.
.
I am supposed to get the police report faxed to my insurance, get my insurance information collected and in to the chiropractor, get some female to male fittings as a possible fix for the new faucet, I have been looking for (and finally found) one of my password scribble sheets for some other business, get to the town hall to get local utilities in my name, buy airline tickets for my my Mom, and... some other stuff. Finding anything has been impossible. I am trying to do far too many things in a home that is not yet (even nearly) operational and I still have stuff in storage.
Beyond what needs to be done I seem to be crashing. It could be because I feel overwhelmed (which I do not, actually, if harried). Or it could be just the way things are and have been for a long time with me. I was able to wake a bit earlier today. I am going to try to go to sleep a bit earlier tonight. This tug of war is a pain, that of sleep and wakefulness. But at least I am staying awake a fairly decent period of time, say 12 to 16 hours a day, and that time is functional (if I am not yet up to using it more fully physically or organizationally). Still, as I have said before, when stuck I just give one (or all) project(s) a time out and then come back and hit it (or them) when and how I can.
I had hoped to do a number of things today, but finding paperwork, which I needed to do what I had hoped to do, simply did not happen. The codes will allow me to do some business, but I needed to fax something and it just is not available here and now. My chiropractor has a copy, so I will get a copy of their copy, and send that to my insurance company. However, my chiropractor needs information from my insurance company, but the woman who needs the fax is not the right woman to give me that information. So, you can see, this like the faucet, has ended up being a seemingly never-ending 'cat chases tail, tail eludes cat, everything gets a bit fuzzy, hairy, sticky, and...' tale. My whole life, right at this moment, is like that.
My finger, by the way, keeps swelling. I have been being very careful with it. Still, a bump, a jolt, a f&^)ing faucet, or the cat have jostled, pushed, pressed, bent, or otherwise gotten it every day, several times a day. Maybe I took the sling back a bit prematurely. Though I would be in even worse shape with that still on. The back is coming along, mostly. But the neck and shoulders are still a bit touchy. I have been looking for the Tylenol, as the aspirin has caffeine in it (which seems to help me wake up not a wit, yet will keep me from sleeping allllll nighttttt longgggg).
I may still go into town tonight, to look for the fittings, take back the shower head and a watch I purchased at Wal-Mart, and look for wrench sets. I would love one day were I did not have to go into town. How about 3 days. How about a week! I hate going into that town. I love the town, mind you, as towns go. I hate the traffic. With one way, mostly, from north to south, through this region of the state and Idaho, that being right through town, the main thoroughfares are busy, hostile, stupid places with accidents all the time, traffic being bumper to bumper from one side of town to the other some large part of the time, and all else foolish regarding too much traffic on too few roads, with drivers who refuse or unable to think to use conveniences like turn lanes. But more, I simply like staying home! If more people had the option to never leave their homes, they honestly would not do so. Maybe not all, but most would be quite happy getting out only a few days a week for social, business, and fun. Hiking on Tuesday, for example, in which either on the way out or way back one does business. Dinner Thursday with so-and-whozitzs at their place, home, or some agreed upon restaurant, doing more business on the way. Just saying.
Eventually I will figure some of this out and it will slow down enough that I can get a better grasp on what I am doing. I realize, too, what seems fast and busy is actually quite light. I have become a lightweight and, if I want it, will have to push through some of my own issues where I can, and try to dig in a bit. With real projects, the satisfaction gained from certain jobs which will by needs initially need to be simple, and from necessity, I am hoping to expand my world here. The cat, for example, is receiving at least decent care, attention, feeding, and water. I had been letting her out often, but that is going to stop. She vomits a bit to often. I will now be letting her out far less. I see her eat grass almost every time. I do not think she understands she does not need to do that every time she goes out. Anyway, a few times a week, and then on the back porch until she does what I know she will do.
Well, off I go. A few items, the fittings, might actually see to the kitchen sink being usable and one job off my list. I am truly hoping so.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
When you say...
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More on the UPS. I thought about what you wrote, D.C., then when I had some quiet time, decided to look around a bit. I sort of muddled my way through some material, and from a quick and nasty, came to a few items. This as a power source and this as a solar panel controller. I have had it suggested that 25 amps, per battery (I think?), at 12 volts, should do the trick. Why a 60'ish amp power supply and a 12/24/48 volt controller? Simple, so that I could use a two battery system, potentially 3 batteries(?) for my back up. I would guess one battery could offer, what, 2 to 8 hours of backup? And I would guess that 2 or 3 batteries would only double or triple the back up time? (I am, I think, underestimating the time... though with a larger crt screen monitor and a reasonably powerful computer, maybe not.)
Well, just doing some thinking in that little space between being awake and not being awake and thought I would run this by you. If you would rather not talk shop heavily, that is cool too though. At least you know this thing really is a bee and I might be wearing a bonnet. Doh! Those have been bookmarked. The bookmarks will lead me to other items of similar natures. And, if I ever do finalize a plan of purchase attack, I will then begin price shopping. Ackh, curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back. But is that not the truth!?!
.
More on the UPS. I thought about what you wrote, D.C., then when I had some quiet time, decided to look around a bit. I sort of muddled my way through some material, and from a quick and nasty, came to a few items. This as a power source and this as a solar panel controller. I have had it suggested that 25 amps, per battery (I think?), at 12 volts, should do the trick. Why a 60'ish amp power supply and a 12/24/48 volt controller? Simple, so that I could use a two battery system, potentially 3 batteries(?) for my back up. I would guess one battery could offer, what, 2 to 8 hours of backup? And I would guess that 2 or 3 batteries would only double or triple the back up time? (I am, I think, underestimating the time... though with a larger crt screen monitor and a reasonably powerful computer, maybe not.)
Well, just doing some thinking in that little space between being awake and not being awake and thought I would run this by you. If you would rather not talk shop heavily, that is cool too though. At least you know this thing really is a bee and I might be wearing a bonnet. Doh! Those have been bookmarked. The bookmarks will lead me to other items of similar natures. And, if I ever do finalize a plan of purchase attack, I will then begin price shopping. Ackh, curiosity killed the cat, satisfaction brought it back. But is that not the truth!?!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
No! I think I might actually have a much easier plan.
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An exchange fitting! That might do it. I am not sure how well it will work, though it is worth a shot. Rather than replace the (mostly) functional water valves, I may see if they have a female to male fitting which would span the sizes. Tomorrow, that is what I will do. It came to me today, but I had other things going on and could not get to the hardware store. That, I think, might be a lot easier.
As for adding valves to the outlets, that may come sooner than later. The previous owner had purchased inline water heaters to replace the existing ones. The downstairs heater is currently gas, the upstairs heater is currently electric. The replacements are correct for what exists. Now, with inline, would I really need to add disconnect valves at both the inlet and outlet piping? I do not know (though I think maybe more so than ever). Still, unless it is proscribed, I would probably go ahead with it. Of course, on those items, I do believe I will eventually have someone else install those.
When I figure out how to get the cash back as a first time home buyer, I plan on having at least a furnace installed (perhaps central air or a swamp cooler depending on how this summer goes). He might be the guy to ask. Even if he does not do this, he would very possibly have a good handle on someone else who does, what is required, how easy of a job it might be, and such. No, no, after the sink and for now, I think I'll stick with having even bigger jobs done by professionals. I am clearly out of my league. Actually, it might be a good thing the faucet "happened". I might have seriously gotten in over my head. Or, more over my head.
Breath... Breath... (kick something?) Breath... Nah, it is not really that bad. More like being somewhere you cannot bend over and having an itch on one's ankle. Yeah, something like that. Well, except for a few moments during or right after it all seems to go wrong...
.
An exchange fitting! That might do it. I am not sure how well it will work, though it is worth a shot. Rather than replace the (mostly) functional water valves, I may see if they have a female to male fitting which would span the sizes. Tomorrow, that is what I will do. It came to me today, but I had other things going on and could not get to the hardware store. That, I think, might be a lot easier.
As for adding valves to the outlets, that may come sooner than later. The previous owner had purchased inline water heaters to replace the existing ones. The downstairs heater is currently gas, the upstairs heater is currently electric. The replacements are correct for what exists. Now, with inline, would I really need to add disconnect valves at both the inlet and outlet piping? I do not know (though I think maybe more so than ever). Still, unless it is proscribed, I would probably go ahead with it. Of course, on those items, I do believe I will eventually have someone else install those.
When I figure out how to get the cash back as a first time home buyer, I plan on having at least a furnace installed (perhaps central air or a swamp cooler depending on how this summer goes). He might be the guy to ask. Even if he does not do this, he would very possibly have a good handle on someone else who does, what is required, how easy of a job it might be, and such. No, no, after the sink and for now, I think I'll stick with having even bigger jobs done by professionals. I am clearly out of my league. Actually, it might be a good thing the faucet "happened". I might have seriously gotten in over my head. Or, more over my head.
Breath... Breath... (kick something?) Breath... Nah, it is not really that bad. More like being somewhere you cannot bend over and having an itch on one's ankle. Yeah, something like that. Well, except for a few moments during or right after it all seems to go wrong...
Dremel does work.
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It took a bit, and I took breaks as I was pushing the little machine pretty hard. The old faucet is now off. I initially tried to use the Dremel to sand the place under where the old faucet sat but that did not work well. Having no sandpaper of any other kind around, I looked around to see what else to use. Steel wool! I keep that for occasional use on steel and cast pots and pans. It worked well.
I then began figuring out how to get the new contraption in and what to do. I read the instructions, and they seemed pretty straight forward. Then, looking over the faucet unit, I noticed other instructions though of a very vague nature. So, I pull out the instructions again. Nothing about this whatsoever. Not a clue. So, I did what I thought the instructions were telling me to do and, being pretty sure I did all I was supposed to do, began weaving it in, setting up the sprayer, tightening the various (different from each other, but whatever!) plastic nuts on the various attachments.
Then I get to the point where I need to attach the sprayer hose to the faucet unit. The unit has 3 hose attachments and, from the instructions, it seems the shortest one is for the sprayer. Good, so I tape that up with silicon tape, hand tighten the hose nut to the pipe, and begin going through my open wrenches. Not this one, that one, the... wait a minute. Slightly larger than 9/16, the pricks used metric! Still, I brave on. I find an adjustable that fits and do gymnastic moves and some threading to get into position to tighten the nut. No small feet, trust me. But I get it into position. Then I have to tinker with the thing, as the nut is long and thin, with very thin sides upon which to secure the wrench. A few minutes of that, or so it seemed, and I get the adjustment right and am able to begin tightening... Other way! Yeah, yeah, yeah... But finally I do tighten it, but not too much. A good deal past what I suspect would be hand tight but yet with room for cranking if I need or want that.
Next, I attach the new flexible hose to the faucet side. It goes on well. Uhrm, did not tape it but I will fix that. As soon as I CHANGE THE F$*@ING WATER FAUCET TO STANDARD! Yes, not standard. I do not think anything in this house is going to be standard, or at least only every other or every third thing. This is NOT GOING TO BE FUN. I suspect I will have to turn off the water to the whole house, drain what I can, and then change both the hot and cold water shut-off valves under the sink. I will have to see if I need to do anything with the hot water heaters. If they have a shut off valve at the exit, I may not have to shut off the whole house water though... if those valves work? But first I will have to find valves that work with the old pipes AND the standard hose. Which means I will probably need to remove the valves before going into the hardware store. That is not going to happen even tomorrow.
I am still going to try and get up early tomorrow (who said I was even smart enough to quit while I am behind?). If that does work, I will get in to city hall. If not, then I will simply try to be up in time to shower and shave, or at least shower, for my appointment. I should look through my movies too. I told my friend I would bring something in to watch at his house on his DVD player. I hate watching plain tv, even the "commercial free" channels anymore. They are so packed with anti-white anti-male anti-American and all the other stuff I despise. So, a movie or three will go with me, movies I trust a bit more and like.
Thursday will not be the day either, at least to pick up the valves. I may find time to take them out though, if possible, and if I do not take them out tomorrow. Come to think of it, I am not even sure if those valves are soldered on or are screw. Ugh, I am hoping for screw but now expecting that they are soldered on. *sigh* I do have a blow torch, but no flux or solder. I have only ever done that for a few things once. It worked, but I am definitely not a professional. Oh, nope, water off outside. I might be able to turn the hot water off at the hot water heater exit (if there are indeed valves there), but I cannot turn off the cold water!
A f*)$ing faucet, that is all. A dripping faucet, put in a new one. How could this be so very hard? Nothing about this operation works as it was supposed to work. Nothing, so far, has been standard, easy, right, or anything. This is definitely a wakeup call.
I must admit, just from what I am going through with the house, I am definitely reconsidering whether I want anything to do with a woman as regards marriage and children. I can only guess that those are a couple of light years more complicated (unless you just do and ignore, planning on a divorce before too long). Ugh... Sigh! Pftftfha...
Update:
Good and bad news, though I think the good news (probably, so far, to my knowledge) outweighs the bad news. The bad news, no exit valves from the water heater (upstairs, so I will not check the downstairs water heater). That means I will have to find out if I need to do anything special, like completely dump(?) the water in the heaters, turn off the burner (for the basement one, the upper one is electric so no(?) problems there, just a switch if that is needed(?)), or whatever else. The good news is that the valves under the sink are twist not solder.
My wounded hand is getting a work out. There is little else I can do though, halfway through the project. I do have a spare kitchen sink in the laundry room, if that is a bit of a bother and I have no real place to set the dishes once washed and rinsed, if a chair, towel, and the drying rack might do somewhat. That stupid hand is going to be the end of me, along with the faucet, I think. Ugh. Oh well, I came, I saw, I dieeeeee!!! Or, uhrm, not.
Oh, and something(s) I now know I need are combination wrenches. My set, if you could call it that, is both incomplete (thanks to a thieving cousin) and has no metric whatsoever. I have been eying those fancy ones, with the snazzy closed end side wrenches that act sort of like sockets, but I am not sure I can afford a decent set of SAE and Metric, and then both in the fancy. Even a standard set, of decent quality, is not going to be cheap. These tools, however, will be used very often, on many projects, through many years. Buying decent (not the most expensive, but certainly not the cheapest) will see me through. I love buying tools, too... but not... right... now... Ugh. Well, at least I know this is not an impulse buy for shiny new thingies I will never use... probably. Bah!!!
Good night, Louise.
.
It took a bit, and I took breaks as I was pushing the little machine pretty hard. The old faucet is now off. I initially tried to use the Dremel to sand the place under where the old faucet sat but that did not work well. Having no sandpaper of any other kind around, I looked around to see what else to use. Steel wool! I keep that for occasional use on steel and cast pots and pans. It worked well.
I then began figuring out how to get the new contraption in and what to do. I read the instructions, and they seemed pretty straight forward. Then, looking over the faucet unit, I noticed other instructions though of a very vague nature. So, I pull out the instructions again. Nothing about this whatsoever. Not a clue. So, I did what I thought the instructions were telling me to do and, being pretty sure I did all I was supposed to do, began weaving it in, setting up the sprayer, tightening the various (different from each other, but whatever!) plastic nuts on the various attachments.
Then I get to the point where I need to attach the sprayer hose to the faucet unit. The unit has 3 hose attachments and, from the instructions, it seems the shortest one is for the sprayer. Good, so I tape that up with silicon tape, hand tighten the hose nut to the pipe, and begin going through my open wrenches. Not this one, that one, the... wait a minute. Slightly larger than 9/16, the pricks used metric! Still, I brave on. I find an adjustable that fits and do gymnastic moves and some threading to get into position to tighten the nut. No small feet, trust me. But I get it into position. Then I have to tinker with the thing, as the nut is long and thin, with very thin sides upon which to secure the wrench. A few minutes of that, or so it seemed, and I get the adjustment right and am able to begin tightening... Other way! Yeah, yeah, yeah... But finally I do tighten it, but not too much. A good deal past what I suspect would be hand tight but yet with room for cranking if I need or want that.
Next, I attach the new flexible hose to the faucet side. It goes on well. Uhrm, did not tape it but I will fix that. As soon as I CHANGE THE F$*@ING WATER FAUCET TO STANDARD! Yes, not standard. I do not think anything in this house is going to be standard, or at least only every other or every third thing. This is NOT GOING TO BE FUN. I suspect I will have to turn off the water to the whole house, drain what I can, and then change both the hot and cold water shut-off valves under the sink. I will have to see if I need to do anything with the hot water heaters. If they have a shut off valve at the exit, I may not have to shut off the whole house water though... if those valves work? But first I will have to find valves that work with the old pipes AND the standard hose. Which means I will probably need to remove the valves before going into the hardware store. That is not going to happen even tomorrow.
I am still going to try and get up early tomorrow (who said I was even smart enough to quit while I am behind?). If that does work, I will get in to city hall. If not, then I will simply try to be up in time to shower and shave, or at least shower, for my appointment. I should look through my movies too. I told my friend I would bring something in to watch at his house on his DVD player. I hate watching plain tv, even the "commercial free" channels anymore. They are so packed with anti-white anti-male anti-American and all the other stuff I despise. So, a movie or three will go with me, movies I trust a bit more and like.
Thursday will not be the day either, at least to pick up the valves. I may find time to take them out though, if possible, and if I do not take them out tomorrow. Come to think of it, I am not even sure if those valves are soldered on or are screw. Ugh, I am hoping for screw but now expecting that they are soldered on. *sigh* I do have a blow torch, but no flux or solder. I have only ever done that for a few things once. It worked, but I am definitely not a professional. Oh, nope, water off outside. I might be able to turn the hot water off at the hot water heater exit (if there are indeed valves there), but I cannot turn off the cold water!
A f*)$ing faucet, that is all. A dripping faucet, put in a new one. How could this be so very hard? Nothing about this operation works as it was supposed to work. Nothing, so far, has been standard, easy, right, or anything. This is definitely a wakeup call.
I must admit, just from what I am going through with the house, I am definitely reconsidering whether I want anything to do with a woman as regards marriage and children. I can only guess that those are a couple of light years more complicated (unless you just do and ignore, planning on a divorce before too long). Ugh... Sigh! Pftftfha...
Update:
Good and bad news, though I think the good news (probably, so far, to my knowledge) outweighs the bad news. The bad news, no exit valves from the water heater (upstairs, so I will not check the downstairs water heater). That means I will have to find out if I need to do anything special, like completely dump(?) the water in the heaters, turn off the burner (for the basement one, the upper one is electric so no(?) problems there, just a switch if that is needed(?)), or whatever else. The good news is that the valves under the sink are twist not solder.
My wounded hand is getting a work out. There is little else I can do though, halfway through the project. I do have a spare kitchen sink in the laundry room, if that is a bit of a bother and I have no real place to set the dishes once washed and rinsed, if a chair, towel, and the drying rack might do somewhat. That stupid hand is going to be the end of me, along with the faucet, I think. Ugh. Oh well, I came, I saw, I dieeeeee!!! Or, uhrm, not.
Oh, and something(s) I now know I need are combination wrenches. My set, if you could call it that, is both incomplete (thanks to a thieving cousin) and has no metric whatsoever. I have been eying those fancy ones, with the snazzy closed end side wrenches that act sort of like sockets, but I am not sure I can afford a decent set of SAE and Metric, and then both in the fancy. Even a standard set, of decent quality, is not going to be cheap. These tools, however, will be used very often, on many projects, through many years. Buying decent (not the most expensive, but certainly not the cheapest) will see me through. I love buying tools, too... but not... right... now... Ugh. Well, at least I know this is not an impulse buy for shiny new thingies I will never use... probably. Bah!!!
Good night, Louise.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Uhrm, nope.
.
.
Right tool, bad faucet, hard water, no go... with the tool anyway. So, I go into the interwebz and look around. It seems a Dremel, cutting disc, and some patients is what I need. Check, check, and... we will see on that last. At first I thought maybe the previous owners, the ones before them, or in any case someone had used super glue to seal the faucet. After looking at the faucet and reading a bit more, it really does just seem to be a mineral buildup seal. One more reason to get a water softener (and a reverse osmosis) system asap. Sorry, the world may be ending, or shutting down for a bit, but until it does, I would like some comforts (and the ability to work with my plumbing!).
I have been using the Dremel, cutting through what I can. Even with a rather good flashlight, though, it is not easy to see as well as I would like to see. I have cut, if seemingly not completely, a fifth to an eight (depending on how far through I really am) of the first "nut" off and worked a bit on the second. I am not sure how long the Dremel can run, continuously, so I am taking a break. At least I did not have to go buy a Dremel too. Still, this is starting to get frustrating. Whatever. I suppose, with the help of the Dremel, some patients, and that punch and chisel set, I will work my way through the gunk either tonight hopefully, or sometime tomorrow.
I had not thought about sealer goo until I ran into the problem with the socket like tool. However, after reading up a bit, it seems a gasket that (should have) come with the faucet is all I will need. Thankfully too, as I would hate to have to make another run to the hardware store, or at least sooner than the next thing or for one more thing actually (as I do need to return a shower head and find a different one). Wish me luck, please?!?
.
Right tool, bad faucet, hard water, no go... with the tool anyway. So, I go into the interwebz and look around. It seems a Dremel, cutting disc, and some patients is what I need. Check, check, and... we will see on that last. At first I thought maybe the previous owners, the ones before them, or in any case someone had used super glue to seal the faucet. After looking at the faucet and reading a bit more, it really does just seem to be a mineral buildup seal. One more reason to get a water softener (and a reverse osmosis) system asap. Sorry, the world may be ending, or shutting down for a bit, but until it does, I would like some comforts (and the ability to work with my plumbing!).
I have been using the Dremel, cutting through what I can. Even with a rather good flashlight, though, it is not easy to see as well as I would like to see. I have cut, if seemingly not completely, a fifth to an eight (depending on how far through I really am) of the first "nut" off and worked a bit on the second. I am not sure how long the Dremel can run, continuously, so I am taking a break. At least I did not have to go buy a Dremel too. Still, this is starting to get frustrating. Whatever. I suppose, with the help of the Dremel, some patients, and that punch and chisel set, I will work my way through the gunk either tonight hopefully, or sometime tomorrow.
I had not thought about sealer goo until I ran into the problem with the socket like tool. However, after reading up a bit, it seems a gasket that (should have) come with the faucet is all I will need. Thankfully too, as I would hate to have to make another run to the hardware store, or at least sooner than the next thing or for one more thing actually (as I do need to return a shower head and find a different one). Wish me luck, please?!?
Busy day.
.
.
It started late, the day that is. I tried to rise early, knowing it would probably not work. I set the alarm for 8:00 but did not rise until 12:00. I need to get up to take care of that last utility situation. But more, I want to try and be up early to get some things done in the daytime. With appointments so many days a week, a few other tasks I need to complete regarding business, and some odds and ends type work or such around as well, finding the time to do more lawn and house work has been difficult. I will just keep trying.
My previous landlords found a book about hiking trails here locally. They gave it to me, so I now have a better resource. I will be looking through it this week and figuring out when and where I will go on my first actual hike. I have not started walking to the dam lake outside of town yet, I have not had the kind of time to devote to anything like that since I moved in. I would guess it will be a 2 to 3 hour affair with nothing else doable during that time. And with getting up late plus everything else on my list, it has not been at all possible. It is, however, still on my list. Swimming really draws me, though the walk/hike will be good to get me in some kind of walking shape as well.
I did find a tool for the plumbing work needed. I could have gotten a less expensive minimalist tool or the one I did buy. The one I bought is a multi-tool which works on everything from multiple types of plastic "nuts" to the sink's drain holder basin fixture. I thought, being that I will be working on lots of plumbing eventually, that a more sure and much more versatile tool was the way to go. I forgot to take the shower head back and pick up a new one, but I will be in town again tomorrow. I have no choice.
After my appointment, I picked up my friend and we headed into the mountains. This time we went off the main road, into the mountains a goodly bit, through the mountains to the next pass, and back around. On the way we shot a few rounds and just talked. When we got back, I talked him into going to an eatery called the Smokin' Blues, I think. I can do without the Blues, I do not care for the so-called music. I think of it as the precursor to rap, actually. But smoked meats are near to my heart. Maybe too near if you believe a thing out of a doctor's mouth (which I do not). He was afraid the prices would be too steep. The food was great, the music was soft enough, and the prices were quite good. A half a chicken, for example, was right at $10. I had to try a bit of everything, and did. It cost a bit more but I now know what I like. I will continue to stop there, though might just order to go. My favorite, as might be expected, was brisket. I ordered way too much and they offer a lot on top of it, so I have munchies for tonight! I think I will be able to talk my friend into going there once or twice a month mixed in with our other usual suspects in the restaurant roundup.
A little blog reading. Maybe a comment. This post. Cat loving mixed in with those things. And now maybe the kitchen faucet. I would love to sleep after that, but I do not think I will be able to sleep. I hate that. When I cannot control my sleep and waking, I feel like a treed cat, not sure how to get down or whether to go further up to find a better path down. How to sleepppp! And still wake up at an early hour. I still have not played my games yet, but I might after the faucet is in. It will not help me sleep, but it is something entertaining to do while I cannot sleep. And, at times, it can frustrate me enough to sleep too. Bah!
Good night, or maybe, until later. Be well.
.
It started late, the day that is. I tried to rise early, knowing it would probably not work. I set the alarm for 8:00 but did not rise until 12:00. I need to get up to take care of that last utility situation. But more, I want to try and be up early to get some things done in the daytime. With appointments so many days a week, a few other tasks I need to complete regarding business, and some odds and ends type work or such around as well, finding the time to do more lawn and house work has been difficult. I will just keep trying.
My previous landlords found a book about hiking trails here locally. They gave it to me, so I now have a better resource. I will be looking through it this week and figuring out when and where I will go on my first actual hike. I have not started walking to the dam lake outside of town yet, I have not had the kind of time to devote to anything like that since I moved in. I would guess it will be a 2 to 3 hour affair with nothing else doable during that time. And with getting up late plus everything else on my list, it has not been at all possible. It is, however, still on my list. Swimming really draws me, though the walk/hike will be good to get me in some kind of walking shape as well.
I did find a tool for the plumbing work needed. I could have gotten a less expensive minimalist tool or the one I did buy. The one I bought is a multi-tool which works on everything from multiple types of plastic "nuts" to the sink's drain holder basin fixture. I thought, being that I will be working on lots of plumbing eventually, that a more sure and much more versatile tool was the way to go. I forgot to take the shower head back and pick up a new one, but I will be in town again tomorrow. I have no choice.
After my appointment, I picked up my friend and we headed into the mountains. This time we went off the main road, into the mountains a goodly bit, through the mountains to the next pass, and back around. On the way we shot a few rounds and just talked. When we got back, I talked him into going to an eatery called the Smokin' Blues, I think. I can do without the Blues, I do not care for the so-called music. I think of it as the precursor to rap, actually. But smoked meats are near to my heart. Maybe too near if you believe a thing out of a doctor's mouth (which I do not). He was afraid the prices would be too steep. The food was great, the music was soft enough, and the prices were quite good. A half a chicken, for example, was right at $10. I had to try a bit of everything, and did. It cost a bit more but I now know what I like. I will continue to stop there, though might just order to go. My favorite, as might be expected, was brisket. I ordered way too much and they offer a lot on top of it, so I have munchies for tonight! I think I will be able to talk my friend into going there once or twice a month mixed in with our other usual suspects in the restaurant roundup.
A little blog reading. Maybe a comment. This post. Cat loving mixed in with those things. And now maybe the kitchen faucet. I would love to sleep after that, but I do not think I will be able to sleep. I hate that. When I cannot control my sleep and waking, I feel like a treed cat, not sure how to get down or whether to go further up to find a better path down. How to sleepppp! And still wake up at an early hour. I still have not played my games yet, but I might after the faucet is in. It will not help me sleep, but it is something entertaining to do while I cannot sleep. And, at times, it can frustrate me enough to sleep too. Bah!
Good night, or maybe, until later. Be well.
Cannot sleep... (ugh) So...
.
.
A few things I noted while looking around the interwebz.
I thought they loved him? Perhaps Europe just does not like any American president or pResident as some folk prefers to credit the quota in chief...
Hmm, and a UPS (uninterpretable power source) you can be sure about. Perhaps it would not be cheap, but it would last as long as you want and you might learn a thing or three putting it together. Definitely for the dyi'ers. I am not sure I am up to the task or the cost, but uhrm... when has that ever stopped me? Doh! I hate, simply hate, when I get a bee in my bonnet. First, the whole bonnet business. The bee is almost secondary. Though none of that is really the point!
Does anyone else see cause and affect in any of this? I love it when socialists laud a dictator who creates national problems and then compounds them, while claiming to be the hero. This is not even a fast one, it is a slow pitch and they still miss it. Ignorance is bliss, until it kills you?
Oh, and political correctness is getting way out of bounds, here, here, and here for a few examples.
I knew of some others very like this, and long before the recession, however I could not find articles about them. This is one (of many, many) examples of our fine government at the truthful peak of performance.
And this is the last item, if not about a lighter subject, offering an upper-hand to an underdog, sort of. I certainly disagree with women, often, harshly, and beyond my means of always expressing rationally... but uhrm, I love em' and I do not like seeing them hurt or forced into something that should be an act of love or even duty if nothing else at times. So, there is this.
.
A few things I noted while looking around the interwebz.
I thought they loved him? Perhaps Europe just does not like any American president or pResident as some folk prefers to credit the quota in chief...
Hmm, and a UPS (uninterpretable power source) you can be sure about. Perhaps it would not be cheap, but it would last as long as you want and you might learn a thing or three putting it together. Definitely for the dyi'ers. I am not sure I am up to the task or the cost, but uhrm... when has that ever stopped me? Doh! I hate, simply hate, when I get a bee in my bonnet. First, the whole bonnet business. The bee is almost secondary. Though none of that is really the point!
Does anyone else see cause and affect in any of this? I love it when socialists laud a dictator who creates national problems and then compounds them, while claiming to be the hero. This is not even a fast one, it is a slow pitch and they still miss it. Ignorance is bliss, until it kills you?
Oh, and political correctness is getting way out of bounds, here, here, and here for a few examples.
I knew of some others very like this, and long before the recession, however I could not find articles about them. This is one (of many, many) examples of our fine government at the truthful peak of performance.
And this is the last item, if not about a lighter subject, offering an upper-hand to an underdog, sort of. I certainly disagree with women, often, harshly, and beyond my means of always expressing rationally... but uhrm, I love em' and I do not like seeing them hurt or forced into something that should be an act of love or even duty if nothing else at times. So, there is this.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Online at last.
.
.
It was quirky getting the Big Internet Company to finally decide whether they could or would even install internet here and then it took some time, after two weeks of dithering, to actually have internet installed, but it is done. I also had them install a phone with the package as it saved me a bit more than $120 dollars over a stand-alone internet installation fee over the period of the phone deal. Unfortunately, the phone is not quite as useful since during a power outage, it will go down as well being connected through a dual use modem. Whatever, at least I do now have a local phone number.
All utilities, save city water and garbage are now in my name and working. Internet is on, of course. Getting to town hall between 9:30 and 11:30 has been problematic to date. Today I simply could not wake up, though for a number of reasons which I will get to later. The house proper is coming together. The kitchen has been cleaned and about 1/2 of my kitchen is back together. I am washing everything as I unpack it as it has been in storage for a year. The rest of the unpacking is a bit slower, my main focus is on the kitchen. Still, some pieces, parts, clothes, and such are being roughly sorted, collected in groups of likes, with some of it coming out of the boxes and being put away more properly. For example, my camping, climbing, and reloading gear is going into what will most likely become my ammunition reloading area. All will probably fit nicely, along with the assembled reloading station and reloading components when I am finished. It is an odd little room which must have been something similar too a very old fashioned walk-in cloak room. It has a sliding door, shelving, a high enough ceiling for good use of the shelves, coat hooks all around, and hanger bars. Clothes, as they are being pulled out, are being washed and hung up properly as well. As I said though, these other things are secondary to the kitchen.
In the kitchen I ran into my first snag. The faucet was dripping. Well, I took particular umbrage at the faucet and decided to change it. Fine, a right proper response I think. Well, okay, so I attempted to turn the water off under the sink. I still do not have lefty loosey, righty tighty down when the valve is located oddly to a standard frontal position. I ended up turning the water at a higher rate and the rubber flex hose for the cold water sprang a leak! I was trying to do this late at night as I could not sleep so I thought I would make myself useful. Ugh. The faucet was cranky and I simply did not seem to be able to get it turned off. I ended up washing myself, under the sink, and right on down to the basement floor. I ran around like a chicken with one head less than usual and hopped from leg to leg, while scratching my head and making odd and sometimes threatening noises for a bit. Finally I decided to give the valve one more shot. Sure enough, this time I turned the water off. Ugh. I toweled myself, under the sink, and the floor of the kitchen off, letting the basement floor air dry, then called it a night.
I have since purchased a new faucet, new and better flex hose, and... punches and chisels. After looking around under the sink, I realized the old faucet is attached using those plastic 4 winged nuts. No tool I have or could think of would reach up into that narrow access to turn those, thus the punches and chisels. I have yet to try to undo those "nuts" yet, but it is on my list. I have not checked the flexible hoses either, though I am really hoping they are simply standard.
Beyond that, the shower nozzle in the second bathroom was springing a major leak when I tried to shower with it. I tried to tighten it only to realize the threading was so messed up the thing could not be repaired or tightened so as to work. I went to Wal-Mart and bought a flexible metal multi-hinged affair, similar to the shower head in the bathroom in the master bedroom. It, however, does not work. The hinges cannot be tightened well enough to hold the device up, so it keeps drooping. I was able to tighten it so that there were no leaks however! Ugh. So, I have to take it back. I would like to find another like it but I do not think I will buy it at Wal=Mart.
No garden has been installed. I simply have not had enough time, or the energy when I have had the time. I really hope to get it in soon, but I simply can make no promises. Digging out a 5 x 5, or better 5 x 7, area by hand through very thick dense grass is not as easy as it seems, and of course I still have physical problems.
I did have the stitches removed from my hand. I gave that hand about 4 days to heal, using it for almost nothing and using a sling to make sure it was not used. I then waited a couple of extra days before going in for the removal of the stitches in order to give the finger more time to heal after rather heavy usage that first week after it was cut. This seemed to work. I thought the hand and finger were about ready for use. While going through the boxes, I found the Dyno-Flex gyro exercise tool I used to use in Iowa. I thought I would use that to strengthen the hand a bit before really digging in. Not such a good plan, however, I think this was much better than if I had simply started ripping into work in that I was doing controlled amounts of finger and hand stress. It is surprising how weak a hand gets and how fast, by the way. After a few days of increasing usage, I realized the wound was opening again. It did not open enough for me to go back in, but it was enough to let me know I had to back off. So, another week of (only mostly, but definitely mostly) one handed work is in the offing. *sigh*
Further, I have been going to the chiropractor. He says there are no shortcuts and that this will be 3 times a week for 6 weeks, and then a re-evaluation. However, I have been feeling very rough. Last night I had to take a bunch of aspirin to get past the pain. All the pain and stiffness was in my neck, my back is doing better. But the headache, nausea, and general soreness were nearly on par with a migraine. The aspirin did the trick, but not until 3:00 or 4:00, after initially trying to sleep without taking anything at 22:00 and giving in to aspirin at 2:00 or so. I have felt very tough this way for 4 or 5 days now. Another week like this and I will simply stop going in for treatments. I will just tell him what I have told every other doctor who, when prescribing something that does not work, insists that what I really need is more of the same, just harder... "NO THANK YOU!".
Still, those are the bad things. The good things are: Having my own home; Being with a cat friend; Having a lot of projects that if complicated, annoying, expensive, and time consuming are real, have a personal impact, and are very satisfying once completed, both to mind and function(!) ; and, Being able to take care of things a bit at a time, over time, as I can, and still really getting somewhere with it all, even when it seems like I am completely stuck. When stuck, I just give it a few moments or days as may be needed, hit it again, and repeat if necessary or simply finally get that project nailed.
My mother suggests she will be coming out for a couple of weeks in July. I need to get her tickets, and with the internet up and running, that should not be a problem. Money is getting tight, and with each necessary project, I become a little more concerned. I still have to buy a lawn mower (and then use it, ugh), and probably a weed whip. A wheelbarrow would be very nice as well. The previous owners were a bit eccentric. They placed big rocks in odd places (and tried to grow evergreens on them?). Anyway, the wheelbarrow would be great for other projects as well, including creating a garden. And, I would like to get my herbs and spices going before long. But that means potting soil and some sort of planters (though yogurt cups work splendidly in the short run). Have you priced any of this stuff lately? My word, do they think we grow money? Even small pots, for example, at Wal=Mart, seem to be in the $5 and up range. Not bad unless you want 10 to 20 of them. Ugh. Ha!
But it is all good. Sorry for the length of this post, but I wanted to give you a chance to catch up as well as I could. It is not the same as if I had posted everyday. Then again, it is all meat, give or take. It might even be slightly whine lite? Ha. Tha... tha... that's all folks.
.
It was quirky getting the Big Internet Company to finally decide whether they could or would even install internet here and then it took some time, after two weeks of dithering, to actually have internet installed, but it is done. I also had them install a phone with the package as it saved me a bit more than $120 dollars over a stand-alone internet installation fee over the period of the phone deal. Unfortunately, the phone is not quite as useful since during a power outage, it will go down as well being connected through a dual use modem. Whatever, at least I do now have a local phone number.
All utilities, save city water and garbage are now in my name and working. Internet is on, of course. Getting to town hall between 9:30 and 11:30 has been problematic to date. Today I simply could not wake up, though for a number of reasons which I will get to later. The house proper is coming together. The kitchen has been cleaned and about 1/2 of my kitchen is back together. I am washing everything as I unpack it as it has been in storage for a year. The rest of the unpacking is a bit slower, my main focus is on the kitchen. Still, some pieces, parts, clothes, and such are being roughly sorted, collected in groups of likes, with some of it coming out of the boxes and being put away more properly. For example, my camping, climbing, and reloading gear is going into what will most likely become my ammunition reloading area. All will probably fit nicely, along with the assembled reloading station and reloading components when I am finished. It is an odd little room which must have been something similar too a very old fashioned walk-in cloak room. It has a sliding door, shelving, a high enough ceiling for good use of the shelves, coat hooks all around, and hanger bars. Clothes, as they are being pulled out, are being washed and hung up properly as well. As I said though, these other things are secondary to the kitchen.
In the kitchen I ran into my first snag. The faucet was dripping. Well, I took particular umbrage at the faucet and decided to change it. Fine, a right proper response I think. Well, okay, so I attempted to turn the water off under the sink. I still do not have lefty loosey, righty tighty down when the valve is located oddly to a standard frontal position. I ended up turning the water at a higher rate and the rubber flex hose for the cold water sprang a leak! I was trying to do this late at night as I could not sleep so I thought I would make myself useful. Ugh. The faucet was cranky and I simply did not seem to be able to get it turned off. I ended up washing myself, under the sink, and right on down to the basement floor. I ran around like a chicken with one head less than usual and hopped from leg to leg, while scratching my head and making odd and sometimes threatening noises for a bit. Finally I decided to give the valve one more shot. Sure enough, this time I turned the water off. Ugh. I toweled myself, under the sink, and the floor of the kitchen off, letting the basement floor air dry, then called it a night.
I have since purchased a new faucet, new and better flex hose, and... punches and chisels. After looking around under the sink, I realized the old faucet is attached using those plastic 4 winged nuts. No tool I have or could think of would reach up into that narrow access to turn those, thus the punches and chisels. I have yet to try to undo those "nuts" yet, but it is on my list. I have not checked the flexible hoses either, though I am really hoping they are simply standard.
Beyond that, the shower nozzle in the second bathroom was springing a major leak when I tried to shower with it. I tried to tighten it only to realize the threading was so messed up the thing could not be repaired or tightened so as to work. I went to Wal-Mart and bought a flexible metal multi-hinged affair, similar to the shower head in the bathroom in the master bedroom. It, however, does not work. The hinges cannot be tightened well enough to hold the device up, so it keeps drooping. I was able to tighten it so that there were no leaks however! Ugh. So, I have to take it back. I would like to find another like it but I do not think I will buy it at Wal=Mart.
No garden has been installed. I simply have not had enough time, or the energy when I have had the time. I really hope to get it in soon, but I simply can make no promises. Digging out a 5 x 5, or better 5 x 7, area by hand through very thick dense grass is not as easy as it seems, and of course I still have physical problems.
I did have the stitches removed from my hand. I gave that hand about 4 days to heal, using it for almost nothing and using a sling to make sure it was not used. I then waited a couple of extra days before going in for the removal of the stitches in order to give the finger more time to heal after rather heavy usage that first week after it was cut. This seemed to work. I thought the hand and finger were about ready for use. While going through the boxes, I found the Dyno-Flex gyro exercise tool I used to use in Iowa. I thought I would use that to strengthen the hand a bit before really digging in. Not such a good plan, however, I think this was much better than if I had simply started ripping into work in that I was doing controlled amounts of finger and hand stress. It is surprising how weak a hand gets and how fast, by the way. After a few days of increasing usage, I realized the wound was opening again. It did not open enough for me to go back in, but it was enough to let me know I had to back off. So, another week of (only mostly, but definitely mostly) one handed work is in the offing. *sigh*
Further, I have been going to the chiropractor. He says there are no shortcuts and that this will be 3 times a week for 6 weeks, and then a re-evaluation. However, I have been feeling very rough. Last night I had to take a bunch of aspirin to get past the pain. All the pain and stiffness was in my neck, my back is doing better. But the headache, nausea, and general soreness were nearly on par with a migraine. The aspirin did the trick, but not until 3:00 or 4:00, after initially trying to sleep without taking anything at 22:00 and giving in to aspirin at 2:00 or so. I have felt very tough this way for 4 or 5 days now. Another week like this and I will simply stop going in for treatments. I will just tell him what I have told every other doctor who, when prescribing something that does not work, insists that what I really need is more of the same, just harder... "NO THANK YOU!".
Still, those are the bad things. The good things are: Having my own home; Being with a cat friend; Having a lot of projects that if complicated, annoying, expensive, and time consuming are real, have a personal impact, and are very satisfying once completed, both to mind and function(!) ; and, Being able to take care of things a bit at a time, over time, as I can, and still really getting somewhere with it all, even when it seems like I am completely stuck. When stuck, I just give it a few moments or days as may be needed, hit it again, and repeat if necessary or simply finally get that project nailed.
My mother suggests she will be coming out for a couple of weeks in July. I need to get her tickets, and with the internet up and running, that should not be a problem. Money is getting tight, and with each necessary project, I become a little more concerned. I still have to buy a lawn mower (and then use it, ugh), and probably a weed whip. A wheelbarrow would be very nice as well. The previous owners were a bit eccentric. They placed big rocks in odd places (and tried to grow evergreens on them?). Anyway, the wheelbarrow would be great for other projects as well, including creating a garden. And, I would like to get my herbs and spices going before long. But that means potting soil and some sort of planters (though yogurt cups work splendidly in the short run). Have you priced any of this stuff lately? My word, do they think we grow money? Even small pots, for example, at Wal=Mart, seem to be in the $5 and up range. Not bad unless you want 10 to 20 of them. Ugh. Ha!
But it is all good. Sorry for the length of this post, but I wanted to give you a chance to catch up as well as I could. It is not the same as if I had posted everyday. Then again, it is all meat, give or take. It might even be slightly whine lite? Ha. Tha... tha... that's all folks.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Hmm? I will try this.
.
.
I am trying to blog with my cell. I could not comment, ao I did not think I could post. Out of boredom, I gave it a shot.
I am alive and well, give or take. I am also very busy, behind MY* schedule, and running short of cash. Almost all utilities are
Now in my name. Internet will be hooked up Monday. More about all then.
Just saying "I am alive!", uhrm, because I am and I can. If this works, that is???
Good night!
.
I am trying to blog with my cell. I could not comment, ao I did not think I could post. Out of boredom, I gave it a shot.
I am alive and well, give or take. I am also very busy, behind MY* schedule, and running short of cash. Almost all utilities are
Now in my name. Internet will be hooked up Monday. More about all then.
Just saying "I am alive!", uhrm, because I am and I can. If this works, that is???
Good night!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
They do read.
.
.
I think I struck a nerve here, with the people I am staying with. My statement was not aimed at them at all, but at limousine liberals. They do sail, or have. My comment regarding something about not being able to sail, more of that last (or, shut the ____ up). Although it might have been the whole of the article. However, it is a rather cold night here. Not for my part, I really have no worries about differences. So, I am guessing they read here. They either took that as a personal attack or the whole thing as a slight.
I suspect others read here too. Behind enough systems, I cannot see them. I have noticed that others also have strange reactions, sometimes strangers (locals), sometimes people with whom I share an association. There were some other comments which lead me to believe they have read back quite a bit.
I am not sure if they, whoever reads here, realizes that some fact, some fiction, some thinking without connection, and other types of writing occur here, but it does. This is a journal, a fiction novel of sorts, and a place to let my mind roam and explore... possibilities. Some related to real life, some wholly imaginative scenarios.
I suppose reading here for absolute fact is like seeing a branch in calm wind and assuming that it is always straight and rigid, that it will always be attached to the tree, and probably some other suppositions which are not always or even fundamentally true. And I have a huge imaginative reservoir and many real and unreal to me and others questions for the world, myself, others, and God. Most people have such "straight" lives, they cannot imagine my life, thoughts, nor understand my writing. But then, I am not actually writing for others. I certainly do not advertise, make known, or otherwise invite. Those who are here are just that, and stay, comment, read, or go quite on their own. I suppose the rest have no clue I exist and no interest about me, here, or what I write, think, or believe. All good.
Anyway...
Neck is still a bit tweaky, the back feels better, the hand is still problematically cranky, and I may be getting a fever and some other stuff. I did, finally, start the antibiotics if perhaps a wee late. I will wash and freshly bandage the thing shortly.
I do not know when I will blog again though. They are letting me stay tonight, and tomorrow as I will not be able to sort out bedding while everything is being loaded over. But they want the machine out in the morning and me out Friday but a call to Comcast was unsuccessful in getting me set up there, or even having connection scheduled. The Indian I spoke with did not understand me well, I think, and said he could not find service in the area for me. But after speaking with the Post Office Mistess, I know Comcast serves the area (with cable internet, definitely high speed). Anyway, this is it for a bit.
Have a good life until then!
.
I think I struck a nerve here, with the people I am staying with. My statement was not aimed at them at all, but at limousine liberals. They do sail, or have. My comment regarding something about not being able to sail, more of that last (or, shut the ____ up). Although it might have been the whole of the article. However, it is a rather cold night here. Not for my part, I really have no worries about differences. So, I am guessing they read here. They either took that as a personal attack or the whole thing as a slight.
I suspect others read here too. Behind enough systems, I cannot see them. I have noticed that others also have strange reactions, sometimes strangers (locals), sometimes people with whom I share an association. There were some other comments which lead me to believe they have read back quite a bit.
I am not sure if they, whoever reads here, realizes that some fact, some fiction, some thinking without connection, and other types of writing occur here, but it does. This is a journal, a fiction novel of sorts, and a place to let my mind roam and explore... possibilities. Some related to real life, some wholly imaginative scenarios.
I suppose reading here for absolute fact is like seeing a branch in calm wind and assuming that it is always straight and rigid, that it will always be attached to the tree, and probably some other suppositions which are not always or even fundamentally true. And I have a huge imaginative reservoir and many real and unreal to me and others questions for the world, myself, others, and God. Most people have such "straight" lives, they cannot imagine my life, thoughts, nor understand my writing. But then, I am not actually writing for others. I certainly do not advertise, make known, or otherwise invite. Those who are here are just that, and stay, comment, read, or go quite on their own. I suppose the rest have no clue I exist and no interest about me, here, or what I write, think, or believe. All good.
Anyway...
Neck is still a bit tweaky, the back feels better, the hand is still problematically cranky, and I may be getting a fever and some other stuff. I did, finally, start the antibiotics if perhaps a wee late. I will wash and freshly bandage the thing shortly.
I do not know when I will blog again though. They are letting me stay tonight, and tomorrow as I will not be able to sort out bedding while everything is being loaded over. But they want the machine out in the morning and me out Friday but a call to Comcast was unsuccessful in getting me set up there, or even having connection scheduled. The Indian I spoke with did not understand me well, I think, and said he could not find service in the area for me. But after speaking with the Post Office Mistess, I know Comcast serves the area (with cable internet, definitely high speed). Anyway, this is it for a bit.
Have a good life until then!
A rough one.
.
.
Sleeping through the night was not possible. I think it is just that there are too many things happening for me to settle well. Well, the neck, back, and finger are not helping either. I woke around midnight or 1:00 and was finally able to sleep again around 4:00 or 5:00. My memory is not good without rest, and I was neither really awake or asleep all night anyway.
My appointment with the chiropractor today was the first thing on my list. I barely dragged my bones out of bed to shower and dress. A little late, but there was a great deal of paperwork to fill out first anyway. Next came testing and x-rays. I did surprise the doctor with my hand grip. It was 144 ft/lb (or whatever measure they use). I did not tell him I could squeeze harder even today or that today I was just not into doing stupid pet tricks... tired, sore, and distracted... Of course, if I had squeezed harder, I would have started to hurt my fingers. I am just not up for more pain right now, of any kind.
Just doing the minor things to check flexibility, I became nauseous. A bit of time on some relaxation table though, helped. Then some adjustments. He suggested that he usually does not do adjustments right away, but that he would be gone, to a conference, the following day. I am to go back Friday and then Monday. It seems a bit much, but then I do not count how many stitches or bandages or wipes a traditional doc uses, so I will go with it for now. My neck really is and was giving me fits and was not improving (or getting worse). My lower back is either a bit numb or throbs. Whatever. I figure that I will give this about 2 weeks and then recover as I may after that.
Sometimes I wonder about these things. Am I just being a big baby? Even with my finger, am I being too sensitive? Of course, then I bump it or stretch it too much doing something and the reality hits me. Same with the neck, I crane too far to do my usual head-on-a-swivel and ACKH! No, they are real. I suppose that goes back to my worry that I am not really "ill" in the other aspect. Too many shrinks and doctors who dither between coddling and blaming me, I suppose. And my natural proclivity to strive, succeed, work (and belief in work?), and whatever. I just cannot believe that I cannot somehow simply stand, walk, and go do whatever I want!
Ah well. I will try to stay awake the full day in order to sleep well tonight. Perhaps I will grab my friend and head to my home town, check on the cat, see about setting up cable, find out about utilities, and maybe let him go out shooting. Handguns and rifles do not sound fun to handle with a back, neck, and hand all out of whack. Still, I might just enjoy watching someone else put a few downwind. Yes, I might indeed.
I have nothing else actually slated for today. Those things listed above are optional, if they would be very nice. Tomorrow is the moving day. I will be meeting them at a parking area, we will consolidate, and then head to the storage facility. I really cannot help yet, and for more reasons than just the finger. Hmmm, you know, just in case, I ought to buy some smelling salts. Thanks for that, Jean! I knew I forgot something. And as c rickety and awful as I am feeling, it might come in handy sooner than later. Ugh... my new candy?
Bah, it's still all a gas! Have a good day.
.
Sleeping through the night was not possible. I think it is just that there are too many things happening for me to settle well. Well, the neck, back, and finger are not helping either. I woke around midnight or 1:00 and was finally able to sleep again around 4:00 or 5:00. My memory is not good without rest, and I was neither really awake or asleep all night anyway.
My appointment with the chiropractor today was the first thing on my list. I barely dragged my bones out of bed to shower and dress. A little late, but there was a great deal of paperwork to fill out first anyway. Next came testing and x-rays. I did surprise the doctor with my hand grip. It was 144 ft/lb (or whatever measure they use). I did not tell him I could squeeze harder even today or that today I was just not into doing stupid pet tricks... tired, sore, and distracted... Of course, if I had squeezed harder, I would have started to hurt my fingers. I am just not up for more pain right now, of any kind.
Just doing the minor things to check flexibility, I became nauseous. A bit of time on some relaxation table though, helped. Then some adjustments. He suggested that he usually does not do adjustments right away, but that he would be gone, to a conference, the following day. I am to go back Friday and then Monday. It seems a bit much, but then I do not count how many stitches or bandages or wipes a traditional doc uses, so I will go with it for now. My neck really is and was giving me fits and was not improving (or getting worse). My lower back is either a bit numb or throbs. Whatever. I figure that I will give this about 2 weeks and then recover as I may after that.
Sometimes I wonder about these things. Am I just being a big baby? Even with my finger, am I being too sensitive? Of course, then I bump it or stretch it too much doing something and the reality hits me. Same with the neck, I crane too far to do my usual head-on-a-swivel and ACKH! No, they are real. I suppose that goes back to my worry that I am not really "ill" in the other aspect. Too many shrinks and doctors who dither between coddling and blaming me, I suppose. And my natural proclivity to strive, succeed, work (and belief in work?), and whatever. I just cannot believe that I cannot somehow simply stand, walk, and go do whatever I want!
Ah well. I will try to stay awake the full day in order to sleep well tonight. Perhaps I will grab my friend and head to my home town, check on the cat, see about setting up cable, find out about utilities, and maybe let him go out shooting. Handguns and rifles do not sound fun to handle with a back, neck, and hand all out of whack. Still, I might just enjoy watching someone else put a few downwind. Yes, I might indeed.
I have nothing else actually slated for today. Those things listed above are optional, if they would be very nice. Tomorrow is the moving day. I will be meeting them at a parking area, we will consolidate, and then head to the storage facility. I really cannot help yet, and for more reasons than just the finger. Hmmm, you know, just in case, I ought to buy some smelling salts. Thanks for that, Jean! I knew I forgot something. And as c rickety and awful as I am feeling, it might come in handy sooner than later. Ugh... my new candy?
Bah, it's still all a gas! Have a good day.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
An interesting notion.
.
.
Having lived next door to a small but growing family in Iowa, I was allowed a little insight into children, their roles in the family, and some solid adult participation. With parents who do their best, and want the best, for their children, as really good role models. I am sure it was not perfect. I saw the parents weary, become flustered, and I saw them get through it. I watched the children go through everything from supplication to rebellion, and find their place in the end. And all things happening at the various levels of the participants, in cycles, as each grew. And, yes, it strengthened my notion about having a family.
Here, now, I live with a couple. They are quite attached to each other. They too have their highs and lows, good and bad, if these are more muted they certainly exist. They have come to compliment each other as if there was no other way they even know how to exist. Of course, sometimes they do their own things. But, and to my great surprise, these times are small and mostly merely by exterior need or happenstance and not by choice or the 'need' for space. It is a wonderful thing to observe. And, I do try to neither merely "observe" (or spy) nor intrude. Though sometimes I have questions, asked as tastefully as I may.
It seems as if God keeps showing me what possibilities there are, and how good and bad they can be. And yes, I can see around corners (through steel, concrete, wood, cloth, sinew, bone, and right to a soul, at times). I see the losses, I see the difficulties, I do not miss much. I do think the cost is well worth the gain. I do not want my friend's family or the Mr.'s Mrs. Not that they are bad, only that they could never be mine. But I think I would like to follow in their footsteps. I think they are all miles ahead. And I would like to think that I might be able to create my own little world with a wife, and then with children.
Yes, I think so. I do not know how to cross those rivers, climb those mountains, or get over into those paths. And I really do not think there is any one way. I think I simply have to head in that direction, work and maybe push myself and situations a bit, and between will and fate, I will find myself on the other bank of this river of life, not quite sure how I got there. It is as magical and yet as mundane as all that. God's will? Who can know. For me specifically? He knows, I do not. But, I think so, I do.
This came to me and I wanted to put it out or I would be mulling it ALL NIGHT!
Good night.
.
Having lived next door to a small but growing family in Iowa, I was allowed a little insight into children, their roles in the family, and some solid adult participation. With parents who do their best, and want the best, for their children, as really good role models. I am sure it was not perfect. I saw the parents weary, become flustered, and I saw them get through it. I watched the children go through everything from supplication to rebellion, and find their place in the end. And all things happening at the various levels of the participants, in cycles, as each grew. And, yes, it strengthened my notion about having a family.
Here, now, I live with a couple. They are quite attached to each other. They too have their highs and lows, good and bad, if these are more muted they certainly exist. They have come to compliment each other as if there was no other way they even know how to exist. Of course, sometimes they do their own things. But, and to my great surprise, these times are small and mostly merely by exterior need or happenstance and not by choice or the 'need' for space. It is a wonderful thing to observe. And, I do try to neither merely "observe" (or spy) nor intrude. Though sometimes I have questions, asked as tastefully as I may.
It seems as if God keeps showing me what possibilities there are, and how good and bad they can be. And yes, I can see around corners (through steel, concrete, wood, cloth, sinew, bone, and right to a soul, at times). I see the losses, I see the difficulties, I do not miss much. I do think the cost is well worth the gain. I do not want my friend's family or the Mr.'s Mrs. Not that they are bad, only that they could never be mine. But I think I would like to follow in their footsteps. I think they are all miles ahead. And I would like to think that I might be able to create my own little world with a wife, and then with children.
Yes, I think so. I do not know how to cross those rivers, climb those mountains, or get over into those paths. And I really do not think there is any one way. I think I simply have to head in that direction, work and maybe push myself and situations a bit, and between will and fate, I will find myself on the other bank of this river of life, not quite sure how I got there. It is as magical and yet as mundane as all that. God's will? Who can know. For me specifically? He knows, I do not. But, I think so, I do.
This came to me and I wanted to put it out or I would be mulling it ALL NIGHT!
Good night.
I stopped in to Lowe's.
.
.
Kitchen cabinets, several types of flooring, and a few other things to look at were on the list. They have so much and there is so much more in other places. But in looking I am informed that what looks like a complete sale is actually only part of the sale. Some things I had considered, some things had been overlooked. Sub-flooring for the tile, for example, had been on the list. That would be less than $300. The tiles could run from $200 to $600 (and up, but I am discussing what caught my eye). Cabinets were from $150 per linear foot, with some added benefits. However, I had not considered trim, kick plates, etc. for that. Hardwood flooring was more like $4 to $9 per square foot, plus much more complex installation. Thankfully I have less than 100 square foot, more like 60 I think, in the dining area off the kitchen. But it all adds up and fast.
One of the men I spoke with had really good information. I was, to say the least, impressed with the full range of his assistance. He, like me, is middle class, likes certain things, and figures out how to get them. I looked at some impressive marble tile. It is on sale at less than 1/3rd what that material generally costs. Marble? Me? Maybe... seriously. It is not 58 cents per square feet as the least expensive material is, more like 3 times that, but... Marble, and beautiful marble.
Okay, after coming out of candy land, my head is spinning. The second man I spoke with offered me a manual within which are instructions for measuring and diagramming the kitchen (and off room as well, or I am going too), so that their experts can look it over and optimize material use, considering measurements, a potential kitchen island, appliances, outlets, floor levels (so it is all flat, level, even), and some other considerations. Yes, my head is spinning.
Something else I am looking into... water rights and a possible well. That whole process, especially here, is nearly insane. I have heard that dealing with the office that deals with that is a good way to go loopy. Obtaining the services of a licensed water engineer is probably the way to go. Though, as with anything, there are no guarantees. Getting a license to drill means obtaining underground water rights. Those rights only offer, if done correctly, a permit to drill. It seems, from what I have seen, that these rights and the process to the license seem to be priced at about $4k. Drilling, from what I have heard, costs around $12 a foot, including good surface to water piping, though that seems too cheap? Of course, that does not include pump, wind/sun/other power source and hookups, or piping to the house and wherever else one would want the water. Nor does it guarantee the water drilled too, if found at all, would be usable, healthy, tasty, or anything.
Yes, projects. Yes, work, money, design, thought, and a lot of hope. But this is what I have. If I were not doing these things, and more (think re-roofing the chicken coop, cleaning out the stables (little ones, goat sized), rabbit cages or even possibly barrel warrens, and typical upkeep), what would I be doing with my time and money? Games? Blogging? I think I can still do those. College? We will see, but keeping busy in off (and even "on") times is important. So much to do. A world to rework!
Oh, and though it is my home and my acreage, it is not. I am merely a caretaker who has been given responsibility for this place. I cannot own it. If I did, when I die, I would take it with me would I not? So, as a man who has stepped up to the plate of responsibility, it behooves me to do my best. Ah, the trick is to do it reasonably, financially soundly, within my health limitations (with the hope that I can stretch the borders of that), and sanely... Ugh. But it is a joy. I see things, great and small, in my mind. I hope to see some of those things fruit.
Good night:)
.
Kitchen cabinets, several types of flooring, and a few other things to look at were on the list. They have so much and there is so much more in other places. But in looking I am informed that what looks like a complete sale is actually only part of the sale. Some things I had considered, some things had been overlooked. Sub-flooring for the tile, for example, had been on the list. That would be less than $300. The tiles could run from $200 to $600 (and up, but I am discussing what caught my eye). Cabinets were from $150 per linear foot, with some added benefits. However, I had not considered trim, kick plates, etc. for that. Hardwood flooring was more like $4 to $9 per square foot, plus much more complex installation. Thankfully I have less than 100 square foot, more like 60 I think, in the dining area off the kitchen. But it all adds up and fast.
One of the men I spoke with had really good information. I was, to say the least, impressed with the full range of his assistance. He, like me, is middle class, likes certain things, and figures out how to get them. I looked at some impressive marble tile. It is on sale at less than 1/3rd what that material generally costs. Marble? Me? Maybe... seriously. It is not 58 cents per square feet as the least expensive material is, more like 3 times that, but... Marble, and beautiful marble.
Okay, after coming out of candy land, my head is spinning. The second man I spoke with offered me a manual within which are instructions for measuring and diagramming the kitchen (and off room as well, or I am going too), so that their experts can look it over and optimize material use, considering measurements, a potential kitchen island, appliances, outlets, floor levels (so it is all flat, level, even), and some other considerations. Yes, my head is spinning.
Something else I am looking into... water rights and a possible well. That whole process, especially here, is nearly insane. I have heard that dealing with the office that deals with that is a good way to go loopy. Obtaining the services of a licensed water engineer is probably the way to go. Though, as with anything, there are no guarantees. Getting a license to drill means obtaining underground water rights. Those rights only offer, if done correctly, a permit to drill. It seems, from what I have seen, that these rights and the process to the license seem to be priced at about $4k. Drilling, from what I have heard, costs around $12 a foot, including good surface to water piping, though that seems too cheap? Of course, that does not include pump, wind/sun/other power source and hookups, or piping to the house and wherever else one would want the water. Nor does it guarantee the water drilled too, if found at all, would be usable, healthy, tasty, or anything.
Yes, projects. Yes, work, money, design, thought, and a lot of hope. But this is what I have. If I were not doing these things, and more (think re-roofing the chicken coop, cleaning out the stables (little ones, goat sized), rabbit cages or even possibly barrel warrens, and typical upkeep), what would I be doing with my time and money? Games? Blogging? I think I can still do those. College? We will see, but keeping busy in off (and even "on") times is important. So much to do. A world to rework!
Oh, and though it is my home and my acreage, it is not. I am merely a caretaker who has been given responsibility for this place. I cannot own it. If I did, when I die, I would take it with me would I not? So, as a man who has stepped up to the plate of responsibility, it behooves me to do my best. Ah, the trick is to do it reasonably, financially soundly, within my health limitations (with the hope that I can stretch the borders of that), and sanely... Ugh. But it is a joy. I see things, great and small, in my mind. I hope to see some of those things fruit.
Good night:)
Done, done, scheduled, done, much better, ongoing but wel...
.
.
So much to do! Everything, I think, has been hit on. Some things are completed, quite a number of events are scheduled, and my hand is in a much better way.
I received the quote for repairs today. I was a bit surprised at how low it was actually, coming in at slightly over $700. After some discussion, repairs are planned for Monday morning. An all day event it seems. All good by me. Next, I got the oil change and checkup done today, if I was 15 minutes late. While I was waiting, I strolled to a nearby bookstore, an event I used to do much more frequently.
With the queerification of book stores, and art in general, the dearth of good modern writing, and all the other jazz, I had lost interest. I saw, again, why I no longer go upon entering the place. Still, I looked around. Ignoring feminist vampires and queer super heroes, I headed to a section of books related to classic high art. Printed in China, the first book said. Moving on, I noticed a section about Utah. Something might be there. I first fingered and let my eyes discover some of a book about canoeing and kayaking on Utah flat waters, or was it broader to include even some whitewater? That is not my thing, or yet, still I lingered. Then I moved on. Some history of towns and areas in the state. Interesting to be sure. And in time, something to pursue as leisure time arrives. Maps, of course, took some of my attention. And then I found one, then another, book on my list.
The hitchhiker's guide to Utah! Well, not quite. The first book I saw was a hikers guide to Uintah area. That is not far off, so I scrolled over the cover and sipped some of the pages. Interesting, close, but too far for regular visits and too limited in scope. Perhaps there was some other book there, something more general and yet more specific in some ways. At first it looked like there were simply two of the books I was holding, but a second look identified the other tome to be missing Uintah and simply having Utah listed. A brief look let me know this was the book for me. The guide even indexed the various trails according to interest, such as canyons, flowers, geology, and more importantly experience and capacity of the hiker(s)! I now have a guide for, perhaps weekly?, excursions.
After this, a trip to my home town to set up my mail service. So much like where I was raised. The small little post office, the kindly lady behind the counter, and a friendly greeting. After some greeting, introductions, and some minor chatter, we got to work. She even found a box high enough that I do not need to bend at all. We set the thing up, filled out a change of address card mostly (I still need to complete that and turn it in), and ID and some signatures, a transfer of keys, and the deal is set. I still need to take in closing papers in order to verify my name to the given address. She made sure to let me know to have my mail addressed to the post box and NOT my street address. Having come from just such an arrangement growing up, I assured her I would do so. Though I suggested that there would still be material coming in from financiers and such to the street address as I had no address but that up to this point. Though, I also suggested I would ameliorate the situation as soon as possible. Uhrm, I did not use that term. I think she would have looked at me a bit askance, then started thinking of me as a "funny guy" sort... or worse. Ha!
After that, a mostly pleasant drive back to my current abode. I think I missed the call from the representative of the Knights of Columbus, but I still do not have the name and address of the storage unit. Being a little tired though, I decided instead to research chiropractic clinics. I found little of use online, so I went by when the doctor (clinician?) was licensed, preferring middle over old or young. Oh Noes! He's ageist! Pshah... Right! I have set up an appointment for 10:00 am in the morning.
Now, to get that address and the name of my storage company. I think I can do that online as well. I do not know the number, however. That is no problem as I know where it is in the complex and I will need to be with them as it is keypad restricted and I will not give that out. As well, it might simply be easier to meet somewhere where people can park, we can take just a few vehicles including the hauling truck, and proceed that way. A big lot, like one Wal-Mart has, far from the store, should do? Yes, I think so. There simply is not good parking at where I am staying or at the storage facility.
And finally, my hand... Oh my what a splint and good bandaging does to help and prevent extra pain! I may not be genius, but I can be practical. Though the pencils would have worked, these bamboo slats are perfect. They are strong and yet flexible, perfect for splints, and with an added natural curve that surrounds the finger as well. Of course, I have the Mr. here to thank for that particular stroke of genius. I have a top and bottom one. I think that was my problem yesterday. PAIN! I could not feel all of it but it was quietly digging into my life and psyche. PAIN! It was there, and is still here. But my head is now above the threshold, not down below in animal land.
Well, it is getting done. One job after the next, one project at a time, even on top of being incapacitated and disabled, it is going like clockwork, if not the timing and way I intended. I am off to, maybe?, feed my face... Oh, after finding the address to the storage shed. They will want that anyway, even if my meet and consolidate plan goes forward.
Have a great day!
.
So much to do! Everything, I think, has been hit on. Some things are completed, quite a number of events are scheduled, and my hand is in a much better way.
I received the quote for repairs today. I was a bit surprised at how low it was actually, coming in at slightly over $700. After some discussion, repairs are planned for Monday morning. An all day event it seems. All good by me. Next, I got the oil change and checkup done today, if I was 15 minutes late. While I was waiting, I strolled to a nearby bookstore, an event I used to do much more frequently.
With the queerification of book stores, and art in general, the dearth of good modern writing, and all the other jazz, I had lost interest. I saw, again, why I no longer go upon entering the place. Still, I looked around. Ignoring feminist vampires and queer super heroes, I headed to a section of books related to classic high art. Printed in China, the first book said. Moving on, I noticed a section about Utah. Something might be there. I first fingered and let my eyes discover some of a book about canoeing and kayaking on Utah flat waters, or was it broader to include even some whitewater? That is not my thing, or yet, still I lingered. Then I moved on. Some history of towns and areas in the state. Interesting to be sure. And in time, something to pursue as leisure time arrives. Maps, of course, took some of my attention. And then I found one, then another, book on my list.
The hitchhiker's guide to Utah! Well, not quite. The first book I saw was a hikers guide to Uintah area. That is not far off, so I scrolled over the cover and sipped some of the pages. Interesting, close, but too far for regular visits and too limited in scope. Perhaps there was some other book there, something more general and yet more specific in some ways. At first it looked like there were simply two of the books I was holding, but a second look identified the other tome to be missing Uintah and simply having Utah listed. A brief look let me know this was the book for me. The guide even indexed the various trails according to interest, such as canyons, flowers, geology, and more importantly experience and capacity of the hiker(s)! I now have a guide for, perhaps weekly?, excursions.
After this, a trip to my home town to set up my mail service. So much like where I was raised. The small little post office, the kindly lady behind the counter, and a friendly greeting. After some greeting, introductions, and some minor chatter, we got to work. She even found a box high enough that I do not need to bend at all. We set the thing up, filled out a change of address card mostly (I still need to complete that and turn it in), and ID and some signatures, a transfer of keys, and the deal is set. I still need to take in closing papers in order to verify my name to the given address. She made sure to let me know to have my mail addressed to the post box and NOT my street address. Having come from just such an arrangement growing up, I assured her I would do so. Though I suggested that there would still be material coming in from financiers and such to the street address as I had no address but that up to this point. Though, I also suggested I would ameliorate the situation as soon as possible. Uhrm, I did not use that term. I think she would have looked at me a bit askance, then started thinking of me as a "funny guy" sort... or worse. Ha!
After that, a mostly pleasant drive back to my current abode. I think I missed the call from the representative of the Knights of Columbus, but I still do not have the name and address of the storage unit. Being a little tired though, I decided instead to research chiropractic clinics. I found little of use online, so I went by when the doctor (clinician?) was licensed, preferring middle over old or young. Oh Noes! He's ageist! Pshah... Right! I have set up an appointment for 10:00 am in the morning.
Now, to get that address and the name of my storage company. I think I can do that online as well. I do not know the number, however. That is no problem as I know where it is in the complex and I will need to be with them as it is keypad restricted and I will not give that out. As well, it might simply be easier to meet somewhere where people can park, we can take just a few vehicles including the hauling truck, and proceed that way. A big lot, like one Wal-Mart has, far from the store, should do? Yes, I think so. There simply is not good parking at where I am staying or at the storage facility.
And finally, my hand... Oh my what a splint and good bandaging does to help and prevent extra pain! I may not be genius, but I can be practical. Though the pencils would have worked, these bamboo slats are perfect. They are strong and yet flexible, perfect for splints, and with an added natural curve that surrounds the finger as well. Of course, I have the Mr. here to thank for that particular stroke of genius. I have a top and bottom one. I think that was my problem yesterday. PAIN! I could not feel all of it but it was quietly digging into my life and psyche. PAIN! It was there, and is still here. But my head is now above the threshold, not down below in animal land.
Well, it is getting done. One job after the next, one project at a time, even on top of being incapacitated and disabled, it is going like clockwork, if not the timing and way I intended. I am off to, maybe?, feed my face... Oh, after finding the address to the storage shed. They will want that anyway, even if my meet and consolidate plan goes forward.
Have a great day!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Urhm, I do apologize.
.
.
The swearing and edited swearing is not how I want things to go. I will not edit out, I will live with my mistakes. Getting a little hot under the collar about a dozen things is not a reason. Physical trauma shock is a reason, but I do not think I am quite there, if I have hovered near there a time or two today. Packing the finger will help, though I do not think that was my problem. Then again, I am not sure what my problem was. I know it's been building and worsening for days though.
In any case, there it is. An apology for course language. I will do my best to mind my words better in the future. Sleep well.
.
The swearing and edited swearing is not how I want things to go. I will not edit out, I will live with my mistakes. Getting a little hot under the collar about a dozen things is not a reason. Physical trauma shock is a reason, but I do not think I am quite there, if I have hovered near there a time or two today. Packing the finger will help, though I do not think that was my problem. Then again, I am not sure what my problem was. I know it's been building and worsening for days though.
In any case, there it is. An apology for course language. I will do my best to mind my words better in the future. Sleep well.
Go figure.
.
.
The bandaid will not work. I am going to need to go to Walgreen and ask what might help. My finger needs more support, like it or not, for some time. That or I am going to have to get used to pain every time I move quickly, use the other three fingers on that hand, or handle just about anything. I will simply have to see what they have and what they recommend. I will not say I nearly severed the finger, I will say I nearly severed the flesh on the bottom half of it and that the doctor finished the job making sure I had not cut nerves or tendons (though rightly I think).
I got busy and forgot I was writing this. Back!
Oh, one other thing, they did not even clean the wound. So, I bought hydrogen peroxide, and like the dressing, will do it myself. Thanks, doc. Give my regards to the V.A.! Anyway... Walgreens had finger splints, but for normal sized people. They all came right about exactly to the wound site. The man who was helping me look suggested popsicle sticks. Not knowing where I would get such a thing, I just bought a package of pencils.
I then drove to my home and checked on Sam. Sam, it seems, is the name of my cat. She is about 7 years old. I took food for myself, but will not eat in front of her for now. I did need to add food to her feeder but the water delivery is still good. Oddly, though I was sure I shut all the doors to bedrooms and the back room, specifically so she would not enter those areas, they were all wide open. I have closed them again and will know soon if someone has been in there. That will have to stop. And trust me, it will.
I took the auto in and an appraisal will be forthcoming in the morning. I also contacted someone at the Church who passed my information on to a member of the Knights (of Columbus), who then contacted me. I gave him what information I could and he suggested he will try to line up a group of gents to move sometime this week. I suggested that I would feel much better if I could offer a decent feed and offer some money, to the organization or church, and that I hoped he could consider what I could do. It is not payment, or pay, at all. It is merely being allowed to give at least a token thanks.
Tomorrow I have to take the Xterra into the garage for a (long overdue by the way) oil change and checkup. I could change the oil, but I really cannot do a checkup. And, with dealing with the spent oil, messing with the machine, and other things, this is simply easier. I have some doubts about how much I would save doing it myself either. If I were a competent grease monkey, maybe. I am not. Or yet. As well, I need to call some insurance agent (of some sort) back tomorrow. Though I spoke to mine today, and this other one is out of Des Moines, Iowa, so... Who knows, maybe the company's left and right hands are getting crossed. I also ran out of time to check on a chiropractor today. Another thing to do, of course.
I swear, I am doing more work not moving in than I would have if I had hauled everything... on a bicycle! So be it.
Oh, when I returned to where I am staying, I asked the Mr. if he happened to have a tool by which I could adjust the length of the pencils. Something for him to do and think about! He is a thinker and tinkerer too. Atheist, Catholic, Evangelical... it simply does not matter when it comes to devising, more so on the male side? Yeah. Anyway, he dropped the sitcom, set the book aside, and headed to the garage. I could see the wheels spinning. Pencils? He asked. Hmm, do think this would be... No, this! Bamboo, he said. And from their place in Hawaii. I looked. Strips about 3/4 of an inch to an inch wide and plenty long enough to cut for perfect fits. Nice! We did sight measurements, he cut, and then even sandpapered them to ensure they were safe. I suggested I had some pencils for sale, cheap! Then suggested even if he took the pencils, I probably owed him for the bamboo. Ha.
So, with the gauze, bandage material, hydrogen peroxide, self sticking tape, and these, I should be in good shape. I am more than a little disappointed in the hospital and the poor treatment I got there over some other, non-related health issue, one I was not even there about, though. Zealots really piss me off, especially when through their zealousness they fail to do their fundamental f%c)ing job! Ugh!
.
The bandaid will not work. I am going to need to go to Walgreen and ask what might help. My finger needs more support, like it or not, for some time. That or I am going to have to get used to pain every time I move quickly, use the other three fingers on that hand, or handle just about anything. I will simply have to see what they have and what they recommend. I will not say I nearly severed the finger, I will say I nearly severed the flesh on the bottom half of it and that the doctor finished the job making sure I had not cut nerves or tendons (though rightly I think).
I got busy and forgot I was writing this. Back!
Oh, one other thing, they did not even clean the wound. So, I bought hydrogen peroxide, and like the dressing, will do it myself. Thanks, doc. Give my regards to the V.A.! Anyway... Walgreens had finger splints, but for normal sized people. They all came right about exactly to the wound site. The man who was helping me look suggested popsicle sticks. Not knowing where I would get such a thing, I just bought a package of pencils.
I then drove to my home and checked on Sam. Sam, it seems, is the name of my cat. She is about 7 years old. I took food for myself, but will not eat in front of her for now. I did need to add food to her feeder but the water delivery is still good. Oddly, though I was sure I shut all the doors to bedrooms and the back room, specifically so she would not enter those areas, they were all wide open. I have closed them again and will know soon if someone has been in there. That will have to stop. And trust me, it will.
I took the auto in and an appraisal will be forthcoming in the morning. I also contacted someone at the Church who passed my information on to a member of the Knights (of Columbus), who then contacted me. I gave him what information I could and he suggested he will try to line up a group of gents to move sometime this week. I suggested that I would feel much better if I could offer a decent feed and offer some money, to the organization or church, and that I hoped he could consider what I could do. It is not payment, or pay, at all. It is merely being allowed to give at least a token thanks.
Tomorrow I have to take the Xterra into the garage for a (long overdue by the way) oil change and checkup. I could change the oil, but I really cannot do a checkup. And, with dealing with the spent oil, messing with the machine, and other things, this is simply easier. I have some doubts about how much I would save doing it myself either. If I were a competent grease monkey, maybe. I am not. Or yet. As well, I need to call some insurance agent (of some sort) back tomorrow. Though I spoke to mine today, and this other one is out of Des Moines, Iowa, so... Who knows, maybe the company's left and right hands are getting crossed. I also ran out of time to check on a chiropractor today. Another thing to do, of course.
I swear, I am doing more work not moving in than I would have if I had hauled everything... on a bicycle! So be it.
Oh, when I returned to where I am staying, I asked the Mr. if he happened to have a tool by which I could adjust the length of the pencils. Something for him to do and think about! He is a thinker and tinkerer too. Atheist, Catholic, Evangelical... it simply does not matter when it comes to devising, more so on the male side? Yeah. Anyway, he dropped the sitcom, set the book aside, and headed to the garage. I could see the wheels spinning. Pencils? He asked. Hmm, do think this would be... No, this! Bamboo, he said. And from their place in Hawaii. I looked. Strips about 3/4 of an inch to an inch wide and plenty long enough to cut for perfect fits. Nice! We did sight measurements, he cut, and then even sandpapered them to ensure they were safe. I suggested I had some pencils for sale, cheap! Then suggested even if he took the pencils, I probably owed him for the bamboo. Ha.
So, with the gauze, bandage material, hydrogen peroxide, self sticking tape, and these, I should be in good shape. I am more than a little disappointed in the hospital and the poor treatment I got there over some other, non-related health issue, one I was not even there about, though. Zealots really piss me off, especially when through their zealousness they fail to do their fundamental f%c)ing job! Ugh!
Oil, doom, and gloom.
.
.
Please, knock off the nonsense.
Is what is happening bad? Sure enough, and on many levels. And? First of all, about the only way to efficiently end the global need for energy is to kill about one third to ninety percent of the population. Which, of course, is on the menu. But abortion seems to be too little too late for many, so Bill Gates suggests that through "vaccines and medical care" he hopes to REDUCE the world population by 10% to 15%. That is, by the way, pretty close to a quote. Secondly, from what I have seen in the world, shit happens! Really, really. On a personal level and on up to a global level. Man made, act of nature, unknown... shit simply happens. And finally, from what I have seen, the worse the shit the better the outcome in the long run.
No, I do not recommend blowing another well. Neither do I suggest shutting down all rigs and closing drilling permit processes. What I recommend is doing what we can and simply understanding accidents happen. And blame? Best look in the mirror. Whoever you are, wherever you live, you are a party to this. It was your demand, acted upon by a third party, which caused this. You who are against drilling in relatively safe areas on land, where this would not be an issue, are even MORE guilty. You have forced companies to attempt to drill a MILE UNDER AN UNSTABLE BODY OF WATER. What the hell were you thinking? Or, were you simply not thinking, just following your own, if shared, teleprompter?
You want to go agrarian? Me too, but I am doing something about it. And, I am not trying to force the rest of the world to die off in order that those who remain can survive on the LESS EFFICIENT means of food and other production. You guys drive me nuts. Do what you want to do, then tune out the rest. Most of the "big" people, like Al Gore, live on a grotesque diet of your stupidity. Go get a clue.
The oil will eventually be stopped, the damage done will be managed, the government will claim a success it had nothing to do with (this particular rig received an Obama award last year, by the way), and even sea life will come back just fine, probably better than ever.
If you live on that coast, work in the fisheries there, or otherwise this is a very personal heartache, go ahead and vent. I can bite into that, sympathize, and try to understand. If this is not your livelihood or hometown, shut the hell up already. And really, if this merely puts yachting out for you, more of the same of that last.
Of course, to all you squeaker lefties, I do have some good news. Most of Britain's government retirement (and plush they are) funds are tied to BP, heavily. You, if you keep up your protests, lawsuits, and boycotts will more quickly destroy a socialist model. So, keep up the good work. Purely by accident of your own ignorance you are doing a world of good. You were not called useful idiots by accident. It is about time you get something right, if for the (as always regardless of the outcome) wrong reasons. Cheers.
.
Please, knock off the nonsense.
Is what is happening bad? Sure enough, and on many levels. And? First of all, about the only way to efficiently end the global need for energy is to kill about one third to ninety percent of the population. Which, of course, is on the menu. But abortion seems to be too little too late for many, so Bill Gates suggests that through "vaccines and medical care" he hopes to REDUCE the world population by 10% to 15%. That is, by the way, pretty close to a quote. Secondly, from what I have seen in the world, shit happens! Really, really. On a personal level and on up to a global level. Man made, act of nature, unknown... shit simply happens. And finally, from what I have seen, the worse the shit the better the outcome in the long run.
No, I do not recommend blowing another well. Neither do I suggest shutting down all rigs and closing drilling permit processes. What I recommend is doing what we can and simply understanding accidents happen. And blame? Best look in the mirror. Whoever you are, wherever you live, you are a party to this. It was your demand, acted upon by a third party, which caused this. You who are against drilling in relatively safe areas on land, where this would not be an issue, are even MORE guilty. You have forced companies to attempt to drill a MILE UNDER AN UNSTABLE BODY OF WATER. What the hell were you thinking? Or, were you simply not thinking, just following your own, if shared, teleprompter?
You want to go agrarian? Me too, but I am doing something about it. And, I am not trying to force the rest of the world to die off in order that those who remain can survive on the LESS EFFICIENT means of food and other production. You guys drive me nuts. Do what you want to do, then tune out the rest. Most of the "big" people, like Al Gore, live on a grotesque diet of your stupidity. Go get a clue.
The oil will eventually be stopped, the damage done will be managed, the government will claim a success it had nothing to do with (this particular rig received an Obama award last year, by the way), and even sea life will come back just fine, probably better than ever.
If you live on that coast, work in the fisheries there, or otherwise this is a very personal heartache, go ahead and vent. I can bite into that, sympathize, and try to understand. If this is not your livelihood or hometown, shut the hell up already. And really, if this merely puts yachting out for you, more of the same of that last.
Of course, to all you squeaker lefties, I do have some good news. Most of Britain's government retirement (and plush they are) funds are tied to BP, heavily. You, if you keep up your protests, lawsuits, and boycotts will more quickly destroy a socialist model. So, keep up the good work. Purely by accident of your own ignorance you are doing a world of good. You were not called useful idiots by accident. It is about time you get something right, if for the (as always regardless of the outcome) wrong reasons. Cheers.
Yeah? Whatever.
.
.
An unsuccessful call to the church, my local dealership, and return call to an insurance agent, a successful call to one auto shop (on the insurance company's list), a stop at the hospital for a finger checkup and bandage removal, then lunch. Now, more calls and perhaps some travel if necessary.
The hand does hurt worse. The bandage kept the finger rather static. Still, it is good to have the packing gone as it made any use of my left hand complicated. I just have to remember not to jam my hand in my pocket in a wild search for something. While the doctor was looking at this, he gave me a long lecture about my blood pressure. I gave him a "put up or shut up speech" back. He shut up, but had to let one more comment fly on his cowardly way out. That is the, yeah, whatever... Whatever. I was there for my finger, not some high falooting opinion based on an economy to which I am not privy. Why did he not just tell me to spend a million on a house in Hawaii while he was at it? And HE certainly would not treat it or deal with the issue. Scoot.
I have one definite visit this afternoon and would like to have another. I also need to call my landlord from Iowa for a letter indicating that I have not resided at that address since last July. I am hoping to contact the Church today as well, if I can get through. Oh, and I best start the antibiotics. I did get bandages, the ones they suggested, and triple antibiotic cream. Who knows, though, what will get done when. I really hate being a prisoner to conditions. I would have been moved in by now if I had not sliced my finger or been rear ended. The first may have lead to the rush that caused the second... or not. Who knows about even that?
Well, back to it. Good day.
Update: Oh, the hospital was so busy worrying about my high blood pressure they released me without re-bandaging my hand. I wondered about that, but who am I? I just got a message saying if I wanted to come back in I could, since it is SUCH A DEEP WOUND, or just follow some very non-descript instructions on my release papers. Thanks but no thanks... a bandaid will do, and a little triple anti-b ointment. I think I will handle my own stitch removal too, thank you just the same. And anyone wonders why I question medicine??? Thanks for the laughs folks...
.
An unsuccessful call to the church, my local dealership, and return call to an insurance agent, a successful call to one auto shop (on the insurance company's list), a stop at the hospital for a finger checkup and bandage removal, then lunch. Now, more calls and perhaps some travel if necessary.
The hand does hurt worse. The bandage kept the finger rather static. Still, it is good to have the packing gone as it made any use of my left hand complicated. I just have to remember not to jam my hand in my pocket in a wild search for something. While the doctor was looking at this, he gave me a long lecture about my blood pressure. I gave him a "put up or shut up speech" back. He shut up, but had to let one more comment fly on his cowardly way out. That is the, yeah, whatever... Whatever. I was there for my finger, not some high falooting opinion based on an economy to which I am not privy. Why did he not just tell me to spend a million on a house in Hawaii while he was at it? And HE certainly would not treat it or deal with the issue. Scoot.
I have one definite visit this afternoon and would like to have another. I also need to call my landlord from Iowa for a letter indicating that I have not resided at that address since last July. I am hoping to contact the Church today as well, if I can get through. Oh, and I best start the antibiotics. I did get bandages, the ones they suggested, and triple antibiotic cream. Who knows, though, what will get done when. I really hate being a prisoner to conditions. I would have been moved in by now if I had not sliced my finger or been rear ended. The first may have lead to the rush that caused the second... or not. Who knows about even that?
Well, back to it. Good day.
Update: Oh, the hospital was so busy worrying about my high blood pressure they released me without re-bandaging my hand. I wondered about that, but who am I? I just got a message saying if I wanted to come back in I could, since it is SUCH A DEEP WOUND, or just follow some very non-descript instructions on my release papers. Thanks but no thanks... a bandaid will do, and a little triple anti-b ointment. I think I will handle my own stitch removal too, thank you just the same. And anyone wonders why I question medicine??? Thanks for the laughs folks...
Doctors, bandages, and calls.
.
.
There is so much to do today that I am not sure where to start. I think I will go to the hospital first. The bandage on my hand makes doing much else complicated. Still, with another 9 to 11 days before I should be using it... Oh well. Then a call to several places about my auto. A call and maybe a little internet searching for a chiropractor. And then at least one call regarding getting moved. If I have time, I will also try to get some boxes for any little bits still here.
After the calls, of course, I then will have to go places and wait for service, estimates, and whatnot. I suppose I am going to be happy if I actually get one or two things done and have the rest of the projects on a sure schedule to be done. Life and work simply does not happen quickly.
I found my script yesterday and went to the pharmacy. At $4 dollars, I decided that was well within my range and purchased the antibiotics. I did decide to take another painkiller last night and slept well for it. I realized, however, that I had already taken two. I must have taken another the night before without remembering having done so. Oh well. At least they have not given me a grungy sensation, that weird out-of-focus sense that painkillers often give. Then again, I am sleeping through the effects so I am not sure.
The cut actually hurts more this morning than it has so far. Since I do not need to sleep though, and I can handle it, I will go without painkillers. Then again, and in truth, the pain is quite mild... just noticeable (and enough that I would not be able to sleep well, if at all, with the pain). I will, however, begin the antibiotics (which I left in the auto last night and was too tired to retrieve when I realized it at bedtime. I think 4 doses of 500mg per day for 7 days... I think I can, I think I can. I do harp about taking the complete dose and for the full duration and so I will follow my own advice... as I am able. Ugh...
Calling the Church is giving me belly butterflies. I hate asking, let alone begging. When buying a home, money is not quite what it was. I cannot just spend more and wait for the reserves to fill up, it simply does not work that way. And yet I am so nervous about the church after having watched a pro-O "Catholic" threaten to hit one who did not vote for the most pro-abortion pResident on record. Also making him the greatest Uncle Tom in history. And they call ME racist!
Anyway, that must be done. I suppose, like the cat, fate is intervening. I will have a chance to speak with some of the congregants and get some idea about this church. Or maybe they cannot help and I will just figure out how to pay. Life is a trap, it seems. There is no "out". Then again, that is why we have a brain, and a heart and soul? Yeah, okay. Got it.
Well, a shower, shave, and a new day. Have a good day.
.
There is so much to do today that I am not sure where to start. I think I will go to the hospital first. The bandage on my hand makes doing much else complicated. Still, with another 9 to 11 days before I should be using it... Oh well. Then a call to several places about my auto. A call and maybe a little internet searching for a chiropractor. And then at least one call regarding getting moved. If I have time, I will also try to get some boxes for any little bits still here.
After the calls, of course, I then will have to go places and wait for service, estimates, and whatnot. I suppose I am going to be happy if I actually get one or two things done and have the rest of the projects on a sure schedule to be done. Life and work simply does not happen quickly.
I found my script yesterday and went to the pharmacy. At $4 dollars, I decided that was well within my range and purchased the antibiotics. I did decide to take another painkiller last night and slept well for it. I realized, however, that I had already taken two. I must have taken another the night before without remembering having done so. Oh well. At least they have not given me a grungy sensation, that weird out-of-focus sense that painkillers often give. Then again, I am sleeping through the effects so I am not sure.
The cut actually hurts more this morning than it has so far. Since I do not need to sleep though, and I can handle it, I will go without painkillers. Then again, and in truth, the pain is quite mild... just noticeable (and enough that I would not be able to sleep well, if at all, with the pain). I will, however, begin the antibiotics (which I left in the auto last night and was too tired to retrieve when I realized it at bedtime. I think 4 doses of 500mg per day for 7 days... I think I can, I think I can. I do harp about taking the complete dose and for the full duration and so I will follow my own advice... as I am able. Ugh...
Calling the Church is giving me belly butterflies. I hate asking, let alone begging. When buying a home, money is not quite what it was. I cannot just spend more and wait for the reserves to fill up, it simply does not work that way. And yet I am so nervous about the church after having watched a pro-O "Catholic" threaten to hit one who did not vote for the most pro-abortion pResident on record. Also making him the greatest Uncle Tom in history. And they call ME racist!
Anyway, that must be done. I suppose, like the cat, fate is intervening. I will have a chance to speak with some of the congregants and get some idea about this church. Or maybe they cannot help and I will just figure out how to pay. Life is a trap, it seems. There is no "out". Then again, that is why we have a brain, and a heart and soul? Yeah, okay. Got it.
Well, a shower, shave, and a new day. Have a good day.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Pain.
.
.
Yes indeed... sort of.
Last night I could not sleep well. Initially I could not sleep at all. Though when I went to bed I still had no feeling in my finger, and to some degree a goodly part of my hand, something was happening. Those parts were about to wake up and I think I knew it. I did rest a bit. I dozed quite lightly off and on. But sleep was not going to be had. At about 1:00 it came. I could only feel some of it, but I think it was far worse than I could consciously sense. I went into physical shock. I became extremely chilled, a bit nauseous, and had some other sensations I attribute to shock, having only a few weeks back gone through it while fully awake.
I had not taken a pain killer up to that point. First, I hate medicine. Second, I wanted to get a good handle on what type of pain I would encounter and so have a better raw sense of how to handle it. There were a few other minor reasons as well but these given should suffice toward an explanation. By 1:30 I decided to take one of the tabs. I am, by instructions, allowed up to 2 of those pills every 4 hours. I did not want to fully dose in case I needed more. Having an extra step, I think, helps psychologically.
As I said, as well, I do not think I can fully sense pain. What I did feel and the sensation of slipping into shock did allow me to go ahead and do a half dose, that one pill. The bones in my hand hurt and there was pain sensation coming from various parts of my finger. Even the tourniquet area was sore. Weird, perhaps, but I know there was a lot more pain than what I could feel.
After that I slept well. I did have to cover up, bundling very tightly and layering heavily. I shook for a good 15 minutes to a half hour, then warmed enough to sleep. I would guess a few hours later I woke enough to realize I was too warm and kicked my feet out and loosened the cocoon I had created, then slept like a baby the rest of the night. Some pain is sensed this morning, though so mildly that I am not going to take aspirin. I would guess last night was it, minus a major bump or something. The swelling, is down a great deal. It is my guess that as the swelling reduced last night, the nerve became reactivated. Not only did I then become able to sense the pain from the cut and still somewhat swollen area, I also had the pain from the area "waking up", like when you have sat on a leg wrongly for too long and the pins and needles type sensation occurs as that part gets blood back.
The point of the post? I realize I do not sense pain accurately or well. I am desensitized to pain. I fear pain, have no doubt. I fear it far more than I feel it in truth. This is something I need to be aware of in order that I not stretch beyond myself into more serious injury.
I watched Fight Club just now. I had seen it before. I realize that, the movie anyway, talks about certain aspects of my life and persona. I realize I have some of the condition of the main character. I used to think I had that down fully. But watching it this time I realized... my lady friend probably knows more than she has ever said. So have all my women. But I think they understand it far less than even I do. They just have the same 'hiss' and 'screech' reaction as the main female in the show... and a similar very deep love hate relationship with me from what I am. And I have never understood that, so much, until this second viewing of the show. Interesting... to me if no one else.
Well, I'm off to get a shower, go buy some chicken and a six pack, and maybe stop over at my friend's house to check on him. I had let that last bit slide, that of checking on him, for a bit as the house became more pressing. I might have to get him into gardening a bit, just to get him out of his apartment, give him something to do of use (which I think he wants, just needs a reason and some direction), and then to offer him fresh tomatoes and such later. We can always go shooting afterward.
Have a good day.
.
Yes indeed... sort of.
Last night I could not sleep well. Initially I could not sleep at all. Though when I went to bed I still had no feeling in my finger, and to some degree a goodly part of my hand, something was happening. Those parts were about to wake up and I think I knew it. I did rest a bit. I dozed quite lightly off and on. But sleep was not going to be had. At about 1:00 it came. I could only feel some of it, but I think it was far worse than I could consciously sense. I went into physical shock. I became extremely chilled, a bit nauseous, and had some other sensations I attribute to shock, having only a few weeks back gone through it while fully awake.
I had not taken a pain killer up to that point. First, I hate medicine. Second, I wanted to get a good handle on what type of pain I would encounter and so have a better raw sense of how to handle it. There were a few other minor reasons as well but these given should suffice toward an explanation. By 1:30 I decided to take one of the tabs. I am, by instructions, allowed up to 2 of those pills every 4 hours. I did not want to fully dose in case I needed more. Having an extra step, I think, helps psychologically.
As I said, as well, I do not think I can fully sense pain. What I did feel and the sensation of slipping into shock did allow me to go ahead and do a half dose, that one pill. The bones in my hand hurt and there was pain sensation coming from various parts of my finger. Even the tourniquet area was sore. Weird, perhaps, but I know there was a lot more pain than what I could feel.
After that I slept well. I did have to cover up, bundling very tightly and layering heavily. I shook for a good 15 minutes to a half hour, then warmed enough to sleep. I would guess a few hours later I woke enough to realize I was too warm and kicked my feet out and loosened the cocoon I had created, then slept like a baby the rest of the night. Some pain is sensed this morning, though so mildly that I am not going to take aspirin. I would guess last night was it, minus a major bump or something. The swelling, is down a great deal. It is my guess that as the swelling reduced last night, the nerve became reactivated. Not only did I then become able to sense the pain from the cut and still somewhat swollen area, I also had the pain from the area "waking up", like when you have sat on a leg wrongly for too long and the pins and needles type sensation occurs as that part gets blood back.
The point of the post? I realize I do not sense pain accurately or well. I am desensitized to pain. I fear pain, have no doubt. I fear it far more than I feel it in truth. This is something I need to be aware of in order that I not stretch beyond myself into more serious injury.
I watched Fight Club just now. I had seen it before. I realize that, the movie anyway, talks about certain aspects of my life and persona. I realize I have some of the condition of the main character. I used to think I had that down fully. But watching it this time I realized... my lady friend probably knows more than she has ever said. So have all my women. But I think they understand it far less than even I do. They just have the same 'hiss' and 'screech' reaction as the main female in the show... and a similar very deep love hate relationship with me from what I am. And I have never understood that, so much, until this second viewing of the show. Interesting... to me if no one else.
Well, I'm off to get a shower, go buy some chicken and a six pack, and maybe stop over at my friend's house to check on him. I had let that last bit slide, that of checking on him, for a bit as the house became more pressing. I might have to get him into gardening a bit, just to get him out of his apartment, give him something to do of use (which I think he wants, just needs a reason and some direction), and then to offer him fresh tomatoes and such later. We can always go shooting afterward.
Have a good day.
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