greatbear: (fuzzy)
FMLA leave is great - allows me time to spend with mom and take care of her, etc. It also sucks due to the fact my paycheck becomes a big fat zero. Time off that I could combine with some needed work around the house and garage has to be metered delicately with available funds. So, I instead noodle my way along using stuff I already have on hand. It can be frustrating at times though.

It's been raining it's ass off around these parts. One of my no-funds-needed projects will be cleaning out the downspouts, as I was greeted with a behind-the-Niagara Falls view through just about every window during the downpours. One day of rain netted over 6 inches of the wet stuff, overflowing my unenviable rain gauge and leaving the true numbers a mystery. Some minor basement dampness as a result, nothing of note. Luckily the house roof, which is in desperate need of replacing in one area is still staying watertight. I dont want anyone pounding on the roof while Mom is trying to rest. I have some wiring and trimwork to occupy my time, plus I am finally going to finish up the damn sheetrock, painting and woodwork in the sunroom.

Of course, I could always count on the myriad times I have helped coworkers put additions on their houses, fixed their cars, countless hours of advice, help and whatnot. Or at least count on their concern. But, apparently FMLA means I get absolutely none of that either.

Mom's condition steadily declines, but she's hanging tough. I can only guess as to how much longer though.
greatbear: (half awake)
Since one of the tasks I had today was taking Mom to see her opthamologist, I decided it was time to have my own aging eyes checked. I've been harping on my own failing vision for a while, so it was prime time I did something about it. Since Mom's op doc was booked up, I had to select one of the others in order to have a more-or-less simultaneous visit when I took her in. I ended up with "Dr. Hammer". Any concerns about having an unknown opthomologist were mostly lost amidst internalized tittering and giggles of an eye doctor wearing gigantic parachute pants and an inability to 'touch this'. Of course I was sure to find the opposite, but I could not help myself. Well, indeed the opposite was found, as Dr. Hammer was a (nearly exceedingly) pocket-sized, rather nicely built, mustachioed white fella. Even my gaydar started to show a few pings. Bottom line, my eyes are just the mess I figured them to be, with the added spectre of glaucoma, as my pressures read about 25, on a normal scale of 12-22. Overall, though, not bad for an increasingly creaky 44-year old. When my shiny, new titanium framed spectacles are finished, I should be able to add a new, squinty-eyed userpic with flannel and drop shadow a la [livejournal.com profile] chrisglass.

My heartfelt thanks to all who have left well wishes and encouraging words in my LJ lately, especially the last post. It was my intention to not allow replies to my previous entry, but once I found that some had started, it was too late to go back and change it. I dont want it to appear that I am fishing for replies, nor do I want anyone to feel they are somehow obligated to leave any. Regardless, what I have consistently found has been some of the kindest words and offers of help I have ever encountered. I wish I could thank everyone personally, somehow. To put into perspective your gestures, I have known many of you for a very short time, yet your genuine, heartfelt concerns are plenty. Contrast this with coworkers I have known over twenty years who have offered absolutely nothing. My department is famous for circulating cards for signatures and collections if someone is out for both major and minor reasons. Of the few dozen in said department, only one has stepped up to me and asked if there was anything he could do. Of all the times I was away due to major illnesses or injuries over the years. I got one card. They seem to think that I do this just in order to get more vacation time. These were actual words from one of my previous managers. Yep, perspectives.

I know who my friends are. See that reflection in your display?

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Phil

December 2016

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