I don’t think it’s been a year yet since an old high school classmate committed suicide and we’ve lost another member of the class of 90. Mike Wassink passed. I didn’t know him, I knew I went to school with him but that’s about it. Great guy from what I understand, we just never ran in the same circles.

For some reason I started looking up folks from the past, one of them used to be my boss when I drove a truck, Ralph Paglia. Good guy, evidently was one of the founders of auto sales marketing at the dawn of the internet. Passed due to Covid late last year. His Facebook, and linked-in are still sitting there, an algorithm someplace keeps track of the days since last log in. I wonder how long it will count before something is done.

It’s sad even if it is part of life. It is the final and unavoidable end to life, all life and as much as we try to comfort ourselves with religion and thoughts of an afterlife where we share eternity with loved ones, it’s hard to believe it’s real. At least it is for me.

If you live in Texas you’ll know that the summer is hot, you’ll also know this year we’ve dodged a bullet because it was only yesterday we got our first 100 degree day. We’ve been blessed but nothing last forever and we’re sitting at 102 with a ‘feels like’ of 108. I took about 10 minutes and mowed half of the backyard. The mower is self propelled so it’s more like taking a walk than anything else but still pretty hot. I know, why do yard mowing now in the heat of the afternoon. While I don’t believe in doing actual work in this heat I think it’s bad not to embrace it just a bit. Yeah it’s hot but it just means you have to take the extra precautions, limit exposure and stay hydrated. All part of the summer in the south.

So since the last time I posted, I’ve been to Arkansas and Missouri camping, finished a class, and have made great strides on the organizational changes at the house and am weathering a concerning work environment that we’re watching closely.

And I guess I didn’t have anything to say about it. Ugh, I’m such a procrastinator. Oh well the future is in front of us and we can’t do anything about the past. I’ll work on doing better.

To that end it’s Monday morning at 0749 and I’ve been awake since 4:30ish, drank a 20oz red bull and walked 4300 steps. Already two emails from work taken care of which unfortunately may be the extent of my work day. But I’m going to keep things moving forward as best I can and be thankful for where I’m at and what I’ve got. I’m blessed, just need to get it through my thick skull:)

So federal taxes are due tomorrow, well for the rest of the US anyways. Here in Texas we have an extra month so when H&R Block asked me for a code sent to my cell phone, I just closed the browser. Jackasses expect me to get up and walk to my cell phone? I could have got it from my watch but didn’t think about that.

It did get me thinking though. Why is it that I have to file taxes? I’m not talking about paying taxes, you’ll never get out of that but why do I (every year) need to figure out which of the myriad of software packages to use, round up my and my spouses W4’s and band statements on interest… Doesn’t the IRS already have this?

Evidently I’m not the only one thinking about this, here’s a group that’s thinking about the same thing. But nothing is going to change as long as the tax preparation software companies are lining the pockets of elected officials.

Rocky and Sammy turn 3 today!!! I sang them happy birthday and enjoyed their confused looks, they didn’t seem to grasp the significance. We celebrated by not opening the curtains in the bedroom and sleeping all day, I know, a bit of a wasted day but it’s what they wanted. In any case a shout out to the HP for bringing them into my life, they are truly a joy!

The weather was cold and rainy today, which is honestly perfect for a Monday. So I got some work done and actually went for two walks today and made my steps. 8 days without a cigarette and I’m feeling pretty good about everything. The only hard times are first thing in the morning and after meals, still a twinge now and then but nothing I can’t handle.
So when Shelly was here for Cinco De Mayo, we made tacos, I swear taco meat is greatness, reheats wonderfully and can be used in tacos, burritos, salads, or in the case of tonight’s entree, taco baked potatoes (yes there’s a potato under there) yum!!!

I was worried about taking on the responsibility of cats back in 2018, and they are a bit of work but I wouldn’t change it for the world, this must be what it’s like to have kids:)

I know it’s cheesy but it’s May the 4th. So Sandy gets back into town today and I head to the airport to pick her up with an 8th of a tank of gas and as soon as I get to the airport the damn gas light comes on. UGH, that’s the second time I’ve gone to pick her up and almost run out of gas. Oh well.

The new headlights for the Xterra came in today. I’m really pissed that the ones I bought last year don’t work and am pretty sure I won’t be using NewEgg.com for anything anymore. That’s where I got the last headlights. Spec-D Tuning for 2002-2012 Nissan Xterra Chrome Led Projector Headlights were the name on them so I remember not to even look at them again. It’ll be good to have Sandy home, although she’s taking off for PA on Thursday.

So Sandy and I share prime but my sister has her own, got her to order a couple more monitors for me so I got my 4 $180 monitors for $119, I’m happy.

I’ve finished up the documentation on a project that has been in overtime for about 2 quarters now, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

I had a Charlie horse last night that had me screaming:( That was not fun. I’m not sure what that was all about but I move a butt load of pavers yesterday, I guess I’m getting too old for manual labor… Here’s what’s being accomplished.

I actually got an Amazon order that contained only books today, it’s hard to believe that they actually started as an online book store. Right now I’m a little miffed at Jeff and his crew, I need four monitors for my Linux box and they have the ones I wanted but will only sell me two at $119. I guess I can see why because that’s got to be a loss for them but still, it’s quite annoying. As for the books, three are investment books so hopefully that will become a revenue stream instead of a constant source of worry. And they other one for my attitude. It’s called ‘The subtle are of not giving a f*ck”. Hum, it was recommended to me and we’ll see…