What a day. I got up early, didn't sleep too well last night.
I got up, took my shower, etc. Ron has a cut on his foot from last week. He didn't tell me about it for a few days after his blackout - until it started hurting.
That's the kind of thing that makes me wish it was legal to bop him on the head. I knew about the abrasion on his left elbow, but he kept rubbing off the scab and it was pretty irritated.
So I have been doctoring them. Separate gauze pads. Disinfect one area, throw away. Spray on some Dermoplast (Ron's skin seems to like it). At work the other day I finally found a bandage that could handle his elbow and kept him from getting scraped again.
Ron fought me like a toddler fighting a diaper change. I had to remind him I was trying to keep him out of a doctor's office. Then he behaved. If enough cards stack up I am going to have a lot of interference in my life. I am trying to keep that from happening.
Got him dressed and in his wheelchair. We had a deposit for the bank. Unfortunately for Ron, part of that deposit was a jar with a lot of quarters in it. Enough to pay me for 2 weeks - that heavy. It was OK for me to pick up - with all I am doing these days I am getting stronger, but Ron had a terrible time with it.
And of course, being a Texas Man, he HAD to carry it in his lap. I'm surprised it didn't crush his man parts.
That was bad enough, Ron was having some trouble with that. Then our driver was over half an hour late and Ron was apoplectic by the time the guy finally arrived.
Then the man tried to joke Ron into better humor. Then Ron really blew up. I just sat in the front seat waiting for him to wind down, as the driver gaped.
Eventually Ron got over it and we were all good friends by the time we got dropped off.
We made our deposit, I got my pay AND paid back for the other day, and we waited on our ride.
Ron had been SO worried we would not have enough time. As it is, we ended up waiting for over an hour AFTER we finished our work.
I have a really bad tension headache, even after the Excedrin. I so wish I had the sort of husband I could tell Ron, and he would rub my neck. He used to be that guy. That guy is in there somewhere, but these days I wouldn't even ask. That is sad.
I got a pretty good headache at the bank with all the stress, but I told my self it was just muscle tension, tried to relax, and it faded.
Our ride to Walmart worked well. But it seemed like, as I shopped, someone was in front of every single thing I wanted. Not many screaming kids, but people in the way.
I was SO looking forward to buying a cheap mixer. I was going to use that, and some heavy whipping cream, to make "the whipped cream thing" - several ounces of heavy whipping cream blended with a scoop of whey protein powder. Very "keto". Very good.
The only inexpensive blender was damaged, and the other ones wee $25+. I wasn't going to spend that much. I was very disappointed. I will have to go to Amazon. I try to but local, but...
I got everything Ron asked for, and more first aid supplies for him, peroxide, antibiotic ointment (with pain reliever! Wooo!), etc. I forgot more cotton pads but I have enough for now, and I can buy those at the grocery store on our bus line.
I got heavy whipping cream anyway. I can drink it. Someone was in front of the cheese (agh!), and I didn't feel civil enough to peruse without being nasty to them. I try not to be nasty if I can avoid it.
They were out of my drink mix, but they had some "sours" drink mix I will try. I just want something "not water" so it will do.
I also remembered a few things I wanted, but didn't put on the list, like sunflower seeds. I did forget to buy more tuna - I have a lot, but I try to replace what I use - and I used some the other night.
I finally got up front, got some Diet Dr Peppers. Oh, yeah, Ron wants some food from the deli. So I waited in line and got that. I got myself a corn dog, I was starving.
Finally found a reasonable line. It only had 3 people, not an express line, but no one was really buying much. And the person at the head of the line kept playing around with her credit card, which kept rejecting. She kept giggling and looking back at us, smirking as she saw we were getting annoyed, etc. She also had a "posse" of two other girls with her.
Time was short. I finally decided they were not going to cancel her transaction and send her away, they were just going to let her fart around endlessly, and I went to another lane.
This is why you bring cash to the store. Cash is always accepted.
But she was slow. And she kept stopping to gossip with another employee, standing next to her. I had to do the bitch thing and hurry her up a few times. Ron started calling my cell phone, frequently, telling me his back was killing him, the cab was already here, and he was going to leave me if I wasn't out there in 2 minutes. I kept telling him, every time you call me you slow me down and I will be out as soon as possible. It wasn't my fault, I got in line at 12:10, I had plenty of time to check out before 12:30.
Ron wouldn't be placated. He kept getting more and more irate, I had to keep correcting the cashier who kept getting distracted, etc. I really didn't want to be that angry, frustrated, person.
Needless to say, the headache came back.
I finally got out there just in time, before he left me. I just now realized Ron would not have been able to get int the house if he had left me. He doesn't have a key to that door.
Ron yelled at me all the way home, as I explained. He thought I should have confronted credit card bimbo. I told him she had a posse and that probably would have got me beat up "I like my teeth in my head". He finally decided it was the fault of policy, they should have a "3 strikes your're out" policy where if the card doesn't work in the third try, it cancels the whole transaction. He is Going To Call The Manager.
Finally left me alone. We got home, paid the poor driver! Whatever Ron paid him wasn't enough.
We got inside, I put everything away. I had eaten my corn dog waiting in line (they are OK with it if you save the bar code on the bag), so I wasn't as hungry.
I decided, with all my stress, I needed a Fat Bomb. I have heard about them with Keto diets. It is basically a very high fat thing, that is a treat.
I had a can of coconut cream. That's about 80 fat grams. I had a can of low sugar whipped cream. I filled up a disposable bowl with the whipped cream and got a disposable spoon. Then I drank the coconut cream, took my pills, and ate the whipped cream.
It was certainly filling. I had really had such a hard time finding the coconut. They didn't stock it right but I found it anyway, and bought 3 cans. I think of it as my diet shake.
I laid down and the cats came to sleep with me, Biscuit and Torbie. I woke up with a ghastly tension headache. Even the Excedrin isn't helping much. 2 very cold diet Dr Peppers helped, some, but I may just have to endure.
Ron's asleep.
I think he over did it today, he complained he was in his wheelchair for almost 4 hours. Let's take a moment to examine that. He can't sit up for 4 hours at a time, yet he says the pain pills are working "really well". I think he also overdid it holding the change. He should have let me manage it.
So, next time, I would go to the bank, go home. Let him lie down for a couple of hours, THEN go to Walmart - during the time they have all the screaming kids. Oh, well.
I have to do what works.
Oh, I forgot, Ron said he isn't helping me go to Walmart today, even though 1/3 of the money I spent today was for him. I think he will soften if we plan it so he goes first thing in the morning, and comes home to rest.
My whole life revolves around what works for him.
Happily, I also ordered some Scripture Booklets today. Halloween is coming and I want to get on the list. They have a production backlog so I had better get in there early if I want them.
I will also need to start picking up candy for the kids. If they're anything like the adults I serve, they want Jolly ranchers, individually wrapped gum, caramels, etc. Although it's a little hot to buy caramels, just yet.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Yesterday
Well, I didn't sleep well, as I feared. I had a hard time dropping off.
I woke up late, got ready, went with Ron to Sam's. We didn't buy much, we were limited by paratransit and they said they were sending us a cab. I got a case of water, a case of Dr Pepper, and a case of Sprite. I also got some chocolate donuts and sour skittles for "Big Daddy" who is a faithful customer and always buys them out.
We had about an hour after I finished. Ron was hungry. I found him a chicken salad sandwich with a salad in the container. He said he wanted that over the spicy garlic shrimp.
I would have gone for the shrimp, but instead I got a bunless hot dog. They used to have hot dogs by Nathans. They were good, but I always got very queasy after eating them. Sometimes the lithium says NO YOU'RE NOT EATING THAT. Like steak. Same thing.
Anyway, last week I tried one of the "All Beef" - they don't say Nathan's anymore - hot dogs and it settled nicely. So I had another one today. It was very cheap, delicious, and filling. I had her leave the bread off (they actually have to put the dog in the bread before they serve it), she gave me a slightly puzzled look but then I said "I'm on a diet" and she understood.
Ron ate half his sandwich, and all the vegetables, while I ate my dog. We were both happy.
No headache.
Our ride came and we went to work, I did all the lifting putting things away and taking them out. We had to pass live security at work, they certainly knew Ron but they checked our badges anyway.
I am seeing more people with overt physical disabilities, at work, lately. That makes me happy. People with disabilities tend to have abysmal unemployment rates, and when they do work it is often a menial job - certainly nothing you could term a "career".
Like the people with intellectual disabilities (slow) who go to "work" but in actuality it is just an adult daycare. It's not "work", it's daycare. It makes their parents feel better, is all.
We got inside and I started doing my work. It is safe to say I do a lot of lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, etc. in my job. Happily I am reasonably fit and able to work without pain.
BUT I noticed a spreading headache at the base of my skull when I walked into the stockroom. It was pretty present, but didn't incapacitate me. I helped Ron first, he gets very agitated if I don't help him with "his" work first, and then he tries to do it himself, hurting his back.
So I helped him first. We had a lot to do. I got the cart, and put warm drinks on it. I took cold drinks out of the fridge and put them on the cart. Then I put the warm drinks into the fridge to cool.
People always ask us if the drinks are cold. Of course they are. Is the other vendor putting out hot drinks? I don't know but people can be very leery of the machine. I guess they don't read the temperature on the front display. It says, I think "Welcome! 38 degrees!" or something like that. So they know it's cold.
At any rate, it's gotten so bad I just hand them a drink so see for themselves. Then they always buy it.
We got that done, now time for canned sodas. I loaded them all on the cart and helped Ron remember which, was where, as I stocked.
Everyone was bitching I ran out of Pop-tarts. Pop Tarts are a very slow mover and I had plenty, the other day. It's not my fault 10 people all decided they needed some pop-tarts. But there was a lot of very bitter complaining because I ran out. One guy told me I "had" to put two rows in the machine. I sell about $5 worth of the things a week, and it takes the full week to sell the whole row. I only have double rows for very high turnover products, that's not one of them.
No, I told him.
No one cared about the other stuff I ran out of, and I was picked pretty clean. I started with candy bars. Oh, so many candy bars. Stocking candy bars is not fun, especially when you are on a Keto diet. One guy I call "Big Daddy" - that's what he calls Ron - loves sour skittles. So I bought some for him, told him, and stocked them in all 3 machines. I had a mountain of cardboard after I finished. I put it on a table.
Then I moved onto crackers. They were pretty much OK. Next, chips. More cardboard added to the mountain.
Sometimes Ron implies I am "lazy" and what I do doesn't matter. When he saw the mountain of cardboard he almost fell out of his wheelchair. I asked him to crush it up and put the recycling things on either side of him. He got to work. It took him a while, and he was slower than I would have been, but it's a job I hate, and, more importantly, something he can do.
I ran out of time before I finished, but I felt a lot better about the machines when I left.
I got to put all the carts up, find homes for the inventory, etc. Help Ron get in the home wheelchair, etc.
I got him outside, the ride was already there. It was a nice man from Nigeria. He was impressed when I thanked him in one of the dialects. We had a straight trip home.
I went to bed, hoping to beat my headache. It got worse. When I woke up, I took a hot shower and took some Excedrin. That helped some.
We went out to dinner. I had a bunless bacon cheeseburger. Ron had a salad but had some digestive excitement after eating it. Sometimes I wonder if he has IBS in addition to everything else. He had a lot of cramping on the way home.
When we got home, I had the fun of an emergency push to the bathroom, but we made it in time. Then we did accounting stuff for a while. It was almost 8. On a good day, I go to bed at 7 (crazy pills = "fatigue" - they aren't kidding). I stayed up for quite a while helping him.
Then, when I finished, he was critical and unappreciative of what I had done. I was disappointed. I had had a very long day and a kind word, or nothing, would have been better than that.
Ron just tried to talk to me from the other room, and got upset when I yelled back at him. If I don't yell back he doesn't hear me. What does he want, a very loud whisper on a megaphone?
Anyway, I was disappointed, tired, and angry. I don't bust my butt helping him just so he can slap me down for something I didn't even do. He was furious about something that HE did, when he finally processed that he stopped "biting" me but he didn't apologize for doing it.
I went to bed. I was tired enough I fell asleep pretty fast. I slept OK, woke up, no headache.
We have to run some errands and then home. That's it for today.
Hopefully Ron will be in a better mood.
I woke up late, got ready, went with Ron to Sam's. We didn't buy much, we were limited by paratransit and they said they were sending us a cab. I got a case of water, a case of Dr Pepper, and a case of Sprite. I also got some chocolate donuts and sour skittles for "Big Daddy" who is a faithful customer and always buys them out.
We had about an hour after I finished. Ron was hungry. I found him a chicken salad sandwich with a salad in the container. He said he wanted that over the spicy garlic shrimp.
I would have gone for the shrimp, but instead I got a bunless hot dog. They used to have hot dogs by Nathans. They were good, but I always got very queasy after eating them. Sometimes the lithium says NO YOU'RE NOT EATING THAT. Like steak. Same thing.
Anyway, last week I tried one of the "All Beef" - they don't say Nathan's anymore - hot dogs and it settled nicely. So I had another one today. It was very cheap, delicious, and filling. I had her leave the bread off (they actually have to put the dog in the bread before they serve it), she gave me a slightly puzzled look but then I said "I'm on a diet" and she understood.
Ron ate half his sandwich, and all the vegetables, while I ate my dog. We were both happy.
No headache.
Our ride came and we went to work, I did all the lifting putting things away and taking them out. We had to pass live security at work, they certainly knew Ron but they checked our badges anyway.
I am seeing more people with overt physical disabilities, at work, lately. That makes me happy. People with disabilities tend to have abysmal unemployment rates, and when they do work it is often a menial job - certainly nothing you could term a "career".
Like the people with intellectual disabilities (slow) who go to "work" but in actuality it is just an adult daycare. It's not "work", it's daycare. It makes their parents feel better, is all.
We got inside and I started doing my work. It is safe to say I do a lot of lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, etc. in my job. Happily I am reasonably fit and able to work without pain.
BUT I noticed a spreading headache at the base of my skull when I walked into the stockroom. It was pretty present, but didn't incapacitate me. I helped Ron first, he gets very agitated if I don't help him with "his" work first, and then he tries to do it himself, hurting his back.
So I helped him first. We had a lot to do. I got the cart, and put warm drinks on it. I took cold drinks out of the fridge and put them on the cart. Then I put the warm drinks into the fridge to cool.
People always ask us if the drinks are cold. Of course they are. Is the other vendor putting out hot drinks? I don't know but people can be very leery of the machine. I guess they don't read the temperature on the front display. It says, I think "Welcome! 38 degrees!" or something like that. So they know it's cold.
At any rate, it's gotten so bad I just hand them a drink so see for themselves. Then they always buy it.
We got that done, now time for canned sodas. I loaded them all on the cart and helped Ron remember which, was where, as I stocked.
Everyone was bitching I ran out of Pop-tarts. Pop Tarts are a very slow mover and I had plenty, the other day. It's not my fault 10 people all decided they needed some pop-tarts. But there was a lot of very bitter complaining because I ran out. One guy told me I "had" to put two rows in the machine. I sell about $5 worth of the things a week, and it takes the full week to sell the whole row. I only have double rows for very high turnover products, that's not one of them.
No, I told him.
No one cared about the other stuff I ran out of, and I was picked pretty clean. I started with candy bars. Oh, so many candy bars. Stocking candy bars is not fun, especially when you are on a Keto diet. One guy I call "Big Daddy" - that's what he calls Ron - loves sour skittles. So I bought some for him, told him, and stocked them in all 3 machines. I had a mountain of cardboard after I finished. I put it on a table.
Then I moved onto crackers. They were pretty much OK. Next, chips. More cardboard added to the mountain.
Sometimes Ron implies I am "lazy" and what I do doesn't matter. When he saw the mountain of cardboard he almost fell out of his wheelchair. I asked him to crush it up and put the recycling things on either side of him. He got to work. It took him a while, and he was slower than I would have been, but it's a job I hate, and, more importantly, something he can do.
I ran out of time before I finished, but I felt a lot better about the machines when I left.
I got to put all the carts up, find homes for the inventory, etc. Help Ron get in the home wheelchair, etc.
I got him outside, the ride was already there. It was a nice man from Nigeria. He was impressed when I thanked him in one of the dialects. We had a straight trip home.
I went to bed, hoping to beat my headache. It got worse. When I woke up, I took a hot shower and took some Excedrin. That helped some.
We went out to dinner. I had a bunless bacon cheeseburger. Ron had a salad but had some digestive excitement after eating it. Sometimes I wonder if he has IBS in addition to everything else. He had a lot of cramping on the way home.
When we got home, I had the fun of an emergency push to the bathroom, but we made it in time. Then we did accounting stuff for a while. It was almost 8. On a good day, I go to bed at 7 (crazy pills = "fatigue" - they aren't kidding). I stayed up for quite a while helping him.
Then, when I finished, he was critical and unappreciative of what I had done. I was disappointed. I had had a very long day and a kind word, or nothing, would have been better than that.
Ron just tried to talk to me from the other room, and got upset when I yelled back at him. If I don't yell back he doesn't hear me. What does he want, a very loud whisper on a megaphone?
Anyway, I was disappointed, tired, and angry. I don't bust my butt helping him just so he can slap me down for something I didn't even do. He was furious about something that HE did, when he finally processed that he stopped "biting" me but he didn't apologize for doing it.
I went to bed. I was tired enough I fell asleep pretty fast. I slept OK, woke up, no headache.
We have to run some errands and then home. That's it for today.
Hopefully Ron will be in a better mood.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Just loaned the business
Some money for inventory. Ron will pay me back when we go to the bank.
Sadly not manic, depressed today. Told you I would crash.
I will get it all done.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Beef stew recipe
I made a beef stew. Here's the recipe if you're interested.
I used 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, but 1 pound would work fine.
Approximately 2 cups frozen "stew vegetables" (celery removed), about 2-3 inches deep in the bottom of the crock pot.
1-1.5 pounds (2 pounds won't fit in a 2 quart crock pot) beef stew meat
1/4 t salt
1/2 t FRESH black pepper
1/2 t garlic powder (since I couldn't get fresh at the grocery store) - I clove or so would work if you have fresh.
1 cup beef bone broth.
Layer veggies first, meat, and then spices. Pour broth over meat and wash the spices into solution. Cook 8 hours.
Oh, I forgot the Worchestershire sauce. I will go add a teaspoon of that now.
Edit, I had to hold the teaspoon in my left hand (! the one that shakes!) while I poured the sauce with my right. I shook about half of the sauce (I have had 2 doses of Excedrin today) into the sink. I had to carry it over (with the right hand) to the crock-pot and then top it off, then dispense. The joys of lithium. Shaking hands.
I used 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, but 1 pound would work fine.
Approximately 2 cups frozen "stew vegetables" (celery removed), about 2-3 inches deep in the bottom of the crock pot.
1-1.5 pounds (2 pounds won't fit in a 2 quart crock pot) beef stew meat
1/4 t salt
1/2 t FRESH black pepper
1/2 t garlic powder (since I couldn't get fresh at the grocery store) - I clove or so would work if you have fresh.
1 cup beef bone broth.
Layer veggies first, meat, and then spices. Pour broth over meat and wash the spices into solution. Cook 8 hours.
Oh, I forgot the Worchestershire sauce. I will go add a teaspoon of that now.
Edit, I had to hold the teaspoon in my left hand (! the one that shakes!) while I poured the sauce with my right. I shook about half of the sauce (I have had 2 doses of Excedrin today) into the sink. I had to carry it over (with the right hand) to the crock-pot and then top it off, then dispense. The joys of lithium. Shaking hands.
I forgot to add
I am Facebook friends with my primary abuser. As it turns out, he hasn't done that well and I am small enough to get a little twinge of revenge when I see it.
I just saw a photo of him on Facebook, he put it up. In it, he is half dressed, skinny, his hair is a nest, and he is wearing heavy black eye makeup like one of the goth kids. He looks miserable.
And you told me I should unfriend him.
I told you I could be small.
I just saw a photo of him on Facebook, he put it up. In it, he is half dressed, skinny, his hair is a nest, and he is wearing heavy black eye makeup like one of the goth kids. He looks miserable.
And you told me I should unfriend him.
I told you I could be small.
A lot about my breakfast
I had trouble sleeping last night.
Amusingly enough, years ago I mentioned trouble sleeping to one of Doc's interns. I also shared a little of what I go through at home. When I got to the pharmacy, the intern had prescribed BOTH sleeping pills, and antianxiety pills, for me. I told the tech to get that crap away from me, it was ADDICTIVE and I was at high risk. She nodded approvingly.
So "missed" my chance. Doc respects my lifestyle and would never prescribe that stuff unless I was in big trouble. Let me correct that: Big Trouble.
So, one of the times I woke up to use the bathroom, I also use the sink to get a glass of water, I get incredibly dried out at night. Ron heard me and told me he was having a very bad night (he was quiet, though), and he was cancelling work for today. I told him OK, went back to bed, and turned off my alarm. I slept until 8:30.
I weighed myself, down another half pound. That's a pretty good chunk of butter. I also checked my blood sugar, it was 90. So at least I am taking care of my body if not my mind.
I had a pretty persistent headache, so I took some generic Excedrin. It worked but it made me manic, which Ron found annoying. I have been manic, depressed, and then back to manic all in one week. Rapid cycling. No bueno. It is just a sign I am under a lot of strain. I think Doc would say I am OK as long as I am functional. I'm thinking about dinner tonight, so I think that's good.
I plan to make a beef stew. I don't have any garlic but I am mildly allergic anyway. I can use some powder or just go without. I can also take the bus to one of a couple grocery stores and buy some garlic.
Ron woke up, he was in a lot of pain. I gave him a hug and kissed the top of his head, careful not to bump his "bad" foot.
I drank a Diet Dr Pepper I bought yesterday at the store (when I forgot the garlic!), it was good. Then I put my electric kettle on to boil and made some oatmeal (within my carb limits, and I added coconut oil to it), and a couple cups of tea.
I'm just waiting on the oatmeal to cool down so I can eat it, and take my antidepressant. I probably don't "need" it today, being manic and all, but I will take it regardless. Doc has NEVER told me to skip my antidepressant when I'm manic, so I won't.
It does seem kind of logical, though. I will ask him about it at our next visit.
Goals for the day, eat, take pills.
Shower - already shaved my legs yesterday so easy today
God Time
Nap - if I can
Bag up candy with tracts for drivers - sometime, probably tonight.
Afternoon - go to grocery store and get some garlic.
Evening, make stew to cook overnight.
Eat something, take rest of pills.
Tomorrow we have a pretty ambitious day planned. In addition to that, I will probably need to do some laundry. As I said, I bought Ron (with his money) 2 new shirts to replace the one he ruined. His current shirt is pretty soiled, so he can't wear it tomorrow. Add my clothes to it and it's probably a load of laundry.
Ron's pretty quiet in the back room right now so I will enjoy the peace and quiet as I go eat my oatmeal.
Edit: it was very good. However, it is pouring down rain right now with a thunderstorm so I don't think I'll be getting that trip to the grocery store, today.
Amusingly enough, years ago I mentioned trouble sleeping to one of Doc's interns. I also shared a little of what I go through at home. When I got to the pharmacy, the intern had prescribed BOTH sleeping pills, and antianxiety pills, for me. I told the tech to get that crap away from me, it was ADDICTIVE and I was at high risk. She nodded approvingly.
So "missed" my chance. Doc respects my lifestyle and would never prescribe that stuff unless I was in big trouble. Let me correct that: Big Trouble.
So, one of the times I woke up to use the bathroom, I also use the sink to get a glass of water, I get incredibly dried out at night. Ron heard me and told me he was having a very bad night (he was quiet, though), and he was cancelling work for today. I told him OK, went back to bed, and turned off my alarm. I slept until 8:30.
I weighed myself, down another half pound. That's a pretty good chunk of butter. I also checked my blood sugar, it was 90. So at least I am taking care of my body if not my mind.
I had a pretty persistent headache, so I took some generic Excedrin. It worked but it made me manic, which Ron found annoying. I have been manic, depressed, and then back to manic all in one week. Rapid cycling. No bueno. It is just a sign I am under a lot of strain. I think Doc would say I am OK as long as I am functional. I'm thinking about dinner tonight, so I think that's good.
I plan to make a beef stew. I don't have any garlic but I am mildly allergic anyway. I can use some powder or just go without. I can also take the bus to one of a couple grocery stores and buy some garlic.
Ron woke up, he was in a lot of pain. I gave him a hug and kissed the top of his head, careful not to bump his "bad" foot.
I drank a Diet Dr Pepper I bought yesterday at the store (when I forgot the garlic!), it was good. Then I put my electric kettle on to boil and made some oatmeal (within my carb limits, and I added coconut oil to it), and a couple cups of tea.
I'm just waiting on the oatmeal to cool down so I can eat it, and take my antidepressant. I probably don't "need" it today, being manic and all, but I will take it regardless. Doc has NEVER told me to skip my antidepressant when I'm manic, so I won't.
It does seem kind of logical, though. I will ask him about it at our next visit.
Goals for the day, eat, take pills.
Shower - already shaved my legs yesterday so easy today
God Time
Nap - if I can
Bag up candy with tracts for drivers - sometime, probably tonight.
Afternoon - go to grocery store and get some garlic.
Evening, make stew to cook overnight.
Eat something, take rest of pills.
Tomorrow we have a pretty ambitious day planned. In addition to that, I will probably need to do some laundry. As I said, I bought Ron (with his money) 2 new shirts to replace the one he ruined. His current shirt is pretty soiled, so he can't wear it tomorrow. Add my clothes to it and it's probably a load of laundry.
Ron's pretty quiet in the back room right now so I will enjoy the peace and quiet as I go eat my oatmeal.
Edit: it was very good. However, it is pouring down rain right now with a thunderstorm so I don't think I'll be getting that trip to the grocery store, today.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Lessons I didn't want to learn
I'm a little manic today, that happens sometimes with a migraine, I get over it, and my mood flips. I was depressed, now a little manic. I don't know how long it will last.
I just checked in on Ron, and I saw his foot twitch, so I know he's still alive.
I was thinking about kids. How I didn't want the work. I didn't want the responsibility of caring for them 24/7. How I wanted to sleep all night, every night.
Here I am. I have work, caring for Ron and helping to run the business. I have the responsibility of making sure he takes his supplements, bathing him, making sure he looks OK, etc.
I sure don't get my sleep every night.
I worry about him, I worry about me if something happens to him - will I be blamed? I told Ron today if he mixes alcohol and pain medicine I could be up on criminal charges. He laughed. I didn't think it was funny.
I think about everything in terms of how it would affect Ron. I don't think as much about myself.
I'm not saying Ron's my "baby". I'm not saying I'm his "mother".
But God is teaching me the lessons I didn't want to learn.
I just checked in on Ron, and I saw his foot twitch, so I know he's still alive.
I was thinking about kids. How I didn't want the work. I didn't want the responsibility of caring for them 24/7. How I wanted to sleep all night, every night.
Here I am. I have work, caring for Ron and helping to run the business. I have the responsibility of making sure he takes his supplements, bathing him, making sure he looks OK, etc.
I sure don't get my sleep every night.
I worry about him, I worry about me if something happens to him - will I be blamed? I told Ron today if he mixes alcohol and pain medicine I could be up on criminal charges. He laughed. I didn't think it was funny.
I think about everything in terms of how it would affect Ron. I don't think as much about myself.
I'm not saying Ron's my "baby". I'm not saying I'm his "mother".
But God is teaching me the lessons I didn't want to learn.
Apparently, I am going to hell if I take Ron to the acupuncture clinic
So, I couldn't fall asleep. I got up and cleaned out the fridge, then took out the garbage.
I checked my Facebook. I had put up a question this morning about acupuncture for Ron. I have to think it might help.
I have a friend from an old message board. She is significantly older than me, or even Ron. Rather than reply to my post directly, which I feel would have been more honest and straightforward, she did a whole post "on her own" about how acupuncture = witchcraft, shamanism, etc.
It's sticking needles in a person, trying to get their energy lined up. I don't see that as demonic. It is, surely, "different" thinking - not Western. But it works for so many it has been around for thousands of years.
I didn't appreciate her cheap shot, sneaking around like that. If I have an objection to you I will say it to you directly. I won't pretend to have an "independent" "revelation" from God about what is best for your life.
I'm too tired to work up a good "mad" but I am disgusted. I wish people would be straightforward.
That's something I value in myself - I am honest with people.
Edit: I didn't confront her directly because she clearly didn't want "confrontation". Just wanted to throw up her post and run, which is fine.
I can always block her if she gets annoying.
I checked my Facebook. I had put up a question this morning about acupuncture for Ron. I have to think it might help.
I have a friend from an old message board. She is significantly older than me, or even Ron. Rather than reply to my post directly, which I feel would have been more honest and straightforward, she did a whole post "on her own" about how acupuncture = witchcraft, shamanism, etc.
It's sticking needles in a person, trying to get their energy lined up. I don't see that as demonic. It is, surely, "different" thinking - not Western. But it works for so many it has been around for thousands of years.
I didn't appreciate her cheap shot, sneaking around like that. If I have an objection to you I will say it to you directly. I won't pretend to have an "independent" "revelation" from God about what is best for your life.
I'm too tired to work up a good "mad" but I am disgusted. I wish people would be straightforward.
That's something I value in myself - I am honest with people.
Edit: I didn't confront her directly because she clearly didn't want "confrontation". Just wanted to throw up her post and run, which is fine.
I can always block her if she gets annoying.
The rest of my day
I took my shower, got out, and did my God Time.
Ron woke up as I was contemplating a nap. His voicemail had a call from the pharmacy. His prescription (21 days worth) was in.
He was pretty drunk at the time and I seriously doubted I could get him in and out of a car. He decided to call Chuck. I told him, first, let's call the pharmacy and make sure I can pick up your pills for you. I could.
Then he called Chuck. I made a quick list and asked Chuck if it was OK if I got a few things besides the prescription. He said sure, would Ron mind?
I said Ron was in no state to mind anything. I got his medicine and some beef stew fixings. Beef is really expensive, at least at that store. Ron said it "had" to have carrots and potatoes. I finally found a frozen bag of vegetables. It has celery in it, but I can pull that out. I got some more bone broth. It gave the pork stew a good flavor. It should do wonders for the beef. I forgot the garlic, I will have to get some.
I found some t-shirts on clearance and grabbed a few. That last t-shirt is shot, and I'm not running it through the washer a dozen times trying to "save" it. Especially since the clearance ones were only $3.
I was about ready to pay but Ron asked me to get some food from the deli. I did. I forgot the potatoes because he kept changing his mind as to what he wanted.
Then I left. I called Chuck, who drove over and picked me up. I just had the one tote bag.
We went home, I got out, he left after I went into the house. I gave Ron his stuff and he gave me some money to cover his share of the food.
I gave him his medicine. What he does with it is his business. I think I have certainly documented I told Ron not to drink and mix prescriptions, on here. I told him last night, that, if I knew he had taken his painkiller and drunk alcohol, I would call 911 to have his stomach pumped. He didn't like that at all and became very evasive.
It's late, but I'm still going to try and take a nap. I'm tired. I did not sleep well last night, with the migraine.
I plan to go to bed early, too.
Ron woke up as I was contemplating a nap. His voicemail had a call from the pharmacy. His prescription (21 days worth) was in.
He was pretty drunk at the time and I seriously doubted I could get him in and out of a car. He decided to call Chuck. I told him, first, let's call the pharmacy and make sure I can pick up your pills for you. I could.
Then he called Chuck. I made a quick list and asked Chuck if it was OK if I got a few things besides the prescription. He said sure, would Ron mind?
I said Ron was in no state to mind anything. I got his medicine and some beef stew fixings. Beef is really expensive, at least at that store. Ron said it "had" to have carrots and potatoes. I finally found a frozen bag of vegetables. It has celery in it, but I can pull that out. I got some more bone broth. It gave the pork stew a good flavor. It should do wonders for the beef. I forgot the garlic, I will have to get some.
I found some t-shirts on clearance and grabbed a few. That last t-shirt is shot, and I'm not running it through the washer a dozen times trying to "save" it. Especially since the clearance ones were only $3.
I was about ready to pay but Ron asked me to get some food from the deli. I did. I forgot the potatoes because he kept changing his mind as to what he wanted.
Then I left. I called Chuck, who drove over and picked me up. I just had the one tote bag.
We went home, I got out, he left after I went into the house. I gave Ron his stuff and he gave me some money to cover his share of the food.
I gave him his medicine. What he does with it is his business. I think I have certainly documented I told Ron not to drink and mix prescriptions, on here. I told him last night, that, if I knew he had taken his painkiller and drunk alcohol, I would call 911 to have his stomach pumped. He didn't like that at all and became very evasive.
It's late, but I'm still going to try and take a nap. I'm tired. I did not sleep well last night, with the migraine.
I plan to go to bed early, too.
OH, I'm tired
It's 11 AM. I have to take a shower already.
I'm tied. I ate a little and it stayed down so I'm past the vomiting part of the program, but I still have a feeling like a knot at the base of my skull.
Happily I was able to get Ron back into bed, he needed some help. I don't mind helping him if I don't have an active headache. When I do he is pretty much on his own.
Anyway, off to shower. When I get up from my nap I plan to do some housecleaning, we have plenty of room in the trash can and garbage comes tomorrow.
I'm tied. I ate a little and it stayed down so I'm past the vomiting part of the program, but I still have a feeling like a knot at the base of my skull.
Happily I was able to get Ron back into bed, he needed some help. I don't mind helping him if I don't have an active headache. When I do he is pretty much on his own.
Anyway, off to shower. When I get up from my nap I plan to do some housecleaning, we have plenty of room in the trash can and garbage comes tomorrow.
Migraine recovery
Well, the migraine got worse and escalated to vomiting. I won't give you all the details. No one wants to hear that. I made it to my bucket every time, praise God. That would have been awful if I hadn't.
Sometimes I wish Ron could do more. I'd be a liar otherwise. "Don't worry about the mess, honey, I'll get it." Instead it's all on me.
I had a very bad night. I believe Ron took a pain pill pretty close to drinking but I can't prove it. He was quiet. I slept as well as I could (not well, and had some strange dreams about roast chicken) and woke up with a classic, one-sided migraine.
I have been getting what I term "spider headaches" radiating out from the base of my skull, with tentacles of pain on both sides of my head. They are almost worse than migraines. I had one of those yesterday, with vomiting, so it must be a migraine variant. I found it helped to put an icepack at the base of my skull, periodically, for a couple of minutes and then take it off.
And we can't forget Mom's old favorite, the wet rag. That is one good memory from my childhood, when I'd get sick she'd always put the wet rag on my head. That helped too but it did soak the bed.
I have a waterproof protector so no big deal. Kind of mandatory with a puking cat. Actually Torbie has gotten sick in my bed, too, so two pukers.
I got what rest I could and my alarm went off at 7:30. I was still pretty tired, and now had a classic one sided (right side) migraine. I reset the alarm for an hour later.
When I woke up again, Biscuit was having hysterics. I was late, with breakfast! Poor baby. I got up, weighed myself (down 4 pounds since I started on my lower carb plan), brushed my teeth as he had fits meowing. I need to record him like that and make him a ringtone or text message alert.
I know it's not healthy for him, but Biscuit looked so cute with his chubby flab of fat flapping around as he ran down the hall for breakfast.
I fed them (they all show up for breakfast) and checked in on Ron. He was in severe pain and cancelled our ride to Walmart to pick up his medication. Then he went to the kitchen for some drinking.
We had a little argument about that. I found he had some something weird with cat treats, in the sink. Not sure what that was, and, frankly, don't want to know.
He started drinking. Said he only did it for the pain. I will say he is in less pain now than he was an hour ago, so it has some effect. But the rest of the bundle!
Last night he said he would drink so he would "be quiet" for me with the migraine. I asked him if I was going to find him on the floor in the morning. He said no.
To his credit, I didn't. I found him in his bed when I got up. A chair in his room was knocked over, he said the cats did it, but he was in bed and quiet.
So now I have no trips today. I could have been ready to go to Walmart, had I known the painkillers would work, but I don't think Ron would have been fit to ride at the level it seems to take to alleviate his pain.
I am skeptical about going out today because it's going to be hot, chance of rain, and I don't want my migraine to come back. That happened to me once when I was out, I had a headache and it morphed into a migraine. It got really bad and I had to ride the bus home and then walk half a mile from the bus stop. With a migraine.
I have more fun stories like that about migraines but you get the idea.
It's almost 10, I'd better get my shower. My hair looks like some sort of nest.
Sometimes I wish Ron could do more. I'd be a liar otherwise. "Don't worry about the mess, honey, I'll get it." Instead it's all on me.
I had a very bad night. I believe Ron took a pain pill pretty close to drinking but I can't prove it. He was quiet. I slept as well as I could (not well, and had some strange dreams about roast chicken) and woke up with a classic, one-sided migraine.
I have been getting what I term "spider headaches" radiating out from the base of my skull, with tentacles of pain on both sides of my head. They are almost worse than migraines. I had one of those yesterday, with vomiting, so it must be a migraine variant. I found it helped to put an icepack at the base of my skull, periodically, for a couple of minutes and then take it off.
And we can't forget Mom's old favorite, the wet rag. That is one good memory from my childhood, when I'd get sick she'd always put the wet rag on my head. That helped too but it did soak the bed.
I have a waterproof protector so no big deal. Kind of mandatory with a puking cat. Actually Torbie has gotten sick in my bed, too, so two pukers.
I got what rest I could and my alarm went off at 7:30. I was still pretty tired, and now had a classic one sided (right side) migraine. I reset the alarm for an hour later.
When I woke up again, Biscuit was having hysterics. I was late, with breakfast! Poor baby. I got up, weighed myself (down 4 pounds since I started on my lower carb plan), brushed my teeth as he had fits meowing. I need to record him like that and make him a ringtone or text message alert.
I know it's not healthy for him, but Biscuit looked so cute with his chubby flab of fat flapping around as he ran down the hall for breakfast.
I fed them (they all show up for breakfast) and checked in on Ron. He was in severe pain and cancelled our ride to Walmart to pick up his medication. Then he went to the kitchen for some drinking.
We had a little argument about that. I found he had some something weird with cat treats, in the sink. Not sure what that was, and, frankly, don't want to know.
He started drinking. Said he only did it for the pain. I will say he is in less pain now than he was an hour ago, so it has some effect. But the rest of the bundle!
Last night he said he would drink so he would "be quiet" for me with the migraine. I asked him if I was going to find him on the floor in the morning. He said no.
To his credit, I didn't. I found him in his bed when I got up. A chair in his room was knocked over, he said the cats did it, but he was in bed and quiet.
So now I have no trips today. I could have been ready to go to Walmart, had I known the painkillers would work, but I don't think Ron would have been fit to ride at the level it seems to take to alleviate his pain.
I am skeptical about going out today because it's going to be hot, chance of rain, and I don't want my migraine to come back. That happened to me once when I was out, I had a headache and it morphed into a migraine. It got really bad and I had to ride the bus home and then walk half a mile from the bus stop. With a migraine.
I have more fun stories like that about migraines but you get the idea.
It's almost 10, I'd better get my shower. My hair looks like some sort of nest.
Monday, August 27, 2018
In search of "Juan"
Just had some guy ringing my doorbell like a bill collector. I threw on a bathrobe and opened the door, came out. I look like crap. I shut the door behind me so the cats wouldn't get out.
Asked me about "Juan" living here. I said no, we have owned the house for a long time, no Juans. Oh, well, he lived in #2. I told him, very slowly, THERE is #2. THIS is #4.
Why the f are you bothering ME, then? "Juan" is probably one of his aliases - I know the guy who sold us the house had 3 or 4. A lot of Mexicans engage in multiple identities to stay ahead of the authorities, and, clearly, whoever this guy was banging on my door.
He was probably referring to the hoarder, with the Barkappotamous. They left over a year ago.
I said I didn't know if he lived next door, "They had a lot of renters". I then pointedly told him I had a migraine and went back inside. Why didn't he contact the homeowner? It is very easy to get her information online. Why come and bother me?
I don't know. Does he think I knew the guy, first name and last, and had a forwarding address. That we were such good friends?
I know the full names of the people who live in #6, because I looked them up online to see if they were renters or owners. Sadly, they are owners.
I don't know the names of anyone else on our block and I am fine living that way. I don't bother you, you don't bother me.
Does "Juan" live here. Phffft.
Asked me about "Juan" living here. I said no, we have owned the house for a long time, no Juans. Oh, well, he lived in #2. I told him, very slowly, THERE is #2. THIS is #4.
Why the f are you bothering ME, then? "Juan" is probably one of his aliases - I know the guy who sold us the house had 3 or 4. A lot of Mexicans engage in multiple identities to stay ahead of the authorities, and, clearly, whoever this guy was banging on my door.
He was probably referring to the hoarder, with the Barkappotamous. They left over a year ago.
I said I didn't know if he lived next door, "They had a lot of renters". I then pointedly told him I had a migraine and went back inside. Why didn't he contact the homeowner? It is very easy to get her information online. Why come and bother me?
I don't know. Does he think I knew the guy, first name and last, and had a forwarding address. That we were such good friends?
I know the full names of the people who live in #6, because I looked them up online to see if they were renters or owners. Sadly, they are owners.
I don't know the names of anyone else on our block and I am fine living that way. I don't bother you, you don't bother me.
Does "Juan" live here. Phffft.
Work, and a migraine
Oddly enough, This'l (a black gospel rapper) playlist on Youtube is helping my migraine.
I think I puked everything up so it should be safe to type for a bit.
Ron was OK yesterday, he told me today he took his pain pills. Today the doctor said (after yet another conversation about this - he has called them at least a dozen times) they put in a prescription for a couple of weeks worth of medication.
He didn't sleep well but he was up late reading a book and "watching" TV. I slept horribly. I thought to myself, Ron is being nice and quiet and I can't fall asleep to save my life. I blamed the Excedrin I had taken around 3 PM.
I did have Torbie in the bed, and, at times, Biscuit. Biscuit loves his catio, though, so he likes to spend nights out there lurking.
I woke up and reset my alarm. I took a shower. I had given Ron his bath last night and gotten him fixed up as well as I could.
I just focused on getting me ready, Ron did a good job getting himself ready. We left.
We had to pick up another client, but she was nice and you could tell she was a "real" client, not one of those hangnail people - get a hangnail and decide they qualify. This lady had a stroke and her left arm was a pretzel, across her chest.
We went to work. I helped Ron a lot because I had done all my work on Saturday. He was very appreciative and told me repeatedly.
The other vendor's guy talked me into eating a pastry, which was a big mistake. We finished up and came home. We will be back most likely Wednesday.
We hardly got outside before the ride pulled up. She was very nice, didn't want any candy (bad teeth). We had a straight ride home.
I fixed Ron some Green Chili Stew (he still loves it) and he chewed it very carefully this time, sitting up while he ate. I took a nap and woke up with what could only be termed a crushing migraine. I took some Excedrin and drank some diet fruit punch. It didn't work.
Pretty soon, I am salivating and I know what that means, I hustled over to my bucket. That's the nice thing about a small house, everything is close by. I sat down on the edge of the bed and let it fly, into the bucket. My stomach can hold a lot of fluid.
In the meantime, Ron was using the bathroom. When he finished and flushed I went in, dumped and rinsed my bucket.
Ron's doctor has allegedly called in a prescription for some more medication for him. I'll believe it when I see it, there has been so much confusion with the doctor's office and the pharmacy.
In the meantime he is currently drinking right now, stabbing pains in his foot. He "slept so well" when we got home but it woke him up again.
I feel pretty awful but I'll live. I think some of the Excedrin got through before I got sick.
Biscuit was a good little buddy, sleeping with me during my nap. Torbie slept with me, too. They're good cats. When I went to sit in my chair, Baby Girl came out. Not sure why she likes the chair so much now but I don't mind. I just hope I don't rock over her tail one day.
I'll be glad when we feel better. Thank God Ron isn't the frontman in a heavy metal band, with a practice due today.
I think I puked everything up so it should be safe to type for a bit.
Ron was OK yesterday, he told me today he took his pain pills. Today the doctor said (after yet another conversation about this - he has called them at least a dozen times) they put in a prescription for a couple of weeks worth of medication.
He didn't sleep well but he was up late reading a book and "watching" TV. I slept horribly. I thought to myself, Ron is being nice and quiet and I can't fall asleep to save my life. I blamed the Excedrin I had taken around 3 PM.
I did have Torbie in the bed, and, at times, Biscuit. Biscuit loves his catio, though, so he likes to spend nights out there lurking.
I woke up and reset my alarm. I took a shower. I had given Ron his bath last night and gotten him fixed up as well as I could.
I just focused on getting me ready, Ron did a good job getting himself ready. We left.
We had to pick up another client, but she was nice and you could tell she was a "real" client, not one of those hangnail people - get a hangnail and decide they qualify. This lady had a stroke and her left arm was a pretzel, across her chest.
We went to work. I helped Ron a lot because I had done all my work on Saturday. He was very appreciative and told me repeatedly.
The other vendor's guy talked me into eating a pastry, which was a big mistake. We finished up and came home. We will be back most likely Wednesday.
We hardly got outside before the ride pulled up. She was very nice, didn't want any candy (bad teeth). We had a straight ride home.
I fixed Ron some Green Chili Stew (he still loves it) and he chewed it very carefully this time, sitting up while he ate. I took a nap and woke up with what could only be termed a crushing migraine. I took some Excedrin and drank some diet fruit punch. It didn't work.
Pretty soon, I am salivating and I know what that means, I hustled over to my bucket. That's the nice thing about a small house, everything is close by. I sat down on the edge of the bed and let it fly, into the bucket. My stomach can hold a lot of fluid.
In the meantime, Ron was using the bathroom. When he finished and flushed I went in, dumped and rinsed my bucket.
Ron's doctor has allegedly called in a prescription for some more medication for him. I'll believe it when I see it, there has been so much confusion with the doctor's office and the pharmacy.
In the meantime he is currently drinking right now, stabbing pains in his foot. He "slept so well" when we got home but it woke him up again.
I feel pretty awful but I'll live. I think some of the Excedrin got through before I got sick.
Biscuit was a good little buddy, sleeping with me during my nap. Torbie slept with me, too. They're good cats. When I went to sit in my chair, Baby Girl came out. Not sure why she likes the chair so much now but I don't mind. I just hope I don't rock over her tail one day.
I'll be glad when we feel better. Thank God Ron isn't the frontman in a heavy metal band, with a practice due today.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Laundry test
So, yesterday Ron threw up all over his clothes. Then he lay on the floor for a while.
I finally got his clothes off yesterday and put them in a bag, in the laundry room. They were so bad I considered throwing them out. I have dealt with worse laundry but it's been a long time.
But they don't sell the shorts anymore and if I'm going to save the shorts, I might as well make an attempt toward saving the shirt.
I try to take a positive view of things. Instead of focusing on the sad and disgusting nature of drunks who fall on the floor and vomit on their clothing, I'm going to focus on the stain removal challenge of getting the puke out.
I ran it on "soak" cycle first, with some Biz (a stain remover). It has had pretty good results in the past. Then I'm going to do my inaugural use of my Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, and a Tide Pod. I'm using warm water, the clothes are cotton.
It will be interesting to see if it gets everything out. I will come back and edit the post and let you know how it went.
I always try to be positive.
Well, the shirt didn't come clean. I will treat it with some shout gel when it dries, if that doesn't do it it's a loss. I won't put it in the dryer.
Shorts were OK, but they weren't bad to begin with. I am currently cleaning Ron up so he doesn't frighten the customers tomorrow.
I finally got his clothes off yesterday and put them in a bag, in the laundry room. They were so bad I considered throwing them out. I have dealt with worse laundry but it's been a long time.
But they don't sell the shorts anymore and if I'm going to save the shorts, I might as well make an attempt toward saving the shirt.
I try to take a positive view of things. Instead of focusing on the sad and disgusting nature of drunks who fall on the floor and vomit on their clothing, I'm going to focus on the stain removal challenge of getting the puke out.
I ran it on "soak" cycle first, with some Biz (a stain remover). It has had pretty good results in the past. Then I'm going to do my inaugural use of my Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, and a Tide Pod. I'm using warm water, the clothes are cotton.
It will be interesting to see if it gets everything out. I will come back and edit the post and let you know how it went.
I always try to be positive.
Well, the shirt didn't come clean. I will treat it with some shout gel when it dries, if that doesn't do it it's a loss. I won't put it in the dryer.
Shorts were OK, but they weren't bad to begin with. I am currently cleaning Ron up so he doesn't frighten the customers tomorrow.
Cuddles with Biscuit
Another night of bad sleep, Ron moaning all night. I woke up in pretty good spirits, considering.
I got up and took my shower, did my God Time. I have really neglected my God Time lately. That's not good for me spiritually or mentally.
Ron got up and I had him sit up in bed while I fed him some green chili stew. He was very happy to eat it. I told him it had chicken stock (actually bone broth), which is very good for his joints. He didn't eat much but at least he's eating.
The hard part was warming it up, I had just taken it out of the freezer this morning and put it in the fridge, so I had to thaw it out in the microwave. But Ron didn't complain about the temperature so it must have been OK.
He laid back down again, his dysphagia was acting up and he was having trouble swallowing. That happens for him, it's a result of the stroke.
I told him I was going to lie down and take a nap, and asked him to please try to be quiet. He said he would (and did a pretty good job). I laid down and Biscuit leapt into bed with me. Always a nice treat, a good visit with stretchy cat. He likes to stretch out in my bed and spoon with me. Just what the doctor ordered.
Seriously, I am certain my doctor would prescribe cuddles with Biscuit if he knew how they made me feel so much better. He's been lying by my foot, too, since I got on the computer.
I had a pretty good nap with Biscuit, but woke up with a headache. I think it was my use of aspartame. I am still using aspartame while I go low carb. Once I've got that mastered I will go off the aspartame. It is more convenient than brewing tea.
I laid in bed with Biscuit for a while, anyway. The headache was only about a 6 so not too awful. I petted Biscuit, who stretched out with me, threw his leg over mine, and purred. He's a good boy.
After I got up, he threw up on the floor, happily not in the bed. Poor baby. He's just pukey. But he weighs almost 20 pounds so he is getting enough food. Bubba was like that, too.
Ron and I talked about trips for tomorrow. He wants to try to go to work. I hope it works out. Worst case I can take the bus.
I'm not so much tired as I am weary. I am weary of all the drama. I am tired of wondering when Ron is going to fall on the floor, and how I'm going to get him up. I don't want EMT's in my home even though it appears they don't bill in Houston for putting someone back in a wheelchair.
I want the old Ron back, the guy who walked 12 miles with me out of the flood in 2001. The accident was 2003. I miss Ron walking around with me and bitching about how his flat feet hurt. Now I've got this cripple who can barely get to the bathroom, and it's tragic.
I wish that man could see what he did to Ron, before and after. It's awful. I hope he does feel terrible about what he did.
One thing's for sure, he had better not approach either of us and ask how Ron is doing. He's going to get an earful if he does.
I got up and took my shower, did my God Time. I have really neglected my God Time lately. That's not good for me spiritually or mentally.
Ron got up and I had him sit up in bed while I fed him some green chili stew. He was very happy to eat it. I told him it had chicken stock (actually bone broth), which is very good for his joints. He didn't eat much but at least he's eating.
The hard part was warming it up, I had just taken it out of the freezer this morning and put it in the fridge, so I had to thaw it out in the microwave. But Ron didn't complain about the temperature so it must have been OK.
He laid back down again, his dysphagia was acting up and he was having trouble swallowing. That happens for him, it's a result of the stroke.
I told him I was going to lie down and take a nap, and asked him to please try to be quiet. He said he would (and did a pretty good job). I laid down and Biscuit leapt into bed with me. Always a nice treat, a good visit with stretchy cat. He likes to stretch out in my bed and spoon with me. Just what the doctor ordered.
Seriously, I am certain my doctor would prescribe cuddles with Biscuit if he knew how they made me feel so much better. He's been lying by my foot, too, since I got on the computer.
I had a pretty good nap with Biscuit, but woke up with a headache. I think it was my use of aspartame. I am still using aspartame while I go low carb. Once I've got that mastered I will go off the aspartame. It is more convenient than brewing tea.
I laid in bed with Biscuit for a while, anyway. The headache was only about a 6 so not too awful. I petted Biscuit, who stretched out with me, threw his leg over mine, and purred. He's a good boy.
After I got up, he threw up on the floor, happily not in the bed. Poor baby. He's just pukey. But he weighs almost 20 pounds so he is getting enough food. Bubba was like that, too.
Ron and I talked about trips for tomorrow. He wants to try to go to work. I hope it works out. Worst case I can take the bus.
I'm not so much tired as I am weary. I am weary of all the drama. I am tired of wondering when Ron is going to fall on the floor, and how I'm going to get him up. I don't want EMT's in my home even though it appears they don't bill in Houston for putting someone back in a wheelchair.
I want the old Ron back, the guy who walked 12 miles with me out of the flood in 2001. The accident was 2003. I miss Ron walking around with me and bitching about how his flat feet hurt. Now I've got this cripple who can barely get to the bathroom, and it's tragic.
I wish that man could see what he did to Ron, before and after. It's awful. I hope he does feel terrible about what he did.
One thing's for sure, he had better not approach either of us and ask how Ron is doing. He's going to get an earful if he does.
Saturday, August 25, 2018
"Call it in"
So, Ron kept me up all night. I asked him, at 4 AM (yeah, Saturdays are real fun for me) if he wanted me to cover his shift today. I can do his work, I just needed to know so we could cancel the ride. He said no, he would work.
I took a shower and got dressed. Ron isn't looking any better. He asks me if I will cover his shift. I told him, yes, I would, but you should have said yes when I asked you an hour ago. Now you will get in trouble with paratransit.
No, he said, not if I'm sick. He called in and got it cancelled.
I finished with my preparations and waited until 6:30. Sam's opens at 7. Jack comes at 8:30, or something like that (usually later).
I called the cab company. They have caller ID and asked me if I was at (home address) I pushed a button and told them my name. Pretty soon I got a phone call from a nice man with an accent, he was in the driveway. I got my stuff and left. He was a nice man, listening to Christian music. That told me he was a Christian, if I hadn't spotted the Bible.
Nice that he can display his faith on the job. I wish I could. Well, when things are going well I wish I could.
I went in the store. Everyone's looking for Ron. The greeter tried to offer me a slice of lemon loaf cake. Ron and I love that cake. It only comes in a combo pack with less desirable cakes. I said no.
I did my shopping, used my judgement to buy what I thought we needed. I know we have been low on "candy bars" so I bought a lot of granola bars. They have a much better food cost, in some cases almost a third the cost of a candy bar.
I finished up and paid. I went outside to wait on Jack. I don't have his number and he doesn't have mine. I could see he was on the phone when he pulled up. He took a minute getting out of the truck.
He told me he had called Ron, as usual, and Ron didn't know what day it was. When Jack told him it was Saturday he told Jack to go back home. But Jack had seen me by then. I'm glad Ron didn't run him off, that would have sucked. I would have had to return EVERYTHING and take another cab to go home.
We got the truck loaded and went to work. We unloaded the truck and Jack left after exchanging numbers. I hope his wife is OK with that.
I got everything into the building. I was feeling bitter, and resentful. I didn't do any of Ron's work. He can do it on Monday. I did my work, some of it.
The way I view Saturdays, my big job is getting everything into the building and stored properly. The stocking can generally wait until Monday.
And I was TIRED. Remember Ron kept me up all night moaning and crying.
I tried to call Ron a couple of times, nothing. I finally got ahold of him right before I left. I locked up everything, went outside, and called a cab driver we use a lot.
He works the general area of work. I called him first - it's a good trip - and he accepted happily. When I was most of the way home Ron called and said he wanted more vodka. The driver said that was fine, but Ron would have to "call it in" so he would get the right thing.
And Ron was so drunk, on the phone, I am amazed he ended up getting what he wanted. He was totally incoherent.
At least he wasn't complaining about his back anymore. I put up the garage door when the driver came back, so he could put up the vodka, and shut it after he left.
I ate a bunless hot dog from Sam's, along with some cottage cheese and my pills. I figured better to get the pills early today.
Then I took a nap, after reminding Ron I needed my sleep. I heard very little noise but I did hear, right before I got up, the classic sound of Ron hitting the floor. I got up and took some headache pills. I had a headache, but it wasn't as bad today.
Surprising.
I went to the kitchen. Not only was Ron on the floor, but he'd thrown up. What a mess.
He was snoring. I left him asleep. He only now woke up. Requesting "2 or 3" paper towels, then more, then more. I got sick of it and told him he made a big mess that would need a lot of paper towels, and gave him the whole roll.
What a day. I did have a good nap with Biscuit, and Torbie ran around on me for a while, across me one way, then across the other. She is pretty cute.
I just pray I can sleep OK tonight.
I took a shower and got dressed. Ron isn't looking any better. He asks me if I will cover his shift. I told him, yes, I would, but you should have said yes when I asked you an hour ago. Now you will get in trouble with paratransit.
No, he said, not if I'm sick. He called in and got it cancelled.
I finished with my preparations and waited until 6:30. Sam's opens at 7. Jack comes at 8:30, or something like that (usually later).
I called the cab company. They have caller ID and asked me if I was at (home address) I pushed a button and told them my name. Pretty soon I got a phone call from a nice man with an accent, he was in the driveway. I got my stuff and left. He was a nice man, listening to Christian music. That told me he was a Christian, if I hadn't spotted the Bible.
Nice that he can display his faith on the job. I wish I could. Well, when things are going well I wish I could.
I went in the store. Everyone's looking for Ron. The greeter tried to offer me a slice of lemon loaf cake. Ron and I love that cake. It only comes in a combo pack with less desirable cakes. I said no.
I did my shopping, used my judgement to buy what I thought we needed. I know we have been low on "candy bars" so I bought a lot of granola bars. They have a much better food cost, in some cases almost a third the cost of a candy bar.
I finished up and paid. I went outside to wait on Jack. I don't have his number and he doesn't have mine. I could see he was on the phone when he pulled up. He took a minute getting out of the truck.
He told me he had called Ron, as usual, and Ron didn't know what day it was. When Jack told him it was Saturday he told Jack to go back home. But Jack had seen me by then. I'm glad Ron didn't run him off, that would have sucked. I would have had to return EVERYTHING and take another cab to go home.
We got the truck loaded and went to work. We unloaded the truck and Jack left after exchanging numbers. I hope his wife is OK with that.
I got everything into the building. I was feeling bitter, and resentful. I didn't do any of Ron's work. He can do it on Monday. I did my work, some of it.
The way I view Saturdays, my big job is getting everything into the building and stored properly. The stocking can generally wait until Monday.
And I was TIRED. Remember Ron kept me up all night moaning and crying.
I tried to call Ron a couple of times, nothing. I finally got ahold of him right before I left. I locked up everything, went outside, and called a cab driver we use a lot.
He works the general area of work. I called him first - it's a good trip - and he accepted happily. When I was most of the way home Ron called and said he wanted more vodka. The driver said that was fine, but Ron would have to "call it in" so he would get the right thing.
And Ron was so drunk, on the phone, I am amazed he ended up getting what he wanted. He was totally incoherent.
At least he wasn't complaining about his back anymore. I put up the garage door when the driver came back, so he could put up the vodka, and shut it after he left.
I ate a bunless hot dog from Sam's, along with some cottage cheese and my pills. I figured better to get the pills early today.
Then I took a nap, after reminding Ron I needed my sleep. I heard very little noise but I did hear, right before I got up, the classic sound of Ron hitting the floor. I got up and took some headache pills. I had a headache, but it wasn't as bad today.
Surprising.
I went to the kitchen. Not only was Ron on the floor, but he'd thrown up. What a mess.
He was snoring. I left him asleep. He only now woke up. Requesting "2 or 3" paper towels, then more, then more. I got sick of it and told him he made a big mess that would need a lot of paper towels, and gave him the whole roll.
What a day. I did have a good nap with Biscuit, and Torbie ran around on me for a while, across me one way, then across the other. She is pretty cute.
I just pray I can sleep OK tonight.
My day so far
Had a nice ride with a Christian immigrant cab driver. Got my shopping done, stayed on my eating plan. Waiting on Jack, we don't have each others numbers. I wonder how long work will take and how hard it will be to get home. Work is in a VERY bad neighborhood.
He kept me up all night
Well, he's still alive. I know because he kept me up all night, moaning loudly. On the one hand I think it couldn't have been too bad because he ate his Waffle House leftovers, on the other he kept me up all night moaning, which he has never done.
So I am totally sleep deprived, which is absolutely terrible for my condition. That's one of the many reasons I never chose to have kids, after my diagnosis. What do babies do? Keep their parents up all night, every night. That would be Very Bad for me.
I'm hoping Ron "lets" me sleep tonight. If he isn't I may need to call my aunt. I have to get my sleep or things will go bad for me.
He's quiet now, that I'm up. Great.
I asked him if he wanted to stay home while I did all the work today and he said no. But I did offer. I don't know how we're going to do it today but we'll have to do it anyway.
I'm so tired.
Edit: he decided to stay home and have me work today. I will do it because he can't, and him screaming in pain will not be good for business.
But a part of me is pissed that he will be at home, lying in bed and sleeping, while I have to do all the work today.
I also told him I was Not Happy he kept me up all night.
So I am totally sleep deprived, which is absolutely terrible for my condition. That's one of the many reasons I never chose to have kids, after my diagnosis. What do babies do? Keep their parents up all night, every night. That would be Very Bad for me.
I'm hoping Ron "lets" me sleep tonight. If he isn't I may need to call my aunt. I have to get my sleep or things will go bad for me.
He's quiet now, that I'm up. Great.
I asked him if he wanted to stay home while I did all the work today and he said no. But I did offer. I don't know how we're going to do it today but we'll have to do it anyway.
I'm so tired.
Edit: he decided to stay home and have me work today. I will do it because he can't, and him screaming in pain will not be good for business.
But a part of me is pissed that he will be at home, lying in bed and sleeping, while I have to do all the work today.
I also told him I was Not Happy he kept me up all night.
Friday, August 24, 2018
The things I signed up for
Ron had a bad day for pain, all day. He spent most of the day on the phone with his doctor's staff.
We went to the Waffle House. They have a lot of them in Houston and you can make it low carb pretty easily.
I was happy to see that a pecan waffle is "only" 58 carbs. I am trying to keep my carbs under 100 so I could do that, if I wanted. I forgot I am trying to cut out wheat for headache control.
Anyway, we went. It was pretty busy. A very obese couple were sitting at the counter, and their chairs went so far back there was no room for Ron to sit in his wheelchair. He had to transfer to the booth seat, which was very painful for him.
I got 4 eggs with cheese, and the waffle. It was really good. Ron got a sandwich. He said he was in more pain after eating, than before. I told him later he may have a sensitivity issue and he may need an elmination diet for a while.
We finished. Ron had decided to call a cab. I told him the one guy we always use was nearby, but he was cheap and didn't want to give a big tip. If he called a stranger he could just give a basic tip. If he called our guy he would "have" to give a bigger tip.
So he called the cab company direct. And who shows up? Our guy. I thought it was pretty funny. He took us home and unloaded Ron, who gave him a good tip.
I had taken "everything" at the Waffle House (I can do that, as long as I get everything down every day Doc doesn't care how I do it, he's told me). I went to bed and took a nap.
I had a pretty good nap but woke up with a headache. The pecan waffle. My fault, entirely. I took something and got up. I told Ron I was up and ran a load of towels. With the towels, I run the load and then I run a rinse cycle with some vinegar in it. It gets the suds out.
I heard Ron moaning a lot. He was still on the phone with the doctor.
About 6 he came out of his room, toward the kitchen. Something told me he wasn't after leftovers. He "reminded" me "they" said he "couldn't" consume alcohol with the blood thinner, but he did anyway and was "fine". I told him the pain relievers were very different, they had documented cases of many people dying from mixing alcohol and pain pills. He told me he didn't care, the pain was so bad he had to do something about it.
Sitting here now in my chair, I can't help but think about all the migraines I had, where the pain level was extreme. I just endured it. I didn't go chasing.
Of course migraines go away eventually. His pain won't.
So he's in the kitchen now. He had at least one drink.
He kept saying how the alcohol "really helped" with the pain and I said yes, it may help, but your behavior is pretty extreme, you are abusive and you fall out of your wheelchair.
"When was the last time I fell out of my wheelchair?" Tuesday. And the Sunday before that.
Ron just told me he DIDN'T drink. He just took his Gabapentin and waited for it to work. It is helping now so he says he won't drink.
Anyone else feel like I've got a sword hanging over my head? So, who knows what he will do. I begged him not to mix alcohol and that's all I can do.
I can sympathize because I see he is in terrible pain, I see he is having trouble getting the pain pills, but you can't mix this stuff. I - he just took a shot - understand he's in severe pain, but there's got to be another solution.
So now I guess I get dressed and wait for him to pass out, so I can call 911. [sigh] The things I signed up for when I married this man!
We went to the Waffle House. They have a lot of them in Houston and you can make it low carb pretty easily.
I was happy to see that a pecan waffle is "only" 58 carbs. I am trying to keep my carbs under 100 so I could do that, if I wanted. I forgot I am trying to cut out wheat for headache control.
Anyway, we went. It was pretty busy. A very obese couple were sitting at the counter, and their chairs went so far back there was no room for Ron to sit in his wheelchair. He had to transfer to the booth seat, which was very painful for him.
I got 4 eggs with cheese, and the waffle. It was really good. Ron got a sandwich. He said he was in more pain after eating, than before. I told him later he may have a sensitivity issue and he may need an elmination diet for a while.
We finished. Ron had decided to call a cab. I told him the one guy we always use was nearby, but he was cheap and didn't want to give a big tip. If he called a stranger he could just give a basic tip. If he called our guy he would "have" to give a bigger tip.
So he called the cab company direct. And who shows up? Our guy. I thought it was pretty funny. He took us home and unloaded Ron, who gave him a good tip.
I had taken "everything" at the Waffle House (I can do that, as long as I get everything down every day Doc doesn't care how I do it, he's told me). I went to bed and took a nap.
I had a pretty good nap but woke up with a headache. The pecan waffle. My fault, entirely. I took something and got up. I told Ron I was up and ran a load of towels. With the towels, I run the load and then I run a rinse cycle with some vinegar in it. It gets the suds out.
I heard Ron moaning a lot. He was still on the phone with the doctor.
About 6 he came out of his room, toward the kitchen. Something told me he wasn't after leftovers. He "reminded" me "they" said he "couldn't" consume alcohol with the blood thinner, but he did anyway and was "fine". I told him the pain relievers were very different, they had documented cases of many people dying from mixing alcohol and pain pills. He told me he didn't care, the pain was so bad he had to do something about it.
Sitting here now in my chair, I can't help but think about all the migraines I had, where the pain level was extreme. I just endured it. I didn't go chasing.
Of course migraines go away eventually. His pain won't.
So he's in the kitchen now. He had at least one drink.
He kept saying how the alcohol "really helped" with the pain and I said yes, it may help, but your behavior is pretty extreme, you are abusive and you fall out of your wheelchair.
"When was the last time I fell out of my wheelchair?" Tuesday. And the Sunday before that.
Ron just told me he DIDN'T drink. He just took his Gabapentin and waited for it to work. It is helping now so he says he won't drink.
Anyone else feel like I've got a sword hanging over my head? So, who knows what he will do. I begged him not to mix alcohol and that's all I can do.
I can sympathize because I see he is in terrible pain, I see he is having trouble getting the pain pills, but you can't mix this stuff. I - he just took a shot - understand he's in severe pain, but there's got to be another solution.
So now I guess I get dressed and wait for him to pass out, so I can call 911. [sigh] The things I signed up for when I married this man!
Thursday, August 23, 2018
I told you so
Ron took his pain reliever and felt relief. So I stayed up an hour after I went to bed, worrying about him getting a good supply, staying on program, etc. Finally fell asleep.
I woke up pretty tired but Biscuit wanted breakfast. I fed him and weighed myself. I am still down 10 pounds from February, when I had that horrible 4 day migraine due to chocolate. Haven't eaten chocolate, since.
But it was nice to see I maintained the weight loss, without trying.
I ate what was left of the pudding, using it up, and took my antidepressant. I could tell depression was lurking so I'm really glad I have that on board again.
I took my shower and did my God time, ran a load of laundry. I will run the dryer later, after the sun goes down.
Ron called me to his room. He had been calm and level all morning. We talked about the pain reliever. I reminded him I had told him "they" had good pain pills that would help him. I asked if what he had was working well for him. He said yes. Then I said, I will only say this once, but I told you so. We both laughed.
He said he was glad to be off vodka, he hated gagging it down. Hopefully he will maintain that view.
Then he asked for some food. I can't recall the last time he asked me to fix him a meal. He was getting all his calories from vodka. I told him we had some green chili stew from the other night (scroll down if you want the recipe), and he asked for it.
I heated it up, I gave him a good mix of meat and broth. He loved it, said it was a "20" on a 1-10 scale, got so excited eating he choked on his food, and devoured every drop. I was happy to see him eating real food for a change.
I took a nap, and woke up with a headache. That, I believe, is because I have had both carbs, and aspartame, today. I know it isn't the antidepressant because I went off it (with permission) last week, and still had the headaches. Nice not to blame the poor pills. All they have ever done is help keep me level.
I found Biscuit in my bed and petted him for a while. Ron wanted to talk about (trips) "tomorrow" so I went in and talked to him about that for a while. We have to make the reservation by 5 PM or "no trips today".
I'm still waiting to beat back my headache, when I do I will eat some green chili stew and put some in the freezer, some for Ron in the fridge (he has his shelf, I have mine, if I put the bowl on his shelf all ready to go he'll be fine). We are eating breakfast (low carb, for me) out tomorrow so I don't have to worry about breakfast.
And there's always catching up on the housework, litter boxes, etc. We work Saturday, get our inventory and stock.
I was discouraged when I looked at a calendar and saw I have to work on my birthday, we can't get it off. I will be cheerful about it. No one likes a whiner.
So that's how it's been going, today.
I will confide I half expected Ron to have DT's but he seems OK so far.
I woke up pretty tired but Biscuit wanted breakfast. I fed him and weighed myself. I am still down 10 pounds from February, when I had that horrible 4 day migraine due to chocolate. Haven't eaten chocolate, since.
But it was nice to see I maintained the weight loss, without trying.
I ate what was left of the pudding, using it up, and took my antidepressant. I could tell depression was lurking so I'm really glad I have that on board again.
I took my shower and did my God time, ran a load of laundry. I will run the dryer later, after the sun goes down.
Ron called me to his room. He had been calm and level all morning. We talked about the pain reliever. I reminded him I had told him "they" had good pain pills that would help him. I asked if what he had was working well for him. He said yes. Then I said, I will only say this once, but I told you so. We both laughed.
He said he was glad to be off vodka, he hated gagging it down. Hopefully he will maintain that view.
Then he asked for some food. I can't recall the last time he asked me to fix him a meal. He was getting all his calories from vodka. I told him we had some green chili stew from the other night (scroll down if you want the recipe), and he asked for it.
I heated it up, I gave him a good mix of meat and broth. He loved it, said it was a "20" on a 1-10 scale, got so excited eating he choked on his food, and devoured every drop. I was happy to see him eating real food for a change.
I took a nap, and woke up with a headache. That, I believe, is because I have had both carbs, and aspartame, today. I know it isn't the antidepressant because I went off it (with permission) last week, and still had the headaches. Nice not to blame the poor pills. All they have ever done is help keep me level.
I found Biscuit in my bed and petted him for a while. Ron wanted to talk about (trips) "tomorrow" so I went in and talked to him about that for a while. We have to make the reservation by 5 PM or "no trips today".
I'm still waiting to beat back my headache, when I do I will eat some green chili stew and put some in the freezer, some for Ron in the fridge (he has his shelf, I have mine, if I put the bowl on his shelf all ready to go he'll be fine). We are eating breakfast (low carb, for me) out tomorrow so I don't have to worry about breakfast.
And there's always catching up on the housework, litter boxes, etc. We work Saturday, get our inventory and stock.
I was discouraged when I looked at a calendar and saw I have to work on my birthday, we can't get it off. I will be cheerful about it. No one likes a whiner.
So that's how it's been going, today.
I will confide I half expected Ron to have DT's but he seems OK so far.
Pain control is working
Well, Ron's still alive.
He is really impressed with his pain control. He said his back doesn't hurt at all when he's still, and only hurts at a "1" on a 1-10 (10 being the worst) when he moves. Much better than before.
He lived through the night, too. He seems happy to be off the vodka.
There are some problems, the pharmacy only gave him a week's worth. There were problems getting even that, and I have questions how it will get refilled. But at least we have found something that works for Ron, we have a name and a dosage.
Just wanted to update.
He is really impressed with his pain control. He said his back doesn't hurt at all when he's still, and only hurts at a "1" on a 1-10 (10 being the worst) when he moves. Much better than before.
He lived through the night, too. He seems happy to be off the vodka.
There are some problems, the pharmacy only gave him a week's worth. There were problems getting even that, and I have questions how it will get refilled. But at least we have found something that works for Ron, we have a name and a dosage.
Just wanted to update.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
We really had to work to get those pills today
What is it with my rides to work lately?
Monday, an hour late. Today, an hour late. Then she drove 20 mph on the freeway because she was eating cut up veggies and dip, with both hands, and driving with her elbow. She only put them away when Ron complained about her going so slow. Very frustrating.
We finally got to work and I only had an hour to do all my snack machines. I told Ron, "Sorry, I'm not helping you today" and went to work. It took me pretty much the whole hour to fill the machines. I didn't even get everything, but I got enough to keep the troops happy, I hope.
Ron had to wheel himself back and forth fetching drinks. Then he told me I could put up my carts. Now, I have so little room I actually have to pick some of my carts UP off the floor and put them on top of the sodas. Then place more carts in front of that. And then Ron decided he needed "a couple of drinks" because he didn't check one of the machines before he told me to put up the carts.
I was Not Happy. And I let him know it. When I'm unhappy it is mainly tone of voice and then I say (without name calling) that I am Unhappy and why. I managed to drag out what he wanted and give it to him. He stocked that.
Time to go. We had a nice driver to come home. Told him all about the possum. Possum, by the way, ate one and a half apples last night. She really likes those apples.
I had put my stew in the fridge when I got up this morning. I will have to see how it turned out. My first driver was utterly disgusted I made stew out of pork.
I find it interesting that many Americans eat practically halal, no pork products at all. They tend to view pork the way the muslims do, as this horrible, filthy, meat.
I like pork, and, due to all the pork hatred, it's pretty cheap. So that's good. Have you looked at the price of beef lately?
I'm not picky about meat. I haven't eaten goat but I would.
I took a nap when I got home, we were going to Walmart later to pick up Ron's medication. We had a good pickup with a driver we like, and off we went.
Ron wanted to ride in a kiddie cart so I put him in one and put the wheelchair in the basket. We headed off to the pharmacy.
And Ron's doctor screwed up the prescription. So badly it took nearly 2 hours to fix. It wasn't even really "fixed" they just gave us a week's supply. But Ron has that at least. He can find out if it works for him, or not.
I had plenty of time to do my shopping and find the crazy glue (stationary, not hardware). I got my liquid smoke and borax (borax is for homemade ant bait). I even got an air freshener.
Things were so stressful I bought some pudding to eat for dinner, and some chips. I drank 3 Diet Dr Peppers while we were waiting for the pharmacy to sort things out.
At one point the pharmacist asked Ron a question we didn't understand. She restated, what was Ron taking now for pain? We both said "Vodka" at the same time and she laughed. So they know he is drinking, or was.
We finally got the pills. I gave them to Ron and he put them away.
We checked out. He paid for my stuff. I bought an air freshener. It's supposed to smell piney. It reminds me of floor cleaner, that "fake pine" scent.
By the way, don't use the piney floor cleaners if you have a cat. They can get really sick if they walk on that and then lick their paws.
So, finally done. Ron had to cancel his paratransit pickup due to the pharmacy drama. So we called a cab. It took almost an hour.
We had an interesting discussion about strippers on the way home. I believe the driver (unjustly) thought I was being judgemental. I wasn't. Many of them have been molested and abused. They believe their body is the only "thing" of value they have. I find that sad. I would never point fingers at them. They are just trying to make a living.
Hopefully they will get an education, get saved, get on a better path, but I'm not going to condemn them. We're all bound for hell without Jesus.
But I don't think the driver got that.
As I was getting out he told Ron how lucky he was, I was "a million dollar woman", Ron didn't know how lucky he was, etc. It was nice to hear, nicer to hear Ron agreeing with him. I got Ron loaded in his wheelchair (he was REALLY stiff, he overdid it today) and got him in the house. He's lying down right now.
I ate my pudding for dinner and thanked God I do not have to go through those dramas so get my medication. Hell, when I show up they practically throw it at me. And it works.
I am tired. A lot of drama today so I will be going to bed early. I will let you know how the pain med works for Ron, when he takes it. He's waiting a while for the alcohol to wear off.
Monday, an hour late. Today, an hour late. Then she drove 20 mph on the freeway because she was eating cut up veggies and dip, with both hands, and driving with her elbow. She only put them away when Ron complained about her going so slow. Very frustrating.
We finally got to work and I only had an hour to do all my snack machines. I told Ron, "Sorry, I'm not helping you today" and went to work. It took me pretty much the whole hour to fill the machines. I didn't even get everything, but I got enough to keep the troops happy, I hope.
Ron had to wheel himself back and forth fetching drinks. Then he told me I could put up my carts. Now, I have so little room I actually have to pick some of my carts UP off the floor and put them on top of the sodas. Then place more carts in front of that. And then Ron decided he needed "a couple of drinks" because he didn't check one of the machines before he told me to put up the carts.
I was Not Happy. And I let him know it. When I'm unhappy it is mainly tone of voice and then I say (without name calling) that I am Unhappy and why. I managed to drag out what he wanted and give it to him. He stocked that.
Time to go. We had a nice driver to come home. Told him all about the possum. Possum, by the way, ate one and a half apples last night. She really likes those apples.
I had put my stew in the fridge when I got up this morning. I will have to see how it turned out. My first driver was utterly disgusted I made stew out of pork.
I find it interesting that many Americans eat practically halal, no pork products at all. They tend to view pork the way the muslims do, as this horrible, filthy, meat.
I like pork, and, due to all the pork hatred, it's pretty cheap. So that's good. Have you looked at the price of beef lately?
I'm not picky about meat. I haven't eaten goat but I would.
I took a nap when I got home, we were going to Walmart later to pick up Ron's medication. We had a good pickup with a driver we like, and off we went.
Ron wanted to ride in a kiddie cart so I put him in one and put the wheelchair in the basket. We headed off to the pharmacy.
And Ron's doctor screwed up the prescription. So badly it took nearly 2 hours to fix. It wasn't even really "fixed" they just gave us a week's supply. But Ron has that at least. He can find out if it works for him, or not.
I had plenty of time to do my shopping and find the crazy glue (stationary, not hardware). I got my liquid smoke and borax (borax is for homemade ant bait). I even got an air freshener.
Things were so stressful I bought some pudding to eat for dinner, and some chips. I drank 3 Diet Dr Peppers while we were waiting for the pharmacy to sort things out.
At one point the pharmacist asked Ron a question we didn't understand. She restated, what was Ron taking now for pain? We both said "Vodka" at the same time and she laughed. So they know he is drinking, or was.
We finally got the pills. I gave them to Ron and he put them away.
We checked out. He paid for my stuff. I bought an air freshener. It's supposed to smell piney. It reminds me of floor cleaner, that "fake pine" scent.
By the way, don't use the piney floor cleaners if you have a cat. They can get really sick if they walk on that and then lick their paws.
So, finally done. Ron had to cancel his paratransit pickup due to the pharmacy drama. So we called a cab. It took almost an hour.
We had an interesting discussion about strippers on the way home. I believe the driver (unjustly) thought I was being judgemental. I wasn't. Many of them have been molested and abused. They believe their body is the only "thing" of value they have. I find that sad. I would never point fingers at them. They are just trying to make a living.
Hopefully they will get an education, get saved, get on a better path, but I'm not going to condemn them. We're all bound for hell without Jesus.
But I don't think the driver got that.
As I was getting out he told Ron how lucky he was, I was "a million dollar woman", Ron didn't know how lucky he was, etc. It was nice to hear, nicer to hear Ron agreeing with him. I got Ron loaded in his wheelchair (he was REALLY stiff, he overdid it today) and got him in the house. He's lying down right now.
I ate my pudding for dinner and thanked God I do not have to go through those dramas so get my medication. Hell, when I show up they practically throw it at me. And it works.
I am tired. A lot of drama today so I will be going to bed early. I will let you know how the pain med works for Ron, when he takes it. He's waiting a while for the alcohol to wear off.
Today is going better than yesterday.
Got him bathed, dressed, shoes, out the door. Waiting outside on our ride.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Having my doubts
Ron sobered up a little, went to the bathroom (with a lot of help), and went to the kitchen, for, he said, one drink "because his legs were hurting". Well, one drink turned into more than one and he ended up causing an avalanche of frozen food in the freezer because he refuses to reach into the ice cube compartment and get his ice. He wants to pull the whole thing out, which causes avalanches, and then I have to "fix" it.
I asked him to keep his ice in a ziplock bag so he could just pull the bag out and leave the tray, but he objected and made a lot of comments about the freezer. I have a couple of pounds of sausage. A couple of pounds of pork roast, and 6 pounds of chicken in the freezer, along with 2 ice bottles and one frozen TV dinner. I don't think that is unreasonable.
And it made me realize, Ron is so far into addiction he will most likely not stop drinking. I really doubt he is able to stop, it has it's tentacles so far into him he drinks during a blackout. He can go days without drinking, but he won't.
He talks a lot about how he has to have alcohol for "The Pain" but he went days in the hospital just a few months ago, with nothing stronger than Tylenol. He never once complained about pain or asked for alcohol. Smiling all the time. Joked I took control of the TV remote when I visited.
It makes me wonder how much of the pain is in his head. And that's really sad to write, that I doubt that Ron is really in much pain at all. He acts like it, he says he is, but it all revolves around alcohol. I remember a couple (?) of years ago Ron kept saying he had to drink, because it was the only thing that helped him sleep. I asked him why he didn't want to get a sleeping pill instead, he couldn't answer me. Swore up and down he had to have alcohol to sleep, but when he was in the rehab hospital he always slept fine. With no alcohol. Now it's "for the pain".
I did an online query, asked some friends if they felt alcohol really helped with pain control. They had mixed opinions but the gist of it was that pharmaceuticals were much better for pain than alcohol. And yet it's taken Ron this long to get to the point where he's willing to take pharmaceuticals.
He doesn't care if he falls out of his wheelchair, is too drunk to work or go out, verbally abuses me, makes horrible messes, babbles like an idiot, spends all his time trying to communicate with angry grunts. I have to yell at him to speak, damnit, I can't understand you. He doesn't care if he hurts himself, breaks things, hurts me, scares the cats. Nothing is more important than the next drink.
Ron doesn't "need to go in a nursing home". He is fine when he's sober. He is a productive citizen who does a good job of taking care of himself. He needs to quit drinking. When he drinks he is a burden on society, and me. When he's sober he is not.
If anything, Ron needs to go to rehab. But, sober, he is not at the point of needing a nursing home.
I asked him to keep his ice in a ziplock bag so he could just pull the bag out and leave the tray, but he objected and made a lot of comments about the freezer. I have a couple of pounds of sausage. A couple of pounds of pork roast, and 6 pounds of chicken in the freezer, along with 2 ice bottles and one frozen TV dinner. I don't think that is unreasonable.
And it made me realize, Ron is so far into addiction he will most likely not stop drinking. I really doubt he is able to stop, it has it's tentacles so far into him he drinks during a blackout. He can go days without drinking, but he won't.
He talks a lot about how he has to have alcohol for "The Pain" but he went days in the hospital just a few months ago, with nothing stronger than Tylenol. He never once complained about pain or asked for alcohol. Smiling all the time. Joked I took control of the TV remote when I visited.
It makes me wonder how much of the pain is in his head. And that's really sad to write, that I doubt that Ron is really in much pain at all. He acts like it, he says he is, but it all revolves around alcohol. I remember a couple (?) of years ago Ron kept saying he had to drink, because it was the only thing that helped him sleep. I asked him why he didn't want to get a sleeping pill instead, he couldn't answer me. Swore up and down he had to have alcohol to sleep, but when he was in the rehab hospital he always slept fine. With no alcohol. Now it's "for the pain".
I did an online query, asked some friends if they felt alcohol really helped with pain control. They had mixed opinions but the gist of it was that pharmaceuticals were much better for pain than alcohol. And yet it's taken Ron this long to get to the point where he's willing to take pharmaceuticals.
He doesn't care if he falls out of his wheelchair, is too drunk to work or go out, verbally abuses me, makes horrible messes, babbles like an idiot, spends all his time trying to communicate with angry grunts. I have to yell at him to speak, damnit, I can't understand you. He doesn't care if he hurts himself, breaks things, hurts me, scares the cats. Nothing is more important than the next drink.
Ron doesn't "need to go in a nursing home". He is fine when he's sober. He is a productive citizen who does a good job of taking care of himself. He needs to quit drinking. When he drinks he is a burden on society, and me. When he's sober he is not.
If anything, Ron needs to go to rehab. But, sober, he is not at the point of needing a nursing home.
He fell out of the wheelchair again
Well, my headache got worse.
I laid down for a nap with Biscuit. Ron started making noise. Then he started yelling for me. I figured I would need some Excedrin before I dealt with him, so I took some.
Unfortunately, I had seen him finishing off his old bottle of vodka, then opening a new one.
I got up. Ron had fallen on the floor, shouting at me to help him find the edge of his bed. I kept telling him he was on the floor. No he wasn't, this went on for a while.
He managed to crawl from the front of the house to his bedroom and is on the floor next to his bed.
Things got even more exciting when paratransit called and told us they would be there in 10 minutes. He managed to call and get excused absences. He told them he fell out of his wheelchair, which is true.
I just hope he doesn't decide he needs the paramedics. My home is a mess and that's the last thing I need, although the ones I met were very nice. He just needs to lie down and sober up, then he will be able to get into bed without a problem. I did place his wheelchair at an angle to him and the bed. He can use it to pull himself up, he can climb into it, he can climb into bed. Lots of options.
I may look into getting handrails for his bed, he could use one to pull himself up.
He just called me back to his bedroom . He was dramatically nicer this time, asking for help. He thinks he needs to go in a nursing home. I reminded him he is drunk, and will be able to get into bed when he sobers up.
If I'm wrong, between us, then it's ANOTHER call to the paramedics but we will see on that.
He decided to rest for a while and then get into bed when he sobers up. Oh, what a day. What a headache.
I did start my green chili stew:
2 pounds pork stew meat
3/4 cup chicken bone broth
1/4 t salt
1/2 t oregano
1/2 t cumin, ground
4 ounce can Hatch chilis (any green chili), mild (I don't like heat in my food)
I would have put some onions if I had room for them.
In the crock pot. We will see how it goes. I think it will certainly be edible, if not good.
And Ron was screaming for me like he was dying, I went back and he was halfway in the bed. I shoved him over into the bed and got him situated. Hopefully he will stay put until he sobers up.
Ugh. I really hope today has taught him a lesson. I feel exhausted. I used to have more energy after running 7 miles than I do right now, and I took a caffeine containing pain reliever.
Now that he is more coherent, he says that is pain was severe this morning, so bad he feels it was worth it to drink it away. Even with all the drama, still feels it is worth it.
Who am I to argue? I tell you, though, when I help him with physical lifting I am super careful I don't [censored] up my own back. That's the last thing we need.
He is making trips for tomorrow.
I laid down for a nap with Biscuit. Ron started making noise. Then he started yelling for me. I figured I would need some Excedrin before I dealt with him, so I took some.
Unfortunately, I had seen him finishing off his old bottle of vodka, then opening a new one.
I got up. Ron had fallen on the floor, shouting at me to help him find the edge of his bed. I kept telling him he was on the floor. No he wasn't, this went on for a while.
He managed to crawl from the front of the house to his bedroom and is on the floor next to his bed.
Things got even more exciting when paratransit called and told us they would be there in 10 minutes. He managed to call and get excused absences. He told them he fell out of his wheelchair, which is true.
I just hope he doesn't decide he needs the paramedics. My home is a mess and that's the last thing I need, although the ones I met were very nice. He just needs to lie down and sober up, then he will be able to get into bed without a problem. I did place his wheelchair at an angle to him and the bed. He can use it to pull himself up, he can climb into it, he can climb into bed. Lots of options.
I may look into getting handrails for his bed, he could use one to pull himself up.
He just called me back to his bedroom . He was dramatically nicer this time, asking for help. He thinks he needs to go in a nursing home. I reminded him he is drunk, and will be able to get into bed when he sobers up.
If I'm wrong, between us, then it's ANOTHER call to the paramedics but we will see on that.
He decided to rest for a while and then get into bed when he sobers up. Oh, what a day. What a headache.
I did start my green chili stew:
2 pounds pork stew meat
3/4 cup chicken bone broth
1/4 t salt
1/2 t oregano
1/2 t cumin, ground
4 ounce can Hatch chilis (any green chili), mild (I don't like heat in my food)
I would have put some onions if I had room for them.
In the crock pot. We will see how it goes. I think it will certainly be edible, if not good.
And Ron was screaming for me like he was dying, I went back and he was halfway in the bed. I shoved him over into the bed and got him situated. Hopefully he will stay put until he sobers up.
Ugh. I really hope today has taught him a lesson. I feel exhausted. I used to have more energy after running 7 miles than I do right now, and I took a caffeine containing pain reliever.
Now that he is more coherent, he says that is pain was severe this morning, so bad he feels it was worth it to drink it away. Even with all the drama, still feels it is worth it.
Who am I to argue? I tell you, though, when I help him with physical lifting I am super careful I don't [censored] up my own back. That's the last thing we need.
He is making trips for tomorrow.
"Yes, he is too drunk to ride today"
Slept pretty well last night.
Woke up, found Ron slumped in his wheelchair, in the kitchen. I woke him up after my shower to remind him to get ready for work.
So he started drinking "My back hurts". Well, of course it does, you passed out in your wheelchair all night. But he thought the solution was more alcohol.
15 minutes before our ride he is so drunk he doesn't even know a shoe. What it is. Where it goes. He put on one sock and said he was ready to go to work. Not quite.
Then the driver, a young man, came banging on the door. I told him I was "getting Ron ready".
Ron could not don his shoes. He became verbally abusive and said one, half-on shoe on one foot and one sock on the other foot was good enough for work.
I put the driver out of his misery, waiting, and told him Ron was too drunk to ride. He scoffed at me and made me repeat it. Yes, he's very drunk, he can't even get his shoes on. He is also verbally abusing me, you don't want him. The driver laughed. Then he got my name so he could tell dispatch.
Why does everyone think it is so funny that Ron gets too drunk to work? I don't get that. It's pathetic, not funny.
Ron apparently had a big blowout last night, he said he was going to have his "last night" drinking before he got the pain pills. Instead he has a blackout and I can't stock, the vending machines are going to look like crap today and I lose yet ANOTHER day off.
I am pissed. Ron seems to have calmed down so I will go back to bed and try to take a nap. I am working on a pretty good headache.
Of course when he sobers up he will be furious at me. I will just tell him the driver left, not that I sent him away.
He was also adamant he was going to work but that is out. I wouldn't dare take him in like that. Someone sees him drunk and we are terminated.
And then what?
Woke up, found Ron slumped in his wheelchair, in the kitchen. I woke him up after my shower to remind him to get ready for work.
So he started drinking "My back hurts". Well, of course it does, you passed out in your wheelchair all night. But he thought the solution was more alcohol.
15 minutes before our ride he is so drunk he doesn't even know a shoe. What it is. Where it goes. He put on one sock and said he was ready to go to work. Not quite.
Then the driver, a young man, came banging on the door. I told him I was "getting Ron ready".
Ron could not don his shoes. He became verbally abusive and said one, half-on shoe on one foot and one sock on the other foot was good enough for work.
I put the driver out of his misery, waiting, and told him Ron was too drunk to ride. He scoffed at me and made me repeat it. Yes, he's very drunk, he can't even get his shoes on. He is also verbally abusing me, you don't want him. The driver laughed. Then he got my name so he could tell dispatch.
Why does everyone think it is so funny that Ron gets too drunk to work? I don't get that. It's pathetic, not funny.
Ron apparently had a big blowout last night, he said he was going to have his "last night" drinking before he got the pain pills. Instead he has a blackout and I can't stock, the vending machines are going to look like crap today and I lose yet ANOTHER day off.
I am pissed. Ron seems to have calmed down so I will go back to bed and try to take a nap. I am working on a pretty good headache.
Of course when he sobers up he will be furious at me. I will just tell him the driver left, not that I sent him away.
He was also adamant he was going to work but that is out. I wouldn't dare take him in like that. Someone sees him drunk and we are terminated.
And then what?
Monday, August 20, 2018
What a Monday
And I thought yesterday was bad.
Today was crazy. We went out of the house, down the ramp, backwards. That worked well, Ron did not fall out of his wheelchair.
But when we got to the van the driver was muttering, cursing, and beating on the door. She had locked herself out of the van.
1. Hit the door lock when she egressed.
2. Did not have passenger door opened.
3. Tied off back door so no one could board that way (worried about her safety).
4. Failed to use the emergency brake and engage the wheelchair lift.
It was a true cluster#$%!. An hour on the phone, they sent another van out to try and help her, beating on all the doors, trying to get in, etc. She finally borrowed my shovel and used that to disable the "tie-down" she had used to secure the back door. It finally opened and she was able to get on board and unlock everything, engage the brake so Ron could be boarded, etc.
But it took over an hour. We got to work very late and barely had time to receive, and stock, the sandwiches. I helped Ron, wasn't able to do a lick of my work.
So we have to go in on my day off.
That completed, we went home. I laid down for an hour but couldn't sleep. Got up, got Ron ready for the pain doctor.
He had forgotten to call in the trip by the deadline so we had to pay a cab to take us. It cost about $20, not bad. We went in. Then all the fun of filling out all the paperwork. So much paperwork.
Ron did not have to sign something promising not to drink, but he is not allowed to share his medication, or use illegal drugs in addition. And they wanted to test his urine to make sure he was not currently on narcotics.
Well, shit. I forgot about that. I would have plied Ron with drinks had I remembered that. He couldn't make a sample.
Doc came in anyway and did an exam. Does it hurt here? No? What about here? [Ron screams in agony and almost falls off the bed]. Clearly, some legitimate pain issues. He didn't say that but I could practically hear him thinking that.
He left, said he would write Ron a prescription for something when Ron produced his sample. So I start plying him with drinks. He hated the orange seltzer. Hated the tap water. I had already drunk my jasmine tea but Ron would rather suffer in agony the rest of his life before he'd drink jasmine tea. Nothing. We waited a while longer, made Ron drink more. Nothing.
He was ready to leave. I told him to give it another half hour. It's been my experience, when I drink a lot of water, it takes about half an hour for it to clear my kidneys and I assumed it would be the same for Ron. Nothing.
I took him to the bathroom anyway (the doctor's staff were giving us some funny looks by now) and after a couple of minutes I hear a triumphant battle cry. Ron had peed about 4 ounces.
My first thought "Where is the cap?" I capped the specimen cup quickly and put it on the tray. There, it's done.
I told everyone, like a proud mother "He peed!" We left and took a cab to get something to eat. Well, I ate. Ron was vaguely queasy from all the water I forced on him. I ate and we took a cab home.
Finally done for today. The pharmacy called and told Ron his prescription will cost $20. That's not bad.
Especially when you consider $20 is what the cab ride cost us, to get there (not counting the tip).
After Ron is done in the kitchen, I will set up my green chili stew and then clean the litter boxes. In that order.
Oh, it's been a long day.
Today was crazy. We went out of the house, down the ramp, backwards. That worked well, Ron did not fall out of his wheelchair.
But when we got to the van the driver was muttering, cursing, and beating on the door. She had locked herself out of the van.
1. Hit the door lock when she egressed.
2. Did not have passenger door opened.
3. Tied off back door so no one could board that way (worried about her safety).
4. Failed to use the emergency brake and engage the wheelchair lift.
It was a true cluster#$%!. An hour on the phone, they sent another van out to try and help her, beating on all the doors, trying to get in, etc. She finally borrowed my shovel and used that to disable the "tie-down" she had used to secure the back door. It finally opened and she was able to get on board and unlock everything, engage the brake so Ron could be boarded, etc.
But it took over an hour. We got to work very late and barely had time to receive, and stock, the sandwiches. I helped Ron, wasn't able to do a lick of my work.
So we have to go in on my day off.
That completed, we went home. I laid down for an hour but couldn't sleep. Got up, got Ron ready for the pain doctor.
He had forgotten to call in the trip by the deadline so we had to pay a cab to take us. It cost about $20, not bad. We went in. Then all the fun of filling out all the paperwork. So much paperwork.
Ron did not have to sign something promising not to drink, but he is not allowed to share his medication, or use illegal drugs in addition. And they wanted to test his urine to make sure he was not currently on narcotics.
Well, shit. I forgot about that. I would have plied Ron with drinks had I remembered that. He couldn't make a sample.
Doc came in anyway and did an exam. Does it hurt here? No? What about here? [Ron screams in agony and almost falls off the bed]. Clearly, some legitimate pain issues. He didn't say that but I could practically hear him thinking that.
He left, said he would write Ron a prescription for something when Ron produced his sample. So I start plying him with drinks. He hated the orange seltzer. Hated the tap water. I had already drunk my jasmine tea but Ron would rather suffer in agony the rest of his life before he'd drink jasmine tea. Nothing. We waited a while longer, made Ron drink more. Nothing.
He was ready to leave. I told him to give it another half hour. It's been my experience, when I drink a lot of water, it takes about half an hour for it to clear my kidneys and I assumed it would be the same for Ron. Nothing.
I took him to the bathroom anyway (the doctor's staff were giving us some funny looks by now) and after a couple of minutes I hear a triumphant battle cry. Ron had peed about 4 ounces.
My first thought "Where is the cap?" I capped the specimen cup quickly and put it on the tray. There, it's done.
I told everyone, like a proud mother "He peed!" We left and took a cab to get something to eat. Well, I ate. Ron was vaguely queasy from all the water I forced on him. I ate and we took a cab home.
Finally done for today. The pharmacy called and told Ron his prescription will cost $20. That's not bad.
Especially when you consider $20 is what the cab ride cost us, to get there (not counting the tip).
After Ron is done in the kitchen, I will set up my green chili stew and then clean the litter boxes. In that order.
Oh, it's been a long day.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
A trip to Walmart anyway
First, I have to feed Biscuit. He is staring at me and putting his paw on my leg. OK, that's done.
I even got a meow out of Baby Girl as she jumped up to eat some food.
The cats don't really talk much to us, unless they are hungry. Then they'll beg.
So, there's Ron, flopping on the floor of the garage. I'm thinking [censored] not again thoughts. The ambulance is on the way. #7 is across the street, mowing his yard. Now that we've mowed ours he has to mow his or be the worst house on the street. No one cares about their yard if mine looks worse. #2, the teenage boy, is also mowing his yard. Ron is on the floor of the garage, it's just a normal day.
I like to take Ron out and let him wallow on the floor of the garage every Sunday morning. It's refreshing. And there's a siren. Please don't let it be for Ron.
It was, but by the time it got to us it just had the lights on. Awkward. It was the same crew we had last time.
Once I got Ron loaded I took him to his bed, but he wouldn't get into it. Chuck came a while later so I had to leave Ron next to the bed. I worried but if he falls in the house who cares, he can get back into his chair when he sobers up. We've done that before. The only reason we called the ambulance was the heat and the spiders in the garage. Ron hates spiders.
One of the paramedics was clowning around, playing with Ron's 2 liter bottle of vodka (his last one). He remembered seeing it from last time.
So, I left Ron and went to the store. It was packed. I believe most schools start tomorrow, I didn't factor that into my trip. Lots of couples and families. Chuck waited at McDonald's and I went hunting for vegetables (frozen diced sweet potatoes, frozen diced onions), spices, etc. It was really packed and not necessarily an easy shopping experience. The traffic reminded me of the freeway. I prefer to shop at "like" 7 AM when everyone's already at work or in school. Anyone shopping then is just running in to pick up something quickly. But Ron doesn't like an early trip.
Anyway, I got everything. Yesterday Ron had asked me for 3 large bottles of Tylenol.
I have mixed opinions about getting them. On the one hand, if I don't buy them he asks someone else to do it, and they always screw it up and buy the wrong Tylenol. He's going to get it anyway. And he's able to run a business and household (pay all the bills, manage spreadsheets, schedule our trips, etc.). So, even though it causes liver damage in conjunction with alcohol - something I have told him repeatedly - I buy it under protest.
Although, according to the ultrasound, Ron only has some minor, preliminary, liver damage.
That was $60 on my total right there. Ouch. But Ron is always diligent about paying me back. When I got home he even gave me an extra $20.
I got everything on my list and headed for the register. But I forgot Ron wanted some veggie soup. I went back and got some 50 cent cans of beef, barley, and vegetables. If he doesn't eat them I will. I like them if I am coming off a migraine. Plenty of salt to get my levels up (that's actually a concern), bland and easy to digest. And they have red meat so they should help build his blood.
Chuck had told me to take as long as I wanted, no rush at all, he likes people watching. So I didn't have to scamper, I could navigate my traffic.
Ron called and asked me where I was. I told him.
I got in line behind a family paying for school supplies and put all my stuff on the conveyor. My stuff only came (spices and some ingredients for dishes, canned food, etc.) to $30. My cashier seemed new and had a lot of trouble scanning items. I had to struggle with impatience.
Then I went to McDonald's. I figured I was getting a headache anyway from the stress, I could feel it spreading out from the back of my head, and might as well get a nice chilly vanilla shake.
But their machine was broken. I was very disappointed.
I drank my Diet Dr Pepper while sitting with Chuck and hearing about the Ramp program at the VA. We left, I gave him some money for his time and gas (he lives pretty far away). He accepted it gleefully.
We got home and I took out my bag, waved goodbye. Ron sent me a text as I was standing in the driveway, telling me to give Chuck the exact sum I had given him. I thought that was funny.
I got inside and told Ron I was home. I found him in bed, where he was supposed to be. Good. He wanted to know what happened this morning. I told him we had "the whole circus" with him falling out, the ambulance, etc.
I put my frozen veggies in the freezer (and the ice cream!). I got almost everything sorted out and put away. I still need to find a home for some of the spice bottles.
The plan was so make 2 batches of pork stew: green chili stew (easy and good to make) and a bacon-themed smoked maple stew. However, I forgot the liquid smoke so I think I will do honey and mustard. Dry mustard, not that horrible yellow stuff. I have crock pot liners, too.
I did remember everything for the green chili stew, green chilis, etc. Hatch brand. Hatch chilis seem to be a huge deal around here right about now. I don't eat a lot of very spicy food - not "hot" food. I like spices, love Indian food, but not crazy about heat in my food.
I will do the green chili tomorrow morning and let it cook while we're gone. I plan to put a little cumin and oregano, the chiles, some broth, and the meat in the crock pot. The meat is good for days yet so no rush on cooking.
I laid down for a nap. Torbie joined me. We had a good nap but I woke up - wait for it - with a headache! I expected it, I had eaten a couple of small bags of chips for breakfast, lots of stress for lunch, etc. I would have been shocked if I DIDN'T have one.
So I took something and it's working pretty well. Hell, I could probably stand to see the pain doctor on my own.
Well, probably a neurologist who specialized in headaches, but that's not possible. I will try low carb again first and see how that works.
I expect this week to suck with induction flu and transitioning to low carb, getting off the headache pills, etc. But I think when I'm done, I will have lost weight and hopefully lost the headaches too.
Tomorrow we go to work and then the I almost said headache doctor. Pain doctor. Ron forgot to call in the trip so he will have to call and beg for a ride. If he can't get one we will have to take a cab. I just hope it isn't a Suburban. They are nice rides but Ron has a horrible time getting into, and out of, them.
I even got a meow out of Baby Girl as she jumped up to eat some food.
The cats don't really talk much to us, unless they are hungry. Then they'll beg.
So, there's Ron, flopping on the floor of the garage. I'm thinking [censored] not again thoughts. The ambulance is on the way. #7 is across the street, mowing his yard. Now that we've mowed ours he has to mow his or be the worst house on the street. No one cares about their yard if mine looks worse. #2, the teenage boy, is also mowing his yard. Ron is on the floor of the garage, it's just a normal day.
I like to take Ron out and let him wallow on the floor of the garage every Sunday morning. It's refreshing. And there's a siren. Please don't let it be for Ron.
It was, but by the time it got to us it just had the lights on. Awkward. It was the same crew we had last time.
Once I got Ron loaded I took him to his bed, but he wouldn't get into it. Chuck came a while later so I had to leave Ron next to the bed. I worried but if he falls in the house who cares, he can get back into his chair when he sobers up. We've done that before. The only reason we called the ambulance was the heat and the spiders in the garage. Ron hates spiders.
One of the paramedics was clowning around, playing with Ron's 2 liter bottle of vodka (his last one). He remembered seeing it from last time.
So, I left Ron and went to the store. It was packed. I believe most schools start tomorrow, I didn't factor that into my trip. Lots of couples and families. Chuck waited at McDonald's and I went hunting for vegetables (frozen diced sweet potatoes, frozen diced onions), spices, etc. It was really packed and not necessarily an easy shopping experience. The traffic reminded me of the freeway. I prefer to shop at "like" 7 AM when everyone's already at work or in school. Anyone shopping then is just running in to pick up something quickly. But Ron doesn't like an early trip.
Anyway, I got everything. Yesterday Ron had asked me for 3 large bottles of Tylenol.
I have mixed opinions about getting them. On the one hand, if I don't buy them he asks someone else to do it, and they always screw it up and buy the wrong Tylenol. He's going to get it anyway. And he's able to run a business and household (pay all the bills, manage spreadsheets, schedule our trips, etc.). So, even though it causes liver damage in conjunction with alcohol - something I have told him repeatedly - I buy it under protest.
Although, according to the ultrasound, Ron only has some minor, preliminary, liver damage.
That was $60 on my total right there. Ouch. But Ron is always diligent about paying me back. When I got home he even gave me an extra $20.
I got everything on my list and headed for the register. But I forgot Ron wanted some veggie soup. I went back and got some 50 cent cans of beef, barley, and vegetables. If he doesn't eat them I will. I like them if I am coming off a migraine. Plenty of salt to get my levels up (that's actually a concern), bland and easy to digest. And they have red meat so they should help build his blood.
Chuck had told me to take as long as I wanted, no rush at all, he likes people watching. So I didn't have to scamper, I could navigate my traffic.
Ron called and asked me where I was. I told him.
I got in line behind a family paying for school supplies and put all my stuff on the conveyor. My stuff only came (spices and some ingredients for dishes, canned food, etc.) to $30. My cashier seemed new and had a lot of trouble scanning items. I had to struggle with impatience.
Then I went to McDonald's. I figured I was getting a headache anyway from the stress, I could feel it spreading out from the back of my head, and might as well get a nice chilly vanilla shake.
But their machine was broken. I was very disappointed.
I drank my Diet Dr Pepper while sitting with Chuck and hearing about the Ramp program at the VA. We left, I gave him some money for his time and gas (he lives pretty far away). He accepted it gleefully.
We got home and I took out my bag, waved goodbye. Ron sent me a text as I was standing in the driveway, telling me to give Chuck the exact sum I had given him. I thought that was funny.
I got inside and told Ron I was home. I found him in bed, where he was supposed to be. Good. He wanted to know what happened this morning. I told him we had "the whole circus" with him falling out, the ambulance, etc.
I put my frozen veggies in the freezer (and the ice cream!). I got almost everything sorted out and put away. I still need to find a home for some of the spice bottles.
The plan was so make 2 batches of pork stew: green chili stew (easy and good to make) and a bacon-themed smoked maple stew. However, I forgot the liquid smoke so I think I will do honey and mustard. Dry mustard, not that horrible yellow stuff. I have crock pot liners, too.
I did remember everything for the green chili stew, green chilis, etc. Hatch brand. Hatch chilis seem to be a huge deal around here right about now. I don't eat a lot of very spicy food - not "hot" food. I like spices, love Indian food, but not crazy about heat in my food.
I will do the green chili tomorrow morning and let it cook while we're gone. I plan to put a little cumin and oregano, the chiles, some broth, and the meat in the crock pot. The meat is good for days yet so no rush on cooking.
I laid down for a nap. Torbie joined me. We had a good nap but I woke up - wait for it - with a headache! I expected it, I had eaten a couple of small bags of chips for breakfast, lots of stress for lunch, etc. I would have been shocked if I DIDN'T have one.
So I took something and it's working pretty well. Hell, I could probably stand to see the pain doctor on my own.
Well, probably a neurologist who specialized in headaches, but that's not possible. I will try low carb again first and see how that works.
I expect this week to suck with induction flu and transitioning to low carb, getting off the headache pills, etc. But I think when I'm done, I will have lost weight and hopefully lost the headaches too.
Tomorrow we go to work and then the I almost said headache doctor. Pain doctor. Ron forgot to call in the trip so he will have to call and beg for a ride. If he can't get one we will have to take a cab. I just hope it isn't a Suburban. They are nice rides but Ron has a horrible time getting into, and out of, them.
Not again!
Ron fell out of his wheelchair again, in the garage, at pickup time.
I wonder if it will be an excused absence this time?
I slept pretty well, woke up at 8. I bagged up some candy and got online for a bit.
Ron had been sleeping really well, very quiet and not moving at all. But, when he woke up, he was in agonizing pain. So he went for his "solution" if you will. He headed right for the kitchen and started drinking. And drinking. And then drinking some more.
Our ride came to go to Walmart. Yesterday, Ron said he wanted to buy me flowers. I told him, all I want is a ride to Walmart.
So I took him out the door. I specifically reminded him to pick his feet up. He did not, caught a foot, and fell out of the wheelchair onto the floor of the garage.
The driver was calling Ron's phone, to tell him to come out. He couldn't. So I opened the garage door and showed her. She left after a couple of minutes. Ron was flopping around like a fish.
I asked him if he wanted to wait until he sobered up, then get in his wheelchair, or if he would rather call the ambulance and have them come out to rescue him. The sun was on the other side of the house. He said he would wait, but then he called the ambulance.
They came with lights and siren. Not only that, it was the same crew we had last time. Talk about embarrassing. I had some candy with me, my paratransit drivers. I gave that to the paramedics. They liked it. They got Ron in his wheelchair and I fastened the seatbelt.
Ron and I both agree, when he drinks in the wheelchair he is going to wear the seatbelt. I should probably get a new wheelchair with feet so he can stop dragging his feet on the ramp.
The paramedics were very nice, as they were last time. When dispatch, and the paramedics, asked Ron how this happened he said he drank too much vodka. At least he was honest. They did a little neuro check and let him go. I took Ron in the house and parked him next to the bed.
He tried to call paratransit and have them do a send-back, but he is far too drunk to ride the service. I told him (honestly) I had already called Chuck, who is coming in about 20 minutes. Chuck can take me to Walmart. So Ron gave up on that.
Then he (even drunk, he made the trips for tomorrow!) scheduled our rides for tomorrow. Hopefully right about now he is getting into bed.
I can see the writing on the wall. I had better start preparing for the day when the paramedics are inside my home. And if he keeps getting these "drunk and fell out of my wheelchair" calls he is going to end up with a social worker.
I am feeling a combination of pretty intense anger - can't he hold his liquor?! And some pretty equal fear of where this is going to end up for him and us.
I wonder if it will be an excused absence this time?
I slept pretty well, woke up at 8. I bagged up some candy and got online for a bit.
Ron had been sleeping really well, very quiet and not moving at all. But, when he woke up, he was in agonizing pain. So he went for his "solution" if you will. He headed right for the kitchen and started drinking. And drinking. And then drinking some more.
Our ride came to go to Walmart. Yesterday, Ron said he wanted to buy me flowers. I told him, all I want is a ride to Walmart.
So I took him out the door. I specifically reminded him to pick his feet up. He did not, caught a foot, and fell out of the wheelchair onto the floor of the garage.
The driver was calling Ron's phone, to tell him to come out. He couldn't. So I opened the garage door and showed her. She left after a couple of minutes. Ron was flopping around like a fish.
I asked him if he wanted to wait until he sobered up, then get in his wheelchair, or if he would rather call the ambulance and have them come out to rescue him. The sun was on the other side of the house. He said he would wait, but then he called the ambulance.
They came with lights and siren. Not only that, it was the same crew we had last time. Talk about embarrassing. I had some candy with me, my paratransit drivers. I gave that to the paramedics. They liked it. They got Ron in his wheelchair and I fastened the seatbelt.
Ron and I both agree, when he drinks in the wheelchair he is going to wear the seatbelt. I should probably get a new wheelchair with feet so he can stop dragging his feet on the ramp.
The paramedics were very nice, as they were last time. When dispatch, and the paramedics, asked Ron how this happened he said he drank too much vodka. At least he was honest. They did a little neuro check and let him go. I took Ron in the house and parked him next to the bed.
He tried to call paratransit and have them do a send-back, but he is far too drunk to ride the service. I told him (honestly) I had already called Chuck, who is coming in about 20 minutes. Chuck can take me to Walmart. So Ron gave up on that.
Then he (even drunk, he made the trips for tomorrow!) scheduled our rides for tomorrow. Hopefully right about now he is getting into bed.
I can see the writing on the wall. I had better start preparing for the day when the paramedics are inside my home. And if he keeps getting these "drunk and fell out of my wheelchair" calls he is going to end up with a social worker.
I am feeling a combination of pretty intense anger - can't he hold his liquor?! And some pretty equal fear of where this is going to end up for him and us.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Still feeding Possum
It was a long day. First ride: to the warehouse, late. Not only that, we picked up 2 other people, neither of whom were apparently disabled.
I don't mind picking up someone who looks like a pretzel, in a wheelchair; someone with obvious intellectual issues; a blind person; an amputee, etc... but someone who bounces onto the vehicle and has both arms, legs, mind, eyes, working - yeah, I've got a problem with that.
Especially when they make me late. We picked up the one and then then drove and picked up the other. Let one off - at the beauty salon. She whined it wasn't open yet. Well, don't schedule it so early, next time. In the meantime we were late.
We got there, finally, and unloaded. I got Ron parked and did my shopping. I only had a couple of minutes to do my personal shopping.
I wanted to get meat, so I could do low carb again. I didn't have time to look at the beef, so I basically fell over the pork section. Huh. I found a nice tray of pork stew meat. It looked good, good price. Good sell by date (very important to me). I got it.
I got some drinks for work (I paid separately, for me, and work stuff) - put them on the cart, and then found the frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs. Those must have been some big chickens. If I met them in an alley, they could have beat me up. 6 pounds for $10. Individually quick frozen. Good.
I threw them into the "buggy" on top of the pork. Then I finished my shopping for work. I bought "my" stuff (and paid sales tax) for it after buying the work stuff on the business' dime.
Then I stuck the meat into the insulated tote bag I brought for just that purpose. I had a couple of 1 quart frozen bottles in there too. And it worked, even with all the temperature stress it had the next couple hours, when I got home the chicken was still frozen.
But first I had to go to work, stock, help Ron. Always helping Ron. Not that I usually mind. I didn't have any "Heather" work to do, really, so I could focus on helping Ron.
We finished and came home. We had a really nice driver. He had another pickup and that client was really surly. I felt bad for the driver. I don't know if the guy was just having a bad day, tired of waiting, or what, but yike.
I was glad to get out at home. I put my meat away and got Ron in the house. I took a nap.
Biscuit joined me. I woke up with a headache. Really SICK of these headaches. I woke up with one this morning, too.
I am going to have to go through a process of getting off the OTC pain killers. They cause rebound headaches if you take them too often, which I am. So even when the triggers are gone I'm going to have headaches for some period of time just detoxing from the OTC stuff. Fun! I plan to stop taking the painkillers after Monday.
Monday, I have to take Ron to the doc. I have to be sharp for that, or they will wonder which of us is there for pain control.
But I can have a bad couple days after that, if need be. Restarting low carb is always a little rough.
We went out to dinner. I saw a huge, lifted, pickup truck with a handicapped hang tag. I would need a ladder to get into the truck. It would be impossible for Ron to get into it. So I had to figure whoever was using the vehicle couldn't have been that disabled. I found it very rude and offensive to take a parking spot. An old man on a walker, who couldn't even stand up straight, had to park farther down as a result, and he could barely move about 3 inches an hour getting to the door of the restaurant. Not cool.
We had a good meal, though. I can make it work low carb style when I finally kick off. I did not get dessert, even though Ron tried to talk me into it.
Ron said, on his own initiative, that he wants to eat more vegetables. That can only be good. One driver suggested Ron simply eat more of what he enjoys eating already, which I think is a good plan.
We are going to Walmart tomorrow, I will see what appeals to him and get that, then make it a point to feed it to him daily. Or as often as he will eat it.
I'm pretty tired. I'm going to bed early tonight. Ron set the trip to Walmart so we can get up late, for us, and go.
I already put out Possum's applesauce and cat food so he has something to eat tonight. I got fond of the little rat.
I don't mind picking up someone who looks like a pretzel, in a wheelchair; someone with obvious intellectual issues; a blind person; an amputee, etc... but someone who bounces onto the vehicle and has both arms, legs, mind, eyes, working - yeah, I've got a problem with that.
Especially when they make me late. We picked up the one and then then drove and picked up the other. Let one off - at the beauty salon. She whined it wasn't open yet. Well, don't schedule it so early, next time. In the meantime we were late.
We got there, finally, and unloaded. I got Ron parked and did my shopping. I only had a couple of minutes to do my personal shopping.
I wanted to get meat, so I could do low carb again. I didn't have time to look at the beef, so I basically fell over the pork section. Huh. I found a nice tray of pork stew meat. It looked good, good price. Good sell by date (very important to me). I got it.
I got some drinks for work (I paid separately, for me, and work stuff) - put them on the cart, and then found the frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs. Those must have been some big chickens. If I met them in an alley, they could have beat me up. 6 pounds for $10. Individually quick frozen. Good.
I threw them into the "buggy" on top of the pork. Then I finished my shopping for work. I bought "my" stuff (and paid sales tax) for it after buying the work stuff on the business' dime.
Then I stuck the meat into the insulated tote bag I brought for just that purpose. I had a couple of 1 quart frozen bottles in there too. And it worked, even with all the temperature stress it had the next couple hours, when I got home the chicken was still frozen.
But first I had to go to work, stock, help Ron. Always helping Ron. Not that I usually mind. I didn't have any "Heather" work to do, really, so I could focus on helping Ron.
We finished and came home. We had a really nice driver. He had another pickup and that client was really surly. I felt bad for the driver. I don't know if the guy was just having a bad day, tired of waiting, or what, but yike.
I was glad to get out at home. I put my meat away and got Ron in the house. I took a nap.
Biscuit joined me. I woke up with a headache. Really SICK of these headaches. I woke up with one this morning, too.
I am going to have to go through a process of getting off the OTC pain killers. They cause rebound headaches if you take them too often, which I am. So even when the triggers are gone I'm going to have headaches for some period of time just detoxing from the OTC stuff. Fun! I plan to stop taking the painkillers after Monday.
Monday, I have to take Ron to the doc. I have to be sharp for that, or they will wonder which of us is there for pain control.
But I can have a bad couple days after that, if need be. Restarting low carb is always a little rough.
We went out to dinner. I saw a huge, lifted, pickup truck with a handicapped hang tag. I would need a ladder to get into the truck. It would be impossible for Ron to get into it. So I had to figure whoever was using the vehicle couldn't have been that disabled. I found it very rude and offensive to take a parking spot. An old man on a walker, who couldn't even stand up straight, had to park farther down as a result, and he could barely move about 3 inches an hour getting to the door of the restaurant. Not cool.
We had a good meal, though. I can make it work low carb style when I finally kick off. I did not get dessert, even though Ron tried to talk me into it.
Ron said, on his own initiative, that he wants to eat more vegetables. That can only be good. One driver suggested Ron simply eat more of what he enjoys eating already, which I think is a good plan.
We are going to Walmart tomorrow, I will see what appeals to him and get that, then make it a point to feed it to him daily. Or as often as he will eat it.
I'm pretty tired. I'm going to bed early tonight. Ron set the trip to Walmart so we can get up late, for us, and go.
I already put out Possum's applesauce and cat food so he has something to eat tonight. I got fond of the little rat.
Friday, August 17, 2018
The receiving end of a good deed
I slept pretty well last night, considering. I had to get up at 2, though.
I dragged myself out of bed, and took a shower. Ron's alarm went off during my shower and he got up.
I got dressed, helped Ron get dressed ("No, you can't wear that shirt, give it to me to wash"). We were ready when the driver pulled up.
Happily, it was a straight trip. Sometimes on Friday morning deliveries we have to go get him. He is an employee at the facility, don't know how he got paratransit, he has no apparent disability. I can only figure he had some sort of stroke. He makes a lot of very offensive comments and hostile "jokes" that aren't funny. He is very impatient and demanding with the drivers, who all hate him. He stands too close to me when he talks to me, so I move away and he has to chase me in order to talk to me. He's just unpleasant and I am embarrassed he works where we do.
There is a lady who works afternoons, who rides the service. I have never heard a word about her from the other drivers, so at least she isn't as bad as the morning guy.
I did see him getting off another vehicle this morning, about the time we got dropped, but we ignored each other.
We went into work. I did my "helping Ron first" thing. I had just started on "my" work, snacks, when the driver called Ron and said he had arrived. I met him, he was a nice young guy. Very good attitude, hard worker. Very cheerful.
We got the delivery, got him paid. The total came to some dollars and 30 cents. I was going to round it up a dollar but Ron took out 30 cents, as the driver laughed.
I would like to see him again, he was great.
Since he put everything up all I had to do was go back to snacks. I finished my work and helped Ron finish his.
Then we called a cab. I was a little alarmed when I saw who responded. We were told about this guy's heart trouble last year. He blacked out on two occasions, on one required resuscitation, and now has a pacemaker.
Not really someone I felt confident with, riding down the freeway. But he came, so we took him, and we got home alive. He tried to tell us he "had a little heart rhythm trouble from drinking too much coffee" but I didn't buy it. They don't put in pacemakers for that! He didn't mention the pacemaker at all but the other driver told us all about it, last year, when it happened. The two of them are friends.
We made it home alive. I was all set to take a nap but here's the yard guys! Thank God, I might add, we had knee-high heads of bermuda grass going to seed. They came and did their thing. I tried to pay them. They said no. Ron tried to pay them. They said no.
We are one of their good deeds. When they left, the grass looked great, the best on the block.
Now I could take a nap. And I did, with Biscuit, once he came out (he is terrified of the yard man's equipment). I woke up, wait for it: with a headache.
I took something for it and got ready to go to the store.
Ron started coughing in the vehicle and the driver thought he was vomiting, totally freaked out. What is it with people telling me I need to "do something"? I was in the front seat, he was in the back. I could do nothing. Ron was not vomiting, he just choked on his spit. It happens sometimes, it's not pretty. It's a stroke thing.
We got to the store, paid the electric bill. Then I left Ron up front and did my shopping. I was going to get some chicken thighs, maybe cube steak, and some stew meat or a roast. If I'm going to go low carb I need some meat in my life.
But I was rushed, nothing looked good, and it all seemed horribly expensive. I decided to wait and see what Sam's Club has tomorrow. I got everything on my list except for the garbage bags - not on the list, but should have been.
I did get everything on my list except for the tampons. They didn't have my brand and size. But I got everything and paid.
Ron kept bugging me, for someone who doesn't want to shop with me he sure sent me enough text messages about things he wanted. I got everything.
I had enough time to pay and get some dinner from McDonald's. Ron had a nice meal of french fries. And he wonders why his nutrition sucks. I did buy him a bacon cheeseburger for later.
We went outside and our ride pulled up. An employee came over, pestering my driver about another client waiting on a ride. She doesn't have a cell phone, to call? She burned up all her minutes already? So the driver had to get on the radio and find out about the other client, then drive over and tell her the ride would be there in a minute.
She wasn't even waiting at the right door. She's lucky my driver told her driver where she was waiting or she'd have been left. It is always easy to spot a new client in a situation like this.
We had to go to a workshop (daycare) and pick a guy up, then we went home. I don't like that daycare. One time we picked up a guy there, he was utterly freaking out and beating on the vehicle with his fists, screaming at the top of his lungs, and the caregivers were just laughing at him. That guy doesn't ride anymore (I wonder why?) but I imagine the "quality" of he care has not increased.
I have encountered very few workshops I would send Ron to They all seem to have abysmal care and psycho clients who scream, fight, and get violent. I can understand why the "families" or group homes want to get rid of them during the day, but I'd just as soon keep Ron home than send him into that.
We got home, unloaded, put the groceries away. Ron wanted cherry tomatoes, and a cucumber. He is not into greens so I encourage him to eat what vegetables he will.
I cleaned out the freezer so I have room for whatever I buy tomorrow. I know they have frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs, which I love, and I will look at the fresh meat.
It won't be a long day at work tomorrow, just take it in and park it. Hopefully I can sleep OK tonight.
I dragged myself out of bed, and took a shower. Ron's alarm went off during my shower and he got up.
I got dressed, helped Ron get dressed ("No, you can't wear that shirt, give it to me to wash"). We were ready when the driver pulled up.
Happily, it was a straight trip. Sometimes on Friday morning deliveries we have to go get him. He is an employee at the facility, don't know how he got paratransit, he has no apparent disability. I can only figure he had some sort of stroke. He makes a lot of very offensive comments and hostile "jokes" that aren't funny. He is very impatient and demanding with the drivers, who all hate him. He stands too close to me when he talks to me, so I move away and he has to chase me in order to talk to me. He's just unpleasant and I am embarrassed he works where we do.
There is a lady who works afternoons, who rides the service. I have never heard a word about her from the other drivers, so at least she isn't as bad as the morning guy.
I did see him getting off another vehicle this morning, about the time we got dropped, but we ignored each other.
We went into work. I did my "helping Ron first" thing. I had just started on "my" work, snacks, when the driver called Ron and said he had arrived. I met him, he was a nice young guy. Very good attitude, hard worker. Very cheerful.
We got the delivery, got him paid. The total came to some dollars and 30 cents. I was going to round it up a dollar but Ron took out 30 cents, as the driver laughed.
I would like to see him again, he was great.
Since he put everything up all I had to do was go back to snacks. I finished my work and helped Ron finish his.
Then we called a cab. I was a little alarmed when I saw who responded. We were told about this guy's heart trouble last year. He blacked out on two occasions, on one required resuscitation, and now has a pacemaker.
Not really someone I felt confident with, riding down the freeway. But he came, so we took him, and we got home alive. He tried to tell us he "had a little heart rhythm trouble from drinking too much coffee" but I didn't buy it. They don't put in pacemakers for that! He didn't mention the pacemaker at all but the other driver told us all about it, last year, when it happened. The two of them are friends.
We made it home alive. I was all set to take a nap but here's the yard guys! Thank God, I might add, we had knee-high heads of bermuda grass going to seed. They came and did their thing. I tried to pay them. They said no. Ron tried to pay them. They said no.
We are one of their good deeds. When they left, the grass looked great, the best on the block.
Now I could take a nap. And I did, with Biscuit, once he came out (he is terrified of the yard man's equipment). I woke up, wait for it: with a headache.
I took something for it and got ready to go to the store.
Ron started coughing in the vehicle and the driver thought he was vomiting, totally freaked out. What is it with people telling me I need to "do something"? I was in the front seat, he was in the back. I could do nothing. Ron was not vomiting, he just choked on his spit. It happens sometimes, it's not pretty. It's a stroke thing.
We got to the store, paid the electric bill. Then I left Ron up front and did my shopping. I was going to get some chicken thighs, maybe cube steak, and some stew meat or a roast. If I'm going to go low carb I need some meat in my life.
But I was rushed, nothing looked good, and it all seemed horribly expensive. I decided to wait and see what Sam's Club has tomorrow. I got everything on my list except for the garbage bags - not on the list, but should have been.
I did get everything on my list except for the tampons. They didn't have my brand and size. But I got everything and paid.
Ron kept bugging me, for someone who doesn't want to shop with me he sure sent me enough text messages about things he wanted. I got everything.
I had enough time to pay and get some dinner from McDonald's. Ron had a nice meal of french fries. And he wonders why his nutrition sucks. I did buy him a bacon cheeseburger for later.
We went outside and our ride pulled up. An employee came over, pestering my driver about another client waiting on a ride. She doesn't have a cell phone, to call? She burned up all her minutes already? So the driver had to get on the radio and find out about the other client, then drive over and tell her the ride would be there in a minute.
She wasn't even waiting at the right door. She's lucky my driver told her driver where she was waiting or she'd have been left. It is always easy to spot a new client in a situation like this.
We had to go to a workshop (daycare) and pick a guy up, then we went home. I don't like that daycare. One time we picked up a guy there, he was utterly freaking out and beating on the vehicle with his fists, screaming at the top of his lungs, and the caregivers were just laughing at him. That guy doesn't ride anymore (I wonder why?) but I imagine the "quality" of he care has not increased.
I have encountered very few workshops I would send Ron to They all seem to have abysmal care and psycho clients who scream, fight, and get violent. I can understand why the "families" or group homes want to get rid of them during the day, but I'd just as soon keep Ron home than send him into that.
We got home, unloaded, put the groceries away. Ron wanted cherry tomatoes, and a cucumber. He is not into greens so I encourage him to eat what vegetables he will.
I cleaned out the freezer so I have room for whatever I buy tomorrow. I know they have frozen boneless skinless chicken thighs, which I love, and I will look at the fresh meat.
It won't be a long day at work tomorrow, just take it in and park it. Hopefully I can sleep OK tonight.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
With a day off like this, I need a vacation
I had a bad headache most of the day and lay down until 1.
I didn't want to go out because I need to be in bed by 5-6 PM. I have a very early wakeup tomorrow. Besides, I had the headache.
I got up and took some generic Excedrin, looked around in the kitchen. I found my big cast iron skillet and didn't find my crock-pot. I wasn't feeling too well so I didn't get all the way into the cabinet.
I did up my pills, that took a while, and then ate and took my PM dose.
Erratic sleep and stress are not good for bipolar. So I need to be diligent with my medication.
I asked Ron to make a trip to Walmart tomorrow so I can buy the supplies I need to start keto. But we do have a problem and it is partly my fault.
You know the door of the fridge? How it has that handy shelf? Well, I have kept mine pretty well stuffed for 14 years. Then, the other day, Ron wanted his bottle of water so he could drink (vodka). I told him no, get it yourself.
When he opened the door his knee caught on the shelf and broke the barrier that holds the food in place. It is totally demolished. Everything fell out, couldn't shut the door, soy sauce all over the floor.
[bad word] Ron and I had a small spat about that and he looked at it later, admitting he broke it. The fridge itself is fine so it's OK, but in the meantime I can't store anything on the bottom part of the door. I had to take everything off/out.
I had to remove my seed box. I had a big plastic box, full of seeds, in the fridge, to keep them fresh for gardening. I don't want to get rid of them but I can't keep them in the fridge anymore. So I took them out and put them in my closet. That made room for pretty much everything I had on the door.
It's a great fridge, made my GE, I would love to get another one like it when this one goes, but I hope this one lasts for years yet. I just can't put anything on the bottom shelf of the door.
Ron is watching old TV shows, last I heard he was watching "Wagon Train". He was moaning a lot last night (he did not know about the ominous message I had gotten from The Boss until later), I will be glad when he gets some help with this.
It is awful to lie in bed, listening to your loved one tossing, turning, and moaning in agony. I really want to get this fixed.
I just wish I could believe he would stop drinking, when that happened.
I didn't want to go out because I need to be in bed by 5-6 PM. I have a very early wakeup tomorrow. Besides, I had the headache.
I got up and took some generic Excedrin, looked around in the kitchen. I found my big cast iron skillet and didn't find my crock-pot. I wasn't feeling too well so I didn't get all the way into the cabinet.
I did up my pills, that took a while, and then ate and took my PM dose.
Erratic sleep and stress are not good for bipolar. So I need to be diligent with my medication.
I asked Ron to make a trip to Walmart tomorrow so I can buy the supplies I need to start keto. But we do have a problem and it is partly my fault.
You know the door of the fridge? How it has that handy shelf? Well, I have kept mine pretty well stuffed for 14 years. Then, the other day, Ron wanted his bottle of water so he could drink (vodka). I told him no, get it yourself.
When he opened the door his knee caught on the shelf and broke the barrier that holds the food in place. It is totally demolished. Everything fell out, couldn't shut the door, soy sauce all over the floor.
[bad word] Ron and I had a small spat about that and he looked at it later, admitting he broke it. The fridge itself is fine so it's OK, but in the meantime I can't store anything on the bottom part of the door. I had to take everything off/out.
I had to remove my seed box. I had a big plastic box, full of seeds, in the fridge, to keep them fresh for gardening. I don't want to get rid of them but I can't keep them in the fridge anymore. So I took them out and put them in my closet. That made room for pretty much everything I had on the door.
It's a great fridge, made my GE, I would love to get another one like it when this one goes, but I hope this one lasts for years yet. I just can't put anything on the bottom shelf of the door.
Ron is watching old TV shows, last I heard he was watching "Wagon Train". He was moaning a lot last night (he did not know about the ominous message I had gotten from The Boss until later), I will be glad when he gets some help with this.
It is awful to lie in bed, listening to your loved one tossing, turning, and moaning in agony. I really want to get this fixed.
I just wish I could believe he would stop drinking, when that happened.
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