Have I ever mentioned how much I like my 'bosom top' computer? Oh, if only I had word processing on this tiny computer...I could stay snug and warm all day. Only a few moments ago I went to the kitchen for a soda and I must say, it was bitter cold in those rooms, the hallway and the kitchen. The thermostat is set at 68 and I have not heard the heat running. My room is independent, both sets of doors closed and the little space heater working through the night. This a.m. I took my heat pad into the bed with me, resting under my back, making me quite content right where I am. At various times I have looked at bedside tables similar to those found in hospital rooms but have not seen one which would likely serve me as well as the system used right now---a pillow on my stomach balancing the machinery. Justin frowns on this method as the dust from the pillow and such is bad for the fans inside the laptop. I did see a nice lap desk at Barnes and Noble that would work but I will wait until after CHRISTmas in case I receive one as a gift.
As I am writing, I am also listening to a lecture over the Internet, being given is a rather dry style, regarding the Constitution. The subscribers/listeners have an avenue to give our input regarding this series and I am going to vote NO on this particular 'instructor', as I remember him from last semester's lectures as being as dry and uninspiring as a bone. One cannot learn as much when one is falling asleep!
Well, let's see...what happened yesterday besides my posting the news about my mystery lump. Justin and I met for Bible study at Victory, a VERY good class discussing further our trials and tribulations in life. The 'chapter' we covered was taken almost entirely from "Luther Works" about this very subject. It was incredibly interesting and at times, funny, because at one point, 'Marty' talks about how some people may have to deal with a 'vexatious wife', which the man reading at the time stumbled all over. It made me giggle, and Pastor Hoyer said that Luther was certainly not talking about his Katie! The readings we covered in class were extremely interesting and makes me feel like I want to read more of the Luther Works books. Now THAT would be a project!
After class and in separate cars, Justin and I drove to Fleming Island to dine at the newly opened 5 Guys, which was quite busy. I love to see that for a restaurant, hope it lasts. We ate inside as it was so cold outdoors but it is difficult for Justin because the restaurants echo badly. This is the second 5 Guys at which we have eaten and the echo was true with both. The furnishings and decor is not sound absorbing, giving the sense of chaos, and with his bad ear, makes it hard for him to hear. Of course, I did not finish my hot dog and we had half an order of the wonderful fries leftover which I took home with me. Justin made the comment that he has never seen me finish the entire hot dog, but it is a quarter pound dog! It will be good reheated later but the fries lose something in translation from fresh to leftover.
We walked to the next store, Sprint, to look at the phones. I was mistaken about the extra charge of $6 for the Internet, the upcharge was actually to have TV sent to my phone. So, nope, no increase in the monthly costs. If I could somehow limit my calls, both incoming and outbound, to landlines, I would qualify for a reduced package, but since this is my primary phone, really do not want to live life with limits, if you know what I mean. It would require me to keep close track of all my calls and such, so for the extra monthly charge, I will keep my unlimited ins and outs, etc. The nice clerk at the store told us that the phone I am looking to buy goes on sale $100 off today so we are going back. The nice young man, Kiel, got a big hug from me for sharing that news with us!!! I will have a GPS for only at one time charge of $50---I hope!
Justin had errands to run as his father's CHRISTmas party was happening last night but he opted to join me at Kohl's. With my 15% discount card, I was able to find two pair of jeans to replace the one pair I ruined with paint when Mike was here doing my work. As I told Mike, that hallway and the doorways are evidently not quite wide enough for me!!! The jeans are the darker indigo which I really like, making them appear less 'denim', allowing for a more dressy look. Between the new jeans and my velour black slacks, I should be good for my traveling to the north. In my drawer are the black tights to wear for extra layering, as Kerry cautioned me that it is not nice up there right now AT ALL! Blizzard conditions abound, and I am hoping all my people get to their jobs and home again safely.
As we roamed the store, he was helping me pick out things, and telling me the style was too old for me (I love him!), I mentioned that I cannot remember when we were shopping for me instead of him! When Justin and I parted company, I believe the first time in ages that he did not get anything bought by me for him, I headed for home. The gas prices had been increasing, getting up to 292.9 recently but I noticed they were 'down' to 289.9 so decided to strike when the iron was hot, so to speak, and gas up. This was the 2nd time in a week for me to fill up, having more than one long trip to areas outside of Orange Park on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday. That bites! Although I saw my dinner rolls were getting green in the fridge, left since ThanksLiving, and had to toss them, I decided not to stop at Winn-Dixie for bread, and just went home.
In the afternoon I addressed the prospect newsletters and now have to stamp and mail them when I leave later to go phone shopping. I was supposed to have lunch at La Nop with my neighbors but they are going tomorrow instead since MamMa is kaput from all her tests and such yesterday. She has done nothing but medical visits this week, in prep for her surgery next week. I am working on my CHRISTmas cards also, and have to write the Minutes from the November Ladies' Group meeting yet. Jean N. was trying to find ladies to serve as officers but was striking out, and I will not do it. That was part of my long-term plan mentioned months ago about backing out of many things I am involved in, with more to come. Part of me wonders what I will do with all that time being freed up....read perhaps?
For my dinner, I made meatballs with golden mushroom soup, baked potatoes, and peas. A real meal! The charm of it was having the oven on and adding some warmth to the house while preparing a dinner for me---multi-tasking! My sister, Jill, made meatloaf and baked potatoes for her dinner---a real baked potato-type of day, it seems! My guess is that Justin and I will have lunch somewhere today but it depends upon how long it takes me to buy the phone. Certainly I will need orientation on how it works, etc. since it will be a touch-screen style, touch and drag features, and apps. I should plan a trip somewhere to check out my GPS.
Mom asked me yesterday if a GPS was really going to help me....Um, yeah, why would it not??? She said that it seemed I was just destined to be lost. This pronouncement was made based upon the time she and I got turned around when leaving the symphony hall one year. Instead of parking in the garage where I normally parked, we parked in the handicap spaces along the building. So when we left, I made my lefthand turn, and ended up on the bridge, I think the Hart, and found myself heading southeast instead of southwest. I circled round and round to find my way back but could not figure it out. So, I called Joanne first, who did not answer, and then Mark, the JSO friend. While he did not know how to direct me, his partner was working it out, but then I saw the sign for Sunbeam Road and knew my way from there. We were delayed in getting home by about 25 minutes, long enough for both of us. Now I am more careful when downtown about not getting into the wrong lane when leaving the TU Center!
Another time Mom brings up was when we were going to visit Rena in the hospital, St. Vincent, which is in Riverside. I did not know exactly where it was, had not gotten specific directions, but knew it was on the river. So, we took Hwy. 17 toward Jacksonville, and in Ortega, started to follow the river as best I could. We did get there, as was the plan, but Mom seemed to think we were horribly lost. It is surely a matter of perspective between the driver and the passenger. As I told Justin yesterday, there is a difference between being lost and not knowing where you are!
