Restarting my hard drive.

Some time ago, I started having trouble with my computer.  I was advised to get it to a computer Tech who could clean the hard drive, look for a virus and see what could be done.  I kept thinking, how long will this take and can I be without my computer that long.   So, I procrastinated until my hard drive crashed.   I thought I had a lot of things saved on my thumb drive.  The most important was the Outlook addresses contact list.  Well, when I tried to load that into the new hard drive, it just corrupted the new Outlook version.  At least I have a couple of efiles, from my own email, and a colleague, who had them just for this purpose, and can re-load everything manually.  I did not save much to the cloud, but enough so I do not have to totally recreate all of the stuff I had in my other folders.   

Emergency services

Two weekends, the emergencies services were at the end of the block

December 16, across the street from my house.

20 years ago, my neighbors would have all been out and checking on the neighbors.  Now we do not even know the neighbors.

Juke Box Oldies

I have recently discovered that I am in an internet/cable desert.  While I have access to the same channels as I have had for years, I am so not interested in them.  I was flipping through the music channels, and there are several I enjoy, including Broadway musicals, Easy listening, Swing standards, and Country Classics.  One channel I discovered is Jukebox Oldies. These are the songs that I grew up with, enjoy, and can sing along with.  So much fun!

The Saga Continues

So, I called in sick on Monday, November 29,2021, but without much comfort.  I went to work the next day, and over did it, as I am often wont to do. Wednesday, I forced myself to go to work in the morning, because the new washing machine was going to be delivered that afternoon.  And it was!

Reading the instructions for the new washing machine was very enlightening.  I already had been advised not to overload the machine.  Additionally, I learned not to wrap items around the agitator, but to put the clothes in piles in the washer tub.  News to me!  I wonder when I should have learned that?  Also, this machine works best with HE detergent.  I purchased some, and am mixing it 2 to 1 with the detergent I already have, until the non-HE detergent is used up. 

This washing machine has a much smaller basket for washing clothes, and it is like, pardon me, but God "bitch slapped me" to make me realize I did not have to carry heavy, large, megaloads of laundry from the washing machine in my kitchen to the dryer in my garage. I should have realized this in 2015, after my back surgery.  Wow, am I slow!

I called in sick on Thursday and went to the walk in clinic at my provider's office.  Fortunately, she was "on call" and took care of me.  She did "stat" chest x-rays and gave me breathing exercises because my primary concern was not being able to clear my lungs.  The xrays came back negative.  All sounds well. 

Oh What a Weekend, part two November 26-28, 2021

 As predicted, the headlight replacement at the dealership was expensive.  I had them change out the bulbs on both sides, which was not expensive.  The labor to get at the bulbs replaced was.  The service representative said that some models of the Chevy Malibu also require the front assembly to be removed to replace the headlights!  It took about an hour.

The Saturn Vue is a low maintenance car, but when it needs maintenance, the maintenance is expensive.  

So, I was able to run a few quick errands, and call the appliance repair people to tell them that I was available earlier than I had anticipated.  The young man who came to my aid was very nice.  And explained that because I was using the "super load" function on my washing machine, I wore out the bearings.  The gear box would cost close to the cost of another washing machine, and the labor charges would surpass that. The young man said, that he did not want to do that replacement and "take my money." So, I went out shopping and found another washing machine that I could get delivered on Wednesday. This one had a good deal for a 5 year extended warranty, so I added that to the purchase agreement. I don't usually do extended warranties, but this sounded reasonable. And the dealer has a repair service, so they can take care of the warranty work.  A lot better than waiting 2 months for my refrigerator. 

So, my new washing machine was going to be delivered on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.  That meant I needed to take some items to the local laundromat. (A friend of mine latter chided me and said I could have done laundry at her house, and we could have had a "girls time."   Never thought to ask.)  

Well, going into the laundromat, I tripped on an obvious berm, fell forward, could not easily catch my breath to even call for help, and landed on the berm with the full force and impact on my right side. Eventually, people came to my aid, helped me up, and got me into the laundromat so I could sit and rest.  I was carrying a basket of laundry, and had another in the car, and gave my keys to the laundromat attendant, and a customer, to bring my other basket in.  The customer kept coming by to check on me.  The attendant did not, but I understand that, because the laundromat did not want to make it their problem.  

I had planned to go home to unload the laundry and them go shopping, but decided once I went home, I was not going anywhere again.  So I went shopping, and then went home, put clothes in the dryer a little batch at a time, and did the best I could.  

Oh! What a Weekend! November 20-21, 2021

 

I feel like the gods have been conspiring against me, or I was cursed by the recent lunar eclipse!!!!   I am still having trouble with Suddenlink, and I have not had cable service on my primary TV since November 13.  I can live with that. After all the techs were done, I could not access wifi on it either! I am at the point that I have to call New York and can do so on Eastern time.  I would assume they open at 8 or the latest, 9 EST.  I have called several times, and the upshot is, they wanted to send a tech out, for the 5th time in a week and a half.  I said enough is enough.  It is a systems problem, and if they cannot fix it, I can live with something else. 

Saturday, my car flunked its state inspection, due to a headlight!  I went three places to try to get it replaced, but all 3 said they could not because they have to remove the front assembly to get to the light bulb.  I could not dispute that, because I could not understand the owner’s manual instructions, and could not see how I would get at the bulb, without doing so, either.  Through the magic modern technology, I was able to schedule an appointment on Friday, the 26^th (first date available) at Scoggin Dickey.  This might be the most expensive headlight replacement in the world!  

Sunday morning, when I woke up, I did not have a working furnace.  Fortunately, after a while, I was able to figure out that the programable thermostat needed new batteries.  I try to keep stocked up with everything I can image, but had to scrounge in my junk drawer but found 2 double A's.  Situation resolved.  And new supply purchased same day!

Sunday afternoon, when I started laundry, after the first load was done, it was apparent that the washing machine was not agitating or spinning.  I tried separating the amount of laundry and spun it again, no such luck.  I now have a mega load of super soaked laundry that I am nursing through my 16-year-old dryer!  I could shlep the rest of my laundry to a commercial self-service laundry but who wants to do that?   I have enough clothes to get through a 3-day work week. Again, through the miracle of modern technology I was able to schedule a repair appointment for Friday, the 26th, begging for the last appointment of the day, due to my car appointment earlier.   (They could come out Wednesday but really, I can wait.)

My ESPN+ account did not work Saturday for the men’s basketball game.  I was really frustrated, and when I went into ESPN costumer service chat, the help I received was immediate and successful.  The suggestion:  use Google Chrome for the browser.  That has been successful since!

Hair Bun - Really

So why do we call it a "man bun?"  It is not like females have not had hair buns with their hair before.  Probably the most notable in South Pacific  with Bloody Mary or with Kathryn Hepburn https://www.pinterest.com/pin/44191640063641361/  (I hope this works. Adding a link has changed since the last time I did this)  

So why are we calling them "man buns" instead of hair buns.  Which wipes out LGBTQ buns.  After all hair buns are just hair buns.

A Gratitude Post # 5

Sometimes, I struggle to do the things that have to be done. And, even more often, I struggle to do the things I want to do.  Today was one of those days. I have long since learned to decrease my expectations so I can do the best I can with what must be done, and what I want to do. But, today, I was able to manage to do what must be done, and most of what I wanted to do. So, this was a successful day.

I will also say that in my sports world, the Kansas City Chiefs won; the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Patriots (neutral), the Red Sox and the Yankees will play a wild card game for the MLB post season.  I don't care who wins that game, but I will cheer till the end for both teams.

Isn't that really what life is about?  Not who wins or loses, but how we play the game? Isn't that what we baby boomers learned as children?  How has that lesson been lost?  Do we even teach it to our children in this day and age, or is it all about winning?  Shouldn't it be more about honest gamesmanship, good sportsmanship, respect, and more importantly, honor and dignity.  And most importantly of all, the greater good.  

Oh my gosh, I hope gratitude does not bleed over into Pollyanna-ism. I mean, wouldn't that be nice, but so unrealistic.  

So maybe this gratitude post is not as in touch with reality as it need to be, or should be, but tonight, I do not care.  I want to be optimistic and grateful at all cost. 

A Gratitude Post #4

Gratitude today is for the opportunity to be alive, and have the sick leave I need to stay home and rest, when I cannot function adequately.  That is a multiple blessing, acquired from years of  hard work, not using sick leave unless I really needed it, and having a supervisor who understands my health problems.  Plus being ready to retire soon. 

Gratitude Post #3

So, today, I was feeling very poorly. I have a combination of health issues, but the worst is fatigue.  I could have predicted my fatigue by the end of my workday on Tuesday, but I hate to assume the worst about my health status. I had to call into work about being absent.  Today, I slept until after 2 PM. I actually was able to get onto the computer, and do some things, with the opportunity to lie down from time to time.

I am grateful that I have supervisor who is understanding of my physical health issues, and also have the sick leave to cover me when I have these days.  

A Gratitude Post #2

Last night, we had some thunderstorms blow through.  This time of year, we usually need some rain, and 2021 is no exception.  The farmers worry about the rain damaging their cotton harvest, but everything else is pretty well dried out.  So, we had some solid rains, and thunder and lightning. This was a blessing.  I could see the lightning to the north, and at one point, it was right over my neighborhood.  My power never went out, and my electronics were not effected.  So, another blessing.

My work day went well, and a meeting was cancelled, which gave us all a breather.  Yet, another blessing.

I was so tired, it was difficult for me to finish my day.  I was able to leave after 8 hours, today at 4:30 PM, earlier than i have been able to leave work lately. I had hoped to get some extra things done at home tonight, but I was too tired, and slept while I watched TV and tried to read some professional materials. Well, I needed to sleep.  I am still tired, and hopefully my nap will not interfere with my sleep tonight.  

Focusing on positive thinking feels good.  I have had so many negative experiences in the last 2 and a half years, it has really been oppressive.  I realize, though, that I have become habituated at looking at the negative or the worst.  Focusing on a positive outlook makes things easier.  I know that.  I have known that for more than 40 years.  I just needed to be jolted out of my rut, so I can again focus on the positive.   

A Gratitude Post #1

Today, I had a very good day.  I was able to go to work and accomplish a lot, which always makes me feel well.   I had 3 patients who told me I helped them with something, and 2 family members who expressed gratitude for my contacting them.  One disliked what I was telling her, but still acknowledged having a contact was better than not hearing anything at all.

Taki woke me up this morning.  She wanted breakfast, but when I was getting ready for work, she sat on my clothes. A sure sign she did not want me to go to work.  I thought she might be upset by the possibility of storms.  We had some showers this morning, but the storms came tonight.

For those of you who do not know, Taki is slightly developmentally delayed, so some things upset her more than others.  She was potty trained quickly as a baby.  However, some days, she has problems with making her mark, if you will.  Tonight was one of those times.  We had an electric squall blow through, at about the time Taki needed to use her litter dish. The storm was pretty much over head. She missed the litter box.  That upsets her, and she scratches, and scratches and scratches.  I think that is left over from when Sake schooled her about litter box etiquette, and did not hesitate to tell her when she violated that etiquette.  However, when I assure her she is okay, she is able to settle down.

The thing is, we do not always know, and often do not at all know what things will impact those in our world.  As Taki's life companion, I can predict some things, and sometimes, read the signs when I am missing the predictions.  And  Taki is persistent but patient.  

But we are all different, and something that impacts one of us, may not even have an effect on another of us. We cannot know.  But this is one of the skills of a social worker, to be receptive and open to the messages our clients give us that inform us of what is impacting their life and adding to their distress. Social workers start where their clients are: this may be physically, or even environmentally, but more often socially, emotionally, and psychologically. 

Oh, my gosh.  So I am thankful for my patients and their families, and for Taki, and her insecurities, but also her willingness to accept assurances from me.  These folks allowed me to address them where they were and gave me the indicators I need to address their needs in the future. 

Wow, I would consider that a highly positive day!

I Stopped Blogging

For a long time, I tried to blog daily, and it became too cumbersome, so I just abandoned that effort.  I have been thinking lately I want to blog, but not with any pressure or stress to do so daily or for any particular reason.  I have a lot to say, but by the time I am done with my daytime world, sometimes, I cannot think about what I want to share and my mind is too cluttered to make much sense of my world.  Today is no different, although I called in sick, and mostly read and slept today, while nursing my back spasms.  I still checked my email, and doing my routine of thought games to keep my mind focused if not sharp. 

Our world is a mess, with global warming, and the extreme weather events we are experiencing.  COVID 19 is devastating populations, and even though we have a vaccine,  so many people do not trust it, or it is not available to them. The resulting variants make the coronavirus that much more virulent, although that is not a word you will hear in the world news. And politicians have not and are not advocating the use of masks, which are helpful in delaying the spread of COVID 19.  Although science demonstrates that mask wearing is a major safety for our population why would our leadres be opposed to that measure?  

Politics is generally no longer an exercise in compromise and consensus, but a tug of war between political factions who are more concerned with promoting their personal political agenda, then trying to promote governance that will benefit all constituents represented, regardless of political party.  This is not democracy  This is governance by threat.  Pure and simple.  "Disagree with me, and I will make sure your views are not considered"  is the general tenor of our legislators.  Where has democracy gone?  

There is too much headache in this world.  We have been here before, many times.  Let us  hope, this time, we do not obliterate ourselves off of the face of the earth.  

  

Transfer of Power

 One of the hallmarks of the United States of America is the peaceful transfer of power when a new President has been elected.  That was disrupted this year when, on January 6, 2021, President Trump incited a mob to attack the Capitol building in an effort to stop the certification of Joseph Biden as the 46th President of the United States.  The Road to a Riot.  

Although law enforcement was found lacking, the Representatives and Senators involved in the certification process were kept safe, and determined to complete their task the same day, no matter how late they had to work.  They did.

On January 20, 2021,  Joseph Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States, and Kamala Harris was inaugurated as the vice-president.  There was highly increased security, coupled with safety and security measures taken due to COVID - 19 precautions, which made this inauguration very different from most in the past.  Additionally, outgoing President Trump was not present, although he did leave a "gracious" note for President Biden in the Oval Office.    

I was very relieved to see, ultimately, a peaceful transfer of power, although it took such security measures to ensure it.

At work today coworkers who knew my political leanings greeted me with "It's a good day"  "It's a really good day." was the response.  And I greeted other coworkers the same.  One, who did not know my political leanings, nor I his, talked about how surprised we were that well educated, Christian people bought into the divisiveness and hate of the Trump Presidency.  We also shared that we have felt a great weight lifted from our shoulders.  This coworker talked about how Christianity cycles (he had a technical name for it, which I cannot recall.)  But he used the examples of the Crusades, and the NAZIs as examples of how Christianity cycles to be negative, derogatory, and used to promote supremacy of a faction of our population.   An interesting hypothesis.  And, he commented that this gives us a better understanding of how Hitler was able to convince the German people that his policies were acceptable. A comment that was so accurate.

I am so thankful that our country did not succumb to the persuasion of power by our former President.  It is really easy to do so.  I was saddened to see how members of the Republican Party kowtowed to the president whether out of fear, or loyalty during his presidency. I hope other members of Congress learn from this lesson.

More importantly, I am so thankful that people in opposition to the President Trump did not succumb to his terrorism, threats, hyperbole, and lies.  The people against President Trump worked hard, they campaigned honestly and diligently, and they carried the day in the election on the side of unity, mercy, justice, and values such as equality, integrity, and honesty, to name a few.