Jacked January
Since I managed to gain 5 pounds over the holidays, I've gotten serious about losing the weight and getting back in shape. The past 6 months really sucked as far as me taking care of myself. It all started with my dad dying and the subsequent stresses that followed which left little time and energy for myself. I think I gained 3 or 4 pounds just in the few months following my dad's death. So I have 8 or 9 pounds to lose to get back into shape.
So far, I've managed to work out consistently since new year's day and have been watching what I eat. My trainer says that most people quit their fitness resolutions by January 19. I have no intention of quitting since I'm mainly just getting back to my former lifestyle.☺
posted by Xul at 6:10 PM
224 Comments:
Doing what? Watch TV?
Yes.
How do you know she actually stays up all night?
Any time I have to get up to pee, she's up. She also thinks nothing of waking me up at 1am, 3am, 4am, 6am, etc whenever she wants something. She's gotten too used to having me fetch everything for her and won't go downstairs to get stuff herself. Also, she'll get up to mess with the thermostat at all hours(it's right outside my bedroom door) and slams her cane into the floor when she walks. It's one of those metal adjustable ones that clinks when she slams it and it wakes me up.
Have you ever been there before?
No. I've only seen pics on their website. It looks really cool. I think my friend Janet has been there before and said they have all sorts of interesting things and you can always find something good to buy.
She also thinks nothing of waking me up at 1am, 3am, 4am, 6am, etc
WTH? How do you even get a good night's sleep that way? Did she also do that when you were working?
So I have 8 or 9 pounds to lose to get back into shape.
Where exactly are those pounds situated at the moment? :)
My trainer says that most people quit their fitness resolutions by January 19.
Ah, obviously you are not most people. Since when do you have a trainer BTW?
How do you even get a good night's sleep that way?
Once or twice a week she wakes me up so I can fetch food or whatever for her. I never know when. Then it takes forever to fall back asleep. I really hate being awakened from a dead sleep, but she doesn't care.
Did she also do that when you were working?
No, thank God. Now she thinks it's no big deal since I don't have to go to work.
Where exactly are those pounds situated at the moment? :)
Mostly ass & legs. :/
Since when do you have a trainer BTW?
Since last year when I started following Cori Lefkowith of Redefining Strength. She has a YouTube & Instagram page that I follow(I don't actually pay her😉). She has DM'd me a couple of times. She has a lot of different body weight exercises and variations that she posts. It was good during the plague since exercise equipment was hard to find. I think she's one of the best trainers on the interwebs.☺
Anyhoo, tomorrow I go see my lawyer, then my friend Janet has agreed to meet me at American Icon for a drink. She said that Oddballs was moving to a new location, but I couldn't find the new one on the googles. I tried calling today, but there was only a voicemail. I'll drive by there tomorrow to find out if they are still there. If not, no big deal.
Mostly ass & legs.
That doesn't have to be bad. It's better to have a sizeable ass than to have no ass. ;P
It's better to have a sizeable ass than to have no ass. ;P
This has always been the motto of the women in my family.😂
Anyhoo, I went to my lawyer's today, then went to see if Oddballs was still there. It was not. So I went up to Wilton Drive to the other thrift store. They had a nice leather biker jacket that fit me, but they wanted $40 which is too much for a used jacket. If it was $20 I probably would have bought it. Then I met Janet at American Icon for drinks. I liked the place and the beers were really good. Their tap system was excellent and had the beers nice & cold. I had 2 pints of their stout. I should have stopped at 1. I was totally shit faced by the time we left. I'm glad I was able to get home in one piece. It's too bad that I don't live in Ft Lauderdale. They are having an 80's themed party tomorrow night & giving the first beer for free to whoever comes dressed in 80's style clothes. Also cash prizes for the best dressed.
I can't believe we stayed there for 3 hours yacking & drinking. I was telling her about Holy Mackerel brewery which is also good, so we are probably going to go there some time in the future.☺
I'm glad I was able to get home in one piece.
Yeah, driving a car while shitfaced is kinda risky. For yourself and others.
I'm glad you had fun though. :)
Yeah, driving a car while shitfaced is kinda risky. For yourself and others.
Yeah, I won't be doing that again.
I'm glad you had fun though. :)
It was fun. What's weird is the place somehow looked bigger in the pics on the internet. It was actually kinda small & cozy. Very clean. The bartender was very nice and the beers came out nice & cold from the taps. I can't bring that up enough. I've been to lots of places that had barely below room temperature draft beer. When you actually get some that is served properly it really stands out.
Another place that is smaller than it appears on the toobs is Gulf Stream Brewery. I found out where that is located when I was looking for Oddballs (on the same street). That's another place that I'd like to try.
It's too bad that I don't live closer to Ft Lauderdale. There are so many cool little shops and microbreweries up there. And weekdays are ideal for going out since it's not at all crowded or crazy.
What's weird is the place somehow looked bigger in the pics on the internet.
Must have been the lenses the used for the photograph, I guess.
There are so many cool little shops and microbreweries up there.
Why are they all in Ft Lauderdale?
Must have been the lenses the used for the photograph, I guess.
Must have been. It was still a nice place. I think I liked it better that it was small & cozy.
Why are they all in Ft Lauderdale?
I guess because it's starting to be a trendy area. I remember when it was blighted. I guess people bought up properties cheaply and then started fixing them up. Then there were a lot of new high rise condos built downtown in the last 10 years. Now there are more people living downtown and there's a demand for bars, restaurants, microbreweries, and other shops.
I guess people bought up properties cheaply and then started fixing them up.
Ah, the old gentrification strategy?
Have you ever considered brewing your own beer?
Ah, the old gentrification strategy?
Yep. The only problem with that is that things become ridiculously expensive.
Have you ever considered brewing your own beer?
Yes, but it's a lot of work. It didn't really seem cost effective when there are plenty of good beers available in the store that aren't too expensive.
I have decided to try to grow some vegetables. I have 2 tiny snow pea plants that have sprouted from seeds. When they get big enough I'm going to transfer them to larger pots. I also have the remains of a stalk of celery in a glass in the kitchen window that is growing well. When it has enough roots coming out I'm going to transfer it to a pot outside. I also have a small cutting of rosemary that I'm trying to get to grow some roots in the kitchen window. Next month I'm going to try to get my jalapeño seeds & sweet basil to sprout.☺
Do you or your parents grow any vegetables?
Do you or your parents grow any vegetables?
They used to rent a small piece of land to grow vegetables on. We had good harvests pretty much every year. No chemicals added.
If you're going to grow stuff in your backyard then you may want to check for pollution in the ground as the plants will absorb it as they grow.
No chemicals added.
That's my plan. I bought organic non-GMO seeds, organic potting mix, & organic soil.
you may want to check for pollution in the ground
We've never used chemicals in the yard and my parents have owned the property for 50 years. Before the houses were built here, I think it was just a natural area, so I don't think there are any pollutants. It doesn't really matter since I plan to grow everything in containers since the soil here is too sandy for most plants that are not tropicals. My snow peas are coming along nicely. Such cute little plants.☺
My snow peas are coming along nicely.
It's kinda ironic to grow a plant called "snow peas" in a hot place like Florida, I'd say.
I never really like snow peas as a kid. They tasted rather bitter to me. I do like them now.
It's kinda ironic to grow a plant called "snow peas" in a hot place like Florida, I'd say.
I have to get them growing now while it's still relatively cool. They don't like hot weather.
Hopefully they will yield pods before it gets too hot. I've never tried to grow them before so I'll see what happens. They're supposed to be very easy to grow according to the 'toobs.
I like to put them in my Chinese stir fry dishes. I've always liked most vegetables even when I was a kid. I think the only things I didn't like we're parsnips, spruitjes, and peas from a can. Now I like everything. ☺
They're supposed to be very easy to grow according to the 'toobs.
IIRC my father grew them as well. He let them grow along a support stick. They climb upwards.
Now I like everything.
That seems quite the bold claim. :)
He let them grow along a support stick. They climb upwards.
I'm contemplating whether I'm going to put them next to one of the fences or make a trellis out of bamboo for them. I have lots of bamboo by the front porch. I think I'll probably do the bamboo as it would be easier to move the containers around if I need to.
That seems quite the bold claim. :)
Well I've yet to come across a vegetable that I truly dislike.
I went grocery shopping today. Now I'm worn out. I had to go to 6 different stores to try to find everything I wanted. Even after all that, I still couldn't find the Vernor's ginger ale in cans that QoH likes. What really pisses me off is they were on sale (buy 2 get 2 free) at Publix, but I stopped at 3 different Publixes and none of them had it. That particular brand is like finding a unicorn any more.😡
I've yet to come across a vegetable that I truly dislike.
Have you ever tried purslane? I had it once as a kid and hated it.
That particular brand is like finding a unicorn any more.
Is that because it's not very popular or because it's extremely popular?
Have you ever tried purslane? I had it once as a kid and hated it.
No. I know that it's supposed to be an edible weed, but I've never had it.
Is that because it's not very popular or because it's extremely popular?
It's a ginger ale from Detroit. I think it's popular in Michigan and surrounding states. It seems to have a cult following elsewhere. Now that it's snowbird season I have the Michiganders to compete with when I'm trying to find it.
In other news, when I got on the scale this morning, I'm down to 126 pounds. I've managed to lose 4 pounds since new year's. It's slow going, but at least it's coming off. I only have another 4 pounds to go until I'm at my goal weight.☺
It seems to have a cult following elsewhere.
So how did QoH manage to join this cult?
I only have another 4 pounds to go until I'm at my goal weight.
About 55 kg then?
So how did QoH manage to join this cult?
QoH was born just outside of Detroit. Her parents lived there for a few years before they moved down here.
About 55 kg then?
Yep. It was easy to maintain while I was working since that job required lots of walking around and moving heavy tables & chairs. Now I have to make sure I'm exercising at least 5x per week. I try to alternate days between upper body & lower body, but sometimes I miss a day depending on how I feel.
In other news, today when I was checking on the plants that I'm trying to grow, I noticed that 4 of my tulpen are starting to poke through the dirt. After my dad died, taking the bulbs out of the pot & refrigerating them for a while was forgotten about. The pot sat in the kitchen window being neglected until a couple of weeks ago when I took the bulbs out of the old pot & transferred them to new pots with some new dirt. I'm kinda surprised that I got as many survivors as I did.☺
We got a monsoon last night, but at least everything survived. One of the snow pea plants is getting really big. The other one is growing slower, but it has 2 stems instead of one. The third seed that I planted last week hasn't sprouted yet. I'm still waiting to see if the pepper seeds are going to sprout.
QoH was born just outside of Detroit.
So this may partly be a nostalgia thing? She's been drinking this since her childhood?
Now I have to make sure I'm exercising at least 5x per week.
Isn't that a different kind of exercise than you get at work? I imagine catering work means you do a lot of walking.
I'm kinda surprised that I got as many survivors as I did.
What kind of tulips are they?
She's been drinking this since her childhood?
Yes. And it does have its own distinct flavor. It's very peppery like real ginger and not sickeningly sweet like other brands of ginger ale.
Isn't that a different kind of exercise than you get at work?
Yes. At work there was lots of walking. Sometimes as much as the equivalent to 5 miles. My coworker had a pedometer app thingy on her phone and would keep track. We also did lots of pushing and pulling, whether it was a full caddy of tables (8 big round tables) or racks of chairs or carts loaded up with cases of sodas & water and liquor bottles. There was usually some sort of physical activity when I was at work.
Now I mostly just sit around on my ass all day. I have to make a point of getting up and doing stuff so I can burn calories.
What kind of tulips are they?
I don't know the variety. They look like regular tulips. They are a pretty purple color.
Now I mostly just sit around on my ass all day.
Hey, that's what I do as well mostly. :)
At least I can take a walk now and again. Or I can go cycling.
BTW what do you think, will Russia retake Eastern Europe or not?
At least I can take a walk now and again. Or I can go cycling.
At least your parents don't expect you to wait on them hand and foot and don't get mad if you want to go out for a walk or bike ride.
will Russia retake Eastern Europe or not?
It depends on what they want to retake. The Ukrainians are going to learn that bribing Biden buys them no protection. They got ripped off. Funny how all these idiots claimed that Trump would start WW3, but nobody tried anything while he was in office. I don't think countries like Poland & Hungary would take too kindly to Russian incursions. Ukraine is probably going to get screwed, though.
In other news, it's getting coooollllddd here tonight! It stayed around 60 degrees all day with 85% humidity, so damp cold which is bad enough, then the wind started picking up. :/ That made it too uncomfortable to be outside for too long in just a t-shirt, shorts, & flip-flops. I decided to bring in the orchids & my snow pea plants for the night. It's supposed to go down to 45 tonight with the wind chill making it feel like 36.❄⛄❄ Brrrrr!!!😜
BTW, did I tell you that I ordered a pair of black leather knee high lace up boots with 2.5 inch heels? I got them on sale for 60% off. Originally $250 but I paid $99.😎 The only bad thing is they are coming from Las Angeles and taking forever to get here because of "carrier delays" aka that state is a shit hole because of dumbasses running it. People have been robbing trains carrying packages in LA and the stupid commie DA out there refuses to prosecute anyone so theft is out of control. I was really concerned when I learned that that's where my boots were coming from. The tracking claims that my package was shipped & I'm supposed to receive it this Wednesday, but they haven't updated the progress since Friday. In normal times, it would only take 4 days to get here instead of 10. I ordered the boots on the 16th.😡
The Ukrainians are going to learn that bribing Biden buys them no protection.
You think the USA is going to let Russia do whatever it wants there?
It's supposed to go down to 45 tonight with the wind chill making it feel like 36.
Wow, that's close to freezing point. I guess that doesn't happen very often in Florida?
I ordered the boots on the 16th.
They do say that patience is a virtue. ;P
You think the USA is going to let Russia do whatever it wants there?
💩 for brains Biden practically invited them to do so. I think the idiots in charge in this country are creating a wag the dog situation because the junta's domestic policies have been utter disasters and they need the distraction. Also the war hawks with stocks in military industrial complex companies are looking to make up for all the money lost under Trump. They're also telling Americans to find their own way out of Ukraine because our government won't help them.
Wow, that's close to freezing point. I guess that doesn't happen very often in Florida?
It doesn't happen that often here in South Florida. North of the lake it's fairly common. My friend Ida who is down from Minnesota and staying in Ocala said that it was 26F there last night. It got cold enough that QoH put the heat on for a while this morning to get it comfortable inside. It was 46F when I checked the outside temperature at 8:30am. I'm sure it was colder than that overnight. Probably closer to 42F.
It's supposed to stay cool all week. I'm eager to get my new boots so that I can wear them comfortably before it gets hot again.☺
💩 for brains Biden practically invited them to do so.
How?
the junta's domestic policies
Junta? What are you talking about?
How?
I don't remember his exact words, but he said something to the effect of a minor incursion by Russia wouldn't warrant a response. Now he's trying to walk it back.
Junta? What are you talking about?
I have no love for the current administration and I tend to get hyperbolic.
In other news, I'm on day 3 of a Ma Nature visit. First 2 days sucked with the cramping, bad enough that I needed ibuprofen and a heating pad. Today there's none of that, but I've just felt tired all day. :/
I tend to get hyperbolic.
Well, that seems understatement in this case. ;P
but I've just felt tired all day.
I as well. But I made the mistake of putting leaks in my soup. Now I'm sneezing my butt off again.
But I made the mistake of putting leaks in my soup. Now I'm sneezing my butt off again.
I'm assuming that you mean leeks? Are you allergic to them?
I made mushroom & barley soup a week ago. It was really delicious. It's supposed to get even colder on Sunday, so I'll probably make another kind of soup. It's definitely soup weather.☺
I'm assuming that you mean leeks?
Yes.
Are you allergic to them?
I seem to have developed an intolerance to any plants related to onions.
It's definitely soup weather.
You should try snert. That's a traditional winter soup here.
I seem to have developed an intolerance to any plants related to onions.
Hmm, that has me thinking. Ever since I had the covid, my sense of taste & smell has been altered. I'm almost back to 100%, but one of the biggest things has been how I smell & taste onions. My sweat even smells like onions now even though I don't eat onions that often. :/ I wonder if your intolerance is related to the vax?
You should try snert. That's a traditional winter soup here.
Funny you should mention that. That's what I was planning to make. I even have the ham bone that I saved from thanksgiving in the freezer for that purpose. ☺
In other news, my boots were not delivered yesterday like they were supposed to be. I finally got an update to the tracking today saying that the package is in Orlando. I'm just relieved that it made it to Florida and wasn't stolen in California. I hope it will be delivered by Saturday because it's supposed to go down to 39F on Sunday and it would be nice to have the boots to wear.
I wonder if your intolerance is related to the vax?
Hm, doubtful. Looking over the past decade back I remember several times that I had unexplained sneezing bouts. And that was years ago, before covid and the vaccination.
I even have the ham bone that I saved from thanksgiving in the freezer for that purpose.
To make a broth out of? Where did you get the recipe BTW?
If you do make snert then make sure it's thick and creamy. :)
it would be nice to have the boots to wear.
So you are planning on going somewhere on Sunday?
To make a broth out of? Where did you get the recipe BTW?
Yes, it adds a nice flavor. IDK, it's one of those sorta southern recipes that you learn through osmosis.😜
If you do make snert then make sure it's thick and creamy. :)
That's the only proper way. I can't stand it thin or lumpy.
So you are planning on going somewhere on Sunday?
I was hoping to coax Roxy out of the house, but I just found out from her today that her dad is in the hospital with pneumonia and a UTI. I know how she is when it comes to her parents, so now it's doubtful if she'll be going anywhere other than the hospital. :/
I could always go out "shopping" somewhere just to be able to get out and have an excuse to dress up. My boots were delivered today and they are amazing. They fit me like they were made for me and the leather has a nice feel to it. They kinda get me sexually aroused. (You know how I have a thing for real leather.)😜😜😎👢🔥🔥🔥
They fit me like they were made for me and the leather has a nice feel to it.
Can you send a pic?
They kinda get me sexually aroused.
Pic does not need to include arousal but I would not complain about it if it did. ;P
Can you send a pic?
Pics sent. ;)
It got pretty cold this morning. It was 49F at 8am this morning and it was very windy. It doesn't seem as cold now at almost 8pm, but it's supposed to go down to 36F tonight.
Roxy's dad doesn't seem to be doing too good. He's still in the hospital. His dementia is getting bad & he tried to pull out his catheter. Roxy said that the doctor said he might have had a mild heart attack while the nurses were trying to calm him down. It sucks getting old. I think my dad was lucky since he went quickly and didn't have the physical and mental decline like others at that age.
Pics sent.
Looks good. Could use a nice belt. What does one wear with black leather pants?
it's supposed to go down to 36F tonight.
Better put on a sweater. :)
I think my dad was lucky since he went quickly and didn't have the physical and mental decline like others at that age.
I agree.
Looks good.
Thanks.☺
Could use a nice belt.
Those particular leggings don't have belt loops. I wouldn't wear them to go out anywhere. They were just for the pic. I have a couple of belts that would probably look good, though.
What does one wear with black leather pants?
I haven't really figured that out yet. One of my cashmere sweaters would probably look good with them if I was dressing up. They look good with silver high heels. QoH had a vintage pair that I tried on with them. They were uncomfortable, though. I'd like to get a pair that actually fits me and are comfortable. Not that I'll be going out anywhere any time soon. If I'm dressing down, one of my band t-shirts, leather jacket, and Dr Martens would look nice.😎
Better put on a sweater. :)
I've been wearing a hoodie all day. ;)
Those particular leggings don't have belt loops.
Wait, I was talking about your black leather pants (that do have belt loops AFACT). I think I was a little confused. I apparently got a pic of those pants some months ago and never noticed. I rarely look at the email account that you normally send pics, etc. to so I just didn't know you'd send those pics b/c you had not told me you had done that. :)
Anyway, your boots look nice too. Very sturdy. A bit military.
I apparently got a pic of those pants some months ago and never noticed.
D: Imagine if I sent something more *interesting* and you didn't check your email.😜
I think I got the black leather pants and little before Christmas. I haven't worn them anywhere yet, but I have a couple of cool belts that would look good with them.
Anyway, your boots look nice too. Very sturdy. A bit military.
Thanks.☺ I'm just glad that they fit well. Not too tall. Sometimes shoemakers forget that not every woman is a 6ft tall model with skinny legs. I like a lot of the boots made by Freebird, but all the ones that I like are way too tall and would be over my knees and not fit right.
I'm just glad that they fit well.
What's it like wearing boots in Florida? Are they warmer than normal shoes?
In other news, I'm currently wearing a portable blood pressure meter the coming 24 hours. I wonder how well I'll sleep with this device on my arm.
What's it like wearing boots in Florida? Are they warmer than normal shoes?
Well, 7 or 8 months out of the year it's kinda too hot for boots. Even when I was working and wore my Dr Marten's oxfords I usually couldn't wait to get home and take them off because enclosed shoes make your feet hot & sweaty. Sometimes it was bad enough that I'd go into our office and take off my shoes and socks so that my feet could air out. My assistant manager told me that she'd always take her shoes off after she left work and got into her car and would drive home with bare feet. We Floridians prefer wearing flip flops or sandals most of the time.
I'm currently wearing a portable blood pressure meter the coming 24 hours.
Why are you wearing that?
I wonder how well I'll sleep with this device on my arm.
I can tell you that when I was in the hospital and all rigged up I barely slept. :/
In other news, my friend Janet told me yesterday that she would like to go out for happy hour again with me some time this month. Hopefully we can do it on a day when it is cool enough for me to dress up in my leather pants and new boots.☺
Why are you wearing that?
To check how my blood pressure varies over 24 hours. A couple of months ago I went to the doctor and she check my blood pressure which turned out to be too high. I got some meds for that. After a 2nd check up, during which my BP was lower but still somewhat to high, my doctor suggested the 24 hour measurement. The meds I've been taking aren't specifically for lowering the blood pressure, more for widening the arteries. My cholesterol was a bit too high was well but I've changed my diet and it's lower now as well.
I did eat much more butter and mayo during the lock down. Plus I barely did any exercise. Not a healthy lifestyle.
when I was in the hospital and all rigged up
Was that for the brain thing? What kind of treatment were you given?
My cholesterol was a bit too high as well but I've changed my diet and it's lower now as well.
That's good. High cholesterol is usually a sign of inflammation.
I did eat much more butter and mayo during the lock down.
That would probably cause the inflammation.
That's totally relatable. During 2020 I did pretty good with my diet & exercise. By the second year, I was starting to feel better. My bladder wasn't bothering me as much and it seemed like my hormones weren't fluctuating like crazy. Then I started eating sugar and carbs again little by little. Then when my dad died, my self care went right out the window. At least I'm getting back on track with that.
Was that for the brain thing? What kind of treatment were you given?
No. I had to go to the ER because of acute bladder retention. Then they put a catheter in to drain my bladder. After they admitted me, they put in an IV port. Both were uncomfortable. The catheter wasn't painful, but because it was attached to a plastic container I couldn't move around too much without it pulling and putting pressure on my urethra. Then the IV port started hurting after a while. I'm normally a side sleeper, but you can't really sleep like that in a hospital bed with all that hardware attached to your body. Then one of the nurses put those stupid compression things on my legs. They're supposed to massage your legs to prevent blood clots. I tolerated those for about 2 hours, then I took them off. It was bad enough with the catheter & IV, but that was just too much. It's not like I was bedridden & needed it. I could get up and walk around just fine. I think they just try to come up with different crap to put on you to run up a bill. It was kinda ridiculous. They never really treated me for the fibroid. They did a couple of scans which probably could have been done on the first day, but they kept me in for 3 days to run up the bill.
I had to go to the ER because of acute bladder retention.
Ah. That's already a couple of years ago. Gosh. Time moves quickly.
I could get up and walk around just fine.
Wasn't that difficult with the catheter in?
They never really treated me for the fibroid.
Weird. Did they know you had a fibroid? Nobody tried to sell you medication for it?
Gosh. Time moves quickly.
Yes, it sure does. That was in November of 2019.
Wasn't that difficult with the catheter in?
No. It wasn't painful. It was more annoying than anything because I had to carry around the plastic container that the pee drained into whenever I got up. And I had to be careful not to let the tubing pull. Not that it could get pulled out. They use Foley catheters in the hospital. They have an inflatable ball on the tip that keeps it inside your bladder.
Did they know you had a fibroid?
Yes. They did a scan when I was in the ER and found it. Then the over-dramatic doctors scared me into agreeing to being admitted.
Nobody tried to sell you medication for it?
No. They went straight into saying that I needed a hysterectomy. That was not going to happen! Roxy had been through that and I wasn't going to get messed up like they did to her. There's no way I was going to get maimed and get thrown into menopause at the age of 43. To me, it's the equivalent of having a lipoma on your arm, but the Dr tells you that you need your arm amputated as the remedy.
That was in November of 2019.
Right before the official start of COVID. When it rains it pours...
That was not going to happen!
Yeah, I'm no doctor but that does seem a little over the top.
When it rains it pours...
Yeah, that really annoyed me.
I'm no doctor but that does seem a little over the top.
The worst part of it is it seems like everyone in the allopathic medical community thinks that's the answer, from the doctors on down to the guy who triages you in the ER. There are lots of alternatives, but surgeries make them the most money, so that's what they push. It's also bs when they claim that you can't shrink fibroids by natural means.
Anyhoo, I have the blahs. Not exactly depressed, just unmotivated to do anything. I *did* force myself to go out in the back yard and prune some of the shrubbery for about 30 minutes. I'd like to eliminate everything that requires constant trimming and attention, but QoH would throw a massive fit.
Not exactly depressed, just unmotivated to do anything.
Well, it's not like there are a lot of fun things to do ATM. I guess it's easy to get bored. I'm actually a little surprised there wasn't some kind of boredom epidemic along with the pandemic lock-down.
I'd like to eliminate everything that requires constant trimming and attention
You want to rip it all out of the garden?
Well, it's not like there are a lot of fun things to do ATM.
There *are* fun things to do in Ft Lauderdale, but I don't live up there and I've grown to hate driving 20 miles just to do stuff.
I'm actually a little surprised there wasn't some kind of boredom epidemic along with the pandemic lock-down.
I'm sure there had to be. Even worse for people who are stuck inside with someone who drives them nuts. :/
You want to rip it all out of the garden?
Not everything. Just the pain in the ass plants that don't have much use. If I'm going to take care of plants, I'd at least like to get some benefit from them (like food). BTW I planted the celery that I had in a vase of water in the kitchen into a nice pot with some fresh soil. It's currently hanging out on the back patio with the other stuff that I'm growing.☺
In other news, I haven't texted or talked to Roxy since last Saturday. I'm tired of our friendship being one sided. I texted her last Saturday just to find out if her dad was still in the hospital. I was trying to see how long it would be before she actually texted me first. It's been a week now. I've taken the attitude that the phone works both ways and I'm tired of always being the one who texts just to be ignored. I'm tired of being the one who puts forth the effort to maintain friendships. It would be nice if others gave me some thought.
I've grown to hate driving 20 miles just to do stuff.
But isn't that the American Way? ;)
I'm sure there had to be.
There doesn't seem to be any sign of that though.
It would be nice if others gave me some thought.
Yeah, I think you're quite right about that.
But isn't that the American Way? ;)
Sure, but traffic sucks and gas is expensive now. :/
Hopefully, my friend Janet will be able to go to happy hour with me this Thursday. It's supposed to get cooler this week and I'd like to wear my leather pants and new boots.😎
BTW Roxy DM'd me an update on her parents last night. I had already gone to bed when she did, so I didn't see it until this morning. Her dad is still in the hospital. Her brother & sister are being their usual asshole selves, and her mom isn't doing too good with all of it. I replied back, then sent a text this afternoon asking how she was doing, but I haven't heard back (not really surprised). :/
gas is expensive now
I've been seeing more electric cars drive around here. And recharge points popping up.
I haven't heard back (not really surprised
I'm sure she'll respond at some point, in her own time.
I've been seeing more electric cars drive around here.
Here they are a sorta virtue signal and status symbol for wealthy people. They're too expensive and impractical for most people since they only go 250-300 miles on a full charge. And charging stations are few and far between. I noticed that the parking lot at Wilton Manors city hall had several the last time I was up there. The parking garage at work had 2 on the lower level. And the Target store in Davie has some, but I've never seen a vehicle using them. Even my car with its little tank and bad gas mileage will get me from my house to Jacksonville with some fuel to spare. And it only takes a few minutes to refuel instead of several hours to recharge. I kinda like the idea of the Prius hybrid as far as gas mileage goes, though. The only bad thing is the batteries are expensive to replace.
In other news, I discovered that there are 2 more tulpen starting to poke through the soil. That makes a total of 7 now instead of 4. ☺ I also put QoH's former specimen size spider orchid in a new basket. It was looking raggedy and only half its previous size because she insisted on leaving it in a bad location and it got crowded out by another plant. Hopefully it will do better now. I need to find a tree branch to hang it on. I currently have it hanging on the fence under the avocado tree.
Arekino-san, you haz a mail.😎
Here they are a sorta virtue signal and status symbol for wealthy people.
If it gets them driving electric cars than they can signal their virtues all they want. :)
I discovered that there are 2 more tulpen starting to poke through the soil.
Nice. Seems a bit early but I guess it's much warmer in Florida.
Arekino-san, you haz a mail.
Okay, the boots and pants fit together. It is a rather aggressive looking ensemble. The belt buckle is a nice touch. Are you going for an 80's look?
Seems a bit early but I guess it's much warmer in Florida.
Yes it is. Our one weekend of winter came and went, so it'll be trending warmer from here on.
the boots and pants fit together.
They also were not uncomfortable. There was no bunching of the pants inside the boots since they were skinny fit.
It is a rather aggressive looking ensemble.
Kinda like a dominatrix.😎😜😜
The belt buckle is a nice touch. Are you going for an 80's look?
Thanks.☺ If Icon does another 80's themed party, I'd definitely wear this ensemble. I was also looking into getting one of those Frankie Goes to Hollywood 'Frankie Say Relax' shirts to wear to any future 80's themed events. It's definitely iconic.☺ I still have some of those colorful gummy bracelets from when I was a kid in a drawer somewhere. Those would definitely be good for 80's attire.
I found a company in Chicago that makes the Frankie Say Relax Don't Do It shirt with the band logo on the bottom like the original vintage shirts, so I just bought one.😎
Kinda like a dominatrix.
Or the bottom half of Darth Vader. ;P
so I just bought one
Bold of you. :)
What about a jacket? The 80's had some pretty garish color schemes.
Or the bottom half of Darth Vader. ;P
LOL That'll work, too.😂
Bold of you. :)
Yes, I *am* bold sometimes.
What about a jacket? The 80's had some pretty garish color schemes.
I have leather jackets if I wanted to go for the 80's hair metal look. I just wish I hadn't thrown away my Def Leppard shirts. I have new Guns N Roses & Motorhead ones that would also work for that look, though. I still have a very garish sweater somewhere in my closet. It was an Olympics themed one. Lots of loud colors. It was probably for the '84 or '88 Olympics. IIRC,'84 was the year that it was in Los Angeles and the market was flooded with all sorts of Olympics crap that QoH bought for me.
I also had those neon colored accessories (socks, hair clips, etc) that were popular back then. I think they all got thrown out years ago, unfortunately.
Arekino-san, you haz another mail.😜
you haz another mail.
That is an.. interesting.. looking sweater. It looks like it's something Captain Britain may have worn. :)
I don't know if sweaters work well in the Florida climate though.
That is an.. interesting.. looking sweater.
I don't think I wore it much. It doesn't really get cold very many days in South Florida. I was going to say that it used to get colder when I was a kid, but I think that had more to do with our house not having heating or insulation. When we got the central AC/heat installed, they also insulated the attic. And we also had new windows installed that were insulated.
I don't know if sweaters work well in the Florida climate though.
They are more useful further up the state.
It was supposed to be cool today, but the weather people lied. It was somewhat cool in the morning, but got hot shortly after noon. I was sweating my ass off while unloading the groceries from my car. I'm glad I decided to wear a t-shirt with my pants instead of something with long sleeves. I couldn't get changed out of those hot clothes fast enough. I'm currently wearing a tank top and shorts, no shoes or socks. ☺
think that had more to do with our house not having heating or insulation
No heating? At all?
I'm currently wearing a tank top and shorts, no shoes or socks.
Is it that warm already? In early February?
No heating? At all?
There was a gas floor furnace in the upstairs hallway (very dangerous! IDK what idiot thought that was a good location for a furnace) which I walked across with bare feet when I was a toddler & burned the hell out of my feet. After that, QoH had it disconnected and it wasn't used again. My parents had a couple of kerosene space heaters for when it got really cold. The problem with those was they had to be kept away from anything flammable. Most of the house had carpet back then, so they'd put one in the kitchen since the floor was terrazzo and there was plenty of space for it. It only kept the kitchen somewhat warm and you had to stand directly over it to warm yourself. Luckily when I was a kid, I was at school for 7 hours a day and they had central heating, so I didn't have to freeze my ass off too much.
Is it that warm already? In early February?
Yes. It's 80 degrees today. Supposed to be 82 tomorrow, then back down to 71 on Monday.
My parents had a couple of kerosene space heaters for when it got really cold.
That was in the 1980's? We had fairly comfortable gas powered central heating even in the 1970's. Was your house especially outdated?
That was in the 1980's?
Yes.
Was your house especially outdated?
Yes. It was built in 1954 and I don't think any of the previous owners made any attempt to upgrade anything. I'm the one who bought a window sill A/C unit for my bedroom when I got my first job. Then after my parents divorced, I slowly started upgrading things when I had the money for it.
In other news, Aldi had a French roast coffee for $3.99 (12 ounces). The price was so low that I decided to buy it. I made a pot of it today. It's not bad. Not as good as the Starbucks Sumatra, but it's still good.
On the gardening front, I had put another snow pea seed into a peat pot a week ago and when I checked today it had sprouted. I went ahead and transferred it to a big pot with fresh dirt. Hopefully the other two will start giving peas in another month or so. The rosemary that I planted is still alive and the celery is looking nice and healthy albeit a little bushy. I think the next thing I'll try planting will be the basil. The pepper seeds that I planted didn't sprout. I think they were some that I had saved from a store bought pepper. They might have been GMO and sterile. I'll try again with different seeds.
I slowly started upgrading things when I had the money for it.
What else have you had to upgrade so far?
Not as good as the Starbucks Sumatra, but it's still good
What would you say is the difference between the two?
I'll try again with different seeds.
Do you think you will try growing any other herbs/veggies?
What else have you had to upgrade so far?
Hurricane panels, new windows, central A/C, and a new roof. The next thing QoH wants is a standby generator.
What would you say is the difference between the two?
The Sumatra has an earthy, full-bodied flavor.
Do you think you will try growing any other herbs/veggies?
Yes. I already have a couple of peat pots soaking in water so I can try starting some sweet basil seeds. I'd also like to try growing tomatoes since they are easy to grow. Then maybe some jalapeño peppers and maybe some bell peppers.
I need to buy some more clay pots. I've used all the large ones that were out back. I do have a few of the 2 gallon size plastic pots that plants from the nursery come in, but those don't look very nice.
The next thing QoH wants is a standby generator.
Couldn't you just stick a wind up key in her back if she runs out of power? ;P
I need to buy some more clay pots.
Terra cotta pots look nice and practical, I think.
Couldn't you just stick a wind up key in her back if she runs out of power? ;P
I don't care if she runs out of power. The standby generator would be great if we had a hurricane.
Terra cotta pots look nice and practical, I think.
Yes, they do. That's what I have everything in now.
I think I'm going to need some 3-5 gallon size ones. I'm contemplating growing okra and they require a large pot (5 gallon). I'm going to see if Lowe's has a dwarf size okra since the regular ones get kinda huge.
The standby generator would be great if we had a hurricane.
I guess you don't cook on natural gas?
I'm contemplating growing okra
Okra is a bit of an exotic mystery to me. What does one do with it? Is it just a vegetable?
Why Okra? Why?
I guess you don't cook on natural gas?
Yes, we do. Our stove/oven & water heater are natural gas. Everything else is electric. It really sucks when the electric goes out during a hurricane. If I got the standby generator, it would run off of the natural gas hookup.
What does one do with it? Is it just a vegetable? Why Okra? Why?
We eatz it!😜 It's a sorta traditional southern soul food type vegetable. I think it originally came from Africa. It is very heat tolerant and a prolific grower. The way I've always eaten it is cut up and fried in a batter of egg and cornmeal. It is delicious like that.😋
If I got the standby generator, it would run off of the natural gas hookup.
What if there's no natural gas either?
It is delicious like that.
So it's like snack?
What if there's no natural gas either?
Then everyone with natural gas would be screwed! :/
So it's like snack?
More like a delicious side dish.
In other news, Ma Nature arrived with a vengeance today. I was having moderate cramping earlier today and dropping clots like crazy. I decided to postpone going grocery shopping until tomorrow or Friday.
My Frankie Goes to Hollywood shirt is supposed to be delivered on Friday. The post office is supposed to be delivering it so they can put it in the mail box if I'm not here.
BTW, Arekino-san, a very belated Happy Birthday to you! I was laying in bed last night and it suddenly occurred to me that I totally forgot your birthday! D: Did anyone else remember? Did you get any presents or cake?🎈🎂🎁🎉
Then everyone with natural gas would be screwed!
Ah, I guess that would generate some energy. ;P
I totally forgot your birthday!
I forgot you didn't remember. :) It's fine. I don't really celebrate it anyway.
Did anyone else remember?
My parents almost forgot. My sister remembered the day after. I blame COVID. The nice thing about covid is not getting any visitors though.
Did you get any presents or cake?
Nah. Although coincidentally the day before my father brought some appelflappen. I didn't have to buy any on my birthday because of that.(as eating them 2 days in a row is a bit much.)
Well, I hope Ma Nature goes away soon. That bitch. ;)
My parents almost forgot. My sister remembered the day after.
I think QoH forgot my last one.
The nice thing about covid is not getting any visitors though.
😂😂😂😂 Spoken like a true introvert. 😜
the day before my father brought some appelflappen.
Mmm, that sounds really good! Making me hungry! 😋
Well, I hope Ma Nature goes away soon. That bitch. ;)
Me too. The clots are the most annoying thing about it. Hopefully some of my belly bloat will go away after the bitch leaves.
I really need to get serious about my diet, though. After I started feeling better IRT my bladder problems, the bad eating habits started creeping back in. While I was on the anti-fibroid diet, I cut out almost all refined carbs & sugar from my diet. It's amazing how much weight you put on just by eating bread. I'm going to have to start eating a shit ton of apples & Brussels sprouts again. I'm also wondering how much of my weight gain is actually from gaining muscle. My biceps & quads are noticeably larger since I've been working out regularly with the heavier weights.
It's amazing how much weight you put on just by eating bread.
How much bread do you eat?
I'm also wondering how much of my weight gain is actually from gaining muscle.
Is there any way to find out?
I've been eating more nuts the last couple of months. They have lots of fiber, some protein and no cholesterol. A small hand-full of mixed, unsalted nuts a couple of times a day. Also, it's nice to eat something that you actively have to chew on.
How much bread do you eat?
Not a ton. A few times per week I have a bagel or a sandwich.
Is there any way to find out?
I think there are fancy ways to measure that at the doctors office which costs lots of money. I think one requires you to submerge in a tank of water.
I've been eating more nuts the last couple of months.
I was doing that for protein when I was on my anti-fibroid diet. I was eating a lot of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, & pecans. I bought a big container of peanuts a week ago, but now QoH has confiscated them and has them in her room. :/
I bought a big bag of apples at Aldi today along with some spring mix (organic lettuce blend) and lots of other vegetables and berries. I don't mind eating healthy things, I actually prefer it, but it's a lot of work having to deal with QoH every day and sometimes it's easier to make a sandwich rather than preparing something healthy.
In other news, I got a summons for jury duty in the mail today. I already logged into the juror website, filled out the questionnaire, and requested an excusal. Since QoH is old and handicapped, I've been using her as the reason for excusal for the past 10 years. :)
A few times per week I have a bagel or a sandwich.
You mean besides your daily bread?
I've been using her as the reason for excusal for the past 10 years
I mean, she is old and handicapped. And she probably eats too many peanuts.
You mean besides your daily bread?
I don't eat bread every day.
I mean, she is old and handicapped. And she probably eats too many peanuts.
All true.😂😂😂
In other news, my neighbor told me that the house across the street finally sold for $445k. IMO, that's about $70k too much than market value. But whatever, I'm not the one paying it. While I was talking with my her, the new owner came out and my neighbor waved him over and we chatted with him for a few minutes. He seems like a nice guy. He & his wife are from Chicago. She's a nurse. I don't know what he does. She's supposed to be moving down when he gets things settled here. At least he plans on doing more improvements like fencing, a pool, and solar panels. I warned him against the SunRun company. That's the one that scammed my dad.
I was going to mow today, but it's too hot. Tomorrow it's supposed to cool down, so I'll do it then. I had originally wanted to go to Wilton market, but Roxy is still preoccupied with her dad. They finally moved him to the rehab place in Wilton Manors.
Maybe my friend Janet will be available some time this week to go out again. She had mentioned wanting to go out again this month.
Arekino-san, you haz a mail.😎
I don't eat bread every day.
I could eat bread 3 times a days, I think. It's just so easy. No cooking involved.
I warned him against the SunRun company.
The company seems to be doing quite well though.
I was going to mow today, but it's too hot.
I was going to take a walk today but we've been having stormy weather the past 4 days.
Arekino-san, you haz a mail.
Frankie has arrived, I see. Colors aren't as garish as I expected. It does look comfortable.
I could eat bread 3 times a days, I think. It's just so easy. No cooking involved.
Same here. Part of the problem is it's so easy. I get so tired of cooking for QoH that I just want to grab something quick and easy for myself. Now that I'm hitting my mid-40's and my hormones are all crazy, I have to be careful with what I eat. I don't want to blow up like a blimp 5 pounds at a time like QoH did. :/
The company seems to be doing quite well though.
I'm sure they get lots of government subsidies. They are pieces of shit. They have a history of lying to elderly customers & forging signatures on contracts like what they did with my dad. They have lots of formal complaints against them. I researched it. I'm still contemplating whether or not I'm going to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office.
I was going to take a walk today but we've been having stormy weather the past 4 days.
Ah, yes, that beautiful Dutch weather. 😜
Colors aren't as garish as I expected. It does look comfortable.
It is one of the 3 official designs that the band put out. I was lucky to find a company that makes them. There are so many knock-offs out there. I like having the original style with the band logo on the bottom like the vintage ones. And it fits good. I was also impressed that whoever was making the shirt got the graphics perfectly centered. That's a pet peeve of mine. I'm so OCD that if the design is off centered it bothers me.
I have to be careful with what I eat.
It's more about now much you eat of a thing of course. But yeah, if your around 50 then you will start to gain weight really easily if you don't watch yourself.
Ah, yes, that beautiful Dutch weather.
Still no hurricanes though. ;)
I'm so OCD that if the design is off centered it bothers me.
That doesn't seem all that OCD. I bet lots of people feel that way about non-centered text.
It's more about now much you eat of a thing of course.
And calories & quality of calories. I can eat a shit-ton of vegetables and there aren't as many calories as a couple of chocolate covered cherries or some ice cream. I'm also not getting the physical activity that I once was when I was working.
Yesterday, QoH woke me up at 3am. I couldn't fall back asleep for anything. Then she wanted breakfast at 7am. I figured that there was no way I was going to get any sleep, so I mowed the yard after I gave her breakfast. It was cool enough before the sun got directly overhead so I managed to mow the whole yard without having to take a break. I also did a bit of raking before I used the leaf blower.
All that work tired me out enough that I was able to fall asleep pretty quickly last night. Luckily for me, QoH didn't wake me up at 3am. She waited until 7am, so at least I got almost 8 hours of sleep. I was a little sore, though. My gluteus medius especially from pulling the lawnmower. :/ After I fixed her breakfast, I managed to go back to sleep for another 3 hours. I definitely needed it since QoH has gotten into the habit of waking me up once or twice per night almost every night for the past several weeks. :/
QoH woke me up at 3am
What does she wake you up for at that early hour?
What does she wake you up for at that early hour?
It used to be because the satellite receiver would automatically power down at that time and she didn't know how to turn it back on(because pushing the big red power button that is labeled "satellite" on the remote control is way too complicated for her). Now it's usually because she wants a snack (usually an assortment of cheeses) and something to drink and she won't get it herself because she has trouble getting back upstairs.
Last night I got a text from the jury duty people saying that my request to be excused was granted. I now don't have to worry about jury duty for another year.☺ That was a super quick response from them. I logged into the site after business hours on Friday and they got back to me on Tuesday night. So 2 business days. I'm amazed that they (Dade County courts) seem to have their shit together much better than Broward County.
Last night I talked to Roxy on the phone after she left work. Her dad finally got moved to the rehab in Wilton Manors. She said that the staff there is very good, much, much better than the incompetent assholes at the hospital that he was at. Of course, her brother & sister are acting like jackasses concerning the matter. I told her that that's one of the advantages of having most of your family dead or estranged like me, you don't have to deal with that kind of bullshit.
usually an assortment of cheeses
An assortment? Do you usually keep a supply of several types of cheese around?
the rehab in Wilton Manors
What kind of place is that exactly?
you don't have to deal with that kind of bullshit
I hear some people actually like their family. :)
An assortment? Do you usually keep a supply of several types of cheese around?
Yes and yes. I have Emmentaler, cheddar, pepper jack, white cheddar with cranberries, and herb semi-soft, and goat. I also have a habanero cheese for myself. It's waaay too spicy for QoH. I also bought a brie and an asiago but haven't opened them yet. We're very gourmet around here.😜
What kind of place is that exactly?
They keep the patients there and do physical therapy until they are ready to go home. It's for people who have been released from the hospital but still aren't well enough to go straight home.
I hear some people actually like their family. :)
Must be nice.
We're very gourmet around here.
And here I thought you only ate cheese directly from a can. ;P
Nice collection of cheeses BTW :)
Must be nice.
I don't know if it's true though. There's something about the amount of time people spend with their family growing up. You just get to know them a little too well.
And here I thought you only ate cheese directly from a can. ;P
WTF is cheese in a can? I'm assuming Cheese Wiz? I've never had that. I like real cheese, not chemicals. 😎
Nice collection of cheeses BTW :)
Thanks.
You just get to know them a little too well.
It also helps if they are genuinely decent people and not assholes.
I'm assuming Cheese Wiz?
I have no idea. I just saw people spray cheese into their mouths in a movie once. :)
I have no idea. I just saw people spray cheese into their mouths in a movie once. :)
LOL Yeah, sounds like Cheese Wiz or however it's spelled. 😝
Did you know that some maniacs actually put that crap on Philly cheese steaks? Like wtf? Proper cheese steak has provolone. Now I'm making myself hungry. ;)
I've been watching what I've been eating the past 2 days. I've upped my fruit & veg intake. It's hard trying to cut down on refined carbs, though. They're so damn addictive! I've also been working out today. I'm focusing on building up my entire triceps. My outer triceps seem to be bigger than the inner head, so I've started doing kickbacks with my 10 pound dumbbells. It shouldn't take too long to get them up to par. I'd like them to look at least half as good as Cori the trainer's. ☺
Today was actually quite nice weather-wise. Nice and sunny with low humidity and not too hot. It's too bad that Roxy has to work. It would be nice to go hang out in Wilton Manors again. It's perfect weather for walking around the shops on Wilton Drive.
My outer triceps seem to be bigger than the inner head
I recognize the words in that sentence but I have no idea what it means.
I'd like them to look at least half as good as Cori the trainer's
I guess that's a worthy goal. :)
I recognize the words in that sentence but I have no idea what it means.
😂😂😂 The side closest to my body is not as well defined as the other side. A well defined triceps looks kinda like a puffy horseshoe.
I guess that's a worthy goal. :)
And it's definitely attainable.
I watched a video on YouTube today of an older lady giving tips on how to lose fat and gain muscle after 40. I think I need to up my protein intake since that seems like a key thing that I'm lacking. I've already upped the amount of weight that I lift and am seeing results. I just need to be a little more consistent, but that's easier said than done when I have to deal with QoH every day. She is very exhausting. :/
I just need to be a little more consistent
Do you have to adhere to a schedule or something?
Do you have to adhere to a schedule or something?
Not really. I just need to make sure I'm working out at least 2 or 3 times per week. I have definitely gotten stronger. Last night I was doing shoulder presses with the 20 pound dumbbells. Also bicep curls. Heavier weights with fewer reps is supposed to make the muscles grow bigger.☺
I don't know about your weather, but it is very nice here today and for the rest of the week. The high temperature today is 78 and it just goes up to 80 for the next few days. And it's not humid so it feels cooler than it is. I texted my friend Janet to see if she's free on Thursday to go to happy hour, but she hasn't replied yet. If not, there's a market scheduled for Sunday the 13th that I'd like to go to. Maybe she or Roxy would be available to go if given enough notice.
I don't know about your weather
Meh, it's okay. It's good enough to take a walk now and again.
Apparently the people celebrating carnaval were quite happy with the weather. I guess they didn't have to spend most of their time inside the cafes but rather outside.
Apparently the people celebrating carnaval were quite happy with the weather.
I'm surprised that that isn't more popular here. We have hundreds of thousands of people from the Caribbean & South America in Florida, yet it's only New Orleans that is known for celebrating Carnival & Fat Tuesday.
St Patrick's day is coming up, though, and lots of people celebrate that even if they don't have any Irish heritage. Aldi had corned beef on sale today so I picked up a package as well as a bag of beautiful red potatoes. When it gets closer I'll have to buy a cabbage.☺🍀🌈
And yesterday I bought myself 2 pairs of cargo shorts (1 camo & 1 solid black) since my other ones are getting kinda raggedy. I found them in the boys department. I find that the boys extra large fits me well and they are made with deep pockets unlike the shorts that they make for women. And I discovered that these particular shorts have a way to adjust the waist from the inside for a customizable fit. I really like that feature and think it should be standard on all pants & shorts. Also the clothes in the kids department are cheaper than adult clothing for some reason.☺
I'm surprised that that isn't more popular here.
Nothing similar exists in Florida?
unlike the shorts that they make for women.
I have read about people complaining that women clothes lack pockets for some reason.
Also the clothes in the kids department are cheaper than adult clothing for some reason.
Maybe they're smaller and less fabric is used to make them? IDK.
Nothing similar exists in Florida?
I saw an advertisement on the TV today for some Carnival thing they were doing this weekend, but I wasn't really paying attention as to where it was going to be. Somewhere in Miami, I think. I don't really care since I'm not interested in going.
I have read about people complaining that women clothes lack pockets for some reason.
They lack functional pockets. If they do have pockets, they're mostly for aesthetics and too small to hold much without stuff falling out. It really pisses me off since I don't carry a purse and need pants & shorts with large enough pockets to carry all my crap. IDK why they are made like that.
Maybe they're smaller and less fabric is used to make them? IDK.
That may be the case for clothing for little kids, but even the pre-teen sizes which fit petite adults like me are basically the same price.
I've read articles about women complaining that items geared towards women cost more. It does seem that way. More expensive & less functional.😡 It's the same with shoes. A young men's size 4 is the same as a ladies size 6 (what I wear). I can find sneakers that are size 4 that are cheaper than a ladies' 6 and they are literally the same size.
less functional
Maybe they're more decorative, which may cost more money to make? Again, I have no idea.
Why don't women just buy men's clothing and shoes if it's cheaper? :)
Maybe they're more decorative, which may cost more money to make?
It seems like the labor involved is about the same. Only the material for the pockets is less.
Why don't women just buy men's clothing and shoes if it's cheaper? :)
Because the clothes aren't designed for a women's physique. Especially with pants, the crotch area fits too baggy since women are lacking certain external organs to fill it out.😜
My new shorts have that problem. I have to make sure I keep them pulled up and not let them sag or it looks like I got something down there. :/
As far as shoes are concerned, I think most women like the style of ladies shoes even if they are uncomfortable (like high heels). I prefer comfort. I've never liked wearing high heels. That's probably why I still have nice looking feet and not nasty-looking gnarly feet. ☺
lacking certain external organs to fill it out
Even for guys it doesn't really fill it out, unless their very tight pants. I do hate it when the crotch part of my pants bulges upwards when sitting down.
not nasty-looking gnarly feet.
I doubt high heeled shoes cause that? You'd have to wear them day in, day out, I think. Do people really do that? That's insane if so.
unless their very tight pants.
These particular shorts are snug. What's weird is I've bought the same brand (Wrangler) in pants for work and they did not have that issue. I guess it's just a matter of how they were cut.
I do hate it when the crotch part of my pants bulges upwards when sitting down.
Gives the impression that your soldier is standing at attention, eh?😂😜
I doubt high heeled shoes cause that?
They do if you wear them every day.
Do people really do that? That's insane if so.
Yes. QoH did that. She insisted on wearing high heeled work shoes for most of her career and she got very nasty bunions because of it. I also had a boss who had the gnarliest feet I've ever seen. Multiple hammer toes and just plain nasty. She was another one who wore stupidly uncomfortable shoes all the time.
Gives the impression that your soldier is standing at attention, eh?
Exactly. It's just awkward.
She was another one who wore stupidly uncomfortable shoes all the time.
Were they really attractive looking shoes?
This whole thing reminds me of the foot binding tradition that used to exist in China. Weird stuff.
Were they really attractive looking shoes?
No. She didn't have much fashion sense. I thought she wore the ugliest clothes & shoes. If you're going to torture yourself, you better make sure that you at least look good.
This whole thing reminds me of the foot binding tradition that used to exist in China.
Yep. IMO I think that high heels are meant to give the illusion of smaller feet. I just don't understand the obsession with small feet. I have small feet, but they are proportional to the rest of my body.
IMO I think that high heels are meant to give the illusion of smaller feet
Possibly. Or maybe they make your legs look longer? Hard to say.
In other news, I've got an appointment with social services Wednesday. I guess it's the usual stuff.
Or maybe they make your legs look longer?
Yes, that too.
I've got an appointment with social services Wednesday. I guess it's the usual stuff.
D:
I guess they are going to try to entice you into getting a job and being self supporting? 😜
Well, I just checked on my potted plants. The tallest of the snow pea plants had 1 flower blossom on it for the past 2 days. Now it is turning into a pea pod. It is about 1cm long ATM. ☺ I hope the others will start blossoming soon. I can't do much with one solitary pea pod.😜 The rosemary & tulpen are also coming along very slowly. The celery and onion are growing like crazy. I guess that's because they got a head start from being grown from store-bought vegetables. IMO it only makes sense to try to grow stuff from scraps that would normally go in the trash. If it's something that can be regrown, I might as well try since it doesn't cost any extra.
Oh, did I tell you that I had an unwelcome visitor the other night? I had noticed some unusual holes and strange looking scat in the back yard on Saturday. Then later that evening as I was finishing up raking some leaves in the front yard, the culprit revealed itself. I had turned around to wheel the garbage can back to the carport when I saw a big raccoon walking towards me down the front walkway. I was glad I was armed with the rake since raccoons have a nasty disposition. The damned thing wasn't even scared. I had to take a couple of swipes at it with the rake to get it to run away. I'm not sure where it went, but I haven't seen it again, thank God.
I'm pretty sure that all these damn critters are coming up from the storm drain. When they widened 7th Avenue and put in the new drain pipes, they made them to drain into Snake Creek. I've never seen wildlife other than possums in this neighborhood in 45 years, now all of a sudden there are iguanas & raccoons. 😬
I guess they are going to try to entice you into getting a job and being self supporting?
I hope not.
IMO it only makes sense to try to grow stuff from scraps that would normally go in the trash.
If you just want to save money, sure. But there's also the freshness of homegrown veggies. And the pride in having grown them yourself. :)
they made them to drain into Snake Creek.
Isn't Snake Creek a long way away form where you live?
But there's also the freshness of homegrown veggies. And the pride in having grown them yourself. :)
I like both of those things also. I was very excited to see the baby pea pod growing(it's almost 2cm long now). It really doesn't take much effort to grow things, but it is very rewarding & satisfying. ☺
Isn't Snake Creek a long way away form where you live?
It's about a mile from here. The storm drains run in a straight line along 7th Avenue and drain into the Snake Creek canal. The main drainage pipes are probably 3/4 of a meter in diameter, so they are plenty large enough for critters to crawl into and use as a highway.
In other news, our kitchen sink has been having drainage issues for a while. Plunging it and putting chemicals were only temporary fixes. It has been completed plugged for the past 2 days and I got fed up enough to take the goose neck & connector off and tried fixing it myself. There was a solid mass plugging the goose neck which looked like hard concrete. I have no idea what it was, but I successfully removed it. Then I used a long thick copper wire to snake out all the crud that was in the copper drain pipe. Luckily for me, the last plumber who was out a few years ago had replaced the pipes directly under the sink with PVC and connected it to the copper drain pipe with a rubber connector, so it was fairly easy to take it apart & put it back together. It seems to be draining fine now. ☺
I guess all those years of watching This Old House on TV paid off for me. I was able to fix the problem in 15 minutes and I did not have to pay a plumber mucho dinero to fix it. ☺
looked like hard concrete. I have no idea what it was
It would have to be food material, would it not?
It would have to be food material, would it not?
I was thinking that maybe the chemicals that I used (which look like little crystals) had some kind of reaction with grease and made the hard mass. It was very strange. I'm going to have to be more vigilant about not letting food or grease go down the drain. I do scrape stuff off of our plates and into the garbage before I wash them, but perhaps I should start wiping them off with a paper towel. The stuff clogging the drain pipes was disgusting and I don't want to have to clean it out again any time soon. :/
perhaps I should start wiping them off with a paper towel
Or maybe use oils to cook with? We usually use olive oil.
BTW my conversation with the social security person has led to a medical check up in my immediate future. I've had that before but S.S. guy was new so I guess we're doing this all over again. Yay.
We usually use olive oil.
That's what I use mostly. I do season food with real butter, though.
I've had that before but S.S. guy was new so I guess we're doing this all over again. Yay.
LOL Nothing like government inefficiency.
In other news, the Attorney General's office emailed me back today in regards to the complaint that I filed against the solar panel company that defrauded my father. They requested documentation and gave me their direct email. I sent them a copy of the service contract that they forged my dad's name on and also gave them my mobile number so they can contact me directly if they have any follow up questions. It's nice to know that my state does not play around when it comes to defrauding elderly people. P
the service contract that they forged my dad's name on
They forged his signature? Did they just a randomly guess your dad's signature? Or did they copy the real one somehow?
my state does not play around when it comes to defrauding elderly people.
Yeah, lots of elderly voters in Florida, I expect.
They forged his signature? Did they just a randomly guess your dad's signature?
They wrote his name in cursive on the contract. It was clearly not my dad's signature. I know what his signature looks like and I have his ID, checkbook, & numerous papers with his real signature to prove that what is on their contract is not his signature.
This is a tactic that their unscrupulous sales people use with elderly people. They get paid by commission, so they lie and come up with all sorts of shady ways to "make a sale". I thought it very odd that I couldn't find any documentation or checks written in my dad's checkbook for any solar company. They clearly lied to him, never gave him a copy of a contract, and even went so far as to set up a fake email account for him. My dad didn't have a computer or smart phone, didn't know how to use either, and definitely didn't have an email. It really pisses me off the lengths these people will go to to scam elderly people and then have the audacity to threaten me, saying I'll be responsible to pay $25k for the panels. 1) I didn't sign shit. 2) What they claimed as my dad's signature is clearly forged. 3) My dad told me that he never signed anything and that they never gave him a contract. 4) The property has been sold. 5) Probate was closed without anyone making any monetary claims against my dad's estate. IMO, they are shit outta luck. I'm not paying shit & I doubt very seriously that I'd be forced to under the circumstances, especially when fraud is involved.
saying I'll be responsible to pay $25k for the panels.
I don't remember you telling me about that. When did they say that? How long has this been going on?
I don't remember you telling me about that.
Hmm, maybe I didn't. Originally the guy who was buying dad's house told me to contact the solar company & have the service transferred to my name because "it would be easier" to transfer it to him that way. I did contact them, but didn't hear back from them until the day before I was supposed to sign the closing documents on the sale of the property. When I read through the documents, I realized if I did that then I'd be on the hook to pay. I never signed the service transfer paperwork. They also sent me a copy of the contract that my dad had allegedly signed. When I eventually looked it over, I realized that it wasn't his signature on there & that they had an email address for him that someone obviously made up since my dad didn't own a computer or a smart phone & didn't have an email or know how to set one up. Also, the contract said that it ended when the house is sold. I figured that once it was sold, I wouldn't have to worry about it any more.
Well apparently the guy I sold it to transferred ownership to someone else the day I sold it to them. I guess that person is refusing to transfer the service contract. I sure as hell am not going to furnish any more documents or sign anything else at this point since all parties involved seem to be shady and are trying to trick me into being responsible for the cost of the panels. The solar company low-key threatened me a couple of weeks ago that "I may be responsible" for the full cost of the panels. They seemed to have been in touch with the new owner to get the service transfer & were CC'ing me on the emails. I got another of those types of emails and week ago and it set me off again. I was going to report them to the AG months ago, but I thought it was over when I sold the house. They really pissed me off this time with the threats so I reported them.
My dad isn't the only elderly person who they've scammed in that way. I did an Internet search and found lots of stories about the same bullshit that they pulled on other elderly people. Like a 92 year old woman that they got to sign a 25 year contract knowing full well that she isn't going to live another 25 years to pay for it. IIRC she died a few months later (just like my dad). I'm really tired of that company and their bullshit and I hope that the AG can help me out.
I also labeled their emails as spam so I don't have to see them any more & blocked their number. I changed my voice-mail greeting to just the computer voice so that it no longer identifies me. I intend to ignore any communication from them from here on out. Since the probate was closed, I doubt that they can come after me financially since I never signed any service agreement with them. We don't have hereditary contracts in this country. 😡😡😡
I hope that the AG can help me out.
Well, I hope the AG makes sure these people get send to prison ASAP.
Well, I hope the AG makes sure these people get send to prison ASAP.
Yes, definitely. And have their company put out of business.
It was very windy today. A "cold" front blew in last night and cooled everything down. It's only going to last until tomorrow, though, and then it's going to get hot again, but not as hot as it was on Saturday. It was 90F on Saturday. :/
And unfortunately Ma Nature arrived yesterday so I haven't felt up to doing anything while the weather is nice. :/
It was 90F on Saturday.
That's a midsummer temperature for us. :o
Do you think that it will ever get too hot in Florida?
That's a midsummer temperature for us. :o
It was due to a weird weather system.
Do you think that it will ever get too hot in Florida?
It depends on where in Florida you are. I think Orlando is too hot. It's in the center of the state and gets wickedly hot & humid in the summer. At least where I'm at, we get ocean breezes. As long as there is AC it will be tolerable. I didn't have AC in the house for the first 18 years of my life. It's not easy without it.
At least where I'm at, we get ocean breezes.
I wish we had ocean breezes where I live. I don't live close enough to the sea unfortunately. It's been years since I've been there as well. I always enjoy the smell of the salty air. :)
It's been years since I've been there as well. I always enjoy the smell of the salty air. :)
I guess the last time I was at the beach was last year when my friend from Canada & her daughter came down. Unfortunately, the day we all went out together I wasn't expecting to end up at the beach & I wasn't dressed for it. IIRC there were lots of Portuguese Man'o'war on the beach that day. Those bastards leave a nasty sting if they touch you, so just as well that we didn't go in the water.
We have all the Spring Breakers down now for the next few weeks, so the beach is best avoided right now. Too many of them come down and act like jackasses. We already have enough local jackasses and I don't feel like dealing with out-of-town jackasses.
I'm still trying to get Roxy to come out to have a little fun. She's been dealing with her dad in the hospital & now rehab for over a month now. She needs to take a break from it, but she tends to be obsessive when it comes to taking care of her parents. My best bet is probably getting Janet to meet me for Happy Hour or just doing something by myself.
when my friend from Canada & her daughter came down.
How's she doing these days? Did she get all better?
We already have enough local jackasses and I don't feel like dealing with out-of-town jackasses
I'd avoid the species altogether as they too can leave a nasty sting. ;)
She's been dealing with her dad in the hospital & now rehab for over a month now.
So is her dad recovering?
or just doing something by myself.
Maybe you'll meet new people if you do that. :)
How's she doing these days? Did she get all better?
It was her mother who was sick. She had diverticulitis. It seems to have cleared up, but she has to be careful about what she eats now.
I'd avoid the species altogether as they too can leave a nasty sting. ;)
LOL I loathe large crowds in general and there are always some jackasses in there.
So is her dad recovering?
Not really. His dementia seems to be getting worse and he is back in the hospital because he had a stroke and heart issues. He was supposed to have had surgery this morning to put in a defibrillator. I texted Roxy a while ago to see how he's doing, but she hasn't texted back yet. I feel bad for him & the whole family. He's 85 and I don't think he'll last much longer. Sometimes I think they just do these procedures just to get every last cent they can out of the patient before they die. :/
Maybe you'll meet new people if you do that. :)
I went shopping for a couple of hours on Thursday. There weren't many other customers in the 2 shops that I went to so that was nice. I ended up buying a nice red pushup bra that was on sale for $4.49 at Burlington and 2 sports bras & 3 panties at DD's. At least what I bought kinda matches each other and I can mix & match.☺
Janet is supposed to be on Spring break from work. If she isn't going out of town I hope that she will be available to meet me for happy hour some time. I texted her about it today, but haven't heard back from her yet. That's not unusual for her. She doesn't play with her phone all the time like Roxy & I do. ;)
I feel bad for him & the whole family.
I wonder what Roxy would do if she lost both her parents and she ended up alone.
She doesn't play with her phone all the time like Roxy & I do.
What do you do with your phone then? Just texting?
I wonder what Roxy would do if she lost both her parents and she ended up alone.
IDK. Her parents are her life right now. I don't think she'd know what to do with herself. She's so used to having them around & taking care of them that it's going to be quite massive change for her.
What do you do with your phone then? Just texting?
Mostly looking at stuff on FB and Instagram, some texting, and reading.
Yesterday I got a lot of stuff done. I raked leaves in the back yard, washed all my bed linens, and primed & painted the roof of my car. It could use a second coat of paint, but I ran out. It's a little splotchy in places, but it looks better than it did before. I think I'm going to do the same thing with the hood since the clear coat is coming off really badly on there, too, and it looks like crap.
I did more raking out front today. It's that time of the year when the trees start shedding like crazy. I like to keep on top of it so the one neighbor doesn't start complaining.
Yesterday I got a lot of stuff done.
Nice. I didn't really do a whole lot. Our house and garden don't seem to need as much maintenance as yours. I just need to clean my room regularly. I did clean up part of the rest of the attic because some guys will be coming around for maintenance of the airco (which is nothing like yours, ours just sucks the air out of the house :) ).
(which is nothing like yours, ours just sucks the air out of the house :) ).
So it's like an air exhaust system?
The next major thing I need to do is my taxes. IDK how complicated it's going to be this time around. I collected unemployment for 5 months and had 1 actual paycheck. I don't think I made enough on unemployment to actually owe any taxes, but I guess I'll find out.
I'm also supposed to file taxes for my dad. I guess I'll just use turbo tax for that. I'm hoping that he'll get a refund and won't owe anything. :/
Arekino-san, you haz a mail. ;)
So it's like an air exhaust system?
Yeah, I think so. It only sucks air.
you haz a mail.
Mail received. So, is that the result you hoped for? Or do you want more muscle there? I can certainly understand why Roxy calls it that. :)
Yeah, I think so. It only sucks air.
I imagine that it's sufficient for your climate? I know that you do get some hot days, but nothing like the duration that we have here.
So, is that the result you hoped for?
I'm getting there slowly.
Or do you want more muscle there?
Yes. I want bigger and more defined muscles. Roxy said that her sister said that I have nice abs. I guess she showed her that pic. My abs were nicer before I got diagnosed with the fibroid. After that I stopped doing intense workouts. I'm starting to slowly work my way back up to 1,000 reps like I used to do. A couple of days ago I did 300 reps and then was sore the next day. Today I did 100 crunches so far, but I've been cooking and doing other stuff, so I got 200 to go before bedtime. ;)
I imagine that it's sufficient for your climate?
I wish. I've had to open my bedroom window during a number of recent summers to get some good ventilation. The airco has inlets in the kitchen and the shower room to suck out moist air. To prevent the growth of mold.
I want bigger and more defined muscles.
You don't think that you can go too big? I mean, I applaud your efforts and such but what itch are you trying to scratch here?
I've had to open my bedroom window during a number of recent summers to get some good ventilation.
It must be miserable when it gets super hot & you don't have AC. Do you at least have a fan or something?
You don't think that you can go too big?
Nah, I'm all natural. I'd have to take steroids to get big and I'm certainly not going to do that. And I don't really have enough weights to get too crazy. I *did* order some protein powder as that is supposed to help get the stubborn perimenopausal fat to come off and help with muscle growth. My main thing is I need to be consistent and use heavier weights.
what itch are you trying to scratch here?
I just want to look really fit. It's just a vanity thing mainly. It's certainly doable since I'm home all the time.
I did some different exercises yesterday (skull crushers & dumbbell bench presses) now I'm sore today. But it's the good kind of sore where I know that I'll be getting muscle growth from it. I just need to find a better way to improvise a weight bench. I used a big cooler that we have, but it was a little too short and I didn't have enough length to lay my head back. :/
Do you at least have a fan or something?
Yes, I do but I've found that opening the window is usually sufficient. The fan also doesn't do anything about the moisture level in the room.
And I don't really have enough weights to get too crazy.
Ah, okay. See, I don't really know how this works. You can't get super big by just training longer with the same weights then?
I just need to find a better way to improvise a weight bench.
Better be careful. They do say most accidents happen at home. :)
The fan also doesn't do anything about the moisture level in the room.
That's what's good about AC. It dehumidifies as well as cools. :)
You can't get super big by just training longer with the same weights then?
No. Your muscles will be somewhat toned and you'll get muscle endurance, but not size. You have to keep increasing in weight to increase in size and also work out consistently. There is a point where you won't grow any bigger. That's just the limits of genetics.
Better be careful. They do say most accidents happen at home. :)
True. At this point I think it's safest for me to do certain exercises on my bed. At least it's sturdy enough to hold me and the dumbbells. At some point I'm going to have to get a weight bench if I'm going to do bench presses with a barbell or lateral flies or other stuff that requires a bench.
At this point I think it's safest for me to do certain exercises on my bed.
:)
At some point I'm going to have to get a weight bench
Are those expensive? Maybe you can get a second hand one?
Are those expensive? Maybe you can get a second hand one?
Before the covid, they weren't that expensive. Now a decent one costs over $100. Aldi is supposed to have some in stock next week for $85, but it doesn't have the leg extension attachment. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I want more than a basic bench. Getting a second hand one is something that I was considering. It pisses me off that we *did* have a couple of weight benches in the house until QoH's ex decided to get rid of them with her blessing. She was always falling all over herself to do whatever he wanted without considering what I wanted. What I want is always irrelevant to her, so that was par for the course. 😡😡😡
It's too bad that I don't live in Wilton Manors. They have a nice gym at city hall that only costs $10/month for residents to use. And all the nice restaurants and activities that I'm interested in are in that area. It's just too bad that the area has gotten somewhat gentrified and obscenely expensive to buy or rent there.😔
It's just too bad that the area has gotten somewhat gentrified and obscenely expensive to buy or rent there.
So, second hand bench it is then?
So, second hand bench it is then?
LOL That seems like my best bet.
In other news, I did a lot more raking out front today. The stupid trees keep dropping leaves like crazy. I think I need to fill up about 3 more garbage cans full just to finish with what's in the swale. Then there's what's in the front yard. I'm not too concerned with that, though. I'll just mow over it. The stuff in the swale has been getting blown into the street and finding it's way into neighbors' yards, so I'm trying to keep it clean so there are no complaints. I also raked up more leaves from the avocado tree in the back yard. Those are more of a pain in the ass since they're big leaves. At least the ones from the trees in front are tiny.
The stupid trees keep dropping leaves like crazy.
Can't you get rid of them and plant something different? Idem for the avocado trees?
Can't you get rid of them and plant something different?
No. QoH would have a fit. They're decent shade trees, though, and I think any other kind of tree would shed like crazy, too. It's just a South Florida thing. We don't have a winter, so instead of shedding in the autumn they shed in the spring when the new leaves start coming out. The avocados are going to stay, too, since those avocados are the giant ones and very delicious. ☺
I think any other kind of tree would shed like crazy, too.
What about pine trees? :)
We're having beautiful weather here BTW. Actual sunshine. :)
What about pine trees? :)
They shed pine needles like crazy. ;)
We're having beautiful weather here BTW. Actual sunshine. :)
Same here. It cooled down some for the past few days. It's sunny out with no clouds and very low humidity and there's a nice breeze. I was sitting out back earlier working on my tan.😎 I don't want to glow in black light like Roxy.😂😂 She has the whitest legs I've ever seen on a Floridian!😂😂
In other news, I've worked my way up to 500 reps on my abs exercises. I did Russian twists for 2 minutes straight (I think I did around 220 reps in 2 minutes). Then I did 2 sets of 100 crunches and 100 leg extensions for my lower abs. It shouldn't take too long before my abs are back to their previous level of definition.☺
She has the whitest legs I've ever seen on a Floridian!
I assume she wears long pants all day?
It shouldn't take too long before my abs are back to their previous level of definition.
So, six pack, four pack, two pack?
I assume she wears long pants all day?
She doesn't go out in the sun very much. I think she sleeps during the day, too, whenever she does sleep (insomniac). I'm assuming she wears jeans whenever she had to go out anywhere.
So, six pack, four pack, two pack?
I develop a four pack that looks like a plus sign. My obliques are still rather prominent, so they make a nice outline for my abs. IDK if Roxy deliberately showed the pic of me flexing to her sister, but somehow she saw it and Roxy said her sister said that I have nice abs.😎 Just wait until I get them back in top shape!😜
I develop a four pack that looks like a plus sign.
Ah, nice. I'm working on a one pack that looks like a donut. Seems to be going quite well. :)
her sister said that I have nice abs.
Is she also into fitness stuff?
I'm working on a one pack that looks like a donut. Seems to be going quite well. :)
LOL I'd say you were working on a keg, but you don't drink!😜
BTW, I just did a quick run to Publix to see if they had any of the Vernor's ginger ale that QoH likes since brands by the manufacturer that produces that were on sale 'buy 2, get 2'. I was in luck since they had 4 of the 12 can packs. Usually they don't have any of those, only the 2 liter bottles. They also had the cheap brand of beer that I like on sale (18 can pack for $12). When I got to the cashier to pay, she asked for my ID since I was buying beer!!! 😂😂😂 Usually they card you if you look under 30. I got a good chuckle out of that. I guess I'm doing something right as far as staying healthy and looking youthful. 😎
Is she also into fitness stuff?
Yes, Roxy's sister definitely is. She has a trainer and usually gets up at 5am to work out before she goes to her job. I think she's 50. She doesn't look bad for her age.
Oh, I remembered the real reason that Roxy has white legs. It's because she hasn't gotten waxed in probably 6 months so she's always wearing jeans or leggings whenever she goes out so no one sees her hairy legs. IDK why she doesn't just shave them. It's not like it takes long to do when you're in the shower.
I'd say you were working on a keg, but you don't drink!
It would have to be a small keg though. :)
Usually they card you if you look under 30. I got a good chuckle out of that.
This must have happened to you before, I'm guessing? I mean you're relatively short and you do still look youngish. :)
It would have to be a small keg though. :)
LOL Like the little mini kegs that fit in the fridge that Heineken sells.
This must have happened to you before, I'm guessing?
It's been a few years since the last time it happened. It's Florida law to card people who look under 30 since it's a felony to sell liquor to underage people, so they card people who look youngish to be on the safe side.
I mean you're relatively short and you do still look youngish. :)
This is true. The cashier said she couldn't really tell how old is was since I was wearing a hat. I told her that I didn't mind since I was in hospitality and familiar with the law and that it's always an ego booster.😎
The cashier said she couldn't really tell how old is was since I was wearing a hat.
What kind of hat was that?
In other news, the weather guys on TV are saying it will snow tomorrow. On April 1st. I'll believe it when I see it. :)
What kind of hat was that?
Just a baseball cap. IDK how it made a difference.
the weather guys on TV are saying it will snow tomorrow.
LOL I saw a meme on FB today about the spring roller-coaster weather in the NL.
I'll believe it when I see it. :)
I remember getting cold snaps in Florida ad late as May, so I guess it's not impossible.
I guess you *did* get that snow? Tiffany "Time Bomb" Van Soest posted a video of snow on her instagram a while ago. 😀
I saw a meme on FB today about the spring roller-coaster weather in the NL.
Well, April does whatever it wants. What exactly did the meme say?
I guess you *did* get that snow?
Yep, a whole centimeter of snow. It was gone by 12 o'clock though.
BTW what is up with "whole" and "while"? Why such a difference in pronunciation? :)
What exactly did the meme say?
It was panels like a comic strip with different weather every day. Sunny, cloudy, cold, hot, snow, rain, etc.
It was gone by 12 o'clock though.
Sounds like one of our Florida "cold" fronts. :/
BTW what is up with "whole" and "while"? Why such a difference in pronunciation? :)
IDK, English is a melange of words from all sorts of different languages. Everything is irregular.
In other news, I finished doing my taxes last night and submitted it for the IRS's approval. I had started doing them on Wednesday night, but had to stop because unemployment never sent me the form saying how much they had paid me. I'm still locked out of their website, so I couldn't look it up myself. I requested that they email me the form, but had no idea how long it would take, so I just looked in my check book & totaled up all the payments from last year. I had to do a couple extra forms beside my usual 1040ez (which is free to file) so it ended up costing me $59 for all the additional paperwork. :/
I was concerned that I would owe money since I didn't have any taxes taken from the unemployment payments, but because I was the beneficiary of my dad's pension's death benefit (which they deducted $1k from for taxes before they paid me) that tax money more than covered what I owed. And I had 1 paycheck from my job before I got fired. So bottom line is I'm getting a $850 refund.☺
I'm also supposed to file my dad's taxes. He just has 3 1099R forms to do, so it shouldn't be too difficult. I still have until April 18 to file. I figure I'll do it some time this weekend.
it ended up costing me $59 for all the additional paperwork
How do you mean? What are you paying that $59 for exactly?
So bottom line is I'm getting a $850 refund.
Nice. Almost seems too good to be true. :)
How do you mean? What are you paying that $59 for exactly?
I use the Turbo Tax tax preparation site to do my taxes. They check for all of the different things that you are required to do by the government and get you the best refund possible. The damn government makes it so complicated that it's safer to use a service to do your taxes. If you mess up on your own, the IRS is ruthless when it comes to prosecuting you.
Nice. Almost seems too good to be true. :)
Not really. They took 20% out of the death benefit from my dad's pension. Since I barely earned anything last year, my tax rate was much lower, so they owed me most of what they took.
In other news, I've been having a bad plantar fasciitis flare up for the past few days. It has been getting progressively worse. Yesterday and today it was excruciatingly painful. I had been doing massage & stretching, but it seems worse. Now I've switched to ibuprofen and ice packs. It's worse in the mornings and I can barely walk on it. Then it loosens up a bit in the afternoon & evening. It's difficult to not walk on it since QoH is constantly wanting something and I have to keep going up & down the stairs to the kitchen and back. :/
I've been having a bad plantar fasciitis flare up for the past few days.
A flare up? Have you had this before?
I've had to look up what you were talking about BTW. Wikipedia has some nice pics of the plantar fascia. I never knew humans have that on the bottom of their feet.
IDK, maybe you need better shoes?
A flare up? Have you had this before?
Yes, a few years ago at work. All the walking triggered it, but it wasn't as bad as it is now and it certainly didn't last this long.
IDK, maybe you need better shoes?
That is a possibility. I'm not sure exactly what triggered it. I know that the new boots that I bought made my feet a little sore, but I just attributed it to them being new and not broken in yet. I only wore them once a couple months ago to the post office for a few minutes and haven't worn them since.
I *had* been noticing my feet hurting a little the day after I go to the grocery store for the past few weeks, but not really badly. I *did* mess around with trying on an old pair of bowling shoes over a week ago. They were definitely too small for me to wear comfortably and very stiff. I'm wondering if that is what triggered the plantar fasciitis?
It was slightly better when I woke up this morning, but QoH had me making her breakfast immediately after I got up, so I couldn't ease into walking around. I *did* take ibuprofen first, so that helped after a while. I made the mistake of walking around too much after it started to feel better, then it started hurting again. Now I'm laying down with an ice pack on it and I took more ibuprofen. :/
Now I'm laying down with an ice pack on it and I took more ibuprofen.
Okay. Let's hope rest will cure your condition.
If this gets worse and let's say you wouldn't be able to walk, do you have a plan for that situation?
Okay. Let's hope rest will cure your condition.
It seems to be getting better very slowly. It hurt a little when I got up this morning, but I was able to walk around on it. I took ibuprofen & iced it again, then was able to go outside and do some raking without any pain. After a while it started feeling a little sore so I came inside and went to my room to rest.
If this gets worse and let's say you wouldn't be able to walk, do you have a plan for that situation?
Not really. Maybe I'll get a wheelchair. At least it seems like it's getting a little better. I think it's the sort of think that has to resolve on its own.
In other news, I did dad's taxes last night, but they wouldn't let me file electronically because I have to send in some physical documentation with it. My friend Janet is going to print the forms for me. I have until April 18 to send everything in. At least I have a refund coming for his taxes as well.
Maybe I'll get a wheelchair.
Would you have to by one? Would a wheelchair be practical around the house?
My friend Janet is going to print the forms for me.
That's again nice of her. I suppose you could buy a printer yourself. They're quite cheap these days although the ink cartridges can be costly.
Would you have to by one?
Yes.
Would a wheelchair be practical around the house?
No. Luckily for me, my foot is feeling better. It hurt a little when I got up this morning, but the tendon relaxed after a while and hasn't been bothering me much.
I suppose you could buy a printer yourself.
I have one, but it isn't compatible with my cell phone. It will print from my laptop, but I no longer have internet service in the house. I just use my phone for everything.
They're quite cheap these days although the ink cartridges can be costly.
That has always been the problem. We've had several printers, but it was always cheaper to buy a new one than to buy new ink cartridges. :/
I'm going to go by Janet's tomorrow. She's working late so she's just going to leave the paperwork in an envelope taped to the front door.
I just use my phone for everything.
I guess that should be possible these days. It's a really small screen to have to watch though.
She's working late so she's just going to leave the paperwork in an envelope taped to the front door.
Well, let's hope it doesn't rain. :)
Well I went to Janet's house around 11am. She texted me that she had put the paperwork in an envelope and hid it in one of her plants on the front porch. I was picturing having to rummage around like an Easter egg hunt. LOL I was afraid it would rain & get wet, hence why I went up there early. It wasn't difficult to find.
Anyway, I got all the different forms together & signed the two that needed to be signed. Then I stuffed it all into an envelope & took it to the post office to get weighed and paid for the proper postage. Now it's on its was to the IRS and I don't have to worry about it any more.
I texted Janet and let her know that I'd like to take her out for drinks some time. She said she'd let me know when it's not so crazy on her end. She's been busy with work & working extra hours, so by the time she gets home she just wants to go to bed.
I don't have to worry about it any more.
Yeah, you don't want to have to worry about the IRS knocking on your door.
She said she'd let me know when it's not so crazy on her end.
I assume this means the economy is improving?
Yeah, you don't want to have to worry about the IRS knocking on your door.
I don't think they would since it was my dad's taxes and they owe him a refund, but I wanted to get it in before the deadline so that I might get the refund back in a reasonable time.
I assume this means the economy is improving?
No. She is a manager in the culinary department of one of the technical schools. It's getting towards the end of the school year so I guess she has more work to do before school is out.
Well Ma Nature showed up suddenly yesterday. I didn't have any of the warning signs since I've been taking lots of ibuprofen for my foot (which is much better). It's still annoying, though. :/
She is a manager in the culinary department of one of the technical schools.
Seems like an interesting place to work.
Well Ma Nature showed up suddenly yesterday.
I hate it when people don't call ahead before a visit.
my foot (which is much better)
Excellent. #twinkles toes#
Seems like an interesting place to work.
She says that she loves her job. It's going to be interesting what she does when she retires. I think that's less than 2 years away. Maybe she'll double dip like some peeps in the education field do (take retirement then get another job in education). When she retires she'll be collecting social security plus her pension so it's not like she'd need the money. Some people just don't know what to do with themselves when they retire.
I hate it when people don't call ahead before a visit.
LOL same. This time around there was no spotting or little twinges to give me a warning (not that I'm complaining). It's also been light and hardly any cramping (definitely not complaining lol). I'm hoping that the raspberry leaf tea and all the supplements I've been taking are having a positive effect in that department.
Well I am bored out of my mind. It got cool overnight and I was contemplating mowing the yard today, but it got cloudy like it might rain. I guess I'll do it tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be nice and a bit cooler all weekend. ☺
take retirement then get another job in education
Is that legal?
I was contemplating mowing the yard today, but it got cloudy like it might rain.
You seem to enjoy mowing the yard more than most people. Do you find it restful?
Is that legal?
Yes. My dad had SS plus 2 pensions.
You seem to enjoy mowing the yard more than most people. Do you find it restful?
The repetitiveness and mindlessness is sorta like meditation I guess. It's good exercise and a sorta stress reliever. I'm actually worn out from it today as I did more than just mowing. It was so nice out that I went ahead and trimmed one hedge and 2 other shrubs that needed it. I still need to do the one in the planter at the front of the house, but I was too tired to do it today. I was going for 3 hours non stop. Both my feet are hurting now. :/
My dad had SS plus 2 pensions.
Hm. Never really thought about people having more than one pension.
Both my feet are hurting now.
Has the plantar fasciitis come back?
Never really thought about people having more than one pension.
My dad was an elevator union member. He worked installing elevators before he took the job with the cement company. He maintained his union dues even when he was working at the cement company, then when he retired from there, he went back to working for the elevator union. Both had pensions so that's how he collected two.
Has the plantar fasciitis come back?
No. I'm just not used to walking so much for so long. I haven't worked a job for 2 years, so I guess my feet have gotten lazy lol. I used to be on my feet for 6 or 8 hours before they would start hurting.
Today I cooked a sirloin tip roast, some red potatoes with chives, and broccoli. The roast came out too well done for my liking. I need to buy a new meat thermometer because the one that I'm using now is inaccurate. For the temperature that it was showing, the meat should have been medium. Anyway, QoH should like it since she doesn't like any red in her meat. :/
I haven't worked a job for 2 years
Yeah, 2 years of COVID.
QoH should like it since she doesn't like any red in her meat.
Hm, neither do I. I always worry about parasites not getting fully killed in the cooking process.
I always worry about parasites not getting fully killed in the cooking process.
Chicken, pork, and fish definitely needs to be cooked thoroughly. Beef and lamb is usually okay if you get it cooked to medium rare.
Well today I didn't do much. I worked out a little, washed some clothes, and raked up one garbage can full of leaves. Oh, and my snow pea plant is continuing to grow pods. I ate a few this morning. There are 6 more pods on the plant, 4 of which are almost big enough to pick. ☺
When I get my tax refund, I'm contemplating buying a weight bench and squat rack set that I found on the Walmart website. It's a Weider brand, so the quality is good. The only problem is that I don't have any place to keep it where it won't get stolen. I have space to set it up in the carport, but that is wide open and anyone can walk up and take anything that's in there. It's too bad that my yard isn't fenced-in in the front. :/
I don't have any place to keep it where it won't get stolen.
No room in the house for it?
I guess you could build a shed in the yard.
No room in the house for it?
No. QoH has too much crap in the house & won't get rid of anything.
I guess you could build a shed in the yard.
We have a kennel in the back yard that locks, but it doesn't have a solid roof on it, just fencing material. It would be a good place for it if not for the fact that everything in there is exposed to the weather.
I'm just going to have to make room downstairs for it. I'm sure I can probably rearrange the crap to make some room, even if it's just a small space to store it.
Well Roxy is working the hockey game tonight. It's Grateful Dead jersey giveaway night. She said she'd get me one, but I'm not holding my breath on that.
QoH has too much crap in the house & won't get rid of anything.
There's not even room in your bedroom?
but I'm not holding my breath on that.
Do you doubt the Great and Mighty Roxy? :)
There's not even room in your bedroom?
No, my bedroom is too small. It's only about 10 ft x 10 ft to begin with and I have a full size bed, 2 dressers, and a wall unit & computer hutch in it already.
Do you doubt the Great and Mighty Roxy? :)
She has a bad habit of not following through on things that she says she's going to do. She should know better than to think she can get a jersey. Those are limited to the guests and it's usually for the first 5,000 people through the door. She was mad that she didn't get the giveaway from pride night. If she couldn't get whatever it was for herself, I have no faith that she's going to get me a jersey.
She has a bad habit of not following through on things that she says she's going to do.
I must admit I do hate it when people make promises and then don't keep them. I hate it even more when I make a promise and it turns out I can't keep it. You give people your word of honor and it just makes me angry.
I tend not to make a lot of promises these days. :)
I must admit I do hate it when people make promises and then don't keep them.
This is something that pisses me off the most. My dad used to do it all the time when I was a kid. He'd get me all excited to do something and never followed through. I don't like looking forward to something only to be disappointed. My friend from Canada & her husband were also bad about doing that. We'd discuss movies that we'd like to see and then they'd go see them and not invite me along. Then they'd tell me all about it. It was infuriating.
If I say I'm going to do something, I do it. Only something beyond my control can keep me from plans, then I try my best to reschedule or fulfill my promises.
I tend not to make a lot of promises these days. :)
Same here. Not that I have much opportunity to make them.
I'm wondering if any of my so-called friends are going to remember my birthday this year (present company excluded 😜). I know that Roxy's excuse will be that she has to spend every minute that she's not working at the rehab with her dad. My birthday falls on a Saturday this year, so Janet won't be working on a weekend, but she usually has plans with her daughters then. She could always meet me for happy hour after work. At least the covid bs is over with, so that is not an excuse to not go out.
Well it has been 2 weeks since I filed my taxes. I still haven't received my refund. They are really slow and lazy with getting the refunds sent out this year. 😡
(present company excluded 😜)
I mean, I remember it's in early May... 😜
They are really slow and lazy with getting the refunds sent out this year.
That is one possible assumption. How can you be sure that they're not just really busy?
How can you be sure that they're not just really busy?
I think they got lazy during the covid years. A lot of government employees were working from home. Now that things are getting back to normal, they're still in lazy mode. They were busy before covid & managed to get refunds out in a timely manner.
Today I cooked the ham that I got for Easter along with some sweet potatoes and a butternut squash. It all turned out really delicious. ☺ It was quite a lot of ham, so I shrink wrapped the bone for soup and a couple other packages and put them in the freezer for later. I have 2 big containers of ham in the fridge for the next few days.
I just checked my bank account and the IRS finally deposited my refund. ☺ It took them 18 days and that's with me filing electronically. I hate to see how long it will take for my dad's refund to come. :/
They were busy before covid & managed to get refunds out in a timely manner.
Apparently the IRS are very much understaffed ATM.
I have 2 big containers of ham in the fridge for the next few days.
Better keep a lock on that fridge or QOH will raid it. :)
Apparently the IRS are very much understaffed ATM.
Seems like everyone is.
Better keep a lock on that fridge or QOH will raid it. :)
She doesn't leave her bedroom any more (unless she thinks I'm not here) so I'm not worried about that.
I guess you didn't see my previous post since it looks like we were posting at the same time. I finally got my tax refund. ☺ Now I will decide whether or not to buy that weight bench set.
I went ahead and bought that weight bench & squat rack. Now I have to rearrange the crap in the basement so I will have some place to store it. They are supposed to deliver it on Wednesday so it doesn't give me much time. :/
Seems like everyone is.
Really? Any idea why?
She doesn't leave her bedroom any more (unless she thinks I'm not here)
Is she afraid of you now?
I guess you didn't see my previous post since it looks like we were posting at the same time. I finally got my tax refund.
I did miss that post. Congratulations on your tax refund. :)
Now I have to rearrange the crap in the basement so I will have some place to store it.
So you already get some exercise out of your purchase. ;P
Really? Any idea why?
People got really used to sitting at home collecting unemployment during covid. I think a lot of people got lazy. Now people don't want to go back to work at crappy jobs.
Is she afraid of you now?
No, she's paranoid about me going in her bedroom if she isn't in there.
Congratulations on your tax refund. :)
Thanks!☺
So you already get some exercise out of your purchase. ;P
LOL Not really. I managed to throw away a few empty boxes, but it's difficult to get down there and try to rearrange things partly because QoH is very nosy and gets suspicious if I leave my bedroom for long periods of time and partly because a lot of the crap is large furniture which I can't move because of the amount of other crap down there. And I have to be a contortionist to be able to climb over the crap. :/
I'm going to have to start doing what my neighbor did with his grandmother's house. She used to sleep a lot during the day and he was slowly culling the crap & throwing it away whenever she was sleeping.
I managed to cull around half a square meter of crap from the dining room. It was mostly just boxes half filled with junk mail, some of it dating back to 2010! There were also a couple of empty boxes that those boxes were stacked on. Just crap taking up space. QoH also has some patio furniture in there that was brought in during one of the hurricanes a few years ago that she won't let me put back outside. It's complete madness. Her brain & thinking is truly disordered.
A lot of the crap taking up space on the ground floor is just empty boxes, boxes filled with paid bills, and boxes filled with notebooks that QoH has obsessively written notes in while watching her TV programs. Also bins of linens from when we used to do catering. Then there's the excess furniture. As a hoarder, she doesn't want to get rid of any of it. I can only get rid of the empty boxes & the junk mail without too much of a battle with her. :/
Now people don't want to go back to work at crappy jobs.
You're talking about people like yourself? ;P
Unemployment rate is going down rapidly though.
boxes filled with notebooks that QoH has obsessively written notes in while watching her TV programs
Have you ever read them? Do they make some sense or do they just say "All work and no play make QoH a dull fruitcake" ? ;P
You're talking about people like yourself? ;P
I was willing to go back to work and did for about a week before they let me go because I refused to get the covid shot. It sucks that the governor made that illegal *after* I got let go. I want to work, but it's difficult to do that now that QoH is acting even more helpless than before. I'm basically her full-time caretaker now. :/
Have you ever read them?
Not really. She just writes down whatever they're saying on the TV or keeps notes on what I'm doing (eg what time I leave for the store & what time I return). Her handwriting is sloppy & her spelling is terrible, so it makes me nuts to try to read it.
I'm basically her full-time caretaker now.
Is that a legally recognized position to be in in the US?
Is that a legally recognized position to be in in the US?
I think it depends on the state that you live in. For what it's worth, in Florida it gets me out of jury duty. ☺
Not much going on here today. I put a big pile of leaves that I had raked in the backyard in the trash bin so it can be picked up on Thursday. The pile had been there for a few weeks since it wasn't a priority. It was more important to get the leaves from the front yard picked up first. The neighbors can't see or complain about anything in the backyard. I also put a pile of sticks (all the small dead branches that fall off the mango trees) in the bin. Fruit trees like mangos & avocados are messy. :/
I think it depends on the state that you live in.
So what normally happens in a situation like yours? When someone needs like 24 hour care and there's only one other person living with them?
Florida it gets me out of jury duty
And it's not like they pay you to be on a jury. Really, there should be some kind of payment. :)
Fruit trees like mangos & avocados are messy.
That is the price you pay for all that deliciousness. ;P
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