Staying home

Choice made. Staying home for the night. 

Had considered going to the casino closest to my house. Thought I would blow a roll of quarters and have dinner. However, they changed their buffet to all pizza and pasta. 

Thought about karaoke but would have to ride across town. Not in any mood to get that cold and ride the bike with that many drunks on the road.

Went and got some gluten free beer. Dinner on the stove. Watch a movie. Just going to stay in, stay warm, safe and comfortable. Get up in the morning and accomplish a few projects around here. 

Better financial choice, any way.

Probably be in bed well before midnight. May not be exciting but not a bad choice.

Positive karma for the New Year?

It looks like I have positive karma coming my way for the New Year!

Last week, got a check for something I bought which was the wrong product in the right package. It more than paid for the original.

Today, opened the mailbox and found a check from a former employer who learned they had underpaid me. (Not like a whole paycheck but a nice surprise.) 

This past weekend, got the best paycheck I have earned in nearly 2 years. Only a little more than the previous check but still..

The glasses I ordered this weekend came in today. Nice to be able to see without straining!

Work was slow today and I was let off early with pay and don't have to use my PTO! Nice!

Have medical insurance and have an appointment set for a physical in a couple of weeks. Since it's preventive care, the physical is covered 100 percent.

Went and got a bottle of rather expensive engine block sealant which is permanent. (With Nanotechnology!) Hoping karma continues and this stuff works. If not, it has a double money back guarantee. I'm holding onto the receipt and the bottle, just in case.

Still deciding if I'm going anywhere tonight. Haven't felt so great most of the day but seem to be getting better now.

That goes back to the Candidiasis issue. Turns out it's not the best idea to do a rapid detox for that. There's even a condition called (in layman's terms) "Yeast Die-Off Syndrome". When yeast dies off, it releases a lot of toxins into the body. Basically, you get more ill before you get better. However, now that certain side effects are fading, I'm feeling a lot better than I have been. It is definite that I significantly acidified my gastric system. No elaboration forthcoming on that. But going to keep my system highly acidified for a few days to try and seriously clear my body, then drop back to maintain it. 

Battling back to health

Battling with Candidiasis again. It's rough to keep up the routine this requires. Drinking vinegar and Epsom salt frequently sucks. 

You can look online and find a special diet for the problem. However, that diet requires removing sugar from your diet. Being hypoglycemic and with a metabolism that can drop 3 lbs in one day, not an option for me. I would have to eat enough protein to destroy my liver. 

Picked up some more dietary supplements to help the battle tonight. Cayenne capsules and garlic pills. Took double the dosage and chased them with diluted vinegar.

Yum, right?

I think this condition has a lot to do with my intolerance to temperature extremes at this point. I may regain that tolerance if I can get and keep this under control. 

Some people, including some medical professionals, downplay the effects of this condition. However, consider the life cycle of yeast. Yeast consumes sugar. If yeast consumes the sugar you need for energy, your body does not gain the needed input. Yeast excretes alcohol. Meaning there is a constant presence of alcohol in your bloodstream and digestive system. Effect on energy level and mood? Not good. Like a constant low level hangover. Yeast also consumes oxygen and expires carbon dioxide. (Remember, it's what makes bread rise and carbonates beer and some natural sodas.) Meaning it diverts oxygen from tissues and the carbon dioxide displaces oxygen in your bloodstream. It also directly blocks the absorption of some vitamins and minerals.

Combine those effects with how rapidly yeast reproduces and it can have drastic effects on your health. Knocks down the immune system and robs your energy. It also causes lots of inflammation.

Best to get and keep this under control, once and for all. Going to have to build my tolerance to the substances required to do that. 

Wish I could order a new intestinal tract. 

New Year goals

So, with the car problems and related finances, I once again have to delay reinforcing the solarium and insulating the main house ceiling. The insulation is better than it has ever been before (in the 70+ year history of this house) but definitely can be better.

However, I have reached the point of advancement that doing both of those will cost me less than $250. 

Extending the solarium is the least expensive and most accessible part of that. Only need a few 2x4's, 3 bags of concrete, large bolts, more plastic sheeting and no special tools. Can do the work almost any time. (That is only for basic structure. It will be upgraded over time.) 

Bigger issue is the ceiling. That requires borrowing the insulation blower. Buy 10 bags of insulation and the blower is free for one day. Doing it all in one day will take preparation. Have the holes drilled in advance. 

The down side to insulating the ceiling is how much ceiling space there is. The up side to the ceiling is how much ceiling space there is. It means it will take a lot more insulation to fill that space. However, the fact that the space will hold a lot of insulation means that, once it's done, the house will be very effectively insulated. 

So, those are two of my goals for the New Year. Beyond that, getting the Camaro fixed properly, so I will finally have a decent vehicle. During the rest of the year, extending the solarium out further. Adding water elements to both front and back yards. If possible, that will include a solar heated hot tub inside the solarium. 

Other goals are to get my finances back on track. Finally stop smoking. Get in better shape. Complete the house wiring. Renovate the air ducts and extend them, so heating and cooling reach the main living room. Complete daughter's room and my bedroom. Plus expand the wood shop. If the money is available, I will include a vacuum system for that. 

All in all, I have a feeling 2014 is going to see some advancement for me which I have been working toward for a very long time. 

Trust and respect

I was recently told I don't respect anyone. This is not the first time the concept has crossed my existence but honestly before this it was really in my own reflections.

Not true I don't respect anyone. First of all, I respect everyone as a human being. With certain human rights which should be respected. 

However, that does not equate to respecting the individual person. In that case, it is very true. I respect few people. Simply because it takes certain things for me to respect a person. There are a select few people I respect. 

The first thing it takes for me to respect another person is trust. To earn my trust, I must be convinced a person does not intentionally cause harm outside of defense of themselves or others. That becomes more complex but I won't explain fully here. The key statement is intentional harm and that's all I need say.

The next thing is whether a person shows respect to others. "Others" does not even have to include myself. It just means a person must show respect to other human beings, including those who have differing viewpoints. 

Beyond that, my respect can grow if I am convinced a person is willing to put themselves at risk for the rights and welfare of others. 

For some people, respect is synonymous with fear. For me, those are absolutely opposed. I have never respected a person whom I feared and I never will. Try to make me fear you without just cause and you have forfeited my respect for life. Abuse a child or any person weaker than yourself and you gain my enmity forever. 

In all, it has become very difficult for anyone to gain my trust. In my own life, I have been emotionally and physically abandoned, beaten, burned, shot at, stabbed, cut, poisoned, cheated on, emotionally abused, temporarily blinded multiple times in various ways, robbed, raped and accused of things I did not do. I have scars all over my body from these things. And those are only including the acts of people whom I loved.  

None of this is any form of plea for pity. Just an explanation of the origin of my viewpoint. It is possible to gain my trust and respect but it must be earned and for that I screen before allowing anyone close enough to do harm. I do not buy into the idea that harmful people will change and stop doing harm if you give them trust and respect. It has to be the other way around. I used to believe in the fairy tale compassionate approach but was proven very wrong too many times. 

Another head gasket

So, the truck now has a head gasket leak. Small one but I have noted coolant in the oil. I put engine sealant in the radiator and the engine oil today. Just trying to keep the truck going a little while longer, until I can get the engine rebuilt for the Camaro. 

The gasket leak on the truck isn't a surprise, as many times as it has overheated. If anything, it's a surprise that it took so long. 

Daughter still doesn't want me to part with it. She asked if I can park it in the back yard for her to play in. Rather hesitant on that one but will decide later. Right now I'm figuring probably not. 

If it were summer or I had a garage, I would replace the head gasket and keep trying to get the vacuum system parts I need for the truck. Transmission is still good and the engine has good compression for the age of the truck, until this leak occurred. Burns gas like crazy but still a good utility truck if repaired. 

Oh, well. See hwo long I can keep it going until I can get something else running. 

Took daughter swimming at an indoor pool today. She's been asking to go swimming, so we did. The indoor pool closest to us is closed all winter and spring and is expected to open in the summer, so we went to the West Mesa pool. Water was still cool for me, so I wasn't in the water long. Too prone to hypothermia, since my normal body temp is 2 degrees below normal. 

We also had a long discussion today. The ex says daughter was upset with me about a few things which she had not expressed to me. Ex also says daughter was afraid to talk to me and hurt my feelings. Got it all in the open and assured her that if my feelings get hurt, I get over it quickly. Unless someone hurts me intentionally. She felt a lot better after we talked. I also made it clear that discussing things without arguing is an adult response, while conflict is highly immature. 

Very recently, I wrote something on FB about personal conflict. To quote myself-
"Never enter a personal battle which is focused on loss. For one person to win, the other must lose.
In any relationship or friendship, if one person loses, you both have lost before the battle began.
If you argue with anyone that loves you and think you won, look at the other person and try to grasp what you have lost."

Good bad and between

Past couple of days have seen some different influences. One day the bike died after riding it to Walgreens at lunch. Had to push it back home. I feared it was electrical again. Wound up just being out of gas. Filled it up and it took a few tries to get it started. Carburetors on bikes have to pressurize without much air. 

Friday morning my pay didn't go in the bank. There was very little information coming from the company, which made me nervous. Been through two circumstances in my life similar and each time the company declared bankruptcy the same day. Each time on payday. However, they corrected the issue and my pay was in the bank today.

Daughter has chosen to spend New Year's Eve with her mother instead of me. Just wants to do something different. That's okay but first time since she was born that she won't be with me on New Year. Guess I'll go to a casino or something. 

Now that I'm getting finances back in order slowly, I opted to start paying the ex the child support monthly instead of biweekly or weekly as I have been. The old method resulted in paying her an extra month every year. Gave her the Jan and Feb checks today. Her reaction told me clearly she knew she was gaining by the old method. Of course, if my daughter needs something I can provide I will do so. I have never had any emotional problem paying child support but the agreement was $300 a month and I have paid more than that for 8 1/2 years. Even at times when I skipped meals, had no vehicle and no electricity. Even though they have two incomes and when The child support took nearly 1/4 of my pay and I was at risk of being homeless. Yet she still wants to treat me like she looks down on me and like I am somehow a bad person. 

Things have shifted. I am now better able to afford the money, though any bit still helps for now. The emotional aspect has taken precedence. Plus I do need that little extra money more than the ex and her new husband.

In general, the ex has launched a new attack on me. Happens every few months. This time feels different. My suspicion (by intuition) is that it is indicating friction in her marriage. Once again, she is trying to find a way to blame me. I refuse to in any way feed into it. Just stepping back and letting it happen. I have no part in it and will not. 

Some things have seemed negative at first this year and turned out positive. The ex started wanting to keep daughter on Fri nights. Then I have wound up working until 6 PM on Fri. That's the most overt example.

This past year has seen some gains for me. Got the bike running. Got to spend time out of town, then started working from home. Those things have recharged me in many ways. Though it's broken down, I did get the Camaro. Short term potential for long term benefit. Even on that I have a feeling there is some positive I am not aware of. Got several tools and the concept for the woodworking business.start working on getting more tools after the car is fixed. 

Christmas 2013

Well, Christmas is over for this year. Wasn't very big but big enough and decent. 

Between Santa and I, daughter got a set of click circuits and an invention set, both of which teach science and basic electrical circuits and some minor theory. The two should work together fairly well. Each set has a book included and the parts should be interchangeable to some degree. She also got charcoal for artwork, a cool temp glue gun and glow in the dark glue sticks. Some color changing beads (in sunlight). Lots of candy. Plus the amusement park season tickets she already knows about. 

From her I got a handmade diorama of a tree house, a hand decorated ornament and a coffee cup with chocolate candy.

From Mary and Dylan, I got a $100 gift card from Home Depot.

The ex returned a $35 Amazon gift card I had given her. She intended it to be a negative but I'm considering it a positive. I can use the money and in the sense of the return I am off the emotional hook to ever give her anything in the future again. 

Unfortunately, I got a bit sick today. It began last night, having leg spasms and insomnia. Then today I had continuing intestinal cramps and had to go to the bathroom a lot. By the time I dropped her off at her mother's and came home, I was also extremely fatigued and laid down for a short nap. Woke up and had a slight fever and pretty bad body aches. Feel a bit better now but it took a long time. Glad it was not so bad or happen early enough to ruin the day. 

I am still considering an annual pass for daughter and I for the biopark but not at this moment. Closer to summer, after I get some other financial issues improved and have the Camaro running.

Also looking at some books for her on science projects for kids but nothing too childish. Found a series of books that seem to fit perfectly, written by a science teacher and every single review I've seen has been positive. 

Also got some good news on the work front. (Something from Santa?) I did not realize (and it was not presented as such) that my last two audits combine for my audit score. That gives me a final score of 96, which is a passing audit. I'm relieved but really want to do better. 

Almost ready for Christmas

I'm almost ready for Christmas. I will be getting a couple of presents out late because of lack of planning and late inspiration. (I'm always bad about the late inspiration thing.) In those cases, I decided to make some small memento boxes of wood. Several of them will have pictures of daughter decoupaged on them. 

Been riding the scooter around to some stores to look for stocking stuffers. 

I dropped the ball on one thing. Daughter wanted a snow globe, which they had at Dollar Tree. I didn't buy them when she was there with me, planning to get several later. Sadly, they're all sold out now. Checked online and it seems snow globes are amazingly expensive. I'll see if there's anything else I can do to maybe make one. Otherwise, hope she is distracted enough to not think about it. I think I fixate on things she says she wants more than she does. 

Been picking up more extra hours this week. Two extra hours today, two extra hours tomorrow. Had something like 5 extra hours last week and this makes it 6 extra hours this week. The extra money will help. Though emotionally I somewhat regretted it today. Ran across several rather abusive people today. I already have experience with this company that someone can be abusive to you and the company will blame you instead of having your back. 

Okay, guess it's time to take a different route. I may not be able to take official action but I can take some unofficial action, anonymously. These doctors and clinics who behave unprofessionally do have their addresses available to me. I can very easily set up a form letter to state that someone acted highly unprofessionally and give themselves a black eye. No threats, no offensive language. Just a statement that their behavior is not becoming of a grown adult. I may also see if I can have a letter or postcard sent from a different city, so they don't try to backtrack and attack me again. 

Rental car

So, rented a car for the weekend to go see sights with daughter. The truck would not have made it, being stuck in traffic and the way it overheats.

Got a nice surprise when I picked it up. They upgraded the car because they were out of the compact which I had reserved. Got a very nice Buick Verano. It had heated seats, which daughter loved. Individual comfort settings for heat and AC. Back-up camera, nice stereo and side view mirrors with indicators to tell you if someone is in your blind spot. In spite of all that, it got really good gas mileage. 

So, we went around and saw the Bugg Lights and the River of lights. Oddly, she didn't want to do much else this weekend. She mostly wanted to stay home. 

Got a new space heater. The old ones are wearing out. Got a radiant heat parabolic heater which has no fan and uses half the energy of the old space heaters. However, it puts out so much heat you can feel it from over 10 feet away. Daughter spent too much time with her feet in front of it, until I saw her legs were turning quite red. She was basically getting a sunburn from the heater. Corrected that before any lasting injury occurred. 

I was severely distracted yesterday. It was my murdered brother's birthday. I missed being able to call him. Finally let it out and cried last night after taking daughter back to her mother's house. Felt a bit better after that. 

Extra hours

Been picking up extra work hours. I start two hours early tomorrow morning.

Even though this job is sitting down and at home, it can be quite exhausting. The whole job is constant problem solving. Though it's not hands-on, it is intense, rapid-fire puzzle resolution. I have had as many as 109 cases in one day. Today I worked one extra hour and had 85 cases. 

There are different sides of that for me. On one hand, the intense problem solving is something I really enjoy. The longer I do it, the easier it becomes as I settle into patterns and lose the nerves. It's also a benefit to me to some extent because the reduced physical activity has helped stabilize my metabolism. No episodes of sinking into starvation mode since starting this job. On the other hand, I'm not really sure how long I can maintain the extra hours. It's actually harder in the winter because I'm not getting any time outside during daylight hours. Maybe I'll start taking a walk during lunch every day.

Really sucks. I lost my electronic cigarette this past weekend and had to order another one. With the stronger battery plus a new tank, not cheap. However, I still think it's my best bet for quitting smoking. I ordered the new one today and had hoped it would also ship today, so I'd have it this weekend. Didn't ship yet, so I'm doubting it will be here until Monday. I still have a setup but it's a lot less effective than the stronger battery and tank. 

The ex is going to drop daughter off on Friday evening because she has a class or something on Sat morning. That's good, I like having the extra time with daughter. I'm also renting a car on Friday, so she and I can go around to the River of Lights, the Bugg Lights at Menaul School and maybe go see Santa, all without the truck overheating and breaking down. 

Rough day

This was actually written on Fri, 06 Dec 2013 but I left it in draft status. Just found out this morning.

Today was a rough day. Unbelievable number of people seemed completely lost. Tech problems on and off all day. Wound up with over 90 cases but not nearly as many as I was hoping for. Still, a bit of extra money on next check.

Temp last night dropped to 12 degrees. More than 10 degrees colder than the forecast predicted. Looks like my prediction of sub-zero temps this winter may come true sooner than I expected. I wasn't expecting it until January. Now won't be surprised if it happens this month. 

Even with the low temp, my steps have worked to keep water going have worked well. 

I placed a space heater in the solarium for the dogs. It's working and keeping them comfortable. I turn it off during the day, once the sun is hitting the solarium. 

I also have the dryer venting into the solarium for heat reclamation. Didn't think about the effects of the humidity in the cold. Walked out earlier and the solarium was filled with fog! 

Last night, recalled previous years here and lying under multiple blankets and still shivering until my body heat warmed the bed up enough to sleep. 

Coldest so far

Last night, the temp dropped to about 12 degrees. Doesn't seem to have gone any lower.

Still the coldest so far this winter. The dogs, the house and I made it through okay. 

This morning, I started questioning myself whether I had installed the barrier for the swamp cooler, since they share the same venting. Thought I had some weeks ago. However, I climbed on the roof to make sure. Turns out I hadn't. Which means a good part of the heat being produced has been going right out of the swamp cooler into the sky. Bummer. Now that it's in place, it should make the furnace more efficient. 

Talked to the bank yesterday and it turns out they are going to try and screw me. Instead of a lump sum of $1700 in January, they're saying I owe a lump sum of over $3000. Have to get things together and try to extend the assistance, so I can pay the extra money over a few months. 

So much for starting the new year flush or ahead.

Cold front

So, the cold front has arrived. Daytime temps are mostly below 40 for the next few days. Monday is expected to remain below freezing. Monday night the low is 14. Historic averages for this time of year is around 50 days and 27 nights. 

I fully expect to see temps below 0 in the city in January this year. If that does not happen, I'll be surprised.

Pretty cloudy today. Not likely to see a thermal gain from the solarium. It does still help insulate, though.

The house is getting more comfortable year upon year. Insulated part of the bathroom ceiling last year. Crawlspace entry closed up and then vents permanently sealed shut, so a lot less cold air can infiltrate under the house. The solarium helps deter cold air from entering the ceiling vents (but still allows ventilation to the area). I've repaired or improved the functioning of the furnace on several occasions. 

One problem with the solarium is that the wind loosened the plastic sheeting again. I am winding up doing exactly what I did not want to do, which is reactive building and repairs. Down side of that is that it winds up being fast fixes and lower quality. Up side is that I'm identifying weaknesses. So, the solarium will not be completely up to speed this year but together enough to show benefits and remain standing. Main problem is still the dogs. Because of them, I have to use more rigid and stronger materials which cost a lot more. They're too dumb to figure out they are tearing apart the shelter which keeps them warm. Otherwise, I could install insulation held in place with plastic sheeting until I could buy more sheathing for the lower sections. Oh, well. I'll have to buy more materials over time. 

Tired

I'm tired. Worked on the truck this morning. I may go ahead and get new spark plugs after next paycheck. Several of the plugs were extensively fouled. Cleaned them up well and regapped all of them. Makes a huge difference. Though if the plugs were that badly fouled, I need to add a lot of carburetor cleaner to the gas tank because the cylinders are also built up. Need to change the air filter, also.

This evening, installed the dog door for the solarium. Didn't get to the people door because I had to install additional framing for the doors. Besides, I need some different hinges. So I may build the people door tomorrow but can't install it until this weekend.

Received the new battery for the electronic cigarette today. Has adjustable voltage and more powerful than the old one. Gives a much stronger hit, which is just what I needed. I think this just might do it. This may finally help me quit smoking regular cigarettes. That would be half the battle. Then I have to get past stopping nicotine, itself but somehow I actually don't think the nicotine itself will be that hard for me. 

I had 78 cases for work today. That's about an extra $20 for the day. Not as much as I hoped for but still climbing. Missed the chance to pick up extra hours for tomorrow morning. Forgot to message my supervisor when she posted the announcement. Oh, well. Hope extra hours are available for Friday. But as is, I'll pick up an extra $200 (before tax) if I manage an extra 6 cases in the next two days. 

Right now I really need a bath.

109!

Managed to do 109 cases for work today! I did work 3 extra hours but even if counting an expected 8.8 cases per hour, I still came out ahead. And it means about an extra $100 on my next check. 

I was doing better earlier in the day. Then wound up with a number of long calls from people who had no idea what they were ordering or why. 

Not picking up any extra hours tomorrow morning. Temp isn't going too low tonight, so it's a good chance to do tune-up on the truck. 

Still not feeling great today but better than past two days. This morning really sucked, getting up so early. 

Early rise

Ugh. I have never subscribed to that old saying about "early to bed, early to rise." Even with enough sleep, the earlier I get up, I wake up with an upset stomach. 

Oh, well. It will pass. 

Going to try and get the truck tuned up after work this evening. If not, maybe I'll skip extra hours tomorrow morning and do it then. 

Cold front comes in on Thur. Drop of 20 degrees from Wed to Thur and pretty much stays there. Probably until March.

So, I need to finish the door to the solarium before Thur, also. 

Slight reprieve

Happy to say there is a slight reprieve from the massive temperature drop. Forecast now pushes the worst of the cold to early next week instead of this week. Still supposed to get cold this week, just not as drastically or suddenly. 

Glad to hear that. Still not feeling completely up to par. That gives me a little longer to get the truck tuned up and solarium door built. 

Got 76 cases for work today. That earns me an extra $15 for the day. Picking up and extra 3 hours of work tomorrow morning. That will earn me some more extra. I'll also volunteer for more extra hours this week if they're available. May make it harder to get things around the house done but gets me closer to several goals which require money. 

Okay, I need to get dishes done and run to the store. 

Not feeling so great

Not feeling so great today. Couldn't get to sleep last night until really late. I was still awake at 4 AM. Today I had no energy, felt achy all over and couldn't get warm. (Didn't have chills, just never felt warm.)

I do drag myself out and put up more Christmas lights outside. Hung ornaments on the tree. That's about the extent of accomplishments for the day. 

Daughter wasn't very energetic today, either. However, that's become a norm for her on Sundays. 

Guess if I'm going to get sick, this is the time to do it. Thanksgiving is over and Christmas a few weeks off. 

Need to get out and complete more of the solarium early this week. Stupid dogs have been tearing the flap section apart. That's the section keeping cold air out of the solarium on the one side which has an opening. That's where I need to place the door. The more they tear that section apart, the more cold air enters the solarium at night.

Later in the week, another cold front, coldest so far. Temps are supposed to drop into mid to low teens. I'll probably have to place a space heater in the solarium for the dogs. If I do that, I have to secure it because there's no question they'll knock it over, turning it off and defeating the purpose. 

Going to wait and see what happens in the next two weeks. I made an extra $50 this last week. If I do at least that much or even maintain my base pay next two weeks, I'm going to use the extra money to do the ceiling insulation. With temps dropping this low now, It's going to be brutal in January. 

Something else to work on this week is tuning the truck up. It's been running rough. Need to find out what the problem is. Since I have to be driving the truck a while longer, it's imperative I have it running so it won't break down. 

Just out of curiosity, I'm going to give Enterprise car rental a call and see if just maybe the local office will rent me a car this weekend and what it will take if they will. Though I will tune up the truck first and see how much better I can get it going. 

I finally have insurance again, as of today. I don't have a card for proof of insurance yet but not planning on going to the doctor until January. Not bothering signing up for dental insurance because it won't cover any work I need to have done. I did sign up for vision insurance bacuse it pays for an annual eye exam. Hoping it may offer some discount or partial coverage for glasses. It just makes me more comfortable to have health and life insurance again. Though that will also bite into my base pay. Another reason to wait and see what happens with my case count. 

Cliff's

Took daughter to Cliff's this past evening for their first Christmas event. The lighting was good but not fantastic. They did do a good job of coordinating the lights to music. A few rides were running but because there were so few, lines formed which were really long. Only a few games open. They had a Santa but daughter wanted to go see him at the mall. Glad I got the season passes because it would have just barely been worth $10 each to go. If they even raised it to $12, I would say it would be too much as is. Then again, we went the first (and Thanksgiving) weekend, so it may have been more crowded than it will be later.

Trimmed the grass in the front yard and put up some decorations out there today. Took the little house daughter and I made last year and put some new white paint on it. Do some trim painting tomorrow and install lights on it. Also put up more outside lighting.

It's nearly 3 and I'm still awake because of leg spasms. Left leg is spasming and hurting, like sciatic pain. Took some Naproxen and waiting for it to take effect.  

As of this time, after ordering some gifts for daughter for Christmas and paying some bills, figure I have about $200 left to live on for the next two weeks. Luckily, lots of food in the house, so that's not an issue. Had to catch up on money for the mortgage lump sum due in January which I had spent (uselessly) on car parts. Can't overspend like that again or I'll have problems later. 

Late Thanksgiving

Daughter and I had our Thanksgiving today. It came out great!

Happy to say it wasn't apparent it was gluten free except dinner rolls for daughter. Helps she doesn't like green bean casserole but loves green beans. Made gravy with corn starch. Instead of pie, made apple and pumpkin cobbler with corn flake crumb topping (mixed with brown sugar, white sugar and butter). 

Saw an idea online not long ago which I put to use, though it was posted as a joke. My mixer is old and getting weak. Wouldn't mix the mashed potatoes. So I inserted the mixer blade into the electric drill and used that. Worked perfectly, though only one beater. 

One problem I've been having I suspect is a return of Candidiasis. Fatigue, feeling dehydrated, decreased appetite and sense of taste. Started treating it like before but it does take a few days to have noticeable results. Fatigue is the worst part. 

Disappointed

Needless to say, today has been a disappointment. The whole issue with the car was the biggest issue.

I did still stay outside for several hours. Maybe a bit pointlessly. However, I cleaned up the parts for the car, laid down plastic, placed the parts in the car, labeled some of the brackets. 

Put a new hose on the truck PCV outlet, to try and divert the exhaust under the truck, so it doesn't enter the cab so much. 

Did some adjusting on the bike. It runs better and stronger. Now I just hope it starts better in cold weather. May try it before going to sleep. 

The other day, the ex ruined a surprise I had planned for my daughter. Cliff's Amusement Park is having their first Christmas season event this year. I've known about it for months and planned to take daughter but had managed for months to keep it under wraps. Then, when I was dropping her off, the ex starts asking about the exact same thing.. right in front of daughter. I got upset and hissed at her. Too late, it was blown.

Today, I bought season tickets for daughter and I to Cliff's for 2014, which includes the Christmas event. The ex had told me she may want to go. So I texted her tonight to tell her what I had bought but told her "Shh!" True to form, she sends me a text back, raging "Don't shush me! If you didn't know about that I would have been doing you a favor!" Then going into how I interrupted her dinner and in general trying to drag the whole thing into a Jerry Springer encounter. I just said, "Thanks" and let it go. So, 38 years old and she hasn't emotionally matured past the same behavior she indulged in her early 20's. Throwing insults she thought I would respond to and I just let them go. Tried again, I let them go. I know this won't be the end of it from her. She'll try to draw me out again tomorrow. I will still refuse. From there, she will try to threaten me. I won't allow it. It's old. Very old.

She even raged at me because I texted her "Happy Thanksgiving", saying I sent it too early, at 7:30. The same text went to multiple people and most of them replied "Happy Thanksgiving" back. 

And how the hell am I supposed to know what time she eats?

Oh, well. 

I have the turkey marinating in the fridge. Made stuffing and also in the fridge. Daughter can help me finish up the pies or cobbler tomorrow, maybe the mashed potatoes. I shouldn't have to cook for at least a week until I get sick of turkey and tamales. 

Ordered several Christmas presents for daughter. Mostly science and inventing kits. She loves science, so this may be something she enjoys. Hope so. 

Connecting rod

So, while trying to get the engine to turn, I took a block of wood, started using that and hammer to tap pistons. That was when one piston sank all the way down into the cylinder. Not supposed to happen. That means a connecting rod or at least a bolt or two for it are broken.

Crawled underneath the car to try and pull the oil pan. Seems I would need an engine lift to pull the oil pan.

Made the decision to just go with getting a rebuilt engine. Got an estimate earlier, just in case I would not be able to get the engine to turn. Best estimate was $1800 plus tax, which is including labor, 2 year/24,000 mile warranty. (Does not include towing or fluids.) Not a bad price. 

I figure maybe Jan or Feb I can manage it. The truck will probably be okay until then, since it doesn't usually overheat in cold weather. Just have to do something before warm weather comes back again. 

The car is still a good deal for the price. Body and transmission are in good shape. Decent tires, suspension, almost new battery and alternator. I just replaced the starter. I will buy a couple more peripheral parts, such as oil pressure regulator. I already got oil and antifreeze this morning. I figure around $2000 for the engine brings total to around $2700 and the car should be good for a few years. Probably spend some money on paint or even a full paint job. 

I will see if the shop may give me a bit of a discount, since the engine is extensively dismantled and possibly in trade for new parts which I bought but can't return. Full gasket set, new lifters and push rods. 

One reason for the decision is just not being sure what else I may run into. Blown head gasket, frozen lifter, bent push rod, leaking freeze plug (replaced already), bad starter (replaced). Between tools I don't have and don't have room for if I bought them, the time and effort required in the winter, mostly at night and during the holidays, it's best to let it sit for a while. 

Sucks it should happen so close to Christmas but if that's the worst that happens close to Christmas this year, I'll take it. Been through much worse. 

Waiting for warmth

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I am waiting for the ambient temperature to rise above freezing. Though I do have the space heater set under the engine compartment right now. Having my coffee as planned. Then get out and start work on the car. With no bolts broken, new head bolts on hand, I don't foresee any major problems. Once I get the engine to turn, as said before. Have a few steps to take regarding that. Unless the timing chain jumped (which doesn't seem likely), I should be able to get the engine to turn in fairly short order, whatever the problem may be. 

It would be truly awesome if I can get the car running by the end of the day!

If it's too cold, I will be taking breaks frequently to warm up but I do have my insulated coveralls and the space heater. 

Got a nice surprise this morning. My paycheck went in a day early and it was the highest check so far this year with this company! Nice! If all goes as planned, next check will be nearly as good, so last two checks before Christmas will be above average. If the last check of the year falls to straight average, I'll still be starting next year on a good footing. 

Weather report lags but still says 28 degrees. I believe it, with frost on everything. But sun is coming up and I'll be outside soon. Once surface frost melts that will be my cue. As said before, if engine block is below freezing, gaskets won't set properly and torque can be questionable.  

Addendum: It's 9:30 now and temp is stubbornly stuck at 32. But sun is higher and it's starting to feel warmer. Used the time to attack another item on to-do list. Kitchen faucet has been frustratingly slow on hot side. Took pipes apart, found huge amount of mineral deposits. Reamed those out and faucet is running great now.

Since pay went in early, going to Auto Zone for oil and antifreeze, so I have it on hand. It would suck if I actually get the car together and then they're closed and I don't have those items. Note I still don't really approve of the car parts store being open on Thanksgiving Day. Could buy those things somewhere else or wait if they were closed. Fact is, I hope their business is really slow today, so they will close next Thanksgiving for the employees. 

5 short

Rather disappointed. Almost got to my goal of 90 cases today. Made it to 85. However, tech problems came up and took 40 minutes to resolve. Chances are highest I could have gotten those other 5 cases and possibly more in that 40 minutes. 

Oh, well. Made a few extra dollars each of the past three days. Just in time for last check before Christmas. 

Went to Auto Zone to borrow the torque wrench and they had a torque wrench on sale for $8, so I just bought one. It's analog scale, not the click type. Some people claim these are more reliable. I do know the click type has to be calibrated and these don't, so these last longer. Went ahead and bought a breaker bar, also. That means I won't have to worry about having those in the future. Also no worries if the engine takes any longer than expected.

Got the tubing I needed. So, I have all the parts needed to put the car together except oil. I'll buy that when the engine is together. 

I already took Melatonin and Benadryl to help me get to sleep early tonight. 

Nothing done

Didn't get anything done this morning. Like I've said before, it's not the work itself that tends to deter me but getting dirty before work. Most of the things on my to-do list entail getting dirty to some level. 

I slept later than I meant to. I do think I would be better off if I kept a space heater on low near me when I sleep. Don't think it's an issue of waking up but just not wanting to get out from under the covers. 

Day before Thanksgiving and I was thinking of the things I am thankful for. Too many things to list. At the top of that would would be my daughter, her health, my health, a home, food, water, gas, electricity, a good job, good supervisor, transportation, not living in fear for my life, lucid thought...

 Tomorrow is biggest shot at getting the Camaro put back together. Going to start on it soon as there is enough light and hoping temp is above freezing. However, if I wake up early I can turn on the space heater under the engine compartment, so it will be warming while I have my coffee. 

Last trip to Auto Zone today to borrow the torque wrench and return the borrowed valve spring compressor. Which didn't work, any way. I'll get oil and antifreeze Friday morning, I guess. I have the money for them now but would prefer waiting until after I get paid. Just trying to maintain a level in the bank.

Forward movement again

It may not be a lot but I'm making forward movement again.

After work, cleaned the top of the engine block with the drill and brush attachment. Pulled the old lifters out. By then it was getting dark. Seems to be ready to reassemble on Thur. Last thing before that is getting the engine to turn. Once that happens, I think I can get it together in a few hours. Not overstating that idea. Call it being hopeful.

Bought some more file folders for the filing cabinet and started putting those to use tonight. Cleared all the ancient papers no longer needed out of the folders and went through piles of papers to get them organized and properly filed. Still have papers in other places but now that I'm getting it in a set order, it will be much easier. 

My early shift today started off really well. I was averaging 11-12 cases per hour for the first 3 hours. Then the callers with DT's started in. After that, I got stuck by one after another. Multiple calls which lasted 15 minutes or more. So, started the day looking like I would hit my goal of 90 cases. In the end, wound up with 73, which was less than yesterday. Oh, well. Still more than 70. So, still slightly more money, just not as much as I was hoping for. I do note that my starting time still misses at least an hour of the busiest time of day. However, I was busy enough to not be able to get written cases done. Calls did come in back to back nearly all day. 

 Had one caller today who was a real hassle. I tried really hard to take her case through some route which would meet approval. I tried at least six different pathways but none of the information she gave me would work. Then she insisted to speak with a supervisor. I transferred her to a supervisor. Then was morbidly happy to check the case later and find the supervisor was unable to bring it to approval, either. (She did put it in urgent status, which I didn't think of. It only went to urgent because it was Medicare, which I forgot I could do. I was a little embarrassed I didn't think of that but I only think of urgent in medically necessary terms, which this case was not. Still a difference between paperwork side of medicine and clinical side. My mind is still stuck largely in clinical mode.) 

Have a long to-do list. Better get to bed and try doing some of it before work in the morning.

Early shift

I'm up early for my shift today. Went well doing the earlier shift in training, so have decent hopes for today. 

Got word last night that one of my classmates isn't yet up to 70. Another quit, one more may quit soon and nobody has heard from another for a few weeks. Two quit so far and one MIA is a third of the class. My supervisor told me I was doing well and I guess she was telling the truth. 

High temp today is 42. Not toasty but should be nice enough that I can get the engine block cleaned after work fairly quickly. Then try turning the engine by hand again. If I can't, have to go buy a breaker bar when I get the torque wrench tomorrow. Have to pull all the old lifters out. 

Okay, have to crank up the work computer. Takes a while because there are so many functions to log into. 

First day on case rate

Today was my first day on case rate instead of hourly pay. My fear was that I wouldn't reach my 70 cases. I made it plus a few more. Made an extra $15. Not fantastic but sure not turning it down! Means I made extra money in the same time frame. 

Then got offered an earlier shift for one day tomorrow. Which means a chance for a higher case count, depending on how the calls come in. (Not sure of that on a holiday week but was happily surprised today.) It also means I get off work while there's still a little sunlight left. So I can finish cleaning the top of the engine block, so it will be ready to put back together on Thur. 

Guess I'll work on inside projects at night. Would have done that tonight but had to go to Walmart. Ordered some new file folders to help get things more organized. That was a bit of a mistake. Wound up standing in line for about an hour because of someone in front of me with their head up their ass. I actually walked away, went and shopped for a few other items and took my time at that. Came back and they were still there. For another 10 minutes. Then two more people putting things in layaway. Of course, the first one waited to get to the counter and then pulled out her cell phone. 

Going to take daughter to Cliff's amusement park this weekend. It was going to be a surprise. I've known about it for months and held it back from daughter. Then the ex opened her mouth this weekend and spoiled it. I hissed at her. Oh, well. 

Meanwhile, my older brother's killer was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder. This, after he stabbed my brother twice in the chest and twice in the back. His mother lied in court about the events that day, surprising even the defense and prosecuting attorneys. Her testimony went completely against the statements she had made for the past 1 1/2 years.

Then my younger brother, whom I have not spoken to in years, contacted me on FB. Claims he doesn't understand why I won't talk to him. Says he doesn't remember the phone call he made accusing me of things I never did, talking about writing a book (You have to be literate to do that, don't you?) and talking about going on Jerry Springer. With him, that's no surprise. 

Seeing better thermal gain from the solarium now that the winds have calmed down. Peak temperature in the solarium today reached about 90 degrees, while the ambient temperature was under 50 degrees. 

Been seeing a lot of dead mice around lately. Not sure just why. One was inside the house and probably ate some of the mouse poison. Another was in the back yard and may have been killed by the dogs. Then I saw another one in front of the house, where the dogs couldn't get to it and it's not likely from the poison. Haven't noticed any signs of any more inside the house. 

Okay, I need to get to bed.

Thanksgiving week

Plans for the week. Of course, I have to work Mon through Wed this week. Daughter is off from school and will be spending time with her stepfather's mother. She has fun with her. She's the only little girl (actually the only child) in the family.

They're going to have a family get-together on Thur, so daughter will come over here on Fri.

That works out best for me. That gives me an actual day that I can work on the car. Going to get it all cleaned up before then, so all I have to do is put it back together that day. Not sure I'll have it running that day because I need several small parts, mostly vacuum and water lines which came to pieces during dismantling. I'll see if I can get the new parts before then, so I'll have them on hand. Have to borrow a torque wrench on Wed from Auto Zone.

I have fresh apples and pumpkin cooked and ready for pies. Chicken and pork ready to make tamales. Made a couple dozen chicken tamales yesterday but ran out of husks. Picked more up on the way home last night.

I start on case rate for work this week. Hope it all goes well. May be frantic or may be really slow. 

Sucks, I've had nightmares about making mistakes at work. Some honest mistakes can carry strong consequences. Think it's just paranoia. Last year, I thought all was going well and got messed over twice. Most notably a week before Christmas. This whole year has been playing catch-up. 

Because of the massive amounts of paperwork and job changes this year, my organized chaos system isn't so organized any more. I need to go through the filing cabinet and completely reorganize things. 

Snowing

Started snowing today. Most has melted but temp has dropped, so expecting to have some built up in the morning.

Winds continued most of the day and even got worse for a while. Loosened the rod of the solarium. I took some steps to help stabilize it more but limited success. Getting ideas for improvement for next year. Not starting over this year. Actually not so bad. Loose sheeting blown by winds shook snow off instead of letting it accumulate. Winds have died down, temp has dropped and snow picked up. I expect to be knocking snow off solarium in the morning. 

Daughter wanted to decorate more inside than out this year. So front room is all lit up and will be more so before we're done. Probably paint the windows tomorrow.

Going to go to Cliff's amusement park next weekend for their first Christmas event. 

Wind damage

Wind did do some damage today. Main frame of the solarium held together completely. However, the plastic sheeting off the frame in a lot of places. So, I have repairs and reinforcements to do in the near future. 

Worst part of all of that was that it seriously reduced the insulation properties of the solarium. Before the winds, the house was really comfortable. Today it's been pretty cold in here. 

Wind has died down. Hope it stays that way. Long as the wind isn't too bad, the solarium does a lot of good. 

Got screwed on renting a car. Hotwire allowed me to reserve a car through Alamo car rental. When I called to confirm the rental, they told me I would have to have a major credit card to pick the car up. So, I was refused the rental. My debit card was charged but neither company would refund the money. 

Tried reserving a UHaul truck from a place nearby but when they confirmed the reservation, they changed the pick-up location to a place miles in the opposite direction. Since I would have to either ride the bike or take a taxi to pick it up, I just canceled it. Just going to have to drive very carefully this weekend. At least the feeling I had has diminished a bit.

My 90 day work evaluation was today. It was all good, either meeting or exceeding standards in all areas. So I don't have to have another evaluation until January 2015! Nice! 

Today was my last day n hourly pay. Monday, I go to case rate. That does mean I am going to change a few practices. Become a bit more of a hardass. I've been nice about being placed on hold but gradually changing that because of the huge number of people who abuse it. I do have the right to transfer the call back into the queue after three minutes. I'm going to use that right from now on. Can't sit there on hold forever. Also going to pick up extra hours whenever I can. Been keeping a good average, above 70 cases per day. I do have Thanksgiving and the next day off with hourly pay.  

Battening down

The forecast for the winds picking up changed to later and not quite as strong. May bypass the metro area but I'm not counting on it. Winds were supposed to have picked up by now originally and hot up to 60 mph. Then it changed to later and 50 mph. No winds yet.

Got out and anchored down the solarium a bit better. I think it should stand up to things now. 

It's been raining a bit last couple of days. One problem was the slack in the plastic sheeting wasn't tight enough, so it gathered water. Had to keep going out and lifting the sheeting to drain the water off. It's tighter now and, while it has been raining, hasn't gathered any water. 

Been having a strong feeling that I needed to rent a car this weekend, rather than drive the truck. Hard to do with a debit card. I did manage to reserve one but going to call and confirm things tomorrow to make sure. Some issues are questionable. They had some requirement about having a round trip airline ticket which I have to ask about. If the car fails, I'll rent a UHaul truck if one is available. I just don't want to go against my intuition when it's this strong.

Cleaned the cylinder heads, intake manifold and exhaust manifolds last night. Used the drill and a brush attachment, which did an awesome job! Mating surfaces are pretty well polished and no carbon buildup left. The cleaner they are, the better the seal you achieve. Still have to do the same with the engine block mating surfaces but not while it's raining. 

Picking up another 2 hours extra tomorrow morning. That makes 6 hours of OT this week. Means a little extra money for the holidays. 

Right now, need some sleep.

Windy weekend

Well, looks like something else is going to divert some energy away from the car this week.

Forecast says the winds are going to pick up drastically this coming weekend. Like up to 60 mph. So, going to have to anchor the solarium more once again. It's not up to those kinds of winds yet. Have to anchor a few keys sections more strongly. 

There's also a 20 degree temperature drop coming in which seems like it's here to stay for the winter. If that's the case, by January we will probably see temps below 0. 

The temperatures I can handle. The people driving in it, not so much. Makes me really glad to be working at home.

One problem is the car. Gaskets won't set properly in temperatures that low. Means I need to get a couple more tarps to place over the car and run the heater well in advance when setting the gaskets. Low temps will also affect proper torque readings but using tarps and the heater will help with that as well. 

If I can set the tarps to block wind from under the car, it will make it less uncomfortable to do work on the ground, like the exhaust and the starter. 

What does suck is that I still haven't gotten the ceiling insulated. Keep trying and things keep happening which block my time and finances from getting it done. 

Apart

Finally did it. Got the cylinder heads off. Now comes the part I hate most, cleaning all this stuff. Need to make a run to Auto Zone for more engine cleaner and borrow the hydraulic lifter puller. 

Going to make one more try at turning the engine. If that doesn't work, have to drop the starter again and make sure the stupid spacers didn't get lodged in the flex plate. 

Picking up a couple extra hours of work tomorrow morning. Means less time to work on the car but more money. The hardest part of the car is done for now. Most of it should be much easier to put back together. I was really, really, really happy none of the head bolts broke! Had that happen before and it is no fun at all. 

So, not going to finish the car this week, either. Long as I can turn the engine, can get the heads back on within a couple of hours, including exhaust and intake. Then it's all a matter of peripherals. But first have to clean it up and get the engine to turn.

Final push

Okay, making the final push to get the engine apart today. I have the space heater warming the engine now. There's frost on everything and online weather says it's 34 degrees outside. My work clothes are in the dryer, warming up. Washed them yesterday.

One reason for the pause yesterday was shoulder pain. Did some exercise this weekend I shouldn't have done and it affected my shoulder condition. Right shoulder hurts from neck to elbow and sometimes to the fingers. Condition never goes away completely, I just have to give it consideration when it flares up or the pain lasts for weeks. 

It feels good that I have paid the bills. Still have enough money to live on. Last bill paid was the garbage service. First time that has been current this year. 

I'll still be able to afford Thanksgiving next week, which is better than some previous years. One year I was able to afford it but only by raiding the change jar. Another year daughter and I had chicken. In each case, I was still happy to have those things. I've had previous years I only had hot dogs but was happy for those, too. (I was usually able to add cranberry sauce to whatever I had. It does go with a lot of things.) 

Time to stop writing and get to work on the car.

Better day

Today was a better day for me. Though I will admit I did not work on the car. Sometimes you wind up with a better day by attempting less because there are fewer chances of failure or mistake.

Talked with my supervisor this morning and she calmed my fears about the negative experience on Friday.

Not so great was the knowledge of the trial for my brother's murderer beginning today. It has weighed on my heart knowing my nephews must testify, reliving the experience. There is nothing which will help that pain for them.  Keep focusing on other things to keep my mind off of that but it's always there. I really hope the trial is short, to minimize the damage. Asshole could have just pleaded guilty but no way he would spare anyone else the pain. I really hope he is never free to walk the streets again in his life.

Texted the ex this evening to check on daughter. Ex says there have been no problems since I dropped her off. So, guess the medication helped. Really happy to hear that. 

Received the new parts for the e-cigarette today. They work much better than the old parts. Found out there are batteries which provide a stronger output, also. In all cases, results in more vapor. Probably order one of those batteries in the future. Have other concerns to think about before that now. 

Something big about adjusting to e-cigarettes for me. Regular cigarettes calm my nerves but wake my body up. (Not going into the medical explanation.) Electronic cigarettes calm my nerves without the other aspect being included. Therefore, they are extremely sedating to me. That's something I have to get used to if I'm going to quit smoking. 

Okay, skipped working on the car today. Have to make up for it the rest of the week. By Friday, a deep cold front is supposed to blow in and not much hope for warm weather after that until spring. Have to at least get the cylinder heads and intake manifold back in place before then. (Which includes lifters and push rods.) Should be able to do it. 

Better energy?

Really hoping for better energy for me and my daughter this week, starting now. 

Found out last night the trial for my brother's murderer starts today. 

Weather is supposed to be warmer this week than last. Make it easier to work on the car. Forecast says it will stay warmer and calmer until Friday. Should be enough time to get the engine apart, cleaned and put back together, at least primarily, if not completely. Reassembling does involve torquing and I have to borrow a torque wrench, just hoping it's in stock for the loaner tool program. 

However, I'm not working on the car this morning. Supposed to have a conference with my supervisor this morning. No desire to get dirty and stressed out before that. I'll work on the car this evening. 

Moon became full this weekend. Always been my observation things go crazy starting three nights before the full moon and by the time the moon is full, people start calming down. 

However, the holidays are coming on fast and the closer they get, the crazier (and more rude) people become. Quite ironic, that. 

Sick kiddo

Daughter was sick today. Stomach problems. Nothing contagious or severe. No fever. Pain on and off. Not much energy. 

She's always brave and has a high pain tolerance. Sometimes it worries me. It can be hard to tell when something should need more attention. However, with the combination of symptoms today, it was simple constipation. Got her a laxative. Pain subsided a while after taking that. 

I felt really bad for her. Felt worse for her when I dropped her off at her mother's and it turned out she still had homework to do. She didn't complain about it, though. 

She had wanted to decorate the tree today but couldn't manage the energy. We'll do it next weekend. 

Hope that was the end of the bad energy from the past week. Somehow, I feel like it was and this week is going to be different. 

Finally

Daughter and I went to Harbor Freight today. Got the tools needed to get that distributor bolt loose. 

After we got home, I could not wait. Went out to. Get the bolt dealt with. Took about 5 minutes to get it loose and pull the distributor. Didn't go any further than that. No desire to steal the whole weekend from daughter for the car. Think it should take under 30 minutes to get the intake manifold and both cylinder heads off. Hoping it won't be too hard to get the engine to turn after that.

Spent some time at her favorite park. Walked all the way around it. Good size park. We had stopped at a Chinese food place and took lunch to the park with us. 

Just been watching movies this evening. Think we'll go to an open space tomorrow. Before it gets too cold.

Crappy day

Today was a really crappy day. 

Woke up with stomach cramps and chills. Those mostly went away but not entirely.

Couldn't remove the intake manifold or cylinder heads because I couldn't get the distributor off. Have to buy a universal joint adapter to reach the hold down bolt. One single bolt holding up the whole project. Can't remove the entire intake manifold because the distributor is blocking access to the last manifold bolt.

Had a rotten caller at work who may mean trouble for me. Copped an attitude because I could not give her an approval on the spot. I tried explaining the reason but she just would not hear it. 

Wind picked up and I was worried the solarium was going to blow apart. Because of the rotten caller, I wasn't able to get much done on the solarium during lunch. When I finally got outside to work on it tonight, it turned out the section I had hung up with extra sheeting for the final section had fallen down.. and been chewed up by the dogs. 

Almost afraid to eat for fear I'll get food poisoning. 

Later

Woke up later than I wanted to. Got up at 7.  Not sure if I'm fighting something off or what. Ran into a bit of a motivational brick wall.

Going to push past it and get out to work on the car shortly, at least for an hour. 

Finances aren't looking too bad at the moment. Long as they remain stable between now and first of the year, I'll be okay. January is when I owe a lump sum to the bank for the mortgage repayment plan. I have to lay money aside each check between now and then but it can be done without any big sacrifice at this rate. Even be able to afford a decent Christmas. 

Right now I'm nervous because of my past history of something drastic happening so often shortly before Christmas. Car breaking down, losing my job, etc. Things which I have no control over. Right now I have the Camaro to work on, I am going to pay per case rate at work and just finished my probation period. My third audit is under way. I'm being cautious.

I can start having medical insurance again starting Dec 1st. However, the way things go wrong in December for me, I'm not setting any routine doctor appointments until January. I'm also not going to feel very secure in my employment until then. After that, I can relax a bit.