New year, new post
I am glad to be done with 2020. What a crappy year. Between my health issues with the stupid fibroid bothering me most of the year (thank God I'm pretty sure it shrank!) and my hormones all haywire, it really sucked! Then add the Covid bs and being out of work for 9 months (and counting!). Hopefully 2021 will be better. I'm hoping to be done with the Covid restrictions soon and then being able to get back to work!
posted by Xul at 7:27 PM
465 Comments:
Hopefully 2021 will be better.
Couldn't be much worse. Hm, maybe I shouldn't have said that. ;P
so far they've stayed downstairs where the food is.
You need to get a cat or something. Having rats walking around in the house would not be acceptable to anyone here. Not even pet rats get to do that, I think.
Hm, maybe I shouldn't have said that. ;P
I think you probably shouldn't have. Our central AC is on the fritz again. It no longer blowing cold air, so obviously the coolant leaked out again. And today being a holiday I couldn't get ahold of anyone to get a quote for a new system (which will probably cost around $4,000). :/
I was so stressed out dealing with everything that I left around 4pm and went to Roxy's house. While I was there QoH called me 3 times, twice to say that she had bad news about our neighbors. I stayed at Roxy's for about 4 hours.
When I got home, QoH told me that the neighbors across the street all died from covid. The grandmother & granddaughter had went up to Alachua a few months ago to stay with the daughter for a few months. The daughter caught it first & died. Then the grandmother fell & broke her hip & ankle. While she was in the hospital she caught covid & died. Then the granddaughter caught it & died. It's terrible news & I'm still in shock. I can hardly believe that all 3 of them died. QoH said the other neighbor across the street called after I left & told her the news.
Having rats walking around in the house would not be acceptable to anyone here.
It definitely not acceptable to me. That's why I've been trying to find out where they're getting in so I can plug the holes and putting out traps.
(which will probably cost around $4,000)
Life in Florida seems quite expensive to me sometimes. Then again I've never actually owned a house.
It's terrible news & I'm still in shock.
Yes, that is awful news. I'm a little surprised that even the granddaughter died from it. Usually younger people are okay.
That's why I've been trying to find out where they're getting in so I can plug the holes and putting out traps.
Isn't your house mostly made of wood?
Life in Florida seems quite expensive to me sometimes.
It is. I live in the most expensive county in the state. Even houses in the ghetto are expensive compared to other parts of the state. :/
Then again I've never actually owned a house.
It's still cheaper than renting. :)
I'm a little surprised that even the granddaughter died from it. Usually younger people are okay.
She was very overweight and that's considered a pre-existing condition. Plus they ate a garbage diet and weren't very healthy.
Isn't your house mostly made of wood?
No. It's concrete block construction for the external walls & a poured concrete foundation. Unfortunately the roof, upstairs flooring, and interior walls(covered by plaster) are wood. I *did* find where they're getting in. They keep chewing holes in one of the soffit boards above the dining room window. I think it's probably dry rotted & easy for them to chew their way in. I see a trip to Home Depot in my near future to buy a new board to replace it with. I'll probably get a pressure treated one so it will be harder for them to chew through.
I *did* find where they're getting in.
I guess that's better than nothing. I've heard of rats climbing walls. I wonder if the covid situation made things easier for them or harder. Where do they all come from? Is there a lot of food lying around on the streets or something?
Maybe you should learn to play the flute? ;P
I've heard of rats climbing walls.
QoH claims that she saw one do that, but it was probably climbing up one of the coaxial cables that the satellite company has running up the wall. Or one of the exterior landline wires. They use the lines strung between the telephone poles like rat highways. :/
I wonder if the covid situation made things easier for them or harder.
Maybe harder. With all the restaurants that were closed and people not going out like they used to, it's possible that there's less garbage & food waste for them.
Where do they all come from? Is there a lot of food lying around on the streets or something?
It seems like they hitch rides in shipping containers or other types of commercial transport, then get big populations established wherever there are lots of people concentrated.
There are also a lot of nasty-ass people around here who regularly throw fast food remnants out of their cars and onto the streets. Then there are a lot of different kinds of fruit trees in this neighborhood. Since it's "winter" and none of them are bearing fruit atm, I think the rats are gnawing their way indoors to find food.
Another part of the problem is the large population of people from third world countries here who are used to living in conditions with rats, so instead of trying to put out traps or poison to kill the rats, they shrug it off like it's normal.
Maybe you should learn to play the flute? ;P
Maybe I can blast them out of the walls by playing my trumpet really loud. ;P
Btw, I killed another one today. I put a trap up on the roof and there was a dead rat in it when I checked it today. :)
it's possible that there's less garbage & food waste for them.
Which gives them a motivation to break into houses. :o
I think the rats are gnawing their way indoors to find food.
Yeah, that. :o
I put a trap up on the roof and there was a dead rat in it when I checked it today.
There may be another 100 lurking around the house. :o
Does the city not have official rat catchers or something? Would be handy.
There may be another 100 lurking around the house. :o
It certainly seems that way. :/
Does the city not have official rat catchers or something?
Nope. :/
Well in other news I had a couple different AC contractors come out today to give us some price quotes. The first guy was completely out of his mind the way he was trying to scam us. He quoted $19K, wanted to replace the ductwork with "hospital quality" ductwork & all kinds of crazy shit. He was one of these fast-talking bullshit artists. He reminded me of a car salesman or a timeshare salesman the way he started out high & crazy then "haggled" down to a lower price (which was still double of what it should be) then tried to pressure me into signing a contract today or else I wouldn't get the "lower" price. I said no. (I'm not stupid & the guy had my bullshit detector pinging like crazy.)
The next one seemed honest. He quoted $3,850 for a 3.5 ton unit. I wanted to go with his company, but QoH insisted that I call our usual AC guy.
Our guy said that he didn't think that 3.5 ton is sufficient for our house (it's what we currently have) and said that a 4 ton unit would be better. His price was $4,640, but he gave us $300 off because of what we spent last month. Then he said make it an even $4,300. I thought it was a fair price for the larger unit, so we agreed to him installing it. Plus he's replacing the concrete slab that the outside unit sits on for no additional charge. And the best thing is he's coming tomorrow to replace it. :)
"hospital quality" ductwork
WTH is "hospital quality" ductwork? :D
he didn't think that 3.5 ton is sufficient for our house
It doesn't it actually weigh 3.5 tons, does it?
And the best thing is he's coming tomorrow to replace it.
That quick. :)
WTH is "hospital quality" ductwork? :D
Some bullshit made-up term so he can charge more money. I think it was just hard sided ductwork instead of the flex kind that we already have.
It doesn't it actually weigh 3.5 tons, does it?
No, it's just the way they measure the capacity. The new unit is much bigger than the old one. He said it'll be a lot more efficient & cost less money to operate because it won't have to work as hard as a smaller unit.
That quick. :)
Yep. That's why we've been using his services for 15 years. He can usually come out very quickly and does good work. Well, it took him 6 hours to install everything. He brought his adult son along to help (he is also in the AC business, they both do good work). :)
it took him 6 hours to install everything.
Okay. So how's it doing? Is it blowing and sucking alright? :)
Okay. So how's it doing? Is it blowing and sucking alright? :)
Everything is working good. I didn't have to run it very long because it got cold here last night and it's supposed to last for a few days. The new thermostat is digital & more accurate than the old one. I can keep this one set at 74 degrees and it stays comfortable. The other one had to be set to 68 degrees for it to keep the house at 74.
I just need to buy new filters & a louvered door to put on the closet where the air return unit is. The jerry-rigged closet door that's on there now doesn't allow enough ventilation.
The new thermostat is digital & more accurate than the old one.
The miracles of progress. :)
I just need to buy new filters & a louvered door to put on the closet where the air return unit is.
Sounds like you literally have a magical closet that blows hot or cold air. ;P
The miracles of progress. :)
Yep.
Sounds like you literally have a magical closet that blows hot or cold air. ;P
Yep. This unit is noticeably stronger than the old one.
Today I went to Home Depot to see if I could buy a new louvered door & some disposable air filters. Of course they didn't have either in the sizes that I need. I bought 1 20in x 21in filter just to see if it would be okay, but it was too small and I'll have to return it. I need at least 21x21. 21x22 is what I really need, but that size seems to be difficult to find. I'll have to try going to Lowe's. :/
I'll have to try going to Lowe's.
You don't like going to Lowe's? Are they more expensive?
Maybe you can check online if they have what you need in advance?
You don't like going to Lowe's? Are they more expensive?
Yes, a little bit and their selection isn't as large IMO.
Maybe you can check online if they have what you need in advance?
I did already. They allegedly have what I want, but these stores' websites are often inaccurate.
Anyhoo, I am thinking that I can use my old-size filters if I rig them a little. Since filters are even more expensive now, I think that's what I will be doing. :)
I am thinking that I can use my old-size filters if I rig them a little.
I guess that depends on how much you need to alter them and how usable they still are.
Are you sure the AC machine won't complain? :)
I guess that depends on how much you need to alter them and how usable they still are.
Are you sure the AC machine won't complain? :)
All I really need to do is put something a half inch thick around the edges of the other size filter. I can probably tape some Styrofoam or cardboard to it. I don't think it will make a difference since it's not a big alteration.
Yesterday I lugged 8 big concrete pavers over to the outside AC unit to put around it so it won't suck dirt in. Our AC guy has been suggesting that for years, but since he only told it to me, whenever I would suggest it to QoH she wouldn't let me do it because anything that I say is bad, even if it's not an original idea. When he installed the new system, he told her directly. Suddenly it was a great idea & something that I needed to do asap. :/
Suddenly it was a great idea & something that I needed to do asap.
If only he'd told her that sooner. :)
How are your finances going after all this BTW? The new AC unit must have taken a substantial chunk out of your reserves.
How are your finances going after all this BTW? The new AC unit must have taken a substantial chunk out of your reserves.
Ye, it did. :/ I still have $$$ in the bank, but not enough to suit me. If I could get back to work, I could get what I spent replenished in a couple of years. I did get to renew my pandemic unemployment, but that only lasts until the 2nd week of March. :/
In other news, I spoke to our neighbor across the street. What she told QoH about the other neighbors dying of covid got warped in QoH's brain & came out differently than what she was told. The real scoop is the grandmother & daughter died, but the granddaughter is alive. She spent some time in the psych ward because of the mental blow of losing her mother & grandmother. She's back home now. I saw her brother bring her home a few days ago. Today she was sitting out on their front porch for a while.
And in Roxy news, she is back to seeing the cop. She's always been a badge bunny. Lol ;P
but the granddaughter is alive.
Well, that's essentially good news. Did she get contaminated at all?
she is back to seeing the cop.
How?
Did she get contaminated at all?
Yes, she caught the covid but has recovered. I don't think she got very sick from it.
How?
I guess he just couldn't quit her. LOL ;P She's a hot mess and a hustler, but she's fun to be around. I think he was having a lot of stress from his job. Who knows. Roxy doesn't give me many details. All I know is he seems like someone who is better for her than the other 2 idiots she was seeing.
Roxy doesn't give me many details.
Is she one of those people who you never feel like you really know them? Like she has sort of a fuzzy personality?
Is she one of those people who you never feel like you really know them?
Sometimes. She has a tendency to be secretive, but sometimes she tells details well after the fact. I think it's a habit she developed to protect herself from gossipy bitches. It's frustrating because I'm not like that. I wouldn't gossip & I'm not judgemental. I like to be able to speak openly and it's annoying when people hold back.
Like she has sort of a fuzzy personality?
Idk, I think I got her personality down pretty good. She can be aloof like a cat, but also seems to like drama. She'll complain about the guys that she sees, but keeps talking to them and having them around. I've always found her antics to be funny, though. She's a mess, but a loveable mess.
It's frustrating because I'm not like that.
You mean like you know you're trustworthy and you feel that another person should already be aware of that but they decide to not trust you anyway?
She's a mess, but a loveable mess.
Hmm, so she's messy rather than fuzzy. ;P
You mean like you know you're trustworthy and you feel that another person should already be aware of that but they decide to not trust you anyway?
She knows that I'm trustworthy. She's said many times that I'm her only real friend. I guess it's just a habit for her to not give details. It's still annoying.
Hmm, so she's messy rather than fuzzy. ;P
Well, she's kinda fuzzy, too. The last time I saw her a week or so ago, she hasn't been to her waxer in ages. I was joking that she could braid her leg hairs! ;P ;D
Speaking of plucking hair, I tweezed all the hair from both of my armpits. I like the feeling of being completely smooth there with no stubble or 5 o'clock shadow, but it's very tedious. Also my hair grows back pretty fast, so it only lasts for a few days. I'd like to get an epilator to speed up the process. Then I could do my legs, too. :)
She's said many times that I'm her only real friend.
That seems a tad melodramatic.
It's still annoying.
In what way is it annoying?
Also my hair grows back pretty fast
Are you normally a fuzzy person? ;P
That seems a tad melodramatic.
That's the way she is. I am a real friend, though.
In what way is it annoying?
Because it's like she's being secretive & doesn't trust me.
Are you normally a fuzzy person? ;P
If I was a guy I'd look like a bear. :/
In other news, I finally heard back from the ProudSOB peeps. It seems like the interns who have to get the gift cards are lazy and don't like having to drive around to different businesses to get physical gift cards. So one made a bargain with me. If I took an e-gift card, they'd give me one for $50 to Township instead of the $25 one for Grifs. Of course I took the deal! ;D Now I have $75 worth of gift cards to Township. Roxy & I can go to Dirty Bingo night there a couple of times for that much $$$. :)
Also, my unemployment benefits dropped into my bank account today. I also got the extra $300/wk federal benefit. :)
If I was a guy I'd look like a bear. :/
How do you mean?
Roxy & I can go to Dirty Bingo night there a couple of times for that much $$$.
Neat. Now if only that corona crap could end.
I also got the extra $300/wk federal benefit.
Should be enough to keep you alive, I guess. :)
How do you mean?
Testosterone would make my body hair grow thick and long. I'd look like a black bear. :/ (also a play on words, in gay culture a bear is a hairy muscular or burly guy)
Now if only that corona crap could end.
I'm sure it won't be longer than March.
Should be enough to keep you alive, I guess. :)
For another 10 weeks at least.
Anyway, I mentioned to Roxy that I always have to drag details out of her. She said that she tells me everything. I told her she doesn't and that she's always very cryptic about what she says. Then she said that's because she & Jeff (her gay friend who died) always spoke in code like that. I told her she doesn't have to be that way with me, it's not like I'm going to narc her out. Then she said if I was like that we wouldn't be best friends. Well we'll see if she's more open with me in the future. I'm not holding my breath, though. :/
Her sister's 50th b-day party is tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get some details afterward.
Testosterone would make my body hair grow thick and long.I'd look like a black bear.
How much testosterone are we talking here? I mean, I have to assume my body still makes a fair amount of the stuff and I certainly do not look like a black bear, gay or otherwise. :)
I'm sure it won't be longer than March.
How so?
Her sister's 50th b-day party is tomorrow.
People are still having birthday parties in Florida?
I have to assume my body still makes a fair amount of the stuff and I certainly do not look like a black bear
It's about hair distribution pattern. I have the hairy gene apparently. IIRC, you dont. I already have to shave a good portion of my body. :/
How so?
People like Gov Cuomo in NY are already starting to change their tune about getting things back open. I'm sure once Biden is sworn in it won't take long before the virus is forgotten.
People are still having birthday parties in Florida?
Sure, the rest of the state has been open for several months. Unfortunately I live in one of the stupid counties that has restrictions. But they go mostly unenforced, especially gatherings in private homes. Roxy said it's just going to be a dinner party for the family at her sister's house.
I already have to shave a good portion of my body. :/
Lots of women shave parts of their body, at least in certain cultures. Are you unusually hairy? Which parts of your body do you shave that you think other women don't shave?
I'm sure once Biden is sworn in it won't take long before the virus is forgotten.
Forgotten? That wouldn't help the situation, I think.
Which parts of your body do you shave that you think other women don't shave?
I always had very dark hair on my face (moustache & mutton chops, plus a patch on my throat). I started shaving it a few years ago. I started shaving my legs and armpits at a young age because it grows long and thick and was very embarrassing.
Anyway, Roxy said they ended up going out to a restaurant in Delray Beach (Palm Beach County) for her sister's birthday. She said nobody was wearing masks up there. Must've been nice. She said she spent most of the evening dancing on the dance floor. She must've had a good time since I know that she likes to dance.
In other news, one of my Canadian friends (former best friend from high school) contacted me on Facebook DM a couple of days ago to tell me that her mother is in the hospital and that she'll be down here with her daughter for the next 2 weeks. She'd like to get together. I gave her my mobile # but haven't heard back from her yet. We'll see what happens.
Also my dad wants me to do some painting at his rental house this week. I'm not sure how involved it will be. I think he should repaint all the wall but he just wants me to do some touch-ups where the previous tenants got paint on the ceiling & baseboards.
(moustache & mutton chops, plus a patch on my throat)
I know a lot of women have the "moustache" thing (it's not really a moustache). Never paid noticed to the other stuff.
her mother is in the hospital and that she'll be down here with her daughter for the next 2 weeks
Is her mother in a hospital in Florida?
Is her mother in a hospital in Florida?
Yes. I'm assuming one in Broward County. I still haven't heard back from her. I'm not holding my breath on getting together. No great loss if it doesn't happen. Her mom is a very nice lady, though. I don't know why she's in the hospital, but I hope she'll be okay.
Anyway, Roxy worked the hockey game last night. I don't think she had such a great evening. Right off the bat security confiscated her pepper spray key chain(which she wasn't allowed to get back), then she said she tripped and fell over a power cord behind the bar & hurt her knee and back. Then no one bothered to stock her bar. I think she said there were 160 people in her section. She didn't say if she made any $$$.
Her mom is a very nice lady, though.
What do you know her from again? I've forgotten, I guess.
I don't think she had such a great evening.
Sounds like it. Work sucks sometimes. Or in my case, work has always sucked. :)
What do you know her from again? I've forgotten, I guess.
She was my best friend in HS.
Work sucks sometimes. Or in my case, work has always sucked. :)
I think she probably did ok on tips. Not a huge amount, but enough to make it worth going in. She has to work another game tonight. I looked at the schedule & it seems like the NHL scheduled back to back games with the same teams playing. (Well, I guess technically not back to back since they give a day to rest in between.) Hopefully she's having a better night tonight.
In other news, the DIM & Icelandic Sea Kelp that I ordered was delivered today. Hopefully the DIM will work quickly to get my estrogen levels balanced. Reviews said it takes about a month, but some people had quicker results.
She was my best friend in HS.
Ah, okay.
Hopefully the DIM will work quickly to get my estrogen levels balanced.
Yeah, how is the tumor doing?
how is the tumor doing?
Who knows? I don't have insurance so it's not like I can go to a Dr to get an ultrasound. I'm not going to bother trying to find one that takes cash. Usually they make you come back several times to run up the bill.
Anyway, my friend called me last night. She went & bought a burner phone & is using her SiL's Boost Mobile account from the last time she was down. We ended up talking for about 4 hours. Her mother was having some sort of intestinal issue and was bleeding heavily to the point of needing 2 blood transfusions. The Dr's think it's diverticulitis. She's not feeling very well and is severely restricted on what she's allowed to eat.
I called her mom today and spoke to her. She sounded really tired. She must really feel like hell after all the tests & crap at the hospital. I was in the neighborhood doing some shopping and wanted to stop by, but my friend had gone out to go shopping. Then the have a Dr appointment to go to tomorrow. IDK when I'll get to see them.
was bleeding heavily to the point of needing 2 blood transfusions.
I wonder if she waited longer to go to the doctor than she normally in non-covid times would have done? A lot of people seem to be avoiding going to the doctor here out of fear of getting infected.
The Dr's think it's diverticulitis.
Man, I figured I'd look up what that looks like and that lead me to a bunch of pictures of peoples' colons and those looked pretty bad.
I wonder if she waited longer to go to the doctor than she normally in non-covid times would have done?
I have no idea.
Anyway, it's my 3rd day of taking the DIM & kelp. IDK if it's working *that* quickly, but I'm feeling better today. The feeling that I need to pee even after I just peed has mostly gone away. And yesterday my pee had turned dark which is supposed to be an indication that it's working. (Today it's its normal color.) I might try upping the dose. The pills are 100mg. I've only been taking one per day, but I might try taking a second one in the evening and see how I feel.
I even felt well enough to work out some today. :)
I have no idea.
You had a 4 hour conversation with your friend and it didn't come up? Hm. So what did you talk about?
I might try upping the dose.
That could improve the effect of the pills. Don't overdose on it though.
You had a 4 hour conversation with your friend and it didn't come up?
The covid angle didn't come up, so I don't know if that was a concern when she was having previous issues. She went to the hospital(which is literally across the street from where she lives) immediately after she started bleeding and was treated right away.
So what did you talk about?
She was telling me about her kids, the stupid covid restrictions back in Canada, & politics.
which is literally across the street from where she lives
That's convenient. I have a hospital nearby as well, just a few streets away. It's nice to have that.
How's she doing ATM?
Also, how did the painting job at your father's house go? :)
It's nice to have that.
Yes, it is. We have one about a mile from our house. It takes maybe 5 minutes to get there if the traffic isn't bad.
Btw, I think I forgot to tell you that I had to take QoH to the ER on Monday. She has no self control and had been eating all sorts of crap the past few months & put on about 50 pounds. Her feet & ankles had swollen up and had sores on them. It got bad enough that she wanted me to take her to the ER. Of course she screwed around for 5 hours "getting ready" and it ended up being past 8pm by the time we got there. Also it was Martin Luther King Day, so the ER was packed with idiots who had been "celebrating" by recklessly riding motor bikes and shooting each other. I waited about an hour in the parking lot after I got her checked in, then I went home. About an hour later QoH called for me to come pick her up because it was too busy & she didn't want to wait all night. She never saw a Dr. The only good thing is she hasn't been too nasty with me since then. :)
How's she doing ATM?
She's tired and weak from the severe dietary restrictions that she's on, but seems to be doing okay.
how did the painting job at your father's house go? :)
I haven't done it yet. He keeps calling me every day to ask. I keep telling him that I'll have to get back to him. I want the $, but dealing with him is a pain in the ass. He wants me to buy the paint & supplies. I suspect that it's because he has no clue as to what to buy. :/ He's always been like that. He doesn't know how to do anything and won't find out how. It's like dealing with a child in an old man's body. :/
put on about 50 pounds
That's an insane amount of weight to gain. How much does she weigh now?
He doesn't know how to do anything
That implies that he always knows how to get other people to do things for him.
Why not call him and set a date that's convenient for you?
How much does she weigh now?
225 pounds. Of course she blames me, not the fact that she has no self control.
That implies that he always knows how to get other people to do things for him.
It usually means people taking advantage of him because it's easy to tell that he doesn't know anything and believes whatever anyone tells him. You'd think after 84 years on the planet he'd might try to learn to do things or catch on that there are a lot of dishonest people, but no. He seems incapable of learning.
Why not call him and set a date that's convenient for you?
Because I don't when it'll be convenient for me. There's always some sort of bullcrap to deal with around here. :/
225 pounds.
Wow. If she fell on top of you, you'd be flattened. Better make sure she doesn't trip on anything. ;P
not the fact that she has no self control.
Which leads me to the conclusion that, since you're the one buying the food for her, she's good at controlling you instead. Does she threaten you if you don't buy her food?
It usually means people taking advantage of him
He seems to be doing alright though, financially speaking? Is he living off of an inheritance or something?
There's always some sort of bullcrap to deal with around here.
But you were able to go to work just fine. No bullcrap to stop you from doing that then? How is this different?
If she fell on top of you, you'd be flattened.
Yep. She weighs 103 pounds more than me. :/
she's good at controlling you instead. Does she threaten you if you don't buy her food?
I buy healthy foods then she refuses to eat them. Then she'll overdo it on the things she's not supposed to have like bread & snacks. She doesn't threaten me, just whines a lot.
Is he living off of an inheritance or something?
He get a pension + social security. He could live very well with the amount that he gets per month, but most of it goes to pay for the stupid house next door that he bought. And he manages to squander his savings on stupid stuff. He lives like a slob. His house is nasty and cluttered. :/
How is this different?
My dad gets on my nerves with his niggling ways. I want the $ but I don't feel like dealing with him. Then QoH will be bitching about it. I just don't want to deal with both of their crap. When I was going to work no one was bothering me. I just did my thing. I didn't have both parents pecking at me like ducks. :/
Btw, I went sightseeing with my friend & her daughter yesterday. We ended up going to Ft Lauderdale beach & walking around. It was "fun" trying to walk in beach sand while wearing Doc Marten's. (Her daughter wanted to look for sea shells, but there's hardly any because it's so picked over.) I wasn't planning to actually do that and wasn't dressed for it. Still, it was nice to get out of the house for a few hours. :)
like bread & snacks.
Hmmm... Bread. And snacks. Those *are* delicious. :)
She should eat more vegetables probably. Those are more filling.
I went sightseeing with my friend & her daughter yesterday.
I guess she's feeling much better then?
She should eat more vegetables probably. Those are more filling.
I make plenty of vegetables for her, but once they go into the refrigerator it's like she's not longer capable of finding them. I guess looking in the different containers is just too much work for her.
I guess she's feeling much better then?
Her mother was feeling better so she decided that she could be left on her own for a few hours.
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Arekino-san, happy birthday to you!!! ;P
I guess looking in the different containers is just too much work for her.
Just mash the vegetables through the bread. :)
Or mash them though the potatoes, Dutch style. :)
Her mother was feeling better
Damn, I keep mixing up your friend and her mother for some reason. Wait, your friend has a sick mother and a daughter? Is that correct? Did they find out what was wrong with her mother?
Did you find any see shells BTW?
your friend has a sick mother and a daughter?
No, just the mother was sick. She brought her daughter down so she could make sure she kept doing her schoolwork and so she could have a mini Florida vacation.
Did they find out what was wrong with her mother?
They think it's diverticulitis.
Did you find any see shells BTW?
A few very small crappy ones. I told them they'd have to go up to Jupiter Island for good shells. The last time I was up there I hit the mother load! I had my pockets stuffed with shells. :)
BTW I sent you a birthday mail (and sang you happy birthday up thread ^ which I guess you missed ;P )
BTW I sent you a birthday mail (and sang you happy birthday up thread ^ which I guess you missed ;P )
Thank you. I guess I did somehow miss that. Oops. :)
just the mother was sick.
That what I said, yes. :)
They think it's diverticulitis.
But it's not certain if it is that?
The last time I was up there I hit the mother load!
When was that? For what occasion were you there?
But it's not certain if it is that?
She has another Dr visit today, so I guess they'll clarify things. They're pretty certain that it was diverticulitis. She had eaten something that had seeded grapes in it & they think one got stuck in a diverticuli and got things flared up. The inflammation can get bad enough to cause a tear, which is what they think happened.
When was that? For what occasion were you there?
2007 maybe? I went with a coworker. Just for something to do since neither of us had been to Blowing Rocks before.
BTW are people still rioting in your county over the lockdowns?
BTW are people still rioting in your county over the lockdowns?
Not so much since the government decided the rioters (or the rioters' parents) would have to pay for any damages they caused. Also, there was nationwide disapproval for what those idiots were doing. And there's a curfew so anyone caught outside after 9 o'clock will receive a fine.
There was a slowdown in vaccinations for a while. They estimate it will take till autumn before everyone is vaccinated. I hope I don't have to wait that long.
Not so much since the government decided the rioters (or the rioters' parents) would have to pay for any damages they caused.
Seems like a common sense solution. I wish those would catch on here.
there was nationwide disapproval for what those idiots were doing.
Wow, your government actually cares what the people think.
They estimate it will take till autumn before everyone is vaccinated.
I don't want to be vaccinated. Our Governor isn't going to mandate them, but who knows what the DC oligarchy will do.
Btw, I forgot to tell you that when I went to the beach with my friend, hardly anyone who was out walking around was wearing a mask. And there were people smoking weed openly on the beach. The cops weren't doing anything about any of it. Just shows how selective the powers that be are about enforcement. I guess the tourist areas get a pass because of the tax revenue they bring in.
your government actually cares what the people think.
Well, sometimes. There will be a national election in a couple of months so... :)
I guess the tourist areas get a pass because of the tax revenue they bring in.
Yay, capitalism? ;P
In spite of Ma Nature being here for her monthly visit, I did a pretty good arm workout today. I was still a little sore from some different exercises I did a couple of days ago. BTW, I forgot to tell you that Cori Lefkowith (the trainer from Redefining Strength) DM'd me out of the blue on instagram a few days ago. At first I was suspicious that it was a fake account, but when I checked, it was her real account. She's very nice and probably one of the best trainers on the web. I always learn lots of different exercises and variations from her videos. :)
Cori Lefkowith (the trainer from Redefining Strength) DM'd me out of the blue on instagram a few days ago.
What did she write?
What did she write?
She asked me how my workouts were going and then ask me about my nutrition. I told her, then mentioned that I was diagnosed with a fibroid which I have been shrinking with nutrition and supplements. She said, "HECK YEAH!!!" to that. LOL Then she told me to keep up the good work and if I needed anything to not hesitate to reach out.
It's nice that she actually gets involved with the people who follow her yootoob & instagram. A lot of the people on there only care about making money. :)
I did abs & legs today. My arms are still sore from yesterday. My goal is to look like a fitness model for my birthday. I think I'm halfway there. ;P
A lot of the people on there only care about making money.
Yeah. Must be difficult for those people during this pandemic. It's difficult for everyone of course. But some people got hit really hard by it.
My goal is to look like a fitness model for my birthday.
Seriously or...? I mean, you look pretty fit already.
Must be difficult for those people during this pandemic.
Yes, especially people who work as trainers if the gyms are closed. I think she lives in California. Their restrictions were crazy. IDK how much she makes from Yootoob.
Seriously or...? I mean, you look pretty fit already.
I'm going to try to get as defined as possible in 3 months. Of course, I always start out with dreams of grandeur then kinda peter out. This time I'd really like to do it. :)
IDK how much she makes from Yootoob.
Yeah, there seems to be a lot of diversity in how much money YT'ers can manage to make.
I always start out with dreams of grandeur then kinda peter out.
Maybe it's a good idea to create a plan, some sort of schedule, for a period of 6 months to a year, setting achievable goals, noting improvements along the way?
Maybe it's a good idea to create a plan, some sort of schedule
Lol, Cori just asked everyone what our February goals are. I think it's good to take it a month at a time. I said I'd like to work out at least 3 times per week and try to build up my legs more. I've definitely reached the 3 times goal for this week. I did legs 2 day out of 3 already. Tomorrow can be a rest day, then I can get a workout in on Thursday or Friday.
I told my dad that I'd come over to paint on Thursday or Friday, so that will determine what day I work out. Although it's possible that the painting won't take too long and I can work out the same day.
I went ahead and bought the paint & some rollers today. I already have brushes & the other stuff to do the job. I hope 1 can of paint will be enough. I'd like to get it done in a couple of hours and not have to go back.
I think it's good to take it a month at a time.
Sure, but if you have a long term goal then shouldn't you also have a long term plan?
I went ahead and bought the paint & some rollers today.
I assume your father gave you the money to buy those? Which colors did you pick?
but if you have a long term goal then shouldn't you also have a long term plan?
I'm not the Soviet Union, I don't do 5 & 10 year plans. ;P But seriously, I've been working out for a long time, so it's pretty much a habit. I'd just like to be able to do it more consistently & more often. It's just that I'm not always feeling up to it thanks to hormones & Ma Nature.
I assume your father gave you the money to buy those? Which colors did you pick?
I used my own money to buy it. He said he'd pay me back when I come to do the work. I just bought white primer. Hopefully it'll be enough to cover the ugly blue color that the renters painted it. :/
It's just that I'm not always feeling up to it thanks to hormones & Ma Nature.
Can't you plan around those factors?
He said he'd pay me back when I come to do the work.
Did you make any agreements on what you'll get paid?
Can't you plan around those factors?
Not really. I used to be able to when I was younger, but now everything is kinda haywire and unpredictable. :/
Did you make any agreements on what you'll get paid?
No. I went over there today & worked 4 hours. The white primer that I bought doesn't really cover the ugly dark grey that the walls were painted with just one coat. I'll have to go back tomorrow and give it a second coat. And I've only done one room. I'm going to try to get away with just touching up the ceilings of the other room. That one is a dark blue color and it would probably take several coats to cover it. :/ I just don't understand why someone patched the walls after they painted it. (There's a mostly empty can of dark blue paint left in that room, so it was done recently. I think the "handyman" that my dad hired did it. I don't know why he did it ass-backwards. :/ ) My dad only reimbursed me the cost of the paint & rollers that I bought so far. I told him he could pay me tomorrow when I go back to finish.
I just don't understand why someone patched the walls after they painted it.
Maybe someone painted the walls, then someone damaged the wall and the guy didn't want to repaint the entire wall? How are they patched exactly?
How are they patched exactly?
With white spackle that was smeared on with a putty knife.
Well I went back over there today. As I pulled up, someone was in the driveway of the rental, then they drove off. I asked my dad who it was. He said one of the workers who was installing the solar panels on his house (he just had panels installed a couple days ago). He's going to let him stay there(the guy was dropping off his belongings and putting them in the house, my dad gave him the key!). I totally flipped the fuck out!!! My dad has got to be one of the stupidest people I've ever known!!! He's just going to let some random person that he doesn't know live there for free and for an indefinite time period!!! I was yelling at my dad and telling him how stupid, dangerous, and legally a terrible idea it was and all the things that could happen. He didn't want to hear any of it. I was so furious that I was just going to leave and not do the work, but I wanted to get paid. I was fuming the whole time.
When I was halfway through, dad comes over and said his handyman was just there and wants to buy the house. I was like WTF is going on??? First he's letting some random guy live there, now he's going to sell it??? I told him good luck with a squatter living there.
Then after I finished, he tells me that he's changed his mind and isn't going to sell it because the guy wants to rent it out and he doesn't want renters living next to him. But it's okay to have someone live there for free??? Then he says he's glad I brought up those things I said about letting someone live there because he hadn't thought of those things. No, he *never* thinks before he does something stupid. I hope he's reconsidering letting that guy stay there. It's completely insane. I swear I need to speak to an elder law attorney and see if there's anything that can be done other than having him declared incompetent. At this point, I don't think there's anything legally that I can do about him making stupid decisions. 😡😡😡
he *never* thinks before he does something stupid.
Well, your father doesn't sound like he's the smartest man alive. :)
I guess he figured that if he let the guy squat in the house he wouldn't have to pay him as much for installing the solar panels?
Did you get paid BTW?
your father doesn't sound like he's the smartest man alive. :)
He's definitely not. He's been doing epically stupid things his entire life and never seems to learn.
he wouldn't have to pay him as much for installing the solar panels?
The guy is just an installer & has nothing to do with pricing.
Did you get paid BTW?
Yes. I just charged him for what I got done. The room I was working on isn't really finished, but I don't feel comfortable going back with that guy there. I'm really pissed off, but there's nothing I can do about it other than try to talk sense into my dad which is an exercise in futility. He's on his own, I'm washing my hands of it. I don't want to talk to him or hear about any of it any more.😡
The guy is just an installer & has nothing to do with pricing
But your father still has to pay him for the work he's done, right?
I don't want to talk to him or hear about any of it any more.
You seem extraordinarily upset over this matter.
But your father still has to pay him for the work he's done, right?
I would think that the company the guy works for is paying him. God only knows what the truth is. I asked my dad how much it was costing for the panels and he told me it's for free. I also asked him about a contract and he said there wasn't one. I know he's lying. No one does any work without a contract of some sort. Even if it's some kind of program through FPL (the local electric utility) there would be some kind of contract & terms of service.
You seem extraordinarily upset over this matter.
I am. It's just one more incredibly stupid decision he's making in a lifetime of stupid decisions. Then he lies and obfuscates. I told him not to buy that house. I told him I'm not going to live there. I'm not putting my name on it (and committing tax fraud) so he can claim homestead exemption on it (a tax break you get if the owner lives in the home). And do you know the real reason he bought the house? Because 1) He is a bigot and wants to control who lives next to him, and 2) because the lady who used to live there put up a wooden privacy fence that he claimed blocked the breeze, so he wanted to cut the fence in half. All the crazy thinking drives me nuts!!!
And this isn't the first time he's let someone take advantage of him and live in his house for free. When he first bought the house he lives in, he was letting his accountant's girlfriend & her daughter live in the spare bedroom. I still don't know the whole truth of that story, either. It's completely unprofessional and unethical for his accountant to do that with a client. And why the fuck wasn't she living with him if she's his girlfriend unless she's his side piece of ass? What the actual fuck? If I knew his name I'd report him.😡
I asked my dad how much it was costing for the panels and he told me it's for free.
What? How??
he was letting his accountant's girlfriend & her daughter live in the spare bedroom.
In exchange for what?
What? How??
I have no idea since he refused to answer my questions and ignored them and pretended like he couldn't hear me. I know he's lying about them being free. He obviously doesn't want me to know how much it's actually costing.
In exchange for what?
Who knows? I'm sure he was letting them stay there for free. He seems to have a pattern of wanting to do that. A couple of months ago he wanted me to look up the address of some lady that he used to rent a room from when he moved out of our house when he & QoH were getting divorced. He said she's a nice lady and he wanted to offer to let her live in the rental house for free. Thankfully, she had died a few years ago. If she hadn't, I was going to tell him that I couldn't find any info. I just don't understand why he wants to do stuff like that.
BTW, I heard that you got some sneeuw.⛄❄☺
I just don't understand why he wants to do stuff like that.
Maybe he wants to reach a greater sense of harmony with the world? ;P
BTW, I heard that you got some sneeuw.⛄❄☺
Yeah, I kept forgetting to tell you the past few days. :)
We've had about 10 cm of snow so far. Temperatures have gone down to -8 degrees C. It's kinda strange having these temperatures and this much snowfall in February.
It's kinda strange having these temperatures and this much snowfall in February.
LOL I originally saw a post about the snow you got on the NL tourism page on FB. People from the northern US & Canada were ragging on you all for getting worked up over a "dusting" and naming the winter storm. ;P
We had an extended period of cooler weather here, too, but now we're back to lower 80's for the foreseeable future. :/ I was hoping to have another cold snap since I bought myself a new keffiyeh to wear with a military-style jacket that I have. Since it's usually always hot here, there are few opportunities to dress in layers with accessories. :/
there are few opportunities to dress in layers with accessories.
Can't you just use very thin layers? :)
Can't you just use very thin layers? :)
It's too hot for that. Just having to wear a bra whenever I go out to the store makes it uncomfortably hot. :/
Just having to wear a bra whenever I go out to the store makes it uncomfortably hot.
Ah, well, it's comfortably cold over here. :)
I had to outside as well, to bring an envelope to the town hall letterbox. Just social services stuff. It was nice to have a brisk walk around town.
it's comfortably cold over here. :)
Sounds nice. :)
What do you do for heating? Do you have a fireplace or a furnace?
It was nice to have a brisk walk around town.
If the stars align and we get another cold snap, I hope I can go walk around downtown Ft Lauderdale with Roxy and then get something to eat at Township so I can use my gift card. They have a new piece of artwork not too far from there which I'd like to get a pic of. I'd be nice to get all those things checked off my to-do list on the same day. :)
What do you do for heating? Do you have a fireplace or a furnace?
Central heating. So I guess a furnace? We also wear sweaters and woolen jumpers.
I'd be nice to get all those things checked off my to-do list on the same day.
How long is your to-do list these days?
We also wear sweaters and woolen jumpers.
Sensible. The last cold snap we had I was content to just wear a sweatshirt in the house rather than turn on the heat, but QoH can never be sensible like that. She insisted that I turn on the heat. (Which I only did for a few minutes. It was ridiculous to do so since it wasn't that cold.)
How long is your to-do list these days?
It's getting longer than it needs to be since I've been putting things off. QoH is always looking for conflict, so it's easier to not do things around the house rather than get into an argument with her. I still need to paint the soffit wood that the roofers replaced (4 boards/40 linear feet) and putting the new insulation in the hole in the ceiling where it caved in from the roof leaking. I also need to drywall the hole.
Then I need to renew my absentee voter registration and do my taxes. I'll probably do those things tomorrow.
I *did* manage to paint the wood on the upper level wall that they replaced. There was some leftover paint from the last time I painted the house about 8 years ago that was miraculously still good. I did that about 10 days ago. :)
It's getting longer than it needs to be since I've been putting things off
Is looking for employment also on your to-do list? :)
Is looking for employment also on your to-do list? :)
Not yet. It will be a couple of weeks before my unemployment runs out.
We'll I managed to do my absentee ballot request today. The URL that they had on the renewal notice was not the correct site for doing it. I had to google to find the correct link. Par for the course. :/
I also found some white exterior latex paint in the basement that hadn't dried up, so today I started painting the soffit wood in the back of the house that the roofers replaced. And since the fascia wood that they replaced was only pre-primed, I went ahead and painted that, too. I didn't get that much done in spite of working on it for an hour and a half.
Unfortunately for me, I'll have to try to finish the whole thing ASAP since the paint can was so old that the top had rusted and it pulled apart when I tried to open it. Since it was impossible to reseal it, I had to transfer the paint to another container. I don't know how long it will be usable, so that will make me get the job done in the next few days.
It will be a couple of weeks before my unemployment runs out.
Shouldn't you start looking before it runs out? Be a little ahead of the curve? Or are you expecting an extension?
Shouldn't you start looking before it runs out?
That's what I meant. I realized the bad grammar after I posted. I'll start looking a couple of weeks before my unemployment runs out.
Or are you expecting an extension?
That is not beyond the realm of possibilities. At this point, I think I'd rather work. It's nice to be able to get out of the house and socialize with people at work as well as make some money. :)
I did a little more painting today while QoH was asleep. I only worked for 1 hour, but I managed to finish the wood on the back porch. I think I'll continue like that until I complete the job. One or two hours per day is manageable and not too much work. :)
It's nice to be able to get out of the house
And even an introvert like me agrees. :)
I'd like to be able to go to the library anyway. It's been closed for quite a while now. I think it will almost be a surreal experience going back there.
I'd like to be able to go to the library anyway. It's been closed for quite a while now. I think it will almost be a surreal experience going back there.
I think the libraries down here have been open for the last 6 months. When the governor gave the okay to open everything back up, they opened along with everything else. I think they just limit the amount of people inside & require a mask.
It's really annoying that Dade & Broward counties still have mask mandates when most of the rest of Florida doesn't. You have to wear a mask to go in stores. I still see most people down here wearing them while outside and no one within 50 meters. I rip the damned thing off as soon as I get out of a store. And I'm most certainly not going to wear it in my car like a lot of these idiots do.
You have to wear a mask to go in stores.
I'm sorry but I don't see the problem. It's a minor effort to put a mask on. Do you find it demeaning to have to wear a mask?
Do you find it demeaning to have to wear a mask?
They're mostly symbolic to make people feel better. They don't do much to stop viruses since most of them have gaps on the sides. Plus if you can see your breath through a mask when it's cold, it's not stopping much.
Well today we had intermittent thunderstorms. At least Florida has escaped the horrible winter vortex that the rest of the country is dealing with. And we have electricity unlike Texas. Windmills & solar panels just don't work in a blizzard. Some people got some 'splainin' to do for the inadequate power grid up there. I'm just glad our nuke plants are still in use.
I'm just glad our nuke plants are still in use.
Why? You don't live in Texas. Are you expecting a blizzard?
Why? You don't live in Texas. Are you expecting a blizzard?
We have the opposite problem. It's unseasonably hot here. It was 85 today, so everyone is running their AC. I'm glad our grid is beefy enough to handle the load. At least it's supposed to cool off a little by this weekend.
It was 85 today, so everyone is running their AC. I'm glad our grid is beefy enough to handle the load.
Yeah, were probably going to have to do something about rising temperatures over here. It's an interesting engineering challenge, I guess. The Netherlands are a small country though. We may have to look for energy in strange places.
It's not as hot as in your neck of the woods. 85 degrees F? 29 degrees C? Cripes. It's like you live on another planet.
Cripes. It's like you live on another planet.
One would think so. If you look at a temperature map of the entire country, we're the only hot spot. Even southern California and Mexico are having cold temperatures.
My painting plans got interrupted because of the heat & then 2 days of rain. I might be able to get back to it this weekend. It's supposed to be able 10 degrees cooler. :)
If you look at a temperature map of the entire country, we're the only hot spot.
Is that normal in your experience? Have you ever seen it before?
BTW Looks like I've got a canker sore on the inside of my cheek. I have no idea how that happened. Luckily it's not too painful.
Is that normal in your experience? Have you ever seen it before?
It's not that unusual. We are usually the warmest spot in the country at this time of the year, but it's hotter than usual here, and colder everywhere else.
Looks like I've got a canker sore on the inside of my cheek.
Ugh, those are very annoying. I hope it goes away soon.
Well it rained like crazy again today, so no painting. QoH keeps asking when I'm going to get around to it. :/
but it's hotter than usual here, and colder everywhere else.
Are you preparing for an extra hot summer? I feel like I should but this pandemic is rather demotivating.
I hope it goes away soon.
Should be within 2 weeks or else I need to go to the dentist or the doctor. I've never had a canker sore before AFAIK. Maybe it's stress related. IDK.
QoH keeps asking when I'm going to get around to it.
Why? What is it to her?
Are you preparing for an extra hot summer?
Not really. It's always extra hot here. ;P
I feel like I should but this pandemic is rather demotivating.
That's for sure. You'd think that I could have accomplished all sorts of things while being out of work for a year, but nope! I don't feel like doing anything. And QoH and her constant bs doesn't help either. :/
Maybe it's stress related. IDK.
I think that's a possibility. I think acidic or spicy foods can trigger them, too.
Why? What is it to her?
Because the wood is raw and unpainted. With our rainy & humid weather it will start getting mildew or rotting if I don't paint it. Then she's all pissed off because I went to my dad's house to paint. Sigh.
With our rainy & humid weather it will start getting mildew or rotting if I don't paint it.
Okay. Well, I hope you'll soon get the weather you need. :)
Okay. Well, I hope you'll soon get the weather you need. :)
I managed to finish it yesterday while QoH fell asleep. :) I really should paint all the fascia wood, too, but it has a primer finish and can wait. I could probably get away with not painting it at all, but it has dirty marks (dirty fingerprints and scuff marks)from the workers who installed it. It will look much better with a fresh coat of paint.
I managed to finish it yesterday while QoH fell asleep.
Good. I do hope you painted a mustache on her while she was sleeping. ;P
It will look much better with a fresh coat of paint.
Plus it's in a color of your preference. :)
Plus it's in a color of your preference. :)
The color didn't change. The fascia boards had a flat white primer finish. The paint I used was glossy white.
In other news, I think I finally figured out what is causing me to feel like I have to pee all the time. It's a vitamin D deficiency. I found a YouTube video by Dr Eric Berg where he discussed bladder issues. He said vitamin D deficiency was a cause and recommended 10,000 IU of vitamin D per day. I looked up how much can be produced by sunlight and found out that for peeps in Florida it only takes about 15 minutes in the noonday sun for your body to make 10,000 IU. I have been taking a daily D supplement of 1,000 IU, but obviously it isn't enough. I sat outside yesterday for about 20 minutes and again today for about 15 minutes. I've felt fine all day today. Since the stupid covid bs I've been spending too much time indoors apparently. I'm going to have to make an effort to sit outside in the sunlight every day now.
I also learned that it is too much insulin triggered by eating too much sugar & carbs that triggers fibroids to grow. The excess insulin gets estrogen & progesterone levels all screwed up. I'm guessing that my fibroid started growing after I started working at my job. I was drinking a lot of Cokes and eating too many sugary desserts and crap. I had deluded myself into thinking that because I worked out and got plenty of exercise at work that it wouldn't hurt me. I wasn't gaining weight, so no big deal. Well now that I know how bad it is to chronically spike insulin levels in my body, I'll definitely be more mindful about what I eat.
The paint I used was glossy white.
Would you have preferred a different color?
a YouTube video by Dr Eric Berg
Eric Berg? He's a quack apparently?
Maybe you should go to a real doctor if you're really concerned?
If you're going to sit in the sun then I do hope you put on some sunscreen. Skin cancer sucks.
I'll definitely be more mindful about what I eat.
In general I think it's best to eat food that takes some time to digest.
Would you have preferred a different color?
No. The house is a sort of slate blue color, so the white trim looks nice.
He's a quack apparently?
I don't know about that. A lot of things he has on his videos seem reasonable. I don't buy into the whole keto diet thing, though. It does work well for losing weight, but I don't need to lose weight. I prefer to follow a diet rich in fruits & vegetables and not as much meat as a keto diet prescribes. I eat mostly chicken, fish, & lamb and not much beef. I also rarely eat dairy since I was diagnosed with the fibroid.
If you're going to sit in the sun then I do hope you put on some sunscreen.
I usually only sit in the sun for maybe 10 minutes(with the exception of the past 2 day, I gave it a few minutes longer). Sunscreen would defeat the purpose. And yesterday there were lots of clouds getting in the way, so I gave it a bit longer. Today it was sunny & hot, so 10 minutes was more than enough.
I was wondering if perhaps fair skin people adapted to being able to consume lots of dairy because of a lack of sunlight in more northern latitudes? Milk is supposed to be rich in vitamin D which would make up for being able to get it from sunlight?
In general I think it's best to eat food that takes some time to digest.
I ate a huge salad a couple of days ago. Today it seemed to have pushed everything out IYKWIM. ;P
if perhaps fair skin people adapted to being able to consume lots of dairy because of a lack of sunlight in more northern latitudes?
I don't know. I have heard it theorized before.
BTW WRT to losing weight. I've gone from weighing about 90 kg to now weighing about 83 kg over the span of almost a year by eating a little less than I did. I think I've lost enough weight so I'm going back to eating what I ate when I was at a stable 90 kg. Hopefully I'll remain at a stable 83 kg.
I have heard it theorized before.
It seems like a plausible theory.
I've gone from weighing about 90 kg to now weighing about 83 kg
Hmm, that's about 16 pounds in real measurements. ;P Was there a reason that you wanted to lose weight?
Monday when I went to Walmart, I bought a knock off version of a Thigh Master. I used it last night & now I'm a little sore. Unfortunately Ma Nature came today, so I'll be taking it easy for the next 3 or so days. At least I've been having relatively normal cycles since I started taking the DIM supplement. Those short cycles really sucked.
One of my friends from work wants to lose 25 pounds by the end of May so that she can look good for her nephew's wedding. I told her to start following Redefining Strength on instagram & yootoob for good workout ideas and gave her some dietary tips. I'm curious to find out how it's going so far. I think it's been about a week or so since she started. I'll have to message her. :)
Was there a reason that you wanted to lose weight?
83 kg was approximately my weight at 25, IIRC, so it seems like my natural weight (at 1.82 m). And my cholesterol levels have been a little high for some time (no idea what they are now though). So I guess it was mostly health reasons. I still have a few soft pockets of pudginess left though. :)
I think it's been about a week or so since she started.
A week is just enough time to be disappointed in the results and give up, I figure. ;P
it seems like my natural weight
It does seem like a reasonable weight for your height.
I still have a few soft pockets of pudginess left though. :)
Yeah, the pudginess seems to like to settle on areas that don't get much use. For me it's my legs. Since I haven't worked in a year I don't walk nearly as much as I did at work. Now I have to do leg workouts. :/
A week is just enough time to be disappointed in the results and give up, I figure. ;P
That's true. None of my friends who talk about wanting to lose weight have the discipline to follow through on it.
It does seem like a reasonable weight for your height.
That's what I thought as well. :)
None of my friends who talk about wanting to lose weight have the discipline to follow through on it.
Maybe they're secretly content with how much they weigh? :)
Maybe they're secretly content with how much they weigh? :)
I think they enjoy eating and adult beverages more than working out.
Well Ma Nature should be leaving soon (not soon enough for my liking). I was bleeding like a stuck pig yesterday. Today it wasn't much. I even felt well enough to do my 100 squats, the thigh master, and some dumbbells exercises. I'd really like to be able to do some abs exercises soon. :)
I think they enjoy eating and adult beverages more than working out.
Well, it's important to know your priorities in life. ;P
I was bleeding like a stuck pig yesterday.
Yikes! Do you ever wonder if you're not losing too much blood? It sounds kinda scary to me.
Well, it's important to know your priorities in life. ;P
Lol, unfortunately my priorities have changed. It sucks that I can't eat sugar & carbs and drink beer like I used to. :/
Do you ever wonder if you're not losing too much blood? It sounds kinda scary to me.
Nah, usually it's a fairly light flow. It always fluctuates from month to month. This month just happens to be kinda heavy, but it was only within a 24 hour period. After that it petered out.
Guess what? When I went outside to get the mail a little while ago, there was a letter addressed to me from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. They sent me a gift card from Grifs Western! And it's for $50 instead of the $25 ones they were giving as prizes! I think someone screwed up and didn't inform them that I accepted a $50 e-gift card to Township instead of the one for Grifs because they were having trouble contacting someone from Grifs to get a gift card. Oh well, I'm not going to refuse it.😜 I'm really happy about getting that card because I kinda wanted some stuff from there. Now I have more $$$ to spend.☺
Then one of my friends from work texted me to tell me that she's working a house party close to where I live. She's working for the catering company that did the food at our workplace. I should probably give them my number since they're actually hiring people and have work. There's no telling when my workplace will reopen. I emailed my boss 2 days ago and she hasn't had the courtesy of emailing back. She also never responded to my text that I sent her 3 weeks ago. Their lack of professionalism and courtesy at my workplace is highly infuriating.😡
Roxy said she's working Corona Beach (Club level) at the hockey game tonight. She said she won't have to deal with any hoes up there.😂😂😂
Now I have more $$$ to spend.
Hopefully they have something you like then.
she's working a house party close to where I live
An actual house party or just a party at someones' house?
She said she won't have to deal with any hoes up there.
Did she have to deal with sex workers somewhere else then?
Hopefully they have something you like then.
I hope they have a decent pair of half chaps.
An actual house party or just a party at someones' house?
A party at a client's house. I have no idea how many guests they had. I didn't ask.
Did she have to deal with sex workers somewhere else then?
No, she's just showing contempt for coworkers by calling them a bunch of hoes. LOL
Today I felt so good that I did almost a total body workout. I'm sure my legs are going to be sore tomorrow because I used weights while I did my squats. I started out with 40 pounds for 10 reps, but it was too much so I went down to 20 pounds and did 20 reps. I finished the rest of my 100 reps with no weights. I also did lunges and split squats. :)
she's just showing contempt for coworkers by calling them a bunch of hoes.
Seems like an odd thing to do.
I also did lunges and split squats.
Geesh, I'm sweating just thinking about you doing all that exercising. ;P
Seems like an odd thing to do.
It's an urban cultural thing. LOL ;P
I'm sweating just thinking about you doing all that exercising. ;P
Just imagine yourself in my room with the powerful AC blowing. There's no sweating involved. ;)
In other news, you'll never believe what happened. When I went out to get the mail today, there was yet another letter from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance! I won *another* $50 gift card! This time it is for a Thai/sushi place not too far from Roxy's house. I was really surprised that I won another card and that it's for $50 instead of the normal $25 prizes that they were giving out. I'm guessing that they had gotten down to the end of the money allotted for the drawings and had a little extra, but not enough to do another one. Perhaps fewer than 50 people entered the last contest so they just awarded extra money to those who entered. (They were supposed to award fifty $25 gift card prizes per contest.) Whatever the explanation, I'm quite happy to have won again. :)
I'm quite happy to have won again.
Congratulations. What did you have to do to win the contest?
Congratulations. What did you have to do to win the contest?
Thanks! I just had to tag a business that is in Broward County. IIRC they randomly picked 50 entries per week. Obviously not a lot of people entered if I won 3 times. ;D
I was just looking at the menu of the place online. It's a Thai/Sushi place with a few other Japanese dishes. They have very good reviews. And they have quite an extensive menu. I don't even know what I'd order at this point. I'm trying to get Roxy to pick a day and go with me. So far she's being evasive like always. :/
Obviously not a lot of people entered if I won 3 times.
It's good to be a big fish in a small pond. :)
So far she's being evasive like always.
Maybe you should try inviting someone else?
Maybe you should try inviting someone else?
I don't really know anyone well enough to invite besides one other friend who lives on the other side of the county. If Roxy would stop being difficult it would be nice. She lives less than 5 minutes away from the restaurant.
In other news, I went to Grifs yesterday to spend *that* gift card. I always remember them being expensive, but they are now *obscenely* expensive! I ended up buying a t-shirt for Roxy that was on the clearance rack (it was in her size, not mine, unfortunately) and a nice big belt buckle for me. I think I have a balance of $15 left on the card. I'll go back again in a few weeks and hopefully I can find something nice on the clearance rack. I had wanted a pair of half chaps, but what they had were all over $100. :/ I can find them waaaay cheaper online. Hell, even something as simple as a belt was expensive. I think their cheapest ones were $35.
If Roxy would stop being difficult it would be nice.
Is there any chance of that happening?
a nice big belt buckle for me.
You like big belt buckles?
Is there any chance of that happening?
No. That's wishful thinking. ;P
You like big belt buckles?
Yes. Sometimes they really make an outfit come together. The one that I got is a big silver 10 cm oval with an eagle & American flag on it. :)
The one that I got is a big silver 10 cm oval with an eagle & American flag on it.
So what do you wear with that?
So what do you wear with that?
Jeans. ;P Who knows when I'll get to wear it. I hardly ever go anywhere or do anything. And it's always so freakin' hot here. :/
In other news, I managed to mow the yard today before the "cold" front came through. I got it done just in time. It started raining as I was washing off the lawn mower. I got kinda soaked before I finished. It's supposed to cool down a bit for the next couple of days. We'll see.
And it's always so freakin' hot here.
They should just put a transparent plastic dome over Florida and attach a humongous A/C to it. Every day great weather and it would keep the hurricanes out was well. ;P
I got kinda soaked before I finished.
I often got soaked while bicycling as a kid. It's terrible when it's cold but in summer it's not so bad. It's just that your clothes stick to your body, which is a little annoying. But then it's nice to take them off and take a nice warm shower. :)
They should just put a transparent plastic dome over Florida and attach a humongous A/C to it.
If only that was possible. :)
But then it's nice to take them off and take a nice warm shower. :)
In my case it was annoying because I had just got out of the shower & put clean clothes on. My hair was already wet because I had washed it. I had to change my shirt, though, since the back of it was pretty wet.
it was annoying because I had just got out of the shower & put clean clothes on.
Ah, yes. I really only got wet when cycling home from school.
BTW how many big belt buckles do you have? :)
BTW how many big belt buckles do you have? :)
Four including the one I just got. The first big one that I bought is pewter. I think I bought it at the Dade County Youth Fair when I was a kid. Then there's one that's made to hold a coin the size of a half dollar. IDK where that one came from. It might've been a gift. Then there's the big iron cross one that Roxy ordered on Amazon for me. That one came with a nice leather belt that was made for removable buckles. I'm going to need to find another leather belt like that. I had bought a studded belt from the thrift store about 10 years ago, but unfortunately it was made from bonded leather (which I learned is some kind of reconstituted spray on leather). Now it has started deteriorating. :/
In other news, Walmart is starting to get exercise equipment back in stock. I bought a pair of 5 pound ankle weights. They had 10 pound ones, but I figured that those might be a bit much. I could always put both of the 5 pounders on one leg if I need it heavier. :)
one that's made to hold a coin the size of a half dollar
What's the meaning/purpose of it being that way?
I bought a pair of 5 pound ankle weights.
The wrap around type?
What's the meaning/purpose of it being that way?
IDK, I guess it's to show off a cool looking coin. Some do have interesting artwork. I guess it's a cowboy thing.
The wrap around type?
Yes. I used them a little bit today. They are plenty heavy for the exercises that I do. And they have a zipper closure over the little pouches that hold the weights, so you can add or remove the weights. They're pretty nice. :)
They're pretty nice.
I think I have something similar that I bought years ago. I haven't used them much, never really found them comfortable. And I guess I'm not that much of an exercise fan.
But hey, cool that you have something new to do work-outs with. :)
I assume they also look quite stylish? :)
I assume they also look quite stylish? :)
They look quite large on me. It doesn't really matter, though, because I'm only using them at home. No one besides me is going to see them.
In other news, I went grocery shopping today. When I was at Sam's Club, they had some perfume testers out by the perfume display. One of them was for Drakkar Noir which was popular when I was in Jr high & high school. I sprayed a little on my arm. Unfortunately, it didn't smell the way I remembered it. After I got home I had to wash it off because I couldn't stand the smell. It's still lingering on my skin, so I'm going to have to go and try to scrub it off again. :/
No one besides me is going to see them.
Not even me? :)
it didn't smell the way I remembered it
I've never smelled Drakkar Noir. What did it used to smell like to you? I've never liked perfume of any kind BTW. I don't use deodorant either. The shaving cream I'm using ATM happens to be very perfume-y but that's because I haven't bought it myself. I do not like it much.
It's still lingering on my skin
Have you ever had an annoying smell just linger in your nose? Blech.
Not even me? :)
Well I *might* send you a pic if you want. ;)
What did it used to smell like to you?
It's hard to describe. More masculine I guess. This one smelled sweet & floral. I tend to like fragrances that are citrus or spicy (like frankincense, myrrh, & sandalwood). I can't stand most women's perfumes. Even some deodorants get on my nerves. Roxy had bought me 2 sticks of deodorant when I was in the hospital. I've been trying to use them up ever since. One wasn't so bad, but the other one took me a while to get used to. At least the scent isn't overly strong. I tend to not like most strong fragrances.
Have you ever had an annoying smell just linger in your nose? Blech.
Yes, it's awful. :/
Well I *might* send you a pic if you want.
Well, since it's in my nature to be curious: plz send pic. ;P
I tend to not like most strong fragrances.
I mean, it depends for me but yeah generally.
In other news, my father has a inguinal hernia so he will probably have to have an operation. It doesn't seem to severe but I guess there's always the risk of complications.
Well, since it's in my nature to be curious: plz send pic. ;P
Okie dokie! ;P
It doesn't seem to severe but I guess there's always the risk of complications.
It sucks to have to have any kind of operation, and being elderly can definitely bring complications. I hope your dad will be ok.
Well I'm starting to see some results with my leg muscles. At least I think so and am not imagining it. I've been doing an awful lot of squats. Now that I've got the ankle weights the definition should get more pronounced. :)
Okie dokie! ;P
msg received. They look like they will last you a while. :)
I think you added a little more info in that email than you intended BTW. :)
They look like they will last you a while. :)
I hope so. The only thing that's likely to wear out is the velcro closures.
I think you added a little more info in that email than you intended BTW. :)
Nah, I was just too lazy to make a new email so I forwarded the one I sent to Roxy. I won't tell if you don't. ;P
She's working 4 hockey games this week. I was hoping she'd be free for St Patrick's Day, but I doubt she'd be up for it since she has to work the following day.
She's working 4 hockey games this week.
Field hockey or ice hockey? I've never been to an ice hockey game. Is it cold there? That would be nice in a place like Florida. Then again, is ice hockey popular in your state?
I was hoping she'd be free for St Patrick's Day, but I doubt she'd be up for it since she has to work the following day.
So what will you be doing on St Patrick's Day? The 17th is election day over here but I think I'll skip it this time.
Field hockey or ice hockey?
Ice hockey. Apparently the home team has been doing pretty well. I think they are near the top of the division.
Is it cold there?
Yes, but it feels good. When I used to go to games years ago, just pants and a jersey over my t-shirt was sufficient to stay warm.
is ice hockey popular in your state?
I think it's more popular with the snow birds than the natives. I always liked it, though. Unfortunately the local team doesn't have a very loyal following. I guess it could be because they have been awful for over 20 years. It's too bad that this year when they're playing well the arena is restricted to only 3,000 spectators. It normally seats about 20,000.
So what will you be doing on St Patrick's Day?
Since it's on Wednesday, I'll probably just be going grocery shopping instead of going out and having fun. :/
I think it's more popular with the snow birds than the natives.
Ah, Canadians, eh? :)
I'll probably just be going grocery shopping instead of going out and having fun.
Maybe you can have a glass of absinthe in celebration. :)
Ah, Canadians, eh? :)
ISWYDT ;P Canadians & assorted Yankees.
Maybe you can have a glass of absinthe in celebration. :)
I've never had that. It used to be illegal here until fairly recently. It's sorta anise flavored, I think, so not something I'd like. I'd rather have a Guinness stout or something like that.
In other news, QoH was acting like a total bitch today and starting arguments every chance she got. She was standing in my doorway screaming at me calling me a piece of shit & saying she hoped I'd die & that she despises me. I had enough of it & closed the door in her face. The next thing I knew, she was laying on the floor screaming like every bone in her body was broken. I assumed that she tripped over the vacuum cleaner by my door in the hallway. I called 911 and she screamed & hollered the whole time I was on the phone. When the paramedics came, she told them that I hit her! I figured she would, so I had already told them when they arrived that she had tripped and that she has the beginning of dementia. They managed to pick her up and got her to her bed then checked her for injuries. She refused to go to the hospital & they said that they can't make her, so they left. I don't think she's hurt other than bruising something.
Now I believe she deliberately did a flop & drop trying to get me arrested because I dared to close the door in her face. 😡😡😡 She's an evil bitch. If she did trip, it was instant karma for saying such awful things to me.
I'd rather have a Guinness stout or something like that.
Just add some green food coloring and you're good to go. :)
I assumed that she tripped over the vacuum cleaner by my door in the hallway.
Why did you not just go have a look?
I believe she deliberately did a flop & drop trying to get me arrested
How much money did that cost you guys?
Why did you not just go have a look?
I did. There was no logical reason for her to have fallen in the direction that she did other than tripping or deliberately throwing herself on the floor.
How much money did that cost you guys?
Nothing. The paramedics from the fire station came in the big fire truck. Our taxes pay for them to come out. They only charge if they transport you in an ambulance.
In other news, Township is having Dirty Bingo again on March 31. I'm going to make reservations for Roxy & myself. She's not working that night, so we might as well go and have some fun. :)
They only charge if they transport you in an ambulance.
Ah, well, that's good.
She's not working that night, so we might as well go and have some fun.
Some dirty, dirty fun. ;P
You'll never believe it, but I had to call 911 again today because QoH got stuck on the toilet!😂😂😂 It's too low and her legs are too weak to get her back up. Good thing the fire department is just a few blocks away. They got here in a few minutes and got her up and onto her bed. I had to go to Walmart afterward and buy a raised toilet seat extender thingy. Of course she was ungrateful and didn't like it. Too bad. I'm not taking it back or running all over town to find another style. She can just deal with it.
You'll never believe it
I mean, it is close to April Fools' Day. :)
She can just deal with it.
She could try to lose weight maybe. Does she not have problems with the other chairs?
She could try to lose weight maybe.
LOL That would require effort on her part and self control when it comes to eating, both of which she is not going to do.
Does she not have problems with the other chairs?
She can't sit in anything that is too low. Her bed is kinda high and the kitchen chair is one of those bar types and higher than a regular chair.
The only good thing that came about from her falling is she's still too sore to move around much so she's basically confined to her room and can't repeatedly come in my room and bother me all day long. And she hasn't been too nasty since she has to rely on me to be the step-and-fetch when she wants food or something to drink.
she has to rely on me to be the step-and-fetch when she wants food or something to drink.
...which may be how things will be in the future at some point. Do you think you'll hire someone to take care of her daily needs when she's no longer able to do certain things herself? I mean, I think about that myself sometimes WRT my own parents. I'm only doing the cooking ATM but I'll have to start doing more at some point. I don't really want to imagine a situation where they wouldn't able to wash themselves or wipe their own asses. :o
Do you think you'll hire someone to take care of her daily needs when she's no longer able to do certain things herself?
I can't afford to hire someone. IDK if her Medicare plan pays for in-home assistance. It might. At this point, she's so nasty with me that I don't know how long I can continue to live here, especially when she lies about me to try to get me arrested. If I did move out, she'd be on her own as far as making those decisions. I'm really tired of her bs. I was robbed of having a life of my own by her & my dad and their poor decisions and selfishness. She's completely ungrateful for everything that I've done and continue to do. I don't know how much longer I can keep it up.
I'm really tired of her bs.
Yes, but how many decades have you been tired of her bs now? :)
I don't know how much longer I can keep it up.
A few more decades? :)
Let's just hope this pandemic is over soon so you can get back to working and making moneyz. It's your best chance to get out of your situation.
A few more decades? :)
Yeah, I know. It's easier to stay and put up with it than all the bs I'd have to deal with if I moved out. The whole situation sucks.
Work was the best way for me to deal with all of this. At least I was away from her for a few hours per day and was earning money. Who knows when the jackasses at work will open back up completely. Right now they're just bullshitting around with backlot concerts. Who knows when catering will reopen. It's stupid that it hasn't. Literally every other restaurant and bar in town has been reopened for months without any problems. People are getting vaccinated and the positivity numbers are waaaay down. It's no longer a problem.
Who knows when catering will reopen.
Sometime this year, probably? That's my guess anyway.
It's no longer a problem.
I think I read something about a curfew in Miami though? Does affect you as well?
Sometime this year, probably? That's my guess anyway.
I hope so.
I think I read something about a curfew in Miami though? Does affect you as well?
That's on Miami Beach because of the hood rats invading Spring break and having brawls & mayhem. The SWAT team & riot police were out there shooting people with pepper balls because it was so out of control. Now the Mayor & city council put an 8pm curfew. It doesn't affect me because it's 15 miles away and I avoid the area like the plague. I'm glad that I live near enough to the county line to do most of my shopping in Broward County. At least Fort Lauderdale has the Spring break thing under control.
because of the hood rats invading Spring break
Have you ever participated in Spring Break? Do Floridians partake in it at all? Or is it more for people from out of state?
And how are you doing BTW? How was your weekend?
Is QoH still lying on her butt? :)
Have you ever participated in Spring Break?
No. We used to get time off from school back when I was in school, but I never went anywhere. I just stayed home & enjoyed the time off.
Do Floridians partake in it at all? Or is it more for people from out of state?
I guess kids whose parents had money went places. I mean, I already live in Florida. I don't need to travel to a warm place. It's mostly northerners who come down for Spring Break.
I *do* remember when I was a kid when Fort Lauderdale beach was the main destination and it got super packed and crazy. Locals usually avoided it like the plague. It turned into a fiasco every year so the powers that be started actively discouraging it about 30 years ago. Then the Spring Breakers started going to Daytona Beach and Pensacola. Only recently in the past few years have they started coming to Miami Beach. This year is the first time it got really violent. I blame the city for not having a large enough police presence to deter the criminal elements who came to take advantage of the out of towners.
And how are you doing BTW? How was your weekend?
Ma Nature was here Thursday through Sunday. I felt terrible the first 2 days. Saturday I felt great with lots of energy so I did a full body workout. I've been doing a workout every day this week. I still feel pretty good today, so I hope it's a trend. It sucks when the hormones are all haywire.
Is QoH still lying on her butt? :)
Yes. She fell again while trying to get out of bed today. At least she fell against her ottoman & dresser and not the floor, so I managed to help her back into bed. She's passed out asleep ATM (thank God) snoring away with her mouth open.
I talked to Roxy for about 2.5 hours last night. She seems to be back together with the cop and they've been seeing each other often. He seems to be good for her. She said I'd probably like him. From what she's told me he sounds like I would like him.
And hopefully we'll be going to Dirty Bingo. She's sounding excited to go now. I told her that they don't make reservations for less than 4 people so we'll have to get there at least an hour early to get a seat. I suggested we go at 6:30 while happy hour is still on so we can get a half price drink. :)
He seems to be good for her.
Isn't he married?
I suggested we go at 6:30 while happy hour is still on so we can get a half price drink.
Are you planning on drinking a lot? :)
Isn't he married?
No, divorced. I know that he has at least one adult son.
Are you planning on drinking a lot? :)
No. If I have 2 beers that will be a lot. I might just have 1 beer during happy hour and switch to water during bingo when I order food. I don't want to have to get up multiple times during the night to pee. Getting old sucks. :/
I don't want to have to get up multiple times during the night to pee.
Is the tumor acting up again?
Getting old sucks.
You're not old yet though. :)
And I have a feeling you'll age gracefully.
Is the tumor acting up again?
It seems to be the hormones fluctuating that's causing the problems. My bladder capacity seems to be back to normal. I'm hoping that means the tumor has shrank enough to not be a problem.
I've actually been feeling almost back to normal this week. Hopefully the DIM and vitamin D3 and the other stuff I've been taking is working. And I've been trying not to drink too much water or tea during the day. I don't want to get the hormones out of whack again or have my body processing too much liquid by drinking too much if I go out.
And I have a feeling you'll age gracefully.
I hope so. I think I look better than most of the people who I went to school with. Hopefully it'll stay that way.
Well IDK if I'll be able to go to bingo with Roxy. QoH has been acting super needy since she fell. It's hard to know if she's really that injured or is just playing it up as some sort of twisted way of messing with me. She woke me up twice last night, first at midnight to "fix her TV" and then to get room service, and the second time at 3:20am to "fix her TV". I was so pissed off that it was difficult for me to fall back asleep both times. Then she has me bringing her tea and food all day long. If I try to go out for a few hours I know it will be a big argument and major drama.
The only thing I can think to do is to leave a cooler with food in her room and a thermos of hot water so she can make her own damn tea while I'm gone. And I'll have to say that my friend Janet invited me out. She doesn't know that I'm friends with Roxy. Even though she hasn't worked with her for over 13 years she still brings up her name to trash-talk her. :/
QoH has been acting super needy since she fell.
#sigh# It's almost as if she *knows* you want to go out. Although I'm sure it's just coincidental. Unless she read your body language or something.
leave a cooler with food in her room and a thermos of hot water
Maybe that'll work. What if she calls you on your phone though?
It's almost as if she *knows* you want to go out.
I know. It's really creepy.
What if she calls you on your phone though?
I just won't answer it. She's kinda used to me not answering, though. ;P
Well, she's busted. Yesterday I was outside raking leaves. Apparently she was calling for me and when I didn't answer she got her ass up and went downstairs to see where I was. When I came inside to get some water she was in the kitchen. Then she managed to go back upstairs to her bedroom with no assistance. Now I know that she's capable of going up & down the stairs. She's just playing up that she's too injured to do so. I think she's getting off on running me ragged like a house slave. She has this sick notion that I owe her for raising me when I was a kid. Now that she's totally busted, I don't feel bad about going out and I'm not going to let her stop me. I know she'll pitch a fit, but I'll just have to leave her a cooler with food & drinks so she can't act like I left her without something to eat & drink.
she's busted.
Nice detective work, Ma'am. I'll send the constable over to bring her in. :)
I think she's getting off on running me ragged like a house slave.
Well, it *is* nice to have a butler. You don't seem like the butling type though. ;P
Nice detective work, Ma'am. I'll send the constable over to bring her in. :)
LOL I wish that was the case!
You don't seem like the butling type though. ;P
It's too much like what I do at work. Where I get paid to wait on spoiled people. This is like slavery. Me no likey. 😡
Since tomorrow is the beginning of Passover and certain people around here are Jewish by association ;P, I made a big pot of matzoh ball soup (which turned out delicious). I also made a ham because I don't feel like waiting until Easter to eat it. I got it on sale at Aldi for 95 cents/pound. I think it's a little over 11 pounds. So we'll have plenty of ham for the rest of the week. I might make some latkes tomorrow if I feel like it. I've done plenty of cooking the past 2 days.
I got it on sale at Aldi for 95 cents/pound.
Holy crap that seems really cheap. What kind of ham is it?
Holy crap that seems really cheap. What kind of ham is it?
It was. They were originally $1.69/lb, but I remembered that last year they put them on sale just before Easter, so I held off on buying one hoping for the sale (which happened :) ).
It's a smoked & cured spiral sliced honey ham. It came with a glaze, but I didn't use it because it's too much sugar. It tasted good enough without the glaze. And I really like that it's pre-sliced. It saves me a lot of work. :)
And I really like that it's pre-sliced. It saves me a lot of work.
For some reason I'd expect you to have one of those electric meat slicers. You don't have one?
Since QoH has been busted, I assume your outing on the 31st is a certainty?
For some reason I'd expect you to have one of those electric meat slicers. You don't have one?
We do have one, but it's a pain in the ass to clean. It's so much easier to buy a pre-sliced ham. For other meats it's just easier to use a really sharp knife.
I assume your outing on the 31st is a certainty?
No it is not. Roxy hasn't been feeling well for the past few days. She doesn't seem like she really wants to go. If not, it'll save me a huge argument with QoH. On one hand I'll be disappointed, but on the other it would be a relief to not have to have a fight her over me going out. And you know what the accusations would be. :/
In other news, it has been hot here this week (85F). The good news is it's supposed to cool down a bit for Easter weekend (78-ish F). :)
And you know what the accusations would be.
Same as they always are: bullshit. ;P
it has been hot here this week (85F).
Yeah, it's been warm here as well and getting warmer. Although we're not at Floridian temperature levels just yet. :)
I am dreading this summer.
I am dreading this summer also.
Well I'm almost certain that Roxy & I won't be going to dirty bingo tomorrow. She said she was feeling worse today. I think it's her anxiety out of control.
And I finally heard back from the HR lady on Friday. She claimed that my email went into the spam folder. She also claimed that they'd be reopening by the fall. Then today when I checked my email, there was an email from my manager. It's been over a month since I last emailed. I know that my email did not go to her spam folder since it's the one that she uses to send me schedules, etc. I got a bs canned response that was obviously drafted by the legal department as a standard response to employees. It didn't come right out and say it, but it was implied that we no longer work there and would have to reapply for work whenever job openings become available. That's a really shitty way to treat employees. They never bothered to keep anyone updated on what was going on, then to act like my email was in the spam folder is such a bs excuse. It's not a coincidence that my manager responds the next business day after HR responded. Obviously the HR lady said something to her. She probably mentioned that I said it was unprofessional to ignore emails from employees.
On one hand, I don't even want to return to a job that treats employees like garbage, but on the other, I don't want to make it so easy for them to get rid of me. 😡
I think it's her anxiety out of control.
Does she know what causes her to feel anxious?
I don't even want to return to a job that treats employees like garbage
You deserve a better company anyway.
Would you go back to work there if they asked you now? :)
Does she know what causes her to feel anxious?
I don't know. It probably has a lot to do with her having to take care of both of her elderly parents, plus the work situation, and all the other things she has to deal with.
You deserve a better company anyway.
Yes, I do.
Would you go back to work there if they asked you now? :)
If they were going to pay me what my raise was before the covid crap started, then yes. Although I'd probably be looking for something else. Right now I'm still collecting unemployment which allegedly is going to be extended until November. Regardless, I'm tired of being at home all the time. It's like freakin' groundhog day. At least at work there was always something different and people to talk to.
And as you can see, I'm not at Dirty Bingo with Roxy. She didn't even bother to text me today to let me know if she was feeling up for it or not. I'm only slightly disappointed. I'm not really feeling up for it myself. QoH woke me up at 6am to "fix her TV" again, so I've felt tired all day, especially after going grocery shopping. Plus it was freakin' hot today. I just don't feel like driving 20 miles to Roxy's house, then another 8 miles to downtown Ft Lauderdale and have to try to find parking. :/
It's like freakin' groundhog day.
Well, that guy in the movie did get a lot of things done. Even learned how to play the piano. ;P
She didn't even bother to text me today to let me know if she was feeling up for it or not.
Maybe she didn't like the idea of disappointing you?
So are you thinking of going out to anywhere in the near future?
Maybe she didn't like the idea of disappointing you?
I think she likes the idea of going out, but doesn't actually like going out. I think her anxiety is part of the problem and that triggers all her physical symptoms.
On one hand, I can empathize if she's sick, but it seems like that is always the excuse. If she just doesn't want to go out, tell me that. I don't like feeling like I'm being jerked around. I just won't ask her to go out any more since I know that she won't actually go.
So are you thinking of going out to anywhere in the near future?
Yes. I still have 3 gift cards to use. I'll probably call my friend Janet (who lives about 5 minutes from Township) and see if she'd like to go there with me for happy hour some time. I can probably park at her house then ride with her since she has a Ft Lauderdale resident parking account.
The other gift card is for a Thai place by Roxy's house. I'd still like to try to drag her ass there for dinner. I don't think they'll let me get takeout, otherwise I'd just go there & get takeout for myself, although it's a long way to go for takeout. :/
I just won't ask her to go out any more since I know that she won't actually go.
Yeah, you don't want her to start feeling guilty for promising to go out and then not daring to actually go.
a Thai place by Roxy's house
I've never had Thai. Is that similar to Chinese food?
Is that similar to Chinese food?
Yes, but it seems like they season everything with fish sauce (a sauce made from fermented fish) which I don't like. I think it tastes disgusting. At least the restaurant also serves sushi and a few Chinese style dishes. If I go, I'll probably order some Mongolian beef and sushi.
Well, today is Easter weekend. I bought a pot of purple tulpen at Aldi on Wednesday. 5 of the 6 have opened fully already. They're very pretty. The ham that I bought last time is almost gone, so I bought a boneless leg of lamb. I suppose I'll cook that tomorrow and perhaps one of the bags of spruitjes that I bought. :)
today is Easter weekend.
Oh, right. I'd better cook some eggs tomorrow. I personally don't care that much about Easter but my mother seems to like the event.
a pot of purple tulpen
You know, that sorta rhymes in Dutch. Like "purple nurple". :)
I guess you go shopping on your own now? Must be nice. :)
perhaps one of the bags of spruitjes
How do you prepare spruitjes? I just cook them for 20 minutes and then eat them with some salt and butter. Or I just mash them through the potatoes.
I guess you go shopping on your own now? Must be nice. :)
Yes, and it *is* nice. QoH hasn't gone shopping with me for over a year. I think the one time she did go was when I had to take her to get her new glasses, then afterward we went to Aldi. Since the covid crap started, it's basically my only escape from her.
How do you prepare spruitjes?
Similar to you. I steam them until they're tender then put a little salt and butter. Another way that I've had them and quite liked is pan seared with a dijon, balsamic, honey glaze. I haven't gotten around to preparing them that way myself, but I do have the recipe. :)
Well today I roasted the lamb leg and made the spruitjes. I think I might make some mashed aardappelen to go with it. The lamb turned out super delicious. It was very tender and the flavor was mild and not very gamey. I had seasoned the whole thing with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic, so there was a delicious crispy shell when it came out of the oven. :)
so there was a delicious crispy shell when it came out of the oven.
You should maybe become a cook. You're pretty good at it. :)
You should maybe become a cook. You're pretty good at it. :)
Idk if that's something that I'd want to do for a living. I mainly cook because I like to eat. ;P
In other news, I looked at some job postings on FB today. There were a couple restaurants looking for bartenders & servers, and some stocker positions at Aldi & Petsmart. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to collect unemployment so I haven't applied to any places yet. My benefits are supposed to end on 4/11, but there was supposed to be an extension on the Federal benefits, but IDK if I'll be able to continue getting them.
I just feel so unmotivated. IDK if it's partly due to hormonal changes or what. I feel tired all the time and have no energy. It's almost like a low level depression. :/
if it's partly due to hormonal changes or what.
Could be, I suppose. There are a few other things as well, like the pandemic and your previous company not treating you well and QoH as usual. And there's the odd weather of Spring.
You do seem to feel much better when you have a job though. So I guess that's a motivation. :)
There are a few other things as well...
True. It's especially draining having to deal with QoH all the time. At least when I was working I got away from her for several hours a few times per week.
So I guess that's a motivation. :)
I was talking to Roxy a few minutes ago about that. She thinks I should work at the arena with her. Then she mentioned that the Downtowner has catering (another former coworker is worker there doing that). I didn't know that they had catering there. Then she mentioned that we should work for ourselves, which I totally support. I miss doing house parties. I made good money on those and didn't have to put up with any bs.
she mentioned that the Downtowner has catering
The Historic Downtowner? Located at New River Drive and South Andrews Avenue? A magical outdoor dining treasure? :)
Do they need extra staff?
Then she mentioned that we should work for ourselves, which I totally support.
So she wants to start a catering company with you?
The Historic Downtowner? Located at New River Drive and South Andrews Avenue? A magical outdoor dining treasure? :)
Yes, that Downtowner. LOL
Do they need extra staff?
I have no idea. I didn't see any job postings for them.
So she wants to start a catering company with you?
More like freelancing. We could make good money doing house parties. :)
More like freelancing.
Okay, so you'd be working for other catering companies? Just not always the same one?
Is the pay good for that kind of work? Is there a demand for freelancers?
so you'd be working for other catering companies?
No. What we'd be doing is providing staffing & setup for people who want to have a party at their house. It's usually cheaper for the person to buy food from somewhere and then we'd set up a buffet or whatever they had in mind.
Is the pay good for that kind of work?
Yes, the last time I did house parties I was making $30/hour.
Is there a demand for freelancers?
Yes. Mainly from Jewish clients. They have lots of religious special occasions.
In other news, Roxy had sent me an article from the newspaper about the New River Open Air Market starting up again. The first day back open is this Sunday. It sounded like something fun to do so I asked her if she wants to go. Of course I didn't get a response. She's very aggravating. She's the one who sends me stuff like that then doesn't respond. I'm still interested in going so I texted my friend Janet (she lives kinda close to where it's going to be). At least she texted me back asking what it was. She didn't say if she's interested. :/
Anyway, I think part of Roxy's problem is she's worried herself into a stomach ulcer. She's always complaining about stomach pain. Her symptoms sound like an ulcer. I told her that she needs to go to a Dr to find out for sure.
I forgot to mention..when I went to Aldi today I went crazy buying German food-stuffs. I got beer mustard, stone ground seeded mustard, & Bavarian sweet mustard, red cabbage with apples in a jar, Bratwurst, and some Belgian Easter cookies that were on sale. Those were really good and I wish I had bought a second package.😋☺
Oh! And herring in a mango chutney sauce. 😎
providing staffing & setup for people who want to have a party at their house.
Would you not need to set up a company for that?
red cabbage with apples in a jar
I bet that's good stuff. I love red cabbage and apples seem like a good thing to add to them. And maybe some balsamic vinegar.
And herring in a mango chutney sauce.
Sounds interesting. I haven't had herring in decades. We used to have the pickled version regularly then.
What are you going to do with all the mustard.
Would you not need to set up a company for that?
No.
I bet that's good stuff.
I haven't tried it yet but it looks really delicious. :)
We used to have the pickled version regularly then.
This version is delicious. It tastes slightly smoked and the mango chutney is really good.
What are you going to do with all the mustard.
Enjoy it on hotdogs, bratwursts, and hamburgers. (Which I haven't had in a long time. I think I need to barbecue some stuff soon. ;D )
No.
Okay. So how does that work with income taxes and administrative stuff?
I think I need to barbecue some stuff soon.
Well, you'll need some sun for that and... oh wait, you're in Florida. ;P
We actually just had a couple of strange days with odd weather. Like, 5 minutes of gray skies and snow falling and then a blue sky with some friendly little white clouds for an hour or so and then 5 minutes of gray skies and snow. Just odd weather.
So how does that work with income taxes and administrative stuff?
You just file a 1099 form for extra income whenever you pay taxes at the end of the fiscal year.
you'll need some sun for that and... oh wait, you're in Florida. ;P
We've definitely been getting plenty of that! ;P However, it's supposed to rain on Sunday, so I highly doubt that I'll be going to that open air market thing. My friend Janet said she couldn't make it because she has too much paperwork to do for work. I told her they're doing it every Sunday now so we can go at another time.
We actually just had a couple of strange days with odd weather.
They've been having weird weather like that in some of the northern states, too.
Well today I actually got a lot of stuff accomplished. I did 3 loads of laundry, cooked breakfast for QoH (plus a pound of bacon which was supposed to last for a few days, but she came down to the kitchen & devoured half of it :/), cooked some rice for myself to go with chicken tikka masala, and steamed some asparagus. Then I took 2 big garbage bags of leaves to the dump while QoH fell asleep for a while, then finished raking up the leaves out on the swale. :)
My friend Janet said she couldn't make it because she has too much paperwork to do for work.
On a Sunday? Geesh.
today I actually got a lot of stuff accomplished
Better be careful. If you get too many things done today you won't have anything to do tomorrow. ;P
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