Heather knits, the junk food queen (aka Houston Heather)

Friday, March 7, 2025

I did a cut and paste from Facebook and blogger freaked out.

Facebook

FacebooThere was a guy at the bus stop, going to work (in uniform), who took a Bible yesterday. I told him I'd be praying for him daily, he said thanks. I said "This" waving my hand at the Handout stuff "Is nothing. Praying for you every day is what's important!" He laughed and noddWould you please join me in praying for the recipients today? And the sponsors who sent the Bibles? Thank you!

Today I went to my usual spot, De Soto and Antoine.

There was a young man to the right doing business so they didn't clean it up for long. I work under the tree.

I had some amazing deliveries recently, Gift and Award King James whole Bibles, and Kid Bibles. I knew both would be very popular, all I had to do was get out there and show them off.

I took a case of each, and some Spanish. I need more Spanish but I have a logistical issue the cart

Is rated to 75 pounds, a case of Bibles is about 30. I am very bad at killing my "buggies" as a result. I may just bring Spanish Scripture booklets as a result - I have hundreds of them at home.

I got there OK and it was pretty slow to start. I battled a nasty headache all day. It was a migraine when I got up, improved somewhat, is still pretty horrible but I was able to do the Handout. I called it my "humility headache" as it sure worked on the old pride.

I brought snacks, I had some juice boxes and a can of delicious Guava juice I will bring again. I saw a few bees again but nothing concerning. I also had some chips and granola bars, I felt so smart having snacks but I had very little appetite. Still, I'd rather have snacks and not eat them.

I had a couple of favorite recipients. There was a 30 something young lady with pink hair tried to give me $1 for a Bible. I declined, she asked why. I said "They'll get me for it! You don't want me arrested, do you?" she laughed, took a Bible for herself and one for each of her 2 kids.

The guy in the convertible with the teardrop tattoo showed up as I was wrapping things up but I always hold back a few Bibles because *it happens every time* someone wants a Bible when I'm done. I grinned at him, said "You're back!" and gave him one. I had a nice young couple in a car. They said they had just started going to church and had been talking about getting Bibles. I was thrilled to give them their first Bibles and said I would put up a prayer request for them, Dylan and Unity.

There was a nice Latino family with a chihuahua in the front seat, wearing a dress. I'm assuming it was a girl. She seemed very old and she didn't like me much. I told the owners "She smells my cat" and they went aha. They got a couple Bibles - I had brought the Spanish I had and it was enough.

When a car waved me over I would give them an adult Bible, ask "Do you have kids?" (in one case, I asked if she had grandkids) and showed them the kid Bible. The parents went crazy for them and they were the first to go.

The "Adult" Bibles had arrived shrink wrapped in plastic and I liked the presentation of something "brand new" so I left it on the Bibles, and they were also incredibly popular. All I had to do with either of the Bibles was *show* them and people wanted them!!

I didn't tell anyone (all day) it was the 15th anniversary of my first Bible Handout and also the 4th anniversary of Ron's death.

I had a good Bible Handout

In spite of a pretty evil migraine. God seems to work it so I'm functional during the Handout but pretty rough before and after. It was my only day off for a week so I had to get groceries after.

Corporate was visiting the store the day I had done a Handout a few months back and had very politely asked me to "tone it down" so I rolled up the signs and took my hat off before I entered the store. It's their house and they deserve respect. I did have 3 very nice, empty, Bible cases. It was not apparent.

I figure I probably look like an average homeless person, unless you are sharp eyed and notice my hair is clean and groomed, I'm wearing light makeup (I generally only do that when I'm doing a Handout I see it as a sign of respect for the Recipient), clean clothes, good condition cheap shoes, etc.

I did empty some trash in their parking lot can, just some food wrappers and such from my snacks. I got lunch meat, candy, more bags for the candy which wipes out the love offering for "candy, or whatever". I got the "nice" bread which was in stock (last time I had to get white bread I prefer whole grain). I already had mayo so I skipped that and I prefer the cheese we sell at work as the slices are separated. I don't want to fight with a slice of cheese at 3 in the morning, you know? Plus we sell a larger variety of sliced (real) cheese at work.

I didn't see any good deals on pork chops. They had the "ends value pack" which isn't too expensive but they all had the sell by date of March 6 (the date) and I was in no shape to cook. I'll go back later. When I got home I almost cried for joy finding I still had days to cook the chicken leg quarters - I was in no shape to cook.

I did a quick update and went to bed. The cats joined me. Spotty was sleeping by my head, purring every time I pet him, let me hug and kiss him. He's a good boy. I was glad I was getting some quality time.

One of the few current regrets I've got is I don't feel I'm giving Spotty enough attention so I was happy to rectify that even at the cost of a migraine. I didn't vomit happily but it was a very rough day.

Scrappy is on the loveseat in the front room not far from me, sleeping and making cute little noises in his sleep. He was on the loveseat (actually on the top of the cushion that goes at your back) yesterday as well. It's a good spot for him. I gave him a few pets and he purred at me. I have plenty of cat food so I don't have to worry about that and the litter boxes look good.

I only work a 4 hour shift today. I am glad of that, it gives me some recovery time.

I figured out the migraine trigger. Wednesday I bought an 88 cent generic bag of "Cheddar and Sour Cream Ruffled Potato Chips". Sometimes yellow food dye can be a trigger and clearly this was. I was very careful with every thing else I ate as I really don't like to mix migraines and Handouts.

But I figure the headaches work on my humility and keep me usable.

But I got about 50 Bibles handed out, 3 drivers served as well. I got more candy and supplies.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

I am pretty furious

A co worker called me a liar the other day when I mentioned my nut allergy and admitted to eating nuts "right in front of you, and you didn't get sick". She is ignorant so it is pointless to tell her that any exposure CAN kill me but that is not guaranteed every time. And why would she take the chance anyway? Who does that?

Her, apparently. I am furious. I didn't say anything to her directly because she thinks she's a nice person and won't listen to reason. If I did die I suppose she could go up on criminal charges because she knows I have an allergy.

I did put this up on my Facebook:

AI Overview

Learn more

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when the body's immune system overreacts to an allergen.

Causes:

Common allergens include foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish, milk), insect stings, medications (e.g., penicillin), and latex.

Symptoms:

Symptoms can develop rapidly and may include:

Hives, swelling, or redness of the skin
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing

Low blood pressure

Rapid heart rate

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness

Throat tightness or swelling

Treatment:

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The first step is to administer an epinephrine (adrenaline) injection. Other treatments may include:

Oxygen therapy, Intravenous fluids, Antihistamines, and Corticosteroids.

Prevention:

Identify and avoid known allergens.

Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if you have a history of anaphylaxis.

Inform healthcare providers about any allergies.

Additional Information:

Anaphylaxis can occur in people of any age, including infants and children.

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the reaction.

Some people may experience a delayed reaction hours after exposure to the allergen.

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of anaphylaxis, even if you have previously had a mild reaction.

Monday, March 3, 2025

3PM Monday

This morning was hideous. More on that later but I am pleased how Metro handled it.

It's been a long and tiring day with a long ride home.

I am considering doing a video blog later.

I'm having a hard time getting going today

I just kept waking up last night.

A very long time ago, Ron and I were talking on the bus. He was telling me about some of his former drug use. He would tell the story of how he spent $1,000 on cocaine in one weekend. How he spent $1,000 a month on pot, etc. We were too broke for any of that now.

He said he found it sad that he had money when he didn't have love, but love when he didn't have money. When he did have money he liked to take me out for dinner at mid range restaurants.

Anyway I said, what do you think I would have trouble with? Drug classes, I mean. He thought about it for a moment and rapped out a quick reply: uppers.

Days like now I see what he meant.

Sunday, March 2, 2025

I work for the Lord

First day off in a week, my only day off for another 5 days, brutal headache.

Screw you, headache. I'm getting it all done anyway.

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=KGYE9VMwR9w&si=wvAUHOcp73JnJ1lv

I don't know how, but I'll do it.

That was interesting, I was walking to the bus stop with my handcart and passed under some oak trees. I am violently allergic to pretty much all Houston Tree Pollen, especially oak. I began sneezing violently and the headache vanished!

The store wasn't too bad. I had a sponsor send me kid's Bibles AND a check "For candy or whatever". You know I was going to spend it! I got $15 worth of candy at work. I got $40 worth of candy today. I forgot to get ziplocks but I am OK for a bit. I also got some outreach stuff.

I don't like to talk about what I do. I have said in the past, when I get picked up from the grocery store I like to provide a hearty snack for the driver, something to drink and eat, one of my evangelism candy bags. I generally get the same driver going both ways that applied today as well.

I got pretty good at profiling people on what snacks they'd like, so I can look at an older guy and say 'Nacho Doritos and a Coke" or a younger person and say 'Hot chips and a bottle of water". I had her profiled as one of those super-healthy-I-don't-eat-candy types. So I got her some fruit. It was NOT expensive this is a budget grocery. A cold bottle of water, the candy.

She almost cried when I gave it to her and explained "They call me the candy lady but you look like a healthy eater so I got that, I did put some chocolate in there, though" she said "Oh, I love chocolate" started rooting around in the bag (they all do) and thanked me.

If I'm going to bring the Gospel I need to bring the Gospel. With love, respect, and care. That's my job!

Walmart pays the bills but I work for the Lord.

Saturday, March 1, 2025

Saturday morning

I still had the migraine yesterday.

I left the house wearing my "Cat Lady" ball cap which was very helpful for keeping the sun out of my eyes. My first bus was late and I had to run for my second bus.

When I got on I heard a voice saying "It's about time! I don't have time to wait on you! I've got places to be!" It was a homeless man who begs in front of my store. I was dying to say something like "I'm going to work to pay taxes so you get your entitlements and you're going to spend all the money you make begging on drugs and alcohol" but I didn't. I just ignored him. But he's not getting any more candy.

Speaking of candy I handed some out to a police officer (he looked very stressed but was standing around waiting on something) recently, also lots of bus drivers of course, and my bank all the ladies there. I thought it was interesting, I was at the window doing my business and counted the tellers, handed that over, she said "Oh Mary is coming in an hour can we get one for her?" of course!

A sponsor sent me money for candy "or whatever" so I bought a huge sack yesterday at work. That's why I was at the bank, putting in the check.

After the bank my appetite suddenly came back and I realized I was better, so I got some lunch. That held me all night. Everyone was thrilled I was going to be working tonight. That's good to know they appreciate having me around.

I also did more of the job everyone hates, the person who reports to my boss came by several times and "caught" me doing it. She was very pleased. You don't have to tell me what to do, tell me what you expect, once and that's all I need.

Another employee has been dumping work on me - I already did a lot of her work and got her caught up, now she is hiding it, letting it pile up again, and tried to dump it on me again via a third party. I told her no. I also notified the boss who is "Going to deal with it". I am fine helping out with a few things now and then but I'm not doing your job for you.

She had been coming around our area for a while and I told the team lead she was talking to, "This woman is bipolar, you're going to have trouble with her" and was told to MYOB. OK. Now you have her, and a mess on your hands, just like I said. It was not my boss' call to hire her someone else did.

I got some shoes after work, a red pair and a tan/white/orange pair. My old shoes are OK but they generally don't last very long. A basic pair of shoes is good for about 3-4 months. I walk miles a day in those shoes, stand and walk for 12 hours at a time, that adds up. What I'm doing now with the insoles is working. I'll put up a post tomorrow.

I really like the people I work with and almost all of my customers. That is a good place.

I'm going to get more candy tomorrow. It is nice to have a good budget for that.

I gave my boss some of her favorite candy (since I didn't have to spend "my" money on evangelism I spent some of it on her) and told her "This is yours you don't have to share it!" She was like a little kid, it was adorable. She has a hard job, God has given me a tremendous amount of insight and empathy for her.

All the regulars are getting their hours cut; my hours increased slightly to 33.5. I think that's positive. I have split days off the next couple weeks but I figure God has drivers for me to outreach. I'm OK with that.

That's it for now!