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.