A post in which I have dinner out

I had dinner planned with Nicole and Donnie (aka D’relda) tonight. We met at 7 at a sushi place that I wasn’t particularly impressed with the last time I ate there. But I figured that Donnie and Nicole had come up with this, and was willing to go along with the consensus. I walked in and saw Nicole. “I’m just not feeling the Japanese tonight.” she confessed. So I told her that I wasn’t either, and we talked Donnie into going to Brioso to eat instead.

The pasta was just as good as last time, and the service was better. It was still a bit high, but sharing 5 flavors of gelato afterwards made everyone happy. Their gelato is truly scrumptious. After a leisurely meal, Donnie had to go home and pack for an upcoming trip, but Nicole recruited me for a foray into the local lingerie shop.

I’d never been to Pandora’s Box, and really have never had any reason to go there, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t curious. We had a great time looking at all the stuff they had for sale. It was pretty great for a Tuesday night in Greenville. I love my friends.

Me, trying to look like I'm up to something at Pandora's Box.

A post in which there is much to do

I talked to Nicole today. I had asked her about dinner one night this week, and we’re going tomorrow. I wanted to see her; it’s been a while and I’m trying to stay in better contact with her. I’ve come to dread the evenings at home by myself during the week. If I feel good enough to go out and do something I try to go on and do it.

It’s shaping up for a busy week this week though. I have tons o laundry to do since I played most of the weekend. I need to go by and see Dad – I haven’t seen him since he got out of the hospital. I’d also like to get in touch with Kimbley and Laura. I also talked to David yesterday and we made tentative plans to go out to dinner one night this week. I’d like to try to get to know him a little better.

And of course there are plenty of things I’d like to get done around the house before I go out of town next week. Tonight I focused on getting the house a bit in shape in case we ended up back here tomorrow night. I changed the sheets and washed the old ones, folded the laundry in the dryer (finally), made iced tea and put it in to chill. I also hauled off the recycling – that was desperately overdue to be done. I went by the grocery store on the way home, then realized I wasn’t in the one I needed to be in. When I went out to take the recycling I went to Publix downtown also. Then when I got home I cooked some pasta to go in red sauce for lunches to finish out the week. I hung my new picture from the weekend, and re-framed another since I had broken the old frame.

By the time I finished all that and cleaned up the kitchen I was pretty whooped.

A post in which I visit with Angela

I woke up this morning again feeling a bit slow on the draw. But that was fine. I had made plans to meet Angela in Asheville and spend the day together, but I didn’t have a set time to be there. I got up, had my coffee, and did chores before dressing and heading out.

It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed the drive up. When I got there I went over to the hotel to pick up Angela. They had been there this week for an Eckankar seminar. Angela’s mother Joanne has been involved with Eckenkar for years. I got the impression that Angela had about gotten a belly-full of it this week. I met Joanne’s new boyfriend John before they struck camp and emptied out the room. We met back at Joanne’s place (she lives in Asheville, but they had stayed at the hotel for the convention), and talked for a few before splitting up.

I had Angela to myself for a little bit. She was speaking at TEDx, and had to be there by 3pm to turn in her PowerPoint slides for the talk. We wandered downtown, and stopped at a pub called Hannah Flanagan’s. We had eaten there the last time she was in town. They have a delightful shady little outdoor seating area that dips below street level. It was mild enough today to enjoy being outside. We had a couple of beers, split an order of nachos, and caught up on what’s been going on in each other’s lives. I reflected while we spoke on the fact that neither she, Lisa, nor I appear to be able to maintain a healthy or happy relationship. Sigh.

My gorgeously photogenic sister Angela, at lunch today.

Angela is back in LA, after a brief hiatus in Malibu. I don’t see how she can stand to live in LA, but she appears to thrive on it. She has a gay friend she’s staying with at the moment, and she seems quite happy to be there. He is apparently ‘cock-blocking’ for her at present. (Both Angela and Lisa draw men from all over the hemisphere when they are unattached. Without the dedicated work of an escort, they become quite overwhelmed.)

By the time we had eaten and chatted things over it was time to head over to the Orange Peel for TEDx. I had no idea what TEDx was, but as is frequently the case, Angela is my window to the world of the new and trendy. It’s basically a free-form speaking symposium. I’m not sure what the criterion for invitation to speak is (they say that it is for any ideas), but the time for each speaker was limited to 10-15 minutes at this event. The speakers, I have to say, were interesting. These events tend to draw an unusual amount of terribly earnest people (credit to Quentin Crisp), and searchers.

One man talked about his experience with the natives in a South American jungle, which led him to a personal epiphany. One man talked about his experiences living ‘off the grid’, and some of the extraordinary things he had accomplished (riding across the country on a horse, for instance). The first speaker was a woman who talked about embracing the person you are and how that had changed her life.

Angela was speaking about her new theory of how to reverse negative thought patterns and self feedback. As usual, she put her heart into what she was saying. Her natural charm, comedic timing, and willingness to laugh at herself won the room, and she was well received.

We then watched a conspicuously gorgeous man named Doc Hendley talk about his experiences in working to establish a foundation called Wine to Water, which helps set up delivery systems for potable water in distressed areas like Darfur and Ethiopia. He wasn’t the most polished speaker I’ve ever heard, but he obviously was very passionate about his subject, and has undoubtedly done important things with is life.

At this point though, I was about spoken out. The event was sold out, but Angela had gotten me in as a volunteer, which meant that I was in standing room only. I did find a place on the floor to sit, but we had been there for about three hours by this point. There was inadequate air conditioning for all that earnestness, and the event had drawn (as such things seem to) people who don’t approve of personal hygiene products (i.e. deodorant). I was ready for a comfy chair, a bit more personal space, and some air conditioning.

Angela and Joanne agreed to go eat supper with me before I headed back down the mountain. We walked around the city a bit, and then agreed to go to The Laughing Seed. I love The Laughing Seed. It’s where Michael and I went on our first date long ago, and is the site of innumerable happy occasions and delicious meals. It wasn’t crowded tonight, and we had no problem securing a table. I had a lovely veggie fettuccine carbonara with gorgeous crispy smoky little shitake mushrooms. Joanne had I think the tastiest meal, an interpretation of manicotti which used steamed zucchini strips in place of pasta, and was served on a bed of sassy tomato and balsamic coulis, drizzled with fresh pesto.

I could tell Angela was torn though. She really wanted to see me, but she also wanted to follow everything that was going on at TEDx. Her solution to this was to tweet through most of the meal, which became a little tiresome for me. This was the wrong night to suggest a leisurely dessert at The Chocolate Lounge. After supper we walked to my car, and I dropped them back at the event before I headed out of town. It was really good to see Angela, and it was a good day.

A post in which it is a nice Saturday*

I woke up kind of sluggish again this morning. I didn’t really have any plans for early in the day except for vague notions of things I need to do in the house. Unsurprisingly, I was unexcited about that. The main event today was going to be seeing Miss Kat and dana.

While lying on the sofa waiting for my body to catch up with my consciousness, I fell into the internet vortex. While I was there, I started chatting with David on Bear411. I met David around New Year’s this year. We met up and really had a good time, but I was so wiped out afterwards I skipped a party. That was during the worst (so far) of the E-B shit. He’s a nice guy, and seems to be all about me, but we didn’t seem to have that much in common overall, and I was warned off of him, so I backed way off. But it was good talking to him today, and we ended up getting together again.

He is just as nice as I remembered, and just as sexy. We had a great time. I’m going to go out with him and see what happens. He’s a little bit eager on the trigger, but then again it would be nice to go out with someone who actually cares if I show up or not, right? And I’m not marrying him. We’re going to dinner.

After I got back from David’s I went home, ate some breakfast (I was ravenous) and then collapsed for a while. Miss Kat called about 1pm to tell me we were going shopping around 3pm, which was fine. I got cleaned up, did a few things around the house, and headed over there.

The agenda was to go to Garden Ridge. Miss Kat wanted some things for the house, and I believe she got most of it. She got a really pretty kitchen clock. I needed a glass trap frame anyway, and was happy to be along for the ride. They are already getting the Christmas decorations in (eek!). I also ended up buying an old-style sign for a soda brand that never existed. I don’t know quite where it’s going, but I couldn’t resist.

The new picture I bought today. Cute ain't it?

We spent a while in there, and by the time we got out we were all hungry. The original plan was to go to Olive Garden for supper. That’s fine with me – I’m not an anti-OG snob. But since we were so close anyway, I suggested that we go over to Five Guys. I’ve been wanting to go there for weeks. They agreed and we went. They said the burgers were good – the sandwich I had was good, and the fries were excellent. They were hand-cut there and fried up to potato-y goodness; tender on the inside and deliciously browned with crispy little corners on the outside. We had orders of regular and Cajun fries, but no one really cared for the Cajun ones. A small order of fries there is supposed to serve two (and would, quite adequately), but as I suspected I had not problem polishing off my whole order. Miss Kat was pleased that there was a Rita’s Italian Ice next door that was now selling custard, and we dropped in there afterwards for a spot of dessert.

With delighted (though very full) tummies, we headed back to their place and hung out. We watched a movie and they kept up with their Farmville farm – dana is a great devotee. It was a nice day.

A post in which it is movie night

I woke up feeling awful this morning. I took some Tylenol and headed in to work, but I thought about staying home. I can’t afford to lose the time off with vacation next week, and I had only worked three days this week. Plus I wanted to get my picture framed, so I wrestled that big ole frame back into the car and went on in. The day went by quietly enough, and by 11 or so I felt better.

The computers crashed at 5pm today. When the word went out at 5:10 that there was no eta, and that if it were fixed that moment they couldn’t re-boot the system in less than 15 minutes, I left. I had stuff to do.

I took the picture by the framers and opened it for the first time. This one isn’t as good as the one in the bedroom, but it’s still good. The worst part is that Sampson is portrayed with dark curly hair that blends in to the dark background of the painting. I’m sure I’ll be happier with it once it is in its gorgeous frame though. I’ve already recruited dana to help me hang it, or I may call Justin. He’s good at helping with that kind of thing. It should be ready next week.

I stopped off on the way home for some Thai take-away, and called Miss Kat about visiting with them after I ate. They had Greg all week this week though, and called couple time. I could understand that. I do love hanging out there on Friday nights, but I had just been there last night. Plus she offered to take me shopping with them tomorrow. I was kind of hurting anyway, and the sofa was feeling pretty good, so I wasn’t as disappointed as I usually am to spend Friday evening in. I did call Kimbley and Laura (I haven’t talked to them since they got the boys), but they didn’t answer or return my call. I need to check in with them.

They were having an Olivia de Havilland film festival on TCM tonight. I’ve never been a huge fan of hers I must admit (I never can get past seeing her as Melanie Wilkes in Gone with the Wind, and I didn’t care for that part), but she was quite good in The Heiress (for which she won an Oscar for Best Actress). I saw that for the first time tonight and enjoyed it. I also watched To Each His Own (for which she also won Best Actress), and liked it too. They were showing The Snake Pit next, but I couldn’t stay up for that one.

A post in which some long-awaited events occur

I was up early today, and actually feeling fairly perky. I only had one cigarette left (having forgotten, again, to get any last night), but it was cool. I made up for it at work today by going out to smoke with Terry, which I just never do. Usually it takes the start of WWIII or the initiation of an inter-familial lawsuit before I light up at work. But since I only had one this morning, and since it was such a slow day, I rationalized.

I had intended not to get Ava a birthday present this year. She gets so much stuff, and she’s too little to understand where it all came from. The plan was to give her a music card (which she loves) and give Lisa a check for her savings account. But. I was fooling around on Amazon today, and found that they have finally released Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? on DVD. A fantastic movie, and one that I have long wanted to own. This isn’t really the best time for me to buy it with vacation and my birthday coming up and all, but I was worried that the release won’t be on the market that long. It’s not a well known movie, and sometimes they pull them back off the market. So I ordered it.

It cost just under the $25 minimum that Amazon requires for free shipping, so I was looking around for something small to add on to the order (I loathe to pay for shipping). I was considering ordering another Hayao Miyazaki movie when I saw that they have finally released My Neighbor Totoro on DVD also. It is one of Miyazaki’s masterpieces, and I have long wanted to see it. I wanted to get it for Brenden when he was little, but it hadn’t been released at the time. I ordered a copy of it for Ava today. The film has won numerous awards, and I think she’ll enjoy it. He always has such cute things in his movies, but they aren’t dumbed down just because they’re produced for kids. I also ordered myself a copy of Ponyo ( I’ll always have a special place for that movie because it was the first Miyazaki I saw on the big screen). Then I found a David Attenborough that I decided to order. Before I got out of the website I had spent $80 I really could ill-afford at the mo, but sometimes you have to just treat yourself.

My second painting finally made it here from China today! That was very exciting. That means I have to move that gargantuan frame again and round up someone to help me hang it once it’s done, but it’s going to look so good that I’m still stoked.

When I got off work, I wanted something good (i.e. artery-clogging) for my dinner. I continue to be seduced by the raves I read about Five Guys fries, since I am a certified potatoholic. I haven’t given in yet, but I came close today (their website says they even have a veggie sandwich!). The main reason I didn't succumb was that a traffic jam backed up the highway and road where I work so badly that I ended up with no viable way to get by there. To appease myself, I stopped by Publix and got some hummus and pita chips. Not quite as bad for me.

I talked to Dad on my way home, and he was being discharged from the hospital today. Since he's been in since last Saturday, he was ready to go, but had been delayed because they couldn't find his paperwork. I wished him well and got off the call before the impatience started overflowing.

I was torn tonight. On the one hand, I really felt like going and doing something fun, but other the other hand it’s a school night. By the time I went to the grocery store, got home, and ate supper, the laziness kicked in. I decided to compromise by not folding the load of laundry that has been in the dryer for several days now.

Then the phone rang. It was dana, and she needed me. So I put some pants on and headed that way. Their behemoth television died last night, and they needed help getting it into the truck so dana could take it to the dump tomorrow. Greg is up from Atlanta, and between the two of us we managed to wrestle it out there. Afterwards I hung out with them and enjoyed myself until too late. There’s tomorrow at work to get through. So I headed on home and hit the sheets.

A post in which it is a very long day

I slept poorly, which is unusual these days. I was back up at 2am – hungry because I hadn’t eaten enough supper. The first thing I did was check the water. To my great relief it was back on. Since I was up anyway, I turned the clothes back on to finish washing, put them in the dryer, and ran some water in the sauce pot before I had a snack and went back to bed.

When I got up for good there was the kitchen to clean before I could make pack my lunch. That put me behind on time and I had to pack breakfast too to keep from being late for work. I made it on time and got the weekly report turned in.

When I got off work, I had to go by the store again. I had bought some cantaloupe this weekend that was really bad, and had to throw it out. So I got more fruit, brought it home, threw the old fruit out, peeled the new fruit and got it ready for lunches before I ate supper. After supper I had to take the garbage out to keep the whole house from smelling like rotten cantaloupe. Then I cleaned up the kitchen and changed to go to the hospital.

Dad had his back re-stapled back up today. He’s been in the hospital since Saturday night and I was expecting him to be in a pretty foul temper, but other than being short and a bit quarrelsome with Eve, he was in pretty good spirits.

I visited with him until about 9. We actually ended up having a fairly frank discussion about the biopsy and possible outcomes and ramifications. For Dad, he was surprisingly sensitive.

When I got home I checked emails and had a pro-active snack before I turned in.

A post in which I go out to lunch

My friend Kimberly had been in touch last week and asked me to lunch. She lives just around the corner from me, and I just never see her. Long story. It was good to see her, and she looked great. We had a very nice lunch and caught up.

I had a lot to do today. When I got off work I ran by the grocery store to pick up some things I hadn’t thought about yesterday, the biopsy having been ever-so-slightly distracting. I had cooked all the veggies at the house except for the eggplant Billy gave me Sunday. I decided to bung that into a red sauce with some wine and put it over pasta or something.

So I ate supper and got my sauce on to simmer, and then put a load of laundry in. At which point the phone rang. It was my friend Michael R, who I also don’t see enough of. He called to check in on me and catch up. It was good to hear from him. He’s been such a good friend to me through the years. We commiserated about the frustrations of aging.

When I got off the phone I went in the kitchen to clean up, at which point the water turned off. Just quit. I had a counter of dirty dishes and a load of laundry half washed. Since all chores were effectively stopped dead, I called Dad, something else I needed to do tonight. They got Dad’s labs back today, and he doesn’t have a MRSA in his back (thank goodness). They’re supposed to sew him back up tomorrow. He’s expecting to be in the hospital through at least Thursday. I’ll go see him tomorrow night.

Unsurprisingly after all this, I was pretty wiped. I played on the internet for a while, checking periodically to see if the water was back on and watching a truly excellent documentary on Thomas Jefferson. The water stubbornly remained off. I eventually called the water company, and was told that there was a broken water main in my neighborhood and no ETA for the return of service. Eventually I brushed my teeth (I can do that in a glass of water, I do it all the time when I’m camping) and went on to bed. Where I stubbornly could not sleep. I tossed and turned and watched TV for a while (I watched the premier of Swamp People on History Channel, which I found mesmerizing for some reason), and eventually drifted off.

A post in which I have the dreaded biopsy

Well today was the day I’ve been dreading. The first one anyway. It’s a scary thing to have to go have stuff like this done, and it’s scarier on your own. I know I could have called any number of people to come with me to hold my hand, but I don’t want to bother my friends unless I really need them. I could man up and do this. So I did.

Don’t you love how they are always so emphatic about your being on time for a doctor’s appointment, and yet you still end up sitting in the waiting room? Well such was the case today. I had a half hour to cool my heels and read People (I know) before they called me back. But hey, I was in no hurry to rush back there anyway.

They took me to the back and put me in a ‘dressing room’ (i.e. closet, and a none too large one at that) to change clothes. There was a little wooden bench, where I was left for another 15 minutes until they were ready for me. The biopsy didn’t take that long. It was more painful than I was expecting, but at least it was short. The doctor was very nice, and has a good bedside manner. I should have been nicer to him, I guess, but something about having a cold hard plastic rod up my butt chewing (OK, well biting) pieces out of it just doesn’t put me at my best socially. I know, go figure.

I wandered back outside afterwards, slightly dazed, but profoundly relieved that it was over (I’m not even contemplating results at this point). I went by the grocery store for a few odds and ends because I didn’t know if I would be able to go later (I might have swelling). Deciding (nearly unbelievably) that I hadn’t been rewarded enough for being a good boy today, I got a box of Little Debbie Cakes. They’re my very favorite, but I hardly ever eat them because they are so incredibly bad for you. When I got home, I hit the sofa. I had intended to take a good long nap, but things kept happening. The guy came to mow the grass. Of course I couldn’t sleep while he was there. The phone rang a couple of times just as I was ready to doze off, but since it was friends checking in with me I really couldn’t be grumpy about that. I did doze off for a bit.

I heard from Eve. Dad has a staph infection in his back. They're waiting for the culture to come back from the lab to see whether or not it's a MRSA. Eve said Dad's doing OK now that he can see them doing something to try to help him. No decision yet on whether or not he has to go back to surgery. Her cancer surgery is scheduled for September 20th. She's hoping he'll be up and around by then.

As it got later in the day, I got up and down some. I strung and cooked a little pot for green beans, and put together a pasta salad for lunches this week. That was actually a pretty good thing to make, because I could dice a veggie and then go lie down for a bit. I got it finished eventually.

The aftermath wasn’t nearly as bad as I had feared, but by the time I finished up the salad and
cleaned up the kitchen I was sore. I would really have liked to have someone there to pet me a bit, but being single there wasn't anyone. I could have called a friend, but would have been too embarrassed to have someone come just to fuss over me. I collapsed back on the sofa and fought off the wild urge to go see someone (I was consumed with boredom). Lady Beth and dana called to check on me, bless them, and I talked to them for a bit. I saw Michael on line and talked to him a little. But eventually, I took some Tylenol and hit the sheets. Work tomorrow. But hey, back to normal life too. That's a good thing - comparatively.

A post in which I eschew chores

There was plenty I should have done today, but I plain didn’t feel like it. Marshall, John, and Aaron were in from out of state. They drove in for the party and stayed the night with Russ and Billy. A flea market trip had been planned, but after last night I didn’t know if they would end up going. But they did, and came by to pick me up.

It was supposed to be overcast again today, but that didn’t happen. We did the outside of the Anderson flea market, but it just kept getting hotter, and last night’s rain added to the humidity. It was miserable. Temperature-wise it was the most miserable flea market trip I can remember. I didn’t find any glass, but I did pick up some incidentals and a couple of cute little towels for Ava, and Billy bought eggplants for the dinner he’s doing tonight.

I did wash all the bedclothes and put them back on the bed when I got home. I hate sleeping in the bed without a mattress pad on it – that always makes me feel like white trash. Lisa was on her way home today from a trip to the mountains, so she stopped in to see Dad. Eve texted us both at 1:30am this morning to tell us that he has been re-admitted to the hospital. His fever was up to 104F Friday night, and last night it went up again. His incision has re-opened, and is now infected, which is the problem. Not good.

Lisa and Ava came by to see me after they went to the hospital, but Ava needed a nap and was a bit fussy. She did enjoy chasing the cats around, and they didn’t seem to mind too much. Lord knows they could use the exercise. It was good to see them. After they left I went over to the hospital to visit Dad for a bit. I sat and talked to him while he waited for Eve to bring in his supper, and then went to get mine.

The usual Sunday night dinner had been moved to Russ and Billy’s house tonight. Amanda, Jeff, James, Morgan, her boyfriend (can’t remember his name), and eventually Corbin were there. We sat out on the deck and talked for a while, and then had a lovely dinner of eggplant parmesan. Everything was delicious and the company was of course superlative. Since I have tomorrow off, I didn’t have to leave quite so early to go to bed. It was a great evening, and I’ve had an excellent weekend. So however bad tomorrow is (and I’m already dreading it), I’ve spent the weekend in exactly the way I wanted, surrounded by friends. It’s hard to ask for more than that.

A post in which it is a bear pool party

Today was Drew’s pool party, long planned. It didn’t look like much of a day though. I had intended just to be lazy today before the party, and for the most part I was. I went over to the flea market to buy vegetables, since I was making Korean refrigerator pickles to take to the party. I was thinking it was too late when I got over there for there to be anyone still around, but to my surprise, it was teeming with life. It’s been SO hot lately and the clouds cooled things off enough that it was bearable to be outside. Plenty of other people apparently decided to take advantage of it. I still didn’t find any glass, but I did get my fruit and veggies bought.

I got home and put some things away. I got home and made my pickles, ate a spot of lunch, and was about to lie down for a bit when I got a text from Russ. He was ready to head to Spartanburg for the party - even though it was raining. It was about 1pm when he sent the message. The party started at 2, but I didn’t figure anyone would be in a red-hot hurry to be there today. Russ always goes early to set up though, which I had forgotten. As I walked though the bedroom, I found that Jinx had thrown up in the middle of the bed. Again! After some wholesale cussing, I stripped the bed, threw some things in a bag and headed for their place. On the way, I contemplated a cat-free existence.

When I got to their place, Russ called Drew, who assured us it wasn’t raining in Spartanburg, but by the time we got there it was of course. There were people milling about in the drizzle, and several in the pool (there was no thunder and lightning). I wandered around a bit trying to find someplace dry to put my stuff down, but eventually I just took it in the house and changed. I figured if I was going to be wet anyway I may as well get in the pool.

The party stared off a bit grim, but the people that were there came determined to enjoy themselves, and it wasn’t raining that hard. Eventually it cleared off into a beautiful evening. All of my pickles were eaten. I do so love to take home an empty bowl.

Bill always has the latest toys in the pool house. He now has a smoke machine and a laser party light out there. That evening he opened the door and let the smoke roll out over the pool deck. The laser got pointed out into the water and shot beams through the smoke. It was very very cool. We all stayed in the water until we got pruny from being wet for so long.

I was good to stay for a bit longer, but Billy wasn’t feeling well, so we left earlier than we probably would have otherwise. It was cool though, we had been there for a while. It turned out to be a great party, and I really enjoyed myself. I made a point to tell Bill how nice everything was before we left.

A post in which the weekend begins

Eve called me today. Apparently Dad isn’t feeling well. She thinks he’s picked up something, but it’s too long since the surgery for this to be related. I'm thinking since I wasn't up in his face Wednesday that I'll be OK. Well I'm hoping anyway.

I set things up with dana to come see her and Miss Kat tonight. It’s always fun to spend a little time with them, and I hadn’t seen them in a couple of weeks. Miss Helen has had her shoulder surgery, but she doesn't seem very satisfied with it at the moment. We hung out and caught up, and I ate half of the pizza dana made for her dinner, among other things. It was a nice evening. A trip to Miss Kat and dana's house is just always such a great way to start the weekend.

A post in which I stay home

Tonight was a more quiet night. I was supposed to deal with laundry, so I put a load of towels in. But I stayed at home after the last two nights. I’ve promised myself a weekend of debauchery before the biopsy on Monday, so we’ll see what I can do about making that happen.

A post in which I have dinner with Dad and Eve, and break the news

Tonight was the night I planned to go tell Dad and Eve about the upcoming biopsy. He’s been out of the hospital for about two weeks now and is back at work, so I figured he is well enough. Eve goes to get her mastectomy scheduled on Friday.

Eve had me meet them at the new Guadalajara over near their house. It is a nice looking place, but there is a tile floor, metal chairs, and nothing on the walls, so it is really loud and echo-y in there; not exactly conducive to conversation. I wasn’t going to tell them before we ate anyway – there’s nothing like bad news to ruin your appetite.

Since Dad worked today I ended up sitting and eating chips for an hour or so waiting on him so we could order – just what I needed to do. I probably ate more of them because I was nervous. I still managed to polish off my meal though, even though the food I had wasn’t that great. It seemed to take forever before the meal was over. I was nervous and uncomfortable, it was loud in there, and I had just been in restaurant chairs for way too long.

Eventually, though, we went back to their place and I broke the news. They took it pretty well. Dad told me about getting his biopsy, and some of what to expect. We talked about other things too. Eve asked to borrow some of my Depression Glass for a thing she’s doing at church, so we got it out and discussed display and stuff. My Aunt Pam called and they talked to her.

By this time though, it was getting late, and I was just worn out. The only time I’ve really been home and awake this week was Monday night. Although I don’t really relish being at home by myself usually, I am ready for a little peace. I headed towards the house.

Lisa had called last night while I was at dinner with Rick, and she called again tonight while I was at dinner with Eve and Dad. Since I knew she would still be up, I called her on the way home, but had to leave a message. I don’t want her to feel like I’m blowing her off, but it has been a very busy week this week.

A post in which I have a date

I was up an hour early this morning so I had plenty of time to fluff the house a little before I left for work. I ran the vacuum and stuff when I got home so the house looked pretty good.

I talked to Eve at work today, and I’m going to their house for dinner tomorrow night to tell them about the biopsy. Really not looking forward to that, but it has to be done. It seems that the older you get, the more unpleasant tasks there are to be seen to. Blick.

We went to Saffron for supper. The food was great as always. After a somewhat awkward beginning, the conversation went well. It didn’t feel quite so much like work as it usually does on a date. Rick is a really nice guy. The Virgo in me picked right up on the problems and after that I could relax. I know. I didn’t spew out all the bad stuff about me, as I have a tendency to do on the first date. I try to get it all out there so I don’t have to worry about it later, but of course it’s hard to have a later when they run screaming for the hills.

We ended up going back to my house to talk – and just to talk. I'm trying to take this slowly and not just jump in head first. Rick is mature and has a good outlook on life. It seemed like we are simpatico in our goals. I did bring up the sex thing eventually, and just disarmed it. By that point in the evening we were relaxed enough that it wasn’t an issue. So I kissed him and sent him home. I did invite him to come to the bear pool party with me on Saturday, but due to his somewhat complicated personal life, he said he would let me know on that. I also invited him to Jeff and James’s for supper on Sunday.

One of the hardest things about dating is figuring out what to do. Where do you go after you eat? How many movies can you sit through? Plus movies are a crappy way of getting to know someone because you can’t talk during them. So I just decided to take Rick with me to the things I usually do and see how it goes. There’s no better way to get to know me than seeing me around my friends, after all.

It was a very nice evening. He sent me a very sweet text right after he left on top of everything else.

A post in which it is back to work

I didn’t feel too badly this morning. Billy sent me home some pasta salad from the dinner last night, so I had lunch ready to take to work today. That made my life easier.

I went to the grocery store tonight after work and spent an astonishing amount of money, but I was low on some things and they had sales on. The grocery store was very busy. The checker told me Mondays are busier when the kids go back to school – interesting.

I cooked some potatoes I had in the fridge for dinner and had a salad. I made some phone calls. Mom said things went OK today. They got Granny to The Villages at around 3:30. Mom and Donna took in sheets and things from home to make it feel less strange. She’s right across the hall from Grandma. Mom said Granny was upset but was putting up a big front. Of course it was hard for Mom to leave her there. I reassured her as best I could that she had done the right thing. 24-hour home nursing just isn’t possible. If she could afford it I don’t know where they would find staff. Grandma isn’t in the rehabilitation wing, she’s in residency. When Granny puts it together that she isn’t in the rehabilitation facility things my deteriorate, but for now let’s not borrow trouble.

There was an oil tanker overturned on highway 77 last night and I talked to Mom after she had been sitting in traffic for 45 minutes. I passed a few snarls yesterday on the way in, but I had thought well at least it will be better for Mom tomorrow. Wrong.

I caught most of a Joan Crawford flick I hadn't seen before called The Caretakers. It was pretty bad. Joan played obstructive old school head "Nurse Rached"as a re-worked Mildred Pierce, basically. There was plenty of 60's-style melodrama. It should have been a much better movie than it was (thank goodness they didn't write in an attraction of the psychiatrist {age 44} for Joan's character {she was 58 at the time} as they did in so many of her other movies {Johnny Guitar comes to mind}) . I could recommend it for camp value had there been more scenes for the lady, but she was buried in a mish-mash of psychological proselytizing and scenes of the mental patients freaking out. I do admit that I love how old movies about crazy people show them grabbing their heads all the time as if they're in pain. Kind of like in headache remedy commercials.

I called Lady Beth and left her a message. She called me this weekend to tell me she was thinking about me and texted me when I got in yesterday. I called Rick and firmed up plans for tomorrow night. I changed the sheets and switched out a load of laundry. I thought about cleaning house. I didn’t do it, but I thought about it. On the one hand, Rick's frustrated with his roommate right now because he’s a slob and I don't want him to think I'm one. The house looks kinda slobby at the mo, but it isn’t horrible. There are things that need doing, and I’ll do a quick run through tomorrow before I leave for supper. But on the other hand, I’m really conflicted about coming back to the house after dinner. I mean, I’d like to talk to him for a while, but if we come back to my place most guys are going to assume we’re going to do more than talk (which, I must admit, is usually a safe assumption with me - it would be hypocritical of me to play Polly Purebred here). With all that’s going on, I’d like to take things a little slowly if I can. I could talk to him about that, but that doesn’t really seem like a talk for a first date. If I did this a bit more often, I guess I’d be better at it. But I know Rick, and that helps. I’m just going to have to see how things go and play it by ear. I hate that.

Mainly, I haven’t been home (except to sleep) since last Friday morning. I was ready to relax a little bit tonight, so I did. The advisability of that remains to be seen I suppose.

A post in which I take the long way home

I got up with Mother again today and saw her off to the hospital. The worst was over and there wasn’t such a pall over the morning today. Lisa was up by the time Mom left, and since the baby and Cole were still sleeping we had time for coffee and talk this morning. Lisa doesn’t talk to me much about her home life, but she seemed to want to unburden herself today. I feel so bad for her. I wish she were happier. I talked to her a bit about being single now, and the loneliness I’ve been feeling lately. I probably have as little comprehension of her problems as she does of mine, but it helps to have someone who loves you to listen.

But there was stuff to do. The kids got up and we got them ready to go out. We met Carl (my brother-in-law) out for an early lunch before the visits today. We headed on over to see Grandma Shumate, but they had just served her lunch when we arrived, so we went to the hospital. As soon as we walked in the door, I ran back out to get some lunch for Mother. Since I had spent several hours with her yesterday I figured Granny would want to see Lisa and the kids anyway.

For some reason when I went out to get Mother’s lunch today, it just suddenly all became too much. Traffic was snarled, half the town was apparently having lunch at the McDonald’s, and it felt like the last straw. I just felt rubbed raw, as if I didn’t have a scrap of patience left. I haven’t really even done anything, but it didn’t seem to matter. I gave myself a mental shake and pulled myself together, but I continued feeling hollowed out like an old wooden shoe, as if I just don’t have anything else to give; completely without justification, which makes it worse. But sometimes you just have to put one foot in front of the other. I got lunch for Mom and headed back to the hospital.

That visit concluded, we went back over to see Grandma Shumate. Sunday is a crowded day there, and both of the visiting parlors were full, so we all just stayed in her room. Grandma was having a hard time hearing me yesterday, and unfortunately that continued today. That, plus of course being limited to subjects that won’t upset her, makes it hard to keep the conversation going. We stayed for a while, but the visit today did not go as well as I would have wished. Ava was in rare form though, and Grandma enjoyed watching her caper and play.

We left there and went back to Granny’s house for Lisa to pack up her things. Carl was orchestrating their quick exodus as if they had robbed a bank or something. They’re stopping in Greenville on the way back to see Dad as well, and for Carl to pick up a truck from him. I can’t imagine. After the great kerfuffle involved in their leaving, the house seemed oppressively quiet. I finished some tidying up and loaded my car, then headed out. I didn’t even feel relieved. I just felt drained.

Jeff and James were having dinner at their house tonight, as they do most Sundays. I was invited and I had thought it was just what I needed, but I couldn’t decide if I was even up for it or not. I really felt wrung out completely. Plus I have things I need to do to get ready for work tomorrow. I rode for an hour or with no music or book playing. I looked at the fields and the mountains as I passed them. I thought about life, and the cycles thereof, and the sadness of some of the phases. The fact that they are part of the natural progression doesn’t make them any easier to bear. I thought about my own mortality, and my mother growing older. I prayed.

After a while I started to feel some Steve start to seep back into me. I’d had enough quiet, and turned the CD book back on. By the time I got to Spartanburg I was ready to see my friends. I decided I needed to see everyone more than I needed a full pantry and clean sheets to start the work week. I needed some friend love time - and a drink. Getting to James and Jeff’s house was like getting to an oasis after a long dry spell. I quenched myself in the love and fellowship of treasured friends. I cast off the process of dealing with the ending of a life to embrace the one I’m living. It was the right thing to do. I felt renewed when I left.

A post in which we prepare for the worst

Today was another busy day. I was up early of course, and talked to Mom while she got ready to go to the hospital. She ended up being the bearer of bad news, and had to fire Louise this morning (the woman who sits with Granny at night, and whom we have all become increasingly concerned about over the last couple of weeks). She also had to tell Granny that she was going to have to leave the hospital on Monday not to go to home as she was expecting, but to go to a skilled nursing facility. It was an understandably intimidating agenda. Granny wasn’t expected to take this well. I offered to go with her repeatedly, but she refused. I offered her my biggest, most attitudinal bitch earrings, though, and she wore them. There was little else I could do but wish her the best and see her off.

Afterwards I woke Cole up to run off to the flea market. The one up there is small, but it’s something to do, and I have scored up here before. We didn’t find much today. I did go by to see the dragon lady. As usual, she had her wares laid out in heaps of abundance, but her pricing remains pretty aggressive. We haggled over one bowl, but in the end I didn’t buy it. I did score a new tape dispenser – woo hoo.

Cole and I stopped at the grocery store and then picked up breakfast on our way in. Ava is at the stage now where she doesn’t want to eat what’s on her plate; she wanted what was on mine. After finding her little hands all in my plate last night I sat across from her at breakfast this morning. “What are you eating?” she asked cutely. “Squirrel intestines.” I replied. “Oh I like that.” was the response. She is such a funny little thing.

I had planned to sit down for just a minute after breakfast before I got ready to go to the hospital. I was spelling Mom at 1pm so she and Donna could go and look at the nursing homes the doctor had recommended. But duty called. Granny had woken up feeling much better today. Mom called. “Will you make Granny a hamburger?” she asked. “She wants one of the ones from her house.” Of course I made it, although it felt rather surreal. She has her own little way of eating hamburgers the same way she has her own little way of doing everything. The patties are so thin as to just barely hold together, and of course there were very specific instructions as to the topping, etc. Although I would rather have cooked for a cordon bleu chef, I prepared the burger with care and trepidation, and sent it off to the hospital with my Aunt.

I then got ready and went over there early so they could have lunch before the appointments they had planned. Granny was picking at her lunch when I came in. She didn’t eat much of what they had on her tray, but gratifyingly had eaten almost the entire burger I made. She had been up in the chair all morning, and had walked her physical therapy also, so by the time I got there she was pretty wiped out. When she finished with lunch I put her in the bed, and she slept for an hour or so. I’ll admit I nodded off for half hour or so with her.

When she woke up we talked for a while, and she share reminiscences with me from during World War II, when she was a newlywed and Poppy was in the air force. She told me about going down to see him when he was in training in Biloxi, MS and how hot it was. “It was one hundred and ten degrees when I got off the train;” She said. “And I had been on my feet since I left Washington the night before. My legs were so swollen I had to lie down and put them up on pillows to make them go down. That afternoon, I got up, went downtown, and found a job.” I listened to her talk. I love hearing about her life.

She slept some more, and Lisa came over with the kids around 3pm. Then Mom came back in after a while. We visited until the kids wore Granny out, and then went to see Grandma Shumate for a short visit (Ava was getting fussy). We then went out for a late lunch. On the way back to the house, Lisa asked if I would take Cole to look for the book he needed for school. I hadn’t had any luck the night before and today didn’t turn out any better. There is apparently no book store in Wilkesboro. I suppose I shouldn’t have been as shocked as I was. We ran down one that was listed in the GPS which had apparently closed, and cruised the main strip of stores, but no dice.

We got back to the house and I rested and read for a bit while we waited for Mom. Louise was coming in to work tonight and tomorrow, after which she would be done. We were a bit worried she wouldn’t show up, but she did. By the time Mom got back she was very hungry, but Granny’s sister Kathleen and her husband Pete were on the way by for a visit. She had made some fried apple pies for Cole since he loves them so much. After she had been briefed on all that happened, they headed on out.

Things went as well as could be expected today. Granny and Mother both were up all night last night praying about what needed to be done. Granny had previously told my mother if she went into a retirement home she would turn her face to the wall and refuse food. I love my Granny, but she’s stubborn enough to do it. Surprisingly though, when Mom got there, Granny just told her that she knew what had to be done. The discussed it together fairly calmly.

Louise was a bit of a problem, but not near as much of a one as we had feared. Mom handled the whole thing beautifully and got the house keys back with barely a ripple. Lisa actually had a harder time than Mom did today. Granny’s housekeeper called Lisa very upset (Cole and I were still gone at the time). She said she would take Granny to her own house before she would let her go into a retirement home. Lisa handled it pretty well, but someone will have to talk to her at some point.

Since lunch had been so good, and Mom wanted Mexican, we went back to the Mexican place where we had eaten lunch. Ava flirted and made eyes at all the men, charming waiters and patrons alike. She must get that allure from her mother. By the time we had eaten and gotten back to the house it was late, and I was wiped out. It had been a long, long tiring day.

A post in which I am off to the mountains

Today was Friday the 13th, and although the weekend is pretty ill-omened, today went pretty well. It was very busy though. I got ready to leave town while I got ready for work, ending up only 15 minutes late. Since things are still slow on my desk that was fine.

After work I left and drove to Statesville. I was meeting Mom and Lisa there, but of course they were late, which was fine. I had figured they would be. I shopped for a while, finding none of the things I needed from the Wal-Mart there. I also looked around for a book Cole needs for school (he starts next week) but didn’t find it. I walked around the shopping center there and chose a restaurant for dinner. We met at Chili’s, a place I usually hate, but Mom loves it apparently and I have to admit I had a most excellent veggie burger plate. The fact that it was after 9pm by that point and I was so hungry I could have eaten corn chips out of Rush Limbaugh’s shoes may have had something to do with that. Mom caught me up on the latest in the Granny situation over dinner.

Cole rode the rest of the way to Granny’s with me. He’d been in the car with Ava for hours at that point and was glad for the break. She’s a sweet thing, but she’s just about three (her birthday is next month) and riding in the car strapped in a car seat for a long time is not exactly her favorite thing.

I had the sweetest text from Rick tonight on the way in. I was touched, but I couldn’t text and drive. It was so thoughtful of him. It made me feel really good, and was a bright spot on a weekend I'm not much looking forward to. I'm really looking forward to seeing him next week though.

By the time we got there it was late and there wasn’t much to do but haul everything in, assign sleeping quarters, and get to bed. I was exhausted.

A post in which I act somewhat impetuously

And probably not that advisedly, but then that’s par for the course I guess.

I woke up this morning thinking about Rick. He’s a guy that I knew years ago before I met Michael. I talked to Russ about him not too long ago. Russ gave me his number, but I hadn’t called him for some reason. I resolved to do so today.

I’ve been kind of conflicted about starting new things – everything has kind of felt on hold since the testing started. Plus it feels kind of dishonest to maybe start dating someone and then say “Oh by the way…”

But I figured a phone conversation wouldn’t hurt. And it didn’t. It was good to talk to him, and he’s a nice guy. We’re going to dinner Tuesday night next week since I’m gone this weekend. I’m looking forward to it. I am not telling him all this stuff on the first date. Time enough for that later. And I’m not marrying the guy; we’re just going to dinner right? I’m going to try to just enjoy an evening out with a nice guy and leave it at that.

I went and got my hair cut tonight. Russ was apparently having more than sinus issues last weekend – he and Billy both have some kind of upper respiratory infection. He approved of my calling Rick.

I ran by the library to get a book on CD (I’m more prepared for tomorrow’s trip than for the last one), and then home to fix supper. I was ravenous. I figured that once I was through eating I wouldn’t feel like doing anything else. But I was wrong. Partially because there was nothing on TV, I ended up changing out a load of laundry before I packed my clothes. I called Dad and talked to him for a minute since he had his stitches out today. Apparently that went well. I actually had a little time to relax before I went to bed even. Bonus!

A post in which I go to check on Dad

The computers were up today at work, thank goodness.

I talked to Mom about Granny. There doesn’t seem to be any decision about what they’re going to do, but it’s clear to everyone that she can’t go home yet. Lisa, Cole, and Ava will be in Wilkesboro this weekend with Mom, and so since I didn’t go the last time I had said I would, I’m going too. It is past time for me to be up there and see everyone anyway. So that decision is made.

I’m really hoping that Mom doesn’t tell her about not going home when I’m there. Knowing Granny that could be an ugly scene. I guess it makes me a wuss, but I really don’t want to be there for it. I don’t think Mom would do that to me.

Since I’m leaving Friday night, and since I have to pack tomorrow, I called and went by to see Dad tonight. He seems to be doing just fine, and is back to his old self almost. He says he is walking better now than he did before the surgery. He’s a little concerned about getting the staples out of his back tomorrow, but then I guess anyone would be. I haven’t decided when to tell him about my stuff.

I left fairly early (it’s petty of me, but I just couldn’t bear another minute of E! Entertainment News and all that stuff they watch in the evening). I’ve seen them so much lately that I don’t have anything safe to talk to them about. Usually I save up stuff.

When I got home I had a lovely email from Lady Beth about the biopsy and all. She had told me to let her know last week, but I didn’t email her until she came back from vacation with her family. She has quite enough on her plate already.

I had intended to do some laundry tonight when I got home, but I ended up being pretty worthless. But it does feel good to have some plans laid, and it was very comforting to hear from Lady Beth.

A post in which I accomplish nothing at work

The computers were down all. Day. Today. Ugh. So we sat and fooled around, and waited for them to come back up. But that has its limitations.

Nancy (a friend at work) knows about my health situation, and she gave me the sweetest card today. Of course I almost cried. But then I cry at the drop of a hat these days.

I went straight home after work (despite being ravenously hungry), ate leftovers (not a huge sacrifice since I still had chips from Sunday and some of James's gorgous potato salad in the fridge), and astonishingly did everything I intended to do tonight. I had some snap beans I had picked up this weekend just because they were so pretty, but after the Sunday funday I hadn’t done anything with them, so I snapped and cooked them. I changed out a load of laundry.

I’m trying to decide what I’m going to do about this weekend. Its Mom’s weekend at Granny’s and Granny is still in the hospital. This was the week she was scheduled to be released, but the last I heard she was in no shape to be at home. On the one hand I’d like to go up and see her and Mom, but on the other hand I don’t want to go up and be in the way. I’ll talk to her about it.

Justin called to talk for a bit tonight. It was good to hear from him. We talked about the fact that I usually spend a good bit of time alone during the week now. I am feeling a bit better from the E-B crap (thank you God), but still many times I don’t feel like going anywhere when I get home. At the same time, weekday evenings are depressing to me. I feel like I work all day (most days), and then go home to - well, nothing. It’s a conundrum. I need to go back to school, but (ugh) I just can’t bear the thoughts of it. Plus I don’t feel like I can start anything right now. Everything is on hold for now until I find out whether or not I have to have surgery. It’s kind of the same way when I think about dating.

First, I seem to be off men again. I think about dating, or about sex, every now and then, but it just seems to be so much work. Plus, I can’t imagine meeting someone, and now having to add to the talk “Oh, by the way, they may cut my crotch out in a month or so, possibly leaving me impotent for life. Just thought I'd lay that out there for ya.” All in all, it just doesn’t seem that the timing is right.

I’m going to see if I can persuade myself to do bits of housework in the evenings when I get home instead of watching TV and playing on the computer. Lord knows there is plenty that needs to be done, and I read an article that was talking about how spending time online leads to depression.

A post in which I am back to work

I was up early this morning to dish out the lunches, organize the leftovers, and clean up the kitchen before I got ready for work. It went pretty smoothly.

It was a fairly typical Monday, aside from the computer system being up and down all day. Fortunately things are slow on my desk right now, so I’m not getting behind. Plus I got the report that I needed for this morning. And it balanced. I was a bit tired today, but it wasn’t too bad.

Granny continues to not do well. Mom says she wants Loise there at night even though she's in the hospital, and won't discuss giving her a day off without getting upset. Apparently Louise is kind of talking down my mom and my aunts to her also, which just isn't good. I’m thinking about going up there this weekend because I think Mom’s going up. But if they have to tell her this weekend that she can’t go home it won’t be pretty.

I went straight home tonight to tend to other chores I should have done this weekend. There’s more to do, but I got everything done that I had decided to do tonight. I was able to relax for a bit and watch Pit Boss before I went to bed.

A post in which it is a very busy Sunday

I was up in time to call Russ this morning, and he was up and around when I called. He came by he house to pick me up on the way to Anderson and brought coffee. Yay. There wasn't a whole lot of stuff there, but there was more than the last time I went. Even at 10am or so though, people were packing up to go home because it was so hot.

I ran across a pink Bubble bowl that I wanted. It was so pretty, and Justin has one that I admire. This is apparently a not uncommon vegetable bowl, but it is one of the few pieces of this pattern commonly found in pink. I turned it down at $10 (I only had about $25 with me), but when she marked it down to $8 I couldn't resist.

"Bubble" 8 1/2" vegetable bowl in pink by Anchor Hocking, circa 1934 -1965. For some reason the color is a bit off in this picture. My bowl is a nice soft Depression pink.

Russ had decided that we would go to Jeff and James's house for dinner tonight, which suited me fine. It's been too long since I've seen them. He also wanted guacamole (or avocado dip - I have kind of drifted from the traditional guac recipe) so we picked up some avocados before we left. We were kind of in a hurry, and the woman was kind of crowding me, but they seemed OK. She also hosed us on some cilantro and overcharged.

Russ dropped me at my place about noon. I had a bunch of stuff to do today because I was worthless yesterday, but Russ told me to go ahead and do my stuff and get a nap (evenings at Jeff & James's tend to run late) and he and Billy would call later and tell me when to come over. I decided I would get done what absolutely had to be done, and do the rest next week. I was not going to miss a visit to stay home and do chores. Especially with as much time as I've been spending by myself lately.

I spent about an hour putting the ratatouille in the crock pot and lay down for about an hour. The phone rang at 2:12. "You can be here in about an hour right?" I agreed, somewhat incoherently, then hung up the phone and started to panic. I hadn't even made the guac yet. I had to call back and beg for a bit more time.

I finished up the ratatouille, cooked the rice to go with it, and wrestled the guac together. The avocados we bought didn't seem ripe enough for me and I had a hard time getting the pits out without tearing them all to pieces. Additionally, the cilantro we bought had obviously been out in the sun all day yesterday and was pretty pitiful. She had put two bunches together to make them look better, which was why it was too expensive. I kind of picked through it and got the guac made. I was at Russ and Billy's by about 4pm, which I thought was pretty damn good.

It is always good to see Jeff and James, plus Amanda was there (I adore me some Amanda), and Morgan and Corbin were there as well (they were the boy/girl couple that came tubing - I now find that they aren't quite together, but that's another story). As usual J&J put out quite a spread. A lovely carrot souffle, homemade potato salad, BBQ chicken breasts for them, and grilled portobellos for Morgan and I (she's pesce as well). Russ and Billy had brought along a fruit torte for dessert, and I had the guac for an appetizer. The guacamole didn't turn out to be the disaster I feared, and indeed almost all of it was eaten.

Jeff has apparently been wanting to put a pool in, and James is against the idea (which I can understand). Russ had picked up a wading/paddle pool for them last night at Kmart, kind of as a joke. It actually turned out to be a lot of fun. We filled it up and sat around with our paddies in the water, yakking.

Corbin and Jeff

Moi, huge ivory thighs ablaze - thank goodness the sun wasn't out!

Amanda, Russ, and Jeff. Can't you just feel how thrilled Amanda is to be having her picture made?

After supper and a bit of time on the porch, True Blood came on, which was kind of the reason for the get-together. Russ and Billy came up to watch the show with J&J. I wasn't thrilled about being in Spartanburg until 10pm on a school night to watch a program I'm not that crazy about (I've read all the books the show is based on, and the show kind of vaguely pisses me off) anyway, but I'm not going to be a spoilsport. Plus it was worth missing some sleep to see everyone. I sat down to watch.

About halfway through, I looked up, and both Russ and Billy had gone outside on the deck. I was like whatever.

When the program was over, it was time to start thinking about heading home. So we did. It was a lovely evening though, and I was so glad to see everyone. I had a great time. It was well worth dragging a bit tomorrow.

A post in which I am lazy

I had the best of intentions of getting something done today. I really did. But I didn’t accomplish very much.

I did get up and go to the flea market this morning to buy vegetables. There wasn’t any glass. I got eggplants and things to make ratatouille. I found a crock pot recipe for it last week and wanted to try it. By the time I left I had to eat something (I had a healthy breakfast of cookies and french fries), and then I was claimed by the couch. I kept thinking about getting up to do something, and then it just wouldn’t happen.

I had made plans to go to the movies with Russ and Billy today, and Billy texted me early to say they wanted to do a matinee at 3:50. I got up and got ready, squeaking in the door at the last minute after hitting every red light in downtown on the way. The movie was cute. We saw Despicable Me. They had blown one of the best lines in the movie in the promos (which I hate), but the movie was entertaining and I enjoyed it. It also wasn’t showing in 3D any longer, which was just fine with me. The only part I would have liked to have seen in 3D was at the end during the credits, and was obviously just them playing. I cried at the end. I am so freaking easy these days.

After the movie it was off to Miyako for dinner. Although we ate early, I was surprisingly hungry when we got there. The food was delicious as usual. After supper, we did a postprandial stroll through Kmart since it was tax-free weekend, but I didn’t find anything I wanted. I did find a picture of a freaky baby doll that I sent to Lisa, threatening to buy if for Ava for Christmas.

OK, first - EEK - can you imagine buying this for a child?? Second, this marked down to $11. Still, it is aggressively PINK isn't it?

We then headed on back to Russ and Billy’s place to hang out. They were going downtown to the The Cazbah, Greenville’s finest (and indeed only) tapas place, to meet some friends later, but I begged off going. I really should have gone. Its Vince’s birthday, and he came to my birthday supper last fall; but I just hate that place. It’s so hip, and all the people there are so trendy, young, and skinny. I am not comfortable there at all. The atmosphere makes me feel like an old worn-out footstool surrounded by sleek modern furniture.

We got caught up watching Planet 51, which was cute, although I’m glad I didn’t pay full price to see it in the theater. It was one I wanted to see, but had forgotten about. That’s usually how my movie thing goes these days. It’ll be advertised, and I’ll think I’ll just wait for the DVD, after which I forget about it.

After the movie was over, I made plans to go to the flea market with Russ, then moseyed on home to mess around for a bit on the computer before hitting the sheets.

A post in which I am ready for the weekend

It’s been a fairly disappointing week, and I had no plans for the weekend, but was looking forward to it anyway. It’s just good to get some time out of the office.

I called Dad to make sure he was doing OK. He is. He got out of the hospital today and was happy to be home. He said he didn’t need anything, so I called dana. She said they would be home tonight and that I could come hang out. Killer.

I had to go and get my big beautiful frame. They’ve been very nicely storing it at the frame place to me for two months now, but my painting seems to be lost, and I can’t get a reply from the painting people in China. I called Diane today, and went by on my way home to get the frame. I’ll keep it until I get the picture, and then have the work done. It weighed a ton though! I thought I was never going to wrestle it into the car (it’s big enough it has to go into the hatch diagonally). I finally got it in, but I scratched the hell out of the back bumper in the process. Dammit.

I stopped for Japanese take-away en route home. dana has me hooked on it, and there really wasn’t anything at the house I wanted to eat. It was Friday and payday, OK? So I treated myself.

After throwing dinner down my gullet, I headed over to Miss Kat and dana’s house. Greg was up from Atlanta, and it’s always good to see him. We had a good visit, and I kicked off the weekend in a very relaxed and enjoyable way.

A post in which I am quite generous with myself for being good*

My spankin boy came by this morning. It’s always nice to see him, but I forgot to take my Ibuprofen after he left. By the time I got to work I was hurting pretty badly, but it was easy enough to rectify now that I hardly ever leave the house without Ibuprofen.

I finally got the reports for month end straightened out today, and got that finished.

After work I took supper to the hospital for Dad and Eve. They wanted food from Zaxby’s, which was easy enough. I never eat there because they put chicken in just about everything. But the girl that waited on me was exceptionally nice, and Eve said it was the best Zaxby’s salad she had ever eaten. I just got a little salad (one of the few sans chicken choices) and some excellent fried mushrooms. Supper was pleasant, and Dad is cranky enough today that he has to be on the mend. He called Lisa and talked to her for a bit while I was there.

On the way home, I was still a bit peckish. I decided to treat myself and went by Como Pete’s for an order of ‘half & half’ (slang for french fries and onion rings) and a Heath shake on the way home. They were both wonderful. As if there was any doubt.

But I was tired. It had been a long day, if an indulgent one (sex, fries, and ice cream in the same day!). I went home and lounged around on the sofa for a bit, but I turned on in when it was time. I’m ready for the weekend. But hey, tomorrow’s payday. You gotta love that.

A post in which my test results are back

Today I mainly tried to referee the reports situation while I waited to leave. It was like everything wasn’t real again. Lisa texted me today to find out when the appointment was scheduled, and to ask for me to call her as soon as I got out. I was touched.

Paul called today to ask about Eve’s situation. Apparently she sent Cindy a text about it, which at least relieves me of secrecy (Dad had of course sworn me to an oath not to tell them about it). Eve called me Sunday to tell me that she has breast cancer and is going to have a mastectomy before the end of September. This is her second round with it, and they are telling her that they’ve caught it early and that this is a slower-growing cancer that is unlikely to metastasize. She’s taking it pretty well all things considered. So I confirmed what was going on. I wish Cindy would call her or something. It just doesn’t seem like so much to ask, whatever has been said, to call your mother when she tells you she has cancer.

The doctor told me today that my PSA was down, but not enough. I’ve dropped from 4.9 to 3.65, but with my family history he wants to see it under 2.5 to not take further action. He scheduled me for a biopsy on the 23rd. Sigh. I guess I got most of the crazy out of my system (about this anyway) during my histrionic reaction to the first test. Whatever the cause, I’m fairly numb about it at the mo. This was pretty much what I was expecting, but still bad news.

I called Lisa when I got home to tell her the news. When I called, she was trying not to kill Ava, who had apparently gotten a dirty diaper and spread crap all over the house, the furniture, and herself. Lisa and I talked for a while about my stuff to distract her while Ava soaked in the tub, and I managed to counsel her out of infanticide.

I also asked Lisa's opinion about whether or not I should tell Mom at this point. She said I should. I pretty much knew that, but it was nice to have somone confirm it (not that I wouldn't have weenied out if she had thought I shouldn't). So after delaying for a while to eat supper and let Mom get home and stuff, I called her. It was a hard conversation to have. I hate to put more in her lap right now, but after the second round of tests, Lisa said it was the right thing to do. Mom told me she was glad that I told her, but then that is what she would say anyway. At least I spared her a couple of weeks of worry.

Granny continues to not do well. They are putting her in rehab for a couple of weeks to see if they can get her on her feet, Mom says she can’t get out of bed or dress herself right now. Mom's impression was that the doctor thought Granny was going to go last week (frankly, so did I), and now he’s kind of at a loss as to what to do. Mom and my aunts are waiting to see what happens in rehab before they make any decisions, but if her condition doesn’t improve, Granny won't be able to go home. Bed-ridden or not, I shudder to think what that scene will be like if they have to explain this to her.

Dad’s surgery went well, fortunately. He seems to be relieved of a lot of pain, which is excellent. I had to go see him tonight – I just live across the street from the hospital. I didn’t mind, but I can’t tell him what’s going on with me with him just out of surgery. It was hard not to say anything. I managed though, and after we talked for a while it was easier. It’s weird not to be able to talk to my parents about something that is wrong. I really felt kind of guilty telling Mom tonight. I hate to put more stress on her. This is the first thing I’ve had to second-guess telling them since I came out, and of course that was different. Adulthood really sucks sometimes.

I finally left the hospital later on. I think I tired Dad out but he just didn’t want to say it. I went on home and went to bed. What a day.

A post in which I dread tomorrow

But kind of look forward to it as well. I get my blood test results back from the second set of tests tomorrow. I’m trying not to think about it. I do get off work early to go though. Dad goes in for his back surgery tomorrow as well. What a week.

I got the cutest card in the mail from Angela today when I got home from work. It was so unlike her to just send something out of the blue, but it was nice to hear from her.

I’m so frustrated with myself. I’m not happy at work, and it’s depressing to be at home by myself so much, but I don’t feel like going anywhere during the week once I get home. I found myself lingering in the grocery store yesterday, just because I was out and around people. I was thinking tonight about going out to the mall for a while tonight for the same reason. That’s just what I need to do – spend more money – not. So apparently there’s just no pleasing me with a pleasing machine, as Dad says.

A post in which the week begins again

Today was pretty much an average day, aside from the reports coming out wrong. All my reports for month end have the wrong totals. Typical corporate SNAFU. I dread to see how long this is going to take to fix.

I talked to Russ today. Billy is out of town all week, so he’s working overtime all week. I wanted to see them this week and catch up, but I guess it will have to wait until the weekend.

I went by the grocery store on the way home from work, but really didn’t feel like doing much else.

A post in which it is birthdays!

I was up pretty early this morning, partially because I did nothing last night, and partially because I had a lot to do today. There were plans for brunch with Miss Kat, dana, and Lori for Miss Kat and Lori’s birthday – of course I had nothing planned. Lisa was also coming to Dick and Eve today, so I would have to make an appearance over there for moral support.

First I went to the flea market for fruit, which for some reason I ‘hadn’t felt like buying’ yesterday. I don’t know either. While I was there I did the glass walk, even though it was drizzly again, and there was almost no one there. But off in the corner there was one table where I found some great glass at a very good price. I found a pink Windsor platter and got that for $5! I bought one out at White Horse years ago, and when I got it home it was sick glass (glass covered in mineral deposits) when I got it home. This one is in great condition, and I paid a fraction of what I did for the first one. Live learn, I guess. Don't buy dirty glass (well for a premium price anyway). You don't know what's under that dirt.

Windsor "Diamond" 13" platter in pink by Jeannette Glass, circa 1936 - 1946

When I got up to the table, they also had a little oyster and pearl handled dish. Not really sure what it is - a nut dish? a creamer? (It has a little spout.) That isn't one of my favorite patterns, but since I already have the large platter and two divided relish dishes in it now, I decided for $2 I may as well have the heart-shaped dish as well. It is a cute little thing.

Oyster & Pearl handled heart bowl in pink, circa 1938 - 1940

Then was the deal of the day, a beautiful Sharon tumbler. They aren't cheap (retail, anyway), and the guy had this one marked for $5. I thought it had to be a reproduction, but when I checked the book, this piece hadn't been reproduced. I found a tiny flea bite on the rim, but you'd never see it if you weren't just looking for it. It is a beautiful piece, and quite a find.

Sharon 15oz tumbler in pink by Federal Glass Co, circa 1935 - 1939

Leaving there, I swung through CVS for prescriptions (before tomorrow’s beginning-of-the-month craziness begins), birthday cards, and gift cards.

I got home, got cleaned up, changed the sheets, and folded a load of laundry. And waited.

By a bit after 10 I couldn’t stand it any longer. I called Miss Kat. She didn’t sound very wakey wakey, but said they would call me back.

I was starving.

I didn’t want to eat anything if we were going to brunch, but at the same time didn’t want to pass out in the floor from sugar shock either. I finally ate a small bowl of peaches, and carved up the watermelon so it would be all ready for lunches next week.

Thirty minutes before Miss Kat called me back, Lisa called. Her arrival was imminent. I love that girl, but she has the timing of a Russian ballet. But I digress.

We ended up going to Stax Omega for brunch. Fine with me. I was ready to chew the legs off a rabid weasel at that point, and they do have the best omelets in town. They are better than mine. We also tried a new appetizer they had called fried biscuits. You heard me right. Little bitty fried biscuits with a honey-butter glaze drizzled over them. They were so good I thought I was gonna go sterile. Also, since there were no rabid weasels around that was all that was on the table to eat. I tried to act with discretion – I really did. I managed not to grab the plate, run for a corner, and growl at anyone who came near, but it was an effort.

After several cups of coffee, and a gorgeously delicious spinach and feta cheese omelet, I was feeling much more like myself. We finished a very enjoyable brunch, and I invited everyone back to my place (I had just cleaned Thursday for Nicole, so it was livable). Lori couldn’t come – she has this amazingly busy and task-filled life – but Miss Kat and dana did. I love it when they come over.

We hung out for a while, listened to music and talked, but I knew that eventually I was going to have to man up. When they headed for home, I headed for Dick and Eve’s.

Cole didn’t come today, but Ava was there, and she’s a complete show by herself. Lisa had asked about sushi, which you usually can’t get on a Sunday around here, but a new place has opened up and I knew they served today. I made the mistake of mentioning this in front of the parents, and they kind of ended up going, which I don’t think was the plan, but it was fine. The sushi was OK. Not what I would have chosen, but the only sushi place I know of that’s open on Sunday was this one so beggars can’t be choosers.

We had a nice meal, after which Lisa & Co headed home, as did I.