The New Water Cooler
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Used cars are difficult to find again. It's amazing how much new cars cost and used ones in good condition. Crazy! We will replace my Subaru in a few years after I go on Medicare, I think. We will have much lower health insurance costs for both of us once I get off my employer insurance. Russ starts Medicare in a few weeks. That will help too.
Bernie, great nephew, had a nice, small birthday party today. His Mom's Dad and wife were ill so they did not come. It was my side of the family and his Dad's Mom. Very small group. As any one year old, he loved the boxes, tissue paper, and balloons. He is taking 10+ steps across the room now so that is also his focus, walking.
Has Z had any more options to put out resumes? Will C come home for Christmas?
It poured rain today. All the snow is gone.0 -
My shift to volunteer at the theater today was cancelled. Yay!! One more shift next Sunday and I'm done with this volunteer gig. They have a failing projector that will cost a fortune to replace. They better bite the bullet and do it soon or they will be closed indefinitely. That is why they aren't showing a movie tonight. It isn't working, again.
I worked on the Christmas stockings. I have the names needle felted on Halen's, Ellis' and Miles'. Their decorations are on too. I used fabric glue, velcro, and sewing to put them on. I will reinforce some with stitching after the glue dries on some of the others. Tomorrow or Tuesday I will needle felt Layney's stocking with her full name Alayne. Then I will put her decor on and let it dry. My goal is to have them all done and hanging by Thursday or Friday this week. I will send you a photo through messenger.
Go Huskers! On their way to Tampa...0 -
Go Big Red! Final four! Heading to Tampa. Arkansas was scrappy but the ladies prevailed. What a fun season this has been. Pitt vs Nebraska on Thursday in Tampa. Let’s goooooo!!!!
I helped change up his cover letter and resume for a job up at Wayne state. Maybe the Alma matter will be the one. It’s just a lot of stress. No job for Zach yet and whatever is going on with Caleb. Hopefully he’ll come home and we can have some more talks0 -
aaaaannnnnddddd the glow is already off of the 'new' car. The second fob does not work (and this is the type of vehicle that doesn't start unless the fob works. So, even though being told two working fobs - they aren't going to do anything about it. And the headlights barely work and Bernie found some issue with the turn signals. They said they will come up to Columbus and take it back to Omaha (where we bought) and fix the turn signals. But how does that work if they have an accident? Do I get my full money back? It's about 85 miles each way. And, argh. From Bernie's text he's not excited to 'have other people driving it that far' - and may try to fix himself. I don't love either option. Why the freak wasn't that verified in their check of the vehicle? Sigh. I hate buying cars. I hate buying cars.0
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You have had a rough year in your family. I hope 2024 is better. What kind of car did you buy? Used? Make? I don't understand why the fobs don't work and they should have to fix them or replace them. I wonder if you could get the better business bureau involved if they don't back up a working product that you paid for?
So exciting for the Huskers! I would love to see them win the championship. They really are a powerhouse. I think it will come down to Huskers against Badgers in the finals.
I should have the last stocking finished tomorrow. I will post a picture on your Messenger on FB when all done. I am going to work on it in the morning, just a few items to attach to it. I'm using thread and fabric fusion glue to attach embellishments. The glue has to dry over 4 hours. So by tomorrow night I should be able to take a photo if lighting is right.
I will go to Aqua Fit tomorrow, begin wrapping presents, and cook dinner for us (meatloaf, summer corn cut from
the cob, mashed potatoes). We have this meal about once or twice a Fall/Winter.
I hope you get your car issue figured out. Too much stress for you lately. I hope Z gets an interview at Wayne and C comes home for Christmas.0 -
I just really believed this was going to be an amazing year. That Zach would be working and finding success. That Caleb had settled in to school and was well on his way. But, it's all just yuck. So disheartening and depressing.0
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I hope 2024 brings in new and exciting experiences for you. The boys have to figure out their own lives. You can't fix it for them. Rory had been searching for what he really wanted to do after college graduation. We thought he would be the one that had it all figured out. Not so... He is doing well with his apprenticeship with the electrical union but he is 28 going on 29 now. He is in his 3rd year of apprenticeship so two more until he can take the journeyman test. I don't think being an electrician is his passion but he has settled for good pay and benefits.
Are you done with Christmas shopping?
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and Caleb with another dagger to the heart. I noticed he stopped sharing his location, so I asked if everything was ok after a few days. He said he decided he was uncomfortable with me watching him all the time and needing his privacy. Huh. Wow. I literally leave him alone - basically just using the location if I want to text to make sure he isn't in class or something. I have always made a point to respect both of the boys way more than I ever was (constantly being surprised, interrupted by my folks with no notice or regard to anything) and me just using the phone location (the I pay for) to occasionally look at, basically to make myself feel like he's safe is intrusive.
Oh, and I asked Michele why she hadn't told me about one of our team moving into a different job (he 'won' it a couple of weeks ago) and she said she was leaving it for him to announce. Uh yeah, since there were multiple job postings up for a new job in our team. But sure whatever. She has always talked about that stuff with me. I guess no more.
Dagger, dagger, dagger.
I think I am just going to go to bed and try to stay there until 2024.0 -
Do you think C is hiding something or just asserting his independence a little more?
I can relate to trying to be different than our parents when parenting our kids. I thought I was more open, understanding and approachable to the boys but the way they talk now, they didn't see me that way at all. So I guess we think we are being respectful, non-intrusive, etc and doing a good job of it, but our kids may have a different viewpoint. I've often felt I failed as a Mom or the Mom I wanted to be. It can be a thankless role for sure. The worries never cease no matter their age.
Why do you think your sister is being so distant these days?
Tonight, my sister Becky and I went to the National Writer's Series in Traverse City to see Mitch Albom, Author. He wrote Tuesdays with Morrie and The 5 People You Meet in Heaven as well as several other books. He was a sports writer for the Detroit Free Press, writes some other kind of column now, but writes more books than anything. He was so interesting, a great story teller. His new book is called The Little Liar and takes place and tells a story around WWII and the Holocaust. The narrator of the book is Truth and the books focus' on truth and forgiveness. Kind of like The Book Thief was narrated by Death. Anyway, he is a fascinating person and we enjoyed listening to him. Part of admission was buying the book so I will read it.
Tooth extraction in the morning and then come home to wrap presents. Beds are made downstairs and in the guest room, now just need to vacuum, dust and clean guest bathroom on the weekend.
No snow here and probably will be a brown Christmas.0 -
I'm sure he is asserting his independence, but it is literally the worst thing he could have said to me. I have no illusions about making mistakes, but that comment really drug down the rabbit hole. I was financially on my own before 18 (even before for anything not 'necesssary), but my folks would constantly expect me be at their beck and call, ready for drop by inspections, drop everything for their whims, do whatever. So knowing that everything I have done to support him in being him and giving him all the opportunities I never had and to find out that sharing a phone location is oppressive and yet another strike against me. I'm just crushed. I know he is going through stuff, but damn. Being stabbed would hurt less. Just give me a sign, I failed you. Oh wait, they have literally never given me a gift.
I'm sure Michele is going through a lot of stuff. Stuff she needs help with. But she also won't admit anything but anger at change. Or when I'm gone (I have to start using my vacation days before my anniversary date and lose them) that it's always a *kitten* show when she has to do my tasks.
Oh great, the talker is here with another 8 hours of talking to his girlfriend while he 'works.'0 -
I bet you feel better in a couple days after getting that tooth pulled. At least I sure am hoping that for you.
Huskers vs Pitt tonight on ESPN - and then Wiscy vs Texas. We haaate Texas, but also don't want to play Wisc again. Conundrums. Of course, we have to beat Pitt first. GBR.0 -
I'm trying really hard not to overreact, but the "you want to be on your own?" "I'm causing you discomfort?" "Here's some real discomfort".
Sigh0 -
I feel your pain about C. You are a good, loving and caring Mom who wants the best for her sons. That is wonderful in the current world off raising kids. Rory doesn't quite appreciate us yet and he is 28. I think maturity plays into it as well as personality and choices. Now that David and Jeff are Dad's they have begun to view their upbringing in a more mature way and seem to understand that we all just do the best we can to raise a small human. C knows you love him but he is probably struggling with wanting to be on his own and steer his own life no matter what mistakes he makes. Your there for him when he is ready and that is what counts. Hugs!!!!
The tooth extraction was unpleasant to say the least. At least 3-4 shots in my gums and cheek to numb the area. He had to pull off the old crown and he was really yanking. Lots of pressure! I though he was still working on the crown when he announced the tooth was out and he removed the infection. I have all sorts of instructions and my tooth has gauze that I bite on right now. I am afraid to eat until tomorrow. I will just take my tylenol and advil until then. I told him I wasn't doing the implant until after my knee surgery. So if I get the implant it will be next Sept 5th, 8 months from now. He said the bone will have filled in and I won't need bone grafting so that is a positive for the pocket book. Getting old really stinks! I feel like I am falling apart. Keep up those dental appointments and take care of your teeth. I have always done so but I am a clencher/grinder so cracks happen.
I need to wrap Miles' gifts tomorrow or Saturday and I am done with that. Russ baked cookies all day today while I wrapped. I will start my baking Sunday or Monday.
Tomorrow I am going to a crafting workshop with my oldest sister, Lynn. She is not crafty but her friend Julie who is an artist is holding it in her studio. Julie invited Becky and I to come but Becky has her work holiday party. I will go with Lynn since I enjoy crafting. I wonder what we will make? I will make the meatloaf for our dinner before I go and then pop it in the oven when I get home later afternoon. That is if I feel I can eat. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes are on my list of soft foods I can eat for now.
You earned those days off so take them without guilt. That is your sister's job and you don't need to take care of her emotions. Enough lecturing from me...0 -
Hope you are feeling better today
Huskers sweep Pitt last night and will play for the natty Sunday afternoon. HORNS DOWN. I freaking hate Texas. Let’s go ladies.0 -
Fingers crossed Huskers take the title.
I'm feeling better. I kept gauze in my mouth until Thursday bed time. I did manage to eat some scrambled eggs before bed since my stomach was rumbling. I rotated Advil and Tylenol for the first 24 hours. I'm fine now.
We have been getting everything ready for David and family. They had told us they were arriving Monday but now it is Tuesday. They are going to break up the driving trip coming up from Chicago since the girls will have been cooped up in airplanes and cars for two days. Vacuuming, bathrooms, and a little baking left to do. All is well...
Crafting was fun. I remembered some of the other guests from my childhood and met one new person. We made ornaments, gift bags, gift tags, etc. Julie had snacks and gave us demos. It was fun. I would go next year if invited.
Russ and I are going to the the cidery/winery in a few minutes to pick up my December club order. Then we will go to Traverse City for dinner. Get out of here for a bit.
No snow here!0 -
Yum.
Well that was ugly. Stinky Texas swept the Huskers. That was not a fun way to end the season. Sigh. With no seniors as long as no one hits the portal, they’ll all be back.
Happy almost arrival day!0 -
David and family changed their arrival to Tuesday. They are going to take their time driving up from Chicago to give the girls a break from a long ride in the car after being on a long plane ride.
I worked my last shift at the theater this afternoon. Russ and I tried the Asian restaurant in our town that we had not been to. Actually pretty good! Yay!
We decided to drive to look at Christmas lights afterward. We were going to do a tour of the county but my stomach started giving me issues and I told him to hurry home. Maybe tomorrow night...
Tomorrow I have a few things left to do and we are ready for all the family to arrive.
I was stunned to see Huskers lost. I didn't get to watch the game. Was it painful or did they play well?0 -
Woke up to high wind and snow. That was a surprise. David and family will begin their drive from Chicago later today and will run into the snow. It is suppose to warm up later in the week and it will probably be gone. It's a wet snow...
Well enjoying my coffee and then off to clean bathrooms and the last child proofing mission. Russ went to the grocery early to get what we need to start out with guests. My sisters picked up both my items I needed at Costco so that was a big help to me.
I have been watching the latest season of The Crown. I know it isn't all accurate but these last episodes as the queen ages and Princess Diana dies were tear jerkers.
I hope you had a nice weekend and feel ready for Christmas. Are you all going to your parents house?0 -
As far as I know, we are going up to my folks on Christmas day. There hasn't been much/any discussion. I am just staying at my desk doing my work each day. I don't attempt to start any conversations with Michele. I mean it's probably 'small' of me, but since that's how she indicated things should be. I honestly don't plan on engaging in much talk at Christmas either. I have nothing good to talk about and I'm not interested in griping about work. So, maybe I'll take a book. I'm not even sure how to talk to Caleb right now. I mean I need more information from him, but I'm also still smarting from his snap at me to let him be. It will likely be strained, but honestly they all kind of laid the parameters for that.
I bet you are glad to avoid Costco right now. I went to the grocery store last Friday at about 9 a.m. thinking it would be not busy. Wrong. So wrong. Cripes, what a nightmare.
Sending safe travel wishes for all0 -
Oh, and the game was painful. Pain.Ful. The stinky 'horns served us off the court. I don't know what happened to them. But Tx was the better team yesterday. I wager the Huskers will back, a year more mature and a bit more angry. I'm guessing some sort of Unfinished Business t-shirts are being made today.0
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I hope you get through Christmas without too much drama in your family. I'm sorry it has been so rough and all are struggling.
It gets wild tomorrow. David and family will arrive and Halen will be very busy all day every day. The other kids arrive Saturday.
NE will be fired up next year and go all the way. They had a great season and should be proud.0 -
Yep. Your littles are at the go-go-go-GO stage. Busy busy. Hopefully the fun comes along for the run. ;>)
What a special time you have coming. There will likely be some patience fraying here and there, but hopefully minimal.
Fun, fun, fun!0 -
They will arrive in the next 2 hours if they didn't stop too long for lunch and potty breaks. Nice weather today so nicer driving on the roads.
I am getting ready to make a pot of chicken noodle soup. I love home made soup!
Let the fun begin!0 -
woohoo!0
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The girls are soooo cute! Halen has calmed down a lot and not so busy. She still likes to do things her own way and pushes limits, but not as busy as she was last winter. She goes to a daycare/preschool at home now so that has probably helped her attend and behave.
We took a long walk on our property today to get the girls fresh air and exercise. Tomorrow maybe a hike and a playground. My niece's kids are sick and my sister Lynn ended up being admitted to the hospital today. I don't know the details on her status because no one texted or called me about it. I heard through David who was texting with Lynn's daughter Abby.
What I do know is she told my sister Becky she was having difficulty breathing. Becky called the ambulance and they took her to the ER. Oxygen levels were low (she is the one who is suppose to use her oxygen at home but doesn't/COPD) and ER doctor was looking at possible pneumonia or lung infection. I don't know anything else at this point. She never follows doctors recs when she gets home. She refuses to use oxygen, is in denial about her own health, and has poor follow through. She is the one that has been near death twice in the past 8 years. No one can help her and she doesn't do the things she needs to do help herself.
Hope tomorrow is sunny and nice since we only have a little snow.
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I'm so sorry your sister is ill. And not very willing to do the things that might improve her health. I see that with my folks and even my sister (who has let her weight balloon out of control). It's sad to have to witness and then the stress when things go critical.
I'm so glad the kids are there! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
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The girls are a joy. I can't wait until everyone else gets here. It has been nice having the AK family alone so we can catch up and have some good talks.
I tried to call my sister's cell but she didn't answer. She texted me and said she won't be getting out of the hospital today or tomorrow. She has some kind of lung infection and they have her hooked up to IV's with anti biotics. They are also giving her Prednisone and nebulizer treatments to open her airway. She doesn't want to talk to anyone or have visitors. She will only text Becky, my middle sister that called 911. I was just at Becky's helping her get ready for Christmas Eve. She said that Lynn admitted she was having difficulty breathing the day before she asked Becky to take her to the hospital. She has COPD and if she was to read anything about it, a person is not suppose to wait 24 hours to get help. I'm surprised she hasn't died in her house all alone. It could happen and that would be tragic.
Is your sister an emotional eater or just not exercising and taking care of herself because she is so unhappy? Is C coming home by the weekend?0 -
It’s wonderful that things are off to a happy start with the AK family. Yay!
I think it’s a lot of stress eating and drinking and pretending she doesn’t have a problem. She lost some weight last year before the wedding but I can see she has put it back on. The clothes she wears don’t fit. It’s like she thinks if she doesn’t buy bigger clothes then she fine. Nobody enjoys buying bigger clothes. Nobody enjoys dieting.
Caleb is here. Still trying to figure out how to talk about things with him.
We have been trying to figure out new car and home insurance for a few weeks. Our current policy went up over 30 percent. But finding something else is a pain. We have been with farmers mutual for several years but going to have to move on. I guess a bunch of home owners companies have stopped writing policies. What a pain0 -
The rest of the kids arrive today. I've been baking the sugar cookies to decorate and made some white chocolate bark Christmas Tree pretzels with sprinkles on them. The AK family went to the library to see Santa and listen to an elf read a story. I took the opportunity to bake. Halen wants to help with everything which is great but it takes a long time to accomplish something. I told her she could help me bake the pies tomorrow. I will stay up late after she goes to bed tonight to make some coffee cakes. I just want them done without a challenge. Tomorrow night I will make the egg bake to put in oven Christmas morning.
I'm glad C is home. I hope he opens up to you. I know my boys never liked questions. It was more effective to stay up late with them and chat. Sometimes they opened up to me when no one else was around. You never know...
Lynn is still in the hospital and is getting 4 nebulizer treatments per day. She feels a little better today but no talk of discharge yet. We all want her to go to rehab rather than home alone. She does not want that. Her daughter is going to talk to the hospital social worker and see if that can happen based on doctor's orders. Lynn will have a fit but she doesn't take care of herself. I wonder if this is finally the thing that will wake her up to making some life changes.0 -
I hope your sister finds her way out of her slump.0
