When I went to the beach on Sunday, I went via Hollywood Blvd/Downtown Hollywood. I probably haven't been down there in over 10 years. I noticed that they have cool looking murals on some of the buildings now. I really liked the one of Salvador Dali & Frida Kahlo. ☺
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I really liked the one of Salvador Dali & Frida Kahlo.
It does look nice. What other murals were there? Do Dali and Kahlo have a connection to Florida or is it just random?
I seem to remember Florida mostly in pastel colors because of that show "Miami Vice" from the eighties. Have you ever seen that? You must have been pretty young at the time. What did you think of it?
What other murals were there?
There was one of some mermaids, some flamingos, & a robot. There were some others that I found out about (I googled downtown Hollywood FL murals for further investigation, but I didn't drive around to see all of them).
Do Dali and Kahlo have a connection to Florida or is it just random?
There's a Salvador Dali museum in St Petersburg, FL. Not sure about Kahlo, although we *did* do the Frida opera at work last season before all this Covid bullshit happened.
I seem to remember Florida mostly in pastel colors because of that show "Miami Vice" from the eighties.
We still like our pastel colors. ;)
Have you ever seen that?
Of course! It was very popular here. I had all sorts of Miami Vice swag (t-shirts, hats, etc) when I was a kid and people took their fashion cues from the show. ;D
About 10 years ago, we used to have a client who lived in Don Johnson's old house on Miami Beach. We did a bunch of parties there. It still had a very 80's vibe to it in spite of the upgrades & renovations that were done to it.
It was really cool growing up in South Florida during the 80's. :)
Of course!
I'm a bit surprised you were allowed to watch that show at your age. It had a fair amount of violence in it and other adult content.
Grrr, my internet connection is acting up. It's really laggy and I can't figure out what's wrong. #sigh#
I'm a bit surprised you were allowed to watch that show at your age. It had a fair amount of violence in it and other adult content.
When I was a kid, we only had 1 TV. My parents controlled what was watched, so that's what they watched. I didn't get much input. At least it was a good show at the time, so I liked watching it. :)
Grrr, my internet connection is acting up. It's really laggy and I can't figure out what's wrong. #sigh#
That sucks. :/
Well today I made a delicious vegetable soup after QoH was bitching about wanting vegetable soup. She hasn't had any yet because she fell asleep. It's peaceful while she's sleeping so I don't dare wake her. ;P
When I was a kid, we only had 1 TV.
That's the way it was in our house but any time there was something on that was deemed unsuitable for us kids (I and my sister) we were send to our rooms. Also most of those shows were on after our bedtime.
I made a delicious vegetable soup
What kind of vegetables? We used to have vegetable soup once week or so. These days it's mostly just kidney bean with leak soup, puréed to make it creamy. It is the easiest dish to make, every Tuesday. Oh, and sometimes we have pumpkin soup (also pureed, of course)
we were send to our rooms. Also most of those shows were on after our bedtime.
That's how it was here, but I don't recall my parents watching anything inappropriate since we only had over-the-air channels and they didn't play anything R rated back then. If they did, any curse words or sex scenes were edited out. The worst thing I remember was some post nuclear bomb type movie. I was really young at the time & was sent to bed. I snuck out of my room & sat at the top of the basement steps to watch. I remember it being too scary for me & I went back to bed. LOL
What kind of vegetables?
Just onions, celery, carrots, and peas. I could have added yellow corn & lima beans, but QoH didn't want the extra carbs. I used beef base and a little salt, pepper, garlic, & a bay leaf to give it a nice flavor. :)
We used to have vegetable soup once week or so.
QoH used to get into soup kicks where she made some kind of soup once per week. She always used to take forever to make it, though. Now that she's gone on strike from cooking, I make whatever I feel like having. And it doesn't take me very long to prep ingredients. I've been doing catering for so long where everything has to be done quickly that it's a habit now. I even wash up as I go. I hate having a sink-full of dirty dishes & utensils (like QoH produces in the shortest period of time). :/
Oh, and sometimes we have pumpkin soup (also pureed, of course)
I like pumpkin soup. It's nice for when the weather turns a bit cooler. :)
If they did, any curse words or sex scenes were edited out.
Ah. I don't think they do that here. Wouldn't be tolerated. :)
The worst thing I remember was some post nuclear bomb type movie.
The Day After, maybe?
I make whatever I feel like having.
Does that mean QoH sometimes just refuses to eat?
I even wash up as I go.
Yeah, me too. Although some stuff goes into the dishwasher.
Ah. I don't think they do that here. Wouldn't be tolerated. :)
The USA was still pretty conservative during the 80's.
The Day After, maybe?
Yep! That's the one! Gave myself flashbacks while reading the Wikipedia entry. ;P Especially the parts about bleeding from the ass from radiation poisoning and the East German Troops. It's funny what sticks in your brain over 35 years later. And why I bought all those East German military uniforms when the Berlin Wall came down. I guess it was a weird sort of "counting coup" to own the uniform of a defeated enemy that no longer existed. What a traumatizing movie. :/
Does that mean QoH sometimes just refuses to eat?
I try to make things that she will eat. Sometimes I'll make something like poached salmon & not eat any so I don't have to cook again so quickly. There's always easy to make stuff available to her in the fridge like eggs & frozen fish fillets. If I make chicken fajitas or tikka masala she won't touch it, then complain that I only make food for myself, conveniently ignoring the times I make food that only she eats.
Yeah, me too. Although some stuff goes into the dishwasher.
Unfortunately, we don't have a dishwasher. :/
why I bought all those East German military uniforms
Do you still have those? If so, do you ever wear them? :)
So, do you have any plans for the rest of the week? I know there isn't much to do but I guess that's a reason to get creative?
Do you still have those? If so, do you ever wear them? :)
I still have them. I used to wear the Grentztruppen overcoat when I was in high school and the navy peacoat up until a few years ago. The peacoat is very stylish, but it hasn't gotten cold enough the past few years to be able to wear it.
So, do you have any plans for the rest of the week?
No. I had to go grocery shopping today and QoH insisted on coming. I was set to walk out the door at 1pm, then had to wait until 3pm before she was ready to go. Then she takes forever in stores like an arthritic turtle. I was ready to lose my mind by the time we got to the last store. It was almost 7pm by the time we got back home. Needless to say I'm exhausted and will be going to bed early. :/
I used to wear the Grentztruppen overcoat when I was in high school
You were that young when you bought the uniforms? And, who was selling East-German uniforms back then?
Also, you were... *cool* in high school? :)
Then she takes forever in stores like an arthritic turtle.
Oh god, just put her in a wheelbarrow or something. :P
You were that young when you bought the uniforms?
Yes. I think I was probably 16 when I bought them. They were super cheap. I think I got the overcoat for less than $10 & the pea coat for $5. The Grentztruppen uniform (jacket & pants) was $7 IIRC.
And, who was selling East-German uniforms back then?
There were a few military surplus catalog companies that sold them. I got lots of stuff super cheap. I even bought a helmet. I got a couple of Dutch uniform jackets, too. One was an army one & the other an airforce. I bought them because I liked the patches & buttons on them & was going to take them off to use for other things, but they were so well made that I didn't have the heart to destroy the jackets.
Also, you were... *cool* in high school? :)
I thought I was. IDK if anyone besides my friends thought that. I was definitely a badass with a reputation for not taking shit from anyone, but also smart & a good student, so teachers sorta liked me.
Oh god, just put her in a wheelbarrow or something. :P
I doubt that would help much. :/
I doubt that would help much. :/
You know one of those Hannibal Lector wheelbarrow thingies? Of course, you need the muzzle as well. She could just point at things and growl or something. ;P
My youngest nephew, who has an interesting sense of humor, sent me a whatsapp message yesterday:
him: you ever noticed how strangely Morgan Freeman ages?
him: it looks like he's been old his entire life
me (after some googling): Not really?
him: nah, pretty sure he's the anti-christ
me: Oooooooookaaaaayyy...
him: you will think the same once you're third eye is open
me: Lol
This is not a translation BTW. We often talk to each other in English. It's sort of a habit we developed since he was a kid.
You know one of those Hannibal Lector wheelbarrow thingies?
Ah, you mean a hand truck/dolly. We actually have one here. I still wouldn't want to wheel her around. Maybe stick her in a corner and leave her there? ;P
him: it looks like he's been old his entire life
LOL True dat! Kinda like how Abe Vigoda looked old his entire life.
We often talk to each other in English. It's sort of a habit we developed since he was a kid.
It's a good habit IMO. It's good to know a second language. :)
In other news, QoH has been bitten by the Aldi bug. First it was one of my friends from work, then me, now QoH. It can be a very addictive place to shop. They usually have lots of good products for rather cheap prices, and the food items are pretty good. We bought a pack of thin-sliced center-cut pork chops (QoH's favorite kind) there & I cooked them today. I was pleasantly surprised that they were very tender (usually that type can be tough). Now QoH is an Aldi fangirl (she used to scoff at me going there). ;)
Aldi ... It can be a very addictive place to shop.
I'm genuinely wondering if you and I are thinking about the same Aldi...
They usually have lots of good products for rather cheap prices, and the food items are pretty good.
Are they paying you to say that? :)
she used to scoff at me going there
This means she is capable of learning. In time she might even become self-aware. :)
I'm genuinely wondering if you and I are thinking about the same Aldi...
I'm talking about the German discount grocery store. I've heard that they can be hit & miss. I've found that to be somewhat true. Some locations are definitely better than others.
Are they paying you to say that? :)
Nope, but I wish they were. ;)
This means she is capable of learning. In time she might even become self-aware. :)
I don't know about the self aware part. She is very selfish and has little self control. She now likes the place because they sell things like cookies & snacks for cheap.
In other news, we are having a 3 day holiday weekend here (labor day). At a little after 6pm on Friday (after business hours) I got an email from the stupid roofing company saying that I need to hire a plumber to pull a gas vent permit before we can get the final inspection for the roof. That's a real shitty time to let me know when it's a long weekend & everything will be closed until Tuesday. What's really aggravating is that the permitting department for the stupid city that I live in is usually only open Monday through Thursday and they have a reputation for being extremely lazy and having the worst customer service in all of South Florida. If you call there to ask a question, no one will answer the phone. If you go there in person, they will let you wait for hours before you can speak with someone, then they are nasty & unhelpful.
I just wanted to verify from the city that what the roofing company was telling me was true before I potentially spend a lot of money to hire someone to get a permit from a notoriously difficult city (you know that they will charge extra for the hassle).
Anyway, I did some googling and actually found the info that I needed from the county website. It said before you can get a final inspection that you indeed had to get a gas vent permit, but it also said that as an alternative you could get a letter from a plumber stating that the existing vent is safely connected & attached as per building code.
So I emailed the assholes at the roofing company back and told them that, & would it be acceptable to them to get a letter from a plumber saying that it was inspected.
Now I'm waiting for a response. Normally they are in the office on Saturday, but since it's a holiday weekend, maybe not. I probably will have to wait until Tuesday before I hear back. At this point, I don't care how long they have to wait for the final inspection & my final payment. They've been the worst experience I've ever had dealing with a business. Their roofers do sloppy work for the amount of money that they charge and the people who work in the office do not know how to communicate clearly with the customer.
Hopefully the letter from a plumber will suffice. That will probably cost $200-$300 because all these plumbers are a bunch of greedy bastards and don't want to come out for less money than that (I called around to inquire about it a couple of weeks ago). I shudder to think how much they will charge to pull a permit. :/
It's almost kind of funny that you need a plumber to fix a roof. At least now you have a long weekend during which you will not have to think about roofers or plumbers.
Any guess as to the total cost of this affair?
It's almost kind of funny that you need a plumber to fix a roof.
Thanks to a new county regulation that went into effect 2 years ago. The plumbers union probably greased the palms of some bureaucrats to get it passed. Just because the freaking vent goes through the roof. Everyone wants a piece of the action. Greedy bastards. >:(
At least now you have a long weekend during which you will not have to think about roofers or plumbers.
Yes, I'm trying not to think about it.
Any guess as to the total cost of this affair?
About $12k for the roof. God only knows how much the plumber/permit will cost. :/
Greedy bastards. >:(
What's your opinion on greed in general? Like or dislike? Avoidable or unavoidable?
About $12k for the roof.
Wow.
What's your opinion on greed in general? Like or dislike? Avoidable or unavoidable?
Dislike & unavoidable. It's human nature, but harmful to others.
Wow.
Yeah, especially since the original quote was $8,900. :/
In other news, today was cloudy but didn't rain just like yesterday. I wanted to mow the yard yesterday, but didn't feel up to it. Luckily the weather was the same today. It was less hot than usual because of the cloud cover, so I didn't have the sun baking the life out of me to deal with. And despite still sweating my ass off, I was able to do the whole yard without taking many breaks. It only took me 2 hours to do everything.
I can hardly wait until the worst of the summer heat is over. If we're lucky, we should be able to notice a change next month.
It's human nature, but harmful to others.
I like to think there's a cultural factor involved somehow. So maybe fewer people would choose to be greedy given the right culture. I guess fear of poverty is another factor.
the original quote was $8,900
#sigh#
It only took me 2 hours to do everything.
Have you ever considered replacing the grass with stone tiles?
#sigh#
Yep. :/
Have you ever considered replacing the grass with stone tiles?
Our yard is just too big. It would cost too much. I would like to do lots of different things with the yard, but QoH won't let me.
Anyway, I have a plumber coming out tomorrow morning. Hopefully he can get the gas vent permit for me. At this point I just want it done and over with, I almost don't care how much it'll cost. :/
After the roof has its final inspection, I need to paint the new wood on the fascia & soffit, then repaint the house since it's starting to look faded. :/
I almost don't care how much it'll cost.
At least you'll have a functional roof again. Ready for the next hurricane.
I need to paint the new wood on the fascia & soffit, then repaint the house since it's starting to look faded.
So you'll have something to do. Have you decided on a color yet?
At least you'll have a functional roof again. Ready for the next hurricane.
Yep.
Have you decided on a color yet?
I'm just going to use the current color scheme which is a sorta cross between sky blue and a light slate blue with white trim. QoH insisted that we buy extra paint the last time I painted(8 years ago), so hopefully it's still usable.
a sorta cross between sky blue and a light slate blue with white trim
So your house is blue? I never imagined it in that color. Hm. Then again it is Florida. :)
I guess you're going to wait until the weather improves before painting the house?
So your house is blue? I never imagined it in that color. Hm. Then again it is Florida. :)
Yep. And there's a house across the street that's more of a sky blue color. Most of the houses in my neighborhood are various shades of tan or terra cotta color. Some white, some gray. There's even one that's purple (it looks really tacky).
I guess you're going to wait until the weather improves before painting the house?
Yes. It's been too hot & rainy for painting.
Anyway, yesterday a guy came out from the plumbing company that I called. He looked at the water heater & vent and said it was okay, then he told me that someone from the office would call me back to quote a price for the permit. No one called me back yesterday, so I called them. The guy I spoke to took my message & said someone would call me back. So far, no one has called. I'm going to wait a couple more hours, then call them again. I'm really tired of how long this whole roof ordeal has been drawn out. I just want it to be over with.
I just want it to be over with.
I'm sure it'll be over at some point. You probably shouldn't spend too much time thinking about it.
Go watch a movie or something. :)
Have you heard from Roxy yet? Or is she up to something again? :)
Have you heard from Roxy yet? Or is she up to something again? :)
Yes, I heard from her today (and she's always up to something LOL). Her sister was at the house and they were trying on clothes and wearing stripper heals(she sent me a couple of pics of them wearing short-shorts & the stripper heals). I told her that she should stand on the corner and see if someone makes an offer. ;P Of course she didn't respond. LOL
Well Ma Nature came for her visit last night. At least I wasn't spotting brown blood on the lead-up, and it wasn't early. I was having cramping last night, so I took some ibuprofen. So far it's been bright red blood with a few small clots, not many large clots like I was having before. Hopefully that is a sign that the fibroid is continuing to shrink. :)
And in other news, our governor was down here today to announce that Dade & Broward counties will be moved to Stage 2 of the pandemic reopening. Hopefully that will mean that my work can reopen soon. They already had a lot of bars & restaurants open in Broward. Now people will be allowed to sit at the bar inside & be open at 50% capacity inside & 100% capacity outside.
There's no reason why they can't reopen for catering at work. Most of our catering events weren't considered full capacity. IMO they weren't even half capacity. I'll have to email the HR lady on Monday to see what they have planned. I haven't heard from anyone from my department in 5 months. I think it's unprofessional that they haven't kept in contact with anyone to update us on what's going on.
Hopefully that is a sign that the fibroid is continuing to shrink.
It certainly sounds like it's doing well.
Hopefully that will mean that my work can reopen soon.
Let's hope for the best.
I'll have to email the HR lady on Monday to see what they have planned.
Good idea, I think.
I think it's unprofessional that they haven't kept in contact with anyone to update us on what's going on.
Maybe nothing has been going on? If that's the case then it would be strange to keep updating people on that. ;P
Maybe nothing has been going on?
One of my coworkers called me a few days ago. She had spoken at length to one of the guys who worked full-time in the maintenance department. According to him, they got rid of 42 full-time people including all of the directors. Even the lady who was the head of the education department for over 20 years got let go. He said that they had $8 million in reserve money that they were using to pay the full-time people (I had overheard a conversation between the CEO and a board member regarding reserve money before the pandemic crap happened, so I know that they *did* have that amount). I guess they no longer had money to pay anyone hence the firings.
I told my coworker that they also may have done it so that people could collect unemployment instead of paying them. I can't imagine that it would be a permanent thing. Eventually they will reopen and will need to hire everyone back.
They still have on the website lots of concerts & shows scheduled for November & December. That's almost 2 months away. There's no reason why we couldn't be reopened by then, especially since the county will be moved to phase 2 on Monday.
I can't imagine that it would be a permanent thing.
But you'll have to take into account that it's a permanent thing, right?
Has the co-worker looked for work elsewhere?
There's no reason why we couldn't be reopened by then
Keep your fingers crossed, I guess. Fingers and toes. :)
But you'll have to take into account that it's a permanent thing, right?
It will definitely be permanent for some of the people who were let go. I heard that a few of them got job offers elsewhere so they won't be back. The center is not going to be closed permanently. They will reopen at some point. It's just unknown to me exactly when. :/
Has the co-worker looked for work elsewhere?
No. She had been getting a gig here and there from the guy from the maintenance department since he was the groundskeeper and has his own landscaping business. It was usually pulling weeds by the museum across from our workplace, but I don't think she had worked for him any during the quarantine. She and her boyfriend both are on social security, so it's not like she's not getting any income at all.
Keep your fingers crossed, I guess. Fingers and toes. :)
Ideally it will open back up just after my unemployment runs out. ;)
Ideally it will open back up just after my unemployment runs out.
Ideally, yes. But you can't count on that? Shouldn't you be looking for alternatives?
But you can't count on that? Shouldn't you be looking for alternatives?
I'm hoping for it, but I know that I can't count on it. Right now I'm trying to take care of getting the gas vent permit for the roof inspection. That's taking up all my time and stressing me out right now. I can't think about looking for work until I get the roof bs done & behind me.
Today I contacted about 10 different plumbing businesses. So far only 2 emailed me back saying that they could do it and quoted me prices which are obscenely expensive. I'm waiting to see if the others will email back. If they don't, I will probably have to go with the cheaper of the 2 just so I can get this whole roof ordeal over with. :/
Today I contacted about 10 different plumbing businesses.
Thorough. What happened to that plumber that came round? Never called you back? What is up with that? Don't companies want customers anymore?
What happened to that plumber that came round? Never called you back?
IDK. No one called back. I called them back twice and left messages. Still no one got back to me.
What is up with that? Don't companies want customers anymore?
I guess they all have plenty of work and can blow off potential customers. So far, aside from the one who came out then never called back, only 3 have responded. One said that they don't do that service, then the other 2 expensive ones. If I don't hear back from anyone else by tomorrow, I'm just going to hire the less expensive of the 2. At least those companies were professional enough to reply. I might go & leave a good review just because of that.
That's one thing that really bothers me about people in this day and age. Most don't have any professionalism when it comes to customer service or responding effectively. :/
In other news, I checked my bank account today and unemployment deposited another $300 which was unexpected. I'm not complaining, though. ;)
Most don't have any professionalism when it comes to customer service or responding effectively.
Maybe people are not trained well enough in running a business to know that these things matter?
In the case of the plumbers, maybe helping you specifically is not cost-effective for most of them?
unemployment deposited another $300 which was unexpected
Could it be a mistake?
In the case of the plumbers, maybe helping you specifically is not cost-effective for most of them?
What's crazy to me is that they don't have to do any physical work. Most plumbing jobs can be rather dirty. All I need is for them to get the permit which is something that can be done online and doesn't take much time.
Anyway, I went ahead and scheduled someone to come out from the company that responded and was the cheaper of the 2 estimates that I got. They're charging $275 to come out & inspect the water heater & vent stack. Then whatever the cost of the permit is. It's crazy how much I'm having to pay someone who isn't actually doing much work. We had the pipes under the sink changed out for less than $150 IIRC and that was a rather nasty job that took almost an hour to do.
At this point, I just want it to be over and done with. I think I'm going to ask my dad if he will give me another $200 or $300. He *did* offer to help monetarily before.
Could it be a mistake?
No. I think the newspaper was wrong when they reported that the state only had enough money to pay for 3 weeks worth ($900 which I got) of the extra unemployment benefit.
I think I'm going to ask my dad if he will give me another $200 or $300.
If he does, would you then owe him the money or would your mother? I assume she owns the house?
In other news, I bought some socks that have a separator between the big toe and the rest. This way I hope to avoid having to wear my usual padded slippers this winter and continue to wear my flip flops. Those padded slippers start to smell after a while. It's just not nice. The new socks work great so far.
would you then owe him the money or would your mother?
Neither. He doesn't ask for me to pay him back. It's a gift as far as he's concerned.
I bought some socks that have a separator between the big toe and the rest.
So basically they're Japanese tabi socks. :)
This way I hope to avoid having to wear my usual padded slippers this winter and continue to wear my flip flops.
Flip-flops became popular after WW2 when troops brought them back from Japan. They are called zori over there. I remember when I was a kid, my dad always called flip-flops "zoris".
So basically you are just going to be wearing everything as they were meant to be worn back in Japan. Maybe you can get some hakama and complete the look. ;P
BTW socks with flip-flops or sandals is considered to be a major fashion faux pas in Florida. It's something that says you're an old retired Yankee transplant and not a native Floridian. ;P
When it gets "cold" here, we just add a hoodie to our usual uniform of t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops or sandals. ;P
So basically they're Japanese tabi socks.
Yeah, those. :)
They are called zori over there.
Kinda. Those zori have the "thong" in the middle of the slipper and flip-flops have them slightly towards the big toe. Also, traditionally, and strangely, the zori that are worn are smaller than the length of the foot. I'll stick with flip-flops. :)
socks with flip-flops or sandals is considered to be a major fashion faux pas in Florida.
So flip-flops are only worn on bare feet? What do you guys wear on your feet inside the house? Or when/if it gets cold? No socks? Ever?
So flip-flops are only worn on bare feet?
Yes.
What do you guys wear on your feet inside the house?
A lot of people walk around barefoot. QoH uses bedroom slippers. I used to just walk around barefoot when I'm inside, but QoH always had something negative to say about it, so I put on my sandals (which are basically flip-flops without the thing between the toes aka shower shoes) whenever I leave my bedroom.
Or when/if it gets cold? No socks? Ever?
I only wear socks if I wear closed-in shoes. I have thin below-the-ankle socks that I wear with my Merrell mocs (which I wear when I go grocery shopping) or sometimes with my Dr Martens oxfords. I wear regular mid-calf length socks with my work uniform. It's usually too hot for socks, so whenever I'm done shopping or working, the shoes & socks come off as soon as possible. The assistant manager at work told me that she keeps flip-flops in her car and takes her shoes & socks off as soon as she gets to her car after work.
A lot of women like to wear boots as soon as we get our first day of below 80 degree weather, but that's just an opportunity to wear them, not that they are necessary. We rarely get weather that's cold enough for socks & warm boots. It's usually always hot & humid here.
BTW I sent you a mailzzz. ;P
which are basically flip-flops without the thing between the toes aka shower shoes
Hm, now I'm wondering if you wear them in the shower as well. ;P
It's usually always hot & humid here.
How well do you think you think you'd do in a colder climate?
PS. Just saw your pic in the mail. Definitely fit. :)
PPS. Where did you take that pic? It's super dark.
Hm, now I'm wondering if you wear them in the shower as well. ;P
Nope! I don't wear anything in the shower. ;P
How well do you think you think you'd do in a colder climate?
It depends on how much colder. If it was the north Florida kinda colder, I'd probably really like that. Minnesota colder would be way to much. ;P
Where did you take that pic? It's super dark.
In my bedroom with the lights off. The only light was from the TV. I was trying to get some lighting to highlight the muscles that I have. All the lights in this house are from behind when I'm looking in a mirror. The TV was the best I could do. ;P
Minnesota colder would be way to much.
I guess? Minnesota is further south than the Netherlands yet it can be much colder. Hm.
I was trying to get some lighting to highlight the muscles that I have.
The muscles are visible but the pic is a bit grainy and dark. It's a pity really. :)
I guess? Minnesota is further south than the Netherlands yet it can be much colder. Hm.
The jet stream tends to pull the Arctic cold down from Canada right over Minnesota. And the Gulf Stream brings you lot some nice, warm air from the Caribbean. ;)
The muscles are visible but the pic is a bit grainy and dark. It's a pity really. :)
My phone's camera is crappy, especially when I'm trying to zoom in on something. Unfortunately I don't have the money to buy an iPhone or a newer Samsung.
Roxy was forced to buy a newer iPhone. I think she had the 6, but the battery stopped charging so she had to get a newer model. IIRC she said she got a 10. I think they're coming out with the 12 soon, so I hope she got a good deal on hers. She didn't tell me how much it cost.
Roxy was forced to buy a newer iPhone.
Geesh, Apple applies some aggressive sales techniques these days. ;P
She didn't tell me how much it cost.
It's about $400 on Amazon. How's Roxy doing BTW?
Geesh, Apple applies some aggressive sales techniques these days. ;P
Well they design them so the battery stops charging after so many years, so yeah.
It's about $400 on Amazon.
IDK how much she paid. Sometimes whatever wireless company you use will offer a better deal. Or she might have gotten it from a shop in her hood.
How's Roxy doing BTW?
I'm not sure. She hasn't been keeping in touch too much. I'm sure she's stressed with dealing with her parents health issues and being out of work.
Well they design them so the battery stops charging after so many years, so yeah.
Glad I never bought anything from them. :)
Or she might have gotten it from a shop in her hood.
So a second hand phone maybe.
She hasn't been keeping in touch too much.
No clues whatsoever? :)
Glad I never bought anything from them. :)
Me either. They're too expensive and I don't care for the cult-like following. My Samsung has worked fine for me. It's still chugging along after 6 years of use. The only issues I have is I'd eventually like to get a phone with a better camera & more memory, but that isn't a priority right now.
So a second hand phone maybe.
Maybe. She didn't give any details. That always annoys me how she acts secretive over trivial things like that. Like I'd care if it's a refurbished phone.
No clues whatsoever? :)
I haven't heard from her in about a week. I'm not taking it personally any more. I just find other things to do like watching YouTubes. :)
My Samsung has worked fine for me.
My Acer is working reasonably fine as well. It seems to be constantly running out of memory but that's tolerable. I also dropped it recently and the glass cracked as a result. I just put some transparent adhesive tape over the crack. No problemo. :)
I just find other things to do like watching YouTubes.
So which fun and/or interesting channels do you follow? Or do you just roam the recommended section?
It seems to be constantly running out of memory but that's tolerable.
Same with mine. I just find stuff to delete and it keeps the memory at around 82% full.
I also dropped it recently and the glass cracked as a result.
D: I've been lucky so far in regards to drops. One time I forgot that the phone was in my lap when I got out of QoH's truck. It slid down my leg as I was getting out and hit the concrete, but didn't crack. Another time I had it on the charger at work & someone knocked it onto the floor. It didn't crack that time, either, but I yelled at everyone and told them that they need to pay attention to what they're doing. One of the concessions managers gave me a plastic screen protector, so at least that keeps the screen from getting scratched.
So which fun and/or interesting channels do you follow?
I follow Redefining Strength, Erin Stern (workout videos), Marilyn Manson, Depeche Mode, Hildegard von Blingen, Cruxshadows, Mean Mary (music), The Little Shaman (expert on Narcissism), The Closet on the Right (politics), and Cobra Kai & Dragons Warriors (martial arts). Between all of those, I have plenty to watch. :)
Oops! Forgot to mention that the plumber came out today. Cost me $275 plus whatever the cost of the permit is. At least he was knowledgeable about what the permitting procedure is. Everyone I've communicated with at that company has been very professional. I'd definitely recommend them even though they charge a little more than some others (but not by much).
Hildegard von Blingen
Bardcore, right?
The Little Shaman
Does this channel help you dealing with QoH?
Between all of those, I have plenty to watch.
I won't bother you with any channels I like to follow then. :)
Forgot to mention that the plumber came out today.
Pfff, finally.
Cost me $275 plus whatever the cost of the permit is.
:|
Bardcore, right?
Yep. :)
Does this channel help you dealing with QoH?
Yes.
I won't bother you with any channels I like to follow then. :)
Aw, c'mon! You can tell me! Now I'm curious. :)
Pfff, finally.
Yeah, although I can't complain about this particular plumbing company. They respond almost immediately to my emails and the guy they sent out was very nice and actually knew what he was doing. They could have sent someone out sooner, but I was waiting for a few more estimates before I picked a company. So far I'm happy with them (except for the cost, but they are all expensive).
BTW, I was texting with Roxy last night and told her that you asked how she was doing. (Like I thought, dealing with her parents health issues.) She said it was sweet of you to ask and to thank you. :)
Now I'm curious.
Ah, well, I shall have to satisfy your curiosity then. :)
I won't bore you with the entire list but a few of the veterans on the list are RedLetterMedia (reviews of movies but funny) and RageSelect (video game reviews but funny). Some more recent additions are ContraPoints and Philosophy Tube.
So far I'm happy with them
Glad to hear it.
She said it was sweet of you to ask and to thank you.
Nice of her to say so. To be clear I was just curious.
Well today I went grocery shopping a little earlier than usual in an attempt to try to beat the afternoon thunderstorms. I wasn't entirely successful. I was going to stop at Aldi first, but I went across the street to the Home Depot first to buy a roll of pink fiberglass insulation so I can fix the hole in the ceiling. Of course the department where it was supposed to be was on the opposite corner of the store from where I went in. Then they didn't have any. They only had the "green" type of blow-in insulation that looked like it was made from rat nests. So I left without buying any. By the time I got out to my car, the sky was already black with thunderstorms and it was thundering menacingly. I got across the street to Aldi and got inside, then the sky broke loose! It must've been a super cell because it was coming down like Niagara Falls the whole time I was in there (about 45 minutes). At least by the time I was finished, the worst of it had blown past and it was barely sprinkling. I put all my groceries in the car and was going to take my cart back so I could get my quarter when I noticed 2 carts abandoned near my car with the quarters still in the lock thingies. I put 1 inside the other to get 1 quarter, then took mine back to the cart return. My Dutch DNA couldn't resist a free quarter. ;P (I was too lazy to push them both back for both quarters since it was still sprinkling.)
After I left Aldi, I just decided to only stop at Sam's for a few things since it was still rainy and I didn't feel like going to any more stores since I didn't really need to buy much today.
BTW, QoH was mad that I went early because she wanted to go with me. She has gone with me the last 2 or 3 times. I really hate going anywhere with her. She really knows how to ruin something that for me was my stress free alone time away from her. 😡
when I noticed 2 carts abandoned near my car with the quarters still in the lock thingies.
Someone was in a hurry. Obviously they didn't want to get wet. Didn't care enough about the quarters.
She really knows how to ruin something that for me was my stress free alone time away from her.
Well, she has a lot of practice. ;P
Obviously they didn't want to get wet. Didn't care enough about the quarters.
Yep. There were a few more carts left abandoned in the other side of the parking lot. When I was leaving, I stopped my car to check them, but they didn't have quarters. They must've been the ones that the employees had been using by the front door to hold their cleaning supplies. Before it started raining, they had been wiping down the carts after people brought them back. I guess some opportunistic people swiped them.
When I used to go to the other Aldi close to my job, I used to get at least one quarter per visit. There was always someone who didn't put a cart back properly. It's not like it's difficult. 😒
Speaking of my job, the Governor lifted all lockdown restrictions so technically we can open back up. The only problem is the stupid Broward County mayor is restricting capacity for banquet halls to 50% or no more than 100 people. Still no one from work has bothered to keep in contact with us to let us know what is going on. 😡
till no one from work has bothered to keep in contact with us to let us know what is going on.
Maybe you should take the initiative to call them yourself? Or do you think that the restricted capacity means they won't have any work for you anyway?
Maybe you should take the initiative to call them yourself?
Roxy said she emailed the HR lady but got no response. I might text my assistant manager to see if she knows anything. Or I could email the HR lady myself and see if I get a response.
Or do you think that the restricted capacity means they won't have any work for you anyway?
Theoretically, I'd be the one who is most likely to get any work (if there is any) since I have seniority. If the Broward Workshop people started having meetings again, I'd have at least one gig per week. But who knows if or when that will happen. :/
BTW, I just caught the tail end of a news story on the TV about our governor doing the executive order lifting all the restrictions. The mayor of Miami Beach (who is ultra leftist) was all butthurt that they can't give fines to people not wearing masks. They were doing a live shot from Fort Lauderdale beach and no one was wearing one, plus all the bars were open and people were celebrating and having a good time. (No one was wearing a damn mask on the beach a month ago when I drove by there. Fake news was trying to make it seem like everyone is suddenly going crazy. The only difference is that the bars are all open.) :)
who is ultra leftist
Hmm, I find any use of the word "ultra" outside the context of superhero comics/movies laughable. :)
The only difference is that the bars are all open.
It is a lot harder to social distance in a bar than it is on a beach. Infections and deaths are likely to go up.
I find any use of the word "ultra" outside the context of superhero comics/movies laughable. :)
He's also an ultra insufferable douchebag.
Infections and deaths are likely to go up.
A good way to thin the herd (as it was intended to do). There's too many people in South Florida anyway. ;P
With a 99.9% survivability rate for most people, I don't see any reason to be too concerned.
He's also an ultra insufferable douchebag.
Still laughable. :)
A good way to thin the herd (as it was intended to do).
What kind of people do you hang out with who think this is a funny thing to say?
I don't see any reason to be too concerned
For whom?
What kind of people do you hang out with who think this is a funny thing to say?
Well I've only been hanging out with QoH for the last 6 months.
There's evidence that the virus was tinkered with in a lab in Wuhan. From the way their government treats their own people, I wouldn't put it past them to do something like that, to engineer a virus to kill the old and weak. They let millions of people starve under Mao without remorse. They don't care about their own people. Fewer people to deal with is a positive thing to them.
For whom?
For the majority of people who are healthy. If you are infirmed, you should stay home or take precautions. It's insane to destroy people's lives and livelihoods over this bs.
to engineer a virus to kill the old and weak
So that's what you meant. I don't know. A virus is not a very reliable tool for killing a particular segment of a population. It inevitably mutates and may become non-lethal or start targeting other groups. Also, the old and the weak are not necessarily the stupid or anti-social, they are quite able to take the necessary measures to avoid infection.
If you really want to get rid of the old and the weak then you should make sure that they can't afford their healthcare.
A virus is not a very reliable tool for killing a particular segment of a population.
There has been a Chinese virologist who fled from Hong Kong giving interviews on the TV for the past few weeks. She worked in one of the government labs in Hong Kong. She has been saying that to her it looked like they were trying to engineer the virus for "gain of function". She also brought up the point about viruses mutating. Who knows WTF they were trying to do with it, but the communist Chinese government is ruthless. IDK if they intentionally released the virus or it was accidental, but they managed to kill lots of people and wreck economies globally.
There has been a Chinese virologist who fled from Hong Kong giving interviews on the TV for the past few weeks.
You mean Dr. Li-Meng Yan? Her paper has not been formally peer reviewed yet.
the communist Chinese government is ruthless
China is an oligarchy moving towards fascism. Its' government is definitely ruthless in certain ways.
IDK if they intentionally released the virus or it was accidental
Yes, you don't know but you can speculate.
they managed to kill lots of people and wreck economies globally
This is true even if the origin of the virus is natural since they allowed those exotic-animal wet markets to exist. Although I'm not convinced any economies are actually wrecked yet.
You mean Dr. Li-Meng Yan?
Yes.
China is an oligarchy moving towards fascism.
I'd say it's a fascist oligarchy that likes to maintain its communist roots.
Although I'm not convinced any economies are actually wrecked yet.
Well the US economy definitely took a big hit. Fortunately our economic fundamentals were pretty strong and we're on our way to a full recovery as long as dumbass politicians don't keep shutting things down. IIRC, Spain and Italy took pretty big hits, but they weren't exactly doing too well to begin with.
I'm getting really sick of the local tin pot dictators in Dade & Broward counties. They were enjoying the power & control they had over people with the lock down until the governor did his executive order to reopen the state. I just wish that he didn't make an allowance for the idiots here to be able to restrict businesses to 50% capacity. My job would have been allowed to reopen if it wasn't for that. >:(
I'd say it's a fascist oligarchy that likes to maintain its communist roots.
Sure, they like to keep up the mythology of Communist-China-Of-The-Past as some ideal. Their movies are full of nostalgia.
China doesn't seem especially racist, social mobility is improving, the middle class is doing well (but there are large differences in wealth).
But there are also the Uyghurs in work camps.
Maybe China has its' own variety of fascism but I don't think they're quite there yet.
Fascism and communism are incompatible in that fascists want a socially stratified society (in 1920's-1940's Germany strongly influenced by racism) whereas communists (at least theoretically) want a socially flat society. Since economic reform in the late 70's China has become more capitalist and this started a process of social stratification. Hard to say what that will mean in the mid- to long-term. I think it depends on how Chinese culture develops.
the local tin pot dictators
Have you always had a propensity for exaggeration? :)
I do understand your frustration though.
Have you always had a propensity for exaggeration? :)
It's called colorful language. ;P
Anywho, as I learned it, communism is about government control of production and as it was stated in Animal Farm, some animals being more equal than others. The party members became the "haves" that communism was supposed to do away with since everyone was supposed to be equal, and the common people, the "have nots" had even less than before. From what I remember of the old Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc countries, it totally sucked for the common people.
Fascism allows private ownership of production (by favored companies) but dictated to by the government. There was also the nationalism element (which isn't necessarily a bad thing unless it starts to dehumanize others). Both are dictatorial.
communism is about government control of production
Ideally it's about worker control of the means of production. The people working in a factory literally owning the factory and having a say in how it is run. I don't think the USSR government really ever believed in that. They had these 5, 10, 15 year plans that companies had to live up to and instances to enforce said plans.
as it was stated in Animal Farm
Fictional stories can not be compelling arguments.
it totally sucked for the common people
I mean, there were a few economic boycotts but, yeah, the USSR gov. sucked at utilizing the full potential of the population.
(by favored companies)
Favoritism is at the core of fascism. Fascists want to be at the top of the social pyramid (which is one reason they hate socialists who want to flatten the pyramid) no matter what level of opportunism they have to stoop to. Ironically they want to be seen as deserving their position. Kinda like narcissists.
Fictional stories can not be compelling arguments.
Animal Farm was an allegory for Soviet Communism.
Anyhoo, it has been raining here pretty much all week and I'm tired of it. A "cold front" stalled out over south Florida. Everyone north of Lake Okeechobee is getting nice, cool, autumn weather while we are getting all the nastiness (and it's still relatively hot and humid). I feel very cheated. 😡
I've been contemplating what I'd do if QoH croaked. Ideally, I feel like I need to stay here at least another 10-15 years to get my money's worth out of the new roof, but I'm getting really tired of the way the local governments run things. I'm also getting tired of the shitty weather. If I moved further north in the state, then at least I'd get somewhat seasonal weather.
Then again, I had always dreamed of fixing up this house the way I want when QoH croaks. I like the size of the yard here and the size of the house. Plus it's paid for.
Then again, maybe Roxy and I will run off to Las Vegas to be mature pole dancers. 😜
it has been raining here pretty much all week
We've had a grey sky all week and it's getting a bit chilly at night.
I feel like I need to stay here at least another 10-15 years to get my money's worth out of the new roof
Even if you sold the house?
to be mature pole dancers.
I wonder how often those poles get cleaned?
We've had a grey sky all week and it's getting a bit chilly at night.
I wouldn't mind the grey sky if we got the chilly at night part.
Even if you sold the house?
I'm not sure how much I'd get for it if I sold it in its current condition. It does need a lot of work still. A lot of it I could do myself (it'll never get done while QoH is still alive). I'd like to be able to enjoy having the house my way for a while.
I was looking into taxes and demographics in other Florida counties. Where I live, we pay the highest property taxes in Florida, plus it's ridiculously overcrowded. :/ Where QoH's BiL & nephew moved has fairly low taxes and isn't overpopulated, plus it's in the west central part of the state and still kinda rural. I can see why they moved there. I might look into moving there, although I think it would be after I retire.
I wonder how often those poles get cleaned?
Roxy told me that she went to one of those clubs when she went to Vegas one time. She said that the place smelled like ass and rotten cooch, and that they didn't clean the pole between dancers. 😝😫
Pole dancing is more of Roxy's fantasy job, not mine. I'd just go for moral support. 😜
it's ridiculously overcrowded
How so? I've looked around your part of town and it doesn't look overcrowded at all. Maybe I looked at the wrong area?
Pole dancing is more of Roxy's fantasy job
Even when she knows what reality is like? Hm. :/
How so?
Dade County has over 2.7 million people and Broward County has almost 2 million people. The counties that I'm looking at to potentially move to in the future have around 150k or fewer. Hell, one of them is so far in the sticks that there's only 15k in the whole county!
Even when she knows what reality is like? Hm. :/
She's nuts. ;P
What's really weird is that QoH will suddenly say something creepily relevant out of the blue like 'I'm surprised that Roxy isn't working at Tootsie's!' Tootsie's is the ginormous strip club about a mile from our house. What makes it creepy for her to say that is 1) I *never* mention Roxy to QoH. I don't even tell her that she still works at my job, and 2) Since I have never talked about Roxy to QoH, I sure as hell would never have mentioned Roxy's affinity or aspirations for strippers or being a stripper. :/
Dade County has over 2.7 million people and Broward County has almost 2 million people.
Population density isn't especially high though. Not by Dutch standards anyway.
one of them is so far in the sticks that there's only 15k in the whole county!
Hm, sounds like you want to be a big fish in a small pond. ;P
What makes it creepy for her to say
Her reasoning:
1. Xul has a friend therefor that friend must be a terrible person.
2. Strippers are terrible people.
3. conclusion: Xul's friend is a or wants to be a stripper.
Frankly, I'm glad you've never mentioned me to her.
Population density isn't especially high though. Not by Dutch standards anyway.
More than half of Dade & Broward is Everglades, so everyone is crammed into the Eastern portions of both counties. Trust me, there are a lot of people here and it sucks.
1. Xul has a friend therefor that friend must be a terrible person.
I have never told her that I'm friends with Roxy. We all worked together 20 years ago. QoH just likes to trash talk everyone, especially people from decades in the past who have no bearing on anything in the present. She still holds grudges from almost 70 years ago. It's really sick.
Frankly, I'm glad you've never mentioned me to her.
She'd accuse you of being a lesbian. 😜😂😂😂
She still holds grudges from almost 70 years ago. It's really sick.
Ah, broken record syndrome, got it. :)
She'd accuse you of being a lesbian.
Is there anyone she doesn't accuse of being a lesbian? ;P
Ah, broken record syndrome, got it. :)
OMG yes, she is a broken record. :/
Is there anyone she doesn't accuse of being a lesbian? ;P
Nope! LOL
In other news, I think my fibroid has shrank even more. Ma Nature is here for her visit, but I haven't been passing many large clots. I think the ones I did pass weren't any larger than a nickle. And I can kinda feel my bladder on the right side now. Before the fibroid was blocking that side and when my bladder got full I could only feel it on the left side.
I reordered 2 more bottles of Fibro Defense. I was going to stop taking it, but I figured that I should keep taking it until the fibroid is completely gone.
I'm also going to go back to a strict healthy diet. I relapsed the last couple of weeks and bought some chips and other junk food (that QoH wanted). It's hard to not eat it when it's in the house, especially when I sometimes crave carbs.
Today when I went to Walmart, I found an organic pasta made from yellow lentil flour so I bought a package of it to try. I've been craving the sweet potato glass noodles that Beehive Kitchen serves, but Walmart didn't sell that kind of noodles. I hope that the ones that I bought are good. :)
I think my fibroid has shrank even more.
Excellent. :)
especially when I sometimes crave carbs.
Sometimes shouldn't be a problem, I think. Do you regularly weigh yourself?
I found an organic pasta made from yellow lentil flour
Is that healthier than regular pasta?
Do you regularly weigh yourself?
Yes. My lowest weight when I was going through the most stress with the roof bs was 110 pounds. Now I'm back up to 115 which is normal for me. I haven't really been exercising, either, cuz I was in a funk.
Is that healthier than regular pasta?
It's supposed to be. And it's from Italy, so EU organically grown standards (non-GMO) and I don't think they're allowed to use glyphosates on the crops.
I made some soba noodles last night. I just seasoned them with a little bit of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and scallions. They tasted yummy. :)
Now I'm back up to 115 which is normal for me.
So you're the opposite of a stress-eater?
And it's from Italy, so EU organically grown standards (non-GMO) and I don't think they're allowed to use glyphosates on the crops.
If it's organically grown then they can't use glycophosates.
So you're the opposite of a stress-eater?
Yep. Any kind of stress or anxiety completely kills my appetite.
If it's organically grown then they can't use glycophosates.
I thought I read somewhere that the EU had completely banned glyphosate.
Anyway, Ma Nature is gone, so I had lots of energy to do a vigorous workout today. I guess I did a kinda HIIT workout. I lifted weights, did intervals of jumping jacks, did push-ups and abs (crunches, Russian twists, leg extensions, jackknifes). :)
thought I read somewhere that the EU had completely banned glyphosate.
No, I think they only banned it completely in France for a while.
so I had lots of energy
Must be nice. :)
You seem to be feeling better, more optimistic.
No, I think they only banned it completely in France for a while.
Monsanto must've greased some palms. ;)
You seem to be feeling better, more optimistic.
It's nice to not feel like I have to pee all the time or have pain whenever my bladder gets half full. It sucks that I can't have caffeine, dairy, sugar, or alcohol. :/
It sucks that I can't have caffeine, dairy, sugar, or alcohol.
You'll get used to it. What's left to drink though? Water, obviously. Tea. All sorts of "milk" type drinks, coconut, almond, soy (Alpro has some good ones, although they probably contain sugar), I guess. No dairy, so you can't even drink goat milk?
What's left to drink though?
I've been buying lots of flavored carbonated water. La Croix makes a lot of good flavors and they're made with real non GMO extracts. I also buy decaffeinated Earl Grey tea and organic green tea. At least the green tea has very low caffeine so it's not harmful to me. I also buy coconut water (but have to be careful with that since it's a diuretic) and almond milk.
No dairy, so you can't even drink goat milk?
I'm not much of a milk drinker. The problem with it is two-fold. 1) Commercially raised milk cows are pumped full of antibiotics and hormones which get passed into the milk. All those xenoestrogens are very bad. 2) Milk has natural hormones in it that aren't so great.
Theoretically, I could possibly have milk from grass fed and organically raised animals, but because of the naturally occurring hormones in it, it's best not to take the chance.
I do cheat a little bit, thought. Occasionally I like to have a slice of Swiss cheese (Emmentaler) in my omelet.
As far as sugar is concerned, it spikes the blood sugar and gets the other hormones out of whack, so I just avoid anything with corn syrup or added sugar. I can eat fresh fruit as a substitute.
It's not really that bad. I can cheat occasionally. I just can't eat restricted items on a regular basis.
I've been buying lots of flavored carbonated water.
What's the tap water over there like in Florida? Any good? :)
Occasionally I like to have a slice of Swiss cheese (Emmentaler) in my omelet.
yeah, I like to put cheese in my omelets as well. Usually goat cheese even though that's not ideal for it.
What's the tap water over there like in Florida? Any good? :)
Where I live, it used to be really good. We had a natural aquifer that it was pumped up from. Then about 10 or 15 years ago, they expanded the water treatment place that is a block away from my house. After that, they started putting chemicals in the water. It's undrinkable now. Sometimes when you turn on the tap it smells like chlorine or chemicals. At times when it didn't smell like that, I used to try to make tea with it or cook with it. It might have contributed to me getting the fibroid. Since I was diagnosed, I only drink bottled water.
Usually goat cheese even though that's not ideal for it.
I like goat cheese or feta on salads. :)
chlorine or chemicals
Do they still out fluoride in the water in the USA? I never understood why people tolerated that kind of thing. I want water coming out of my tap and nothing else.
like goat cheese or feta on salads.
Have you ever tried Gorgonzola?
Do they still out fluoride in the water in the USA?
Yes, I think about 70% of the country does. The government requires it when the population in a community exceeds a certain number. IMO, I'm not too keen on anything that the government mandates.
I never understood why people tolerated that kind of thing.
I blame ignorance on the subject.
I want water coming out of my tap and nothing else.
Me too.
Have you ever tried Gorgonzola?
Oh, yes! I used to like it on a salad with pears, walnuts, and raspberry/walnut vinaigrette dressing. Super yummy! :)
I think about 70% of the country does.
I've always thought that was so strange. We've never had that in the Netherlands.
I used to like it on a salad with pears, walnuts, and raspberry/walnut vinaigrette dressing.
I just put it on a slice of buttered bread. :)
Haven't had it in about 6 months though. :(
My sister's birthday was yesterday so she brought a cherry pie with her when she delivered our groceries. Highlight of the week for sure. :)
We've never had that in the Netherlands.
You're lucky.
My sister's birthday was yesterday so she brought a cherry pie with her
I like cherry pie. The last time I had it was probably a couple of years ago when I made one. I made the pie crust from scratch and did the fancy lattice crust on the top. :)
I went grocery shopping today. I snuck out without telling QoH because she would have likely wanted to go. She eventually called me when I was almost finished to complain that I left without telling her. ;D
Anyway, I bought a bunch of stuff at Aldi (mostly vegetables & bread) and a package of coconut caramel & chocolate cookies (which were reeeally good!). :)
to complain that I left without telling her. ;D
:D
coconut caramel & chocolate cookies (which were reeeally good!).
What? Those coconut caramel AND chocolate cookies were reaaallly good? Baffling! ;P :)
Over here I'm still stuck on stroopwafels (which I do love...). :)
Did QoH not eat all of the cookies then? :)
What? Those coconut caramel AND chocolate cookies were reaaallly good? Baffling! ;P :)
I know, right? ;P
Over here I'm still stuck on stroopwafels (which I do love...). :)
Those are pretty good, too. ;)
Did QoH not eat all of the cookies then? :)
I know it's going to sound unbelievable, but QoH *didn't like* the coconut/caramel/chocolate cookies. D: I think it was because of the caramel. She doesn't seem to like delicious things with caramel that other people tend to love (like Snickers bars).
In other news, I'm trying to recreate the menu from Beehive Kitchen. I had been craving their spicy sweet potato cellophane noodles with Szechuan green beens & mushrooms, but since the place is 16 miles from where I live (and a little pricy), I'm not going to drive all the way up there just to have some. And it's not difficult to make. I made a facsimile of it today for lunch at a cost of about $2.50 (I used soba noodles instead of the sweet potato ones). They charge around $11 for a similar thing. I just used all plant based ingredients instead of adding a chicken element for protein. :)
They charge around $11 for a similar thing.
Holy crap! That's insane. :o
I just used all plant based ingredients instead of adding a chicken element for protein.
Plants instead of chicken? What kind of plants?
Holy crap! That's insane. :o
I know. Prices downtown are crazy expensive. I never bought it myself. We got it at work when Big Boss would treat us to lunch.
Plants instead of chicken? What kind of plants?
Green beans, mushrooms, soba noodles, sesame seeds, & soy sauce & sesame oil. "Plant based" is the new term for vegetarian. LOL Beehive Kitchen does a "build a bowl" type thing when you order. You get a choice of bases(raw spinach, salad mix, noodles, or quinoa), vegetables, proteins, and sauces. I used to get the steak or almond chicken for my protein. I didn't feel like hassling with meat when I made my own, so I just did vegetarian.
BTW, the plumber brought out the gas vent permit today, so I emailed the roof company to let them know. Hopefully they'll get the final inspection soon and this bs can finally be over. :)
the plumber brought out the gas vent permit today
He hadn't done that already? What took him so long?
He hadn't done that already? What took him so long?
No. He came out and inspected the vent, then submitted the paperwork to the city. Those assholes only "work" 4 days per week and it takes them forever to approve permits.
it takes them forever to approve permits
And I suppose it will take the roof company forever as well?
Was it this way before corona as well?
so I just did vegetarian.
Have you ever considered going full vegetarian?
And I suppose it will take the roof company forever as well?
Who knows. I'd think they'd in a hurry to get the final inspection so they can get the last payment that we owe them. I emailed them on Friday to let them know that the gas vent permit was issued, but I haven't heard back from them yet.
Was it this way before corona as well?
Yes. I live in a shitty city. They were awful before. Corona just made everything worse. I wish I could move the hell out of here but I don't have the money to do it. The only way I'd be able to is whenever my parents croak I can sell their houses to be able to have $$$ to buy my own house.
Have you ever considered going full vegetarian?
No. I like eating meat too much. ;D
The only way I'd be able to is whenever my parents croak I can sell their houses to be able to have $$$ to buy my own house.
You're in both their wills? If you get the houses then what will be left for your other relatives?
I like eating meat too much. ;D
I mean, I think I see what you did there, but seriously, I haven't had a decent steak in years, I think.
You're in both their wills?
Yes.
If you get the houses then what will be left for your other relatives?
Nothing. No one else has a legal claim to anything.
I never like to count the eggs before they hatch and all that, but having 3 houses to sell would get me quite a lot of money.
I haven't had a decent steak in years, I think.
I haven't had one since I was diagnosed with the fibroid, so that's at least 11 months. :/
I haven't had one since I was diagnosed with the fibroid, so that's at least 11 months.
So you probably won't have a steak in a while then, until the fibroid has completely subsided?
BTW I've found a new Youtube channel called Journey To The Microcosmos, which is all about beautifully filmed microbes. It's also has some relaxing commentary. :)
So you probably won't have a steak in a while then, until the fibroid has completely subsided?
Probably not. At this point I think the fluctuating hormones are giving me more problems than the fibroid. Getting old sucks. :/
Journey To The Microcosmos, which is all about beautifully filmed microbes. It's also has some relaxing commentary. :)
Sounds interesting. I'll check it out. :)
In other news, the stupid inspector came out today to check the gas vent & water heater. He didn't bother to knock on the door to let us know he was here. I found the notice on the door when I went out to get the mail. The idiot didn't say what he was out for on the notice, just that I needed to reschedule. I called the # but it was an automated message. Then I tried through the website. I finally found an email address if you have questions so I let them know what happened. Miraculously, someone emailed back to let me know that they forwarded my message to the inspector. Then a while later he emailed and said that the contractor has to reschedule the inspection. Since his info was on the email, I saw that he was the plumbing inspector. It's so infuriating how unprofessional these people are. It would have been helpful to say that he was out for the plumbing inspection on the notice that he left. It would have been even more helpful to KNOCK ON THE FUCKING DOOR SO SOMEONE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE HERE!!! 😡😡😡 Then I had to email the plumbing company to let them know that they have to reschedule the inspection. I forwarded all my email correspondence with the city to them as well. I haven't heard back from the plumbing company yet. If they don't email me back tomorrow I guess I will have to call them. I am so beyond fed up with all this bullshit. It's turned into a damn nightmare.😡😡😡
Oh I forgot to mention yesterday that Roxy's gay friend has died. She texted me yesterday that she went to go check on him and found out that he died a few days ago. She didn't give any details other than that. He probably OD'd on something. Just last week she told me that he was doing that stupid "Benadryl challenge" thing where stupid people take lots of it. Roxy told me that he took 14.
I think the fluctuating hormones are giving me more problems than the fibroid.
Have you been getting hot flushes?
It would have been even more helpful to KNOCK ON THE FUCKING DOOR SO SOMEONE WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE HERE!!!
But then he'd just be there to tell you that he can't do anything, right?
he was doing that stupid "Benadryl challenge" thing where stupid people take lots of it.
Apparently the safe dose for adults is 25-50 mg for oral intake. And he took 14 capsules/tablets? Sounds more like a suicide to me.
How does Roxy know how many he took BTW?
Have you been getting hot flushes?
No. I've been having the constant feeling that I need to pee, even after I pee. Thankfully, I haven't had that feeling for the past couple of days. Then the ovulation pain, although I didn't really have that this month.
How does Roxy know how many he took BTW?
He told her(before he died, obviously ;P )
Anyway, she texted me more details today. She was the one who found him dead. I guess she has a spare key to his apartment. She called 911 and an ambulance came. She said 1 of the paramedics said he was dead for a couple of days. (IDK how he wasn't stinking if he was dead that long.) Then she had to stay there until the police came out. After that, the police called the coroner to take his body out of there. Roxy said she called his ex-bf to come and get all his pets (2 pitbull dogs & 5 cats), the the ex-bf took the guy's cell phone. I told Roxy that once people find out that he died, they'll probably break in and steal all his stuff. Roxy said he doesn't have any family. IDK if he had a will. Roxy said he had a nice bike & big TV. IDK if she will take those things for herself.
Anyway, the lady from the plumbing company emailed me back today. She apologized for what the inspector did (not her fault) and said she rescheduled him to come out tomorrow. I put a note on the door telling him to *KNOCK LOUDLY*, we are home! Hopefully the idiot can read English.
Then because things always get worse around here, when I went out to get the mail today, there was a notice from code enforcement saying that we have 30 days to get the sidewalks and walkways in front of the house pressure washed or else they will fine us $250/day until it's done. One more reason I'm ready to move out of this hellhole city.😡😡😡
I called my dad to ask if he has a pressure washer and he does, but I'll have to wait until the weekend before I can do it because it has been raining every day for the past 2 weeks. Saturday & Sunday are the only 2 days this week when the chance of rain is below 30%.
I've been having the constant feeling that I need to pee, even after I pee.
Could have been a urinary tract infection that healed on its' own, I guess.
He told her(before he died, obviously ;P )
She knew he intended to take 14 pills? Did she not guess that that would cause him to overdose?
we have 30 days to get the sidewalks and walkways in front of the house pressure washed
You have to do that yourself? The city does that over here. Do they just expect people to have a pressure washer? $250/day seems insane.
Could have been a urinary tract infection that healed on its' own, I guess.
At first I thought that's what it might be, but I never had any pain when I went and the pee didn't smell. Then I thought that maybe it was because the fibroid was pushing on my bladder. After much research, I've found out that hormonal fluctuations do it. :/
She knew he intended to take 14 pills?
No, he took the pills first, then told her that he did that. I think he texted it to her.
You have to do that yourself?
We do now. A couple of years ago they sent out a letter to everyone that we would now be responsible for keeping the sidewalks clean. We never had to do that before.
Do they just expect people to have a pressure washer?
The people who run this city are a bunch of assholes. It wouldn't surprise me if one of them or their relatives owns a pressure washing business and they did it as a way to make money. They're all a bunch of crooks. 😡😡😡
$250/day seems insane.
It is. Like I said, a bunch of crooks. They make it high knowing that a lot of people around here are elderly and low income. So if they can't afford to get it done or pay the fines, then the city puts a lien on the property. Then the property can't be sold until someone pays the lien. Usually the amount accrues to so much, that no one will buy the property. Eventually the city or county will take ownership. It's all a scam.
I'm so tired of this stupid city and their ridiculous bullshit that if I could move right now I would.
BTW I asked my dad to bring his pressure washer over today. It's a really crappy one and doesn't spray a wide swath. I'm lucky if it's an inch wide. I spent 5 hours cleaning the carport, driveway, and a small walkway between the driveway and the front walkway. Needless to say I'm exhausted and my back is killing me. I was also soaking wet because the washer leaked from the handle and was spraying all over. 😡😡😡 I doubt that I'll feel up to doing any more tomorrow. I need to go to the grocery store. (I was supposed to do that today but I got involved with the pressure washing.)
I think he texted it to her.
She could have alerted someone at that moment, called an ambulance maybe.
I'm so tired of this stupid city and their ridiculous bullshit that if I could move right now I would.
Would QoH not like to move as well?
It's a really crappy one
Some models are fairly cheap. Maybe you can buy a new one? Or a second hand one?
Would QoH not like to move as well?
No. She'll die here. When I was a kid my parents used to hold me hostage while they drove around looking at houses. They always talked about moving but never did. Now I know that was all because of QoH. I talked to my dad today and mentioned that. He said that we could have moved but she would never make a decision.
Some models are fairly cheap. Maybe you can buy a new one? Or a second hand one?
I think I will have to buy one for myself now that the city is going to be nitpicky about the sidewalks. I can get a decent new one for less than $100.
I did another 5 hours today. I almost got to the halfway point. I think I should be able to finish it with another 6 hours of work.
My dad offered to get his handyman to come over to do it. He said he would pay, but QoH is very crazy & I don't know what she would do. She started a bad fight with me this morning and threatened to stab me with a knife that she picked up off the kitchen counter. She's crazy & evil. 😡
He said that we could have moved but she would never make a decision.
Have you ever asked QoH?
threatened to stab me with a knife
So what happened? Did she back down? Or were you forced to neutralize her? :)
Have you ever asked QoH?
She always said that the houses they looked at were crap and the rooms were too small. I always thought that was a legit complaint, but looking back on it, I think it was an excuse because she's afraid of making big decisions like that.
So what happened?
How it started was she came down to the kitchen as soon as I went down there to make myself something to eat. Her M.O. is to start screaming at me & accuse me of some ridiculous bullshit, then block my way of escape. I could have went out the back door, but I wasn't dressed (I was still in my sleep clothes) and I didn't have my keys, wallet, or phone on me. If I went for that option, she would have locked me outside and I wouldn't have had a way to get back in or be able to call someone for help.
So I tried to go around her. Then she started saying I was trying to hit her & knock her on the floor, so she picked up the knife to "defend herself". When she picked up the knife (a small santoku) I picked up 2 steak knives. Seeing that I had 2 weapons to her 1, she grabbed the carving fork to even things out. Then we shouted curse words & insults at each other until my food was finished cooking. (While I was cooking she kept faking like she was going to stab me. I didn't flinch (because I knew she wouldn't) and I think that pissed her off more. ☺
Did she back down? Or were you forced to neutralize her? :)
She did by the time I finished cooking my food.
Anyway, my dad brought over another pressure washer (that he borrowed from his handyman). It worked much better than the first one. It sprayed a much wider swath (about 4 inches) so I was able to finish in about half the time. I also washed the front porch and the decorative boarder stones that line our walkways. I was going to let him pick it back up tomorrow, but now QoH wants me to do the back porch. I'll do it tomorrow. It shouldn't take long.
And one good thing that came about from this pressure washing ordeal is that the feeling that I need to pee all the time has gone away completely. I guess it's because I am doing work outside and sweating out the water that I drink instead of sitting around indoors and thinking about it all the time. ☺
Seeing that I had 2 weapons to her 1, she grabbed the carving fork to even things out.
OMG I had to laugh at that part. Sorry. :)
She did by the time I finished cooking my food.
Did you have a nice quiet breakfast together? :)
I guess it's because I am doing work outside and sweating out the water
I don't know but I have my doubts about that.
OMG I had to laugh at that part. Sorry. :)
I noticed the ridiculousness of it in the heat of the moment. 😜
Did you have a nice quiet breakfast together? :)
No, I went to my room to eat & locked the door.
I don't know but I have my doubts about that.
Maybe. It's possible that I'm retaining the water. Ma Nature came today. It's not unusual to retain water at this time. And I didn't really sweat that much since it wasn't terribly hot and it was cloudy the past few days.
I went to my room to eat & locked the door.
Probably for the best. :)
BTW I got a letter from the (local?) government containing 2 free washable, reusable face masks in stylish black. It's because I'm apparently one of the so-called "minima" who receive them because they don't have a lot of moneyzzz. :)
BTW I got a letter from the (local?) government containing 2 free washable, reusable face masks in stylish black.
Well that was very nice of them. I just use a makeshift one that I made out of a bandana. We're only required to wear one in stores. I take the damned thing off as soon as I'm outside.
Well QoH is driving me crazy and Roxy's parents are driving her crazy, too. I think we should book a room together in the psych ward. ;P
I think we should book a room together in the psych ward.
For yourselves or for your parents? ;P
I hear convents are nice and quiet places, if that's what you're looking for. There might be nuns there though. :)
For yourselves or for your parents? ;P
For ourselves. Although I think booking at a luxury resort would be a lot more pleasant. ;P
I hear convents are nice and quiet places
Too bad the Ancient Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach isn't just a tourist attraction. The place is beautiful and very serene. IIRC I think there's actually an episcopal congregation that worships there on Sundays.
In other news, I went grocery shopping today and left without telling QoH again. She was grouchy about it when I got home but at least she didn't call me several times while I was out. It's so nice to be away from her for a while.
Then Roxy texted me. She isn't doing very well. Her gay friend dying really has her upset. I can kinda relate. My sister acted similar. It's hard to know that someone is abusing themselves with drugs and there's nothing you can do about it, then they end up dying. :/
Although I think booking at a luxury resort would be a lot more pleasant.
A luxury resort might not have all the *good* drugs. ;P
there's nothing you can do about it
Except maybe call an ambulance if you know your friend is overdosing?
Except maybe call an ambulance if you know your friend is overdosing?
It seemed like he would take the stupid amount of drugs, survive it, then brag to Roxy after the fact. Nothing she could do about it at that point.
I have no idea what actually killed him. He did have AIDS and MRSA. It was only a matter of time before one of those got him. I guess Roxy will never know since it's unlikely that she could get a death certificate since she isn't family.
Anyhoo, I mowed the yard today. The weeds were getting high after all the rain we'd had. And it wasn't terribly hot and humid today, so I wasn't ready to keel over afterwards. The weather dude said that it might get down into the 60's overnight next week. I have to feel it to believe it, but I'll be very happy if it happens. :)
Nothing she could do about it at that point.
Are you saying she seriously thought he'd survive taking 14 Benadryl pills? It took me all of five minutes to look up the safe dosage for that medication. What would you have done if a friend texted you that they had just taken that many pills? Would you just walk away from that?
I have no idea what actually killed him.
It's obviously the 14 Benadryl pills. It would be awfully coincidental if the AIDS or MRSA killed them right at the moment he was also overdosing.
The weather dude said that it might get down into the 60's overnight next week.
That's about the temperature we've been having for the last month or so. And clouded skies, light gray with bits of yellow thrown in. It looks like if it was colder it would be snowing.
Are you saying she seriously thought he'd survive taking 14 Benadryl pills?
He did survive it (or he was lying about taking that many). IDK what the timeline was, but it seems like he did that, some time passed(a few days), he survived it, then bragged about it to Roxy after the fact.
What would you have done if a friend texted you that they had just taken that many pills? Would you just walk away from that?
Unless someone is OD'ing right in front of you, the authorities won't do a damn thing about it. If you call 911 and tell them that someone took 14 Benadryls a few days ago but they're alive right now, they'll say wtf do you want us to do about it? No one will do Jack Shit about it. The cops won't do anything unless it's done right in front of them. Even then they might not do anything.
And clouded skies, light gray with bits of yellow thrown in. It looks like if it was colder it would be snowing.
We've had almost constant rain, heat, and humidity. Yesterday and today we're finally sunny (but hot). I think it was hotter today. I'm looking forward to the decrease in heat and humidity. Tuesday is supposed to be really nice.
it seems like he did that, some time passed(a few days), he survived it, then bragged about it to Roxy after the fact.
Okay, I had a different timeline in my head. I wish Roxy had explained it this way.
No one will do Jack Shit about it.
That's just weird.
Why do you live in such a cold place? :/
Tuesday is supposed to be really nice.
Is the Florida weather service usually accurate?
I wish Roxy had explained it this way.
She doesn't explain things very well. Half the time when I'm texting with her I don't understand what she means.
Why do you live in such a cold place? :/
Because the powers that be decided a couple of decades ago that it's a violation of civil rights to involuntarily commit people to mental health facilities unless they are actively harming themselves or someone else. In Florida, they can only hold a person for 72 hours. Most of the time the authorities will do nothing because of overcrowding. It has to be very very serious before they will do anything.
Is the Florida weather service usually accurate?
It depends on which TV station that you watch (and in particular, which meteorologist). There are 2 local guys that I like who are pretty accurate.
Next week the weather is supposed to be glorious by Florida standards. :)
Next week the weather is supposed to be glorious by Florida standards.
What does that mean though? Will it be raining men? ;P
What does that mean though? Will it be raining men? ;P
Well it *is* Florida, so you never know. ;P
We're supposed to have high temperatures of around 80-81F and very low humidity. It will be perfect weather for being outside. :)
Well tonight is Halloween and the weather is not perfect. It's been raining off & on all day. Right now it's pouring. :/ Roxy said that she was going to sit on the porch with her mom & pass out candy tonight. I don't think anyone will be out with it storming like it is. :/
t will be perfect weather for being outside.
Perfect weather for voting? :)
I don't think anyone will be out with it storming like it is.
Halloween was getting more popular around here but I think people kinda forgot about it this year. The weather wasn't too bad so I don't think that's it.
How's your Sunday going? I've got it nice and quiet. We had some Brussels sprouts stamppot today. Winter food really but already delicious in Autumn. :)
Perfect weather for voting? :)
Definitely for those who are voting on election day. (I already voted by absentee ballot.)
I think people kinda forgot about it this year.
Probably has something to do with the China virus. :/
Halloween was always my favorite holiday. This year I was totally not into it. I didn't even buy anything Halloween related. (Technically..I *did* buy a sugar skull print fat quarter which is a Dia de los Muertos thing. ;) )
How's your Sunday going?
I've been exercising & cooking. I felt like having a nice 15 bean soup in honor of the nice autumn weather that's headed this way. I didn't use the flavor packet that came with the beans since it had soy and preservatives in it, so I improvised on the seasonings. :)
a sugar skull print fat quarter
A what? #scratches head# :)
15 bean soup
Does it really make a difference to have 15 different types of beans in the soup?
A what? #scratches head# :)
It's a 1/4 yard of fabric. IDK why they call it a "fat" quarter. I liked the print and it was only $1. I can probably use it like a bandana.
Does it really make a difference to have 15 different types of beans in the soup?
I can't really tell that there are 15 types of beans. It seems like mostly white beans (navy beans) with some kidney beans, garbanzos, and lentils. The lentils basically cook down to mush and thicken the soup. I like the different textures of the kidney beans and garbanzos. After it sat in the fridge over night, the spices that I used to season it were more apparent. Not overwhelming. I thought it turned out good. :)
The lentils basically cook down to mush and thicken the soup.
I'm not a big fan of lentils. I just puree the beans to make the soup creamy. Adding vegetables with the beans helps with that, I find. I just hate I can't add any spices to it because my mother hates spicy food. It's still good though. :)
What do you use for the broth/boullion?
I just hate I can't add any spices to it because my mother hates spicy food.
Same with QoH. I like different sorts of seasonings like Mexican and Indian. She isn't adventurous like that. She just likes basic flavors like salt, pepper, & garlic. I *did* put a bit of cayenne in the soup. I don't think QoH noticed. ;D
What do you use for the broth/boullion?
It depends on the kind of soup I'm making. The bean soup is just water & beans. The lentils in it cook down & thicken it, then I add a big can of Roma tomatoes (I squish them up before adding) and the spices.
For matzo ball soup, I use chicken bouillon and onion, celery, and carrots. Mushroom/barley I use beef bouillon or store bought beef stock. For asparagus soup I use store bought vegetable stock, ground asparagus, cream. I'm not supposed to have dairy, so I don't make the asparagus soup any more. I think after I finish up the bean soup I'm going to make a chicken soup. :)
I *did* put a bit of cayenne in the soup. I don't think QoH noticed.
How does she not notice cayenne pepper? Geesh, if she doesn't taste that them you could put anything in there. :)
I'm not supposed to have dairy
What happens if you get dairy?
How does she not notice cayenne pepper?
I didn't put enough for it to be spicy. You could barely taste it. Anyway, she hasn't been eating it. She claims that she can't eat beans because they have too many carbs.
What happens if you get dairy?
All the hormones in dairy make fibroids grow.
In other news, we have a fucking tropical storm headed this way. Supposed to be here by Friday. :/
we have a fucking tropical storm headed this way.
We've had gorgeous blue skies here. :)
In even other news, my mother is not very doing well. She apparently has an overactive thyroid for which she has tried 2 different medications that both have side-effects that she finds intolerable. There is a treatment with radioactive iodine that could solve the issue permanently but she doesn't like that either, because radioactive.
She can hardly get out of bed sometimes. Maybe because of the medication, I don't know. She only takes one pill of propylthiouracil per day (it's down from 3 per day). Just to see if she can handle that.
It's frustrating. Also, it's unsettling how she sporadically seems to be having trouble thinking and remembering.
We've had gorgeous blue skies here. :)
Must be nice. The 3 days this week where it didn't rain it was windy as hell and cloudy. :/ Sunshine State my ass!😡
She apparently has an overactive thyroid
That sucks. I know that iodine is used to treat thyroid problems, but why radioactive? Is it possible to take Icelandic kelp?
She can hardly get out of bed sometimes.
That really sucks. I often wonder what awful health issues I'll get as I get older.
Also, it's unsettling how she sporadically seems to be having trouble thinking and remembering.
QoH has been having those issues for a while now, but she refuses to admit that she has a problem.
why radioactive?
The thyroid cells absorb radioactive iodine when swallowed which kills a number of those cells leading to the thyroid producing less hormone.
Is it possible to take Icelandic kelp?
Don't know. My mother doesn't need more iodine it seems as her Thyroid is already hyperactive?
I often wonder what awful health issues I'll get as I get older.
Oh yeah, me too. When mobility goes out the window and adult diapers (for a number two situation) enter the picture it may be time to check out. :)
Hmm, that's a tough decision for your mom. You'd think if she got miserable enough she'd go with the radioactive treatment.
When mobility goes out the window and adult diapers (for a number two situation) enter the picture it may be time to check out. :)
I used to want to live to be old. I guess it wouldn't be too bad if you were healthy. Now, with all the verbal & emotional abuse from QoH and my fibroid issue, I'm thinking why would I want to suffer for longer than necessary?
Today I had QoH screaming in my face that she wishes I'd die. I wanted so badly to be able to just leave and go to a friend's house. Roxy wasn't answering my messages and another friend was still at work. Plus it's raining again. Just leaving and going to some random place makes me feel like more of a loser. I'm so tired of living like this. I wish work would open back up. At least then I'd have a reason to leave the house and have coworkers to talk to. :/
You'd think if she got miserable enough she'd go with the radioactive treatment.
The worst side-effects of the meds she's taking now are supposed to last about 3 weeks. I'm hoping that what she's experiencing now is her body getting used to her thyroid being less active. We can hopefully treat the side-effects with painkillers and other things.
I'm thinking why would I want to suffer for longer than necessary?
So only 200 more years then? ;P
I had QoH screaming in my face that she wishes I'd die
Her opinion is so meaningless. It is impossible to live up to any standards she may set. And if you did live up to one of her standards she'd just change that standard. You should not look to her for validation.
Just leaving and going to some random place makes me feel like more of a loser.
Why? Sometimes the only winning move is not to play. :)
We can hopefully treat the side-effects with painkillers and other things.
It sucks when you have to treat side effects with more medication. :/
So only 200 more years then? ;P
It certainly feels like that. :/
You should not look to her for validation.
I don't. It's just really unfair that I had the misfortune of having her as a mother. It was obvious to me as a child that she didn't want me. She always seemed annoyed at my existence. Now she just confirms it every day in the nastiest ways. I have a shitty family.
Why? Sometimes the only winning move is not to play. :)
I'm just so tired of being isolated and alone. I know it sounds weird that being around people would make me feel that way, but it only reinforces the fact. When I go out anywhere I'm just reminded of what I don't have.
And it makes it even worse when I try to reach out to "friends" and get ignored or blown off. It pisses me off when people say they are always there if you need something, then when you do it's crickets.
::okay..wow::
^ Just as I was writing all of that Giulianna from work messaged me on instagram & then called me to see if I was ok. That was just what I needed. :)
When I go out anywhere I'm just reminded of what I don't have.
Oh yeah, I used to feel the same way.
That was just what I needed.
Yeah, my sister called me the other day to get some clarification about one of my mother's meds. It's not something I *needed* but it was nice to hear from her again.
my sister called me the other day
It's nice to know that someone cares enough to call. I don't have much family left.
I was really frustrated with trying to reach out to people and not getting any responses, so I posted something on instagram. A guy that I went to school with DM'd me (he's very religious, so it was a standard God loves you type of message). I know he meant well, but I find that type of thing annoying. Then another friend who I went to school with (who lives in Georgia) messaged to say that I don't deserve the way QoH treats me. Then I got the DM from Giulianna, who then called me a couple of minutes later. That was what I needed. She's one of the people from work who I miss the most. She's a genuinely kind and caring person.
She's a genuinely kind and caring person.
Cool. I wish there were more of those on this planet. :)
Cool. I wish there were more of those on this planet. :)
Yes, it would certainly make for a nicer world.
In other news, this stupid tropical storm that we got has been dumping obscene amounts of rain on us. I think they got over 12 inches in Fort Lauderdale. They already had 80 inches for the year. My friend Janet from work texted me to tell me that the water got all the way up to her pool in the backyard and that it now smells like a bayou. LOL
I saw on the news that Roxy's hood is flooded out. Where I'm at, it's high & dry thanks to our whopping 20 feet above sea level. ;P When I went to Walmart today, there were no puddles or any sign of flooding in my hood. :)
My friend Janet from work texted me to tell me that the water got all the way up to her pool in the backyard
Does she live near a lake or a river?
I saw on the news that Roxy's hood is flooded out.
What? How?
Does she live near a lake or a river?
Not adjacent to one. She kinda lives close to where the New River and the Tarpon River meander through Fort Lauderdale, so the area is kind of low-lying. And they've also been having high King tides, so with all the additional rain the ground is pretty saturated.
What? How?
Localized flooding is what they called it. Her area got over 12 inches of rainfall from the tropical storm. I think 14 inches to be exact. Too much rain in a short period of time. The ground was already pretty saturated from all the rain over the summer.
I went to my dad's house briefly today. He lives on a canal. The water was almost covering his dock. I've never seen it that high in the canal before.
Well today QoH was crazier than ever. She accused the mailman of trying to open our front door with a key. What he actually did was stuck the mail in the door handle.(She was standing at the door looking out the speakeasy window when he walked up, then she closed it before he saw her. I guess she heard him putting the mail through the door handle then jumped to conclusions because she always imagines the worst from people and never the logical explanation.) She went out and accused him and was screaming at him and demanding to know his name. I felt so bad for the guy. It wasn't his usual route so he didn't know where our mailbox was. He just assumed it was on the porch like the other houses around here.
I had to go to the post office, so when I left the house I saw his truck at the end of our street. I went down there and apologized for her behavior. I told him that she has dementia and is paranoid and accuses people of all sorts of crazy things.
With QoH acting so crazy & arguing with me before and after the mailman incident, I just decided to go do some shopping after I went to the post office. I discovered that PK Oriental Mart is no longer in business(I was going there to buy a big bottle of sesame oil) and was replaced by a Caribbean grocery. So I went across the street to the Vietnamese grocery to buy the oil. Then while I was on that side, I went to the Beijing Mart a few shops down. They had the oil for the same price & the brand of soy sauce that I like for $2, so I bought the soy sauce from there.
Then I went to the thrift store to look. After that I went to Brandsmart to look around. I had texted my friend Janet to let her know that I was in the area but she didn't text me back.
Then I went to Aldi then my dad's. He was leaving to go bowling so I only stayed for a few minutes. I left to go to Publix on my way home, then Janet finally texted me back. So I just decided to go to her house for a while. I think I stayed for 2 hours then came home. It was nice to be able to hang out with my friend and have someone normal to talk to. :)
I told him that she has dementia and is paranoid and accuses people of all sorts of crazy things.
Which is true, I guess? I wonder if he'll tell his colleagues of this. Did he say anything to you?
It was nice to be able to hang out with my friend and have someone normal to talk to.
Sounds like you had a busy and fun day. Here's to more of those. :)
Which is true, I guess? I wonder if he'll tell his colleagues of this. Did he say anything to you?
He just said that he understood the situation. The funny thing is that he told QoH his name was David when she was demanding to know his name. That's actually the name of the guy who is usually on our route. LOL
Sounds like you had a busy and fun day. Here's to more of those. :)
It was definitely busy. More tiring than anything. Hopefully I can have more days where I get to go out and have time to myself without it being triggered by QoH drama.
That's actually the name of the guy who is usually on our route.
I mean, it could be his own name as well.
without it being triggered by QoH drama.
What if I just command you to go out and have a good time? ;P
What if I just command you to go out and have a good time? ;P
That's not so easy to do with the never ending tropical storms and monsoons. :/
I had to go grocery shopping today. It rained the entire time I was out. It only stopped briefly before I went into Aldi. Then it stormed while I was inside. Luckily it stopped just as I was leaving and I was able to put my groceries in the car before it started up again. I had to get my umbrella to be able to put the cart back.
At Sam's it was a similar thing. It wasn't raining when I went in, but pouring when I came out. I got soaked while trying to put the groceries in the car with one hand while holding the umbrella with the other. :/
I'll be soooo happy when the dry season finally gets here.
I'll be soooo happy when the dry season finally gets here.
So when is the dry season for you guys? Is it winter?
So when is the dry season for you guys? Is it winter?
It was supposed to have already started, but yes, "winter" is our dry season. Luckily, it is actually going to cool down some next week. Nothing that I'd consider cold, just comfortable. It would be nice if it got cool enough to wear pants when I go out grocery shopping. I'm tired of wearing the same shorts all the time.
I'm tired of wearing the same shorts all the time.
You're going to miss those shorts if it ever gets really cold. :)
Over here winters sometimes lasted so long that I got tired of all the cold. I don't expect it will be that kind of winter this year though.
In other news, my mother is on her third type of medication now. We weren't aware a third option was possible but there you go. At least she can get out of bed fairly easily now.
Over here winters sometimes lasted so long that I got tired of all the cold.
I've never had that happen. ;P
Here, a "cold snap" lasts about 2 days. I'm looking forward to the less hot days that we're supposed to get next week. :)
We weren't aware a third option was possible but there you go. At least she can get out of bed fairly easily now.
Hey, that's great! Funny how those other options are out there. I'm glad she's feeling better. :)
I've never had that happen.
It hasn't happened here in a while either. Winters used to be colder. We might not even see any snow this time round. Maybe I should make plans to move to some Scandinavian country. Or maybe the North Pole. I could learn to like eating reindeer meat, I think. Not sure about the whale blubber. Or that fermented shark meat they have in Iceland.
Winters used to be colder.
Yes, here too. We had more "cold" days when I was a kid. Now it hardly ever gets cold enough for a jacket.
I could learn to like eating reindeer meat, I think.
It's probably not too bad. I think it would probably be very lean like regular deer meat. You'd probably have to grind it and mix it with a fattier meat to make it better.
Not sure about the whale blubber.
I'd probably pass on that.
Or that fermented shark meat they have in Iceland.
Blech. That's definitely a hard pass. IDK how anyone eats that awful rotted crap. 😝
In other news, I bought myself a pressure washer off of the Walmart website. It was only $79. Originally $160 or so. I got it on an early Black Friday sale. It was sold out, but I kept putting in my email to get back in stock alerts. Finally after about 3 tries, I got one and my order went through. It is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. :)
And I think I might try to color my hair tomorrow. The silver has grown out too much. The last time I colored it was the first week of May.
how anyone eats that awful rotted crap.
..which is pretty much how I think about beer. ;P
It is supposed to be delivered tomorrow.
What's the first thing you'll be pressure washing? QoH? ;P
The silver has grown out too much.
How much of a silver fox are you now then?
What's the first thing you'll be pressure washing? QoH? ;P
LOL As much as I'd like to, no. I'll probably have to do the sidewalk and walkways again. After I did them the first time, we got a couple more weeks of rain. I can already detect the mold and mildew trying to grow back. :/
How much of a silver fox are you now then?
None at the moment since I successfully colored my hair earlier today. ;P But it had grown out about 3 inches since the last time I colored it. It grows out kinda salt & pepper on top and more heavily silver on the sides.
Now, my next project that's already in progress is to get the wild jungle in the back yard cut down to something manageable. I was on strike with keeping things trimmed because QoH always accuses me of "destroying" the yard whenever I try to do yard work. That and all the excessive rain this year has everything overgrown. At least now it's the dry season and the temperature is much cooler and more conducive to yard work.
The bougainvillea that QoH has planted across the back fence is what I started with. I'm about halfway finished with it. Then I think I'll tackle the jasmine hedges. At least those don't have thorns to cut me up. Oh, BTW..I had to go into the neighbor's yard in back to be able to properly trim the bougainvillea. His lawn service wasn't bothering to trim anything on his side. I cut it and let it lay on the ground. Today the lawn service guys came and I see they picked up the trimmings. It's the least they could do since I had to do half the job for them.
After I get the hedges done, I need to prune some of the trees. I'm not looking forward to that. Then I need to paint the new wood that the roofers replaced on the soffits. I guess it's kinda a good thing that work hasn't reopened. I got lots of things to keep me busy around here. :/
Then I need to paint the new wood that the roofers replaced on the soffits.
So that's all done now? No risk of leakage?
I guess it's kinda a good thing that work hasn't reopened.
Any news on how the company is doing?
I got lots of things to keep me busy around here.
You do seem to suddenly have a lot of things to do. :)
So that's all done now? No risk of leakage?
Yes. The work is finished, inspected, and paid in full. There better not be any leaks for as much as I paid!
Any news on how the company is doing?
They keep posting on Facebook about small upcoming shows, but no one from there has actually reached out to any employees about the work situation. It's very aggravating.
You do seem to suddenly have a lot of things to do. :)
I actually had a lot of things to do before, I just couldn't do them because of all the rain and waiting for the roof to be completed before I could do any painting.
Hey there, sorry for missing a post. I had an annoying case of the sniffles. The type where I have to sneeze through half the day. And I still had to cook dinner and such. I should have asked my parents to help, I guess. They're capable of it now, or at least my father is. I've had a good night sleep and as usual the sniffles have gone, well, 99% of them.
My mother is finally taking the option to have an operation seriously BTW. Apparently they can remove the thyroid gland completely and have you survive on medication afterwards. According to her doctor this is the best solution to my mother's hyperactive thyroid issue.
Anyway, how are *you* doing? :)
I had an annoying case of the sniffles.
That sucks. At least you are feeling better now. :)
According to her doctor this is the best solution to my mother's hyperactive thyroid issue.
I think doctors are too quick to do surgeries. Especially here. They make lots of money off them, so they're looking out for their bank accounts, not the patient's health. I see surgery as the option of last resort.
Just look at the bs they tried to pull on me, saying hysterectomy as the first option. No way in hell was I going to do that, especially when I knew full well that there are several options for fibroids. Literally everyone in the hospital when they found out what my issue was said I needed a hysterectomy. It was infuriating. Ultimately it's your mother's decision and I hope she has been well informed of all her options before she decides on anything.
Anyway, how are *you* doing? :)
I was having the feeling of needing to pee all day even after I went, but for the last 2 days it has went away. I'm very thankful for that. Having that sensation all the time is like torture. I'm convinced that it's hormonal. I think it has something to do with more progesterone getting pumped out by my body. I also started taking some vitamins 3 days ago. I know vitamins take a while to get in your system, but I'm hoping that they are having a positive effect. :)
Anyway, I have to go grocery shopping today. Thanksgiving is next Thursday and QoH wants turkey breast instead of a whole turkey. BTW Publix has whole turkeys for $.49/pound. Just breast at Aldi is $1.49/pound. Idk why she doesn't just get the whole one and just eat the breast. She's so illogical. :/
I'm convinced that it's hormonal.
So it's not the fibroid pushing against your bladder?
Idk why she doesn't just get the whole one and just eat the breast.
What do you prefer?
So it's not the fibroid pushing against your bladder?
It has shrank down to where I can barely feel it. I haven't had any pain in over a month and it's been a long time since a full bladder caused pain from it pushing on my bladder. And I haven't had to wake up in the middle of the night to pee for more than a month. And I noticed that the having to pee sensation usually happens at the times during my cycle when there's supposed to be a progesterone surge. I've been feeling pretty good the past few days. I haven't been producing an excess of pee like I had been in the past. I'm just drinking a normal amount during the day and peeing a normal amount. I'm pretty sure my hormones (estrogen, progesterone, vasopressin) were out of whack and causing my problems.
What do you prefer?
I like a whole turkey. I went ahead and bought both, though, because QoH is a pain in the ass. I got a 13 pound turkey which cost about $6. And a small breast from Aldi which was about $8. Regardless, QoH will pitch a fit and probably refuse to eat either. :/
I'm pretty sure my hormones (estrogen, progesterone, vasopressin) were out of whack and causing my problems.
Out of whack in a normal monthly way or Out of whack like never before?
I bet you can't wait for menopause to start. :)
QoH will pitch a fit and probably refuse to eat either.
Which means more turkey for you. Except I seem to remember now that you don't like turkey all that much. Hm.
Out of whack in a normal monthly way or Out of whack like never before?
Out of whack in a perimenopausal way. :/
I bet you can't wait for menopause to start. :)
Not really. Not having a period is the only positive. The hot flashes and other crap that goes with it is nothing to look forward to. :/
Speaking of Ma Nature, I can feel her coming on. At least this month she didn't come early. I'm right at 28 days.
Except I seem to remember now that you don't like turkey all that much. Hm.
Yeah, I'm not a huge turkey fan. I'd rather just eat all the side items. Looks like this year it's going to be stuffing, sweet potatoes, maybe mashed potatoes, butternut squash, acorn squash, and cranberry sauce.
The hot flashes and other crap that goes with it is nothing to look forward to.
It's possible to mitigate those to some extent, I think.
Looks like this year it's going to be ...
How do you mean "looks like"? Aren't you the cook? I mean, it's your decision, right?
It's possible to mitigate those to some extent, I think.
IDK how you mitigate bladder incontinence. At least I'm not to that point yet. :/
How do you mean "looks like"?
It's just a figure of speech. I'll definitely be making all those things because that's what I have. ;)
In other news, Ma Nature arrived last night. I've been having very annoying cramps all day today (I have been taking ibuprofen) and just feel like shit in general. At least the worst of it will be over before Thanksgiving. I wouldn't be in any mood to cook if I felt like shit. :/
I wouldn't be in any mood to cook if I felt like shit.
You can always make a few turkey sandwiches. Or just sandwiches. Easy and delicious. :)
Thanksgiving is Thursday, right? That's vegetarian day for me. No meat. Hm.
Thanksgiving is Thursday, right?
Yes.
That's vegetarian day for me. No meat. Hm.
I sometimes have vegetarian days. It's good to give your digestive system a break from meat.
Well a certain person here could not wait until Thursday and insisted that I make the stuffing now. Thank God I still had 3/4 of a package of dried figs in the back of a drawer in the fridge (which were practically petrified so I had to soak them in hot water to rehydrate them) or else the recipe would not have been so good (or I would be forced to go on a fig hunt at Publix). Anyway, I made the stuffing and it's in the oven now.
The other stuff just requires being cooked in the microwave, so I'll do it later. ;P
I made an executive decision on the turkey. I'm just going to make the turkey breast and save the whole turkey for Christmas. I have the breast thawing in the fridge downstairs. Hopefully it'll be completely defrosted by Thursday.
insisted that I make the stuffing now.
Did she give a reason?
The other stuff just requires being cooked in the microwave
What other stuff? Also, do you do a lot with the microwave? How useful is it to you?
Did she give a reason?
Because she wanted it. AFAIK I've eaten more of it than she has.😒
I went ahead and made green beans and butternut squash today and opened a can of cranberry sauce. Tomorrow I'll make the turkey breast if it is defrosted. When I checked it today, it was still half frozen.
What other stuff?
^See above. I might also make some acorn squash and mashed potatoes.
Also, do you do a lot with the microwave? How useful is it to you?
Yes. I use it every day to microwave a mug of hot water for my tea and to heat up food. It's also great for cooking potatoes, squashes, and frozen vegetables and defrosting some meats. It's a lot more efficient to cook potatoes and stuff like that. Plus they come out moist with a better texture than if they were made in the oven. The oven takes too long and gets the kitchen all hot.
butternut squash ... acorn squash
I don't think we have either of those over here. What do they taste like?
It's a lot more efficient to cook potatoes and stuff like that.
Do you ever reheat leftovers with it?
The oven takes too long and gets the kitchen all hot.
Which is actually a plus in my part of the world around this time. :P
I don't think we have either of those over here. What do they taste like?
It's hard to describe. They are both squash like pumpkins, but they have slightly different flavors. Butternut is darker orange & richer tasting (and denser) than pumpkin, while the acorn squash is a yellow color and has a more delicate flavor.
Do you ever reheat leftovers with it?
Yes, just about every day.
Which is actually a plus in my part of the world around this time. :P
Well last night our AC stopped blowing cold air. It wasn't too intolerable since the overnight temperature was in the mid-70's, but it was still too hot for me to sleep, so I got maybe 2 hours and woke up around 6:30am in a pool of sweat. At 7am I called our AC guy, who said he'd be out in an hour. Anyway, there was a leak in one of the coils on the outside unit, so he had to solder the hole shut. Unfortunately it is just a temporary repair since the unit is over 15 years old and starting to corrode everywhere. Then he refilled it with coolant. That cost $300.
He has been telling us to save $ to replace the whole system for a couple of years now. Unfortunately the roof took priority with the $ we had saved. Hopefully if I get back to work soon, I'll be able to pay for the new system which is $3k-$4k. :/
Technically I have the $ now, but I don't want to spend it with my work situation the way it is. IDK if I will have to use savings to live off of while I wait for work to reopen. And who knows how long that will be. My unemployment ends December 26, so I will probably be looking for other work next month before that happens.
Happy Thanksgiving! :)
Technically I have the $ now, but I don't want to spend it with my work situation the way it is.
What would be the consequences if the AC broke down completely now? Would the temperature become intolerable? Even in winter?
My unemployment ends December 26, so I will probably be looking for other work next month before that happens.
What's the job market like ATM?
Happy Thanksgiving! :)
Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Arekino-san! :)
Would the temperature become intolerable? Even in winter?
Not as bad as if it happened during summer, but yes, it would be intolerable. I've gotten too used to having the AC and hate sweating.
What's the job market like ATM?
I'm not sure. I know that grocery stores and Amazon and other places that do deliveries are hiring. I don't think that many places that do hospitality are hiring. I know of a couple of bars that are looking for bartenders, but I'm not a trained bartender. :/
Btw, Roxy's sister & BiL both got the covid. Roxy's mom was pissed & screaming at her because she didn't bother to tell anyone and they were planning to go to her house for Thanksgiving. I think the niece outed them. Roxy's sister doesn't think it's a big deal and was out exercising. I was like 'wtf? How selfish can she be?' Both of Roxy's parents are in their 80's. Now Roxy & her parents are going to her brother's house for Thanksgiving.
I'm not a trained bartender.
How does one become a trained bartender?
Roxy's sister & BiL both got the covid.
Sorry to hear that. I hope they have a mild case. Do they also live in Florida?
How does one become a trained bartender?
You have to go to bartending school & get a certificate.
I hope they have a mild case. Do they also live in Florida?
They do. According to Roxy both her sister & BiL were working out yesterday like they weren't even sick. I think they only live a few miles from Roxy.
In other news, I'm very bored. It's a little too hot outside for me to do yard work. I need to finish cutting back the bougainvillea out back & trim the other hedges, but I don't feel like it ATM. I also need to mow the yard. I think I'll wait to do that after the cold front comes. It's supposed to get down into the mid 50's for a couple of days next week with the high temperature being around 70 degrees. :)
In other news, I'm very bored.
It's a strange feeling, right, boredom? Why are humans even capable of feeling bored?
It's supposed to get down into the mid 50's for a couple of days next week
Sounds like the perfect temperature to do some work in the garden. :)
It's a strange feeling, right, boredom? Why are humans even capable of feeling bored?
At least when animals don't have anything to do they just lay down & go to sleep. I'm so tired of the monotony. It makes it even worse. :/
Sounds like the perfect temperature to do some work in the garden. :)
Yes, it will be a perfect opportunity to be outside & get things done.
Well I think Roxy is probably with her motorcycle cop boyfriend today and has an excuse to not go by our workplace to see who is working the event tonight. I have my suspicions and would go up there myself if I didn't have QoH here to question why I'm going out somewhere and accuse me of all sorts of nonsense. So I guess I'll just have to do some detective work online.
I'm so tired of the monotony.
So you need more drama in your life? Not sure I can help with that. ;P
So I guess I'll just have to do some detective work online.
The game is afoot! ;)
So you need more drama in your life? Not sure I can help with that. ;P
I don't need drama, just a change of scenery and other people to be around who are not QoH. ;P
The game is afoot! ;)
It didn't take long. I'm very good at sleuthing. A couple people from work who are department directors like to post lots of pics on their public Instagram accounts. It pretty much confirmed what Giulianna told me. There were pics from the Maestro's going away party and my boss, the assistant concessions manager, & a couple of bartenders worked the party. It pisses me off because the assistant manager is biased against female employees and had guys working who are friends of his.
Then I texted with the girl who used to be the assistant manager of my department. They let her go on Sept 30, just like Giulianna and a lot of other full-time people. She didn't have much to add. Just confirmed what I had already figured out.
I have no idea if they will ever reopen. I could always call my department manager, but she has always been less than helpful. :/
At this point, I might just see if I can get a job at one of the local micro breweries. The one by Parker Playhouse looks like a fun place to work.
I might just see if I can get a job at one of the local micro breweries.
What kind of jobs do they have there?
What kind of jobs do they have there?
Idk, I haven't looked into it yet. I know that they have beer on tap, so they'd need someone to pull pints at least.
In other news, I spent 2.5 hours pulling and cutting an enormous vine out of the hedge by the neighbor's fence today. It turned out to be 2 separate vines which were really entangled throughout the hedge. I managed to dig up the root system of one, but will have to get the other one tomorrow because it started to rain before I finished. I did manage to trim the hedge and clean up all the cuttings and massive amount of vines that I pulled out.
I also made a delicious meatloaf today. QoH wanted me to make one, but I didn't really have the ingredients for it. I improvised with what I had on hand and it turned out really well. :)
Oh! Almost forgot! I won a $25 gift card to Township from the ProudSOB Facebook page. They have been giving away gift cards if you tag a local Broward County business in their posts. I've been trying for 2 weeks and finally got one! Now I can go out and not feel guilty about spending money. :)
I spent 2.5 hours pulling and cutting an enormous vine out of the hedge
Any grapes? Maybe wine making could be your new hobby. :)
I also made a delicious meatloaf today.
I haven't had meatloaf since I was a young child. I do kinda like the idea of a loaf with every necessary ingredient in it that you could just heat up in the microwave. Just a block of food stuff. ;P
Now I can go out and not feel guilty about spending money
Cool! What are you going to buy?
Any grapes?
No. I have no idea what sort of vine it is. It's very hearty, though, and has to be dug up by the roots or it will grow back. I finished that today. I also dug out 2 plumosa vine clusters and a rosary pea vine (which is extremely poisonous, 1 seed can kill a human or animal). The only good thing about the rosary pea is that the seeds are bright red, so if any of them fall out of the pod they are easy to spot so you can pick them up and throw them away before they have a chance to sprout another vine.
Cool! What are you going to buy?
It's a gift card to Township which is a restaurant/bar a couple of blocks from my job. I went there a couple of times before, once for a company party and the other time with Roxy for dirty bingo. I'm not sure what I'll get. They have a Philly cheese steak that was recently added to the menu, so I might try that and a pint of beer probably. $25 doesn't really buy much at places downtown.
a rosary pea vine (which is extremely poisonous, 1 seed can kill a human or animal)
Why are those even in your garden? :O
Philly cheese steak
I've looked up some pics of that dish and it seems a bit messy looking to me. I guess it tastes better than it looks?
Why are those even in your garden? :O
Some bird must've shit out a seed. Birds seem immune to things that are poisonous to other animals.
I guess it tastes better than it looks?
They're delicious if done right. Surprisingly, Dennys makes a Philly melt that's really good.
Well my job is really starting to piss me off. Today on the news they had a swearing in ceremony for the new Broward County commissioners in our ballroom. They showed it on the news today and I recognized the room. I sent a text to bitchy boss, but she hasn't responded. I'm getting really tired of people who are supposed to be in charge of things at work not responding to employee enquiries. >:(
I'm getting really tired of people who are supposed to be in charge of things at work not responding to employee enquiries.
You're not an employee there anymore are you? Not at the moment anyway. What kind of text did you send to the boss?
You're not an employee there anymore are you?
Bitchy finally texted me back. According to her, I'm still "on the roster", so that means that I haven't been terminated.
What kind of text did you send to the boss?
I just said that I know that there have been events there and when is the catering department going to resume operations. I got a canned legalese response that boiled down to she doesn't know & it'll depend on whenever the powers that be decide that it's safe. It's all very aggravating. :/
I'm still "on the roster", so that means that I haven't been terminated.
So you normally got paid per gig? Since I assume they're not paying you now. For some reason I thought you had a permanent contract or something.
It's all very aggravating.
You think she could have done better? Or do you feel like they're not taking you seriously?
So you normally got paid per gig?
I get paid by the hour.
For some reason I thought you had a permanent contract or something.
I signed papers when I was hired. The last time I worked for them and was let go I had to sign papers for that. Since no one contacted me saying that I need to sign separation papers I assumed (correctly) that I was still employed by them even though I'm not getting any hours.
You think she could have done better? Or do you feel like they're not taking you seriously?
I think because the manager is still collecting a check she doesn't realize that those of us who aren't are getting concerned about not having work. It's not affecting her negatively so she doesn't give a shit. It's like all these other government assholes who are still getting paid & telling the rest of us that we're all in it together, then breaking their own rules. Also it's unprofessional IMO to not keep employees updated on what's going on. I find it disrespectful.
I assumed (correctly) that I was still employed by them even though I'm not getting any hours.
Are there any advantages to staying employed by them? Like insurance stuff? What if you got another job would that be a breach of contract?
Also it's unprofessional IMO to not keep employees updated on what's going on.
A company newsletter would be nice, I guess.
Are there any advantages to staying employed by them?
Yes, I keep my current hourly wage. If I quit & had to be rehired, I'd start at the entry level pay again.
What if you got another job would that be a breach of contract?
I'm supposed to give them priority, but since I'm not getting any hours anyway if I got another job it wouldn't affect anything.
I happened upon a few postings for Broward County jobs today. They had a couple jobs for part time parks employees. Paid a little more than what I make now. I'm thinking of applying for that.
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