Friday Free for All- No Flair for the Dramatics

     

     You've all been so kind. I appreciate the little nudges of humor, encouraging words, and just virtual hugs. I feel stronger today than I did on Tuesday morning to cope with the life challenges. As I said, there's hard work now and ongoing, but will be worth it to see the results. Nothing will just be miraculously good, but can be better and resiliency can grow.

     There's people that seem to have drama in every situation, inflate inconvenience and irritation for actual problems. Granted, when inconvenience causes financial hardship, I get the stress.  I'll just say, I really don't want drama, but sometimes reality is tough. When looking for a past picture to post, I saw this one I used back on an early year post. I don't think we're too far off our goals, but it feels more challenging than the hope I felt going into a new year. But, I am determined to make the most of the remainder of the calendar, and face 2023 strong. 

     It's Friday and I have no agenda this Free for All post. I do have things I want to tackle, enjoy, and ponder the next few days. But first, one of those pain in the butt inconveniences. 

Plumbing Issues 

     DH warned me when I got up early that he had to shut the water off completely. We've got a plumber coming between 8:00 and 12:00. Two years ago it was the line to the kitchen. Last spring pipes in the shower, now the leaking toilets. Can we just get the bathrooms upgraded and renovated already? Who knows how much this will cost but it's a necessary expense and I'm grateful for plumbers that have skills to fix. But, more belt tightening is called for. 

On Weekend Plans 

     A mom friend texted about getting out for a walk this weekend. Yes, please! I haven't met up with these ladies in ages. I also must do a proper clean of bathrooms ( well, of course with the plumbing needs) and kitchen, not just a surface clean and tidy.  Church Sunday will be good. There's a gathering after, 12-2, prior to the city Halloween candy crawl. The Vikings game though is at 12, and I know DH will want to watch. Maybe I can convince him to miss quarter one and  go for a bit. My daughter and I usually don't pay much attention to until the 4th quarter, which seems to last as long as the three previous. 

     DH's pants still haven't come into Kohl's but hoping I'll get the email and can pick them up today. I might treat myself to Starbucks with gift cards I have lingering and maybe a Target wander. I don't need to buy anything though. Belt tightening!!!

Ready for the Election to Be Done 

     November 9 can't come soon enough. I think I can stop into city hall for early voting. I may be at my daughter's on election day depending on how the dog recuperates from neutering. We want to make sure he's not stressed and can recover well. All political flyers go right in the recycling bin. I wonder how high the stack would be had I kept them? The thing I will miss though is the opinion poll and earning my $2 bills. I'm up to 10, $20 worth from the last two elections. The outcome scares me though. Loosely hinged bad actors intimidating voters at poll drop boxes is sickening. Now there's reports that election workers in at least 7 states are getting threats. Can you imagine their candidates in charge?

     I've got the news on and they just hinted the Federal Reserve is going to raise interest rates again. I'm beginning to think there is nothing that's going to help the economy. Covid years sucked life out, the supply chain, the job market, war, it's all just an international web of large and small actions and inactions so tangled that moving  a few threads just seems to cause a knot elsewhere. I think we all just need to be kind and useful wherever we can and forget any faith in politicians. 

     There's enough water to make coffee, so that's the first action. I am taking my flex day off as scheduled, with my automatic response on.  I'll have my work phone handy, as is needed when it's a flex, not a vacation or holiday. I'm hoping it's quiet. Wish us luck that both the plumber can fix the issue and I'm back in water soon. Jump in and share your Friday thoughts.