Thursday, February 28, 2019

They shaved him

Poor Biscuit, they shaved his privates. 

So, today.  I didn't sleep well, worried about Biscuit all alone in his kennel (he was the only cat in the cat section of the hospital today), sick and scared.  I woke up and he wasn't there, begging.  Ron commented about it. 

I took a shower and got dressed.  It was cold, in the 40's, overcast and raining.  And all my coats were in the dryer.  Well, not my "big" coat, which it turns out I should have worn, but my intermediate jackets (2 of them).  I did have a pink sherpa vest I decided to wear. 

It kept me from misery but I really needed my big coat.  Next time I will wear it, and encourage Ron to bring his. 

We went to work and worked.  We told everyone about poor Biscuit, they were very nice and said they hoped he felt better. 

I was really worried about him so I called around 11, heard they had "just" taken out his catheter and wanted to keep him a few additional hours, after 3 would be good.  Ron and I had planned on picking him up after work, and the bank, but Ron was hurting anyway so it would work to go home. 

We took the money out of the machines and counted it, then, after stocking, went to the bank.  It was pretty packed, end of the month.  It was also pretty late, after 1.  We had a bit of a wait. 

We had enough to pay me, buy inventory, and a little for Ron.  We took Biscuit's bill out of savings.  That, in my opinion, is why you have savings, so you can take care of medical emergencies.  And this was Biscuit.

Arturo picked us up and ran us through a drive through, then took us home.  He said he would be happy to come back at 4:30 (I called the vet again and asked if that would work) to help liberate Biscuit. 

We went home, I took off the fleece vest to discover it had shed all over my shirt.  It was really bad.  I am going to toss the vest.  I am amazed all this fuzz didn't come off in the wash and destroy my washer.  I ate my food and took a very large handful of pills, AM and PM combined (OK to do).  I laid down for a little bit with Torbie, petting her.  She was very demanding.  Then she went in her igloo about the time my alarm went off. 

I got up, changed my shirt, got ready.  I brought a large tote bag because I knew I would be porting medication, prescription diet food, and paperwork in one hand and then holding Biscuit with the other. 

Arturo was a little late.  Normally I wouldn't care but I did call him.  I wanted my baby!  I was nice about it, though. 

He showed quickly and we headed to the vet.  The whole staff gathered when I pulled up.  I felt like I was in trouble!  But the vet was smiling so I knew it was OK. 

They took me in and told me they had given Biscuit his medication for the day.  Gave me his 2 medications along with instructions.  Then they took me back. 

Poor, pitiful, Biscuit was hiding under a towel in his cage, much as I'd imagined him.  It was a big cage, though.  He took one look at me and started hollering.  They told me he had been very quiet all day, very submissive to exams and petting, but clearly Mom was here and things were going to change.  They put the open carrier in front of him and he bolted inside, then turned around and tried to get out again.  He was shaking the carrier back and forth and yelling. 

I kept reassuring him.  He was OK once I stuck a finger through the mesh on the door, and smelled it.  Yes, it really was Mom. 

They told me they had given him the prescription diet, but he hadn't touched it.  They had some advice on how to doctor it so he'd eat it.  I was given the vet's cell phone number. 

Time to go.  The tech really had fallen for Biscuit.  She kept petting him yesterday and said she had been petting him all day today.  Biscuit loves petting, and more than once, purred for her.  She carried him out and put him in the cab. 

The nice thing about the vet and her staff: they GET that I am disabled and have transportation issues.  So we headed off, Biscuit howling.  He did settle down again when I talked to him.  It's a short ride so we got home.  I took Biscuit out and was halfway up the driveway when I realized the weird guy down the street was bothering Arturo.  But, like Ron said, Arturo can handle himself. 

I went in the house (LOCKED IT, I don't trust that guy) and put Biscuit on the floor.  The carrier began agitating back and forth like an unbalanced washing machine.  Biscuit wanted OUT. 

I let him out, he got on the table.  He was hungry, that's where I feed him.  What the hell, let's feed him the new stuff and see if he will eat it. 

I put one of his plates down, and a scoop (Doc gave me a scoop and says 2 a day) on the plate.  Something told me to wait before I added anything.  I waited.  Biscuit dove in and began gobbling fiercely.  He hadn't eaten at all, at the vet, didn't want to.  He devoured half a day's food in just  a couple of minutes. 

The vet had been worried about Biscuit eating, so I called the vet (I have been identifying myself as "Biscuit's Mom", and told them the good news.  They were thrilled.  Biscuit has shown so much interest in the bag of food, trying to knock it over, that I got one of my lidded 5 gallon buckets and put it in there.  It looks like he will definitely eat this, long term. 

And I really want to get him completely off all the old stuff that made him sick, and onto good stuff formulated to keep him well.  That's just basic intelligence.  If for no other reason than to save the bill.  Biscuit's hospitalization cost more than a mortgage payment, but less than a crown. 

Ron, by the way, was totally supportive of me, and getting the money out of savings for Biscuit.  He loves Biscuit too and would never want him to suffer. 

Biscuit did normal Biscuit things, lying on the floor a lot, wanting to go in the garage, etc.  I turned on the heated mattress pad so it's there if he wants it.  I cleaned the litter boxes again so they are all fresh.  I changed the water.  I have done everything I can do tonight. 

Ron has been hanging out with Baby Girl, glad, I'm sure, it wasn't her who got sick.  He is very bonded to her and that would have been hell for him. 

A while ago, I noticed they had shaved Biscuit's privates.  Poor baby. 

I have been feeding the girls in the laundry room.  I think that will work for us all. 

Waiting to go pick up Biscuit

I hope there isn't a problem with the cab.

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Biscuit has a conditon

Well, that was more excitement than I'd like. 

I was sitting in my chair watching TV.  I have the litter box, one of them, right in front of the TV.  Biscuit got in the box.  I watched the TV for another 15 minutes and realized Biscuit was still in the box, and he had "the expression". 

I have seen "the expression" two other times with other cats I had, and both ended up with FUS.  Feline Urinary Syndrome.   One was rehomed for other reasons, and one actually died of it, because I waited overnight "to see if it would get better".  By the time I took him in, it was too late. 

You can't give me a flogging for that I haven't given myself.  I swore, next time, the cat would go to the vet RIGHT AWAY.  I waited another 10 minutes.  No joy, still in the box.  I looked at the litter, it was dry and clean. 

Well, crap.  I got my phone and called the vet.  They said bring him in.  I called Arturo the cab driver.  He said 15 minutes.  I took it. 

I waited about 10 minutes and stuffed Biscuit in his carrier.  I left the crock-pot on and left the wet laundry in the washer.  I took him outside because Ron was asleep and I wanted to present Ron with a fait accompli when it was all done.  Biscuit was fine, mellow, watching the outside from the chair on the porch. 

His mood changed when I put him in the cab, he began howling.  Arturo was nice about it, laughing and jolly.  We got to the vet quickly, they are not far.  I gave Arturo a LARGE tip and took Biscuit in, still hollering. 

Once he got into the vet he was OK.  They put him on an exam table, gave him some Feliway, and covered his carrier with a blanket.  He calmed quickly. 

The vet came in super quick considering we were a drop-in.  I was glad she was taking it seriously.  She examined him and found a distended bladder.  They did an ultrasound and found stones. 

Long story short, they took him off and did things to him.  They tested his urine and found struvite stones.  I will do some research.  BUT she sells Royal Canin something bladder formula for cats that is proven to help reduce struvite stones.  I will need to give an antibiotic.  The vet said she felt he would be a good boy about taking medication.  There was no blood because I brought him in early.  I would have so rather spent $50 on a blank trip (plus cab) than find out I couldn't save him, a couple days from now. 

Ron is still asleep, I will let him know when he wakes up.  But I know I did the right thing taking him in, and now Ron doesn't have to worry.  Biscuit is already diagnosed, treated, and getting better.  He is, to quote the tech "Stoned out of his mind".  Good. 

I am glad I could do this.  It won't be cheap but it is cheaper than an ER copay for me.  And, hopefully, this will be the only time. 

I am just glad he isn't hurting anymore.  He will be ready for breakfast tomorrow and I am curious to see what they do regarding that.  Maybe give him some of the prescription food? 

I drank way too much caffeine (3 bottles of Diet Dr Pepper) while waiting and I about paced a hole in the floor.  But everyone was very nice, especially when I was waiting on Arturo to come take me home.  He got another large tip for that one.  That is why I give large tips.  You get what you pay for. 

He made a good "purramedic".  The girls (cats) are looking for him but he will be home tomorrow. 

Then we institute the new diet.  That's going to be interesting. 

Struvite crystals

Prescription diet.  He comes home tomorrow.

Blocked

They are doing a procedure and keeping him overnight.  He was very good.

Biscuit sick

Going to the vet

5 kinds of curry

It's been a pretty quiet day.  I took a nap from @ 9 to 11, got up.  I am working on a load of clothes right now in the washer.  The chicken is progressing nicely, I will turn off the heat around 4.  The cats have been treated (to Surfer something by Temptations). 

But I found it sad, Ron and I were awake at the same time and he asked me about last night.  He said his leg was really bad (he gets shooting pains down his leg from the back pain).  I get that. 

Then he asked if I would "rather" he deal with the pain (after taking his painkiller), or drink himself into a blackout so he could "turn it off".  I told him I would want the first. 

He was not expecting it, but he endangers himself when he has a blackout, and is FAR louder than he is moaning a little now and then.  And I'm NEVER giving him "permission" to drink. 

I still don't get the "I'm in pain so I have to moan and groan loudly" thing.  I can only figure it was learned behavior, in the hospital, after his eye operations (he had 9) when he was a child.  He wouldn't get any attention from the nurses unless he moaned and groaned, so he learned to do that.  My theory. 

Someone tells me men are just more prone to moan and carry on when they are in pain, and women are more stoic.  Maybe.  But it is not fair to me, as a caregiver to keep me up moaning and groaning.  If you are in pain, keep it to yourself.  I can't fix your back.  I didn't run over you, why are you punishing me, your only caregiver? 

It's not fair.  I have never moaned and cried during my migraines.  I just speak in a quiet, strained, voice.  It drives Ron nuts because he is hard of hearing and I normally have to yell somewhat to be heard.  He can't hear me, when I talk, with a migraine.  So I just sort of belt out in a loud voice that I have a migraine and crawl back to bed, don't peep for days. 

I can't have my sleep interrupted, it is bad for me mentally.  And it is a very cheap shot: attempted blackmail "Let me have a blackout or I will keep you up all night".  How's this?  How about we don't drink at all, live responsibly, eat real food, and take our vitamins as directed?  No, suck it up.  If it is bad enough you will either change something in your life or say something to the doctor.  But if you're up all night moaning one week, and sitting in your chair smiling at the doctor and saying "Everything is fine", then you made your own bed.  I won't feel sorry for him. 

I don't even tell him when I have a headache, 90% of the time.  It is just easier to keep it to myself.  If he is having a good time, it ruins it; and if he is having a bad day he just uses it as an excuse to shout loudly at God, exacerbating the headache. 

I got the clothes into the second cycle.  Ron generally soils his clothes (with food) so badly they require a formal soak cycle first with stain remover, and then a second, standard, cycle to finish them off.  It is also good for my socks.  The "plastic" fibers do a good job wicking but are horrible for getting soiled and stained.  They appreciate the extra soak cycle.  So it's a win. 

I use Tide Free and Clear - the white Tide pods, whatever they are, for laundry.  They work well and no problems.  I use Shout Gel for really bad stains, and that gets out just about everything.  I normally buy generic everything but I don't cheap it on laundry products, because we are judged by our appearance.  Ron looks bad enough without being "dirty".  This way I have less work, too. 

I need to get a designated cooking t-shirt.  I used to have one the last time I did a lot of cooking.  It was great, oversized, didn't matter if it got a grease spatter on it, because it only had one purpose, protecting me while I cooked.  I hate aprons and they never cover enough, but the t-shirt was great.  I just need to get it in an "oddball" color so I won't wear it out of the house by accident.  I will look the next time I go to Walmart in person. 

That's the only bad thing about delivery, they don't do the clothes (yet!). 

I will also get the new blood sugar meter.  Link  They don't make the "micro" strips any more so goodbye, old meter.  "They" say you are supposed to change it out every few years anyway. 

I have been dealing with an off-and-on persistent headache today.  I don't want to take anything but I can listen to music and have my light on, look at a computer screen, do laundry and cook, so not too bad. 

The cats all swarmed Ron for treats, there was quite a feast.  Baby Girl was sleeping with Ron earlier which he loves. 

Ron needs to call the MRI place and schedule an appointment but "didn't wanna" when I checked.  He was trying to sleep after having some vodka.  I will try again later.  He needs to be responsible and do this himself.  I won't do it for him, I do enough for him and he needs to be a big boy.  It's not going to hurt, it will be a long ride on paratransit each way, waiting for a while, lying down with a pillow under his knees, and then a ride home.  It is not painful.  His last one was "fine".  The last one he could finish.  He couldn't finish the last one due to the back issue but this time they will have a bigger "portal" and the ability to put a pillow under his knees.  We need to know what is going on, anyway.  It is possible it is something that could be fixed with an outpatient procedure.  And wouldn't he be upset if it was?  All that pain and suffering and he could have fixed it. 

I will have a talk with him when he sobers up.  He did say he would "try a few bites" of the chicken curry when it is done (I will serve it over rice), it will be interesting to see if he likes it.  I have found I like exotic spices.  Many Texans are far more conservative and just want salt, pepper, garlic, celery, and bell pepper. 

But I have 5 kinds of curry! 

Making lemonade

Ron had a bad night for pain, which kept me up.  I did get some sleep, though, and woke up at 3. 

I lay there in bed trying to sleep.  I was simply too alert.  I finally figured, one, I had gone to bed around 7:30.  I remember Ron making "comments" about it.  He is not taking my medication! 

OOps.  I just remembered I forgot to take the skin off the chicken thighs, before I put them in the crock pot. 

Anyway, I had "gotten" "about" 8 hours of sleep.  I was alert.  Why fight my natural clock when I didn't have a headache?   I could always take a nap later. 

So I got up.  I put the liner in the crock pot, then the chicken (but, as I said, forgot to take the skin off).  I added the tomato sauce and the spices.  I closed it up.  Now I let it cook for 12 hours.  I like to do 12 hours, it gives the flavors time to mingle. 

I got on the computer for a while.  It seems "enough" people have had "homeless" encounters similar to mine, with belligerent, entitled, alcoholic, drug addict, unmedicated mentally ill, so they "get" what I am saying.  I have no problem helping someone who had hard times, but I do have a problem pouring more money down a hole of addiction. 

And yes, I have a lot of experience living with an addict.  First my mother and now Ron, both with alcohol.  What I have seen has turned me off alcohol completely, and made me very careful what I put in my own body. 

Several years ago, one of Doc's medical students talked to me for a while before my "visit".  That is standard, talk to the medical student for a while so they can meet a "real" bipolar.  One commented she could see my tremor, and knew, without looking, I was taking lithium.  Doc gave her a gold star for that one.  Anyway, this guy asked me a little about my life.  I didn't think much. 

I told him I was a caregiver, small business owner.  No, I didn't sleep very well some nights.  Yes, I had anxiety, but was trying to reduce the caffeine.  No big deal. 

Until the pharmacy called and said my SIX prescriptions were ready.  Six?  I only get four.  I asked what they were, and she said, a sleeping pill and anti-anxiety medication.  I said HELL NO and told her to send them back, I did NOT want them, as they are HIGHLY addictive.  The next time I met Doc he said he agreed with me, and gave reasons.  Basically the drugs turn on things that should not, and damp down things that should be active. 

I just know they're addictive and I don't want them.  I don't want anything addictive, one reason I have never looked for "pain control" for my migraines.  And, from what I read, a lot of them cause rebound headaches - worse and more frequent headaches in the long run. 

I am not happy about Ron taking his medication, but even though it can cause dependence it doesn't seem to get him high.  From what I read, if a person has severe pain the medication will not work on the "get high" receptor, it will only work on the pain buttons.  Good to know. 

So I'm up at 6 AM now.  I think I will watch CSI for a while, drink some more sugar free punch (fasting until 11), and look in on my crock pot now and then.  It has a clear lid so I can look. 

Ron drank some when he got up, but he went back to bed pretty quick.  I helped push him back to bed, told him Biscuit was waiting for treats, and helped give treats.  I just told Baby Girl he was lonely and needed a cuddle.  That would make his day, if she laid down with him.  I may lie down in another hour or so.  Try to get a nap. 

I always worry about getting enough sleep because it affects me badly, if I don't. 

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Dinner

Dinner was pretty funny.

I have about $50 in my account and about $20 cash.  I didn't want anything in the fridge or freezer.

Neckbones.  Lentils.  Chicken and rice, cooked, and in the freezer.  Nah.

Fridge: raw meats and a huge block of cheese half the size of Biscuit.  Nope.

I already ate some fruit, and I needed something that would hold up to my lithium, which I need to take.

I looked online at a meal delivery service.  They only had a couple of choices for me.  One being sushi.  While I might try it sometime I don't want to try it with my lithium.  I know it would make me sick.  A fried chicken place with a $35 minimum, and not even a store I knew at that.

An Indian place.  Not one I had tried.  Overall I like Indian food.  I will be making it tomorrow night once the chicken thaws.  I shopped, winced at the price, and put a few things in my cart.  They really getcha on that delivery fee.

Then I saw it only had a 60% customer satisfaction rating.  If I am paying $30 for dinner, I want to be 100% satisfied.  Not 60 percent.

I went to my local Chinese takeout menu.  Good choices, but a $20 minimum and they want cash.  Remember I only have $20 cash.

That's not going to work.  I went to Dominoes.  I didn't want pizza again but I do love their cheesy bread, AND they had sandwiches.  I got the chicken bacon provolone one.  We will see how I like it, the sandwich is a new one.

I love Dominoes but I was not terribly impressed by their pasta, when I tried it.  Even if I'm not wild about the sandwich I still have the cheesy bread, which I know works with my pills.

I will come back and edit this with a review of the sandwich.

Edit: Ron woke up when the deliveryman rang the doorbell.  He asked if he still had BBQ left (Ron, not the delivery man) and I said no, he got drunk and ate it. 

He was moping around, I gave him some cheesy bread and half my sandwich.  I hadn't ordered him anything because he always tells me not to, and scolds me if I do.  He liked what I gave him. 

He doesn't have a huge appetite so he was happy with a pretty small portion (don't worry, I went back later and asked if he wanted more). 

I ate the sandwich.  It was good for $6.  Was it huge?  No.  Was the bread and sauce good?  Yes.  Did it have what I consider a lot of bacon?  Yes.  A good amount of chicken?  Yes.  Would I get it again?  Not sure. 

The cheesy bread was excellent as always.  They gave me extra sauce.  I am full, it was good, someone else made my dinner, and I could afford it. 

I call that a win.  I have some cheesy bread left for breakfast tomorrow, too. 

I rant about the homeless now

Well, after I put the groceries away Ron woke up and wanted to listen to music.  Since he pays the electric and the internet it seemed only fair.  I did leave the room during one song I hate.  Then he went and drank for a while.  I got him to eat a little but he didn't want much, it would affect the alcohol. 

He has 2 really bad traits and I suppose one of them is my fault.  He wanted me to read him articles about alcohol - before he developed a serious problem.  How it was absorbed and how it was metabolized.  I happened to read a line that said much alcohol is absorbed through the lining of the mouth, which has since led to Ron taking a chug and holding it in his mouth as long as possible, while breathing through his nose.  Not what I envisioned during my innocent research!  I had hoped hearing about it would temper his drinking, not amplify it.  I am just glad he does not know about the enema trend. 

The second thing, he won't eat until he is completely drunk, because he feel food tempers the alcohol "soak" and he doesn't get drunk as fast.  So he won't eat, is malnourished, everyone, I feel, is pointing a finger at me "Look at you all fat while this poor man has vitamin deficiencies".  I feel like I have to beg him to eat sometimes.  He doesn't have an active metabolism because he basically lives in bed.  So what few calories he gets are all coming from alcohol.  He doesn't "feel" hungry but he is not getting the fats, proteins, minerals, and vitamins he needs.  I worry about this. 

Anyway, he made a huge mess by the time I did get him to eat and had a blackout.  I gave up on him and laid down for a nap. 

He made some noise but I got an hour or so anyway.  At least I can sleep. 

When I woke up he had gotten himself to bed.   Safely. 

I will have to get his shirt to wash it, though, he got bean sauce all over it.  I don't mind food on the clothes if it's just eating while sober, he makes a mess, I am OK with that.  Frankly, I am just happy he can sort of feed himself.  Drunk stains, not so crazy but I will wash because "dirty" clothes makes me look bad. 

Then I got online.  Should be fun, right?  I have been bickering in a "homeless" thread.  I will try to compact my view. 

First of all, I am the only person who has had a homeless family member.  At the end of her life, my mother was living out of her car.  She didn't want rules, she didn't want her medication.  All she did want was the bottle.  With typical results of ending up homeless. 

I said I do not feel sorry for people who abuse drugs and refuse needed medication.  They have victimized themselves.  They victimize their families, and society.  They are not victims.   They are victimizers. 

I said every homeless person I met fell into that category, and I have met dozens.  They were all either/or mentally ill/addicted.   Many had both conditions.  It is extremely common on the street. 

Which would make you think, mentally ill people would say "Shit, I don't want to end up like that, I'm taking the pills!"  Pretty much what I say every day at pill time. 

But apparently I am an unsympathetic bitch and one person said they hope I become homeless.  Nice folk, right?  It's always the woman.  Men can be jerks but the women really stab you, in my experience. 

I have made my point, though.  It is easy to see someone on the side of the road as you drive past in your car.  You are in your warm and cozy car.  No one is invading your personal space and all you smell is your air freshener.  You see the cardboard sign and you think "Oh, poor thing". 

I have had to guide Ron, back when he could walk, around piles of feces on the ground and away from urine puddles.  I am accosted at bus stops, my personal space invaded.  I have to smell them and have had a bleeding limb shoved in my face while I was sitting down (they wanted money).  I have had to worry about bugs and personal safety, begging the bus to come in my head.  It has been unpleasant to say the least. 

They don't have any real hands on experience.  If they did, they would have a vastly different view.  Now, I don't have a problem feeding people.  Jesus did that.  I don't have a problem with detox/rehab programs, which I think are extremely necessary.  Jesus would help with that, I am sure.  Let's streamline the mental health system so people can get back on their medication easily.  But I don't see the need to "save" people who don't want to change the behaviors that got them out on the street.  Demonstrate a willingness to put down the bottle and take your mental illness medication, then we'll talk. 

I think I am a reasonable person but maybe not.  My whole life I have dealt with addicts so I am pretty burned out on them.  I said something to Ron one day about my next husband, after he dies,  Ron got very offended and said he wasn't going anywhere. 

I think I pushed a button. 

No Mountain Dew!

I slept OK last night but I woke up with a bad headache.  Ron was also making a lot of noise, but it was 7 am, not that far till my alarm, so I just went ahead and got up.  I got on the computer for a while, watched some TV, and

Ah!  Walmart just emailed me!  No Diet Dew!   [cries]

Just got the delivery and everything was OK except for no Dew.  Same guy I had before, I like him, he is very nice. 

Great delivery.  Until he drove off and I realized his top was still in my pocket!  I feel like a total shit.  Of course Walmart sends an email every time asking if I want to tip.  I tried to do that but it didn't work.  I went to the Walmart grocery website and it asked if I wanted to tip, I did it there.  I normally prefer to do an off the books tip but in a pinch I will put it on paper. 

I've had a pretty ferocious headache all day but it isn't incapacitating.  I put away all the food.  Again, perfect bananas and tomatoes.  Again, great sell by dates (plenty of time to cook) the meat.  I got lots of cheese.  I thought I was buying the small package of cheese sticks but I got the 36 count.  That will keep me busy for a while! 

I took the chicken out to thaw - I put it in a gallon ziplock, in the fridge, to thaw.  I will put it in the crock pot tomorrow with the tomato sauce and spices.  It should be pretty good. 

I will pull the skin off because chicken skin in a crock pot is just nasty.  I think I will pan fry the skin with a little seasoning and make cracklings.  No sense in wasting it and I love fried/baked chicken skin. 

I got three thighs, I think that will be plenty.  I am OK with them having bones because it's just one bone each, easily pulled out (especially after slow cooking), and the bones add more flavor. 

I am curious to see how it turns out - that is a question mark: will it be good? 

Now, for a "sure thing" I bought a big jar of taco seasoning.  You use it with ground beef.  I think that is a sure thing and will be very good.  Then I have the pork sausage.  I can cook that in tomato sauce and serve it over carbs or by itself.  I have done that many time. 

The only bad thing being they didn't have the Mountain Dew, but I will live.  We will have to go to Walmart pretty soon to get Ron's medication anyway, so I can do it then.  I still have "plenty". 

So a good grocery run and only a few minutes long!  Maybe 10 minutes on the computer and 5 minutes putting it away, a nice smiling face to bring it and help me put it in the garage, a good experience.  Oh, and this delivery was free because I used the code "Delivery".  Even better. 

It's about time for me to eat so I'm going to go do that.  I'll post again later. 

About Walmart and people in wheelchairs

Someone posted a boo-hoo story by NPR on Facebook.  Walmart is eliminating greeter positions and some people with disabilities will be out of work, if they can't find another job in the company.

One guy was wailing about how he was going to feed his labradoodle.  A three thousand dollar dog.  He could afford that but he couldn't put anything away for a rainy day?

Walmart pays some of the employees "enough" that they can get food stamps.  So, let's look at it, a person with a disability:

  • Disability check 
  • Food stamps
  • Medicaid
  • Housing assistance
  • Occasionally, paid helper (bathing, cooking, housework)
If you are thinking "That person is doing better than me!" you are absolutely right.  I don't feel sorry for them economically.  I don't get any of that, and I'm disabled.

Let me tell you about Walmart, they don't owe anyone a job.  They will, and should, hire those they think will be the best fit for the company.

An example, Ron was being very negative yesterday.  I took him to the Waffle House.  They had a card with attributes they were seeking in an employee.  Positive, upbeat, hardworking, reliable... and Ron, even in that mood, laughed and said "They would never hire me" meaning his attitude was such they wouldn't want him.

Me, on the other hand, I could probably get hired.

But from what I have seen Walmart has gone over and beyond in hiring people with disabilities.  I have had cashiers in wheelchairs, wearing braces, with severe tremors, etc.  I have seen people with intellectual difficulties pushing dustmops around the floor.

They don't owe anyone a job.  Especially someone who is already being taken care of by society.  If they can find a good fit, they will hire, but there may not be a good fit.

Retail is hard work, I lift, carry, squat, push, pull, reach, and bend all in the first 20 minutes on the job.  I move heavy things.  I lift carts up in the air.  I pull carts.  I do a hell of a lot of reaching.  I walk and stand constantly.  Ron can only do his work because I honestly do the work of both of us.  You have to be physical.  If you can't, then there's no work for you.

And that is not Walmart's fault, that is just the nature of working retail.

And it is sad, because a lot of these people are suing, and that makes everyone with disabilities look like a bunch of sue-happy Charlies.  And that is the last thing "we" should want.

An employer is already hesitant to hire someone with a disability.  They worry about liability and ability to perform the job.  Now they're going to sue if it doesn't work out?

Let me tell you a story about 2 people we had when we did the deli.

Two of them came with the deli, they had been hired by the previous administration.  One was named "Bea".  She was obese, lazy, didn't do a lick of work unless you stood over her and told her to.  She had arthritis, that I believe, and she used it as an excuse constantly "I need to sit down, my arthritis".   She took constant smoke breaks.   She took time of with no notice.  She was always found sitting down, trying to gossip with the other employees.  When she quit on a whim Ron "let" her, and then told her he didn't have a position when she asked to come back.  She was "disabled".  We were happy to see her go.

Now contrast that with "Jane".  Jane had undiagnosed ADD or maybe ADHD.  She was always moving, always talking, always working!  She was like a hurricane.  I loved to see her come in.  She was on her feet, working, we would have to tell her to take breaks.  She never paid any mind to my moods (remember I was not yet diagnosed), and just did the job with a great attitude.  I still miss her.  And she was "disabled".  But she worked her ass off and earned a place in my heart.  She made such an awful job that much easier.  She was a right arm.  I am still friends with her on Facebook.   If everyone had a Jane there would be no employment issues for people with disabilities.

But, the honest truth, the jobs I have done the last 20 years have been very active, physical jobs.  There is maybe room for one man in a wheelchair but helping him takes me away from my other work.  If he weren't the boss Ron would let "the man in the wheelchair" go.  It's inefficient at best.

If we were going to hire someone, it would be someone strong and able to do the work.  Who could pick up a case of water without a problem, stock the machines, and help Ron.  We wouldn't hire someone with a physical disability if it meant they couldn't do the job (I could see maybe a guy with a bad leg, or one arm, but not much else).

And Walmart shouldn't either.  It's not their job to hand out "free" jobs to everyone in a wheelchair.  It is the person in a wheelchair's job to harvest some skills that render them employable across a wide range of platforms, and then go get a job doing that.

But retail is often not the place for a person with a physical disability.

Edit to add: Walmart has never gotten an attitude about Ron sitting and waiting in his wheelchair.  Unlike another big chain I will not mention, where the greeter told me, quote "You move him.  He makes it (the entry way) look bad".  Oh, I saw purple after that. 

Monday, February 25, 2019

Happier by myself

Today started out OK, except for the headache.  It was pretty severe and I had to work.  I took some Excedrin.  I am very careful with it now but I felt I "had" to for work. 

I got ready, got Ron ready, off to work.  Work was pretty uneventful.  The other vendor is training a new employee.  I hope she works out, she seems nice enough. 

Work was pretty uneventful.  About the only thing of note, we had so many sandwiches left I had to put the new ones in the fridge.  We finished up and came home. 

So far, OK.  Ron was in a decent mood as far as I could remember so it was alright.  We got home, I ate and took a nap. 

I had a pretty good nap but the headache came back with a vengeance.  I did not take anything.  I checked my blood sugar - 150.  That's not good, considering I hadn't eaten in hours.  Well, crap.  I drank one of Ron's Diet 7up and had a diet lemonade.  Aspartame seems to lower my blood sugar so I tried that. 

It worked on the headache, at least.  It improved, but didn't "go". 

Ron woke up in a vile mood.  He didn't want to leave. 

Now, today, at work, I had asked him what we had going for the day.  He said he had made a trip to the Waffle House, I said OK.  Important note: I did not ASK for the trip. 

He was upset because Baby Girl got into bed with him and he had to leave her.  Then the ride was significantly late.  None of this is my fault. 

He said he wanted to go outside.  It was cold.  He complained some more about that.  It went to comments about "your stomach", threats not to pay me on Friday, just poking at every sore spot he thought he knew (missed the mark on most of them), trying to get a reaction.  I reminded him you made the trip: I did not ask for this.  He went back to how "difficult" I was "demanding to be fed" etc. 

I had a hot dog in the fridge.  I would have been happy to eat that with a protein shake.  I STILL had a horrible headache (I didn't tell him because he would have tried to use it against me - and isn't that sad?)  He kept working himself into higher and higher frenzy. 

The driver came.  It is the guy who is always late.  Here he was, half an hour late.  He had another client in the backseat, someone so limited they appeared not to have a soul.  Just an obese, vacant, drooling, shell slumped over in the seat.  The driver tried to explain he had been pulled off our trip to go get this guy, which was way out of the way, and then the trip to get us was put back. 

Ron didn't care, he yelled at the guy.  The driver was a lot nicer than I would have been, about it, but he did keep tapping his finger on the steering wheel.  We got to the Waffle House. 

Ron went in and made a big production of sulking.  They fussed over him a little which is what he wanted, then consented to a grilled cheese and a diet soda.  Pretty much what I got. 

He ate it and ordered another one.  Remember this is the guy who "had food at home" and was "only there to serve [my] stomach".  I had a good time anyway, the headache was finally gone. 

I ate my waffle and a grilled cheese with bacon.  It was good.  I had a couple of diet cokes.  Ron even asked about the jukebox. 

It rained pretty hard as we ate, a cold front came through.  It was dramatically colder when we left.  The driver to come home was a very nice Asian man.  He is one of the only Asian drivers in the fleet so easy to remember.  He is a very nice guy, not too talkative. 

We had a straight ride home - and really, we are only a couple of miles, so we should.  I brought Ron in, took out the garbage, Ron reunited with Baby Girl, and I fed the cats.  I took out the garbage and, after I post this, will check the mail and figure out my food deliveries for the week. 

Ron doesn't believe, when he acts like this he leaves scars, which lead to calluses.  Which lead to a tough heart and not caring as much for him.  He won't see that.  I can't tell him - he wouldn't receive it. 

But it is very sad I am often happier by myself. 

Supposed to be

Going out for a quick bite.  Ride late, verbally abusive name calling.  Trying to find a sore spot so he can poke it.  Just ugly.

If I didn't have a headache I would just walk into the house.

Nasty headache today

Still went to work.  Things are pretty slow so I didn't need to do much.

Sunday, February 24, 2019

Universal label

I slept pretty well last night but woke up with my back, itching, ferociously.  When I sleep I spread my long hair over the pillow so I don't roll over on it (did that once and ow!).  Some had slipped down and gotten between my back and the mattress.  So itchy!  I fixed it and tried to go back to sleep, still couldn't, so I just got up. 

It was around 7.  I made some tea and took a shower.  I got dressed.  I got on the computer for a while.  I decided to leave for the store around 9. 

I didn't have any problems getting to the bus stop, but traffic on our busy cross street was pretty energetic.  I ran as fast as I could. 

The bus came about 10 minutes into waiting, not bad for a Sunday.  My "expires in Feb 2019" bus pass still works.  I got off at the correct stop and crossed another busy street, but this one had a light and was easier.  My fannypack loosened up and almost fell off as I darted across the street. 

The store information online SAID they opened at 8.  It was about 9:30 and the parking lot was packed.  Apparently they did open early.  I went in, passing the security guard.  They have to have one, there's a pretty bad apartment complex nearby. 

I looked around for a while and found my tea.  I was interested in the bitter melon tea because it has had some good results with lowering blood sugar.  Mine is about 20 points too high, most of the time.  I found it and began browsing the different brands.  They all had an image of a bitter melon gourd and a cup of tea next to it.  Universal label. 

About that time, I got a text.  From my Dad.  Very unusual.  They would be busy later today, and wanted me to call.  I was shocked.  They just don't ask me to call, unless there is a crisis. 

I called and chatted while I browsed the tea and spices.  I selected some bitter melon tea; two kinds of curry, one in a glass jar (ideal); and some licorice root (it is a good overall tonic).  After I hung up, I got 2 bottles of brewed tea, one an Assam, and one jasmine. 

I paid, only $20 for everything, and not very heavy on the bags, either.  I walked out across the parking lot to the bus stop, only to see it LEAVE.  Curses.  I had to go stand next to a bag full of dead crawfish shells.  The crawfish had been seasoned, boiled, and eaten, then they threw the bag of shells by the side of the road, by my bus stop. 

I said it wasn't an ideal neighborhood.  I waited about half an hour - that's how fast they run, half an hour, on Sunday.  The next bus came.  There was a guy sitting where I normally like to go.  He had a walker and kept staring at my face.  Yes, I understand it is unusual to see a white woman on that bus route, at least where we were, but staring is rude!  He was white, btw.  He also failed to locate the "signal" to let the driver know he wanted the next stop, so he had to scramble for one as she approached it.  Of course he could have just said "Next stop, please". 

I got to my stop, signaled, got off.  My phone rang with Ron's ringtone.  I laughed as I answered it, telling him I had just gotten off the bus.  He was happy to hear I was coming home.  I walked home, it was uneventful except for some slight fatigue carrying my bags (I had drunk the tea while waiting on my bus).  I also saw the black cat.  He lives around the corner.  They leave the garage door open a little bit, I suspected it was his house but I saw him go running over when someone came out.  Good to know he has a good home.  They sure feed him right. 

I did not pet him, and when I got home my guys were happy to hear it.  I put my stuff away, talked to Ron for a while, and took a nap. 

I woke up with a pretty bad headache.  I didn't take anything and some of it faded off, but it is still around.  We have an early pickup tomorrow but should be done early as well. 

I plan to make a curry. 

Saturday, February 23, 2019

I take enough pills

So, the rest of the day.  We had a good ride to the BBQ place and a good meal.  I had a chopped beef sandwich, a few biscuits, and a piece of pecan pie.  Ron had pork ribs, beans, and potato salad. 

My chopped beef was good, but a little fatty.  I was mildly disappointed.  The biscuits were good (I ate him!), especially with the honey butter spread I found in the condiment bar.  Ron really enjoyed his food, so, lesson learned, it is just impossible to get a perfect chopped beef, it is better to get sliced.  I will do that next time. 

Ron called to find the status of our ride and they said he was outside.  I got Ron aboard and off we went.  First we went to dialysis to pick someone up.  Then we dropped her off.  That took quite a while.  Then he took us home.  He was a nice driver and I would like to see him again. 

I checked my blood sugar, since it had been 2 hours since I ate.  Not bad considering I ate two biscuits with honey butter and a piece of pecan pie.  And the bun for the chopped beef.  I'm surprised it wasn't 300! 

I called my Dad when I had said I would, it went to voicemail.  Later on, I tried my stepmother and she sent me a message she would talk tomorrow.  I find it funny they complain if I "miss" a week but are often "busy" when I do call.  I am only calling once a week, as requested.  I won't say anything to them but it is a complex relationship. 

Ron gave me some money for tomorrow, so I don't need to worry about that.  I am concerned about my bus pass.  I got my first one some years ago, it is a disabled bus pass, with my face on it.  A few months before it expired they sent me a new one without me asking.  The "new" one has an expiration date of Feb 2019.  So I don't know if it even still works.  I will bring my $1.25 full fare each way with me just in case.  I am hoping they send me a new pass but if they are they are cutting it close.  We will see. 

He did give me some spending money, what I asked for (not much).  I get paid at the end of the week so I'm not worried. 

I will take my stun gun in case there are problems but I haven't seen that dog again, when we ride through the neighborhood.  I think it is gone. 

Anyway, that's it for now.  I am going to go make a cup of bitter melon tea and see if that helps my blood sugar reading tomorrow morning.  I know they have prescriptions for that stuff, but I would rather try something natural, with minimal side effects. 

After all, I take enough pills.  

A longer post about my Saturday

Ron apparently had too much to drink last night.  He kept waking me up because he got lonely and wanted to talk. 

On the one hand, I'm flattered he still wants my company - after 27 years that's not always a given, but on the other hand I need my sleep!  Apparently I roared at him pretty good and that sobered him up enough to realize he'd better be quiet. 

Other than that, I slept well.  I didn't have any cats in the bed, though. 

I got up and got ready, Ron got ready, the ride arrived.  One thing I hate: when they come early and ring the doorbell like an angry ex, I have to drop getting ready to go answer the door and talk to them, then to back to getting ready.  When I would have gotten ready faster if you hadn't bothered me!

I finally got Ron going toward the door, he was going to go out at the last minute, and I saw the van pull away.  Oh, crap.  We were meeting Jack.  This was going to be a problem.  Ron got on the phone to dispatch, cursing.  Even I said a bad word or two. 

I decided to take Ron out anyway.  When I got him down the driveway the driver came back.  He had just gone around the block to "teach us a lesson" I suppose.  We got to the store and I did our shopping. 

Jack came, we went to work, put the inventory up, and stocked.  We had a good amount of time to do what we had come for.  Hope that made sense. 

Got it all done, came home.  I saw Biscuit in the front window, by the door, as I came up the driveway.  He meowed at me when he saw me looking at him, and continued to meow at me as I talked to him.  Then I got Ron and brought him up the driveway (the big vans do not enter the driveway).  When Biscuit saw that he ran to the kitchen and met us there when I opened the door.  Treats for all! 

Well, it took some motivation (Ron waving treats around and calling) for Torbie to leave her hidey hole in my bedroom closet.  She isn't fearful but she is a cave dweller and prefers to be in an enclosed place.  She finally came out and waddled down the hall to Ron, for treats.  I heard him talking to her as I got ready to lie down for a nap. 

I had a pretty good nap but have had a persistent headache all day.  We are going out for BBQ later, so I decided to take one dose of headache pills so I would be OK for that.  I have taken 2 doses of painkiller this week, one before the dentist, and one this afternoon, for the headache.  I stand by both doses.  I have drastically cut my use of all painkiller in the last couple weeks. 

I have pretty much decided I will go out tomorrow, to the Asian grocery store, and maybe get some spices.  Spices are light and easy to carry on public transit, and I don't have to worry about them kept at proper temperatures or anything.   Just a thought, the weather should be nice and mild tomorrow. 

I may need to get some cash from Ron, as my budget is pretty much toast.  But the spices are very cheap at the store.  It's just a thought. 

I don't need grocery delivery yet, I have a pretty good amount of food already.  Next week I plan to make a curry with tomato sauce, potatoes, chickpeas, and chicken.  I already have the chicken and that's the expensive part. 

I had better start getting ready.  We leave in half an hour. 

Ron almost

Got us left.  Driver took off and came.

Ron woke me up twice

Last night.  I'm going to have a little talk later on.

Friday, February 22, 2019

Friday night at my house

I took my nap, Torbie came out of hiding (she is a cave dweller) and let me pet her for a while as I laid in bed.  I slept pretty well but woke up with a headache.  I'm starting to wonder if I need a new pillow. .

I got up, Ron was awake and wants to go do our supply run tomorrow.  We arranged all that.  He was OK for a while until he "went into the kitchen" to drink.  Then he got belligerent, went back to bed, laid down, making noise (and continuing to). 

I managed to feed him a little pizza before he started drinking, and ate some myself.  I took my pills. 

I did an experiment with my blood sugar meter (I am not diabetic and plan to keep it that way).  I took my sugar reading, then I drank a diet punch drink that had aspartame, and I took it again about 15 minutes later.  It went down. 

So now I know drinking aspartame lowers my blood sugar. 

I have some clothes in the dryer, I am waiting on them to finish, I also need to check the mail and feed Biscuit.  He's a hungry boy. 

I plan to go to bed early tonight. 

Friday morning started at 4 am

I slept OK but woke up at 4 AM.  I had a headache, didn't seem likely I'd go back to sleep.  And Ron was awake and in a good mood.  So I got up.  The headache faded off after about 5 minutes.

I talked to Ron for a while and fixed him breakfast.  He was in a rare mood where he wanted to eat.  I took advantage and fed him the last of the sloppy joes (in a bowl), and some potato wedges.  He enjoyed that and said he would wash the one dish. 

I got on the computer for a while, had the toilet problem, got so aggravated I channeled it into cleaning both the toilet and the litter boxes, and watched TV for a while.  I checked my blood sugar a couple of times.  I don't believe aspartame is good for blood sugar control. 

I will be cutting it out for a while, or, at the very least, severely reducing it. 

I took a shower.  The shower drains fine so I don't think the drain line is the problem.  I think the "motivator" won't motivate the water to do a good job.  It sure worked when I used the bucket full of water, though. 

Ron had mentioned I had a free pizza coming, when I told him I might make an order for food.  He was right.  Once I got dressed I got some cash (you still have to pay delivery charge and tip, if nothing else), and placed my order. 

I was bad and got the bread bites.  I love those little carby pillows with some marinara sauce.  I added my free pizza (the website was quite happy to tell me I had it coming), and a bottle of diet coke. 

It arrived pretty quickly.  10:15 in the morning is a much faster delivery than early evening!  The pizza arrived with 6 minutes to go in my fasting period.  I was bad and got started early.  I ate the bread bites and a little pizza.  I took my pills, which included an iron supplement. 

About the iron, the spotting stopped (with the help of the Wild Yam, I believe) a while ago so I am not worried about blood loss.  But it is good, in my opinion, to take an iron pill now and then if you are a woman.  Not giving medical advice, just my opinion. 

The iron didn't agree so I took some pepto pills.  When that didn't work I ate the last banana.  The bulk seemed to help. 

Baby Girl was around, in and out of my computer chair, but not anywhere near Ron.  If I didn't know better I'd say she's mad at him.   But she let him pet her and meowed at him, and let him give her treats.  But that was all she wanted. 

She was doing better than Torbie, who was in one of her secret hiding spots (she has several) and didn't come out until I was almost ready to lie down again.  She meowed at me for treats (I can read the meows) ate some, and drank the water when I changed the bowl.  Now she's vanished again but she might come and visit during my nap. 

I took my morning pills.  I will take my evening pills with the pizza (they gave me a medium so I have plenty) tonight.  It will be nice not to cook. 

But I've been up for several hours by now so I'm going to take a nap.  Jack called, the truck is fixed, but Ron doesn't want to go tomorrow. 

I go there, again.

Some things I won't talk about.  And I shouldn't. 

BUT I am highly frustrated.  As you know, I asked Ron to buy me a new toilet four and a half years ago.  At first it worked great, no issue.  Then we had failure to flush issues. 

What's that?  Well, just what I said and I will not provide details because I'm sure you don't want them.  Almost detailed.. but didn't. 

Not doing that to you guys.  It comes and goes, but the problem being what is put into the toilet is not being taken out.  At first it stopped making the "glug glug" sound Ron sought.  We had plumbers out a few times over that, they were pretty baffled but said it seemed to flush OK. 

NOT any more.  This is an American Standard, by the way.  I have noted that in my brain for when I shop for my next toilet. 

It flushes OK for Ron but not for me.  I will not give any more details on that.  It isn't backing up but it's not flushing. 

Today found me standing over the toilet with a 5 gallon bucket in hand, pouring water into the toilet manually, which actually resulted in the best flush I've heard in a while.  That is just untenable. 

I have told Ron I would like to buy a kit of new "inside parts" for the tank and have them installed.  See if that works.  If it does not, get a new toilet. 

I am just really angry and disappointed, this was supposed to be a good thing for me, not a bad one.  I got rid of the old one because it backed up all the time and I wanted a better toilet experience. 

Thursday, February 21, 2019

"Either you can do it, or you can't"

I slept OK but realized I had forgotten to set my alarm.  After programming it, I need to flip a switch, which I apparently didn't do.  My bladder woke me up and I 'just happened" to check the time.

No time for a shower!  I brushed my teeth (don't want another filling). put on a nice layer of deodorant, brushed my hair, and got dressed.  Of course I fed Biscuit in there.

Ron didn't need much help dressing today, I just had to take away the old shirt and give him a new one.

We went to Sam's Club.  They left us there an hour and a half for a fifteen minute errand.  I bought some hot dogs for later, when I could eat.  We had an OK time waiting.

Finally, a ride to work.  Work started the way it always does, me helping Ron to stock the drinks.  Then he stopped and told me to go do snacks.  I told him it would be harder doing it with only the small cart, but he insisted.  He was using the big cart to do bottled sodas.

He was becoming petulant, petty, and demanding.  He asked me for help at one point, I told him it would be a minute (my arms were full) and he became very upset.  This is why I didn't want to do snacks yet, he needs a lot of help, but I'd have to keep stopping snacks and leaving the machines open.  He blew up at me at one point.

He demanded I go help him do the Cokes.  OK.  He says it hurts his chest to pull the sodas apart, off the plastic rings.  This has been an ongoing complaint "It's too hard, and I hurt later".  I told him I would do it, even though he just needs to exercise and build up his pectoral muscles so he can do it without pain.  Many times, when I go to help him, he starts pulling the drinks apart.  Then I tell him to stop, because what's the point of me helping if he's just going to hurt himself anyway?   "Either you can do it, or you can't" I tell him.

I snapped at him at one point and told him he needed to do physical therapy.  He actually agreed, in the heat of the moment, to do it, which means one more thing on my caregiver list.  I will have to find the supplies to do that when he wakes up.

I did all that and he "gave" me the cart, made a big production out of surrendering it "So you can do snacks".  I told him I had already done most of snacks and all my supplies were on the small cart.  He got angry at me.

That's about when I did the mobile blog.

It got better but we did it all.  We left a little early for our pickup because the TV's were loud and driving us nuts.  We sat up front and waited.  It was drizzling out (it did, all day) and the driver was pretty significantly late.

She had another client and we dropped her off, then went home.  I got Ron in the house and the garbage can in the garage.

I took a nap, Ron was pretty quiet, but I woke up with a headache.  I didn't take anything and it eventually faded off.

Still not really hungry, when I am I will have some sloppy joes and a salad.  I don't know what Ron wants for dinner, he was working on some leftovers earlier.

Biscuit let me know it is almost his dinner time (6 PM) so I will feed him then.  And there he is.  He's being a good boy so I may feed him early.

I did that.  Baby Girl showed up and acted pitiful, too, so I made sure she got some of the gravy.  I also found Ron's physical therapy workbook (for what we paid for his rehab, I am glad we got the book at least), and a stretchy band so he can start doing exercises.  Since his chest muscle seems so weak, I think I will start by having him do it with just bodyweight and work up to the band.

But, I have it all lined up when he is ready.  I also found my Walk Away the Pounds DVD's.  I have a couple.

I can hear Baby Girl "burying" her dinner.  I've never seen that in another cat but she loves to hide her food when she's done eating.

Off to do some research into bitter melon tea and blood sugar.

Edit: dinner, checked with Ron, who was awake and reading.  He wasn't hungry.  I made a big salad with ranch (the Walmart version is quite good), some sloppy joes in a bowl, and a nice cold blood orange for dessert. 

Whiny, demanding and entitled

He is acting like a brat.  Told me to do something and then mad I did it.  Because I wasn't "on demand" like he's come to expect.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

So I made dinner

Next time I will go with my instincts and put some frozen chopped onion in with the ground beef, as I cook it. 

It didn't take long to cook, cleanup was pretty easy (love my iron skillet!).  Even with low energy I could do it.  I ate mine on a bun, with cheese.  Bad idea, it made a horrible mess. 

When Ron woke up I got smart and put it in a bowl and served it to him with a spoon.  He enjoyed it tremendously and said he would want it again.  He agreed the idea of some sauteed onions in the mix sounded good. 

I am going to give it another hour and check the mail.  Ron is desperate for some more talking books.  They come "Free matter for the blind" which means I have to check the mail regularly.  I hate checking the mail when I'm depressed. 

I didn't feel the cheese added to the meal.  That's the first time in 44 years I've said that - it did not contribute.  I will save the rest of the cheese for something else. 

Something else, the sandwiches did not agree with my pills.  I had to gag down a protein shake.  Well, that is unfair to the shake, which is pretty good.  I just didn't want to have to drink it to stave off extreme stomach upset and possible vomiting. 

Other than that, it was a good meal.  Ron was very appreciative and would probably have helped with the dishes. 

So, that's done.  Now we just wait on the mail truck.  While I'm out of the house I will put up the garbage can. 

No room to cook around Ron

I always go to what happened when I was 12, when I go to the dentist.  I was taken to the dentist, put in the chair, and four extractions done once they had shot me full of pain killer.  It was a truly awful experience to feel tooth roots breaking in my head.  Just an awful crunch. 

I was alone in the room, with the dentist and his helper.  It was an awful experience I tend to relive when I get in that chair and they turn the light on. 

You can say a lot about Ron.  I won't say it all, but if you are a regular reader you know.  But I am glad he took me to the dentist today. 

I slept OK considering.  My tooth was actually yelling at me a little last night, just a little prompt to get my butt to the dentist before it became a root canal.  Up to that point, it hadn't been bothering me.  I had a pretty jagged hole in the side of the tooth, but, last time I went, they said it was only a 2 sided filling. 

I got up, took my shower, got us ready.  Ron did not soak himself like he did last time, so I didn't have to worry about him falling out of the wheelchair or being totally inappropriate.  That was a relief. 

Last time, I won't lie, was a little difficult for me.  The dentist is great and it wasn't him at all, it's just the experience, the helplessness, hands in my mouth, the light shining, etc.  And the drill.  Who can forget the drill? 

Our ride arrived on time.  We had to pay with tickets because we were going out of the main service area.  There was another client in the front seat.  She was very excited to be going back to the senior adult day program. 

Which I have mixed opinions.  On the one hand, there is a lot of backbiting and gossip that I have seen, just in the maybe dozen times we have picked up/dropped people going there.  On the other, it is always good for people to get out, as you all are constantly telling me. 

It's not a place that would suit Ron, he would need more of an adult day care if it came to that. 

One last thing that bothers me about this facility, it is not safely near any sort of public transit.  There is no way to get there, safely, on the bus.  They pretty much HAVE to use the paratransit service. 

Once we got her dropped, it was a straight trip to the dentist.  We got there about an hour early.  Better than late. 

They had me fill out another medical form, I noticed on the last one they had "bipolar" and my medications highlighted.  Just in case Doc forgot.  You can tell a lot about me by my medication:
Depression
Manias
"mixed" episodes up and down at the same time
Hallucinate/delusions

I checked "psychiatric conditions" and marked that I had been hospitalized for depression.  Ron was in good spirits, hanging out with me.  The office staff liked the candy I brought. 

I try to bring medical peeps a treat. 

They called us back and I took Ron, we went into room 5.  I stuck Ron in a corner and got in the chair.  Doc came after a little bit.  They had already got an x ray last time so he went straight to numbing me, after taking a good look around.  I was worried the scar tissue in my mouth would make it hard for him but it didn't. 

He gave me the shot.  Some if it, interestingly enough, went in the scar tissue.  We all talked for a while, the dentist, assistant, Ron was playing music on his talking book machine, and me.  After a while he picked up the drill and put me back. 

Here's the part I don't like, flat on my back with that drill in my mouth.  But he numbed me up 'good" and I just felt pressure. 

It went the way a filling goes, some drilling, some picking with a tool, some water to rinse , more drilling, suction, etc. 

It didn't take too long.  I really admired the way he asked the assistant for help, she did something and he said "I haven't told you this, but I really appreciate it when you do it that way, that is excellent".  That is VERY good management. 

So many times a boss, even Ron, just yells at you when you do it wrong.  Which is one of the many reasons I like this dentist, he is a good man. 

Pretty soon, all done, and they are cranking me up in the chair, taking the gloves off, etc.  He goes to the chart to make notes and asks me how #18 is doing (he did that last month).  I told him it's good, and I am careful with it.  I am. 

He said good and we went up front to pay.  And the bill!  Less than $100 with the discount plan!  Whew.  I had brought a little more than that, glad we didn't need it.  Then we waited on Arturo.  I had talked to Arturo yesterday about the dentist today so he was expecting the call.  He came pretty quick and took me to the donut shop. 

I wanted a fritter, but they didn't have them again.  I had to "settle" for Bavarian Cream which is very good.  I only took a few minutes, then we went home. 

We got home.  Ron went in the kitchen to drink.  He stayed there for over 3 hours.  I went and laid down for a nap.  I did have a problem, as Torbie likes to lay on my chest, when I'm on my back, in bed.  She will paw at me if I stop petting her.  So I had to fulfill my function in life, petting her and telling her she's pretty, as she purred.  Eventually I wanted to lie on my side and she went willingly.  She wandered off when I rolled over.  I fell asleep for a little while. 

Ron made some noise and woke me up.  I had a cat pressed against my foot.  I looked and found Biscuit.  He's a good boy.  I hung out with him for a while as Ron made rambunctious noises in the kitchen.  I finally got up.  I left Ron alone and got on the computer. 

After a while Ron went to bed.  He is asleep now.  Let's see if he made his trips for tomorrow: scheduling in progress.  BUT he was apparently tipsy because he made a trip to one restaurant instead of the other.  I like both, so I'm fine with that, but he will be a little upset when he sees that. 

Now that I have my kitchen back (no room to cook around Ron in the kitchen), I plan to make the sloppy joes I got last week and have that for dinner.  So far all I had since I could eat, has been some donuts.  I need some real food and protein. 

It won't take long to cook the food.  I have the meat, sauce, cheese, and buns.  We can eat that up in a couple of days.  If we like it, it's on my favorite list for delivery, and I can get more.  I am seeking out simple foods that are easy to cook.  I also have some delicious oranges waiting to be eaten in the fridge, but I think I won't be able to get all the bananas by the time they 'turn".  That's OK, they are cheap and I ate plenty. 

I will post again after I eat dinner. 

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

I wanted a boring day off

"May you live in interesting times".  Said to be an old curse. 

Someone cursed me. 

I slept, and slept some more.  I slept LATE, for me, 9 AM.  I got on the computer for a while and took my shower, got dressed.  I was ready to go: I would walk to the bus stop, about half a mile, and take the bus to the grocery store that has a mini-bank.  I would look around the store, maybe eat at a restaurant nearby, and come home on the bus. 

I would have to walk past the "bad dog's" house.  It is very aggressive every time someone walks by.  All the houses have a pretty high, solid wood fence but this dog actually managed to break a hole in the fence at one point. 

So I packed my stun gun. 

I left the house, saw Mr #2, waved at him.  He waved back.  I like him, he is quiet and clean.  I went another block.  And I saw something moving.  A huge white dog had "treed" something on top of a car, and was bouncing all around the car, very aggressive. 

I had my stun gun.  But it was a very large dog.  I haven't had a lot of good interactions with dogs.  I can count those on one hand.  I wasn't about to literally walk into that scene. 

I could tell it was owned, it had a thick, clean, white coat, and it was raining and has been muddy of late.  So it was washed very recently.  But that didn't mean it was a friendly dog, and it could very well be the aggressive dog I have heard but not seen. 

I stood there for a minute or two, I wanted to run my errand but I didn't want to get munched.  I remembered Ron had given me money to take Arturo home from the store.  I would have to take a cab, I concluded, because it just wasn't safe to walk. 

I turned around and came home.  Ron wanted to sleep, and seemed a little annoyed to see me again.  I called Arturo, who said he would be there "in 15 minutes" and got on the computer.  Arturo was there in 5. 

I decided if I was going to pay for a cab, I wanted to go to Walmart.  My bank has a branch over near there.  So we went to Walmart.  I made my deposit, and did some shopping while I talked to my aunt.  I was delighted to find some blood oranges, for instance.  They don't have them on the delivery option but there they were on display.  I grabbed a bag. 

I had a good time shopping, talking to my aunt.  I had just been so I didn't spend more than about $50, and that was including 12 protein shakes. 

I need to go check the mail, brb. 

 It's not there yet, I see the truck down the street so I will go back in about half an hour. 

I got the blood oranges, protein shakes, some key limes, etc.  I didn't buy any perishables because:
1.  Arturo could have moved to another part of town. 
2.  If he couldn't do it, no guarantee my other guys could, either. 
3.  Cab drivers hate a Walmart pickup. 
4.  It might be a long wait. 

So the only "crazy" thing I got is the fruit, because I have discovered I really like fruit for a snack.  And, my blood sugar was down to 101 this morning. 

I paid, got everything into one big bag and two small ones.  I went through security, showed my receipt even though they didn't ask, and went out the door.  THEN I called Arturo.  "20 minutes". 

I ate my corn dog and potato wedges and talked to Ron a little, he had woken up and called me.  We had a good chat.  Arturo came, we went home. 

He even helped put everything in the garage.  I put everything away and took a nap, woke up with a headache but it faded off pretty quick once I got up.  One ear was a little clogged so I took one of my mucus pills for that. 

I have been taking my allergy pills the last couple days, too, I get a little panicky in the dental chair and the more air, the better.  I remind myself of the little tube they had in Ron, for air, after his accident.  That helps. 

But I'll be really glad when I get up out of that chair tomorrow. 

Ron is still saying he will take me, wait while I'm "done", and take me home again.  That would be nice but we will see.  This time I will have him in the room, the dentist likes to talk to him and I will know if Ron needs any sort of help.  It will, I hope, help take my mind off of things. 

And I really doubt I'm unusual in saying this makes me uncomfortable.  And the dentist is the nicest guy, it's not him.  It's just the process. 

I watched a little TV and ate my corn dog (I bought 2).  I ate a little more and then took my pills.  That settled nicely. 

Torbie finally came out of hiding, she had been somewhere today, didn't even sleep with me during my nap - and I called her :(.   But she emerged, she has secret hiding places, and ate some dinner.  I got a new cat food for the cats and they really like it, one of those Fancy Feast "blue can" creations.  Tuna something.  Florentine, I think.  Baby Girl and Biscuit went crazy for it to start, then Torbie ate some later. 

I gave them the can for lunch, normally I don't feed lunch but I was curious to try the new food.  Then I gave them some dry for dinner.  Everyone likes dry. 

I only really had one problem today, aside from the dog.  Biscuit stood in my bedroom's doorway, glaring at Torbie, face off.  I called Torbie to me but she wouldn't pass him.  He was not aggressive, just trying to be the boss (Torbie is the lowest ranked on our cat social structure).  I called her again, got up, pushed Biscuit out of the way, and made a production out of petting her. 

Don't make it a popularity contest, Biscuit, or you may lose!   I never pick the cats up because they all hate it, in exchange now and then they will get on top of me, either when I am in bed, or in a chair.  Baby Girl likes to lie on Ron's leg and Torbie will occasionally lay on Ron's chest. 

We have a pretty good thing.  And they have good litter boxes too.  I took the garbage out when I got home so I wouldn't have to deal with it later, and I'm glad I did.  It is drizzling and cold enough I wore my "good" coat when I checked the mail.  Biscuit is eating dry food, with his front legs in the bowl. 

That's a cat who likes to eat, Biscuit. 

Monday, February 18, 2019

The rest of my Monday wasn't bad

So, my day.  I have been sleeping OK and my mood is running a little depressed, but I can still get things done. 

I got up early, checked on our pickup time, fed Biscuit, went back to bed.  Biscuit joined me a few minutes later.  When I got up for good, Biscuit demanded a second breakfast. 

Greedy little one. 

I got us all ready (well, me and Ron).  Off to work.  Work was pretty uneventful except for the guy making -comments-.  Not sure what that was about.  But I got it all done and we left, came home. 

We had some long rides today and basically rode with two, very limited, clients who really should not have been on the service alone.  It was sad to see one of them moaning and rocking (and she was the more normal of the two); and the other screaming and yelling gibberish in her wheelchair. 

I was glad Ron wasn't that bad, and that he had someone reliable. 

I took a nap with Torbie.  I got up around 2 and got ready to go out.  Ron had made a trip to Chilis.  Our ride was right on time, surprising, considering the driver generally runs very late.  We even had a straight trip this time. 

We had a good meal, long enough to eat and pay, not too long there, ride to go home on time.  But he got an attitude when Ron got out of his wheelchair, said he might have to go back in the wheelchair if the other client wasn't riding alone. 

I would say probably 98% of the clients ride alone.  It is very uncommon for them to ride in pairs, like we do.  He drove around in circles for a while, finally figuring out his second stop. 

A very obese woman came out with her mobility device (cane or walker, I didn't get a good look).  She took about 5 minutes sitting down in the seat.  Now Ron is very bad, he can barely stand, and he can sit down in about 30-45 seconds.  And she was moving and standing a lot better than Ron ever could.  She wanted the driver to pull his seat up, put like 3 huge bags in the back seat next to Ron, fumbled around some more, finally sat down.  Then she said she couldn't fasten the seatbelt. 

The driver had to climb in the backseat and "help", but it took a couple of minutes to figure out she was sitting on the female part of the seatbelt.  He kept telling her to slide over so he could grasp it.  Finally got her loaded (it wasn't easy doing the seatbelt because she was so big).  All this took about 10 minutes.  He had to ask her for her ticket and then she gave it to him. 

If a driver doesn't have enough tickets when he goes to "cash out" they penalize him at least $10 a ticket.  So it is really unfair to do that to a driver.  Once you are settled you should automatically have the ticket in your hand for the driver, but some cheap/entitled people don't do it because they hope the driver will forget and they will "get away with a free ride". 

Ron said something at this point about people who try to get a free ride.  I thought it was appropriate. 

So all this loading took at least 10 minutes.  Remember this. 

Since the guy had driven around in circles trying to find that address, I figured it was safe to give him directions, but he got a tremendous attitude. 

For instance, about 1/2 of a mile away from the turn, we are on a busy road, I told him he will need to turn left at the light.  He gets all huffy with me and goes another quarter mile.  Then he realizes they don't want to let him over, which is why I told him when I did.

We finally get to the house.  Now, it is in our notes to please drop us in the driveway.  He stops in the street and puts the brake on. 

He will spend 10 minutes fumbling around with the other client but he won't give us 10 seconds to get in the driveway?  Nice. 

I just said [XXXX] it and got Ron in the wheelchair, then pushed him up the hill towards our house.  Real nice guy, that driver. 

Ron thanked me for doing it and I said it wasn't a problem.  Ron is working on being more appreciative, lately.  It is nice to know he notices what I do. 

I got him in the house and into bed.  He apologized and said he was sorry, but he was going to sleep with his pants on, meaning they will catch more cat hair.  I didn't tell him the pants already had a few issues that would need washing, anyway. 

I already took my pills at the restaurant, but I did take my gelatin (for joints), and some supplements for immunity because we were around a lot of "sick" people today.  I will check and see if the allergen levels are bad.  Yes, they are.  So maybe it was allergies but a lot of people were hacking up a lung today. 

Now I just need to check the mail, get that over with.  I have tomorrow off - Ron was nice enough to give it to me - so I plan to do a little outing.  It may rain but not badly according to what I read. 

I will take my stun gun though, in case that vicious dog is still behind that fence right along the sidewalk. 

I'm going to give this it's own blog

Recently at work a guy overheard me talking to an employee about cats.  After she left, he came over, told me how much he "hated" cats, but I could tell a lot of it is bluster.

He comes over and talks to me now and then while I work.  Not a problem.  He is between my age and Ron's (50-60).

Today he came in the stockroom (they are not supposed to do that, I don't go in their areas) while I was shelving inventory.  He made some comments.  About bondage, and shock collars, and let him know if I "need any".

I was pretty shocked but I just kept it casual.  I have Ron for that, I told him, and he said OK and left.

But what?!

On the way home I mentioned it to Ron.  He gaped at me.

When we got home, we had a rather awkward discussion.  "Are you happy with our love life, Heather?"  I told him yes, I was, if I wasn't I would complain.  I guess he was worried I was giving off 'hungry" vibes.

I should add I always wear baggy jeans, workboots, and an oversized men's (more modest) t-shirt to work every day.  I don't wear makeup, and I pull my long hair back in a ponytail.  So it's not what I'm wearing, or showing.

"Are you really happy?"

Yes.

Where is the can of worms?  I need a photo.

Edit, the photos were beyond disgusting, but this little cartoon is cute:

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Sunday evening

I had a nice shower with some mango soap.  It was a nice change of pace.  When I was sick with the migraine, I had been thinking I would like to get into that bar when I felt better.  I did, today. 

I had some headaches when I woke up, both times (I took a nap, later), but it fizzled once I got up and about.  I had a nice shower. 

Chuck came on time and we went to the bank, Walmart, pharmacy.  I got it all done.  I need to decide if I want to put some money in my account so I can get another grocery delivery, but I don't need one for a while. 

We finished up and came home, I didn't have much perishable but I put it away (some cottage cheese, and some yogurt).  I had plenty of meat already in the freezer, pounds of stew meat all ready to go in the crock pot (it is frozen in bags with herbs, meat, broth, veggies, etc.).  I also have some nice looking chicken thighs I can thaw out and make into a curried chicken.  But wait!  I can't forget the pound of ground brisket for the sloppy joes.  Now, that may not sound like much but remember I am really only feeding 1 and 1/2 people here.  Ron is so sedentary he hardly needs any calories.  And I fast 2/3rds of the time so my calories are down, too. 

I did look at new blood sugar meters when I was at the store.  I will need to buy a new one as they stopped making the strips for my current model.  I think the current fashion is to get a new meter every couple of years, even if the old one is working fine. 

Long story, but they worry about blood borne illness on the meters because, duh, people are bleeding when they use them.  Seems foolish to me but they are all freaked about saying you "have" to sterilize the meter a certain way now.  If it's my blood, and I am the only one using it, I don't see a problem.  Once or twice I have checked Ron's sugars with the meter but considering we are married I am not worried about a miniscule exchange of blood. 

Anyway, they have a bluetooth model.  That one freaks me out.  No thanks.  They have a talking meter.  Great for Ron, not for me.  Then they have 1-2 other meters.  The price of strips is about $20 for 100, a good deal in my opinion, so I will probably go with the non talky, non bluetooth one.  And I can get the strips at Walmart, at least until they bring out the new meter in a couple of years. 

I believe I can get the meter and strips delivered.  Let me look.  Well, the $20 "premier compact" system comes with 50 strips.  Not bad at all. 

Now, I am not diabetic.  My sugars run a little high (lately around 120) in the mornings.  I want to keep an eye on that.  I have seen so many catastrophically disabled, miserable, diabetics.  You can go blind.  You can end up with agonizing nerve pain.  You can have amputations, heart disease, etc.  No thank you. 

So I was glad I looked.  And they had plenty of THIS strip, although with 50, and me testing 1x a day, I would be good for a while. 

The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful.  I got a cashier, and I need to explain myself or I am going to look like a bitch. 

She was slow.  I was OK with that.  I could see she had a severe tremor and was older.  She was doing her best.  But I have these huge reusable tote bags that can literally fit Biscuit.  And she was putting 2-3 items in each bag! 

I finally just told her hand me the stuff and I will pack the bags.  I did so to my satisfaction.  I was likely a little abrupt but I have patience issues. 

The McDonalds at the store was closed for remodel.  That was disappointing, I was hungry, but I had bought some Stax chips.  I am addicted to them.  They are like a Pringle, but thicker and more flavor crap on the chip.  Very good.  I have to be strict with my purchases.  I only bought one tube, and I never get them delivered. 

We went home and I put the perishables away.  I gave Ron his chips and took a nap.  I slept pretty good but, as I said, did wake up with a headache.  It faded off after I had been up for a bit. 

I did some housework today, cleaned the litter boxes, ran a load of laundry, took out some trash.  Not much but a lot better than hunched over my bucket, trying not to vomit, like I did most of last week. 

We definitely are working tomorrow, Ron made a trip, and then he wants to buy me dinner.  We haven't been out in a while and he seems happier going out far less.  That's tomorrow.  No idea what will happen Tuesday. 

Wednesday I know for sure I am going to the dentist to get that filling.  Ron will stay home.  It is better for both of us if he does this, and I take a cab.  That way I don't have someone waiting to take me home, when I'm done, I call, and I go.  It is a nicer part of town than our area actually so it shouldn't be too hard. 

Hopefully by then the truck will be fixed and we can stop doing these supply runs.  Those are getting a little old. 

Now, Dad wanted me to call him today (he was busy when I called yesterday) so I will go do that. 

OK, done. 

I have some laundry in the dryer and then I am going to bed.  The good news is, with the migraine, neither of us had a lot of clothes to wash. 

And that was probably TMI and I am sorry. 

Sunday morning

I woke up with a headache but it went away once I was up and about.  I will have to research this. 

My street has various renters vs homeowners.  #2, #8, #10 for sure are renters.  #8 is pretty new.  The old #8 was horrible.  For years, they had an extremely vicious pit bull that pulled her leash on a "walk" past my yard, went up in my yard, and tried to attack me.  I wasn't a fan of them after that.  They finally moved out last year and the landlord had a hellacious job cleaning up, still is cleaning up, from the old tenants. 

The "easy to catch" tenant is never a bargain in the long run, I have seen.  They generally end up needing eviction and leaving major repairs and cleanout when they do go.  I have seen that with #2 as well.  #10 is a revolving door of tenants he "gets" from his church, I believe, but none are responsible or qualified, and end up moving quickly. 

So #8 has a basketball hoop in their back yard.  It is unusual in my experience to see latinos wanting to play basketball, to the point of buying and setting up a hoop on "their" property.  I haven't heard it but last night they were at it, very loud, so loud I could hear them 2 houses away. 

They eventually got tired and went inside.  I fell asleep and slept pretty well.  I had a dream about our stockroom at work but nothing really notable aside from that.  As I said, I woke up with a headache. 

When I met my brother for the first time, as an adult, we had an interesting conversation about medication.  He said he took nothing, not even an aspirin, when he was hurting because "He didn't like pills and what they did to people".  He got a big eyeball of that with our mother, and some of his girlfriends, so he would know. 

At the time I didn't think anyone could live like that.  But he was doing so and seemed very healthy and normal.  Last week: horrible medication overuse headache migraine.  I started thinking maybe my brother is right.  And, sure enough, once I got up, moving around, brushed my teeth, it was gone.  It's still around, low grade and persistent, but at least I know it's fading off. 

I am going to be very careful about taking any headache pills, ever.  Only for emergencies. 

I heard Ron moving around, he "tries" to be quiet but it's hard for him to be silent in the wheelchair.  He wasn't talking but the chair squeaks. 

I told him I was awake and he was happy for about 10 seconds.  Then he got argumentitive/combative mood and just hostile.  I assume he had already had some vodka.  I reminded him I needed money for the electric bill $50, and money for Chuck, $40.  He said he had already given that to me. 

I told him he had not and asked for it again.  He accused me of lying.  Yeah, if I'm going to steal I'm going to nickel and dime him.  I make change for $20's all the time at work.  I could get that pretty quick on my own, if I "wanted".  I didn't tell him that. 

I was at the point I was going to tell him to cancel the trip because I wasn't paying for it out of the $200 I have left after paying my health insurance.  And that has to last me 2 weeks.  He grudgingly relented and gave me the money, complaining about "being poor".  What I saw in his wallet was not "poor".  It was, in fact, more than I had on hand. 

He made a big point of giving me $10 more than I asked.  I guess I should be grateful.  He got ugly again and said he wanted to sleep (like I had woken him up, instead of talking to him already awake and moving around).  He went back to bed and has been quiet. 

I checked my blood sugar, it is down about 20 points, took my migraine prevention herbs, and drank a Diet Mountain Dew.  Then I got on the computer. 

Next up I plan to clean the litter boxes and take them out.  I wasn't able to do that during my migraine.  Then a shower, and maybe TV or cleaning up some old business records in the garage.  They are just profit and loss statements from 15+ years ago, we can toss them and I got Ron's approval to do it. 

Chuck comes at 11:30. 

Saturday, February 16, 2019

Almost escaped a headache today

I slept OK but woke up depressed.  Not surprised since I hadn't been able to take my antidepressant much of the week. 

I got ready to go, got Ron ready.  We went to Sam's.  I don't mind the "Getting supplies on paratransit instead of our guy with the truck" BUT there are a lot of extra trips, and a lot of waiting around. 

When we got to work the police force (yes, we have our own police force) had taken the loading area so I had to unload Ron, and our supplies, into a handicapped parking spot.  Then everyone was pissed because Ron "took" it.  He's disabled, a hell of a lot more disabled than anyone sitting behind the wheel glaring at him. 

I ran inside and encountered the police force.  They "had" to inspect my bag.  Every time I walked by.  And then the one guy was making "comments" about the cash I had in my fanny pack.  I reminded him (I told him, like, 3 times) I had to pay $400 of it to my health insurance but he still made a comment about me "memorizing your serial numbers".  What the hell is that?!    I just went on about my business. 

I earn my money.  I don't have to feel guilty about it.  And, because I earned it, it is MINE and while he may be "entitled" to put his hands on it he is not allowed to keep it.  But the other officer was a young, pretty, woman and I think he was trying to impress her. 

I finally got Ron and all of our stuff into the building.  We stocked. 

I had a cart, actually, I have 4 carts.  Three metal carts (one folds) and 2 plastic ones.  And I can't add.  I had 5 carts.  I used to store the plastic ones up on top of the soda.  Anyway, one of the plastic carts lost 2 wheels.  It was a hazard and a couple people almost knocked it over and hurt themselves.  Now, TX is a great state to hurt someone, the guy who ran over Ron and left him in agonizing daily pain, in a wheelchair every day for the rest of his life, did not lose a penny besides the $20K his insurance paid (of which we got to keep $2K).  But I am not sure about business liability and I don't want to lose the house over a stupid thing like that. 

So, after we finished, I dragged it all the way down to maintenance (pretty sure I'm not allowed, where I went), and tossed the cart in the compactor.  I heard a horrific CRACK as I left.  So it's done.  I went back to Ron.  I'm glad I did it.  I can stop worrying about someone bumping it, falling, and hurting someone. 

We had to wait additional time on our ride to go home, about 45 minutes.  That was tedious but at least I found a quiet place, inside, we were allowed to be, to wait our time out.  Then we went home. 

I decided, since I was feeling so well, I would take my antidepressant.  I ate some pizza and took my gelatin (I have been doing that every day for my joints, I can't take glucosamine now but I can do the gelatin) with my pills.  I laid down for a nap. 

And #6 came out after about an hour, all 6 of the kids, shrieking and screaming.  They made a lot of noise but they did not kick anything off the side of the house.  It was just basically a whole lot of noise right on my bedroom wall.  And I was working on a pretty bad headache.  Agh. 

I finally got up around 3.  And they stopped.  LIke they had a camera in my room and were waiting for the sight of me, fully upright.  Frustrating.  At least they left to go somewhere a while ago so it should be a quiet evening. 

I looked around online, pretty quiet.  Headache was pretty bad and I was thinking Aspirin will probably not trigger a rebound headache?  But I think it made it worse.  Biscuit was bothering me, digging his claws in my leg.  I shouted No and chased him off.  Hopefully he will learn not to do that. 

Tomorrow I go run some errands with Chuck.  Ron is asleep right now (he couldn't sleep with those kids going, either) so I will let him, but when he gets up I need money for Chuck and the electric bill. 

I don't plan to do any large things tonight with this headache, but I will clean out some reusable bags so I can use them tomorrow at Walmart.  That's the only thing I don't like about Walmart delivery.  All those plastic bags!