suitcase strap, and so I couldn't pick out anything that looked familiar. I even went up to one thinking it was mine, same brand and color, but it appeared smaller, so I left it. After almost all the cases were picked up, I started panicking. I finally went back to that other bag, this time using my half of the stick on ID numbers--and sure enough it was mine. Oops. Embarrassing.
Then we got the rental car and headed out, Sis driving. The roads were perfectly dry, and there were piles and drifts of snow everywhere, beautiful to see. The stars were crystal bright, and it was completely dark much of the way to Dad's. So quiet.
We crept in quietly so as not to disturb anyone, but there were welcoming lights inside and a welcome note waiting. Sis and I had a glass of wine, and then each headed for bed. Very very cold outside, and I was warm inside a cozy bed with two great big comforters on top.
In the morning we all got reacquainted and had breakfast, then headed out to do the recycling taking two cars. Back home, we all piled into one car and headed for the next town to do some grocery shopping and got back around 1. After a brief informal lunch, we were all ready for naps by then.
Then Sis began prepping for dinner, and we had wine and talked more. Sis led us in a brief yoga session to warm up and stretch out, which felt really good. After a yummy dinner of salmon for Dad and Lottie, and black bean burgers for me and Sis, we watched a movie. Bedtime around 9, sleeping in til about 7:30 this morning. (The guys, our husbands, had been invited to dinner at Bro and SIL's house , with the dogs, so we both enjoyed receiving a photo of the Men munching their steaks.)
It's still gorgeously bright and sunny outside, cold, with blindingly white snow everywhere. There are rabbit tracks in the snow, and lots of birds visiting the feeders. I'm currently making a beef stew, and when that is done, then Sis will start with the dinner prep for the roast chicken. I'll freeze the stew in smaller bags so that these can be pulled out of the freezer as needed for an easy dinner.
It's quiet, too; Sis is napping, Dad is looking at the NYTimes, and my step mom is prowling around, looking in the fridge, concerned about the dog, asking the same questions about the big pot on the stove. She seems to nibble all day, but doesn't say she is hungry--she's more or less looking at the food items and reading the ingredients. She wanders, but doesn't seem unhappy.
We all went outside to do some wood splitting, and she was right there, picking up the logs we were splitting for kindling, and happy to be outside. The sun and snow are so bright--I'd forgotten the impact of the combination: I've had a constant headache.
Earlier this week I fell pretty hard, landing mainly on my left side; my knees and shoulders took the brunt. I was trying to do and carry too much, leaving work in the pouring rain, hurrying to the car, and completely tripped over the parking lot bumper. I'm still sore almost a full week later. My hands were pretty ripped up, and those are healing, but my knee is not. Coincidentally my dad had a serious fall last weekend, but he ended up going to the ER and getting major bandages on his arm which had take the brunt. We really must be more careful-- my Dr advised me never to hurry anywhere!
We finally got the last insurance check, of almost $3600. J deposited it on Thursday, and we promptly wrote two checks to pay in full the last two credit cards we owed. We are completely debt free now (except the mortgage). Well, we do owe Sis and BIL some money for expenses they incurred for us prior to arrival, but these should be paid within two months. We are so relieved!!
Then we went out to celebrate at a Mexican restaurant. This has instantly become our new favorite place. Plentiful food, inexpensive, great staff, and a guitarist playing Mexican songs, serenading the diners. The whole meal plus drinks was less than $40. We'll go back.
I'm trying to dredge up the mental and physical energy to walk outside. I think I might wait until later, but I really want to enjoy being outside, too. Meanwhile, J is outside at home, working on the final clean up of having replaced the back bathroom door; I hope he is repainting too. There should be enough of the insurance money left over to buy a new shed, and some wood to rebuild the base. That will take care of the money. Such a relief!
Need to go lie down now. Something about traveling, or maybe being in another house, in a completely different environment really takes it out of you-- out of me. The very dry cold air doesn't help. Still, it's wonderful to take a brief break from "real life", and be here with Sis, and with our Dad.
I had a bad moment at the baggage pick up where I didn't see my suitcase. They had made me remove my rainbow-colored suitcase strap, and so I couldn't pick out anything that looked familiar. I even went up to one thinking it was mine, same brand and color, but it appeared smaller, so I left it. After almost all the cases were picked up, I started panicking. I finally went back to that other bag, this time using my half of the stick on ID numbers--and sure enough it was mine. Oops. Embarrassing.
Then we got the rental car and headed out, Sis driving. The roads were perfectly dry, and there were piles and drifts of snow everywhere, beautiful to see. The stars were crystal bright, and it was completely dark much of the way to Dad's. So quiet.
We crept in quietly so as not to disturb anyone, but there were welcoming lights inside and a welcome note waiting. Sis and I had a glass of wine, and then each headed for bed. Very very cold outside, and I was warm inside a cozy bed with two great big comforters on top.
In the morning we all got reacquainted and had breakfast, then headed out to do the recycling taking two cars. Back home, we all piled into one car and headed for the next town to do some grocery shopping and got back around 1. After a brief informal lunch, we were all ready for naps by then.
Then Sis began prepping for dinner, and we had wine and talked more. Sis led us in a brief yoga session to warm up and stretch out, which felt really good. After a yummy dinner of salmon for Dad and Lottie, and black bean burgers for me and Sis, we watched a movie. Bedtime around 9, sleeping in til about 7:30 this morning. (The guys, our husbands, had been invited to dinner at Bro and SIL's house , with the dogs, so we both enjoyed receiving a photo of the Men munching their steaks.)
It's still gorgeously bright and sunny outside, cold, with blindingly white snow everywhere. There are rabbit tracks in the snow, and lots of birds visiting the feeders. I'm currently making a beef stew, and when that is done, then Sis will start with the dinner prep for the roast chicken. I'll freeze the stew in smaller bags so that these can be pulled out of the freezer as needed for an easy dinner.
It's quiet, too; Sis is napping, Dad is looking at the NYTimes, and my step mom is prowling around, looking in the fridge, concerned about the dog, asking the same questions about the big pot on the stove. She seems to nibble all day, but doesn't say she is hungry--she's more or less looking at the food items and reading the ingredients. She wanders, but doesn't seem unhappy.
We all went outside to do some wood splitting, and she was right there, picking up the logs we were splitting for kindling, and happy to be outside. The sun and snow are so bright--I'd forgotten the impact of the combination: I've had a constant headache.
Earlier this week I fell pretty hard, landing mainly on my left side; my knees and shoulders took the brunt. I was trying to do and carry too much, leaving work in the pouring rain, hurrying to the car, and completely tripped over the parking lot bumper. I'm still sore almost a full week later. My hands were pretty ripped up, and those are healing, but my knee is not. Coincidentally my dad had a serious fall last weekend, but he ended up going to the ER and getting major bandages on his arm which had take the brunt. We really must be more careful-- my Dr advised me never to hurry anywhere!
We finally got the last insurance check, of almost $3600. J deposited it on Thursday, and we promptly wrote two checks to pay in full the last two credit cards we owed. We are completely debt free now (except the mortgage). Well, we do owe Sis and BIL some money for expenses they incurred for us prior to arrival, but these should be paid within two months. We are so relieved!!
Then we went out to celebrate at a Mexican restaurant. This has instantly become our new favorite place. Plentiful food, inexpensive, great staff, and a guitarist playing Mexican songs, serenading the diners. The whole meal plus drinks was less than $40. We'll go back.
I'm trying to dredge up the mental and physical energy to walk outside. I think I might wait until later, but I really want to enjoy being outside, too. Meanwhile, J is outside at home, working on the final clean up of having replaced the back bathroom door; I hope he is repainting too. There should be enough of the insurance money left over to buy a new shed, and some wood to rebuild the base. That will take care of the money. Such a relief!
Need to go lie down now. Something about traveling, or maybe being in another house, in a completely different environment really takes it out of you-- out of me. The very dry cold air doesn't help. Still, it's wonderful to take a brief break from "real life", and be here with Sis, and with our Dad.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Sunday
It just got done raining here--a nice 45minute shower. Really cooled things off a lot. I can tell that Spring is here in FL, but then there are really only two seasons anyway: hot and wet/humid, or cooler and dry, with occasional showers. Things are blooming, and I can see buds on some trees. The ospreys are all over, nesting everywhere.
Today J is changing out our bathroom door for one which was given to us by my Bro from his new house. This new door is solid metal, with a good size window in it. Since it also leads to the outdoor patio area, the window is a good source of light in that dark much larger bathroom. Although work like this hurts his wrists, he feels better doing something "useful".
Naturally in an older home the walls and floors are not level or straight, and the work on that part of the house appears to have been an add-on by a non-professional...so J is having a tough time. But it will be worth it. So many projects are on hold either due to not having the money or not having the right tools.
(I'm helping him occasionally when he needs someone to hold the door. I also finished all the prep work for our tax appt, and got St Patrick's Day cards ready to mail to the grandkids, and cleaned out my desk.)
This week, J's daughter Betty and her husband Brett arrived Tuesday late afternoon. Instead of leaving the next day as planned in their new RV (which they had driven down from Ohio specifically to purchase here and then drive back in), on Wednesday afternoon just as we were getting ready to go out to dinner with them to celebrate there was a phone call from the seller. Who broke the news that he had just sold the RV to another buyer! Despite the weeks of communications with this seller, he just sold it to someone else. B&B were just crushed, and in shock. We went to dinner anyway, and eventually they decided to stay a couple more days and search the area for a similar RV.
J loves his kids dearly, and was very excited to see her again, but we are both kind of peace-loving, quiet, and much prefer to be alone in our house. J dealt with them beautifully and graciously, happy to feed and shelter them. But in the evenings after we'd gone to bed, he'd whisper about how much he wanted his house back. Now, B&B aren't anywhere near as loud and boisterous as other members of his family, but still they're both retired with lots of money and desire to travel in the RV. We would go to bed at 9, and they'd stay up and watch TV. They slept in so J and I were alone in the mornings before I went to work, but then he was with them all day. Company is tiring, much as you love them.
They did leave Friday afternoon, and J just collapsed. He's been taking long naps daily since then, recovering.
Last week he had been told again that the check from the insurance company was being FedEx'd to us this time, and he was to notify them if it hadn't arrived within the week. So J called Monday. Someone promised to get back to him. By Friday no one had called, and when he called them, the story changed yet again-- they needed someone's permission higher up to re-write the check. And no, of course it hadn't gone out to us yet. We are so frustrated.
At work the drama continues. Coworker was in the office Monday. Tuesday there was no word from her; she was a no-show. Finally our manager told us she had a sick kid. Uh-huh. That day was so crazy busy I worked 45 minutes overtime, something which almost never happens.
Wednesday by 8:15am it was clear she was not coming in again. Another day of running ragged, just me and RN rooming patients for two providers. The PA gave his official notice, and April 6 will be his last day. We'll miss him, but frankly if I were 75 and had just had open heart surgery the last thing I'd want to do is work full-time if I didn't need to! He needs to just relax and enjoy his life, as he has plenty of money.
Thursday the Coworker was there. She didn't say a word about what had happened, why she was out. When PA told her his last day, did she congratulate him, say she'd miss him? No, she did not. She said bitterly, "Oh, that's just great.That's all I need." He just looked at her. She seemed to catch herself, and said, "Oh, I'm happy for you, you get to leave."
As miserable as she says she is in our office, we learned from our manager that she was offered a float position--and turned it down. She now has FMLA leave papers signed apparently for some back pain, so she can call out sick anytime and not be fired. And sure enough, she was gone Friday too.
RN and I are at the point now where we prefer if she isn't there anyway, even if it's a killer of an exhausting day! She and I work well together, and we really don't miss the drama or the negative attitude. We just want her to be gone, to have this whole process be done, and to have this whole Chaos thing ended; then we can all move on. I don't know why we can't find anyone to fill the open positions we already have available, and we might as well have one more gone too. Sigh. Well, after April 6, there will be one less provider, and that will make the days easier whether or not Coworker is there.
We all got notified on Friday that the Company had had a banner year, and all "eligible" employees are getting a 5% bonus at the end of this month. I don't know if I am an eligible employee since I've been there less than a year, but hey, anything extra will be nice.
This coming Friday I will be picked up at work just before 4...and will be dropped off at the airport with my suitcase...where we --my Sis and I--will board a plane to VT to visit my dad! I'm so excited... it's been three years since I've been there. We will arrive pretty late, and have Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and half of Tuesday before we return, arriving back here also very late. I'm so looking forward to seeing him, and to seeing my stepmother. I'm grateful we are going together, and so grateful for her gift of this ticket.
My sister then has one day here before she flies out again for an overnight trip, returning in time to teach yoga on Friday. Sheesh. I admire her energy.
Daylight Saving Time-- we set the clocks ahead last night. and I can't believe it's mid afternoon already. This is also Bike Week in Daytona. Last year we arrived after it was all over. This time we are experiencing what the Residents do: Bikers everywhere, by the hundreds. Most do not wear helmets or protective gear. This makes me crazy, working in the health field. I've met too many patients who had severe head injuries after bike accidents, and I just don't understand the people who won't wear them. Tshirts, jeans, sunglasses, sandals or boots, and they are riding double, in packs.
It was a year ago today that we left Oregon in the pouring rain, heading for Florida. Hard to believe. So grateful and happy to be here.
Today J is changing out our bathroom door for one which was given to us by my Bro from his new house. This new door is solid metal, with a good size window in it. Since it also leads to the outdoor patio area, the window is a good source of light in that dark much larger bathroom. Although work like this hurts his wrists, he feels better doing something "useful".
Naturally in an older home the walls and floors are not level or straight, and the work on that part of the house appears to have been an add-on by a non-professional...so J is having a tough time. But it will be worth it. So many projects are on hold either due to not having the money or not having the right tools.
(I'm helping him occasionally when he needs someone to hold the door. I also finished all the prep work for our tax appt, and got St Patrick's Day cards ready to mail to the grandkids, and cleaned out my desk.)
This week, J's daughter Betty and her husband Brett arrived Tuesday late afternoon. Instead of leaving the next day as planned in their new RV (which they had driven down from Ohio specifically to purchase here and then drive back in), on Wednesday afternoon just as we were getting ready to go out to dinner with them to celebrate there was a phone call from the seller. Who broke the news that he had just sold the RV to another buyer! Despite the weeks of communications with this seller, he just sold it to someone else. B&B were just crushed, and in shock. We went to dinner anyway, and eventually they decided to stay a couple more days and search the area for a similar RV.
J loves his kids dearly, and was very excited to see her again, but we are both kind of peace-loving, quiet, and much prefer to be alone in our house. J dealt with them beautifully and graciously, happy to feed and shelter them. But in the evenings after we'd gone to bed, he'd whisper about how much he wanted his house back. Now, B&B aren't anywhere near as loud and boisterous as other members of his family, but still they're both retired with lots of money and desire to travel in the RV. We would go to bed at 9, and they'd stay up and watch TV. They slept in so J and I were alone in the mornings before I went to work, but then he was with them all day. Company is tiring, much as you love them.
They did leave Friday afternoon, and J just collapsed. He's been taking long naps daily since then, recovering.
Last week he had been told again that the check from the insurance company was being FedEx'd to us this time, and he was to notify them if it hadn't arrived within the week. So J called Monday. Someone promised to get back to him. By Friday no one had called, and when he called them, the story changed yet again-- they needed someone's permission higher up to re-write the check. And no, of course it hadn't gone out to us yet. We are so frustrated.
At work the drama continues. Coworker was in the office Monday. Tuesday there was no word from her; she was a no-show. Finally our manager told us she had a sick kid. Uh-huh. That day was so crazy busy I worked 45 minutes overtime, something which almost never happens.
Wednesday by 8:15am it was clear she was not coming in again. Another day of running ragged, just me and RN rooming patients for two providers. The PA gave his official notice, and April 6 will be his last day. We'll miss him, but frankly if I were 75 and had just had open heart surgery the last thing I'd want to do is work full-time if I didn't need to! He needs to just relax and enjoy his life, as he has plenty of money.
Thursday the Coworker was there. She didn't say a word about what had happened, why she was out. When PA told her his last day, did she congratulate him, say she'd miss him? No, she did not. She said bitterly, "Oh, that's just great.That's all I need." He just looked at her. She seemed to catch herself, and said, "Oh, I'm happy for you, you get to leave."
As miserable as she says she is in our office, we learned from our manager that she was offered a float position--and turned it down. She now has FMLA leave papers signed apparently for some back pain, so she can call out sick anytime and not be fired. And sure enough, she was gone Friday too.
RN and I are at the point now where we prefer if she isn't there anyway, even if it's a killer of an exhausting day! She and I work well together, and we really don't miss the drama or the negative attitude. We just want her to be gone, to have this whole process be done, and to have this whole Chaos thing ended; then we can all move on. I don't know why we can't find anyone to fill the open positions we already have available, and we might as well have one more gone too. Sigh. Well, after April 6, there will be one less provider, and that will make the days easier whether or not Coworker is there.
We all got notified on Friday that the Company had had a banner year, and all "eligible" employees are getting a 5% bonus at the end of this month. I don't know if I am an eligible employee since I've been there less than a year, but hey, anything extra will be nice.
This coming Friday I will be picked up at work just before 4...and will be dropped off at the airport with my suitcase...where we --my Sis and I--will board a plane to VT to visit my dad! I'm so excited... it's been three years since I've been there. We will arrive pretty late, and have Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and half of Tuesday before we return, arriving back here also very late. I'm so looking forward to seeing him, and to seeing my stepmother. I'm grateful we are going together, and so grateful for her gift of this ticket.
My sister then has one day here before she flies out again for an overnight trip, returning in time to teach yoga on Friday. Sheesh. I admire her energy.
Daylight Saving Time-- we set the clocks ahead last night. and I can't believe it's mid afternoon already. This is also Bike Week in Daytona. Last year we arrived after it was all over. This time we are experiencing what the Residents do: Bikers everywhere, by the hundreds. Most do not wear helmets or protective gear. This makes me crazy, working in the health field. I've met too many patients who had severe head injuries after bike accidents, and I just don't understand the people who won't wear them. Tshirts, jeans, sunglasses, sandals or boots, and they are riding double, in packs.
It was a year ago today that we left Oregon in the pouring rain, heading for Florida. Hard to believe. So grateful and happy to be here.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Sunday
I see that I've now hit the "publish" button on 500 posts. Wow. I think I started this in 2011, but I can't quite remember. Long time.
This past week was financially stressful. We still have not received the final check from the insurance, but as the end of February happened this week, J wouldn't let me drive the Cadillac, because the Oregon tags expired 2/28. So over the course of two days, J spent one day meeting with our agent and filling out the paperwork for the insurance change-over, and the next day traveling to (wherever it was) to get the car registered and the new FL license plate. These were long involved processes, and quite expensive--almost $700. Ouch. (We still have to do this for the truck by the end of this month, March. I hope to God the insurance check is here by then. If not, we will just have to wait, and not drive the truck.)
But we now have the Caddy eligible to drive with a Florida plate (only the back end of the car needs to have a license plate here), and I finally feel official! Yay!!
The other expense was making hotel and plane reservations for my dear friend Jennie's wedding in June. I don't really have the money to do this, but I put it on a credit card, and will pay it off over time. Some things are worth more than the hurt feelings if I didn't attend. She's worth it. She lives outside Philadelphia, in NJ, and I've never been able to visit her although she has visited me numerous times over the years...
Yesterday Sis and BIL took us on a road trip down to Gatorland, in Orlando. I don't know what I expected, but this was a well-run and nicely kept outdoor park, quite spacious, with numerous alligator displays and info and shows, along with hundreds of white egrets and herons and other bird and animal life. It was just beautiful to walk around in, and see the alligators of all sizes. BIL even arranged for me to feed the alligators some fish which were dangling from a fishing rod I was holding... That was amazing.
There were a few giant tortoises which Sis got to hand feed, too. Pretty awesome. And J was chosen out of an audience to be one of four people holding a giant yellow python-- the ones that are being let loose in the swamps, and which are becoming a serious problem. The whole place was very impressive. It's a very popular place, and I can safely say I've never seen so many alligators in one place. Since it is spring, we even heard and watched the male alligators roaring; from an observation tower above them we could see them inhaling and then watch the surrounding water rippling, as they prepared to call. Unforgettable!
There were white alligators too--I'd never even heard of them before. Apparently these are extremely aggressive, so they are kept separate. We were there several hours, and finally headed for home, stopping for our favorite pizza to take and bake at home; we had a few glasses of wine, and got caught up, relaxing. It was a great day. The whole thing was just amazing.
Friday night I'd gone to Yoga, and it turned out I was the only one there. So I got a private lesson from my sister, and that was very helpful in fine-tuning some positions. This morning there was a full class for Pilates, which is also very helpful. Walking so much yesterday was more stressful on my back and hips than I thought it would be, so stretching was a good thing.
At work, Co-worker E was just as sweet as pie for most of the days. Friday she didn't show up. No word from her at all. After discussion with the other two coworkers, I took it upon myself to email our manager and ask if Co-worker was ill. That was when we learned she was only doing 4 days a week, "for the time being". Needless to say that did not go over well with the rest of us.
I also enlightened our manager as to a few things regarding Co-worker's work habits, etc; Manager didn't have the slightest idea these had been happening, and simply thanked me for notifying her (after first having asked me to elaborate). I am not a complainer, and would not have discussed these, except that all of us are fed up and frustrated beyond belief at what she is getting away with. I finally decided someone needed to notify Manager. None of my business what happens now, but at least she is aware, and not hearing only Coworker's side of things. (Coworker had even posted on Facebook that she was tired of "working in a hate-filled environment". When I saw that, my mouth fell open in utter shock. I honestly have no idea what she is talking about. Frankly I think all of us are bending over backwards to get along with her.)
Over the past weekend I'd been having trouble with my ears-- too much wax apparently. I was trying out the earwax kit to soften the wax, but couldn't figure out how to get the wax out, for one, and to drain my ears--which by the time I was done were plugged up badly. To top that off I was having severe neck pain. So after work Monday I went into our employee immediate care office for some help. My neck turned out to be a strain. My ears were then examined, and then flushed completely, and when I still couldn't hear clearly, I was prescribed an antihistamine and another nasal spray. Within a couple of days everything cleared up, thankfully.
Meanwhile J went to the Town Hall on Monday, and got the dogs and cat licensed and got new Florida tags. We put everybody's new tags on their collars, and felt so relieved. Fiona promptly slipped her brand new collar and tag--they are gone. No where to be found. SIGH.
And on Tuesday our new antenna arrived. J put it up, and...it didn't work. He called the manufacturer, and they insisted it was the fact that our TV was broken. Well no....the TV is not broken. The antenna does not work here, for some reason. So that was returned.
It's been a busy week. I feel like I'm busy every day all day, and sometimes that's great, and other times it feel exhausting.
Today after Pilates, we ran up to the store for some onions and for some castors (J made a plant mover, which needs wheels under its support because this plant is so freakin large), and then I tackled the growing mountain of paperwork needing filing. We have an appt with the tax people at the end of the month, and I worked on that in preparation, too. Then I made a beef stew, and J made cookies; then I made my plane reservations, and now I'm working on this. Just about done, but I still am not done with today.
Tuesday night one of J's grown daughters is arriving for an overnight stay with us. I haven't met this one, or her husband, so I'm a bit anxious. But I think J is too...Fortunately he is responsible for the cooking, and he is happy to take care of all the prep for overnight people. They will leave at noon on Wednesday, phew. I sound like an old grump, but it's just my anxiety over having people here...
Ok, now I'm done. A busy week ahead.
This past week was financially stressful. We still have not received the final check from the insurance, but as the end of February happened this week, J wouldn't let me drive the Cadillac, because the Oregon tags expired 2/28. So over the course of two days, J spent one day meeting with our agent and filling out the paperwork for the insurance change-over, and the next day traveling to (wherever it was) to get the car registered and the new FL license plate. These were long involved processes, and quite expensive--almost $700. Ouch. (We still have to do this for the truck by the end of this month, March. I hope to God the insurance check is here by then. If not, we will just have to wait, and not drive the truck.)
But we now have the Caddy eligible to drive with a Florida plate (only the back end of the car needs to have a license plate here), and I finally feel official! Yay!!
The other expense was making hotel and plane reservations for my dear friend Jennie's wedding in June. I don't really have the money to do this, but I put it on a credit card, and will pay it off over time. Some things are worth more than the hurt feelings if I didn't attend. She's worth it. She lives outside Philadelphia, in NJ, and I've never been able to visit her although she has visited me numerous times over the years...
Yesterday Sis and BIL took us on a road trip down to Gatorland, in Orlando. I don't know what I expected, but this was a well-run and nicely kept outdoor park, quite spacious, with numerous alligator displays and info and shows, along with hundreds of white egrets and herons and other bird and animal life. It was just beautiful to walk around in, and see the alligators of all sizes. BIL even arranged for me to feed the alligators some fish which were dangling from a fishing rod I was holding... That was amazing.
There were a few giant tortoises which Sis got to hand feed, too. Pretty awesome. And J was chosen out of an audience to be one of four people holding a giant yellow python-- the ones that are being let loose in the swamps, and which are becoming a serious problem. The whole place was very impressive. It's a very popular place, and I can safely say I've never seen so many alligators in one place. Since it is spring, we even heard and watched the male alligators roaring; from an observation tower above them we could see them inhaling and then watch the surrounding water rippling, as they prepared to call. Unforgettable!
There were white alligators too--I'd never even heard of them before. Apparently these are extremely aggressive, so they are kept separate. We were there several hours, and finally headed for home, stopping for our favorite pizza to take and bake at home; we had a few glasses of wine, and got caught up, relaxing. It was a great day. The whole thing was just amazing.
Friday night I'd gone to Yoga, and it turned out I was the only one there. So I got a private lesson from my sister, and that was very helpful in fine-tuning some positions. This morning there was a full class for Pilates, which is also very helpful. Walking so much yesterday was more stressful on my back and hips than I thought it would be, so stretching was a good thing.
At work, Co-worker E was just as sweet as pie for most of the days. Friday she didn't show up. No word from her at all. After discussion with the other two coworkers, I took it upon myself to email our manager and ask if Co-worker was ill. That was when we learned she was only doing 4 days a week, "for the time being". Needless to say that did not go over well with the rest of us.
I also enlightened our manager as to a few things regarding Co-worker's work habits, etc; Manager didn't have the slightest idea these had been happening, and simply thanked me for notifying her (after first having asked me to elaborate). I am not a complainer, and would not have discussed these, except that all of us are fed up and frustrated beyond belief at what she is getting away with. I finally decided someone needed to notify Manager. None of my business what happens now, but at least she is aware, and not hearing only Coworker's side of things. (Coworker had even posted on Facebook that she was tired of "working in a hate-filled environment". When I saw that, my mouth fell open in utter shock. I honestly have no idea what she is talking about. Frankly I think all of us are bending over backwards to get along with her.)
Over the past weekend I'd been having trouble with my ears-- too much wax apparently. I was trying out the earwax kit to soften the wax, but couldn't figure out how to get the wax out, for one, and to drain my ears--which by the time I was done were plugged up badly. To top that off I was having severe neck pain. So after work Monday I went into our employee immediate care office for some help. My neck turned out to be a strain. My ears were then examined, and then flushed completely, and when I still couldn't hear clearly, I was prescribed an antihistamine and another nasal spray. Within a couple of days everything cleared up, thankfully.
Meanwhile J went to the Town Hall on Monday, and got the dogs and cat licensed and got new Florida tags. We put everybody's new tags on their collars, and felt so relieved. Fiona promptly slipped her brand new collar and tag--they are gone. No where to be found. SIGH.
And on Tuesday our new antenna arrived. J put it up, and...it didn't work. He called the manufacturer, and they insisted it was the fact that our TV was broken. Well no....the TV is not broken. The antenna does not work here, for some reason. So that was returned.
It's been a busy week. I feel like I'm busy every day all day, and sometimes that's great, and other times it feel exhausting.
Today after Pilates, we ran up to the store for some onions and for some castors (J made a plant mover, which needs wheels under its support because this plant is so freakin large), and then I tackled the growing mountain of paperwork needing filing. We have an appt with the tax people at the end of the month, and I worked on that in preparation, too. Then I made a beef stew, and J made cookies; then I made my plane reservations, and now I'm working on this. Just about done, but I still am not done with today.
Tuesday night one of J's grown daughters is arriving for an overnight stay with us. I haven't met this one, or her husband, so I'm a bit anxious. But I think J is too...Fortunately he is responsible for the cooking, and he is happy to take care of all the prep for overnight people. They will leave at noon on Wednesday, phew. I sound like an old grump, but it's just my anxiety over having people here...
Ok, now I'm done. A busy week ahead.
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