Well, another week is in the books. It wasn't any more or less successful than any number of other such weeks, I guess. Tomorrow makes a full week since my daughter started serving her time for drunk driving. It's only been a week and already the bureaucracy, the petty hassles, the incompetence, and other such things are making her vow to never go back. I hope she is right.
I got back into my routine a bit more solidly, writing and quilting most days. I had a somewhat major setback when I discovered that the directions for making my afghan were totally wrong. This is going to necessitate pulling out and redoing an entire afghan. *sigh* Not only does this interfere with my schedule for ensuring all my things are done by the end of the year, but it's just a royal pita in general. After experimenting for several hours I've discovered a work-around that should work. To be sure, I will have to make eight of the small pieces and sew them together. Thus far I have two of them done.
I added some me time to my routines these days. That includes using lotion on rough spots on my legs, making sure I use my face moisturizer and other things like that daily. That includes a night cream. I'm already seeing some improvement. I've been pretty careless and getting older means more not less care.
I'm considering installing my story building software on my laptop computer. It would give me a nice safe place to store ideas, and would be easier to work on there than in my room where it gets pretty cold at times.
I got the results from my sleep study day before yesterday. Everything is just fine. The machine I use for sleep is calibrated correctly and nothing needs to be changed. Of course that does nothing to ensure that I sleep. So I sent my sleep doctor a note asking what the next steps are. I should hear back early next week and we'll see.
So as I said, it's yet another week. Nothing much going on.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Politics
Politics are getting interesting again, especially for a Monday morning. First we get this out of the Justice Department: An official there has said that if she is subpoenaed to testify in the Federal Attorney firing brouhaha she will take the fifth. That's an absolutely astounding and utterly interesting position since the White House swears on a stack of bibles that nothing illegal took place. I wonder what she knows that's so bad it could send her to jail if she were to openly tell the truth about it. I equally wonder how many other people know equally damaging stuff in this case.
What amazes me repeatedly about this whole thing is that there was supposedly nothing illegal about the president exercising his prerogative to fire federal attorneys. He didn't have to give any explanation to the public beyond the fact that it was his prerogative to do so and he was using it. That's been the case with every other president. Why then did this administration have to make up a pack of lies, and bad lies at that, which impugned the integrity of the attorneys being fired? Why couldn't they have just said the president wanted them replaced and let it go at that? What is it about this administration that has to make cloak and dagger out of something this simple?
The next thing to hit the political fan today is the outlines of the new Comprehensive Immigration policy that the congress is beginning to consider. It has some good stuff, and some really bad stuff in it in about equal portions. The good thing would be a legal immigrant database; the bad thing is that it would be administered by the Department of Homeland Security. I cannot imagine a more incompetent group to do something this important. A good thing would be more Immigration officials and Border Patrol, as well as a completed fence and observation devices; the bad thing is that they would be issuing six-year visas to illegals without requiring them to go home first. I understand that this part would also be without background, security, or criminal background checks.
The next good thing would be stricter harsher penalties for those hiring illegals; the bad is again it's under the Bush administration and Department of Homeland security. If Mr. Bush runs immigration policy the way he runs the war in Iraq, we might just as well turn over the keys to the country to Mexico now and abdicate our citizenship.
The nothing but bad thing is amnesty at the end of six years and a place at the head of the line for permanent resident or citizenship status. I don't know if there is a language requirement, but I know that there is a background and criminal check at this time, a few light fines, and the payment of back taxes. What they don't have to do is leave and apply from their home countries then wait for the paperwork to be processed which is what legal immigrants must do. These people would be required to leave, but that "leave" would mean as little as walking across the border at Juarez and then immediately turning around and walking back. They would then be allowed to live in this country while waiting for their paperwork to be processed which takes years under the most ideal circumstances. Meanwhile those who apply from outside the country must wait there all those years while those who snuck across the border and broke the law reap benefits from doing so.
The other questionable part of this plan is expansion of the legal, low-skilled labor program which currently allows about 5,000 of these people to come here legally if sponsored by a business with a job for them. This would expand to 400,000 a year. I don't have any details on how long they're allowed to stay here, etc.
As I said, it's been such a heavy news day that even Anna Nichole's autopsy is getting scant play on the news.
What amazes me repeatedly about this whole thing is that there was supposedly nothing illegal about the president exercising his prerogative to fire federal attorneys. He didn't have to give any explanation to the public beyond the fact that it was his prerogative to do so and he was using it. That's been the case with every other president. Why then did this administration have to make up a pack of lies, and bad lies at that, which impugned the integrity of the attorneys being fired? Why couldn't they have just said the president wanted them replaced and let it go at that? What is it about this administration that has to make cloak and dagger out of something this simple?
The next thing to hit the political fan today is the outlines of the new Comprehensive Immigration policy that the congress is beginning to consider. It has some good stuff, and some really bad stuff in it in about equal portions. The good thing would be a legal immigrant database; the bad thing is that it would be administered by the Department of Homeland Security. I cannot imagine a more incompetent group to do something this important. A good thing would be more Immigration officials and Border Patrol, as well as a completed fence and observation devices; the bad thing is that they would be issuing six-year visas to illegals without requiring them to go home first. I understand that this part would also be without background, security, or criminal background checks.
The next good thing would be stricter harsher penalties for those hiring illegals; the bad is again it's under the Bush administration and Department of Homeland security. If Mr. Bush runs immigration policy the way he runs the war in Iraq, we might just as well turn over the keys to the country to Mexico now and abdicate our citizenship.
The nothing but bad thing is amnesty at the end of six years and a place at the head of the line for permanent resident or citizenship status. I don't know if there is a language requirement, but I know that there is a background and criminal check at this time, a few light fines, and the payment of back taxes. What they don't have to do is leave and apply from their home countries then wait for the paperwork to be processed which is what legal immigrants must do. These people would be required to leave, but that "leave" would mean as little as walking across the border at Juarez and then immediately turning around and walking back. They would then be allowed to live in this country while waiting for their paperwork to be processed which takes years under the most ideal circumstances. Meanwhile those who apply from outside the country must wait there all those years while those who snuck across the border and broke the law reap benefits from doing so.
The other questionable part of this plan is expansion of the legal, low-skilled labor program which currently allows about 5,000 of these people to come here legally if sponsored by a business with a job for them. This would expand to 400,000 a year. I don't have any details on how long they're allowed to stay here, etc.
As I said, it's been such a heavy news day that even Anna Nichole's autopsy is getting scant play on the news.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
May you live in interesting times
I feel that pretty much defines my life right now. "Interesting" in terms that are not particularly fun or easy. I am thinking of ways to unstress. If stress were money I would be richer than Bill Gates at the moment. Unfortunately, because of promises I've made and my own peculiar brand of loyalty, I'm tied into the situation for at least another 3-4 months. After that things will have to change, if I don't have a heart attack from the stress first.
I am working on reducing the stress somewhat. For instance, I begin a program of meditation tonight just before I go to bed. Tomorrow I will be going to the doctor and from there to the Senior Center where I hope to enroll in a Tai Chi class that I think begins either next week or the week after. Meets twice a week for a month or two and teaches basic forms. It is followed by an intermediate course. I'm hoping these two changes will reap some benefits. For the near term I am also looking into getting a massage because I really loved the one I have had before and it left me all relaxed and noodly (precise scientific term) for hours.
I am a bit worried about my ability to handle such enormous loads of stress which is why I am doing these things. I've had several days recently where I've had periods where I felt disassociated and as if I were viewing the world through a long tunnel. Everything was slowed down. Now I grant you this could just be exhaustion brought on by the fact I rarely get sufficient sleep or anything even vaguely related to it. I'm working on that as well having seen a doctor twice now about it. I will be returning to the sleep specialist when the results of the latest tests are in.
Right now, however, I am sitting in my room with the door closed. I refuse to be a part of the current ongoing drama unfolding outside the confines of this room. It's early but I may just go to bed and take a nap. I skipped breakfast rather than be out there. I have no energy to play WoW and left the last of my afghan pieces out next to my chair. Don't feel like doing that right now anyway. Later when everyone leaves I'll go finish the last square and maybe even begin sewing them together.
Sleep would be nice. I don't care that I've only been out of bed a few hours.
I am working on reducing the stress somewhat. For instance, I begin a program of meditation tonight just before I go to bed. Tomorrow I will be going to the doctor and from there to the Senior Center where I hope to enroll in a Tai Chi class that I think begins either next week or the week after. Meets twice a week for a month or two and teaches basic forms. It is followed by an intermediate course. I'm hoping these two changes will reap some benefits. For the near term I am also looking into getting a massage because I really loved the one I have had before and it left me all relaxed and noodly (precise scientific term) for hours.
I am a bit worried about my ability to handle such enormous loads of stress which is why I am doing these things. I've had several days recently where I've had periods where I felt disassociated and as if I were viewing the world through a long tunnel. Everything was slowed down. Now I grant you this could just be exhaustion brought on by the fact I rarely get sufficient sleep or anything even vaguely related to it. I'm working on that as well having seen a doctor twice now about it. I will be returning to the sleep specialist when the results of the latest tests are in.
Right now, however, I am sitting in my room with the door closed. I refuse to be a part of the current ongoing drama unfolding outside the confines of this room. It's early but I may just go to bed and take a nap. I skipped breakfast rather than be out there. I have no energy to play WoW and left the last of my afghan pieces out next to my chair. Don't feel like doing that right now anyway. Later when everyone leaves I'll go finish the last square and maybe even begin sewing them together.
Sleep would be nice. I don't care that I've only been out of bed a few hours.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Working on Changes
Sewmouse has inspired me to try to get better organized so I can actually do the things I want to do. I have managed to begin some things. I'm going to the doctor about my sleep problems and intend to keep with it until they find something that works. Yesterday I completed a five day, at-home sleep study, so am waiting for the end results of that.
I intend to go to the Senior Center in town either tomorrow or the next day and see not only what they have there that I might enjoy but also see if there is anything I might contribute as well. Sew has suggests a Tai Chi class which I have been looking into for quite some time. I guess I am still not entirely sure I could do it.
Another thing I have been doing faithfully is to work on my afghans. I finished making the last piece of the current one tonight and will begin piecing it together tomorrow. By Monday or so it will be finished and I can mail it off to its intended recipient. It's a wedding present for my sister/niece. Don't ask. That's an entirely different story. I'll post a picture here when it's done. That will leave four more to complete before Christmas.
There are three more things I need to add to my do every day list. The first is write on my story. Half an hour by the clock every single day. The second is work on the quilt I'm making for my son and daughter in law. Another half an hour every day while I listen to the news and drink coffee in the morning. What a perfect way to start a day. The final thing is to make a list of five things to do around either the house or the yard, then do them.
This is way more than enough for right now. When they become habits that are not slacked off on, I'll find other things. For instance, I have an appointment on Monday to have a thorough eye exam. It's possible I will be a candidate for cataract surgery one of these days soon. I know I have them; I just need to see how much worse they've become in the past year and a half. I know they are worse. I can see it.
I do plan to post here more often. On Thursday or Friday it will be about what I'm doing and my progress toward meeting my goals. On Sunday or Monday it will be about politics or something else that interests me personally. If I have other things then there are other days.
I intend to go to the Senior Center in town either tomorrow or the next day and see not only what they have there that I might enjoy but also see if there is anything I might contribute as well. Sew has suggests a Tai Chi class which I have been looking into for quite some time. I guess I am still not entirely sure I could do it.
Another thing I have been doing faithfully is to work on my afghans. I finished making the last piece of the current one tonight and will begin piecing it together tomorrow. By Monday or so it will be finished and I can mail it off to its intended recipient. It's a wedding present for my sister/niece. Don't ask. That's an entirely different story. I'll post a picture here when it's done. That will leave four more to complete before Christmas.
There are three more things I need to add to my do every day list. The first is write on my story. Half an hour by the clock every single day. The second is work on the quilt I'm making for my son and daughter in law. Another half an hour every day while I listen to the news and drink coffee in the morning. What a perfect way to start a day. The final thing is to make a list of five things to do around either the house or the yard, then do them.
This is way more than enough for right now. When they become habits that are not slacked off on, I'll find other things. For instance, I have an appointment on Monday to have a thorough eye exam. It's possible I will be a candidate for cataract surgery one of these days soon. I know I have them; I just need to see how much worse they've become in the past year and a half. I know they are worse. I can see it.
I do plan to post here more often. On Thursday or Friday it will be about what I'm doing and my progress toward meeting my goals. On Sunday or Monday it will be about politics or something else that interests me personally. If I have other things then there are other days.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
What a Shock
As with many older folks, I remember Van Halen as a great rock band. Eddie was the heart of the band; young, handsome, and enormously talented. I was shocked to find this picture of him today. I guess this is what a lifetime of hard drug use does to you.
I admit I'm horrified. I can't see any of the old Eddie VanHalen in this picture. I see a man who looks years older than me and utterly dissipated. It's really sad.
Friday, March 09, 2007
It's Going to be a Long Night
You can count on that. My daughter and I are both up and are both waiting for her former girlfriend to show up and try to break into the house. The woman is roaring shitfaced drunk and wants to get to my daughter. Right now she's out trying to find my daughter, but I warned her and she ran from where she was and came home. The doors are bolted and we're just waiting for all hell to break loose. My daughter is on the telephone with the police right now finding out what we have to do should she manage to break in. We know the door will hold as she's tried to kick that in before, but there are big glass windows.
We know she will come back here because she has nowhere else to go. All of her friends have given up on her erratic behavior. This all started earlier in the day. My daughter got another DUI and has been going through all the court stuff. Later this month she will be serving some jail time as well. The only really good news besides work release is that my daughter found out today that she will be able to get a provisional license that allows her to drive to and from work as soon as her jail time is over. This woman recently lost her license after she got busted for driving while on a suspended license. Seems she got stopped some months back and got a ticket (which she never paid) for driving without insurance. She's furious that my daughter gets her provisional license (she paid her fines, etc.) so she went out and got drunk, came back here, and things went to hell.
My daughter left to avoid a fight. Then this mess started. Right now this woman is in a nearby bar getting progressively drunker and drunker and and talking more and more violence. This has happened before. This time I am hoping my daughter is serious and doesn't just change her mind. I no longer trust the woman after some things she said to me, and after she tried to pick a fight with me. I refused to fight, telling her I'd be happy to talk to her later when she is sober. She left and later told people I had "gone off on her." Hell, I don't raise my voice to my daughter, much less to this woman. Then she called me a liar which buried it as far as I am concerned.
The police just left. The officer says there isn't much we can do, but if she tries to break down the door we are to call him and he'll come back immediately. He'll be in the area until 6 in the morning, so it should be ok other than for the upset. At least I hope so. We can't even lock ourselves in the back room. While I was talking Susan to a safe place, she kicked in the door and ruined the lock there. I have a hunch I'll get precious little sleep tonight.
We know she will come back here because she has nowhere else to go. All of her friends have given up on her erratic behavior. This all started earlier in the day. My daughter got another DUI and has been going through all the court stuff. Later this month she will be serving some jail time as well. The only really good news besides work release is that my daughter found out today that she will be able to get a provisional license that allows her to drive to and from work as soon as her jail time is over. This woman recently lost her license after she got busted for driving while on a suspended license. Seems she got stopped some months back and got a ticket (which she never paid) for driving without insurance. She's furious that my daughter gets her provisional license (she paid her fines, etc.) so she went out and got drunk, came back here, and things went to hell.
My daughter left to avoid a fight. Then this mess started. Right now this woman is in a nearby bar getting progressively drunker and drunker and and talking more and more violence. This has happened before. This time I am hoping my daughter is serious and doesn't just change her mind. I no longer trust the woman after some things she said to me, and after she tried to pick a fight with me. I refused to fight, telling her I'd be happy to talk to her later when she is sober. She left and later told people I had "gone off on her." Hell, I don't raise my voice to my daughter, much less to this woman. Then she called me a liar which buried it as far as I am concerned.
The police just left. The officer says there isn't much we can do, but if she tries to break down the door we are to call him and he'll come back immediately. He'll be in the area until 6 in the morning, so it should be ok other than for the upset. At least I hope so. We can't even lock ourselves in the back room. While I was talking Susan to a safe place, she kicked in the door and ruined the lock there. I have a hunch I'll get precious little sleep tonight.
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