I took Ginny's advice

But first, I had to go to work. I got up at 5, didn't sleep great but it was adequate to get me through work. Did most of my Bible study and prayer time (got the rest while waiting on a ride).

We had an 8 appointment, we arrived at 7. Finally, some good Metrolift gossip: One of the clients on dialysis gets her treatments near our home, and lives near work. She had been doing overnight treatments; so we saw her. She always seemed incredibly frail, had to hang onto the driver, falling onto Ron a couple times. Ron and I always thought she needed a caregiver to ride with her; or some kind of device like a wheelchair.

Well, we saw her today. She was LIVELY. She had a rolling walker with a seat and she was pushing it forcefully. I was shocked. Whatever they tried, worked. It was nice to actually see someone improve.

The repairman was right on time. We got him through security fast and took him to the patient. It took about an hour, but he fixed it! He loved the brownies! I got him his favorite soda! He had me doing various tasks for him (buy one each of the items, all the way down, push the white button, etc). He fixed the soda machine, too, and cleaned up the validator on the other food machine. Oh, yeah, and he tweaked a coin mech. Well worth what we paid him, which is about half a month's pay for me! Snacks were fine, but I stocked some soda and the repaired food machine. Yay!

All done with work, my energy took a nosedive. I had had insane soda consumption at work. Our driver was late, but I did my Bible study like I mentioned. Ron stocked cold drinks. When I saw the driver, I pretended to get down on my knees and beg for a ride. They love that! It lets them know I have a good attitude.

My knee was a little stiff. Now, those of you who are parents will understand this story well. Ron woke up in the middle of the night. He wanted a snack. He heated up some leftovers, which included fried rice. He didn't want all the rice so he opened the takeout container and put it in the sink.

When I got up, I found Bubba-cat in the sink eating - something. Turns out it was the rice. It made him really belligerent and hyper - when I went out to the vehicle this morning, he literally TACKLED my leg as I walked back to the house. Ow. Ow. My knee was a little ouchy. No more rice for you, kitty.

Some kid next door is hollering like he's being murdered. Fortunately, they have loving parents.

When I got home, I crashed. I slept about 45 minutes. Then I realized if I wanted to eat; I'd need to get the skillet. I had an uncomfortable level of depression - I should have dealt with it when I got up.

I got my stuff and headed out. Ron took a nap. It took me about an hour to get to my destination. It's somewhat alarming. I have seen more "thug" type young adult men (20's) just walking through the neighborhood. Enough shootings in Houston that I can say, seems like more since a guy got shot a few weeks ago. In fact, UNTIL he got shot I wasn't seeing these guys.

I don't know what's going on - but it's hard for me to feel relaxed when I see a guy dressed like (the guy who mugged me, the guy who shot me with a BB gun, the guy who robbed the house with us in it, and the guy who tried to steal my cell phone last year). I'm not really sure how to react. The angry me wants to get out the pepper spray in an obvious manner. The doormat me wants to pretend I don't see them. I normally greet them non-verbally, and go on.

But, from what I have heard these guys are everywhere. Ron always chimes in with his End Times philosophy, "It's SUPPOSED" to get bad!" I'm glad I do have my pepper spray, and find it so sad that I have to look at people and measure them in the context of will-they-hurt-me?

On the way to my destination, I passed a place where another guy got shot just recently. But that area's bad. [snort] Doesn't everyone say that about the OTHER neighborhood? "Oh, it's terrible over there!" [snort]

My only mistake today was wearing jeans and a jean jacket. It was about 80 and sunny at times. I realized, I have gotten overheated enough to recognize the symptoms. I told myself "I can push until I am really miserable, or I can walk slower now and avoid misery." I did the second, also taking off the jean jacket and stuffing it into my backpack.

I got to the store safely; and a passing bus gave me a friendly honk, recognizing me. As I walked in, I saw a sign advertising their credit program. I thought, I would be in SUCH trouble if I had a credit card for these guys! They sell sporting goods and apparel.

They have the best selection of iron skillets in town, and the best prices. I finally selected an 11 incher, and a matching lid. Ooooooh, I felt indulgent picking out a lid. I have always wanted a lid for my skillet, but I couldn't find one that fit. The lid, skillet, and a stainless flipper cost about $25. I think the lid was almost heavier than the skillet. Combined, maybe 18 pounds or so.

I looked at the backpack selection; picking out a nice mesh-styled one that cost $15. I liked the reinforced stitching on the straps. I am hard on the straps. The mesh styling makes it obvious I have no valuables (unless you consider my Bible). My old one looks dirty and has a good rip starting near one shoulder strap.

I could beat myself up over my backpack usage, but considering I don't have a car, I have to ride the bus, walking a lot. I ride BAD buses. I need something that is affixed to my body so no one can snatch the big tempting embellished leather purse that I see a lot of women carrying. Those things, in my opinion, scream "Steal me! I've got credit cards!" How much do car people spend on car accessories?

I fell for two more items before I left: A one-quart igloo water jug with a shoulder strap, and a plain purple cotton "baseball' cap. I love it. I can see it being a trademark, and it was only a few dollars. I strongly considered a straw hat with turquoise trim but I don't wear the straw hats I do own, and they're a big hassle on the bus.

I staggered out with my loot, carrying the skillet in my hand. Boy, no one hassled with me! I had it in the bag but it was obvious I had a big iron skillet. I stopped at Starbucks and got a big heavy whipping cream "steamer". It was good. Since I wasn't liking my mood, I took a lithium and 1/4 wellbutrin. Good call, although I am a little headachy.

I had to deal with some unpleasant characters on the way home, but I made it. I still have some grocery money.

Tomorrow I see my doc, I have that money laid aside safely. I can bring my new backpack. I plan to wear a magenta top, and a black skort. I may have my aunt take pictures at lunch.

I already helped Ron with the accounting stuff - self employed "Working on your days off!" I appreciate my job and I'm glad I have it, but you have to have a good work ethic.

It wants to rain; I hope it does, soon. Ahhh.