Since everything in the world is changing I thought I might go back to old journaling habits. I just can't get into Facebook--I mean I lurk around my friends and watch all the cute dog and cake decorating videos but I can't commit any thoughts there.

I am an essential on-site employee here in the lab, and although it was busy and fraught with purpose the first few weeks, I am scraping up things to do now. I work four hours on site, and then supposedly four at home. Eyeroll. We are looking to re-start 'soon' and very, very slowly. My work county is starting very slowly this week, with further east (and right) suburbs (where I live) breaking ranks so we can all get our hairs cut. I think I'll be rocking a ponytail again by the time this is 'over.'

I do get tested for COVID at work semi-regularly so that's nice. Negative so far. I might have had it in late January, early February. Was sick as a hound anyway with a hard time breathing that they couldn't pin it to flu or pneumonia. Just joined a clinical trial of sorts at work, and got blood drawn. Wonder if they'll test for antibodies? I think it's part of the rules that I don't get any information unless I test positive for virus. Then it's home to quarantine!

My morale is so-so. I am finally getting some things done at home (besides essentials). Failing at home-schooling, although the school system doesn't really want them to do anything. Elder son graduates college this year and starts his Masters next fall (hopefully). Younger son is a junior in high school.

I can't focus right now on new media, books or tv or movies or music. So I randomly binge old stuff. Currently Criminal Minds. I am heavily into My Favorite Murder and various other, mostly true crime, podcasts. 

Really, really don't like Zoom. I find I can't get a word in edgewise, but it's nice to hear voices anyway.

Miss you all, missing everyone really. More later--time to go home to work some more. This entry was originally posted at https://vjs2259.dreamwidth.org/412605.html. Please comment there using OpenID.

 I just binge-watched The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on Netflix. I want Aunt Hilda as my room-mate. Is it wrong that I was inordinately thrilled that the Spellmans have the same tea set I just inherited from my mother?

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Hi!

I have been at home for almost two weeks recovering from gallbladder surgery. Once it wasn't hurting so bad I've rather enjoyed it. Binged the 8 Harry Potter movies and now The Closer. I've seen a lot of those before but why not? Also keeping up with The Great British Baking Show and Endeavour.

My son is back today from his father's for the summer, and school starts Monday. 

Do not go online shopping while on Percocet, just saying.

I'm actually glad to be getting back to work. Anyone want to lay bets on how long that feeling will last?

My Dad and my sister are driving up and over to visit in September, then further up to visit my other sister. After they return, Dad moves in with Sis and the wheel turns and things change again. My two boys will be here for Thanksgiving, which gladdens my heart. Still bruised, that heart, but beating.

I'm hoping to continue the lifestyle changes instituted while I was ill before the surgery and during recovery. But we'll see once the school year and work stress starts up. Either way I'm glad it's over. 




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 So very much is going on...

I am back to being a single person. My divorce was final in April. Still processing, still mourning, still clearing out the detritus while trying to hold on to some of the good memories.

Household: One son who lives with me except at school holidays when he goes to his father. This worked well last year. This year is harder for some reason. Also one dog, a rescue hound from StreetDogs, and partial interest in a lovely laid-back calico cat. I took her in after she was wandering the apartment complex going up to doors and trying to enter when they opened. She had obviously been abandoned,  and I tracked down her owner, who didn't want her any more, quelle surprise, and then found her a home. My friend travels and house-sits a lot, so I am back-up cat-sitter which is only fair since the person in question house,dog, and boy sits for me! The dog tolerates the cat, with trepidation. The cat is planning a coup.

Last year I was diagnosed with TMJ which is a right bitch to deal with, It passed eventually then recurred with a vengeance post-divorce (gee, I wonder why?) At one point I couldn't talk, or eat anything solid. I do not recommend the oatmeal and ice cream diet, by the way. It's not as much fun as it sounds dribbling liquid mush into one side of your mouth with your head tilted. Between steroids, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and dental guards it has moved on, but I have to believe it may come back. At least I have an action plan now.

My work with Room in the Inn (a homeless program my church participates in) landed my son and I with head lice. That has been LOADS of fun. 

My dad is likely moving in with my sister later this year, which is good and bad. Good in that he needs more help and someone around to talk to and make sure he eats. Bad in that it's a small crowded house. With stairs. Cute as heck though. I have been helping him with his rent, and that will stop or lessen once he moves. I plan to buy a car :)

I hate my job, like my apartment, dislike the city, am comfortable in the suburb, love my church (a phrase I never, ever, thought I would commit to pixels). I read a lot, listen to audiobooks at work to pretend I'm elsewhere, binge watch cozy mysteries and Nordic noir at home. Houseplants are slowly occupying my apartment. My balcony has lights, bird feeders, windchimes, and candles. It is too hot to sit outside :(

My car randomly turns off, my little cd player skips tracks, my computer's keyboard stopped working. I am researching cars, bought a new Onkyo stereo shelf system which I love, and the last Windows update seems to have restored my keyboard ?!? I am still going to buy a little Chromebook for travel and gulp, maybe even writing again. Currently I am awaiting the delivery of a new bookcase and a hall bench with coat hooks and all above it. Retail therapy by God! It works!

I adored Avengers: Infinity War and Black Panther, also Wonder Woman. I cried like a baby at Coco and The Shape of Water. Also Kubo and the Two Strings and Okja. I am bingeing Father Brown and eagerly planning a night to revel in Sense8: The Finale. Can't wait for Doctor #13.

I hope to update more frequently, but no promises! I have furniture to assemble after all. Will post cat-n-dog pics and assembled bookcase (it's an IKEA Billy but in the new color, dark red. Awesome.) Meanwhile, Allons-y! to housework while I wait for my delivery.




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Testing Dreamwidth mobile

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 This is the first story I have completed in quite a long time. It was written for alexcat , with apologies for letting her down in the end. Hope this makes it a Babylon 5 Love Month for you, at least a little bit.

Podarok
2207 words
Susan & Delenn, set way after Sleeping in Light

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Update!

(I should be working...)

My dad is in his own apartment which he really likes, but is bored and a little lonely, which he doesn't like. Doing okay though. I think he'll be all right. Visited over Thanksgiving. There was food and laughter and more than a few tears. We all miss my Mom.

My trip to Utah for a conference was great, although I took a fall and broke a rib which still hurts a bit. It is such beautiful country. And I got to see snow. I miss snow.

I am now a Choir Mom, driving #2 hither and thither for concerts and practices. I need a bumper sticker. Work has been very forgiving about this, thank goodness. 

This weekend we formally adopt our little rescue pup, who is really coming out of her shell. She prances and bounces and likes squeaky toys now, and is still always up for either a walk or a cuddle. She suffered over Thanksgiving in the kennel (with people she knew! and doggie playground!) moping, not eating, and just wanting to be held. But she perked up once she got home. Starting to trust that we're her family now and won't leave her for long.

#2 son has a birthday coming up. We have multiple events planned, including the local symphony's Holiday Concert and a Gingerbread House Party. I am working on a chocolate peppermint cake. Maybe in a design. I wanted his initial but that is not working out. I made 10 little loaf cakes, half white cake, half chocolate with peppermint. The white cakes will be split and filled with crushed candy canes in frosting. Fun!

I'll be skipping the Gingerbread House Party and going to the local Farmer's Holiday Market instead. Loads of neat crafts and food.

The divorce is moving along...like molasses in January. We agree on everything and it is still taking forever. My retainer is all used up so it's new money after this. I wish it would just be settled.

I visited #1 son at college this fall. I miss him so much. He is growing into quite an admirable young man, and I burst with pride. A friend drove me around Maryland and we stayed in Ocean City right on the beach. It was cold and windy but we had a lovely time anyway. We spent a day on Assateague Island watching ponies, and a day with my son.

My yearly (well, twice now) Christmas Party is coming up. Last year was 'A Doctor Who Christmas'. This year it's 'Sappy Holidays' and we plan to eat, drink, and watch sappy Christmas movies (think Hallmark Channel/Netflix). I have a menu planned but have to get cooking--sausage rolls, pesto xmas trees, scones and cookies. Drinks will include mulled cider with optional rum and a local cranberry wine.

No, I haven't been writing. No, I am not even close to being caught up with the B5 re-watch I am supposed to be reviewing (ack!). I have been reading a lot, including audio (I recommend the Maisie Dobbs and Maggie Hope mysteries. Love that WW1/WW11 time period) Binged Stranger Things S2 with a friend. I have her watching Warehouse 13 now and have threatened more sf series to come...Babylon Five? The Librarians? Primeval? Eureka? Jericho? Sanctuary??

Youngest Sister is visiting after Christmas through New Year's. That should be interesting, and most likely fun. We may go see the duck parade.

So, in short, life is well, okay. More than okay at times, to my intense surprise. 

Happy Holidays, y'all





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 Okay, things are looking up.

Sister's house being repaired, Dad's house being replaced, both are safe in temp housing (for two weeks anyway) with power, A/C, water. All the things they wanted saved are locked up in storage with climate control. Sister's kids are away with other family, safe if not happy.

Started trial with rescue dog yesterday. She's a sweetie, small and red-haired with little shedding so far. She might be a Basenji mix cause no bark and curled tail. She is in heat which is a challenge but we'll survive.

We are in for a short return of Hell Weather but fall is in the air even so. Makes dog-walking so much better.

Trips are upcoming, which is lovely if a bit stressful. I have started buying Christmas gifts.

I have not yet really dealt with the loss of my mother, although it hits me hard at times. I am letting myself take it as it comes.

All in all, not too bad!

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 I made it out of Florida before the storm. My family decided to shelter in place (they did move inland to a friend's house). They are safe, but essentially homeless. One (rental) house probably repairable, the other probably not. Moving possessions to storage today. The kindness of others has been exceptional. Hoping to convince my father to come here until power/water/roofs restored. Near constant state of worry, some bug-out guilt (alleviated by #2's intense relief that I came home), hurry-to-catch-up at work, all punctuated by flashes of grief.

It has felt like strong winds against for me for months. Still standing though.

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 A few days ago my mother died. I'm taking a week off. A friend is staying with #2 until I return from helping my Dad.

I'm still wading through the divorce process. Things are tense but amicable enough. It's exhausting.

High school is difficult but do-able so far for #2.

I was all set to do a trial adoption of a rescue dog when Mom was hospitalized. Put on hold for now.

Will I get out of here before the next hurricane hits? Stay tuned.

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