CriminalxMinds @ LJ

I got up at 10:00 and had breakfast and coffee. Then I showered and dressed, wore one of the new bralettes to try it out. Worked out fine, very comfortable.

Then I killed time on the computer til 1:45 when I left to go to the blood donation center. Took the 20 bus to the subway and the 7 train to the F, and there to 71st Ave and it's right there.

I was early but it didn't make any difference, they got me filling out the form immediately and then took me right in. The donation went easily, and really went fast, I was surprised. The center is very attractive and modern and comfortable.

Afterward I had cookies (chocolate chip, and butter crunch) and juice (cranberry and apple) and chocolate pudding. I felt fine, not even the slight dizziness I have sometimes had after a donation.

After I ate and drank and felt safe to leave I walked to Red Mango, which you pass between the center and the subway. I had passion fruit frozen yogurt with stuff for lunch. The only seating is outside though, and it was a little too windy to be totally enjoyable.

I got home around 5:00, and puttered online, making sure my TV was set up for the finale of 911 and 911:Nashville at 8:00 and 9:00.

At 7:00 I Teamed the FWiB. We talked til just before my shows.

The 911 finale was very nail biting. The Nashville finale was very... soapy. But I enjoyed them both.

I called Middle Brother at 8:30 as usual. He is fine, went out yesterday to a store, I didn't catch what he said, and 7-11 for treats. He's happy.

At 10:00 I fed the pets and made myself dinner, and started here.

And that was the day.

Oh, I have forgotten to say for several days that at 11:30 pm on Monday I got the email with the results of my mammogram and sonogram. They were normal. So all is well on that front.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. The new blood donation center.

3. Red Mango frozen yogurt.

4. Good TV.

5. Middle Brother is happy.

6. The mammogram was good.

Got up this morning at 11:00 and had breakfast, then put in a Shipt order, and then had coffee.

The Shipt order came and I put it away. I puttered around, did a little cleaning, then at 2:30 I got the notice that my copy of the new Jim Butcher Harry Dresden novella, Out Law, had been delivered. I ordered it Tuesday after midnight so this was next day delivery.

I collected it and immediately started reading it. It's just as good and enjoyable as the rest of the series. It's 194 or so pages, so longer than you would expect. I finished it around 5:00.

Then I put on some clothes and took out the garbage and walked around the block. It had been raining but was stopped.

My psychiatrist called and we talked. Then I puttered on the computer until 7:oo when I Teamed the FWiB. I idn't think there was a D&D game tonight but I popped into Discord on my phone at 8:00 and again at 8:10 to make sure and no one else was there. So we talked til 8:40.

Then I had dinner, and went to the bedroom. I got started thinking about a book I read back in the 70s that I would like to read again, and took a guess at the title. I looked up that title an I was right! I found it in Thriftbooks for about $13 so I ordered it. Star Rider by Doris Piserchia.

Then it was pet feeding time so I fed the pets, and started here.

Tomorrow I go and donate blood.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Got the new Harry Dresden.

3. Avoided the rain when I took out the garbage.

4. Remembered the title of that book.

5. Thriftbooks.

6. My psychiatrist.

May the Fourth Be With You!

I didn't do anything particularly Star Wars related though. I got up at 11:00, got a phone call from mashfanficchick which was very nice.

Had breakfast and coffee. Then made an appointment for my follow up with the sleep doctor.

I thought about things to do today cause I didn't want to just sit at home, and finally decided to go to the Busy Bee and sit there.

So I took a shower and got dressed, packed my book and walked down to the Busy Bee.

I sat and read for several hours. I got a lavender creme latte when I got there, and somewhat later when I felt hungry I got fettuccine Alfredo to eat, which was pretty good.

It was a lovely peaceful time. Then I walked home.

[Unknown site tag] called again, to let Theo tell me that he made scrambled eggs and they turned out delicious. So I got to listen to that, which was sweet.

At 7:00 I Teamed the FWiB, and we talked til 8:30.

Then I ate the rest of the chicken from yesterday; there wasn't as much left as I thought, so it didn't matter I'd eaten before.

Then I went and called the Kid, who of course didn't answer, so I texted her, and low and behold that she did answer, so I know she got the first issue of Enchanted World, hasn't read it yet, but it looks very interesting. And she doesn't know what she wants for her birthday.

I fiddled on my phone til pet feeding time, and then I fed the pets, ate four strawberries that mashfanficchick gave me, and started here

A nice day.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. The Busy Bee.

3. Good books.

4. The kid is interested in the magazine I got her.

5. Nice weather.

6. Strawberries.

After being up late (until about 3:00) last night I slept until about 12:00 today. Then I got up and had breakfast and coffee.

At 1:30 I went to the Starsky and Hutch Creative Work session. We had a good time chatting, and I learned that there is a Judy Bolton fan site I will have to explore. There's even a yearly convention!

Anyway, I chatted til about 6:30, and even got some writing done, both in the little 20 minute fic, and the longer one, which is now over 6000 words.

At 7:00 I Teamed the FWiB. We talked til 8:30, when I tried to call Middle Brother, but was told they were out at a movie, and he would call me back. I continued talking with the FWiB for another 15 minutes, and then we got off.

I made inner, some of the chicken mashfanficchick gave me yesterday, which was very good. I'll eat the rest tomorrow.

mashfanficchick called and we had a bit of conversation. Then after ze got off, Middle Brother called. They went to see the Michael Jackson movie, and he enjoyed it. He also went to a Chinese Buffet on Friday and he ate a lot.

I went to the bedroom and called the Kid. To my surprise she actually answered but couldn't talk cause she was driving. But at least I got a little time with her.

Then I played solitaire til pet feeding time when I fed the pets and started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. The Starsky and Hutch fandom.

3. Middle Brother having fun.

4. mashfanficchick safely on zer way.

5. My pets.

6. The Kid actually answered her phone.

So I went to the sleep lab last night, 44 bus to 46 bus, to 271st street and Uber from there. The study went very well, I actually managed to sleep despite all the leads and wires and sensors (including the one up my nose). I read for about an hour, then turned off the light and actually slept. I woke up a few times but nothing unusual.

They woke me up at around 5:30 and took off the stuff, and I dressed and Ubered home. It was not $70, only $40, so that's good. I ate breakfast and fed Oreo his Fancy Feast, the went and showered and shampooed my hair to get the paste that they use for the sensors on your upper head out. Then I went tobed and slept for three hours.

Then I got up and had coffee and dressed, and read the computer til 12:15 when I Ubered to my mammogram. That went fine, I also had a breast sonogram. I'll get the results soon.

Then I went to Duane Reade to finally get my prescriptions, I had to wait cause it was their lunch time.

Then I took the subway to Manhattan to go to the union May Day rally and march. It took me awhile to find where I was supposed to be, and I missed all of the speeches in the center of Washington Square park. I mean, I could hear them but not make out words. But I hung out and talked to a lot of fellow DC 37 people and that was interesting.

But the march took forever to get started. After 5:00. I was expecting to be done by 6:00 and be able to get to my 7:00 meeting only a little late. Nope. The march finally reached Foley Square at 6:30. I left then and made my way to the Bronx, the 5 train to 86th street and the express bus from there. The traffic was also awful, so I didn't make it til just in time for the second meeting. Which was very good.

Afterward I got a ride to the us stop, for a miracle the 50 was there about on time, and I just made a 25 when I got to Queens so I got home quickly.

There was a little technical trouble Teaming the FWiB but not bad. We only talked for a very short time though because I am beat. I fed the pets, had some cheese and crackers myself, and started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. The sleep study went well.

3. Got my mammogram and sonogram.

4. Got my meds.

5. My union.

6. My meetings and the people there.

Because I won't be able to post tonight because of the sleep study.

So, I got up at 9:00 and had breakfast and coffee, and showered and dressed. That too me until just before 11:00. Steve and Amy were supposed to arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. I was getting worried because I hadn't heard from them. Steve had said they would give me an idea of when they would arrive, so I almost wondered if we had misunderstood each other about which Thursday they were coming! But no, at a bit after 11:00 Amy texted an ETA of 11:20.

At 11:18 I started getting ready to go and was just putting my jacket on when Amy called and said they were there.

I met them and we went to the Neptune Diner, and had brunch. I had the cinnamon French toast, which was excellent. And orange juice since the only restriction I have on food for the sleep study is no caffeine after 12:00.

We sat talking for a long time after the meal while they had coffee. Then the check arrived and we decided to go to Busy Bee and sit there.

We found a parking spot on Northern Blvd, in front of Flushing High School, and went to Busy Bee. I asked what was caffeine free, and he told me one of the cream drinks, something like blue butterfly or like that. So we got drinks and settled down on the comfy chairs in the back.

We talked for a couple more hours, and then finally they had to go.

They drove me to pick up my laundry though, which was nice. I got that, and they dropped me off. A lovely, lovely time.

When I got in, I did something I should have done yesterday, called my psychiatrist to tell him that he needed to send the request for my prescription refills to the pharmacy. I actually got through to talk to him, he said he had sent it but would again. And now I have heard from the pharmacy that they are ready,

I also paid my rent as my pension came in today. So that's taken care of.

I am going to eat dinner at 6:00ish, and leave here for the study at 7:00. I will take the 44 to the 46, to where I would get off for the doctor, and an Uber from there.

I'll fill everyone in on how it went, tomorrow.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB, sadly no Teaming tonight though.

2. Steve and Amy.

3. The Neptune diner.

4. The Busy Bee.

5. Got a parking spot.

6. Clean laundry.

Got up at 10:00 and made it out of bed by 10:30, so bravo to me. Had breakfast and coffee.

Checked the mail, got another letter from the organization that says I may be being overcharged on my rent. They said if I emailed them they would get the paperwork for the past rents on this apartment for me, so I figured what could I lose? I emailed them that I was interested, and I got a response from them tonight that the paperwork will be sent to me directly and I just send them pictures of it when I get it.

I got the email notice that the magazine I ordered for the Kid was on its way to her, so I texted her about that and several other things as well. No response yet of course.

Then I took a shower and washed my hair. I got dressed, and took out a bag of recycling. While I was walking around the block, I detoured to the mailbox and mailed the paperwork for Middle Brother.

Came back home, and puttered online for awhile, then went to the bedroom and got a load of laundry together. Lay down to relax after that and mashfanficchick called. We discussed the past two days, and made plans for tomorrow, when ze is going to help me finally get my Christmas decorations down!

Eventually I figured I should take the laundry down so I got up and did that. Came back, and got on the computer, puttered online until it was time to Team the FWiB.

He had trouble with Teams tonight so we starte late, but we talked until I had to get off for my Al-anon meeting.

The meeting was very good, both M and S were there.

After that I had dinner and went to the bedroom. I called the Kid who didn't answer as usual. Played solitaire for awhile. I thought about downloading Seanan McGuire's 13th InCryptid book, which I haven't gotten around to despite it having been out for a few years. But I decided that I should finish the Jo Walton first.

Then it was pet feeding time, so I did that, and started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Clean hair.

3. The possibility, even if slight, of lower rent.

4. Good weather.

5. Going to get the Christmas stuff down!

6. My meetings and the people there.

Stayed up last night til 3:00, first reading the new Bujold Pentric and Desdemona novella, then playing solitaire and getting a snack. The novella is lovely.

Then I slept until 12:00 today. Got a text from mashfanficchick that ze wasn't going to a ball game today. Got up and put in a Shipt order cause I used up the last of my milk for breakfast. Then while I was waiting I had coffee and read my internet sites.

The Shipt order came quite quickly, faster than predicted, and after it came I took a shower and dressed, and called mashfanficchick. We agreed on plans, and I headed out.

Took the 44 bus. It was a beautiful day. We watched the bitter end to the Mets game (they lost 3 to 1) on TV and then headed out shopping.

First we went to Trader Joe's. WE got some food for snacks there and sat on a park bench and ate them. Then we went to Stop and Ship, and did a lot of shopping there.

It was getting late by then and I called Middle Brother from the bus back. He went to a park, and to McDonalds for an Oreo McFlurry.

Back at mashfanficchick's, I Teamed the FWiB and we had a very fun three way conversation. Then we had dinner. Shrimp coctail and a large green salad, very healthy.

Finally we had dessert, berries and whipped cream, and then I Ubered home.

Fed the pets, and started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. Shipt got here early.

3. Beautiful weather.

4. Good food.

5. Middle Brother is doing well.

6. Tulips and flowering trees.

I didn't post yesterday, highly unusual for me, so here's the catch up post for that and today.

Yesterday I got up at 10:00 and didn't have breakfast or coffee, or my morning meds. Because I was going in for my DEXA bone density scan, and you can't have anything with large amounts of calcium for 24 hours before. So no milk for my cereal, no creamer for my coffee (debatable, that probably didn't have enough to count but I didn't want to risk it) and no calcium supplement or multivitamin with calcium, so I skipped all my meds.

Then I took a shower and dressed in loose clothes with no metal. I also packed for spending the night with mashfanficchick. And then at 12:15 I called for an Uber and went.

The nasty shock came when the clerk told me that I wasn't eligible for insurance for my DEXA until October. The options were cancel and come back in October, or risk insurance not covering it, in which case I would have to appeal the decision, and maybe pay for it. I should have called the doctor and asked if I could postpone it or not. Instead, I said go ahead.

So I had the DEXA. It didn't take to long, and wasn't too grueling. Then afterward I walked up to Dunkin' Donuts and got the $6 Meal Deal and a Boston cream donut, and then I took the subway to mashfanficchick's.

We spent the day watching Will Trent, and the episode of 911: Nashville that ze hadn't seen. Will Trent was... heavy.

Then I Teamed the FWiB, and we ordered Chinese food, rib tips and fried rice, and egg drop soup, for dinner.

At 8:30 as usual I called Middle Brother. He had gone to Sunken Meadow again, and gotten ice cream at Ralph's, so he was happy.

Then mashfanficchick and I started talking about our coming, often postponed, Amsterdam trip. Fingers crossed it works out this time. We're thinking of October.

Eventually it got late and I simply forgot I hadn't posted. I was going to ask to borrow zer new laptop, but I simply forgot.

So, I went to bed, and slept pretty well. Got up at 9:00 and had a therapy session, then had coffee, showered and dressed.

Then I headed out to breakfast and bagel Boulevard and from there to R's father's funeral. The church was easy to get to, but I was a couple of minutes late, and they must have started right on time, cause they were having a hymn when I got there. I slipped in and sat at the back.

The service, a full Catholic mass, was interesting, and very moving. There were other people I knew there, but sitting off to the side, not near me.

After they took the coffin out and we all filed out behind I managed to get to the other people I knew. The deceased was a veteran so they did the whole flag and taps ceremony out in front of the church, which made me cry a little remembering when they did that at the crematorium for my father.

After everything was over I took the bus home, fed Oreo, and killed time til I had to leave for the DMV to get my picture retaken for my enhanced ID.

I took the 25 bus, the first one passed without stopping which was aggravating. Then I got on the next one and there was a street psycho onboard who was playing loud reggae music and yelling about Jamaica. Finally he wanted to get off before a stop and the bus driver let him, I assume to get rid of him.

I got off at my stop and walked quickly to DMV. The whole thing took me almost an hour and was awful. First they took my picture and I had to wait til I was called to counter 1. Then he decided that my retaken picture was still not good enough and sent me back to that counter She took my picture twice more before she got one that satisfied her,

Then I went back to counter 1 and discovered that I didn't have enough ID. I didn't bring my passport or social security card, and just had the contents of my wallet. We got to 5 points and they need 6. I was reduced to tears at the fear I'd have to go home and come back again later. But he confered with his supervisor and they agreed to accept what I had, so that was good.

Then he had trouble processing me. Had to get two other clerks to help. Eventually they got me done and I could leave. I should get the new ID in about two weeks. I hope.

So I took the 25 bus back, but decided to go to the Busy Bee coffee shop again instead of going home. I got a lavender cream latte, and plugged my phone in to charge,

I got texts from cousin Steve. He and Amy are coming on Thursday and will pick me up and we'll do brunch/lunch. So I'm looking forward to that.

Then it was time to go to my Al-anon meeting in the Bronx. As usual I took the 25 to the 50, and this time it went smoothly. I had my pizza before the meeting as usual.

The meeting was very good, a newcomer brought pastries and I ate two which I shouldn't have.

C gave me a ride to the bus stop, but I had to wait quite a long time for the bus . Finally it got there and I got to Linden and 31 and found there was 14 minutes til a 25. So I got an Uber instead.

While I was waiting, Herschel Facebook messaged me. We talked awhile on the way home. He's fine.

Teamed the FWiB when I got here but it was late and he was sleepy so we didn't talk as long as usual.

Then I fed the pets and started here.

Gratitude List:

1. The FWiB.

2. I got the DEXA.

3. mashfanficchick.

4. They approved my application for the ID despite only 5 points.

5. The Busy Bee.

6. My meetings and the people there.


Edited to add: Forgot that also yesterday, John sent me two pictures of Dad fro his reported days, which I sent to the Kid. Coincidentally she called me just as I sent them to her and we had a nice talk.