Weekly recap

Chicago night 1

 I loved Chicago.  It is probably the best dancing/choreography I had even seen in a show.  I am heavily influenced by my love of Fosse so I may be a little biased.  My sister saw that I had gone already and asked if I was sure I wanted to go back for night 2 and I told her I was all in.  For some reason she thought I had seen it with her before but I hadn't even seen the movie.  I had no idea what the plot was, I had danced to several of the songs either as a kid or in the musical theater class they used to have at the studio.  It was great fun.  

I met up with HMF at the Brook, our usual, but it was pretty busy.  There was a 30 minute wait but I found 2 seats at the bar and camped out there.  We ended up eating there and it was pretty good, the food came out faster than expected and the bartender was great so it worked out well.  She told me that the public school she works for didn't renew her contract, which would have given her tenure.  They told her she could reapply but she wasn't about that at all.  She teaches a few classes online for Baylor and they said they might have a post doc research position for her and by the end of the week they had already offered her the job.  They decided to take A out of hockey because of the politics of the organization (how sad is that) and he has gotten very involved in BMX racing, earned a spot in the intermediate level over the weekend after only racing for a few months.  He wants to play football and they are considering it since it isn't much more brutal than hockey.  I am against it 😒but for some reason they didn't ask my opinion, lol.  Hockey is also very expensive.  We don't have enough teams locally to form a league so almost every weekend requires a 4 hour one way trip to either Dallas or KC.  I know that gets exhausting. When HMF went to work at the public school they allowed A to transfer there even though it is outside their school district and he has done well there and she is afraid they will make him change back to his school district.  I guess they will find out soon.

My sister Barbie and her friend Val at Chicago night 2

Night 2 of Chicago.  My sister made reservations at a place called the Daily Grill.  Her friend ordered a bottle of wine and had poured me a glass before I got there.  I really wasn't in the drinking mood but I drank about half the glass.  I ordered the slider appetizer and it had an amazing flavor.  The show was just as good the second night and I was able to watch the background dancers a little more closely and enjoyed it as much as the first night.  I was afraid I would be too keyed up to sleep but I was tired from the first night and pretty much slept as soon as I got home.  It wasn't as bad getting up the next morning as I had feared.  

Thursday was full of meetings at work.  We had our monthly branch meeting that AP requires we attend in person, even though it could be done as a call in.  Not sure what her obsession is about having to meet in person.  She seriously needs to chill the fuck out.  

Friday I went in to the office and took a baby ranger on a field trip to help train him on the sign program.  It was just as interesting as it sounds.  He is a brand new ranger, only been full-time for 4 months and I am not at all happy about the way they are training him.  The told him that he asks too many questions and he needs to just figure it out.  Well at 4 months I would be worried if he DIDN'T have a lot of questions.  We stopped at a place for lunch and he told me that his girlfriend had his debit card so he was just going to snack on some fruit he picked up from the hotel that morning.  I was like absolutely not.  If you want food get it and I will pay for it.  I mean he totally could have used his gov't card but I am not sure they explained to him how it all works given his training and all.  He appears to be a good kid but it was exhausting.  I got back about 2 because I needed to meet with one of the sharp advocates on some stuff and fill out some paperwork.  I was kind of surprised how fast the week went by.  

Saturday I picked my mom up and took her to lunch at a greasy diner.  They have the best onion rings and I hadn't had them in a very long time.  It ended up making me pretty sick, not sure if it was worth it but it was good at the time.  It was also pretty expensive for the kind of place it was.  My mom couldn't think of anything she really wanted to do.  I had picked up some conditioner at Ulta when I meant to get shampoo so I exchanged that while we were out.  By then my stomach was really unhappy so I took her home and laid down for a few minutes before heading back to the house.  While I was laying there I got an email that Fluevog was having a sale.  In a moment of weakness I indulged. 

I had calls on Sunday starting at 8:30 and got a call at 8:27.  They weren't sure what the deal was and the ER nurse asked for the SANE nurse to call them.  I called the SANE and gave her the info.  She sent me a text about an hour later saying they never answered or called back.  I was up and dressed so I ran some errands.  I needed to go to Costco, Sprouts, and Braum's.  We used to get frozen grilled cheese sandwiches at Costco.  You stick them in the microwave for a few seconds then put them in the toaster to get them crunchy.  It's perfect for work.  I guess they stopped carrying them because the last few times I have been they have been out.  I am going to have to experiment and see if there is some way you can do that an home.  It is so stupid easy and convenient.  I haven't found anything else to replace it.  In the meantime Sprouts carries a brand of lunch meat that I actually like so I have been buying that to take to work for sandwiches.  I give it another month until I am so sick of turkey sandwiches I won't touch them for awhile, but for now it is doing the trick. Our office is a PITA to get in and out of to leave for lunch and we have a Subway (no thanks 👎) and a convenience store with very basic tacos, reheated cheese like substance nachos and a random daily special that can be anything from meatloaf to turkey and dressing to chicken chimichurri, all of it cooked in bulk so it isn't very good.  You never know what it is going to be until the day of. There is a deal through Amazon where you get 'free' delivery for Grubhub but you have to order over $15 and it is more expensive than regular menu prices.  To add to that we are in one of the towers of a complex that has 3 buildings, one is 10 stories one 60 and ours is 20 and has controlled access.  There are multiple lobbies so it makes meeting up with them difficult.  I decided I had to do better about bringing stuff and not eating out so I am trying.  I don't like the texture of most food after it is microwaved so that limits me a lot on what I will eat.   At any rate, I got my errands ran and made it home to start getting ready for Jimbo's Drag Circus.  

Barbie bought VIP tickets for some reason, even though she knew nothing about the show.  We went to dinner before and brought the husbands along.  Dennis and her husband get along really well.  We went back to the Brook as it is right across the street from the venue.  It was packed.  We found out there were 3 shows going on, the one we went to, a Herbie Hancock concert, and a world theater play.  The restaurant was very understaffed.  We only had to wait about 20 minutes for a table but service was slow.  As part of our tickets we had meet and greet passes but we didn't think we would make it in time.  As luck would have it we were the last ones they allowed in.  

The guy taking the pictures would say and pose between pictures so I felt the need to 'pose'

Jimbo was amazing and very nice.  They seemed to be gracious and very patient as the groups got autographs and took pictures.  They asked our names and complemented me on my dress.  I said they were stunning and she told me that all it took was several hours and a bucket of paint.  The show itself was so funny my stomach hurt.  Barbie has never watched drag race so there were a few references she didn't get but she enjoyed it.  I have some videos that would probably violate some kind of  standard but there was a chest piece with whipped cream cans built in and she went into the audience and sprayed people.  There was also a bit where she throws bologna that we were sure would hit us.  Sure enough one fell into Barbie's lap.  It was a unique experience for sure.  After the show she hung out on the stage and talked to whoever came up and wanted to meet her.  I was impressed by how nice she is.  When I got home I was keyed up and didn't get to sleep until after midnight.  I need my drug induced beauty sleep but I got a solid 6 hours since I teleworked on Monday.

Which brings us to Monday.  I had a doctor appointment at 9:30 with the surgeon.  The date to remove the band is 4/25.  I will have to miss a work trip to Seattle, which I am a little bummed about but I don't like the committee it is for so it isn't that big of a deal.  Depending on how much scar tissue there is I may have to stay overnight in the hospital.  He told me to bring a change of clothes just in case.  I have a note saying I can't lift anything over 10 pounds and that I may work remotely until 10 June.  I know AP is going to have a fit and say that I can work around the limitation by getting a rolling bag or having someone carry my computer. I am going to fight it as much as possible.  Given the location there is a big possibility of getting a hernia.  AP is teleworking today so I will talk to her tomorrow.  I wish my boss was in, I would really like to talk to him about it but he has been out the last 2 weeks.  Plus he is so wishy washy he would tell me to talk to her anyway.  So sick of this bs.  The surgeon is in the same complex as us so if I need to I will appeal to him to write the note differently that I mush telework for 6 weeks.  I mean, I'm giving up a trip to PNW!  

eclipse watching with baby daddy

I got home in plenty of time to set up for the eclipse.  We were in the 95% range.  If I hadn't had the doctor appointment I would have gone to Little Rock and stayed with Brooke in the line of totality.  She went to their family farm with her in-laws.  They have a 3 year old and when the moon started to crest (or whatever you call it) she said "it's getting late, Emma goes home now" So stinking cute.  The next one in 2046 will go right over Tulsa.  I hope I am still able to enjoy it.  I might be like Emma.  It is unreal to think about how old I will be for the next one.  It doesn't seem possible.  I don't feel old but things like that make me feel ancient.  

Alright, time to get back to work

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All the shows

 Two weeks into SHARP training and I am ready for it to be over.  The training itself isn’t bad but the other people I have to travel/instruct with are freaking weird.  The male advocate that I work with is the type to overly mansplain things.  He is really bad about saying borderline sexist things and then talking about negative gender stereotypes.  I finally had enough and told him to stop using gender comparisons and use personality-based examples.  For instance, there is a part we go into about hear/help/hug/handle, and he always says that men want to help or handle and women just want to vent.  I was like naw my dude, you gotta stop that.  We work in a science and engineering based industry, most of us want to fix it.  I got an email from him this morning saying he is going to volunteer to be a peer counselor and wanted me to write a letter of recommendation for him.  Everyone I talk to just think he is very odd and wouldn’t voluntarily share personal information with him.  Come to think of it, I don’t know anyone who would talk to a peer counselor period.  I forgot such a thing existed until I went to Maui, and they had them in rotation.  Glad they did because I made a good friend with one of them.  I would never be able to do it because I would have to tell BFF Brooke everything and that is probably an issue. 

 

We had 2 full day classes last week and I was worn out from it.  They were less than 2 hours away, so I drove there and back, the other 2 stayed in a town 45 minutes from here.  I am really surprised they approved the travel.  There are 2 more classes next week, but I am not going as I have a doctor appointment on Monday and I don’t want to reschedule (and also don’t want to be in a car with them any more than I have to).  More to come on the weird dude later…

 

Last week was To Kill a Mockingbird and I was really looking forward to it.  We switched our tickets to Friday night since I forgot the show was Sunday and had invited the moms to brunch.  HMF sent me a text early Friday afternoon saying she was sick and didn’t think she would be able to make it.  I told her that was no problem, I would go by myself if I couldn’t find anyone to go with because I was really looking forward to this one.  I asked Dennis if he wanted to go and he enthusiastically said yes.  I don’t think he had much of an idea of what it was about but he wiki’ed it and said he was kind of excited about it.  We went to dinner before the show, but our normal place was packed as it was Friday night, so we went to a by the slice pizza place in the same building.  It was good, as always, we had pizza and gelato and sat and talked for a while.  Mostly me complaining about SG (sharp guy) and how he just wears me out.  We walk across the street to the theater and since we had to trade days we weren’t in our usual seats.  We get there sit down, start looking at the playbill and who should sit 2 rows in front of us????  SG.  FML Of course I had to introduce them because he was right there, and he stood right there in the way talking until the lights flickered.  Dude can’t take a hint.  Regardless of that the show was very good.  It was 3 hours long but didn’t feel like it at all.  The adaptation was a little more intense than I remember the book being, but I haven’t read it in a very long time either.  Lots of use of the big n work racial slur which made me very uncomfortable, which is probably the point.  I cuss like a sailor, but I don’t think I could say that word outload and not feel shame even if it is in a script.  Then again, I’m not an actor so it isn’t an issue.  Richard Thomas played the role as Atticus, and he did an outstanding job.  That is the last regular season show for me, Tina, the Tina Turner Musical is next, and I went into this season noping out of that one.  Not a Tina Turner fan at all.  Still on the fence about next season.  I am sure we will talk about it tonight.  We might just do individual tickets because there are 2 no goes for me.  I may have to borrow Jay’s calculator to see what the best option is but Les Mis and MJ are a no for me even if I can suck it up for the shows that got bad reviews.

view from our seats

 

Tonight, I am going to see Chicago with HMF.  Not sure if I shared the story on that one but both my sister and HMF got me tickets for Christmas on 2 separate nights and me being me I didn’t want to say anything to either one of them.  So, guess who is seeing Chicago on back to back nights.  I hope I like it.  Not sure if we are going to dinner or not.  HMF has to pick up A from hockey so she will be a little late getting around.  If all else fails we can opt for the pizza options again!  Tomorrow night we have reservations at 6 but I am not going into the office, so it won’t be as frantic. 

 

Saturday was my me day.  My mom wasn’t happy at all but she got over it.  I got so much done.  Sunday night me and my sister are going to see Jimbo, the drag race winner from last season so I wanted to get something gag worthy to wear.  I ended up finding a blue sequin wrap dress at a boutique for $25!!  Score!!  My sister wants to meet up and eat with her husband and Dennis before the show even though they aren’t going. 
She ended up buying VIP tickets so we get to do a little photo meet and greet for what it’s worth.  I need to figure out what shoes I’m going to wear… 

 

I am going to be showed out after this week.

 

Easter Sunday, we met the moms and my little sister for brunch.  We had been to this place before for Thanksgiving but it was so much better this time.  I think maybe because there are expectations around Thanksgiving meals that are unique to the family environment.  Easter was kind of a sandwich kind of meal for us.  As a matter of fact we had never did the easter bunny thing and I got in trouble for saying something to a cousin when she said something about it.  My granny always handmade very elaborate dresses for us and we got more than our share of candy and egg hunting so it wasn’t like we were missing out on anything.  We also had a black lab that would find the real eggs before us and make himself sick eating them.  Man, the memories.  But I digress.  I had stopped at a new cookie place, Crave, by the boutique and let everyone pick out a cookie.  I may have snacked on one because they serve them warm.  Think Crumbl but better.  I think everyone enjoyed it.  My mom didn’t complain so that is high honors.  We were supposed to go bowling that night for my cousin’s birthday, her and my sister have been best friends since the day she was born just about so we are all pretty close.  She is supposed to get married in June and Laura doesn’t like her fiancé at all, neither does my mom.  I met her but only briefly and she made a comment about how she would never have a rescue dog so that’s an automatic black mark from me.  Anyway, I was going to meet up with them at the bowling alley for a birthday party but as I was getting dressed Laura sent me a text and said that the party was cancelled because they thought fiancé was having a stroke.  Laura said she thought maybe she was just playing it up because she wouldn’t be the center of attention but turn out she passed out while they were at home, so she ended up in the ER.  I haven’t heard back what the diagnosis was.  Dennis asked Laura at brunch if there were going to be a lot of giggling girls there and she said nope, it’s a big ole lesbian party so probably no giggling and lots of drinking.  Regardless I hope she is ok.

 

At one of the SHARP meetings a guy I used to work with pulled out this picture and asked me if I remembered it.  We have so many people picking up fawns and bringing them in thinking they were abandoned. We did our best to educate them but by then it was too late.

Wed. check in

I swear something happens on a weekly basis that reassures the decision to go minimal contact with the sibling in laws (siblings in law?).  I really don't understand the family dynamics even after 25+ years.  

The niece that did my hair had her baby last week.  They induced her on Wednesday and she had the kid on Thursday night.  I saw a picture on her insta stories so I knew she had the kid butI hadn't heard anything from MIL, which was a little odd.  Dennis went to her house on Friday and he asked if her had heard from anyone and she said no and she was starting to get worried.  I guess she sent a text to SIL because she got a text back that she had the kid at 11 pm and that she had emailed pictures.   I asked Dennis why great grandma doesn't even get a personal text and he was just over the whole thing.  I said something about when MIL was going to go up to see her and he said that they told her that she would have to wait 4/6 weeks before they would let anyone see her.  I know me and my granny (maternal grandmother) had a particularly close relationship, she was my person growing up, and if it were me I would have rather had granny there than my mom. I know RSV is a huge issue but if I am not mistaken there is a vaccine for that and I’m confident MIL would be more than happy to get it.  This is the favorite grandchild that could never do anything wrong in mil’s eyes and I am just pissed off and hurt for her.  I understand more and more why FIL was the way he was.  

Friday I had the chemical stress test.  It was pretty horrible.  When they pushed the chemicals through I felt like my chest was going to explode.  I told the tech that there was a very good chance that I was going to puke.  Instead of giving me some kind of container in which to toss my cookies he pushed something in the IV to reverse it and came very close to having a giant mess.  I got a call from the doctor before I even made it home saying that it was all normal.  One more test before they will clear me for anesthesia.  I felt ick after the appointment and went home and laid down.  I am glad I took the entire day off work.  Later that afternoon I had the pedicure appointment at the vegan spa.  It was really nice.  Instead of typical chairs they have the zero gravity recliners and they lay you back to do the massage and work the foot magic.  They also did a pretty legit shoulder massage.  I will put that in my summer rotation.  I also want to try the facials and the head spa.  I have to wait for the head spa though because I can't wash my hair in hot water or it will wash the vivid colors out.  I literally wash my hair in cold water before I get in and out of the shower to keep it from fading.  

Saturday I got to run errands that I have been wanting to do for months.  We have a popular burger place at a college town an hour away that is local famous, it's called Eskimo Joes and they sell lots of t-shirts and merch.  Every year they have specialty shirts for different organizations, one of which is animal rescue and I get one every year.  I could have ordered online but there is a t-shirt shop in the local mall but my mom is not able or willing to walk so I have just not taken the time to go.  I'm glad I went because the new shirt is coming out next month.  I perused a few stores but I didn't find much.  I didn't realize it was the beginning of Spring Break so lines for the dressing room and registers were long and I wasn't in a waiting mood.  I made a detour on the way home to the new Dillard's clearance center and was surprised to find a few things in my size.  My mom called me several times and made helpful comments like 'your still shopping?' Yup, that's what happens when I don't have to deal with you sitting in the car.  It was pretty nice.

Sunday Dennis was determined for me to bring Bai to his mom's house to go for a walk even though he wouldn't be able to go near her since he is my little snapping turtle. I would have been more than happy not to deal with any moms but since Bai couldn't go in I wouldn't be able to stay long and she is less than 10 miles from my house.  He did really good.  I stopped at McD on the way home and got him some nuggets, he didn't even look at the employees!  I am so proud of him.  No one is allowed to eat in my car yet but since I had a blanket over his seat I let him chow down.  He is such a baby though, I have to tear his food into little pieces or just stares at it.  

Monday was a telework day ending with an appointment with the therapist.  We had a good visit.  It was more like sitting around chatting but I found it very helpful in getting to know her a little bit better and she kind of got an opportunity to see my personality a little.  The more I see her the more I like her.  

This week has been a test of wills.  The Division SHARP SARC is great but the other district VA and the EEO counselor are a lot.  Like a lot a lot.  Jumping out of the vehicle ossed my mind at one point but I suffered through.  EEO is the type of person who can't stand silence and it makes for very long days stuck in the backseat with her.  The SARC is an amazing trainer and I am not but I had to present the 2 hour training this morning but she had the right instinct in not telling me until we got here so I didn't go into panic mode.  

I have another day of training, we are driving from OKC to Wichita KS for another session tomorrow.  I am teleworking tomorrow, which I know is probably going to get me ire from AP since I wasn't in the office 3 days this week.  I am approved to telework 2 days a week, that is what I am doing.  Field days absolutely should count as office days it isn't my choice to be on the road trip from hell well beyond my normal work hours.  

I will have to go to my mom's this weekend.  She hasn't seen the car yet and I'm sure she will want to check it out.  I drove Kermit to work since I am leaving it out at the office.  Dennis has a few things he wants to do (get a few extra programmed keys, cut a mat for the back storage area, do a little cosmetic things to spruce it up a little bit more.  The rubber piece over the passenger side rear tire that needs a new clip)  My Escape is so boxy that it is taking some getting used to to find the front of the vehicle.  I don't have a 360 camera so it will just have to take some time.  

Next weekend I am trying to decide if I am going to try and get out of my entertainment committee duties because I have asked both moms and my sister to meet for Easter brunch.  We thought about cooking at one of the mom's houses but it is going to be cheaper and much less mentally taxing to just go eat.  The menu looks pretty legit.

OK, I have to move around some I am about to fall asleep and need to move before I start snoring through this section.

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weekly check-in

Well I finally caved and bought a car.  It isn't what I would have picked out but it was low mileage and in a price range that I would be able to pay cash for.  We initially went to look at a Nissan Murano but it was too noisy.  I told Dennis there was a Buick Encore with the price and mileage from the list and he talked me into trying it.  I haven't bought a used car in a long time, the last 3 have been brand new, but until interest rates go down I refuse to buy new.  There is nothing wrong with my old car, Kermit, but it is 13 years old with 150K miles and it is starting to show signs of needing all the things that come with an aging car.  I feel like I am officially an old person driving a Buick.  I had a little bit of a meltdown after I bought the car.  For some reason I have an emotional connection to my old car.  Both of our dad's rode in it, all of my dogs/cats rode in it.  I mean it's a lime green SUV, I will never find another car that fits me that perfectly.  I am not getting rid of her though, she is going to live at Dennis's house.  We went this morning and picked up the Buick and I went by and got the tag because the paper tag is going to drive me insane with the flapping.  Dennis is being really weird about it, not wanting me to drive it until the title comes in the mail, there is a paper insurance verification (as opposed to a digital copy) and the tag is on, etc.  He has some really strange ideas that I can only attribute to his dad and how his dad was raised and thus raised him.  When it comes to money and possessions he is very paranoid.  I don't get it but whatever.  I told him I am driving it once we get the tag put on, I am not going to wait for some arbitrary period of time to drive it to work and stuff.  He said "I could drive it to work on Thursday".  Seeing as how I paid for it, thanks?

I am getting a break from my mom this week.  I have no idea what I am going to do with all that time, lol.  I am also taking off on Friday.  I have a stress test that morning and I am just going to take the day because if  I didn't I would have to go to the office.  I don't want to do that.  Maybe I will go get a pedicure and just take in the freedom.  There is a new cruelty free/vegan spa I want to try, I think I will make an appointment for that afternoon.  

Finally did my taxes.  I am always scared of what I will find but it was painless.  State is always  the one that gets me but this year I get $1 back!!  

Last week I got a message from our emergency management office asking if I wanted to go back to Maui.  There is a chance that Brooke could go to and if we could go at the same time we would have so much fun.  I wouldn't be doing the same thing I did before, I would be working in the field which is way more my style.  I am going to meet with EM on Thursday to see what the deal is.  It might interfere with the 2 meeting trips coming up but they will be fine without me.  I didn't plan on having the band removal surgery done until around Memorial Day so it would work out well and the $$ is always nice.  I also heard they are only working 12 hours M-F, 10 on Saturday and 8 on Sunday.  I don't get true time and a half overtime so that is fine with me.  More time to explore.

One of my friends posted the following on social media

I reposted it and my friend Linda sent me a text saying DON'T order that, I already ordered it for you and it will be there 1 April.  It will hold a special place on my desk next to RBG and Hillary Clinton.  I might have to repaint the boots black though, a USACE Ranger can't wear brown boots.  Oddly enough we do have uniform shorts though they are seldom used.  I wore them when I did beach water samples because I had to wade out into the swim beaches but that was pretty much it.  I can't wait though, how cute is she?!?!  

I feel asleep on the couch last night and woke up to Baby Daddy - the only one of the three cats that showed up last summer that we weren't able to rehome, and another cat in what sounded like a vicious fight.  I got up and opened the door and yelled at the other cat to get the fuck out of there.  I saw a lot of fur by the driver's side door of my car.  I will call Dennis a little later and have him check on him.  We built a little shelter for him and he was asleep in that when I left for work.  I hate having an outside animal but Ninja is not going to accept another cat in the house.  He hisses and growls if we come in smelling like BD.  It would be amazing if we could find him a good home but that isn't an easy thing to find and we kind of exhausted our supply of cat friends last year.  Dennis has become really attached to him, I refuse to become attached to an outside animal, it is just too risky.

Trying to take a picture of my shoes but BD was having none of it

This is what happens when I get attached to a cat, lol

Jay made a comment in his blog about the movie Poor Things.  I tried to watch it over the weekend and man I hated it.  I got the same ick as when I tried to watch the documentary about Brooke Shields.  The one redeeming part was the punching the baby line.  I actually had to rewind and watch it again because I snort laughed.  I have felt that so many times.  I didn't watch the Oscars, I'm not a fan of awards shows, but I am salty that Lily Rhineheart was robbed.  Killers of the Flower Moon deserved better!!

Alright, time to get to work.  It should be a pretty easy office week as AP is tdy and I am off on Friday, a three day weekend of freedom, minus the stress test part.

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Hump Day

 

My Fair Lady was great.  They had the photo both set up so we got our pre-show picture.  We had another all things cheese meal at the Brook.  HMF had just gotten back from a weekend of BMX racing with A.  She said it was the best trip they had ever taken together with just the two of them and he got a first place finish in a national race.  I still have a hard time coming to terms with him being 14!!  He isn't my cute little sidekick anymore 😢.  Aunt T is no longer cool.

I had another visit with the therapist.  For some reason I am being a lot more open about going this time.  In the passed I haven't really told my Mom or Dennis I was going but this time I am sharing with Dennis the things she's telling me.  She told me that I need to start setting hard boundaries with my mom, which I know.  She suggested that I cut back my mandatory Saturday visits to every other week or to at least take one Saturday a month for just myself.  She said that when she suggested it a flood of relief came over my face.  It's a fine line because I really don't want her to feel like she is an obligation - which she is, but I don't want to make her feel bad, but I also want to be able to have a weekend where I can run errands and do what I need to do without having to cram it all  in on a Sunday.   I will talk to her about it on Saturday when we I do my obligatory meet up.  We will see how it goes

Next week was supposed to be a follow-up with the surgeon to set up the schedule for surgery but the cardiologist didn't give me full clearance yet.  I have to do a stress test and an echo.  I kind of feel like it is overkill.  I won't be able to get that done until the end of March so it will be April/May before I can get the band removed.  I have 2 work trips coming up, the last of which is the first full week of May so I may see if I can have it done the week after so I can go to Seattle.  I don't feel like I am very useful to the group that the meeting is set up for, I was voluntold for the group and I am not very knowledgeable about the database and info we are tracking so if I don't go it wouldn't be a big loss to the group.  However, I love Seattle and haven't been in a very long time.  The doctor's office just called and the appointment is April 8th so the second or third week of May is probably a good bet on timing.

I haven't done my weekly job scan yet.  I need to get that done.  I haven't heard back form the two I applied for but again, I don't hold out much hope.  Getting out of bed was really  hard today for some reason.  I had Ninja cuddled up on one side, Bailey on the other and Olive sleeping on my chest.  When my alarm went off Bai got the sillies and started acting a fool, which made it harder to get out of bed.  It doesn't help that we are the only branch that has to do 3 days a week in the office.  When they announced we had to start doing 3 days a week they said that Little Rock and Fort Worth were already doing it.  It's like they don't know my bff works in the LR office and I talk to her everyday and KNOW they aren't.  Why lie?  Everyone is over it.  There is really no reason for us to be in the office just so they can keep track of us.  I got a text asking me to take calls for the SANE office because they had an all employee meeting, it was 2-5 on a Wednesday so I said sure thinking we wouldn't get a call.  About 1:15 I get a call asking if I can take a call a little early since they would have to leave shortly after starting the exam.  I said sure.  I went to tell AP I needed to leave the office and she was not particularly happy.  A few times when the call was later in the day I had gone on the call and made up the time later in the day and you could tell she was afraid I was going to ask to do that.  I told her I had no intentions of making up any time and I was just going to take leave.  I'm not sure if she is perturbed about me taking calls during the day (I have plenty of leave) of if it was just her afraid I was going to ask about making up time but I get the feeling she is not going to be as forgiving (if that's the right word) of me taking calls during work hours.  I don't really care.  This was another prisoner and I really hate doing those.  I have no idea what to tell them about resources since they can't call or go into the center.  I basically tell them to contact medical but I don't even know if that is 100% where they go.  

My lunch is over so I need to get back to the grind.

✌ 

 Even though I can't think of anything significant, it seems like I have been super busy.  Not sure where to start.

I ordered a custom urn for Truman off of Etsy.  It looks so good.  We miss him so much.

I am getting closer to band removal.  I have had more than my share of medical appointments.  I go in later today for a cardio clearance and that should be the final test.  Earlier this week I had a lung function test and we redid my allergy skin test.  There has been significant improvement to most of the allergens, enough that they are going to give me a 6 month break from allergy shots and see how I do.

The huge reaction is for shellfish.  It might be shrimp specific but I can't remember.  I got an epi-pen and some steroids that I am supposed to carry with me and give my office a copy of my emergency management plan they wrote up.  I know I have reactions to shellfish and avoid it but for the most part I don't ask at restaurants if there might be cross contamination (fry in same grease), except when I am in the gulf because they sneak shellfish in everything.  The doctor said I should probably start doing that because it is highly likely I could react.  I was also told that the reactions on the other side of my arm are false negatives because I am old and they had to do additional tests and go deeper under the skin.  That made me feel amazing.  At any rate, I need to find a way to carry an epi around because I carry a very small cross body that is only a wallet.  I am not a fan of purses anymore and it took me forever to find the Consuela bag I have carried for several years.  I have a Lulu belt bag that I use for travel so I guess I will use that.

No change with weight.  I am not sure why at this point.  We have eaten out so much lately and that generally packs on the pounds.  I also discovered small batch peanut butter that has some really good flavors like cake batter and puppy chow.  I eat it with a spoon and a big ole glass of milk.  It is not low calorie.  We decided to try a new steak place on our annual super bowl outing.  My food was ok but Dennis liked it so much that he wanted to go back for Valentine's Day.  That is so unlike him because he is averse to crowds and hates to wait at a restaurant for a table.  I really thought he would back out but we actually went out for VD probably the first time in our relationship.  We had a very pleasant date.   This is just the tip of the eating out ice burg.   

Work is work.  They are making us come in 3 days a week now, which feels like torture to be honest.  I have put in for a few remote jobs but I don't hold out a lot of hope.  I haven't updated my resume in years and I know it is lacking.  I need to have someone review it and make sure it looks ok since the updates I made were pretty quick.  Last week was the ranger workshop, luckily I didn't have to plan it this year but I had to do 4 hour long presentations.  I guess it went ok, I got good feedback but man I hate the prep to get everything ready.  It is almost travel season, I have several trips upcoming.  The SHARP (sexual assault response prevention) road show starts early next month, I have a week long trip to Maryland/West Virginia and another to Seattle.  I need to figure out how the surgery is going to play into all of that.  I will probably be out of the office more than I am in.  I am more than ok with that.

HMF and I went to see the musical Mean Girls last week.  It was pretty cute.  I haven't watched the new movie version yet but I heard it is not as good as the stage production because they cut some of the songs.  We went to lunch before at our usual spot, we have matinee tickets, and got all things cheese - cheese fries, and chicken fajita nachos.  They were so good.  Not sure how we were able to stay awake with all of those carbs.  This weekend we have tickets for My Fair Lady and my sister said it was the best musical of the season.  I am really excited about it.  I am sure we will eat lunch at the same place, they have a pretty extensive menu and a parking lot that charges $5 for events so it is a good deal.  We only have 2 shows left for the season, To Kill a Mockingbird and Tina.  I told her when we subscribed that I had no interest in seeing Tina so I would give her the tickets and she could take someone else.  There is an add on for Chicago.  My sister asked me if I wanted to go and I told her sure and a few hours later HMF sent me a text that she bought tickets for me for Christmas so it looks like I will see it twice.  I don't have the heart to tell HMF that I already had tickets.  The next season is kind of a dud for me so I probably won't renew.  The line up is Moulin Rouge, MJ, Mrs. Doubtfire, Back to the Future, Clue, Wicked and Les Mis.  I have see Wicked several times, unpopular opinion but Les Mis is boring, MJ is just too problematic as I have a hard time separating the predator from the music, and I did research when we went to NYC and Mrs. Doubtfire and BTTF got terrible reviews.  I will buy individual tickets for Moulin Rouge and Clue.  I did a little digging last night and found out that & Juliet is coming to Dallas next Jan/Feb and tickets were already on sale.  BFF Brooke and Linda both want to go so I went ahead and bought tickets.  I paid the extra $ for insurance because it is a long time away, it was a little over $7/ticket so it is worth the gamble.  

The new therapist is working out well so far.  I have only seen her a couple of times but I really like her.  I go see her again on Monday.  I think it's a good match but we will see.

I got new hair again

This is from her insta.  I like her and she was less expensive than niece. Speaking of, I went with MIL to the niece's baby shower and she didn't speak to me.  They took pictures that and she posted all of them on insta except the ones I am in.  I don't take it personally since I am not blood related but Dennis was pissed.  I think he is looking for a reason to stay mad a them though.  He hasn't spoken to any of them for a few months and he has no plans to.  I just stay out of it.  Since niece is taking off for the baby it is the perfect time for me to find someone else.  

OK, I need to get to the doctor for my last test.  

✌

I can't remember the last time I only had one dog.  It is a strange feeling and Bailey is taking some time to adjust to it.  He has never really been alone, maybe in quarantine.  He is constantly looking back for him when he goes outside.  It makes me sad.  I am also a little miffed that they haven't called me to say T-man is ready to be picked up yet.  Not sure what the issue is with that.  

Finally in a normal routine.  I did my obligatory 2 days in the office this week.  Nothing has changed, lol.  Hard to believe it was the first time I had been in since the day before Thanksgiving.  We did get word that they are trying to make us come in 3 days a week but the union is holding it up as long as they possibly can.  I am not looking forward to that.  Today is my second day in the office and I am multi-tasking while listening to a webinar.  I am going t steal most of it for a break out session I have to teach during the ranger workshop later this month.  Why recreate it?

I spent the day with my mom on Saturday for the first time since I had been back.  Since Heather was in town I got out of doing it for the first little big, then being sick and getting the doctor to tell me to stay out of the brutal cold got me out of a couple of more.  I went to a Dillard's that is transitioning to a clearance center, she always asks for the wheelchair they have when she walks in.  They couldn't find it so she was just ready to leave.  I really didn't need to spend money anyway.  I am not sure what is going to happen when/if I have the band removed and I don't want to spend money on clothes that I can't wear.  That being said, being sick didn't help with the weigh issue.  I am not going to disclose it because I don't want anyone to freak out.  Just know I am eating and trying to put some weight on.  I never thought I would have this issue and I really don't think it will be an issue once the band is removed.  If only I could maintain at 110-115 I would be super happy but we know it's either 95 or 170, no in-between.

Dennis is supposed to go to his cardiologist today.  He hasn't called me yet so I am a little anxious.  He was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and they want to put him on an external defibulator, I don't think I have to tell you how that is going.  They changed his medication in hopes that it will help, if not they said they would put in an internal one.  The life vest (external defib) place sent me an email and quoted almost $4K for the 3 months he would have the vest.  He is trying to use this as an excuse not to get it but I am on his ass about it.  I have been looking at cars and I told him that I have the money to buy a car, my car has 145,000 miles on it and will last me a few more years I am sure so the money reasoning is out.  He is just stubborn.  

Last Sunday I went to a baby shower for Dennis's niece.  It was awkward af.  He is still refusing to have anything to do with them.  He did talk to his sister for an hour or so while I was in Maui and she said that she felt like there was a trust issue, he said I am not sure what would  make you think that (maybe because he does).  At any rate there are definitely some hostility.  Right before I left for HI I had the niece the shower was for move my extensions up.  I only had a few but she charged me $65!  It took her less than 10 minutes.  I decided that I needed to find someone else to do my hair.  MIL made a comment to Dennis that she had lost a lot of clients when she moved salons and her prices increased.  I literally went on instagram and looked for someone who does vivids.  To be honest it was probably comparable to what I would have paid but the emotional cost was less, lol.  The new girl did a good job but I wasn't really happy with the way she blended my roots.  One of my friends recommended someone and I have an appointment set with her on March 2.  But I digress, I posted a picture of my new hair to instagram and she liked it, she never looks at or likes any of my posts so I know she was just letting me know she was it.  Whatever.  None of them talked to me except his sister and her husband.  I brought a gift and I'm not even sure she thanked me for it but I know I will get a thank you card later.  One of the nieces sat close to me and I asked her a question so she obviously talked to me some but she seemed annoyed, that could just be me though.  As far as the underlying issues, there is so much to unpack.  Not my circus not my monkeys.  I know MIL is upset but she is also the type to ignore issues in hopes they will just go away.  I'm not sure that will be the case here.  

This weekend I obviously have to entertain my mom on Saturday.  She had new lenses ordered for her glasses so I will probably take her to pick them up.  When I went to the eye doctor last week my prescription had changed a lot so none of my current glasses will work as back ups.  The guy at the optical place that we all go to said he would make me a pair for less than $100.  Sounds good to me.  I will get that started while we are there. 

Sunday I am meeting the girl I befriended that did my nails.  She had a rough go of it while I was in Maui and her ex had her arrested for DA.  I haven't been able to meet up with her because of everything that has been going on so I am anxious to hear everything that went on.  I am so glad she is away from him though.  I have been encouraging her to break free from him since we became friends.

Monday I have an appointment with the new therapist.  That has me a little anxious but we will see how it goes.