February 11, 2010
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News and Notes for February 2010
It’s always interesting to think about how quickly I can be totally immersed in my “online life” (and Xanga in particular) one moment, and then lose all except a passing interest the next. Just two weeks ago, I spent nearly two weeks preparing my “Media Crushes” entry, and now I’ve gone over a week without really caring about updating, or visiting other sites.
I’m always in awe of those Xangans who can keep an active blog on a daily basis. Of course I can’t just jot down a few thoughts like most folks. I always have to have a production prepared, with self made graphics, and the post usually refers to something creative I’m doing, like writing poetry, or making a video. When I’m not doing those creative things, I don’t really have anything to write about. I can’t blog about the ‘day to day’ either, cause each day is pretty similar to the one before it.
I promised myself I’d post at least one “News and Notes” column a month, and even these are pretty similar, until something exciting happens, and at my age, nothing really exciting is going to happen. So with that in mind, if I have any readers left during this latest “hiatus”, here is my update for February 2010.
HEALTH: I received the referral for the opthamologist, so I just need to make an appointment to see her, and get my cataract surgery scheduled. I had my physical in January, and everything is fine. I seem to healthy, and Doc told me it was okay to stop the cholesterol medicine. In fact, he scheduled me for a blood test in another month, and then he’ll ascertain whether my diet and exercise are working. If not, I’ll just have to keep taking the Lipitor.
I asked about the bump on my head. It’s just a cyst, and not a problem. Also told him about my skin condition and the “worry spots” which appear on my face. He gave me a prescription for an antibiotic cream and I’m applying this twice a day after washing my face.
I’ve been sleeping better than I have in years, not getting up to go to the bathroom every hour. Longer sleep times are making me more drowsy in the mornings too. I seem to really like getting lots of sleep, and you’re not supposed to need as much when your’e older.
WEALTH: I’m awaiting my $4,329.00 federal tax refund check with baited breath. I should also get about $1500.00 back from my security deposit on the mobile home park at the end of the month, so next month, I’ll hopefully be able to pay down the other two credit card amounts. Upcoming expenses will be medical. I still havent’ started receiving bills for the $3000.00 I owe for last year’s hip operation. (I have paid about $500.00 of this already) because the insurance hasn’t been worked out as yet. The cataract surgery should cost another $1000.00
SOCIAL/HOME LIFE: I had a “staycation” at home over the weekend of Feb. 6th, taking Thursday and Friday off work. I did absolutely nothing, and enjoyed myself immensely. I didn’t even “party” with my neighbor last weekend, as I have been doing. I went to bed early on Friday. (But I’d been up watching movies the night before, so was tired.)
I have bought one new “toy”, anticipating my upcoming windfall. It only cost me $250.00 and is incredibly worth it. I got a Western Digital HD Media player and an external 750GB hard drive. The hard drive is quite small, about the size of two cigarette cases, and doesn’t need a power cord. I hook the drive up to my computer, and download movie or video files. Then I plug it into the media player which is hooked up to my bigscreen TV, so I can watch anything stored on the drive. I’m putting all my MikeVideos and downloaded movies on the external drive, so I can watch them on my bigscreen.
I don’t know when I’ll return to active blogging. As soon as I say I’m on “hiatus” I’ll probably be back two days later, so it’s impossible to set a schedule. I’m writing this on a Thursday morning, before start of work. Work has not been too busy lately, and I’m actually afraid we could very well go out of business if business doesn’t pick up. I’d hate to have to look for a job in this business climate and at my age. I’m pretty sure I could get one, and maybe even at more money, but I’ve been working at the same place for over 20 years, and I’m used to it, so a change wouldn’t be good, especially right now.
Thanks to those of you who are still checking up on me here on my blog. I’ll probably keep posting at least once a week until I feel the”blog muse” come back.
Comments (15)
Glad for the update. Nothing like good sleep!
Glad to see things are going along fairly well. I hope the must strikes soon, but if she remains silent, enjoy the hiatus.
It’s hard to update every day. That’s why I only really update 1-2 a week.
:wave: Mike, I noticed your hiatus and wondered if all was OK – which now I see, it appears to be.
As you know, I sure am not one to be posting every day, and when I do, it can’t be productions by any means. I also seem to find it hard to keep up with subs’ posts; so in a way, it is a good thing that so many of my subs aren’t posting much or at all. Of course, now I see them on FB.
You seem to be doing well, healthwise, and you’re making inroads on your debt. Good for you. :goodjob:
My left eye cataract was removed Monday, and I had post-op with regular eye doc on Tuesday. All is well with both eyes. I drove yesterday, but today, snow is falling, falling & not letting up here in N. TX. There is at least 2″ accumlation. Tomorrow, more of same. I’m staying in my “den”.
I pray your cataract surgery goes well. Mine has been very easy. The worst part is having to instill all those eye drops 4 times a day until all gone.
~~Blessings, prayers ‘n cheers
User has whispered to baldmike2004 …
There are seasons to write/speak~ and other seasons of silence, when we need to rest and refresh. While I was out of remission~ I only posted about once a month. I was very quiet~ and just received at that time.
No pressure here~ and thanks for the update!
I always go on short hiatus because I go through dry spells every so often. I am amazed too at some who are able to write something meaningful day in and day out.
I had thought about getting an external hard drive to store some photos, but hadn’t thought about using it the way you are doing. That is a great idea! Much better to watch on a bigger screen, and my TV-watching chairs are much more comfortable than my computer chair.
:goodjob:
It must be the winter. I’m feeling very uninspired myself.
I go in cycles on blogging too Mike – but I think you know that! Congrats on the windfall and easy come easy go… in my life (as we’ve discussed a time or two) every time you think you are getting to the end something falls and debt happens again. It’s okay, it’s part of life.
Both of our lives have gone through many changes the last couple of years … I like keeping in touch with you!
I hardly update myself and I often read the blogs of those in my blogrings and in my friends list.
Hi, Mike — Sorry I missed this while I was away last week — I’m home between trips to Santa Barbara, and will go again Tuesday. It’s hard to be motivated to do much of anything this week, as I can’t sustain activity begun now. It’s been a beautiful week, but I’ve had indoor things to accomplish — and now it’s gray and looks like more rain! Hope all is well for you.
Barbara has cataract issues as well. Good luck with yours.
Hey, excitement is over-rated! When it comes to health, anyway. I, too, am in awe of people who manage to keep up their blogs like I once did. I have to admit that the list of people I’m in awe of includes you! I’m glad that all is well, if you have some good health to spare perhaps you could send it our way?
I hope all continues to be well Mike. Until next time 
He mike I’ve find it also hard to post something on a daily basis specially when I have to be home doing that, writing on a smart phone does not work , caring a laptop neither which I though was a good idea. So good posting subjects fades fast as the story going with it along the day. I know this problem, keeping it simple. hmmm could keep this comment short to :laugh:.