Monday night

 I had a routine where I would take my break after my relief came in but she burned me a couple times when she called in sick and I didn't get any break at all.  She calls in every month or so, but this week she called in 3 times probably due to her sick husband.  In my opinion she needs a leave of absence. 

So I took my break at 11 AM and didn't get my lunch (someone had to cover) until 1:30 so I came back at 2:30 and only had an hour and a half to go.  The lady who covers my lunch will be off tomorrow God Only Knows. 

Work was very frenzied.  I was busy multitasking.  I was happy to get out of there.  

I caught the first bus OK.  Second bus I barely caught as first bus was slow.  I like the second bus driver as she is very sweet, friendly, chatty, and a believer.  We have a good time talking.  

The low cost grocery store near my home has had a problem with a homeless man living on the property near the bus stop.  Today, as we passed, I saw a police officer on a Segway talking to him so hopefully they will move him along.  I felt VERY uncomfortable Saturday with him laying behind me as I waited on my bus.  We will see.  

I drank way, way, more than the advised amount of caffeine today I hope I can sleep.  That's it for now.  

Work has been crazy

 And the woman who gave me a lunch was half an hour late.  Had a bunch of bogus excuses while I'm about to wet myself.  I wasn't happy.  

I still have 40 minutes on my lunch.  I won't have long to go when I get back.

That's it for now.  

At work

 Super tired until I had that iced coffee.  Still have $7 on my gift card.  Pairing that up with diet dew should get me through the day.  

Talking stun guns with another older single lady.  I clock in, in an hour.  

That's it for now.  Please pray for the recipients.  🙏

I didn't sleep well for some reason

I didn't even have that much caffeine. Up and at 'em though.  

Shower done and God Time, I just need to get dressed, throw my lunch together, and bag up some candy. My devotional basically said "God promised us horrible tribulations but He is with us" not really something I want to read on a work day.  

Cats are good, Biscuit slept with me.  He is a really awesome cat.  The only positive thing about the blogs back in 2017 were the remarks about Biscuit. For some reason for me it has always been a special male cat in my life.  

I love Cleo to bits but she's half feral and loves me on her terms.  But Biscuit is ALWAYS there.  

That's it for now.  Prayed for everyone including you!   

I got tired of hiding it so I told Facebook Ron had Alzheimer's.

 I don't regret that.  

Then I decided to do something kind for myself. 

Yesterday I was struck at the beautiful, clean, meat department at the grocery store.  It is a real old fashioned counter with a real butcher.  Prices are very reasonable and they had nice things like cut up raw chicken breast that would be perfect in a wok for my stir fry. 

I adore sausage in all forms and they had a selection of gorgeous link sausages.  I had $7 left so I bought half a pound of the mild Bo Jackson link sausage and a small bag of the Takis cheddar.  I took the sausage out today and admired it, it smelled divinely smoky even through the plastic.  I decided to cook it.  

Now the directions said to boil in water but I prefer to slice it in coins and then fry in my iron skillet. I've done it that way as long as I remember. I cooked the whole half pound.  

It is without a doubt the best link sausage I have had in my life.  I am DEFINITELY going to that store after I get paid.  I prefer a real meat counter even if I have to pay a little and, like I told the guy, on a keto diet I can eat anything in there. They had beautiful stew meats, the chicken breast which I really liked, roasts...

At least one reader was wondering what it would take to get me back on a low carb eating plan again.  I think I found it.  

I saved most of it for tomorrow's lunch (won't that be a good lunch?  With some cheese?), but ate some with some cheese melts.  My version of a cheese melt is a handful of shredded Mexican cheese blend on a corn tortilla nuked in the microwave for 35 seconds and then folded over.  Tasty and fast. 

Took my pills, too, even though it's a little early I figure it can't hurt. 

That's it for now.  

That was really awful.

 First of all this part is not awful but I checked and I did not get a raise.  I will get my $770 on Wednesday though.  I sent my Dad a screenshot of my pay information because he is very curious. A raise would have been nice but God takes care of me. 

Then for some reason I thought to look up blogs from 2017.  Wow.  Depressing.  Horrible behavior on Ron's part, binge drinking, etc, and behavior I now recognize as the Alzheimer's.  He was trying to climb under the sink one night thinking it was his bed.  

Boy that got me GOOD and depressed. 

So what am I handing out exactly?

 I think it's a good question but first we have to break it down into 2 groups: "The Candy" and "The Bibles". To make it really confusing sometimes the candy has a Bible.  

So for the candy I do a sandwich zip top (zipper important as I don't need/want loose candy in my tote bag) baggie.  I put in a Scripture thing.  It may be a tract, let's start there.  

I started with Grace and Truth tracts still love them to bits. Go to "publications" link  They have great tracts like "The Bible", a nice little one page tract about the sanctity of God's Word and why the Bible is important, great to stick in a Bible I am handing out.  They also have "Debt Paid" (God pays your sin debt), "Where will you spend Eternity?" was a favorite of Ron's.  They also have tracts for combating false teaching you can email them on that. Love those guys.  Free on request, would love a donation kind of place. 

Then we have good old World Missionary Press.  They have a small tract but it is 48 pages long and chock full of Bible verses.  I like them a lot.  All the tracts are great and they also offer some nice Bible studies I stick in my pocket and read occasionally at work. Free on request but would love a donation.  https://www.wmpress.org/  I have handed out a lot of booklets and everyone likes to get them. 

I recently teamed up with https://fellowshiptractleague.org/  They have some really nice tracts my current favorite is "God's Last name is not Damn" because there is a lot of profanity in the neighborhoods where I work.   Free on request but DOES take a while and I only got 40 from them out of an order for 100. 

I am also using https://bibletractsinc.org/ after finding one of their tracts in my store. They have nice full color tracts, fast shipping, free on request but love a donation kind of guys.  I like "Overwhelmed" right now they also have tracts specifically for first responders, drug addiction, etc. Nice guys.  They do need to talk to you the first time if you order without a donation but I was fine with that.  

Last and I go through a lot of these: in fact, you want to buy me something?  Send me some of these.  
Invitation KJV New Testament.  I cannot keep these in the house, Handout Recipients love them, Bus Drivers love them in a bag of candy, I can hand these out anywhere and all the recipients love it is "old" King James.  I do have some other translations I use but I like this because it is a compact size yet still easy to read. 

So what I do I take the baggie, put a "Jesus" in it (tract or booklet).   Sometimes the New Testament (fits in a quart bag 😉) and a handful or two of candy.  I use pinata mix from my low cost grocery store as it is tasty, affordable, and handles the heat very well.  I bring bags of this to work with no booklet of course and the other associates and Team Leads eat it up.  I do this, if you can find it.  I get mine at Joe V's (HEB offshoot) for about $20 for a 10 pound bag.  

It is prohibitive to try to buy pinata mix online you will have to go to your local grocery store (here in Houston they all have pinata mix of some sort), a party supply store might have something, your local Walmart might have something likely in the candy or ethnic food aisles, or a Spanish market.  

That's about one serving of candy for me right there so that goes in the bag along with say the New Testament and a tract, ideally also with a note letting the recipient know I'm praying daily.  Or just a tract or booklet.  I have a special tote bag for the candy and also carry a couple extra Bibles daily because I've had people asking for them (they know I am good for a Bible) if I am out somewhere.  

Now on the Handout it's a little different.  I carry some of the candy for my bus drivers and service professionals. 

But a lot of it is, say, those New Testaments.  I like them they are easy to get to a Handout and I can hand one to someone walking by and he can stick it in his pocket (happens a lot). In the New Testament I have a tract (even though the Bible has a plan of salvation on it, and the "Roman's road" underlined if you know what that means), and a note saying I'm praying daily (God has impressed on me this is important).  I try to also have a Bible verse on that as well.  

I also carry Spanish.  Those I let the Sponsors pick out.  

About sponsors I have people contact me asking how they can help.  I will send them a link to the "Invtations" and my address, something shows up a week later.  Or I say I need Spanish and send them the Church Source link for evangelism Spanish New Testaments.  (I am OK for Spanish right now).  

Mainly it's been Invitations.  Those are going like hotcakes!  

Personally I like pretty much all translations as long as it is not a cult.  I am not crazy about NIV or ESV but I will hand them out. I do mostly King James. I like New King James that is my preferred personal Bible but they don't have a lot of evangelism in that. I also do the CSB which is done by the Southern Baptists it is a good translation and an alternative to the KJV.  They make that in an "Invitation" also.  

That's it for now.  

Sunday morning

 A thought on yesterday, it was pretty miserably hot and people (men) kept offering me bottles of water one guy said the bottle had his name written on it.  Of course the last thing I wanted was a drink but people kept telling me to drink up and stay hydrated which almost made me scream. It's funny now, though. 

I did briefly wish I had a male part so I could go behind a bush or something. I did drink a bottle of unsweet tea and a bottle of Gatorade while I was working.  

My parents are happy their youngest grandson is visiting.  He is about 16.  Seems like a nice kid Dad is helping him practice driving.  I won't hear much from them until he goes back home in a few weeks.  

Oh, I got the cards!  I am going to get an iced coffee before work on Monday and then go by the Burger King on my way to work Friday. That will be very nice. And I always appreciate the card I save them in a basket. 

Last week I bought some dog treats for $1 some fake bacon thing. I smell like cats so the dogs get upset when I walk by. And I throw a treat over the fence.  The idiots keep barking but I assume they find it eventually.  

Yesterday as I was leaving for the handout some guy was walking a little dog like a Maltese or something, some foo-foo $1K dog.  It was smaller than a cat and had a long flowing coat which had been groomed.  the pit bull next door (I call her Brandy) was going nuts barking at the wooden fence (in my experience pit bulls are dog aggressive).  The guy walked his dog up to the fence where it started jumping on the fence and barking back, the guy let it for a while but Brandy was going nuts and he got worried and picked it up (the foo-foo) and it bit him. Stupid. A big pit bull like Brandy gets a hold of your little dog and there will be nothing left for the emergency hospital. 

She doesn't even bark like that at my cats!  Of course I think my cats don't taunt her like that.  

I am glad she is OK I was worried about her for a while; she's in the corner house and I am a little worried about that.  Twice now in the last 5 years or so they have had a plumbing issue with the underground pipes, at one point we had a huge sink hole by the mailbox. It was about 20 feet deep with a broken pipe gushing water.  Ron was still pretty sharp at this point so he called the water district it took them about a week to fix (we still had water).  

A few years ago they had water leaking out of the yard running over the sidewalk (which made me worry about the sink hole again) and they had to get heavy equipment, dig all that up and fix it.  Looks like they will, again. It is getting worse so I will call the district on Monday.  

In the meantime I'm not walking over it I don't want to fall in. 

I'm going to lay down again for a bit. 

Bible Handout update

 I have excellent bathroom habits.  When I leave a bathroom it is in good condition.  I don't squat.  I don't urinate on the seat or leave strips of paper hanging in the bowl.  I get in do my business and leave making sure it is presentable.  

I just want to get that on the record. I have to if for no other reason than at work, there is always a line to use it and when I come out another associate is probably going in there; and they will TALK if I don't take care of it.  

So.  I left the house with a small cooler, a frozen bottle of water, some regular bottles of water, a couple bottles of Diet Dew, and a bottle of Powerade. I caught the first bus no problem and waited on the second bus nearly an hour (a bus driver later told me one of the buses on my route had broken down about that time).  I drank the two bottles of water and the Dew. I had also had some Gatorade before I left the house because the heat index is over 100.  

I did hand out 2 Bibles to cars that saw the sign on my cart while driving by so I felt that was why God allowed the bus problem.  

I got to the transit center and saw the 56 waiting to leave I boarded because it goes right to "my" intersection.  I had a little wait and by this point I am thinking I will be really glad to use that gas station bathroom. I got to the intersection and went in the gas station, bought some drinks and asked for the key. He said no it was out of order.  Great.  

There were a couple of food places in the strip mall behind the gas station and some other stores.  I figured I will just find a store that would let me use it.  

I guess some of it is privilege.  I'm an evangelist I am accustomed to special treatment as a result. After all, America is a Christian country, right?  

So I went down the row of businesses and they ALL said the same thing, some with a smirk, that their bathrooms were out of order.  There is nothing else nearby except apartment buildings and a gas station I know won't let me use the bathroom because that turkey turned me away bleeding after I fell a couple months ago. 

Well this was well played. God (and other beings) know I'll be out there on the median all day if that's what it takes and I have bathroom access.  And I didn't even have that many Bibles maybe 30 English and some Spanish.  

But I figured Bad Things want me to give up and I'm stubborn so that's not going to happen; asked God to give me a strong bladder, and went out and did it anyway. 

It was mainly 1 and 2 at a time.  One guy wanted 2 one for him and one for his daughter.  Most requested King James which I had. I gave out some Bible promise books as well to those interested and each Bible had a tract and also a card that said "we" would be praying for them daily (please do). 

I handed out everything but about 7 or so and had to quit due to a screaming bladder.  I think I was out there for about an hour.  I decided to go to the other strip mall across the street both ways.  Surely one of them would have a public bathroom.  I had some trouble with the cart at one point and a Spanish gentleman helped me so I gave him a Spanish Bible.  I went in the grocery store and found the bathroom.  I don't know if it was for the public or not but they didn't have any signs up. 

I really liked the look of the grocery store I will be back; after I left I waited at another bus stop to go back to the transit center and I had an older lady pull up very skeptical. She was somewhat consoled by the fact I DID have King James and took a New Testament.  She asked what "else" I had and I gave her a King James Bible Promise book as well.  She held them both to her chest for a minute as she said "Thank you" and drove off.  

Then I had a fun one, a Spanish family in a car, 5 of them and thrilled to find out I had Spanish.  I got them 5 New Testaments and they said thank you and drove off.  I handed out 2 more at the transit center, to a grandmother and her grandson.  It was his first Bible.  Those were the last 2 of the fancy ones someone had sent me a while back. Then there was a girl on the bus clearly mentally ill but definitely wanted a Bible so I set her up. 

I had brought candy + Bibles and such for the service providers and gave those to my checkers and bus drivers.  That's it for today!  

I slept pretty well last night.

 Got up did my God Time.  I need to take a shower and then do up the Bibles.  I have some really nice tracts and also a good amount of the index cards with the note that "We" are praying for "you" daily.  It took me quite a while to come up with the exact phrase I wanted. But praying for you daily implies past, present, and future. Which is what I wanted.  

Something funny on my sneakers.  They were marked 9.5 W which is on the small side for me.  I tried them on and they fit OK.  Today I was taking off all those little tags and one shoe is 9W and the other is 9.5W which explains why such nice looking shoes went on clearance.  But the bigger foot?  Fits great in that 9.5. So I feel like God was holding the shoes for me and at only $3, looking like $25 shoes, are perfect for a Bible Handout or running errands.  It's not safe for me to look too fancy.  Even assuming I had that kind of money to spend. 

But "all that money I spend on candy" and Bibles paid off it you want to look at it that way, because the last time I got a couple pairs of shoes for work it set me back almost $200. I don't look at it that way though I'm just happy God is taking care of my feet.  

 This was my morning post I am going to put it up and do my other one later.  

Edit: shoes were great for Bible Handout I will keep them for that.  

 Interesting handout none of the stores would let me use the bathroom anymore so I had to go two blocks at the band out at work with the hand out with a full bladder which was not fun. Rally using my voice to speak text thing right now but I'll do a full log later

Almost to my venue

 One bus never showed so over an hour in the hot sun.  Did hand out 2 Bibles.

Couldn't get the cap off my Powerade so a man on the bus got it for me.  White guy, bad skin, covered in tats, lots of gold. Not the kind of guy I would respect but he was VERY kind.

Matthew 7:1!!

Got cussed out again

 So work was pretty uneventful until I left.  There was a man, his wife, and a little kid by the door with a sign in perfect English, begging in pretty good English, but not locals if you get my drift.  He had a very heavy accent I believe Middle Eastern.  He kept bothering me and I kept saying NO with escalating firmness (as his kid sat on the ground eating out of 3 takeout food bags kindly people had donated).  

If he's really in trouble there are a million agencies love to help a sweet little family. He didn't much like me saying no and cursed me out in another language I'm not sure which. 

I know some really bad Farsi. 😂  I could have called him a dirty whore.  But I got my ride and came home.  

I had some trouble paying the credit card I think because the browser is so old but I did get it to go. I am also doing laundry because my cargo shorts were in the dirty clothes and I want them clean for the handout.  

That's it for now. Let's hope he didn't follow me home!  

Queasy again

 But the night is going pretty fast.  Made my deposit so I can pay the credit card later.

I will be glad to go home but I don't hate what Im doing.  That's it for now.  

Got cussed out by a homeless man

 Twice.  I did not know the location of his bus stop so he cursed me out, left, came back cursing me out some more.  Some people just seem bound for hell.  

One bus driver got off her bus and hugged me.  Later, another called me "Precious honeybun" as I got on her bus.  So I feel better.  

I think the bus drivers are fond and protective of me.  That is sweet.  🚍

Uneventful ride other than that and could not get the cap off my Gatorade at a very hot and sunny bus stop!  I sure tried!  Got it later.

Debating what drinks to bring tomorrow and if I should buy some.  🤔

That's it for now.  

Forgot to pay the credit card

 Not sure how that works.  I will put money in my checking and pay it tonight.  Does that mean I can use the credit card again?  I am assuming I can't right now as payment is 2 days late.  

I had it in the budget.  I just assumed I had paid it.  Sigh.  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome strikes again. 

At any rate I have enough cash to buy my diet soda for work so I'm OK.  And I can pay for my ride home I would HATE to do that on the bus.  

I very seldom do but I gave the cats a can of wet food (turkey flavor) as I am very skeptical about other foods and Biscuit's medical condition.  To me fish protein is the big trigger so I just try to avoid that at all costs.  At any rate he and Cleo are very happy right now. Spotty doesn't like wet food.  

Getting ready to go to work we will see how that goes.  

That's it for now.  

Made it to Friday

 Wednesday I got some tracts.  Fellowship tract league couldn't do my whole order but they sent me about 10 of each of the 4 tracts I requested.  I really liked "God's last name is not Damn" and the one with the black man on it. Safe to say 80% of my recipients are black so it seemed appropriate.  

Yesterday, all day, most of the night, had a terrible drilling migraine.  I was not queasy or vomiting but other than that I was sick. I ate a donut. I took Excedrin. I ate some of the candy I hand out.  I almost fell asleep in spite of the caffeine. I took more Excedrin.  It was awful.  I finally managed to knock it back with a couple of diet Dews and the Excedrin.  It came back 4 hours later, this time as a drilling pain at the base of my skull and those are always bad. Side of the head ones I can do but the base of the skull doesn't play.  So I took more Excedrin and that helped. 

Amazingly this did not keep me up last night, but I made a small mistake last night which I fixed. My boss won't know so it doesn't matter. 

I did snap at one employee.  We keep hand lotion (I don't bring it someone else brings the really fancy $20 a bottle stuff) near where I keep the candy and I was working over there. Someone came up and applied some lotion which is very heavily fragranced and cut me like a knife. Then she started whining about the jelly beans.  

I get a pinata mix by Tueni from my low cost grocery store.  It is $20 for 10 pounds and a bag lasts me about a week and a half.  It has fruit chews, like a "Starburst", gum, lollipops, and small bags of jelly beans.  One of my bosses is addicted to the jelly beans but the mix I've been getting has had a good amount lately.  The critical boss likes "The fruity ones" but they are all fruity so not sure which one it is. Anyway this girl was whining "Where are the jelly beans when are you going to buy some?"  

I told her "They come in a mix, that's all I've got".  And she stomped off.  It's a gift, not an obligation.  I don't HAVE to bring candy at all.  I have been told they miss me on my days off and everyone comes by looking for candy. Good. Anyone can do this and I have told enough people where I buy it. 

One guy came by with some peppermints a while back and that was a lot of fun having someone bring ME candy.  

Anyway I could have been nicer but I was really struggling. I managed to complete the job functions. I didn't go above and beyond but I checked the boxes.  

Jack got me after work. 

I had called the HOA yesterday morning and asked for "more time" on the dead vine so they gave me that,especially when I explained I had an air conditioner repair that set me back. I told him I had also hired a guy who never showed which is all true.  

I had left messages back and forth with Doc who said he could do refills for me if I made another appointment (phone).  So yesterday I made the phone appointment and he sent in the refill.  My pharmacy (at work) had them ready before I clocked in so I was able to run over and pick them up.  

I like to do "the copay" which may not be allowed but they let me do it, I think because I am an employee.  I ring up the medicine and then I have them ring up a bag of Snickers fun size.  Then I pay and have them staple the receipt to the bag of candy and share it around.  They are always happy to see me coming; normally I get a 3 month refill so it's not often.  But this month they will get me twice.  

Of course the pharmacy and I have a secret, my condition.  They know that would be very juicy gossip if it got out but they respect my privacy and the HIPPA laws.  But we kind of grin at each other around this knowing it would be very hot gossip. That reminds me I need to take my pills out of the bag.  A bottle of lithium falls out someone is going to figure it out.  

My boss only worked until 4 last night but she stayed late off the clock so we will see what happens today.  She wasn't awful yesterday although she did call me before she left. I do my job well regardless. 

I would like to get started on some of the Handout stuff for tomorrow. That's it for now. 

Brutal headache today

 It is no joke.  Got to work OK though.  Also got 3/4 refills including the main one I needed.  So glad I came in.  

Hopefully it won't be bad tonight.  I have a ride home.  

Had a nice visit with Spotty before I left today so I will focus on him tonight.  He is a very chatty little boy.  💕💕

Yes, my Dad used to say "If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all!"

Biscuit took over my computer chair

 And I have a headache but the COLD water has been a hit with the drivers.  Glad I did it.

One driver remembers Ron from her Metrolift days and has been asking me incessant, nosy, questions.  I am trying to be polite.  

That's it for now I sure hope I can beat this headache.  

Thursday morning

 I had a lot of fun dragging those shoes home on the bus.   The first bus I take after work is always packed and I had a large bag of shoes in addition to my evangelism bag and my backpack.  I managed to find a seat, though.  

I like that first bus driver he is very interested in evangelism and has ordered Scripture booklets (after asking me how) to distribute on his own.  That's great; he can go where I can't.  So yesterday I gave him one of the "Invitation" New Testaments in a bag of candy along with information on how to buy more. He was thrilled. 

I got saved because Dad put a Bible in my hands at church - he had me read it during the sermons.  He just gave me the pew Bible and said "Here, read this".  By the time the church gave me a Bible I had read all of the history books of the Bible and the Gospels.  That gave me a good base when someone did present the gospel when I was about 8.  

Ron got saved because someone said "You haven't read the Bible; you're ignorant, come back and talk to me when you have".  His name was John Woods I believe.  At any rate Ron was so offended he stole a braille Bible portion (Ephesians to Revelation) and began reading it, repented about halfway through Ephesians and got saved. I have been told Ephesians is a good place to start if you're a Catholic because it talks about God's grace and how we don't deserve it, but are given it anyway.  

If I got to tell someone how to read the Bible I would have them start in Luke and then go to Acts, then Romans.  If it was a New Testament. Once or twice I have suggested that if someone asked. Or I put a tract in Luke.  

So, the shoes. My boss actually told me about the $3 shoes so I went to look on my lunch and found 4 likely contenders. I don't have money to buy the $50 shoes so this is a gift. 

The only problem I had with the ride home; the homeless man sitting in front of me kept picking at his face.  He wasn't able to pop whatever it was thank God but it completely sickened me.  

I was pretty tired when I got home but talked to Mom and Dad, they are good. Dad told me a lot of details of how he is getting rid of the time share and also some issues he had with his Fire stick.  It was enough to reassure me Dad is not facing dementia at this time. That is a relief and I told him that.  

My cranky coworker with the bad back is doing caregiving for her husband which of course brings up issues for me. I am trying to be supportive though.  

I made a couple of cheese melts (a handful of cheese on a tortilla, melted in a microwave and folded over) for dinner that was pretty good, and went to bed.  

I woke up around 11 with a headache so I took something and went back to sleep, had some dreams about a female coworker from Jamaica, woke up around the time the alarm went off but had a headache.  So I got up.  

Spotty is meowing at me right now.  He had been coming home as I left the last few days and was pretty upset about that.  

Biscuit slept with me which was great, he's my boy and I love him.  

I need to do all my usual morning stuff and get going so that's it for now.  

Good deal

 My boss told me about a clearance sale on shoes.  $3 a pair.  Pictures later.

Accident at the light

 I didn't see it but the car and truck were banged up pretty bad.  Gave them each a New Testament in a bag of candy.  

Very early Wednesday

 I was thinking about this today and of course every time they do the "Pep rally" meeting at work.  If you haven't encountered it they do the "Walmart cheer" with clapping and yelling. Then stretching.  Most of the time they do not do this. 

When I was a customer and would shop with Ron sometimes we would run across the meeting.  Ron would do the "Oh Gawd" routine and "If I had to do that every day I would kill myself" so of course I play all this back every time we have the meeting. 

I was also thinking about how my boss said she had helped us a few different times at the store. I only remember one time. I hope Ron wasn't a jerk although I told her he had a head injury and Alzheimer's, yesterday. This morning I had a nightmare about how constipated he used to get. It's funny now but it was a real problem. I believe that goes to the coworker having caregiving issues with her husband.  

My boss also did not know about possible raises coming for both of us we will have to check the paycheck in a few days. 

But I got up on time today so I can take the bus.  I am going to get going on my shower.  That's done, did my God Time.  

I forgot to ask God to help me process what I'm reading but He puts it in my heart anyway.  I decided I am bringing my personal Bible with me today.  I am hoping to do up some of the praying for you cards on my lunch today.  Yesterday I was too frazzled. 

I am also bringing about half a bag of assorted spicy candy to a coworker as she loves the stuff and didn't care some of the candy was apparently unwrapped and melted/stuck to the rest.  She says it will eat just fine so she can have it.  

And Beau's not around anymore and everyone seems happy with the regular candy anyway.  

I need to get going, that's it for now.  

Why?!

 My boss has a habit of throwing me under the bus so I was very surprised she was asking personal questions.  Did I have kids, questions about Ron, etc.  

Why I don't know but it creeped me out.  Then we were back to normal as she threw me under the bus again over my lunch (made me take it very late) while she took hers with a friend.

When I go back I have an hour and a half.

That's it for now.  

Survey

 Bus company had me take a survey do I feel safe on the bus.  Answer to that is a big HELL, NO.  Why?  That question I checked almost all the answers.

Who knows, maybe I will win the gift card.  🤔

Getting ready to start work.  

I guess God doesn't want me taking the bus to work today

 I slept OK, woke up at 5 though. I leave for the bus at 5:15. 

So I will call one of the guys and pay for a ride. Is there a sick person on the bus?  Physically ill?  Mentally ill?  Bad driver out there going to turn me into road paste as I cross the street?  I don't know. God will show me one day. 

I heard from my doc yesterday I can get a refill if I make an appointment for August so that seems fair. I am kind of low on the one med that I really shouldn't... 

Got my shower and my God Time.  I will call Jack first (lives nearby) and then Ace if Jack can't do it. 

Cats are good.  

I had a little spotting yesterday so the cup is back in place. I don't need any drama with that.  

I took some allergy meds as we are getting a lot of atmospheric dust in the area so I figure that will trigger my allergies if I don't. 

I am feeling moderately depressed and completely unmotivated so I will have to ask God for help with the day.  I did do some serious prayer time in the shower very happy about that.  I feel that is vital.  

Also the other day at the grocery store the clerk said she "had something" to tell me but couldn't as the line was too long.  I had "coincidentally" done up a packet of new believer information that I "happened" to give her so I think she got saved.  If so that will be the first that I know of in 13 years of work.  But it's not about numbers and I don't want to know all of them due to pride issues. 

If I get proud I am useless. It's God's work not mine.   

Jack is coming in a few.  That's it for now.  

 

Shoulder is much better

 I haven't really thought about it.  

Some time ago an employee gave me a $1 pair of socks with cats on them.  I had a feeling she had not paid but took them anyway.  I have been feeling convicted on that; particularly after she was fired for stealing.  So I bought a pair and put them back.

It has been busy but not too bad.  I ate a turkey sandwich I made this morning.  My ears are a little congested so I bought the "PE" decongestant.

I also called Doc for refills hopefully I can get that without a phone session.  I don't take anything restricted.

About to go back from lunch.  That's it for now.  Debating getting an iced coffee after work.  🤔

Small prayer request

 I hit my shoulder when the bus braked suddenly.  I think she was in a hurry to use the bathroom.  It is aching some, I hit it right above the socket.  

Got to work OK.  I met a sweet orange boy (cat).  I don't want him, he is very well cared for, but it was nice to get meowed at and some petting.  He is an intact male which means he won't live long.  I had to wonder if he is related to Spotty and Cleo.

Brought my Bible to work today.  

That's it for now.

Very early Monday

 So I looked up evangelical Presbyterians.  Because that's what I am looking for, I thought.  They are in the charismatic movement and also believe in women pastors two things I'm just not into. 

So I will keep looking. I think God is using these churches to move me out of my defensive, wounded, position from my last church and into more eagerness and acceptance at joining another church family. 

But it was encouraging to meet a large group who had a passion for reaching the lost.  Because, like I told the pastor's wife, they're going to hell.  That should haunt us born agains.  

I slept pretty well last night that was good. Today, aside from work, I need to call my doctor for some refills. I am tired and unmotivated though.  

Going to go drag myself in the shower.   Done with that, and my God Time.  

I'm going to take my Bible with me to work.  Read it on my lunch.  I'm a little depressed but it's not like "Oh my day is so terrible I need a Bible" I would just like to read it.  

Once I get dressed I need to make my lunch.  

It isn't much fun getting up at 3 AM and ending up home again at 6 PM on a good day, but I am meeting new drivers and giving them important Scripture material.  I don't know how long I have to do this so I need to make it count.  

That's it for now.  

 

Cat haters can skip this

 Spotty likes to go out at night and "cat around" come home before I leave, get some food and attention from me before I leave for work. He meows very loudly. I meow back, pet him, pick him up and hug him. Today he was so raucous I laid down in bed and he got on my chest purring. 

Biscuit, who very seldom leaves the house, was not happy,got up and began smacking Spotty. Have you heard those cat fights where they run all over and make a lot of racket?  It wasn't that it was more wrestling and smacking Spotty with Biscuit's ears back in the NOT HAPPY position.  But I could hear them flipping each other into the walls halfway through my shower. 

So I feel like I need to come up with a way to keep them both happy. Not sure how to do it. I will say it appears Biscuit has claimed my bed. 

Maybe I can take my nap in Ron's bed?  I'll see. 

I slept great last night

 It is sure nice to have the air back. I woke up at 4:30 (went to bed early) so I just got up and did my God Time.  That went fine.  I am a little dizzy now I am sure that is my anti depressant. 

I had a little trouble with depression a few weeks ago but very minor compared to my usual ones.  I already did up some Bibles I'm taking (have the sign on my cart) so I will be going to 2 grocery stores.  My store did not have my cat food so I need to figure out what I'm doing with that.  I will check at the Kroger because I know the other store will not have it. 

I just need to eat something and take my shower. Did that.  Went out.  

Pretty uneventful trip to the bus stop but realized oops I had forgotten my cell phone.  Bus pass or wallet I'd have gone back.  

I went to the Kroger first.  They have the best vegetables and have a salad blend "power greens" I like it is greens that can be cooked or eaten raw.  And they last a long time too. I plan to eat a big salad for dinner from now on.  

They had some discount meat but I have a roast chicken in the fridge I need to eat.  I did get some lunch meat. 

AND they had my cat food.  Work did not; but Kroger did.  I paid $2 more for it if you count the "lost" discount; but Biscuit will DIE if he doesn't get this. So I was quite happy to ante up. 

I also like the 7# bag better than the 22. I worry the big bag gets stale. 

I left and saw something right down from the bus stop.  Now, 2 times I did a Bible Handout in Acres Homes which is south of the Kroger, and when I rode by on the bus a large group of people (both times and today) were outside holding signs saying "Honk if you Love Jesus!" and "Stop for 1 minute prayer!"  I was very impressed of course and went over with the cart (Free Bibles signs in 2 languages mounted on front and side) and wearing the Free Bibles hat (if I'm not working I'm in the hat).  They checked me out as I told them I thought they were doing a great thing and we had a little mutual admiration going for a minute as I asked them to pray for my recipients. They gave me a business card.  

When I got home I looked them up and they are Pentecostal.  I am a Presbyterian I can't emphasize how uptight I am when it comes to prayer and worship. So that wouldn't be a good fit but it was a shame. They weren't far, either. I will be praying for them I believe their hearts are in the right place but I'm just not made for that. 

I'll make an utter ass of myself handing out Bibles and stick my neck out every day in bad neighborhoods, but speaking in tongues?  Nope. 

After the Kroger I went to the low cost grocery near my home; the kind of place that has wheel locks on the shopping carts to deter theft.  I got milk, soy milk (I like to put half of each in a glass), cheese, candy mix to hand out, etc.  

I took a chance and bought a snickers bar and a cold soda for my last driver, I think it was OK by the time she got there. She was the same driver who dropped me and said she was "OK" and "didn't need anything" until I said the magic word "Snickers" then she SNATCHED that bag out of my hand!  I had to laugh!  

I got home OK glad I had the cart as the gallon of milk and half gallon of soy milk, plus 10 pounds mixed candy, etc. made for a weighty load.  

Now I'm going to take a nap.  

I need to find some evangelical Presbyterians.  

The sickest I've ever been, 2 stories

 So in this post I talk about being sick a couple times if you don't want that then just scroll.  

After Ron and I ran off together I got a LOT of bladder infections.  He didn't keep himself clean and I hadn't learned a few tricks I later used daily which prevented "self" caused bladder infections (using a wet wipe after bowel movement, etc.).  I had a doctor who was a narcissist and "had" to be right and "prove" I didn't have yet another bladder infection every time I went to see him.  It was a difficult relationship and since I had Kaiser HMO I was stuck with him.  So one time he calls me and says the culture came back that I had a severe bladder infection but he thought I had contaminated the sample (he said it right out like that).  And he wouldn't give me antibiotics.  Needless to say I got really sick a week or two later, ended up in ER with a raging kidney infection and in the hospital for a week on the IV because the nausea was so bad.  Even the nausea medication didn't help it just stopped me vomiting but I was still miserable. Boy was I happy when the antibiotics kicked in. They gave me Keflex.  I urinated a few hours after getting my first dose and the stench was horrific all the dead bacteria.  I have never smelled that before or since.  So that was a top contender for sickest in my life.  I ran a fever of 101-103 the entire week. 

The good news Kaiser fired him for malpractice and I got a much better doctor after that.  I never felt like I had to sue I was just happy they canned the guy. 

Then in 2004 we had a long and complicated process buying the house (interest in a blog on that maybe?  Let me know!). finally closed on it in June 2004.  We went out to breakfast first at a nationally known restaurant chain. I had scrambled eggs, Ron had an omlette. They used egg mix for the omlette so Ron was OK. I got sick right after we closed on the house when we should have been celebrating. It was one of the few times in my life I saw Ron 100% happy. Then I started vomiting.  

I had salmonella we had both taken food safety classes and knew the symptoms.  Based on the timing we knew it was the scrambled eggs (I still don't really like them). I was very ill, so ill I did not want to ride in an ambulance or in a friend's car because I was worried I would erupt in there and leave a God-awful mess. It was hard enough getting 15 feet to the toilet Ron had to bring me the (mothballed) commode chair and empty it out for me; and he did.  He was very faithful bringing me water (realize now it should have been Gatorade),and emptying the bucket even though I could hear him gagging. It took me about 2 weeks to recover.  I lost 15 pounds. He gets a gold star for that and I'm sure God let him know how much that meant to me. 

I bought myself a small pack of women's adult diapers years later when the stores began carrying them in case I ever have that happen again. 

My cat Baby Girl the First was a good companion in that, and Bubba of course.  I only had Baby Girl the first (I tend to reuse cat names) for a few months she was the one that was poisoned.  But they slept with me. 

So I very rarely eat scrambled eggs now, and when I buy them I inspect them for cracks. But I rarely eat eggs.  I lost my taste. 

I cannot remember why I started this blog but there you have it.  

Oh and also my throat swelled up the last time I ate almonds so I am terrified of them now.  

My yard guy appears to be ghosting me

 Or is very, very, late.  I haven't decided. 

I did my end of things but I guess he didn't want the money.  

I take after my Dad in that I am very punctual and have always taken GREAT pride in arriving early everywhere I go, even on the bus.  When I arrange for a ride TO work I always say pick me up an hour before (and sometimes Ace does run late as he has a thriving cab business and deals with traffic), and always let them know to come a little later than I'm off so they don't have to wait on me.  So I wait on them not vice versa.  

But today I am waiting.  It reminds me of Ron's family promising to bring the baby photos "We are coming at such and such a time" and they never did, again and again.  I get Ron, the soul, one day so I am not stressing over baby photos but it is sad. And I guess they can feel like they did right by Ron if they look at his photos (I sent many, many, photos to his mother over the years) and see "how happy he was" (direct quote from a nephew after Ron's death 'He looks so happy in all the photos with you").  I guess I will have to find another yard guy.  I have a couple of cards around here somewhere.  

I am not too keen on using Angie's list again as the last contractor drove his truck on my grass repeatedly and likely weakened my pipe, which broke a few weeks later.  Two different plumbers said driving over it would have done irreversible damage. But I will find someone.  I think I have some more cards stuck on the door somewhere.  They got left on the door and I kept them. 

I am fine with that sort of sales by the way. 

Yeah it's 45 minutes after he said he'd come.  He's not coming. 

That's it for now (the headache is better). 

Some cat photos from today

 

Spotty next to my chair.  If I turned my head to the left I saw this.  

Cleo loves my chair and gets in it whenever she can.  

Here is one of Biscuit and Spotty from the other day (Biscuit doesn't always take remarkable photos).  

Saturday morning and early afternoon

 I had some really awful customers last night. The shopping is escalating as we get close to back to school (most in my area start early August) and tensions are high I guess. 

But I was bragging how God took care of my air conditioner last night,to any employee who would listen.  

 I slept pretty well and all the cats joined me for a change.  I think Biscuit would have slept with me last week but he doesn't like fans, and I had one pointed at the bed.  

I woke up with a migraine, NOT FUN I have managed to beat it back. But I lost my whole morning. I guess I needed to rest.  

The cats were very cuddly.  

I am set up for the yard guy to come out, I set up some mosquito spray (they are eating me alive every time I go in my yard), and some wasp spray (I have seen red wasps) in addition to cold drinks in the fridge.  I took the cover off the outside faucet and it is turned sideways I hope that is not a repair.  We will see.  I have to choose not to freak out about it.  I also have a big industrial/shop fan Ron bought for some Godforsaken reason years ago I can put outside for him and run the cord in the house.  That should make it more comfortable the feels like temperature is about 120. I think that's all I can do (I have the cash in my pocket).  

I would have liked to do my shopping or a Bible Handout today but it didn't work out.  Maybe there was some freak roaming the neighborhood where I work and he would have stabbed me.  I'll find out one day in Heaven.  

That's it for now.  

I am still very proud of this

 So when Ron and I first started the business we had a deli and a vending machine business.  The vending machines were supposed to give us money to live on and the deli was supposed to pay for itself, only, but they didn't tell us this when we started the business.  

Anyway we had cold cuts, cheese, etc. Later on we had things like raw chicken and hamburger I would cook and make nightly specials like spaghetti or chicken soup. My specials were very popular.  I never saw myself as a good cook (still don't) but God gave me what I needed to make the customers happy. 

We had an old commercial fridge and occasionally we would come in to work and it would be WARM all the meat WARM. So we would throw it out and then call the repairman.  One time we had about 30 pounds of cold cuts in the fridge.  Both Ron and I thought about keeping the meat because it was a lot of money but Ron sighed, picked up the meat, and went back to the meat slicer.  

We lived in a terrible apartment and they had feral/half tamed cats eating out of the dumpster. Ron cut up all the cold cut "loaves" until slabs of meat about an inch thick. I asked what he was doing with it.  He said "We're feeding the cats" and it made total sense. If the cat could eat out of a dumpster she could sure eat a warm cold cut.  And boy did they.  I was feeding all the cats I had calicos I had never met in my life coming up to me and rubbing all over my legs, it was wonderful. 

Because we couldn't feed it to a human. 

We also sold little cartons of milk out of the vending machine for several years and they were always going bad. When they did we threw them out.  One day I had a crate of expired milk sitting by the sink. Ron had me running around doing other things and I didn't get a chance to throw it out.  So the already bad milk was sitting out at room temp for several hours. 

Someone came to me and pointed out employee John was drinking these cartons of milk like free jello shots.  I ran over to him and told him to stop.  He said "Why?  You're just going to throw it out anyway" and I said "It is BAD"  He kept drinking them.  I finally said "I hope you feel better soon" and walked away.  

"I'm not sick" he replied, and I laughed.  I didn't see him for a week!  

Then we had the sandwiches in the cold food vendor. They would go bad and we would throw them away.  One maintenance worker, who made at least $50K a year,  was taking the expired sandwiches out of the trash and taking them home to her grand kids and putting them in the kids' lunch.She bragged about it to me. So when I threw out the sandwiches from them on I got a rolling trash can and put them in the dumpster so she couldn't feed the expired sandwiches to helpless small children. 

Chips, pastry, stuff like that we would personally eat once it went bad. If I knew a customer well I might offer it to them but I had to be careful about that otherwise they would come to expect "free"food.   It is not free.  We paid for it. 

That's it on expired food.  

Friday night special

 I have been cursed out 4 times tonight.  And you know what?  No one who did that got what they wanted.  A couple of parents went off on me in front of their kids.  It is a good thing I really don't care about being "disrespected"

But retail isn't easy these days.  

The night has gone pretty quick but I am tired as I have been up 16 hours straight.  I have had about double my doctor's suggested caffeine intake.  Good thing I have tomorrow off.

I have a landscape guy coming at 4 to pull down the dead jasmine and that is it.  

That's it for now.

FIXED!

 The office lady (the owner's wife) called me about a quarter after 7.  I said I was ready to go. She sent them and they got here about half an hour later.  

He asked where the "knucklehead husband of mine" was and I told him Ron's with Jesus, he asked what the problem was and I described it.  I had to be good at explaining problems with the vending business because if I wasn't clear it would be an extra trip to bring the right part.  

He went uh-huh and went out back, had it going in 10-15 minutes.  Charged me $200. The house is my preferred temperature of 82 right now I am very happy. 

Biscuit did his usual contractor thing: growling when the van pulled in my driveway and then hiding under the bed. Spotty will be thrilled when he comes home he has taken this hard.  

The repairman also said I can leave him a key hidden and he can do the work if my boss won't let me off again to get something fixed.  You can say a lot about Ron as a husband but as a boss he would have demanded I take the day off with pay to get my air fixed.  

I was thinking about a Bible passage; in the old Testament.  Let me set the scene.  An enemy king has come to destroy Israel.  Now read this: 2 Kings chapter 19

Note how he spread out the letter before the Lord and said "God I know you have this".  That's what I did with the air conditioner problem.  

And He honored that.  My system is 22 years old.  It is unheard of a system to last this long.  

Thank you, Jesus.  

And thanks to everyone who prayed.  

Please God let it be fixed today

 Last night after work I bought some drinks and things. I got some Gatorades, Powerade, a case of water, and a Monster for the  repairmen.  I figure some drink will appeal. I also put some waters in the freezer; they can have a to-go bag too. 

Work was pretty crazy but I got it done.  I had some difficult customer encounters.  They seem to think I am out to GET them just because I wear a blue vest. That is not the case of course I have always had the attitude they are putting money in my pocket. But they were pretty awful.  

One question I get a lot from the seniors involves the grocery delivery service.  They want to call a phone number and tell someone what they want, then get the groceries delivered.  I have to tell them it doesn't work that way you have to set up an account online and use a computer or your phone to make the order. And one lady was shouting at me last night that I and the store are trying to "trick" her into using a computer. 

I thought "The community center has computer classes and they would love to teach you how to do this" but she had stormed off. 

I had a problem on my lunch that makes the store look bad so I cannot blog about it per an agreement I signed when I got hired. But check those sell by dates! 

So I got some lunch meat and the drinks, a gallon of milk, came home.  It was miserably hot and oppressive.  I opened a window and put a fan in it so I could get some circulation. 

Took my shower, got dressed, repair guys called and on the way!

Tired

 And I start work in 25 minutes.  Hoping it won't be too bad.  I have blisters on my hand from trying to open a soda yesterday and they are stinging.

Early Thursday morning

 Work was very busy but that was good when the boss came by.  I was doing everything she wants me to do so she didn't bark at me and moved on.  

After work I ran over to the coffee shop and got an iced caramel coffee to go.  It was very good and cold at the bus stop. Not too sweet either which I appreciated. 

As I was standing there a woman approached me holding a bag from the Walmart pharmacy asking me if I would like to buy some Adderall.  I said no thank you but she was insistent. She finally moved on to a man with a teardrop tattoo (which indicates he killed someone) who also said no.  The bus came, I went home.  

I like my last driver of the day she is very friendly so I stood up front and we chatted all the way home. The house was hot but Biscuit is OK.  Spotty is complaining a lot and I don't see much of Cleo. 

I talked to Mom last night as Dad had gone out with friends. After I hung up I went to bed early, slept pretty well considering.  Got up early today have been cleaning the bathroom, because the repairman always (this is every repair in my life) wants to use the bathroom and I want it to be presentable. I wasn't able to give the toilet a good scrubbing with the pumice when my hand was messed up but it looks better now. It's not perfect but the worst of it is gone.

I need to take a shower, do my God Time, and figure out my lunch today.  I don't want to buy lunch until I know what that repair will set me back.  

My boss works today but I am hoping 7-4 as I work 2-9:30.  She did say she is off tomorrow.  She is not a bad person but has a critical management style I don't like.  I respond better to "Good job on A and B can you pick it up a little on C, please?"  She does not do that.  But, like I said, when she came by yesterday I was working my butt off. 

That's it for now.  

Iced coffee

 After work was delicious.  

Thermostat picture for tax (not taken this morning).  

It has been a crazy day at work

 I am looking forward to getting out of here today.  I plan to go to the coffee shop nearby and get something iced for the ride home.  I will update.  

Made it to work

 Cranked out budget and I should be OK.  Got some fun size Snickers to hand out.  The minis are a joke and a waste of money.  And everyone likes Snickers best.  

I am getting different drivers every morning🚍 so I am using that opportunity to share Jesus.  It isn't bad, taking the bus in the morning, so I plan to do that longer term.  I want to get as many people as possible.  I want to stand before God one day and hear I did my job.

I didn't braid my hair this morning; I was worried it would aggravate my headache.  But it looks very nice.  I am using Suave Keratin shampoo and conditioner.  I will try to get a picture.  

That's it for now..

Brutal headache this morning

 I am sleeping better but this headache is no joke.  I took something around 1 AM. 

It is so early my bank has not yet sent me my statement for the day; I assume my pay is in there but I don't know for sure yet.  I need to figure out my budget as well. 

Ugh this head. 

But quick a funny. So yesterday I got to work about an hour and a half early because you just never know with the bus and all it takes is one accident or guy who doesn't want to pay the fare and I'm delayed.  

So I was sitting in the breakroom in the back.  Someone had taken out the microwaves.  No one actually needed the microwaves but they kept asking about them and getting a massive attitude.  They were in personnel for some reason. The uproar was so great the personnel manager (aka "People Lead") got the microwaves herself, put them on a cart (she never does anything like this) and brought them back.  I thought it was very funny. Many of the employees are immigrants and bring their own lunches. I tend to bring a sandwich because many of the other employees bring their food in glass dishes and take forever heating it up.  When I'm on lunch I just want to take out my food and eat it. 

 Speaking of lunch I am having my breakfast shake; I put whey protein in plain milk with 1/4 t cinnamon. It's pretty good.  I need to figure out my budget I think I will do that on the way to work. 

I managed to beat the headache with a cold shower and some gatorade.  I just need to get dressed and do up the candy for the day.  

That's it for now.  

Tuesday morning and then a big skip to evening

 Well it's not fun sleeping but I'm doing it. Biscuit is OK with the heat (he didn't sleep with me, though) but the other cats are not. I hope Spotty doesn't run away.  

I'm tired but awake if that makes any sense.  I did buy a big can of Gatorade powder yesterday and have been drinking that and feel pretty good overall.  

I am trying to focus on prayer life praying for recipients, material providers (sponsors and publishers), etc.  I got Bible Promise books yesterday so I will be handing those out today. Those are already done up in bags with candy. 

I am trying to be cheap with finances. Save money for the repair.  

My credit card company sent me a check for $400 I am debating should I cash that and put that towards repair. I will try to get ahold of my aunt for that.  

My parents were rather alarmed when I referred to the homeless man Kato by name yesterday thinking he was a friend.  No I am friendly with him,I treat him with respect that is all.  I give him candy even though I doubt he is reading what is actually in the bag.  But God calls me to go to everyone so I do.  He is also an alcoholic so that is an automatic problem and he has a big dog. Nope. 

And I am not so desperate for companionship I am going to hook up with a homeless man. It was a little insulting. Like the song goes "As long as I've got King Jesus, I don't need nobody else".  

Evening: so it worked great bringing a small flashlight and waving that at the bus.  She said it was "very easy to see you" and "Do that every time" which is easily done.  I was all set to get off at my usual stop and the light was out so I had to ride further up and cross.  

Then I had another driver I had never seen before on the bus that takes me to work.  So I handed out 6 evangelism things today.  I didn't see Kato today I guess it was too hot for him. 

Boss was there but not biting so that was good.  

That was pretty much it. 

Its getting busy

 Had various issues with customers including shoplifters.  

On lunch now.  Over recommended dose for caffeine today.  Going to do some Bible study before I go back.  

Made it to work OK

 In spite of a bad traffic light where I normally cross the (very busy) street.  I had to ride down and cross.  Driver said flashlight was a great idea so I will keep doing that. 

I ended up catching an earlier bus to work.  3 new drivers all got a promise book.  I like getting more people.

Not sure if tough boss will be here today, I have only seen one of the other bosses.  Corporate is starting to ride management about Job A not getting done so hopefully that will end telling me to shirk it.

That's it for now.  

The rest of Monday

 I wasn't sure how the day would go, I was going out to catch literally the first bus of the day.  There were 2 other people at the stop, one of whom appeared homeless but did have the proper cash fare.  I'm not sure where he holes up.  It was very dark.  One of the other guys used his cell phone flashlight feature and waved it around, the bus stopped.  I don't want to use my phone that way because I might drop it but I will bring a small flashlight tomorrow.  

First driver had never met me before, baffled I gave her something but she took it. Second driver also baffled but he took it as well; I've never had them before I can tell.  Third bus was a driver I know well she was happy to see me.  

I got to work at 7:30.  I was told the difficult boss would not be there but she was.  She was difficult.  And I am worried about her she keeps talking about feeling run-down, dizzy, headaches, and has told me in the past she has high blood pressure - that's not a good combination with a high stress job. If you feel inclined I am certain she could use prayer.  I am worried she is going to have a stroke. She has treated me abominably but no one deserves that. 

I got my lunch OK but had problems logging back in.  The app was acting up and when I restarted my phone it logged me out; I had to log in again. However "Nancy" had fixed my phone so it was easy to do what I needed and log in again. But it looks like I took an extra 2 minutes. I pride myself on taking exactly 60 minutes, not 62. The rest of the day was uneventful.  

When I got outside after work there was a wreck blocking one whole side of the street; it took a while to clear but I made it to my transfer point and actually caught the earlier bus home.  We talked a little and she said the drivers talk about me and "no one calls you crazy". Which I thought was interesting. I told her I want to do a Bible Handout at Berry Road and Airline and she said they need it.  When I got home I had 2 cases of Bible Promise books on the porch.  That was awesome. 

It is hot in the house but not terrible. I haven't seen Cleo or Spotty.  That's it for now. 

Let's go all the way

 To work that is.  Bought some drink mix and Gatorade powder before I started.  They didn't have much Gatorade powder so I wanted to lock it down.

I was thinking about a truck I saw Saturday when I was waiting at the bus stop to go to the grocery store.  It was covered in Hazmat "corrosive" labels.  It had a valve on the back of the truck that was hissing and smoke coming out.  The light changed and it didn't move.  

I was like "God GET THAT THING AWAY FROM ME!" and he slowly drove off.  I had no idea things like that were allowed near residential neighborhoods.  Very creepy.  

I didn't see anything like that today.  I gave 2 New Testaments to new to me drivers - 1 each - so I am happy about that.  Please pray for them and all the other recipients.

Also for me to have a good day it will be 11 hours away from home.  Thank you.

Made it 2/3 of the way to work

 I will need a flashlight to flag down that first bus, though.  One of the guys at the bus stop used his phone.  

Just waiting on last bus.  I could do this 3x a week if I had to.  🤔

I slept OK last night considering

 Biscuit and I have decided our cuddles are more important than the heat so we're still doing that. I haven't really seen Spotty and Cleo.  I am finishing yesterday's laundry before I go to work. 

I already took my shower last night so I just need to freshen up with a washcloth and braid my hair before I go. I need to do my God Time, get dressed, make my lunch and then I am ready to go.  

Almost ready to go.  I have decided to buy a plate lunch at work.  

That's it for now.  

I think my sodium was low

 I am sweating a lot and drinking a lot of water.  That causes the body to lose salt.  ALSO I take a medication that causes my body to lose salt and my doctor has discussed this with me on several different occasions. 

I was also craving a cup of noodles which didn't make sense as it is very hot in the house and you would thing I would want a cold food. But I made it and I kept putting salt in it as it didn't "taste right".  Once I had it "right" (I am a big believer my body gives me clues) and it had cooled down I ate it.  

I didn't realize how lousy I felt until I ate it.  I feel a million times better and I probably had a good 3 grams of salt, total, in that thing.  So I'm going to eat more salt. 

I'm also going to get the Gatorade mix powder and alternate iced tea with Gatorade. 

The headache is gone as well.  

Curtains

 I took a nap but it was unpleasantly hot even with the fan.  I am telling myself I'm on a mission trip to Ecuador and the facility has no AC.  But I am doing God's work so I don't mind.  

I am also looking at curtains for the kitchen. I like this, I think. It's the right length.  I would get 2 sets so it would be double the width of the window.  I like a fuller curtain.  

This is assuming the AC repair gives me enough latitude.  

That's it for now.  

10 AM Sunday

 I'm degirling the house today, I had bras hanging up on the back of a door, into the dresser they go. Same with the cloth pads, I can't imagine anything a male repairman would find more horrifying than a cloth pad hanging up on the back of a door (It is convenient for drip drying), unless it was a menstrual cup sitting on the kitchen counter. So I got rid of those too (I had 2 I had to boil). 

The clothes are in the dryer. It is early enough the house shouldn't get too hot. Also ERCOT (our power agency) is begging people to go easy on the grid this week. I figure not a lot of people will be running their AC right now. 

The house is a little stuffy but not too bad. My next goal (I already did my God Time) is sweeping the floor that needs doing.  I am glad the yard guy was out last week so the repairman won't have a lot of "Bermuda-weeds" (Ron's term) growing around the unit out in the backyard. 

The cats are good.  For some reason Spotty is hanging out under my bed lately.  

I slept OK considering

 Woke up with a headache, took something. Drank some cold sparkling water and almost vomited!  WHAT?  

Now on the good side my friend Heather (no joke same name) is sending me some NLT (easy to read) New Testaments and maybe some Promise books.  That will be fun.  

There are a few things I don't talk about and one of those issues arose yesterday so I am dealing with that. Also this morning I was very nauseous so I am carrying a bucket around with me. I need to take my antidepressant I am going to try that with one of the bananas I bought yesterday. 

I laid back down after I got up and Biscuit joined me.  He is the best cat, he laid on my abdomen/chest (he is a big cat) and purred so nicely as I pet him.  He is just The Best Cat. He isn't glamorous with his markings but he has the sweetest and most loving heart.  He was such a great comfort to me after Ron died. If you look in my blogs from around then Biscuit comes up but none of the other cats.  I don't fault the other cats but Biscuit really stepped up and has continued to be the most loving cat and first on scene in every way. I love him so much.  

I am doing laundry.  I also need to do my God Time as well.  

That's it for now. 

Someone must be praying bad things against my house

 Years ago I read a book on spiritual warfare.  Some of it I agreed with, like the fact that those on the "dark side" pray to the devil against believers and ask for Bad Things to happen to us.  

The rest of the book I did not agree with particularly the part of the raped woman being infected with demons.  I mean, what the actual?

Anyway it has been one thing after another this week.  Not whining I am at the laughing stage.  

The AC broke. I got a letter from HOA about the jasmine again. And the blinds in the kitchen fell down about an hour ago. Well, crap. 

I'm not getting blinds again I will do some sort of curtain. 

That's it for now.  

PS please pray for my protection, and the recipients!  

Saturday afternoon

 I did my God Time and left the house for the grocery store. I ride down one stop cross at a light, and then ride up to the grocery store.  

Last night one of my drivers did not want the "snack" (the tuna pouch, etc) and I happened to pull that out of my bag as the bus approached so I gave it to the driver.  He was very happy and said he hoped he saw me again, I assured him he would.  I ride that route a lot. 

I had the cart with the sign on it and a man came running up asking about it. I showed him what I had and we talked a little about the Handouts. He gave me his testimony which included moving thousands of miles for a woman he met online who later turned out to be "crazy". He was homeless for a while but has an apartment and a good job now. He said he is also an inventor but I am skeptical about that. Anyway he got so excited hearing about the Handouts (he is saved) he gave me a side hug and I gave him one of my last Bible Promise books.  

The bus came and I got off at the grocery store (I later got the same driver again).  I did my shopping and one thing I love about this store, I will not name it because it is too close to my house, they always have all the checkouts open.  I got a really nice checker who was delighted to get the candy. 

When I grocery shop I always get a snack for the driver, today it was a store brand "Coke", a bag of roasted peanuts, a banana out of my bunch, etc. The driver was thrilled to get it when he got me. 

I came home and put it all away.  

I called the A/C guy and his wife? answered and said he is very busy which is EXACTLY what I would expect to hear. But they could work me in early Friday so I will do that, I will just pay for a ride to work.   She was very nice but obviously working to death, the two of them. 

And if I am late Friday that is just too bad.  What kind of boss says "You can only fix your AC on your day off?"  It's my AIR.  [shaking my head]  I have taken ONE day off work in two and a half years.  

I am debating cleaning the house now or doing it later when it is cooler.  My thermostat is pegged out over 90 degrees in the house right now.  I have a couple big fans going so the house is OK. It's not fun but I can live with it. 

I also need to do laundry. 

That's it for now. 

Early Saturday morning

 I had a fine trip in to work.  Lately, Thursday and Friday I have been making up little lunches for my drivers with a tuna pouch and a spork, some candy, a bottle of water, tract. Most of the drivers are really happy to get them. 

I got to work on time, looked at the incense but didn't see anything I liked.  I saw my boss before I clocked in and told her about my air going out.  She asked when I was going to get it fixed. I told her Thursday most likely as *I had to get paid first*.  She said that would be a problem unless I got someone to cover my shift and offered to "fix" it. I knew what that meant so I said no thanks I would just have it done next Saturday.  

Remember I told her I didn't have the money to fix my air?  She then tells me the store sells a really good fan for "only" $50 and I should get one.  I just looked at her like "I can't afford a repair what makes you think I can afford a fan?" and said I would look into it. 

After I clocked in I told her I could take my lunch at 7 as requested as long as I got a break at 4:30 (two and a half hours in).  She hemmed and hawed and said that might not work and the other supervisor said it was OK.  

But it is VERY hard to take her seriously when she does all this. If you want me to take my lunch at 7 you should think that every day.  And considering my job it does make sense; I did it my way with the break at 4:30 and lunch at 7,it worked fine. The fan thing I guess it has just been a long while since she didn't have any money. 

I'm a widow who works part time as an Associate.  I don't have that. I am not asking for money, I have a couple fans around the house right now, one of which is pointed at my back as I type.  I don't need a fan.  But it's like saying why don't I buy myself a nice coach lunch bag. 

About the only note on my "new" backpack people kept moving it around the breakroom last night. I tied a ribbon on the handle as it is a plain black so I'd know it's mine and I"m glad I did. I didn't have anything valuable (aside from a Bible in it) so I didn't really mind but it was frustrating not to find it where I left it. 

The other night I was sitting facing the motivational posters and that got me pretty mad as well.  They had "Sam Walton's 10 rules for business".  And, reading it, I figured store management was violating at least 5 of them. 

10 rules

They are breaking 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. I actually read Sam Walton's biography in the 90's. He said it was his wife's idea to treat the associates well and give them better perks than the competition, which he said helped a lot with his business. That basically no one was forcing them to work there and an employee that felt happy, valued, and respected would put that much more work in every day. 

How far we have gone. I also had issues with the one boss ordering me NOT to do Job A. I went to a big gossip on our team and told her about it. So at least I have some backup on that.  

Enough about work, I bought Ace a giant chocolate bar, myself a gallon of milk and some iced tea mix, came home. The house was so warm even the toilet seat was hot and that was not a good sensation. I thought it was funny Ace was asking about Jack.  A little rivalry going on there! 

I talked to my parents and they were like "Don't have the  repair man come out on the weekend." and I told them flat our "I couldn't afford it anyway" I have "like" $50 in checking and that's not even a service call. It will have to wait until after I get paid.   And it's not bad with my fan.  

It's my day off, I slept with a couple of windows open last night but it didn't really help. I don't think I will do that again. Some turkey set off a firecracker last night which upset Cleo and had her hide under the bed. I woke up with a headache.  The Excedrin is helping but not as much as I'd like. 

That's it for now!  

Lunch

 Vending machine almost ripped me off, I need to just use the self check.  

Only an hour and a half when I get back, and my boss leaves when I get back.  When I'm home it's 2 days off.  I do like having 2 days in a row.

It will be interesting to see how I fare with no AC this weekend.  That's it for now.

work

 Forgot candy but they will live.  Not sure who is here tonight that determines a lot.  

Something about Fridays on the bus around noon bring out the mentally ill homeless.  Not sure what drives that.  Glad to get out of there!

Saw boss.  She wanted to know why I stopped drinking Dew.  Remember the store is "inclusive"  so I told her I got tired of it.  Can't argue with that. 

I am thinking to schedule my repair next weekend.  

A praise

 So I had a mesh backpack I was using for work, but, like I said, I tax my backpacks and it was ripping.  I knew I had a couple more so I looked.  

I found Ron's old backpack which is so bad it needs to be tossed, when I opened it up I found a large (to me!) sum of cash, Ron's autopsy report, etc.  I have NO idea where this cash came from, it was a $50 and some $1's.  I can sure use it with that repair looming. 

To the scoffer: Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

NKJV 

There's a reason I didn't post when I got home.

 So I got out of there, came home,and the house was 87 degrees. My air is out. The fan blows just not cold. So I am thinking I get paid Wednesday and I will get some cash and see him Thursday. He must need a Bible. Ron and I used this company for a good 15 years so I know they do good work and they will not hose me. I would rather my AC work but if this is necessary for Kingdom Work to happen I'm fine with that. 

Some of my family hail from the desert and we aren't as bothered by the heat. I am generally "fine" when people around me are complaining. So I think I will be OK. I have the whole house fan blowing right now and will turn that off in a little bit.  

Spiritual warfare! 

And honestly it has been at least 5 years since anyone had to come out for the air I think that's a pretty good run. The system is over 20 years old; if, in the unlikely event the whole system goes I would just get a window unit for my bedroom and live with that. Like I said, the heat doesn't bother me as much. 

I am sure the boss will give me a day off to get this fixed.  So enough on that.  

The cats are OK.  I am thinking to do some cleaning tomorrow and get the place looking OK for the repairman. They notice stuff like that. Someone who is "tidy" gets better treatment I am sure. 

Today really is my Friday. That will be nice. It is funny when I sleep in on Saturday I always get up between 5-7 you would think it would be later. 

So yesterday I had the JW's come right before I left for work.   Then the guy from the water district came with the cutoff notice and I was very glad the JW's did not see that.  I forgot to bring my "snacks" for the drivers but I did bring cold bottles of water which I need to do again. 

So I got the notice as I was leaving I grabbed my "big" limit card which is an Amex. I have a smaller card but that didn't have enough left on it. And the debit card only had $40 which was not enough.  

I got to the first but stop, caught the bus, walked to the second bus stop, called the water company (very noisy standing by the road) and they said they didn't take Amex. So I figured I would go back home and raid my ride money and put that in my debit account and use that.  

But I needed a ride so Jack came. I got the cash and then we went to the local grocery to see if they could take a payment.  They did not but I gave her a tract with some candy.  I had called my aunt about moving some money from savings to checking and she did that so I could go straight to work.  I was very early, though.  I paid the bill and waited for a while before work. I passed out the cold water to my coworkers that was a big hit. 

Then of course work. My boss was there until 8 but they had her busy doing other things so she wasn't around much. 

Today I plan to bring the little lunch things I like to do up on Thursday and Friday, a tuna or chicken pouch, some candy, a tract, a spork, a bottle of water. I also need to retire my backpack it is starting to rip. I am really hard on hand carts and backpacks none live long around me.  

That's it for now.  

On break now

 I will probably go into more detail about today when I get home.  It hasn't been bad at work though.  

Civil opinions welcome

 Or should I have said respectful.  

Anyway 2 days a week I start at 2 Pm work until 9:30.  I usually take my lunch at 5:30 which is the halfway point.  

Boss gave me a hard time tonight saying she would like to see it at 7 even though I get off at 9:30.

I really don't have strong feelings on this.  What do you think?  Is 7 reasonable?

Hit me.  

Time to start

 Boss found out I was here and asked me to clock in early.  Pray I have a good night.

I have decided I can't afford the morning rides so that will be interesting.  That's it for now.