Ayn's Multiple World

A Very Long Day

This is us ….

This is us after working with pictures



Hmm, ok this is us getting a handle on it. We can if we try … we also put something to eat in the microwave and took our morning medicine. It’s almost 8:30 am so we’re late, but I think I would have been frustrated anyway. I had a good night with creativity last night, but I can’t yet manage the pictures from the Spring Fling.

Without a credit card I can’t order on-line and I’m having problems keeping the pictures edited for color, because I can’t find a place to save. There are too many pictures to send through email and I’m having trouble with my developing software.

It says it’s having trouble with Jpeg conversion. I’m not sure why … I didn’t realize I had to do that. I tried looking for options having it published on-line and mailed to sister, but that cost abou $5-6 per 20 … that sounds expensive. There are about 110 pictures. About 2 dozen we had to redo the light, and then because I didn’t have my credit card available all the changes I made were erased. It was very frustrating … so I thought I better talk to Sr. before I put a lot more into it. I will get a copy, but if she doesn’t need them, I will try just printing 4 per sheet on regular typing paper and not be concerned with glossies.

That was one of the things yesterday … some of the clients had asked me to bring the camera because they were making scrap books. Because I can’t stand … I don’t make a very good photographer. I tried asking one of my peers who was taking some pictures with a Polaroid, but I insulted her accidently on Friday, so could have figured that was a no-go. More of that later. Then an older lady who does volunteer work had been wondering around looking for something to do … and she said she couldn’t take pictures, but in the process … our friend who was sitting next to us said he could.

Was like WOW … I had no guess that he might. I thought the project was going to need being scrapped and as is his heroism of us … shoot … he’s just my Knight in Shining Armor . We watched people in the room – umm we’re talking Spring Fling now … your keeping up? Anyway it was a large place and set up for about 300 people.

Our friend then walked around looking for pictures … I can see him silhouetted amongst the crowd of people casually in that playful playboy manner of his … He was just so calm and collected. This was much more amazing because he had been feeling sick. I had in favor that he really doesn’t like just sitting. He’s an active person and is always on the move. So, this was a good way for him to interact … and I liked it that Sister would have another reason to appreciate him.

We did fine at the table by ourselves because in and out one of the families we serve was seated next to us. I really like this parent … hehehe her son is one of my troublemakers! But, he’s a good guy. He’s non-verbal, but had a lot of excitement in relating to us that he was seeing a bunch of things that were exciting him. One of the attractions was that there were clowns from the Shriners’ … I guess she’d contracted for 2, but 7 showed up. They were doing things like tricks and balloons and such. I don’t think the clients were particularly drawn to them as much as they provided something to be watching while things were getting settled and people were coming in. I don’t think they were great clowns, but I like the diversity they represented.

There was one very certain problem. On the other side of our table for 10, there were two older priests – one that was particularly old, and then there were two women – one old and one middle-aged. The middle-aged woman had control over that situation, and even though we knew she talked English – she said something to the younger priest – she refused to talk English … It was fine for the parent, because she could speak Spanish and in fact was the moderator for English/Spanish translations. The rude woman though was very condescending. Her looks at us we’re very negative. I don’t know who the hell she was or thought she was, but it was a very disappointing contact. She acted as if she was a princess as she was spoon feeding the older priest. And then the younger priest sitting next to our friend was like absolutely zero in the conversational mode. Our friend offered good information on the center and it was well-paced, but the priest would only nod and say 3-4 word responses, and left it up to our friend to continue the conversation.

I tried a few times as well and was also dead-ended. So, it didn’t take too long and we just disregarded people … fortunately the free dancing started soon after dinner so we had plenty to be watching. I always get the most pleasure from being a part of the clients’ lives. That’s the whole thing of being in this field … they are not as opinionated as “regular people.” They love unconditionally.

One of the inspirational things that had happened was … after the free-dancing started, our friend had left to do whatever and one of the parent’s had stopped to say hi and then soon after her son followed and he’s one of my favorite clients and toward the upper end. I got this smile on my face and asked if they were going to be around for a while, could or would the client like to take some pictures of the dancers. He got this big beaming smile on his face and nodded his head quickly. I don’t know if he’d watched our friend moving through the crowd, but he duplicated it and was sooooo excellent to watch. It seemed that almost every time he stopped to focus on someone … people would put arms around each other and smile toward him. He seemed to be having a very good time … and I think it really gave him an admirable position to be the photographer. I would like to make sure that he gets a copy of the pictures he took. He only had a few feet shots, the vast majority we’re wonderful. The people dancing responded differently to him, then if it had been something else. He is well liked amongst the group. Just so proud of him and his work. He seemed to handle the camera with no problems. Such a cool thing!

As far as the actual performance of the group, that seemed to go very well too. The theme of the event was Mardi gras. So the individuals had made bright colorful masks with feathers and jewels and such. It was very colorful and spectacular.

There were three performances. The first was a presentation of “clackers,” the second was a trio with the rest of the group supporting them in the background, and then there was another performance where the top quarter of the group did a choreographed number. I was very pleased with their performance. They showed confidence and pride. I think the only disappointing part to the general activities, was that I rarely saw Sr. smiling. She looked cranky throughout most of the event, as if she couldn’t be satisfied. She did a little presentation toward the beginning introduction and she is always citing one person, who’s done a lot for the center, but she isn’t the only one and like the volunteers that come in that she holds so highly, neither of these people have participants in the program anymore.

I think this is a put-down to the general parents and siblings who put themselves into the event. She did not mention the people who had gone out of their way to make a difference.

There was one poorer situation as we were leaving. We as true to form left early before all the raffling started. The most pronounced of the parents intelligently had decided to “surprise” sister with an auction for a private sail boat trip. It was for 5 hours and was reportedly to be within a $400 expense. They started the raffling at $100. Last I hear on the way out the door it had gone up to $240, but they were really pushing … and most of the people at the center are not like them.

They are very poor. So, I considered it in poor taste that they were doing this auction without sister’s input and to be asking a public pressuring situation for people to be spending more than their means. I’ll probably here about that when I get back to the center. Sister usually talks about her thoughts of the gathering … and most likely there will be a lot she wasn’t pleased with. BUT, it WAS a successful gathering. Most people seemed to be having a good time, the clients got a chance to sparkle, and money was being raised. It was a big crowd.

I am glad that it is behind us for another year … it makes Sister a little edgy. I do have to worry about that she is going to be now unmerciful as to getting CARF done … it is the next thing on her TO-DO list. But, that is all I want to say about that right now. We are going to be as far as we are and that’ll be about it. I will do the best I can … Try to focus. But, I feel more and more behind each day.

Along with that is going to be acknowledgment that I have to be spending time today on completing the Final paper for Social Psych. Need to be doing more.



BUT, without this blog and what I do here, like at this very moment, seems to be my life thread and I can’t progress until I feel well covered in this area. It is me being me the most. There was some progress on the financial end of things. As sometimes happens it is upon the gentle sledge-hammer nudge of our cable provider.

Simply? They turn off my service. Sheeesh … hate when that happens, but had been expecting it.

Whoops! Side note here … Sister wrote back saying GREAT! Glad that we took pictures. It turns out that her camera had acted up so hadn’t gotten any. She says she hopes it works out. She did give one slight critism. She said sorry that we had to leave early. This is something that is also to be expected, but our friend had been out on his bad cold and he was planning on going out with the family to watch a movie … so he needed to get home and catch a nap. Sister also said she’ll know by the end of the week the results of the fundraising. She said there were tables for 300 – 30 tables and only 2 or 3 vacant seats. I know she was worried when all those clowns showed up … Where was she going to put them?! She also sort of asked would I be in Monday or Tuesday. I don’t really have an answer for that yet. If there were a chance I could finish my Final paper … I might stay home, but otherwise could go back, but then she’d think I would be giving up my Mondays working at home. I’ve got a lot to do with both school and work and have to make the best out of it. I will respond to her email later when I get more of a feel for it. If I can concentrate, I might stay home, but if I’m not getting anywhere, I might just as well go to work. I am worried about my dentures hurting to take out …

I might want that checked out possibly on Monday, which would affect the decision.

Ok, back to the other … this is the side note we wrote our friend last night it about covers everything ;)

We solved one crisis by going to the old bank at Jewel, which wasn't closing so soon. We started the account, and took out $200. We paid $120 for medicine (8 bottles). I'd like to keep $30 and give you the other $50 for now if that's ok. On the way to the bank we also stopped by the mail downstairs. I opened it ... while in the drive and threw out the majority when we got back from the pharmacy right to the dumpster. There was no credit card or money from school. We ordered another card from the bank, but it will be another 7-10 days. They had record of the last one going out, but not being authorized. Maybe it was thrown out with a magazine.

Not sure. Oh ... yes ... you probably guessed it we went immediately to Comcast.

We'd actually called them and found out our late payment was the reason we did not have our Internet. I had to pay $98 to get it turned on, and then I asked when the next amount was due and they said the 25th of March. I let him remind me of the current date being the 24th ... which seems to be tomorrow so I bit the bullet and paid out $220 ... Of most of my bills ... cable is the most important ... ok, meds too. But it’s WAY up there. I'll take as much help as you’re willing to give me with bills. All and all, I think it’s been a great day! You made me feel like a princess!
Ok, back to the post now … I need to think with it being 10 minutes to 10 what else might be necessary to express before making a major change over to the writing (paper).
Hmm, no sweetie pie … AGAIN! I’m guessing he’s sleeping in this morning. I don’t think he has any games this weekend. So, that is a good thing. His son is home so he’ll be staying close to all that. With extra people in and around AND one who also tends to use the computer … I’m not going to think I have to see him today. I did leave an open card invitation to Deb, to stop by and give me a break when she feels bent toward talking.

A word of that and yesterday’s pictures of Deb’s animals - hehehe and some family – if those two things could be distinguished! What had happened is that we’d been talking after the dance when we’d gotten home and somehow the subject came up that I was still having trouble distinguishing her pets … one from another? So, through the IM she was walking me through it and this conversation is what became the dialogue in between the pictures you had seen – the 8 frames. I had told her we were going to diagram it out so that we could comprehend. Sometimes stuff goes over our head and giving it our best try still can’t comprehend things. I think it’s mostly one part, but as long as this one part is out and available, we’ll walk through things with her. So, we put on our OneNote program all the dozen or so pictures she’d sent us according to composition, then started taking out all the He said she said things from the IM … and then we found ourselves placing them in-between pictures, and wallah … that is what happened. I very very much love when this sort of thing happens. I give credit to God … I think he puts us in the right place at the right time … I couldn’t have pre-thought the final affect, but we had a direction and followed our heart. We were very concerned of pleasing Deb. Hehehe I think we did it!!! And, in the meantime … we were pretty chilled out!

Ok ok … anything else? Hmm, remember we want to talk to our son today if he has some minutes … and it might be nice to call our youngest son too? We put out a hello message by IM because we noticed that his account was signed on … but he might have just left the computer going. I think it’s still early for him.
Sr.

We are getting these through to you now … there should be approximately 20 in each file … AOL won’t allow bigger files – I tried. Each should open as you might expect. When You get the blue Picture task screen with the bigger picture above four or five little pictures – At this point … look to the sidebar on the left. Two items down it says “View as a slide show.” Click that … to control screen – look for the standard options (small) at the top right corner.

Also, save (or at least don’t delete the 6 emails that contain the pictures. You can forward them through the email to Nancy, Mrs. Cichon, Sr.s, or anyone else in receiving copies.

I hope you find things in here that you like!

Woohoo! We’re doing it … it’s late 11:30, but we are getting the pictures in the emails!! We figured out how to back them up in a special file … and it kept the changes (quick fixes) for the dark dancing pictures. It’s going to take 6 uploads of about 20 pictures each, but they are going to get through. I’m sending a copy to my place to check them out, but I think they will work for sister. The copies after the first are always the easiest because they don’t need uploading. Cool, cool … we’re now on the third set … things are going smoothly … I don’t expect problems … it will just take some time.

Wow, that was difficult. I’m always happy when we figure something out. Life is much simpler that way. I think Sister is going to be happy with these, though I think she should get the dancing ones from someone else. Ours are lightened now, but look muted. I’m thinking of a few people who might appreciate them. Our friend gets a copy, Deb gets a copy … maybe one more friend, and maybe our mother … that will make her happy. I know Sister is going to be glad to get them right away … we’re still within 24 hours. She’s not one to sit around. Hmm, had to do some adjusting. I was sending through the pictures that had been altered. I think they took more file space, because instead of sending through 20 … I only got 12 in that last batch. I will hold back until I get through that set, though there might be more adjustments. I hope Sr. doesn’t get too discouraged in getting the fewer numbers of pictures of lower class. *Sigh* you can only do what you have to do. Our friend had stood way back to get the pictures and the flash light then was too quick – it got to its effective state, but had not gotten to the attraction at the end of its lens. I think … don’t really understand cameras.

I hope I’m not going to repeat them … It says its uploading 67 and I think 12 is at 77. It should have been, I would think 65 title … *sigh* again we try our best.

This is worthy of a fair contribution though. Oh oh … the last one should have finished, but it aborted the last moment. We’re going to try taking her down to 10. She seems to be uploading fast enough. Might want to look at that set of pictures more carefully … it’s got a strange number now 00. Eh … we’ll see.

Bogging down about 50%. That might be the point it gets to the dark pictures. Eh … what would a contribution be without a few grey hairs. I was sad because I didn’t have anything to do with the fling and I felt helpless. I was glad our friend had a means through taking the pictures to be helpful, but I felt very bad not being able to walk around and help and such. We used to be a very good helper. Ok, almost through … will she take? WooHOOO!! 10 the lucky number!

Well not so lucky … the last set we only got out 7 pictures. Keep trying … we’ve got about 70 pictures through with 40 more to go. Maybe one more short set and then 1 or 2 long sets. This is going to drive sister buggy.

WoooHOOO!!! Done! We completed the project … there were 8 emails total. And, then we sent out a few copies … I don’t know anyone else who might be interested. Let me think … need to finalize here. Nope that’s about it … would like to fix up that file though there are copies in it that don’t belong hold on.

Ok, ok … something is happening over there. Trying to back up the files and clean of the general area some … it’s taking too long to find stuff . Its better if things are in folders. It’s driving me buggy. Sometimes the computer can be soooo slow … AHA reminds me I might want to recharge some batteries hold on. Ok, that was a good idea. Hmm there’s progress on the Spring Fling Picture Album. I wonder if the file deleted the pictures I didn’t want. Maybe not … it says there are 110.

It’s about half way through now … I think the file is going to AOL You’ve Got Pictures. I just wanted to see one last slide show before I put it away.

Wow! That’s great.

Yeeks! That was terrible!

Hehehe ok, so we continue to confuse. After we’d written the first phrase, we were excited from just having watched a clean slide show. BUT, then the program was very sluggish – Word, so was started the long, long process of closing down the computer and getting it up again. We had to force a close, which sorta crashed us … at least that’s what Norton protection told us as it made us wait and wait. I just have faith that my computer is going to keep working if I am just patient enough. So we tried real hard. We caught a few news clips on the way back over. Something very jarring about dismemberment case. I just can’t imagine cutting into human tissue.

Couldn’t be a surgeon either.

Hmm, so where are we at. It’s about 2:30 pm and we haven’t even looked at our Final paper. I think today was the day we had a meltdown. It happens after being out for big events like yesterday. The damage control part is that we aren’t as destructive as we once were. We are not progressing with our time, but … I don’t know … are we self-abusing. We sure aren’t doing what we’re supposed to be doing. Well, with the exception of last night and we really had to do Spring Fling stuff. So, I guess … it’s just that we can’t cut-off from one project to another very easily. Somehow I have to get back to the paper … but, I just can’t make myself do it. I’m the one that will have to be held accountable.



There we I am the one who didn’t get school done, but cleaned out the picture file. There’s something, right? Who knows … maybe I could even unload the dishwasher? Hmm, think that might be a good idea … maybe start up a load too? I started to clean up in here at least my desk … and got some place, but not all the way through. Ok, dishes next!

Well, mostly dishes. The clean ones got out and the dirty in. Still have to wash out water bottles, finish clearing the counter and wiping things down. I think we’ll finish or at least progress house cleaning nothing to do with that bedroom though … too many dirty towels and such. I don’t know how those are going to get done without the help of sweetie pie. I would like to surprise him with a cleaned up living room, kitchen and bath … and maybe the bedroom at least tidier. We set the timer, but for the record it is 4 pm. It’s kinda muggy in here, you know?

How’d that happen. I know we’ve had the door open all day with a warm breeze against our legs, just the whole of it doesn’t seem possible. We are really, really into spring!

Hmm, cleaned some more in the living room. Mostly, stuff off the coffee table.

It’s now 3 months past Christmas and I still don’t have my chair put together. Some of the loose screws were amongst other things on the table. I don’t like that there are cords running across the floor for the Cpap either … that might have to be looked at … I also have a huge stack of books on a chair that isn’t doing anyone any good. Even the course book is not being used anymore. Plus a few stray clothes.

I’m thinking that it’s almost weather to be turning on the air conditioner. Not sure if that is ready to go though. And, certainly, we need another vacuuming. It wasn’t done the last time when that woman came over at the beginning of the month.

Ok. Did some more … too hot and hurtin. I moved a blanket did the couches and took the clothes to the other room. Must have been something else, cuz I sure am hurting. We went though before the timer went off … need more air. Pswhoo. I took out the extra cord too. No sense having two when one would do. I think next time up … we’d like to tackle that pile of books. See if we can’t find a space for them on the bookshelves. There’s a few more things to be put away too on the file unit.

I sure do with we could vacuum. The place is disgusting. I’m pretty sure this is why people do spring cleaning. Soon time for litter box too … maybe save that though until just before friend gets here so he can help me with it down the stairs. Hmm, Febreezed it … that ought to help for at least 10 minutes. Need to start on another ice regimen soon … and make sure the flies don’t start up with us.

Be nice to take an evening shower today … Maybe I really need to get those dishes started soon so the water won’t have to run for both. Ok, that’s an idea. Now … can I fill water bottles clean counter and plug in the machine at same time. I don’t know … there’s about 10 bottles. Let’s see how we do at the other two first.

We can save them for later. Might want to instead fill the water cooler. That won’t be so labor intensive. Maybe then do a little with the kitchen table before working ourselves back to the living room.

Good, good … got 5 minutes left. Water cooler, dish soap in while we can still bend, AND counter cleaned off … just needs 2 minutes … gotta be able to do minimum work. Not so happy with the dust either! Rest, rest, rest … relax. Your ahead of the game … it’s still light out, you know? Anything else? Well, maybe we can sit too at the dining room table and sort some stuff out from there … like I know we have empty medicine bottles from refilling yesterday … Just slow at getting them to the garbage. Sweetie might appreciate the place picked up enough to help with vacuuming. Sometimes he likes sitting on the floor against the couch. Umm enough said. Ok, you … it’s time … go do some good stuff!

Ok, that was a good run. Counter is clean, dishes started, and kitchen table cleaned off … AND, we got the ice water! Brrr… Water that trickles down one’s chest hehehe. Kitchen floor needs sweeping and moping like this part out here needs vacuuming. I have to do the books next though … and hopefully take out those few things on the floor in the washroom. Counters are pretty cleaned off. After that it would be back bedroom – few clothes that should be hung, and then if we were major good … we’d sort out things into bags from our bedroom. Those towels are going to need being washed. I’d bought the extra dozen, but the dirty ones are piled sky high. Our friend helped us with a load of regular work clothes and that about covers my wardrobe there. There will be probably about a load to a load and a half of regular dirty clothes amongst the towels. Sheets can go in with the towels. Ok, we are starting to work out a plan. We are thinking if we can do as much forward as possible, we have better chance of capturing our friend for smaller bits of tasks. I’m thinking too … one of the things my father used to use when cleaning was a wire whisk broom … he would use that to pull out the stuff that was by furniture legs and down the stairs where the vacuum can’t reach. I don’t want to wreck the carpet, but the area by the computer cords is in the terrible zone. Stuff that has fallen from the table etc. Everybody has these problems? Seems almost wasteful to think of vacuuming when there is so much that can’t be reached. Not for the hour it would take me to do 5 minutes work. To take out an entire back doing one chore … is just impossible, because it lays you up for the others. Keep thinking it is better to do the small picking up tasks that our friend wouldn’t know how to do. Speaking of … what’s happened under the monitors? Hmm?

Hmm … how about we have a quiet 3 minutes? Please?

Pshwoo Good good … got the chair, the bathroom, and stuff under the monitor. Got the file too. I’m feeling pretty accomplished. Next would need to be the clean clothes that can be hung. There might be about 7 things and a few to put away in drawers. I decided not to do the main bedroom, until the dishwasher is done and I can get to the bags. Then I will sort and stuff at the same time. After I get a few more things done though … I can write my friend and surprise him. Like to do those clothes and towels going into the white kitchen bags before I take my shower.

I feel much lighter in here already by having so much picked up. Oh … as we were picking up? We found a small white folder and it had stuff for our paper … where we had last left it. I didn’t expect that … hadn’t known we’d done it. It was the only thing worth keeping out on that stack from the side chair.

I’m sure our friend would look favorably for help with laundry and floor if everything else is done and ready, right? I don’t know … I never know how much is too much to ask him. But, if I cleaned up enough in the bedroom to reach my walking machine … man … how impressive would that be! We are both reaching impasses as to our weights again. That be another whole can of worms. Would be nice to do something toward that though right?

Are you starting to get a feeling here. I’ve only got a couple more dozen pages to get done with and we can then be free for a week or so. We were doing much better with the work toward the end. I still would like to get the on-line version of our text because it’s the newer edition and you can use highlighter. I have enjoyed reading away from the computer, but its so much easier to take notes straight from it. Especially, since we’ve a nice system going. I think until we get the air going … the couch is going to be warmer too. We won’t wait long. Ok, what was it that we are already avoiding … AHHH that body stuff … You know what we’re talking about. It seems as if we’re going to need fitting some time in. We still run at an impasse where we can barely get up and down the stairs … and then to be doing stuff at the gym. I don’t think we can walk 5 minutes at this time without about doubling over. Once we lighten our load, we start cleaning, and after everything is picked up and washed, we feel more like exercising. Hold on going to do the clean clothes.

Pshwoo. Lookin good … Did the whole back part … and even got those towels to the main bedroom. We might want to bring a chair in their and just move it around, because we aren’t going to be able to stuff stuff long standing up. Hmm, washer is still going … the wash cycle I mean. Maybe we can move the machine over enough to get out the bags. I do have one positive thought here on asking for our friends help … at least he helps dirty the towels, so in this regard it’s almost a fair deal. Don’t you think? I’m trying to work it out in my mind that we could go to the laundry at a time its not being used. The next hard part is trying to figure out a way I can help him fold towels sitting down. I’m pretty sure the chairs are away from the folding area and are popularly used by the mothers’ kids … Oh lordy to I hate a laundry. It’s just there are too many towels to think he can do them while here … he’s bouncing up and down and the dryer takes two cycles. The only thing that would make sense is to go with him. I can’t ask him to do it on his own.

Maybe we can talk about it next time we’re together. A lot will depend on how many bags there are going to be. Each bag is a load. He’s familiar with laundry’s.

There just has to be some kind of system we can work out. After I lose some weight I would be more able to do 3 flights of stairs 4 times to do a load, but right now that isn’t happening … and that’s another thing. Someone should be fixing that dryer double loads is silly and slows down the whole system. Only half the need is being cared for in twice the time. It’s really noticeable in that the family across the way is four people … I think she’s typing up the laundry from 4 to 8 or 9.

Plus, she’s in there on weekends.

Hmm, it seems that the wash part is coming to a close I wonder if we have any more folding chairs I didn’t wreck … those would be nice and light.

Oh man … that was tough … 6 white bags. 2 cloths – mostly pajamas and 4 sheets and towels. Oh, and one blanket. I have a little more tidying up in there, especially the bed. I think it is going to wait a little bit though. I wonder if it would work if we found a time that wasn’t too busy where our friend could bring with a folding chair … maybe I could keep one in my car back end? I don’t know if it would fit, but most likely it would come handy in other situations too where I needed a quick place to rest. I wonder if it would fit. At least this is some kind of solution. Although I’m pretty sure that most people don’t bring chairs into the laundry … I’m not sure if there would be an ordinance … One other possibility that might seem good though, is what would happen if he brought me baskets of stuff that needed folding and I sat in the car? I don’t know … there has to be something that would work … but at least I have two new ideas. This is a good thing. I’m thinking that I might be able to better make the bed if some of the pillows weren’t put back on it maybe lay next to the wall and the exercise bike – though not on a cord. I’m not using that back closet for the time being too … so maybe up against there. I don’t even remember what’s in that closet … just that it got too complicated to get in and out with the bike there. Possible, but not convenient. Hmm, seems like a project … BUT, not for now. No more projects until past the next semester and CARF. I’m feeling a little more optimistic. At least all the dirty stuff is off the floor. It had taken over a couple of corners in the bedroom making it feel tight and cluttered. Hmm, I found two more glasses too … AHA! They thought they’d gotten away. It reminds me that we’re going to want to empty that dishwasher right away this time … at least before bed after its cooled. You just can’t get this far and not be able to store away another dirty dish.

I don’t feel like we’re done yet, although all the rooms are just about picked up and its quarter after 6 pm. I will know when we are done, because we’ll take that moment to write to our friend. I also figure that we’ll take a nice cool shower, and eat a grapefruit, uh huh, we noticed he had treated us. BUT, there is one more thing beside what we’ve mentioned. We have to get on the scale. Uh huh … you heard me. That’s the next positive step. Hmm, and remember … we’ve still got bills? Ok, ok … maybe not tonight, but if not tonight then tomorrow … you gotta choose to get some paid! If we’re going to save manual labor for our friend … I know we’re a bad friend. But, if we do … then we gotta do some more of the sitting stuff which means bills. It’s not enough that we should wait til they cut off our services. We gotta do what we gotta do. I don’t know how to get past the part though where it is going to take a credit card to get some of them started. But, its best to figure out what we can do and what the next set of problems is going to be. We should have some specifics … like which bill is a problem, can we cover it and what is their business number.

Hmm, ok … ok … take a break better clear our heads … we just did a lot of thinking … and I’m going to guess we have to go back into the bedroom. We know most likely it is going to take a couple attempts to move the pillows and be pulling on the heavy spread. Why don’t we save those few things on top of the dresser until we’ve done some of the harder moving … and we’re going to want to move a couple of those bags too. Best leave them by the door.

Oh man that was about a crippler. We stacked the extra pillows between the dressers, closed and moved the last two bags, straightened the bed, and cleaned off the tall dresser. The other one isn’t a problem. By the time we stopped by the kitchen to drop off a quarter and the extra bags, and then back to the living room with a small blanket, we were about ready to fold over in pain. Oh man … that was tough. Water BREAK!!! Pshwooo. But, we got through the whole bedroom. What a trip! I think what we had realistically left was to wait for the dishwasher to complete itself so we can empty it. And, then … we’ll have gone through everything WOOHOOO … Well yes, at least the surface. We’re not talking today about the dusting … though it make sense that was done before vacuuming. Hmm, What do you think? I know .. not today. Hmm, it might make sense to do that shower part next. Before dinner? Uh huh? But, we’ll hold off on that dishwasher until our back saves up some energy. Too tired to move now though … Have to hold up for a few moments.

Even though we can sit in the shower. It seems to have mellowed out … this evening … not so hot as before and the breeze is more pleasant. First time, I really noticed the after dinner birds. Funny. They are nice and it actually does feel like a Sunday.

Ahh … that feels good … Cool shower, dishes cooling, and dinner in the microwave … It’s almost 7 pm now and its still light outside … Nice. After a little bit we’ll shut the drapes, but for now the breeze is heavenly. Dinner, dishes, AND THEN grapefruit, ok? Oh and that scale thing … didn’t turn out to be such a good idea.

It’s heavier than I’ve ever been. I knew it was hard to maneuver… and that strained calf the other day didn’t help. We might take the rest of the night and figure out what we are going to need doing, but we’re pretty sure it means no more sweet rolls in the morning. Oh please don’t tell our friend that. He tends to grasp that kind of information and run with it. Damn … ok, enough of that for a moment … let’s take things reasonably here. We don’t want to startle and parts of ourselves. I am thinking that the loss of smoking 8 months ago didn’t help … we’ve been having trouble … just a little, but enough with it over the last few days.

We’re not going back though and that’s all I’ll say about that!



Ok, this is me again … I have had a rough hour or so. About the time I wrote the last paragraph our sweetie pie called. I think we cross communicated for a while.

He called and had had a so-so time with his family, but he had just dropped his son off and was on his way back home. I had asked the normal questions, and things seemed status quo … he had started to complain about still being sick though he thought he’d been through the worst of it. When he’s sick we try not to have negative stuff going on because we want him to be taking care of himself. He started to give orders about what he wanted us to do, but we were saying, no wait a minute listen, we did good stuff today. But, everything he said felt like an attack and that we’d have to work harder and such as he is prone to do, but it was too much on the day, especially having not talked to people for a while. We’ve been nursing ourselves along all day and had dared to feel good about our work, and then he was going to get grumbly and bury us in negativity with what hasn’t been done, rather than what has. This is the reasonable me speaking now, but at the time we were overwhelmed emotionally. We just started to cry and cry. We couldn’t think thoughts proper, felt at his mercy. Our friend isn’t a bad guy … he’s my knight, but where we had thought he’d be proud he was just scolding. I don’t know he probably hit it right in that at the time it was late, we hadn’t eaten yet, nor taken our medicine. We’re much more vulnerable under those circumstances.

Sometimes I wonder if I get hit with the brunt of where he is with the family. ‘Cept this time he said something about being in agreement versus the boys as to how good a turtle movie was. I don’t think that was handled too well by our fragile self-esteem. I know these things should go with the territory, but as human beings go … things hurt and are unfair. There’s only so long we can carry a trellis in that there family would be able to go to a theatre or movie or sports event or exhibition, but we don’t even go out to eat anymore, as if that had proven to be a good thing. We could be out yesterday, because we both work together, and although we sit together, we have to treat each other as near strangers. Who would think to put the two of us between two priests. I’m unfair … who would think I … STOP STOP … you are taking us down … and that’s not fair. We did good. We told our friend that we had looked forward to his pleasure. We didn’t say anything about his mistaken comment. I probably shouldn’t have known his wife and him had enjoyed a night out with their family. The rules are … you never get to meet each others families and for the most part … you don’t go out. Thems the rules!

SHHHHH that’s not fair. Why are you taking your anger out on me. Ok, ok … not sure how this started. Probably had something to do with feeling sorry for ourselves.

So, we’re going to make that stop. Let’s hear some positive. We took care of ourselves, we bettered our situation, and we … I see you over there impatiently thumping your toe. Let’s say good night to Deb and then turn in, K? Safe is safe?? Now, be nice!

posted by Ann Marie @ 3/25/2007 08:31:00 PM Comments: 1