what are you doing right now?

[finnime]

Good morning, convalescing invisipeeps, working toward wellness of the mind and body. Welcome to Sunday. I hope you find this day restful and enjoy comfortable coziness in warm drinks and blankets.

The stress of problematic workplaces, taxes, health issues, household management and bad weather are taking a toll on so many of us. I wish for everyone reading this a reprieve. Going to check out the unit that minnesotapaintlady mentioned. It might be good for my DD, and/or for my knees.

I went ahead and bought Turbotax to file 2023. We'll owe, so I'm in no hurry to actually file but do want to get a good picture of the damage. I have 20 years of returns in TT, and like to keep it up. This may be the last year, though. Congress has been debating offering free online software to do and file taxes. Maybe they already came out with it. We'll see. This year I only need to file one state, so there's that.

Today I will put away Christmas and ready 2 pictures for the gallery show that starts next Saturday. Need to bring the pictures in on Tuesday to be hung. 

There's a cold rain falling right now here. It's supposed to change over to snow later in the day with a possible break in precipitation about 7:00, when the sun rises if there is to be sun. Yesterday there was sun beneath some cloudiness. The red sky at morning provided a warning:

[daisylu]

Jan 7, 2024 0:12:27 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Jan 7, 2024 0:05:49 GMT -5 CCL said:

What's it called? Is it like a TENS unit? That might be what I need.

I had to look up TENS unit, but yes, I think it's about the same thing.  It's called an enso.

www.hingehealth.com/product/enso/

I will have to look into that. DH also has that program through his employer. They sent him a tablet and sensors for back exercises last year. 

[daisylu]

We ended up with 6 inches of snow with a little ice included. Today DH will plow the driveway and hope it gets warm enough to melt. But temps in the 20s tonight,  so   .
No other plans for today. Thinking about making a peach cobbler. We have so many peaches in the freezer from our peach tree from last summer. 

Upright freezer needs a good cleaning out, but I'll save that for a day DH is working. 

[giramomma]

We're supposed to get 8 inches of snow in a few days. We could have a good old fashioned snow day. 

[giramomma]

And, in other news, we got the Lego catalog yesterday.

We all were positively giggity.

If I can, today, too, I want to stop at Walmart. DS told me of a lego set on clearance that he wanted, but was too expensive, even on clearance. I might buy it for him and surprise him with it at some point.  It's hard when you are young, and you don't have things to do and don't want/can't go out to the bars.  He has magic. And that helps. He also has his video games, and ultimate. Winters are long though.

Kid nets almost 3K a month and saves at least 2K of it while he is at home. Even after a security deposit, he should have close to a 2 month EF before he moves out. 

He's been working on training in his down time at work, of his own free will.

I am pleased we ended up sending him where we did for school. He keeps telling us, the training is stuff he's already learned. So he got. better education than I thought he would.

Normally, you put in a year doing the basic stuff (oil changes, tire rotations, etc), and then they move you to the main shop. There's going to be openings in the main shop, and DS's friend is going to try and get DS on the main shop before the year is up and train him.

He's still transitioning. We are feeding him and putting a roof over his head. He knows everything else is on him, at this point. 

He's doing good.

[catsareme]

Just wondering if anyone has heard anything from or about Ava?  If what I found is correct, her last posting was in October of last year.

[taz157]

Tagging Ava. How are you doing?

[raeoflyte]

Jan 7, 2024 9:08:00 GMT -5 catsareme said:

Just wondering if anyone has heard anything from or about Ava?  If what I found is correct, her last posting was in October of last year.

I'm assuming she's still traveling. This is the time of year she usually does her big trip back home I think but hopefully she'll check in soon.

[andi9899]

Jan 6, 2024 21:44:40 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 6, 2024 17:39:33 GMT -5 busymom said:

I've spent most of the last 2 days organizing my paperwork for tax time.  Our accountant normally mails out a packet towards the end of the month for me to "fill in the blanks", then I always ask some questions on how the tax laws are changed from the previous year.  Yes, this is early for me, but with everything that is already on the calendar for the new year, I thought I'd better do it when I've got the time.  

I haven't even thought about tax forms yet!

Me neither. I'll just stick them in my file cabinet when they come and dig them out in April to deal with.

[chiver78]

Jan 6, 2024 21:31:59 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 4, 2024 18:06:16 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

I'm about to cry, in a good way. buckle up, it's a little long-winded even after edits. 

I posted about the shit going on with my parents, and I had booked the cruise a month or so ago when my mom was all up about "yes, I'm good to come pup-sit" and all that. well, part of the reason I hadn't asked mooch and M was that the rescue pup they adopted last winter has been having major issues. he apparently has a chemical imbalance of sorts that makes him unpredictable and vicious, and it presents late in the day as like a sundowner dementia. this pup is barely 2yo. they won't return him to the rescue as they fear he would be adopted out to a family with kids, and no child is going to survive what they have as adults. this was actually one of the things I wasn't ready to talk about whenever I posted a comment about having shit I'm not good to air just yet. this is a much longer story, but the detail here was needed for some background. short version for now is that they both have major scars and the pup is heavily medicated.

anyway, the last few times my two crashed with them, LD and C had tussled. one of the last times, they tussled enough that mooch had to physically separate them. LD broke skin unintentionally, and C came back at both of them a few times. for this reason, I hadn't ever considered asking them to watch my two for a week while I go cruise. and then my sister dropped a bomb that mom won't drive with the goofy glasses, and dad can't (I knew that) after surgery. well, obv I'm not gonna push the issue on my parents, but shit....if y'all had told me about what you had going on, I wouldn't have booked the damn cruise. 

so when I reached out to the daycare to ask about adding a day next week for Punk, I asked about their boarding policies as pup care got squidgy for an upcoming trip. I know they would be very well taken care of, at $200/day for 2 pups. oh, and LD wouldn't put the questionable leg down earlier when we went out for outs, so we have repeat xrays tomorrow. 

anyway, I just got off the phone with mooch and M, where I explained ALL of this detail, and I could hear mooch in the background sucking air through his teeth. I get ya, dude, I have the same hesitation for the exact same reason. I didn't ask in the first place for exactly that hesitation. about 20min into the convo, M pipes up to offer that she can stay here for the week, except the day she has to go into the office. wait, what?? I didn't ask b/c I didn't think she would go for that! she said, it's not ideal, but she could. she just has to confirm if she has to travel that week for a project she picked up this morning, but she is good to crash here as long as she doesn't have to go anywhere else. tears are coming.....that would solve everything and save me $1k in the process. 

I still have some details to work out, but it looks like this may all end up being okay. well, pending LD's xrays tomorrow am. oy. are we sure it isn't still 2023? because it sure feels like it. 

I'm glad this has worked out for you. $100/day/dog is twice as much as we pay around here. 

well, truth be told, a full day of daycare for 2 dogs is $70. and this place sends boarders home with staff, so it's not like they are boarding in a kennel - which I would never do, I'd cancel my trip first. they are 9yo and haven't had crates since they were around 2. I don't think it's an unreasonable rate for what it is.

[wvugurl26]

One of my goals for 2024 is to come up with stuff we can do. We couldn't come up with anything last night. Winter is not helping of course. Something beyond movies, eating out or going out for a drink. We have a play later this month.

As usual though if the house were ever finally situated we might have more options. I was making progress before my grandma passed and then it stalled out.

[andi9899]

I need to find a good place to board the twins, but I haven't found one. The one I did use went downhill which sucks.

[raeoflyte]

DC and I are off to clean bunny pens.

[giramomma]

I am also working on this for DD1,

I have the patience for putzy, and this is driving me up a wall.  The wool in the kit isn't all tightly woven. Which is ticking me off.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 6, 2024 21:48:34 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 6, 2024 18:43:54 GMT -5 giramomma said:

It's the toll work is taking on you. As much as I think I'm dealing well with work, I'm really not.

It's been a year, now, that stuff started going down. 

A year of putting up a front at work like working where i am is like freaking Disney. Watching my friend get targeted and keeping it to myself. 

I had an inkling of that thought also. 
I told the school staff on Thursday afternoon. 
Three people burst into tears on the spot. 
Two others were crying at the end of the work day (45 minutes later). 
Another two came into my office on Friday asking me to take the with them to whatever school I end up at next. 
I've heard from others who work in different buildings who are shocked and sad. 

Maybe I am emotionally and/or mentally exhausted, and that's why I'm so tired today. 

Chloe, there is no maybe about it.  Now that you have officially resigned, your body is relaxing.  Sleep helps it heal.

It's sad to think there are that many other people are the school who are equally unhappy as you.

[TheOtherMe]

Jan 7, 2024 11:31:22 GMT -5 giramomma said:

I am also working on this for DD1,

I have the patience for putzy, and this is driving me up a wall.  The wool in the kit isn't all tightly woven. Which is ticking me off.

That's beautiful, Gira.

I remember all the worrying when your son was in high school.  He is doing so well.  Both he and you should be proud of him.

[TheOtherMe]

All I have left on the tax return, is to add up my credit union interest.  It will only change the federal return but I will still have a refund.  I won't mess with withholding changes this year.  

I don't understand how the state can fund itself without taxing retirement income.  Passive income is taxed, but my passive income is not nearly enough to have to pay taxes.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Had to go look at the letter again because my brain didn't trust it. Yep approved.

Supposedly we're going to have a snowpocalypse today but it's currently warm enough I was outside with just a Hoodia.

I know this is the Midwest and weather can turn on a dime but I'm skeptical.

Either way I brought my laptop home so I don't have to waste a vacation day if the 8 inches of snow appears. It doesn't I bring it back to work.

[Opti]

Jan 6, 2024 21:48:34 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

Jan 6, 2024 18:43:54 GMT -5 giramomma said:

It's the toll work is taking on you. As much as I think I'm dealing well with work, I'm really not.

It's been a year, now, that stuff started going down. 

A year of putting up a front at work like working where i am is like freaking Disney. Watching my friend get targeted and keeping it to myself. 

I only trust literally two people in real life, right now and even that is cautious. And, unfortunately, my husband isn't in there. Which is a nice little load of extra. It's too much work, for me to do the work right now. Much more efficient to lump everyone into one bucket. Especially if I'm expect to perform 40 hours a week.

I don't dare reach out to folks that used to be my support group. Because if I accidentally let it slip about what's been happening, they will talk and it will come against me.  I was lucky come out OK the first time. I don't think lightening strikes twice.

I had an inkling of that thought also. 
I told the school staff on Thursday afternoon. 
Three people burst into tears on the spot. 
Two others were crying at the end of the work day (45 minutes later). 
Another two came into my office on Friday asking me to take the with them to whatever school I end up at next. 
I've heard from others who work in different buildings who are shocked and sad. 

Maybe I am emotionally and/or mentally exhausted, and that's why I'm so tired today. 

Sounds like it is good you are leaving, and it confirms how bad things really are. I hope you are able to pull a few people with you if you end up in a position to do so. I think I read you have an interview for a non-public option so whatever the future brings let it be better than the past with a brighter future.

[NancysSummerSip]

Having a cup of my mostly homemade soup. Washed all the floors and scrubbed the bathroom shower stall after a wet bike ride this morning. Hoping to get outside later. Dinner is chicken parm; DH will have a bit of pasta on the side. I am making a zucchini/squash/potato frittata for myself.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Jan 7, 2024 9:56:52 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Jan 6, 2024 21:31:59 GMT -5 Knee Deep in Water Chloe said:

I'm glad this has worked out for you. $100/day/dog is twice as much as we pay around here. 

well, truth be told, a full day of daycare for 2 dogs is $70. and this place sends boarders home with staff, so it's not like they are boarding in a kennel - which I would never do, I'd cancel my trip first. they are 9yo and haven't had crates since they were around 2. I don't think it's an unreasonable rate for what it is.

We pay $30/day to have Harriet cared for when we travel.  She’s an older woman who treats the dogs like they are her dogs.  I think she charges us $50 when she has both Harriet and Kronk.  

Sheldon goes to a cat kennel, where he is in his own little room that overlooks a bunch of bird feeders in the garden.  He has perches to hang out on, with fleece blankets to cuddle into.  They have about 20 of these rooms, where 4 of them are big enough for pairs.  For some time each day, they let each cat out to get the run of the facility, and it’s set up with double doors such that you have to close one door to enter the facility.  This costs us $20/day for him, but we have been getting a 10% price break for long trips.  

Unfortunately, both facilities are in opposite directions from each other.  The dog sitter is on the way to the airport though, so we can drop Harriet off on our way out of town.  

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Last night, I finished up all the beanies and scarves I knitted for my nieces.  It was all the stupid fiddle stuff of weaving in the ends of yarn.  I hate doing this.  

My next project is a short sleeved sweater for me.  I’ve made sweaters before, but this will be the first time I have made it in one piece.  I have the yarn and needles I need (I’m acquiring quite the collection of needles), and read through the pattern last night.  I need to go through it again before I start.  

[giramomma]

Jan 7, 2024 13:35:05 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Last night, I finished up all the beanies and scarves I knitted for my nieces.  It was all the stupid fiddle stuff of weaving in the ends of yarn.  I hate doing this.  

My next project is a short sleeved sweater for me.  I’ve made sweaters before, but this will be the first time I have made it in one piece.  I have the yarn and needles I need (I’m acquiring quite the collection of needles), and read through the pattern last night.  I need to go through it again before I start.  

I hate weaving in the ends, too.

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Did some organizing in our new camping trailer. Now having a second cup of coffee. Should update my accounts while I'm sitting here. 

[giramomma]

Bluey valentines were procured. That is a win. Target was almost sold out already.  Yes. I know I am ridiculously early. And the missy is going to have more regular reading homework, and our weekends are getting booked up, with at least one big event a weekend for most of the weekends between now and valentine's day. One of the weekends may be completely shot if either DH or I have to go on a campout.

And I'm getting too tired to go running around at 8pm after work.

The missy did pretty good at the thrift store. I got her two reading games, (one boggle jr), a pack of readers, a doll and I got a skein of yarn for $15. The yarn is up to $4, now, and I paid a buck. So feeling good about that.

[finnime]

Snow started in earnest over an hour ago. The temperature is dropping. Let's see if it goes down far enough.

I just ordered an Edible Arrangement bouquet for BFF's son and family, who welcomed their third son on January 1. It will be delivered tomorrow.

Now, should I tackle the guest room or the Christmas decorations?

Eggs or blueberry pancakes or creamy tomato soup for supper. I'm a bit too squishy for my tastes.

[soupandstew]

Finished up one of the larger sections of the book and handed it off to DH for further proofreading and thoughts on topic flow.  After lunch we went to our beloved Asian grocery HMart which was, predictably, packed on a Sunday afternoon.  We're good for at least 6 months on our Asian noodles, dried mushrooms, assorted sauces and pastes.  I also grabbed a couple of pork tenderloins to roast Tuesday, and potatoes, carrots and onions for next weekend's Japanese curry.

[soupandstew]

Jan 7, 2024 14:27:22 GMT -5 finnime said:

Snow started in earnest over an hour ago. The temperature is dropping. Let's see if it goes down far enough.

I just ordered an Edible Arrangement bouquet for BFF's son and family, who welcomed their third son on January 1. It will be delivered tomorrow.

Now, should I tackle the guest room or the Christmas decorations?

Eggs or blueberry pancakes or creamy tomato soup for supper. I'm a bit too squishy for my tastes.

I vote blueberry pancakes    You aren't squishy, just well insulated for the coming weather.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

TD is making his homemade egg McMuffins, much, MUCH better tha Rotten Ronnie’s.  I am starting to bake the ginger molasses cookie recipe I wanted to try.  

BTW….I got a flat NO when I told him I wanted a $4000 Bosch Induction stove.     I may just put my own money into this because I’m tired of dealing with this freaking stove.  

[andi9899]

I picked up after the twins, picked up general clutter in the house, went to Sam's and took out the trash. That's enough manual labor for today, isn't it? I feel like I should be free to watch football for the rest of the day.