This is Taking Too Long

 This one could be titled What Did Surely Take Apart Now? The Photo Albums.  Like the table posts, this has been an ongoing project. I knew this was going to be a massive undertaking and Like Always, I grossly underestimated how big of a project this is.

I am on Week Three? No, four?  I don't even know anymore. I know that I set the goal to be done by now and that is HILARIOUS. Adorable even.  It's like I don't even know Me.

I have bought many albums and ordered many photo prints.  I am still not finished.  If I had to quantify it, my guess is fifty percent completed. So, that's the real time update.  

Now let's travel back to last Sunday. Well, now two Sundays ago:

*time travel music*

It's pouring down rain and windy today.  March appears to be going out like a lion instead of a lamb. Because, of course, why not.  I thought the weather would make me work on the photo project some more.  I worked outside yesterday and I have nowhere to go today.  Surely I can make some progress.  

That would be negative, ghost rider.

Kevin let me sleep in, even though Lucy snuck into the bedroom and laid on me for an hour.  This is lovely but now my schedule is off and my brain won't boot up fully.

So I watched television and the tiktok, I folded towels, I paid a bill.  I'm considering a game of solitaire dominoes instead.

What HAVE I accomplished with the photo project, you wonder.  Thanks for asking. Well, some progress has been made, despite evidence to the contrary. *waving of arms around my office*

I picked up the tens of photos that I ordered and sorted them.  Then I ordered more and sorted them.  Then I ordered more.

Finished the Dog Album, now featuring all the dogs.  Well, three of the dogs.  Lucy is going to have her own album, as it should be.  Kevin sat and looked through it and as I suspected, it kind of made him sad.  Those three dogs have been gone quite awhile and they're all good dogs.

I finished Five's album to current time. It features photos from the ultrasound, gender announcement, and actual birth until last Sunday when he was here telling me knock-knock jokes.

I finished the Kevin album.  Kevin is NOTORIOUS for glaring at the camera so I have hundredity photos of him frowning.  It's become a photography game to me.  I do have some formal portraits and some candid shots also but predominately he's either frowning or Chandler Bing. 

He, of course, hates that there is an entire album dedicated to him.  I explained to him that because I am the photographer of the family, there are not so many photos of me.  Also, those that exist are going into another album with photos of both of us or my childhood album.

I had mostly finished My family's album because the amount of photos for that category is significantly lower than all the others.  I did end up ordering some photos to be printed then tried to organize the photos into the album accordingly so I could slide them right into the album.  That was meh, mostly successful. So I call that done.

I finished my childhood photo album last night. These were birth to eighteen-ish-years-old photos. Then  I finished the Me album just a little bit ago; twenty-years-old to current time, including leftover  early photos of Kevin and me. Pleased to report no bad dreams this time so that's progress.

I can finish the house album today.  I've put them all out onto the coffee table to "encourage" myself to finish it.  This didn't work last time but maybe, just maybe, it will work this time. (Update: it sorta kinda worked)

 I can probably finish our friends album today.  (Update: HAHAHAHAHAHNo.)

I cannot finish Our Family events.  Because I didn't completely sort those photos yet and it's a theme: I know that I don't have everything printed from the social media.  This is going to be last album and I suspect will take multiple albums.

Oh, and I forgot the Vegas album.  Not only do I have a scrapbook of the time we raced on the national stage in Vegas in 2008, there is also a photo album of all our Vegas trips.  Do I have all of those printed?  Of course not.  I tried and I missed, like, an entire trip.  Also: did this make me bitter that I haven't been to Vegas for the race in four years?  Yes, she nods emphatically while frowning, it did.

AND, I realized for the eleventieth time that I thought "But I HAVE that photo" that I do have that photo and it's Hanging on the Wall.  So, then do I order another print so it's in the album too?  Yes, I do overthink everything. Why do you ask?

What else?  Oh, there's an album for my very first official teaching and then administrative job.  It has photos of my first classroom, some of the kiddos who had an impact on me, and coworkers and/or parents.  I really debated keeping these but felt guilty at the notion of tossing them so they stay until I do this again. Which will be forever because I'm never doing this again.  

Along with the creation of the above album that I hadn't planned for, this project has created the need for....four, five, six more frames for the photo wall.  And I still haven't bought a wedding album for the Other Weddings.  Oh, and I printed two car collages and framed them because apparently we haven't reached saturation point for red car photos.  But they are pretty cool: 

Crap photo because I don't have patience to retake it

I rediscovered two photos of the only grandparents I've known and liked that I want to make copies of and frame.  I finally bought a multi-window frame for our friends photos. Brace yourself: I even hung it up already.  

If this project is ever completed, I know that I'm going to open Monica's Closet and find frames and/or more photos. The plan will be to just close the door, walk away. Maybe go to Vegas.

Just let me be a Cautionary Tale:  Organize your photos when you get them.  If you post them on social media, print them at the same time.  I know that date stamping is old fashioned but I would have paid GOOD SOLID MONEY for it during this project.

Never the Wrong Path - April National Poetry Month

 

Because of Spoons

 I'm cleaning out kitchen cupboards today.  No, the photo project isn't finished. Shush.  This is what I do: add to the chaos.

I have more candles than any one human should have.  I culled a bunch of them about a year ago and even then I over-estimated how many I should keep.  Another batch is being culled because my gawd.

We have two sets of barbecue utensils for a barbecue that Kevin gave away two summers ago.  One set is going to goodwill and the other Kevin wants to keep "because I'll have a barbecue again someday."  I barely had time to squelch the eye-roll.  Back into the back, bottom shelf of the island they go.

I had a really nice wooden box of extra silverware; extra knives, spoons, and forks that I didn't like.  It was on the bottom shelf, behind some other stuff.  Every once in a while, I would spot it and think "I should do something with that." Today was the day, I guess.

But there was a grey plastic box on top of it now.  I have ZERO MEMORY of this box.  It looks like a tool kit. But a tool kit would be in a different cupboard and remembered.   I set it on the counter and opened it with great curiosity.  I mean, seriously, no memory of this box at all.

It was a complete knife set.  Cooking knives.  Is that what they're called? No, chef knives? I don't know. Also in the box, a set of steak knives and forks.  This is why it was in the bottom of the cupboard unremembered.  It's a really nice set, just not something I would use.

Then I figured out that it was a gift from the gift exchange at Kevin's work.  We have terrible gift exchange luck, always receiving stuff we'll never use.  Thus the knife set in the back, bottom of the cupboard.

My knife set is probably thirty years old.  I can't remember when I got it but I'm pretty sure it was in the old house.  It's probably time to think about replacing it, if that was something I cared about at all.  

Then I notice that this set has a butcher knife and mine doesn't.  It has a sharpener and mine doesn't.  Mine has a bread knife and this doesn't.  I do know that multiple paring knives (yes, I know what that is) is a good thing.  Next thing I know, I'm searching to buy an inexpensive knife block.  I'll just combine the two sets.  

But that's about the new stuff.  Let me tell you about the wooden box and our silverware.

When we moved into THIS house, we ran out of spoons. Twice.  Yeah, I just saw your puzzled look.  The old house was an OLD house and didn't have a dishwasher.  The new house, of course, does.  Well, there's a learning curve of when to run the dishwasher when there's only two of you and don't use many dishes.  So we ran out of spoons, twice.

Kevin's solution to this was to buy me a complete cutlery set.  Go big or go home, Kev.  And I remember not only was I a little WUT about it, it was EXPENSIVE.  I mean, who does that? Kevin does.  He's a problem-solver.  

I combined the set we had, which was given to us for a wedding present and stored the stuff we would never use in the original wooden box.  The wooden box was really nice but too wide to fit in any drawer.  I kept it, thinking that maybe someday I would figure out a way to use it.  

I've slowly depleted the spoons because they disappear for some reason.  I had already sent the forks next door for holiday dinners.  So leftover knives, serving spoons, condiment knife and spoon, and steak knives remained.

Now I have two sets of steak knives and we don't eat red meat.  My first thought was to send this stuff home with Nephew.  But he had already left so Kevin said he would ask the sister-in-law.  I kind of wanted to wait for Nephew but I wanted this "problem" solved more.  

Of course she would like extra everything because they host all the family events.  Kevin took the wooden box and leftover utensils and left the new knife set.  I ordered a new knife block then put the grey plastic box back into the cupboard to wait it's fate.  

He returns about a half-hour later and he's in disbelief.  "You will never guess what we found"  He's right, I would never guess.  The s-i-l and b-i-l were looking at the knives, etc. and discovered something.  The wooden box had a REMOVABLE TRAY.  

AND there was complete Knife Set underneath.  This whole time, tens of years, I've had a completely new knife set and didn't know it.  I was puzzled and intrigued about that box and it had treasures hidden.

Kevin was mildly worried that I would be upset but I just saw the humor in it.  OF COURSE there was a knife set.  THAT is why it was so expensive.  That is why I liked that box so much.  It has a mystery about it.  

It's in better hands, excuse the pun, next door because it will be used and appreciated instead of languishing in the back of a cupboard here.  One knife set is probably dangerous enough for me to have in my possession, let alone three.  

Sur la Table - FIN

 It's been a few days so I thought I'd wrap up this riveting saga.

We ate dinner at the table last night!  Tah Dah!

We both admitted hesitation about actually USING the table now, which is just dumb. lol.  It was Taco Tuesday and there are too many dishes for the island so we Had To use the table.  Thank you, Taco Tuesday.  It held up perfectly and as it should. (or I really would have lit it on fire)  We just have to get back into that cozy space of not worrying.

It's been days since the last coat was applied and it looks pretty good, if I do say so myself. *hair flip*

It's just impossible to get a decent photo without shadows, etc.

There is one, tiny bit of weirdness that I could go back over again.  I mentioned it to Kevin, who paused and that never happens, and said plainly: "No."  Okay, then, fair enough.

Then I absolutely humblebragged on the social media and my friends didn't disappoint with kindness and funny comments.  One said "You should hire yourself out. That sounds a little weird, huh?"  That comment made it almost worth all the work.

Another friend mentioned that she was inspired.  So I've messaged the instructions that I have, given to me by my BFF S, and the things I learned along the way.  She lives on the other coast so I can only "help" from afar.  Also, let's say I could not have done this successfully without BFF S and their talking me off a ledge multiple times.  Multiple.Times.   I'm happy to pay that forward.

I would say that if you're interested, absolutely give it a try. Watch online videos, go to the little hardware store in your town and ask for help.  Ask your friends who know these things. It's worth a shot.  Worse case, it's not great and they sell tables every day.  Best case is the above.  

Now, Would I do this again?  Yeah, probably.

Have I looked at other furniture in the house? Yep.  I have a mid-century oak desk that the top could use some work.  I have that end table I inherited and don't like, and its mate.  The china cupboard would look better a few shades darker...

Am I going to do it again? Meh. *shrugging*  The fun thing about me is We Never Know.

Sur la Table - Part Deux

 I completed two years of high school French and yeah, I still had to look up that simple phrase.

This is a Continuation of What Did Surely Take Apart Now - Table Edition.

This morning had me messaging my BFF to talk me out of lighting the dining table on fire.  So, yeah, this is going well.

Yesterday I did, what I thought was, the final step for the table: clear coat.  I'm beyond ready for this project to be done. But like for real though.  The plan was to finish it on Saturday morning while Kevin was at work. Then I woke up and was all "That's a no from me, dawg."  So I took a break.

Sunday morning I woke up and was ready to be done.  Kevin took Lucy to get coffee and work outside and I got to it.  Applying clear coat is almost as soothing as sanding.  I was so vigilant in making sure I didn't miss a spot or apply more than necessary.  When I stopped, it looked good.  

My plan was to apply another coat then be all done.  One more night of eating at the island in the kitchen; which is uncomfortable, we've discovered.  We never eat dinner there, in sixteen years. We need different stools, I think.

Anyway.

I went into my office to work on the photo project.  I figured if I went into a complete different room, I would leave the table alone and not fuss with it.  And that plan worked.  An hour later I walked out to check it. 

 I am not a crier.  It has to be something big - either anger or laughter because my emotional responses are mixed up - to get me there.  I was so there. 

After some grown-up words, I took the photo and walked away.  Kevin walked in a few minutes later, perhaps sensing a shift in the force, to see how things were going.  He was more disappointed For me than by the table.  He just shrugged and said "Go buy a new one. And I mean a NEW one."  

I told him that I would fix it, I just needed to figure it how.  I saw as he considered talking me out of it, but spotted impending doom and went back outside.

Okay, that was yesterday. Now we're back in real time.  

My friend said to just sand it and try again, completely unphased and positive.  I felt relief that it would maybe be an easy solution and also frustration for not trying that Yesterday.  I said that I would try again and agreed not to light it on fire. YET.

Sanding is soothing but not on a table that you've worked hard to make look nice.  I had to get out of my head a little bit to start again sanding on the table.  Then I remembered how frustrated I was yesterday and suddenly my hesitation was gone.  

I sanded and sanded and wiped everything down like my life depended on it.  Then I waited about thirty minutes and worked in my office to let everything settle down.  I'm trying really, really hard not to rush or be impulsive. THIS IS AGAINST EVERYTHING I AM.

Finally, I decided it was now or never.  I applied the clear coat again and tried to appease the universe while doing so.  Thinking positive thoughts, listening to happy songs on the radio, having faith that my BFF is right and this will fix it.  Putting the positive out there in any way that I can.

Then I cleaned up the mess while not cleaning up all the way in case I need to do it again.  Plan for the worse, hope for the best.  Because let's be real here: it's me.  But this is the second coat so I *should* be finished.

Meanwhile, I was supposed to be doing errands already and Lucy is 100% over this project.  I can't imagine her super nose is appreciating these fumes and she hates that I've moved one of her FOUR beds.  And she has Kevin's resistance to things being in disarray. Clearly there's a ride in the truck waiting for her.  Just not today.

And now it's been a few hours since I began this post.  The table looked good.  It turned out.  And THEN, spots showed up AGAIN.  Less than before but STILL.  FML.What had happened was Kevin asked how it was going and I reluctantly told him it looked good. He was surprised but happy. Then I got brave and sent him a photograph.  Then...the universe laughed at me.

I sanded again, wiped it clean again, and applied the clear coat again.  Now I've walked away because I just can't even.  

Overall, it's still a win.  Overall, it's probably fixable if this coat doesn't do the trick.  It's just Classic Surely of underestimating a project and losing interest about three-quarters toward completion.

But look, it looked good here:

The white shadows are from the windows

Shiny side: it still looks better than when I started.  

Shiny side: visualizing setting it on fire is soothing

Shiny side: Even if the weirdness returns, no lives were lost in the process. YET.

And finally, I wrote those three sentences before realizing they were unintentional puns. I'm blaming it on the fumes.

What Did Surely Take Apart Now - Table Edition

 In today's episode of What Did Surely Take Apart Now? Our dining table.

We used to have a big IKEA table but it was too big for the space in this little house.  So I searched online for a table because I can't justify buying new when someone has a perfectly good table out there.

About two years ago I found an oak table that I liked.  We were going to buy some parts for the big truck so I made arrangements to buy this table at the same time.  

Well, as happens on online ads, it wasn't quite in as good of shape as advertised.  But it seemed good enough.  It seemed redeemable.  Once we got it home, I scrubbed and polished it but that only showed some wear spots that we didn't see and/or were covered by polish.  Frustrating but it was $25 so no complaining.

Fast forward two years because these things aren't important to me and now I have time on my hands.  You can probably see where this is going.

Now, this is where I say that one of my BFF's is a carpenter. A really good carpenter.  What I SHOULD have done is asked them to refinish it.  What I did instead was ask for instructions and I did it myself.  Anyone who knows me in real just thought "Oh.no."

This morning I took the list of needed items to the hardware store.  The guy helped me get all.the.things and after taking Lucy for a quick run, I started this project.  I had mentioned to Kevin that I was going to work on this "this week" but all he knows is that I went to the hardware store this morning.  I am SUPER FUN to be married to.

I sanded and cleaned and sanded and cleaned.  I used a stain pen to fill in worn areas. I sanded and cleaned. I discovered that I enjoy sanding, it's soothing.  I also discovered that I do not enjoy tack cloth.  OMG my body rejected the feeling of that. But I persevered because that's what I do: foolishly charge forward.

Finally I started to stain the table.  Now, I watched the youtube also before starting this so when I saw something happening, I knew I was hooped.  It started to blotch.  This means that something is wrong.  The solution? Start over.  Like all the way over.  

All I could do is laugh.  I mean, I'm out a few bucks and some hours.  Even blotchy it looks better than it did.  We need new chairs anyway so now it's a table too. This is so on brand for March and This Year that we are having. 

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE:

Not to be thwarted, I did some online searching when I was supposed to be working.  I realized/discovered that in my alphabet brain, I had forgotten a step.  Of COURSE I did.  I stopped "working" and went back out to the table. 

Oh, did I mention that it's heavy and awkward so I left it in the house? No?  Oh well, I did and yeah. I continually make good choices.  I put a drop cloth down so the carpet is saved.  I did have to break out some paint for some overspray.  But that wall needed touching up anyway.

I wiped the table down with a rag and the blotchy mostly went away.  Mostly. What had happened was when it started to blotch, my brain spun out and I forgot that I still had one step to finish.  It still looks not great; some of the spots are still visible but I maintain that it is better than before.

Kevin phoned in the middle of the project and I reluctantly told him what I'd done.  Not surprised, he just asked how it looked. "Not bad..." I said.  He replies "Not bad? That was what you were going for?" It made me laugh.

It takes up to 24 hours to dry and I have two hours left.  We'll see.  My confidence level is pretty low.  There are dry spots showing and that's frustrating.  I will look at that over the weekend because in my Surely-like fashion, I'm bored with this project now.  I maintain that it still looks better than when I began.

Last night, Kevin agreed that it wasn't terrible.  "Now I know I can do that." I mentioned to him.  

In his lovingly sarcastic way, he says "Do you? Can you say that?"  

"Well, I didn't say that I could do it Well. I said that I can do that."

Decision Day

So, I found this photo:

It was with a batch of photos from 1990, including with photos of the first new car I ever had, a park I used to go to on lunch break, and some others.  At first I was a little puzzled.  It's not a bad photo, not a great one.  I thought maybe it had just gotten separated from others.  It wasn't in an album, which should have given me a clue.

Then I remembered.  I took this in October 1990.  I had gone on a small road trip, just to disappear for a day.  This was before cell phones so that was actually possible.

I was just twenty-one years old.  Already had a failed marriage and was on the verge of losing my job because of it.  (you can't have a good work ethic when you're dealing with domestic violence, go figure)

This was the day of big decisions.  This was the day I realized/accepted/decided I had to disappear. I had to change everything.  And I didn't want to.  I didn't want to lose anything else but I had to.  

I remember sitting in my little red car, in my favorite yellow OP hooded t-shirt, probably listening to Peter Gabriel or Don Henley. It was windy and cold, because October, but it was beautiful. I had driven out there not knowing what to do and drove back with a decision.  No plan at all, because hi, it's me, but a decision.   Just that decision was enough, because it was going to change everything.

Thank you twenty-one-year-old Surely for taking the photograph and keeping it all these years.  I don't think I will ever be 100% comfortable with that decision but here we are.  At least looking at the photo, I can remember what it felt like and appreciate the weight and consequence of it.

Watermark Moment

 Two photography things.  One is a humblebrag and the other is a little conundrum for me.

I post daily on the instagram.  It's something I enjoy and do not for one minute try to cultivate a following.  I don't even look at that number. I don't hashtag.  Sometimes I'll add a location.  It's more for my personal enjoyment than anything else.

Now to sound opposite of what I just wrote, I also belong to a photography page on the facebook.  It's run by one of the local news stations and was started by an online friend of mine, who is a meteorologist.  

Every once in a while, I will post one of my photos on that page.  Usually it's one that for whatever reason I really like or if it gets a more-than-usual amount of likes on the gram.  I've been greeted with encouraging comments, shares and likes.  

The other day I posted a photo on the gram that I really liked.  Then I posted it on the photography page and didn't think about it again.  Until 6:00 this morning when I saw a notification on the facebook page.

OMG.

I mean, what? Is this real life?  It is going to be shown on television as the featured photo of the day.

I think it's the early broadcast, 4:00 or 5:00 pm. PST.  Here is the link for my ten seconds of fame:       https://komonews.com/watch

So, that's amazing and unexpected and a little goggling.

Now the conundrum: a few weekends ago, I was tagged on the facebook post by a friend to post my ten favorite photos.  It is intended to last ten days and to tag other friends and whatever. A photography chain letter, sorta. Never a rule follower, I threw up a collection of my favorite photos.

Fast forward about a week and one of my cousin's wife used one of the photos as her cover page.  Hmm. While flattering that she liked it, I feel some sort of way about it being used and made to look like she took the photo.  (yes, I checked the comments)

I haven't seen these cousins in a few years and I thought about a comment like "Oh, look! you used my photo. SO GLAD you liked it." but that felt a little petty. So I just moved on.

Now, though, I'm starting to wonder if I should watermark my photos, which feels pretentious.  Until someone shares my photos and it bothers me that they're mine even though I SAID that I don't do it for the attention.  

So, that's amazing and stunning and something to think about.

Album by Album

 Okay, so I thought that organizing our photo albums was a good idea to do while simultaneously "celebrating" the one-year anniversary of the pandemic.  I make such good choices.

I started last....Friday?  (now two Fridays ago)  It's a blur, really, because time has no meaning.  Also, Kevin is back to working all the Saturdays so my schedule is really upside down. I am overwhelmed, time has no meaning, then add looking at photos from the past, and what day is it anyway?

Thanks to social media, I have photos everywhere and not all of them printed.  Then the ones I have printed (sorta recently) aren't in albums.  Then the albums that are (sorta) organized are coming apart because they were inexpensive Christmas gifts when giving photo albums as gifts was a thing. Or they are from the 1900's.

All the photos had to come out of the albums that were about to be discarded.  This was fun as the pages tore, or the photo stuck, or the GLUE wouldn't let go of the photo.  Yep, albums old enough to be glued. This also means those particular photos are sticky, just to add to the fun.  Then I realized that all.the.photos. had to come out of all.the.albums. in order to do this correctly.

Next I sorted the old photos and the ones that weren't in albums into stacks.  It took a little while just to decide the categories.  I knew that chronological would be a spectacular disaster so I went with subjects first: Cars. Trucks. House. Dogs. Family....oh wait, that needs subcategories:

My family, Kevin's family, our family, his former marriage, my former marriage.  How are FAMILY PHOTOS complicated?

So then I thought that with families I will separate between his and mine then separate them into events. I haven't begun to put them into albums yet so we'll see how that goes.

Sorted, sorta.  Albums are the floor are new & empty

Once the sorting was completed, I started with racecar photos because I thought that would be the easiest.  And then the universe laughed.  Days later when Kevin finally said "Okay, it's been a WEEK." I finally sat down and put everything into TWO ALBUMS.  How many photos of a red car can we have? The answer is TWO, 300 photo, photo albums.  And then some.

At one point, I handed him a stack of photos and asked for help sorting.  At first he was grumbly about it. Then as he began to look, he was all "This is isn't necessary, these aren't important, oh look....remember when..."  Sigh.  

Now I'm onto older vehicles, trucks, four-wheeling.  The progress is about the same for this.  Somehow along the way, we ended up with duplicates in two albums.  Because OF COURSE.  As most/some of these were taken Before Surely, it's a little more challenging. 

Photos, photos everywhere

Because I was getting frustrated, I got a different stack and album, then started sorting dog photos.  But I had this nagging thought that I was missing, like, a Whole Dog.  I went into my office and yep, there's a half-full album that I had skipped because I thought it was just family photos.  While that's a relief, that's also just GAAAHHH.  So I set that album and stack back down then returned to the car/truck/bike albums again.

I persevered and completed that album Friday night.  I handed it to Kevin and he began to look. Again with the boredom. Until about the third page and second story in, I realized we were in it now. I grabbed a chair and sat next to him.  Some of the stories I had heard...or experienced...and some I had not.  

This is where it occurs to me that we need to get together with The Nephew and share these stories.  He is most likely the one that will end up with these albums.  We best spend some time now giving him the context and stories.  Also, they need labels but I cannot even with that right now.

Then I also started tossing photos up on the social media. Kevin is always hesitant about this, he doesn't want to be That Guy.  I tell him, every time, that seeing old photographs is usually a happy thing for people.  And last night was no exception as comments started to build.

Off topic a little: I explained to him that showing these photographs and adventures he had when he was younger has got to be a surprise to some people now. Because it's very adventuresome and mischievous. Whereas now he's a grown-up and doesn't remotely look like the guy that would four-wheel a truck/bug/motorbike through a river while most likely consuming adult beverages.

I had to get cozy with tossing photographs.  This bothers my psyche on a deep level.  It just feels disrespectful.  Here is how I decided that a photograph would be tossed:

There are multiple photos of the same thing

We can't tell why we have that photo, a moment lost to memory. AND/OR:

My photography skills hadn't grown yet.

The "subject" is no longer welcome amongst our memories.  

AND THEN, there are two former wedding albums.  Kevin is all "THROW IT AWAY" but again, it just feels sacrilegious. It's part of our history, whether or not we like it.  His memories aren't necessarily as melodramatic as mine so I feel "better" about keeping his album than I do mine.  The plan, I finally decided, is I will eventually buy a wedding album and consolidate both albums. 

One of the reasons for keeping these are the kids.  The kids don't remember either of our former spouses but there are family photos in those albums that they would enjoy.  I wish I could post one of Kevin's because it's EPIC.  E.P.I.C.  Early 80's, blue tuxes, prairie dresses, long hair. EPIC.

Then there's my Photography.  I have a ton of pre-Instagram photos that are just pretty. *shrug* I am no Ansel Adams but I do alright.  Harkening back to the Toss Category: my skills were growing in the early days.  Also, I had a simple point and shoot camera that is probably older than me. Those photos are not only not great, they are also fading away into oblivion.  Many of those photos are finding their way into the trash.  And we're not thinking about the photos that are actually posted on the instagram. That is another day and that is what online photobook services is for.

Meanwhile, back to the kids.  I am sending their school and sports portraits to them.  They will be more valued with them than tucked into albums here.  I have PLENTY of photos of them and I won't be sad that I don't have the Nephew's second grade soccer photo or the Niece's junior prom portrait.

I discovered that I can't finish the House Album until I print the house painting adventure and the garden photos.  And I didn't finish the Dog Album....because of who I am as a person.  I have yet to buy a wedding album the last three times I went into town.

In the meanwhile, I have to finish SOMETHING.  I'm going to start with the family photos now. Because starting an entire new subject/pile has been wildly successful so far.

 

What It Looks Like

 Ten days ago I started this post:

I am having an ADD morning.  It's probably related to stress but knowing the source doesn't help.

If you were to walk into the house right this second:

There are two pots of boiling water on the stove.

There is a truck wheel in the common folk bathroom

I am showered, half-dressed, with wet hair.

I have to leave in twenty minutes.

My bed isn't made because Lucy was sleeping in the middle of it.

The Lucy who is now barking outside on the deck.

There are photos strewn -what feels like- throughout the house 

What's actually happening:

Cleaning the wheel to put on the truck. (more on that later)

I have to go get MY FIRST COVID SHOT

Then I have to go to work

Then I have to go buy an album, or three for said strewn about photos 

Then I have to pick up another wheel at the body shop

Somewhere in there, I need coffee.

Oh, and work. I need to work at my desk. The one covered in photographs.

Today, a mere ten days later, if you were to walk in the house right this second:

Rosie is meandering around, fighting with curtains, coffee table, and rugs.

Well, one rug because the rest are in the wash.

I am mostly dressed and showered. It's a jammie day though.

Photos are confined to my office but it still feels like they are everywhere.

I thought yesterday was a good day to pull apart my closet.

One hoodie remains unhoused and is languishing on the bed.

I've done no work today except to respond to job partner's emails with memes.

What's actually happening:

Rosie is cleaning the floor because of the rugs in the wash & organized closet

The lovely PNW is cold one moment and sunny the next. Long sleeves but no socks.

The photo project is never getting finished.

Closet is reorganized, pending the delivery of a shelf for shoes.

I'm in a lull at work until April. 

I still haven't finished my book. One of the three goals I had set for the weekend, none of which were achieved. (photos, closet, book)

The cause of this mess is, well the usual suspect: alphabet brain; but also March has been unkind to us. It's left us with a bunch of unknowns and my brain copes with that by adding to the chaos.  Super.

The plan is: 

finish the closet tomorrow.

One album a day until the photo project is done.  This should get me to April, no exaggeration.

Work can pass today.  I'll work extra tomorrow.

As soon as I hit "publish" I am going to go finish my book.

Happy St. Patrick' Day

 

Venturing Out Into the Cold

 So, we went out to dinner.  It's been so long that neither of us remember when the last time was.  We do know that it was the same restaurant we just went to and that it was too cold to sit outside.  Oh, and that I had a Cherry Coke, which Kevin would have sworn his life's blood that I don't drink.  

The waitress thought this was hilarious and played along, especially when I nearly shouted "I posted a photo on the instagram!!"   "Oh, she has the receipts!" she laughs as I'm searching my phone for evidence.

We are both getting a little cranky and frustrated with life in general - go figure - so Kevin suggested we go eat at one of our favorite restaurants.  Washington State has been in Phase Three for two weeks so it feels a little time to venture outside of our germ bubble.

Between the time we decided to go and actual arrival, the weather had changed a little.  It was chilly and the sun was starting to go down.  It is March, after all, and the restaurant is in a marina. So I hesitated on sitting outside.  Also, the A.D.D. did not dress appropriately for outside, our original plan, because of course not. A.D.D. likes the adventure and needs a story to tell.

When we walked into the restaurant, it was "busy" at only near half capacity.  It was weird to see a big table with about eight people.  It was frustrating to see a couple waiting for a table and the gentleman was not wearing a mask.  Kevin had stepped forward to check in and I pulled his sleeve with a look askew to the rulebreaker to make some space.  I didn't realize how vigilant I'd become or how much this was going to bother me.

And this is where I feel myself start to spin.  People, after not peopling much in the past year. Adulting.

Then another couple came in behind us and they were in their late sixties, early seventies; both wearing masks.  Kevin chats with them because he's never met a stranger in his entire life.  The hostess came to seat us and asked if we wanted inside or outside.  Inside would be a bit of a wait but outside there was one table left.  

I hesitated, because I knew I wasn't dressed for outside and I was trying to problem-solve.  Kevin said "The lovely folks behind us would like you to make a decision so they can have dinner."  Which kicked my brain into gear: "We'll sit outside so they can sit inside."  And we proceeded to our table.

It wasn't PLEASANT but it wasn't unbearable.  Wrought iron chairs and tables in the cold isn't my jam but I felt better eating outside.  Kevin even went to the truck to make sure we didn't have a towel or extra hoodie stored in there, because this isn't our first time in this situation.  (my truck does, his truck not so much)

Be right back...gotta go get two hoodies and towel for the truck...

We finished dinner, which took longer to arrive than usual, then waited for the check.  Other than it's one of our favorite restaurants and they recognize us, I would have seriously considered dine and dashing.  I mean, seriously, slow service when people are sitting outside is not a good look.

Kevin finally went inside to ask for the check.  I didn't see it happen, but the elderly lady who was behind us asked if we were okay, were we too cold?  Kevin explained that it was fine and she needn't worry.  "Well, I heard her say that she gave up a table inside for us and I felt bad. She looks cold."  Awwww, heart emojis.  "You can come sit with us, there's room."  Double heart emojis and one shocked face.

He assured her we were fine and that we were leaving anyway.  "You don't need to worry and you certainly don't need to take any risks." he says to her.  She laughed and flustered, he reports.  Older ladies LOVE Kevin.

While a rocky start, we're glad we went.  We got something warm to drink on the way home and felt satisfied that we had successfully ventured outside of our germ bubble.  And brought dinner home for the next night so all.the.winning.

It's just going to take some getting used to.  The loss of quiet and slow, the interactions, losing the vigilance.  It's all going to take some time to acclimate back to how it used to be.  But we did it.

Ask Your Brothers

 You would think that I hate insurance companies and while they're not high on my list of favorite things, I don't.  Well, amend that to omit the one with the reptile.  We hate them, no matter how cute or clever the commercials are.

While this accident thing has not turned out in ANY WAY the way we had hoped, it has given me a little faith in humanity.

Because insurance companies are a business, their job is to spend the least amount of money they have to.  I get that.  Here's where the system is broken and needs addressed:

Insurance companies will pay market value for your vehicle.  If you have a new car, it will be fixed.  If you have an older car, they will replace it.  Will they pay for total replacement? that would be a big NO. Will they pay the complete cost of repair? Also no. (this is in addition to your deductible) So plan accordingly if you have older vehicles and make sure your policy has everything you need. (personal injury protection, replacement value vs. market value coverage. #thankyouforcomingtomytedtalk)

The insurance company is paying to fix our truck.  They are not paying the full amount of repair.  We knew this going in. While CAPITAL F frustrating, we knew this was going to happen.  Then they are going after the reptile company to recoup their cost and our deductible.

This is where I say the insurance company that Jake works at, has been professional and sympathetic.  Our actual agent has been helpful and sympathetic.  That being said, the system is broken and they know it.

The fix for when this is said and done is an appraisal.  We will get both the little truck and the big truck appraised then insured for that value instead of market value.  Then we are insured for the next time a plow truck parks in the middle of a snowy road and we dare to leave our house.

This brings us to the repair shop.  The repair shop is owned by a family who also owns our mechanic shop.  This family helped raised Kevin as a small boy.  Kevin's dad was on the road and absent a big part of his life, from birth to teens.  This family became his surrogate family.  Five boys, all within seven-ish years of each other, became his best friends and brothers.

Here's a story, Kevin would murder me twice for telling, but he doesn't read this.  

When Kevin was young - early grade-schooler - he went to church with this family. There were so many of them, they took up an entire row.  For some reason that day, everyone was to stand and state their name.  One by one, everyone stood and stated their name.  When it came to Kevin's turn, far down that row, he accidentally/Freudian slipped and used the family's surname and not his own.  "I'm Kevin Andrews" not "I'm Kevin Thomas"

I can only imagine the parents reaction.  I am certain they were pleased and honored.  

Back to my point.

In the middle of negotiating through this mess, I asked Kevin - who was in mid-spin-out - "Just call David.  Call him and ask him for help.  Then call James and do the same thing.  They will help you."

And they did.  They stepped up, as family tends to do.  Kevin phoned me, relieved, that they were helping.  "This is why I asked you to call your "brothers". They want to help you."  He paused for a few beats, letting that sink in.  "Yeah, they did." he answered quietly.

I'm The Captain Now

Kevin just phoned from work, which isn't unusual.  He checks in during the day to make sure the parents are still alive, that I'm awake, nothing is on fire, or just because. 

Today he explained that he had an issue with Carter, his youngest employee.  (the one with the std)  Quick reminder: he is the manager of a multi-million dollar excavation site.

I stopped what I was doing to listen.  I don't usually but I sensed this was going to be a good story and would need my full concentration.

Imagine a big construction site, if you will.  Big machinery, big trucks, people on the ground, lots of activity.

Kevin had gotten two calls from operators stating that there was a personal truck in the road, partially blocking everything.  (personal truck = regular truck, instead of Dump Truck, etc.)  

Kevin phoned Carter to go see what was happening and to render assistance to the driver, if need be.  Carter, the puppy.

After a few minutes, he calls Kevin.  "Well, umm, I am supposed to tell the d*ckhead that he can't move, his truck has overheated."

WUT.  We'll pretend that's what Kevin said instead of what he really said, which included big boy words.

"I'll be right over there." he tells Carter.  "Let me handle it now."

Kevin takes HIS LOADER over to the truck and parks in front of it. Not intimidating At All.

Not his loader, just an example. The tires are taller than he is

In a way only Kevin can manage, he walks to the driver and says "Hi, I am the d*ckhead you requested to talk to."

The guy, of course, sputters and gets nervous because now he has a six-foot pissed off man with heavy equipment at his disposal talking to him and not Carter the puppy.  He tried to explain that he was broken down.  

Kevin interrupts "I understand that. I sent one of my guys over to HELP you.  INSTEAD, you decided to call me a d*ckhead and I don't even KNOW YOU."

The dude tries to explain that he didn't really MEAN that Kevin was a d*ckhead and tried to explain further.   Kevin is having none of it.  

I swear this is true: then the guy looked at Carter the puppy and said "Dude, you weren't supposed to tell him what I said. That was between you and me."

This is where Kevin went all Captain Phillips on him "You're talking to ME now."

Kevin explains that he has to move.  That his guys will tow him safely out of the way.  That not only is he blocking, he is UNSAFE.  "I am trying not to get you killed right now."  (I don't think the dude understood how many levels "not get you killed" existed in this conversation)

The guy argues that he "thought I had parked as safe as I can. I'm not in anyone's way."

This is where I want to be as quick as Kevin:

"Oh, really. You are? Then explain to me why I had two operators call me to say you were in an unsafe area.  Two operators who are required by Federal Law to have hours of training ANNUALLY to make sure that people LIKE YOU are safe and not killed by them. I can assume that you do Not have that training, is that correct?"

Dude stammers that no, he didn't.  He requested two more minutes to try to start his vehicle then he would "allow" it to be towed.  

"I will give you three minutes and if you're not moved, one of my guys will hook to you and drag you out of the way, whether or not you want to."

Dude agreed BUT THEN turned to Carter the puppy and said "Again, dude, that was supposed to be between me and you."

Kevin tapped the door, "Hey, you're talking to me. Not him. Don't talk to him."

Then he had to get off of the phone so I didn't get to hear the end.  All I got to say was "I am sorry that I missed that.  Video or it didn't happen, if you move him."

I'm assuming that the dude suddenly magically managed to move his truck out of harm's way. If not, I can guarantee that Kevin will instruct his guys to move him into a safe, yet probably terribly inconvenient to the driver, area.

Shots, Dents, and Pancakes

 I had a tetanus shot last week.  Annnnddd guess who had a reaction?  *This Girl* Because of course. I am allergic to all the things. I've spent the last four days feeling like the very life force has been vacuumed out of me.  Finally today, I'm feeling better.  So, add that to the list of things Surely is Allergic To.

Which brings me to the Covid vaccine.  I got permission from the doctor to get the vaccine with the caveat that it is administered at the clinic and not at the pharmacy.  The clinic will be prepared if I were to have an immediate reaction.  So, that's just, sigh, great.  Oh, and I'm to wait for the single-dose vaccination.

I qualify for the vaccine because of the parents and secondarily because of the asthma. And as of today, I qualify through my job. I say this not to humblebrag but to assuage my guilt about getting it before others. Like Kevin. 

Which then brings me to Kevin's mom.  She got her second dose a week ago.  She is still completely laid out from it.  So any delusion that she could fight off Covid has been settled. Now we wait for his dad to get his second dose next week.  Thankfully, they were spaced out because someone would have to stay with them if not.

Oh wait, I skipped a step.  Of course.  Kevin's dad RANDOMLY got a vaccine.  He says that he was getting groceries and the "pharmacy told him" he could get a shot the next day.  Color me super skeptical because I had just tried to schedule appointments.  But sure enough, an hour later he went back to the pharmacy and got his first dose.  Okay, then.

That then brings me to my family.  It's March so there is a celebration cluster: three birthdays and an anniversary.  I knew that a call or text was forthcoming and I was correct.  My niece texted me in the nicest way with an invite to dinner in a restaurant (10 people, not counting Kevin and I, AND this county has only been in Phase Two for two weeks) but "totally understand if you don't want to. I love you."

I responded with "We want to but we have to stay cautious.  The parents aren't quite vaccinated and we aren't at all yet.  Sorry to miss you, sad face emoji, we love you"  She responds that she 100% understands.  And I believe her.  Whether the rest of the family does is another topic and Not Something I Am Going To Worry About. AND I can't believe this has to be discussed AGAIN.

So that's all the Shots News.  Now onto The Accident.

Our insurance has already agreed to fix our truck, it took less than 48 hours for their decision.  Hooray!  It is already at the repair shop and we are waiting for the final estimate and the work to begin.  We won't relax, of course, until the work is completed. 

But once that is completed and everyone is paid, I am going to write a letter to the HOA where the loser  other driver plows. It seems important to let them know of his behavior because it could be their vehicle, family member, home, or pet.  I want his life to suck for a minute, at least, but MORE I want other people to be protected from his behavior.

Once the truck is repaired and home, we have to play Parking Garage.  We have added and not subtracted a vehicle. We don't have the parking space. 

The one, easiest place is in front of our shop. Solved, you just thought. Nope,  because the parents park NEXT to the shop. It would be mere days before the truck would be back in the repair shop. There is zero chance of my f-i-l wouldn't hit it.

So, there's that. #firstworldproblems

Finally, Kevin wanted pancakes for dinner the other night. I, of course, did not have pancake mix. No worries because the parents did. 

I started to make dinner when I noticed the box was open...and so was the bag. I just moved on with dinner and didn't think about it again. Until I noticed while cleaning up that it was also EXPIRED. 

Rookie move on my part. I should have looked. Luckily it wasn't something that could have made us sick. 

Live with your family, they said. It's so great, they said.

Don't Leave the House

The title will lead you to believe that this is a Covid-related post but nope.

After almost two weeks of waiting and calling and providing documentation to the loser other driver's insurance, we finally received a determination today.  I say this with no hyperbole: You will not believe it.

They said "We will claim 50% liability....BECAUSE YOU KNEW THE RISK WHEN YOU LEFT THE HOUSE."

I'll let that sink in....

They're saying that because we chose to leave our house in the snow, we assumed the risk of a SNOWPLOW running a stop sign and BLOCKING the ROAD.

We won't be covered by them because we LEFT OUR HOUSE.  Neat.

To say that Kevin lost his mind on the adjuster is probably an understatement.  I wasn't lucky enough to hear it; I was lucky enough to de-escalate him via phone afterward.

So the insurance with the cute little reptile as a spokesperson is not a good or ethical company, I'm just saying. They were more worried about protecting their driver, who hit and ran AND was in the wrong in every way, than paying the cost of repairs of the accident HE CAUSED.

Not to be thwarted, because now I'm annoyed and have to win, I phoned our insurance.  

Is it bad when the adjuster is left speechless?  

Upon explaining what happened and the other insurance company's final determination, our adjuster was silent for the beat of five.  Then a quiet "What?" before trying to recover his professionalism only to say "As an adjuster, I have Never heard of that, ever."

To which I replied "Apparently, it's a thing. Tell your coworkers."  And he laughed.  Then apologized for laughing.  I told him it was okay because we have traveled into ABSURDITY.

To apply the reptilian insurance company's logic, we should never leave the house because something bad might happen.  What are their homeowner's policies like?  If we're not safe outside of our house, certainly we're not safe inside either, by their logic.

Fortunately for us, this put our insurance into problem-solving, Oh No They Didn't, mode.  They will cover our repairs then "negotiate" with the other company to recover their cost and our deductible.  They walked me through next steps and we will have an estimate for repairs to provide to the body shop for final cost determination in 48 hours.

Seriously, though.  Because we had the audacity to LEAVE OUR OWN HOUSE, we get to pay for someone else's mistake and error in judgment.  AFTER we did all the work of contacting the Sheriff and providing the insurance companies photos, accident and POLICE reports stating FAULT.   All they did was speak to the loser other driver and take his word for it.  You know: the guy who HIT AND RAN.  

Oh, the police and accident report is not valid because AND I QUOTE: "The officer wasn't there at the time of the accident."  

I KNOW.  So frustrating. I mean, c'mon.

Now we wait.  It could be that our insurance company fails us in some way because they are in the insurance business. I have to believe that they won't reach the subterranean level of ignoring police and collision reports and victim blaming us leaving the house.

But you never know.  I wouldn't believe that a hit and run accident would be deemed our fault because we left our house.

You Get A Truck!

 Kevin has been phoning me like every hour, it feels like, since the accident.  We have been beyond diligent getting all the documentation to both insurance companies and phoning regularly to make sure they know we are waiting.  He touches base each time he talks to the insurance, the body shop, and now the in-house counsel at his work. 

He phoned just now and I was a little WUT because it would be the third call today.  (it's 9:45 am)

And now I'm crying.  Happy crying.

Kevin has been reluctantly driving his "big truck" to work.  It is a really nice truck with low mileage and he doesn't mind driving it, just not to work.  His commute is at least 35 miles one way.  He parks in a muddy, gravelly parking lot.  There is no way to keep the truck as nice as it is if he drives it to work every day.

The solution has been that he takes my truck when I don't have work or errands.  This leaves me a little "stuck" because driving the big truck is not my favorite.  But this is completely first world problems.

Because of the insurance and the idiot other driver are taking their sweet time with our claim, we have been unable to get a rental car for Kevin.  Our insurance won't pay for it but will pursue the other insurance company to reimburse the costs if we pay out of pocket.  The other insurance company is standing firmly in the "We'll See" camp.

As the manager at his work, Kevin has a company truck.  He uses it to bid jobs, rescue drivers, go to vendors, etc. But he doesn't drive it home.  Well, that's the obvious solution, you might have just thought.  You're right.  This is where I mention he was being a little prideful and didn't want to ask.  Also, we keep waiting for the insurance to say Go Ahead and this problem will be solved.

Today provided an opportunity though.  He was meeting with the owner of the company (the only person above him in rank, if you will.  I don't say this to brag but to point out not only my frustration with Kevin being prideful but to underline the impact of what has happened.)

He finally broached the subject with him.  He hadn't heard that Kevin's truck was wrecked and expressed sympathy, saying "You have had that truck a long time."  Kevin replied "Your dad hired me on a Friday and I bought it on Saturday."  The owner, without a beat, says "You've had that since 1996!?!"  Dude knew the year of hire for Kevin off the top of his head.  AND understood Kevin's attachment to that truck.

Kevin began to explain what was happening and how we've managed the past two weeks.  "You should take your truck."  his boss answered him without thought. Then, Kevin reports, he paused. "Kevin, you should TAKE your truck.  You should HAVE a truck.  Take your truck home from now on."

Now Kevin is stunned quiet - this never happens - and tells him "It's just temporary until this gets worked out.  I'll pay for fuel and maintenance while I have it.  I don't want it to be a thing."  

The owner stops him mid-sentence.  "No, take your truck home.  It's yours.  Don't think about it again.  You should have a truck.  We'll pay the fuel and maintenance. Don't worry about it. You take it home and don't worry about it."

So, yeah.  That's huge.  It's such a big acknowledgement for Kevin.  It's a big raise/benefit. It solves a problem.  It's a sign from the universe that sometimes life doesn't suck.

Texture

Welcome to What Did Surely Take Apart Now?  

It would be the living room.  Yes, again.  Well, almost twice now since the first time.

After the new furniture adventure, I realized/decided that having just an accent wall in the living room looked strange.  It just made the room look somehow unfinished.

Finally, last week I painted the wall that was bothering me.  We were watching television and I paused it, to Kevin's dismay. "I figured it out!" I exclaim. Kevin is skeptical about what is next.  "I have to paint that wall because the same issue we had when I painted the accent wall STILL EXISTS.  Initially I didn't paint around the visible walls by china cupboard and it looked unfinished.  Then we moved the china cupboard from one corner to the next,  and the problem repeated itself."  He was not as excited about my discovery as I was.  *shrug*

Now, it looks so much better.  The OCD can calm down.  Yeah, like that's a thing.

Next Up:

The entryway is a little alcove thing, with a pony wall.  If I had my druthers, that pony wall would be removed but there's an outlet in it and I'm scared of electricity.  Oh, and Kevin says "No."  I left the entryway the cream color last week but I've found that it looks unfinished too.   The corner looks dingy now; even though that paint is about two years old.  It's difficult to see in the above photo but you get the general idea.

 No worries though, it won't take me long to paint, I thought last week. I swear this mindset will be my downfall.  Also, no, the bedroom is still unfinished.  Shush. I have a new idea.

Meanwhile...

This is where we realize the failed trim experiment that Kevin's dad installed needs to come down. What had happened was I had asked for accent trim instead of plain trim around the doors.  Kevin's dad did it while I was immobile in a cast and I wasn't paying close attention.  He made the mistake of not removing the original trim but tacking the accent trim around it, and then not making it match the baseboard trim.  No amount of paint is going to fix that.

I was so frustrated and disappointed but couldn't say "Oh, look, you made a mistake."  So I ignored it for ...gosh...almost nine years. (yikes) AND this is not the only doorway he did.  The pantry and the kitchen/mud room door also has this weird configuration of trim that somehow made sense in his head.  I should have fixed it when we had the floors done but having all my belongings outside in the Fall in the PNW had me distracted.

Because of who I am as a person, I did not take a before photo of the door with the wonky, double-trim.  But this is what it looked like this morning:

Believe it or not, this looks better than the wrong trim

So yesterday the wrong trim was finally taken down.  Mostly he only stapled it so it popped right off.  But it three random places, he glued it.  I'm guessing it didn't lay flat and he glued it.  Well, when it was pulled off, it took the texture off of the wall.  Because of course it did.

Off we go to the hardware store to buy stuff to fix it.  While neither of us are able to leave a project visibly unfinished, surprisingly, Kevin said "I want no part of it.  Just don't mess up the house."  I am not sure what happened but I'll take it.  I think the accident has him at TILT for accepting any new issues.  Now is my chance.  I'm learning how to use spray-on texture!

I believe that I've mentioned we've bought two wheelbarrows and three rakes and at least one shovel over the years.  They keep traveling next door and Never Return.  Kevin has threatened a padlock on our new garden shed and I think it might come true.  Because: guess where our ladders are?  NEXT DOOR.  Wait, there's more: Guess whose ladder was broken!?!  OURS.  Sigh.

Kevin might have lost his mind a little bit on his dad (50% of the problem, his brother the other 50%) about the ladder and our new wheelbarrow which was ALSO next door AND in the rain.  Next thing we knew, the f-i-l left for town.  He returned later with TWO ladders: one for us and one for next door.  Meanwhile, Kevin had repaired our ladder.  It can stay outside as the community ladder and ours can stay in the cozy garden shed.

Which brings me to: I have a new ladder!! Not only the one mentioned above but a whole different ladder.  I don't generally need an 8-foot ladder in the house and I had complained about Why Are All of Our Ladders Biology Experiments? (they have been stored/left outside in the beautiful PNW)  I now have my Very Own Ladder that will never leave this house.  I am officially grown.

It's taller than it appears.

Anyway.  That's a lot about ladders.  And the family.  

I am in an insomnia cycle so I worked for three hours this morning, well before any of my coworkers were even awake I am certain. Then I did some chores so the A.D.D. will keep it to a minimum and broke out the painting and repair supplies.  

My downfall, other than a short attention span, is that I don't have the patience for prep work. I've gotten much better but I resent it the entire time I'm doing it. It can, at best, be described as "haphazard".  Today though the instructions on the spray-on texture was Very Specific about being careful.  But it also said "Cleans easily with warm water" so *shrug*.  (this is not foreshadowing, for once)

So I begrudgingly prepped the floor, taped the door frame and edges.  I also brought out my new ladder and wrapped the tray in plastic so it is kept brand-new. Yes, I have issues.  

Once I got the hang of it, the texture spray is kind of fun.  I will (hopefully) never need to use it again but I can add it to my resume.  The worse part was waiting for it to dry.  It's not that it took a long time, it's that I wanted to be done. To be fair, I did have to spray one area twice so that slowed the process down even more.

 Next was painting, which has become a mixture of boring and soothing. I tried frogtape this time and discovered that the edging issue I have is Not the Tape, But Me.  Also, I can't get with tape that is precious about being stored in wasteful plastic packaging.  At least I tried.

 I'm writing this as I wait for the paint to dry.  Then I can touch-up what I've missed.  I had hoped to have painted the door trim and the door by now but can't because of the texture taking longer than assumed.  

Also, it started the conversation whether to paint the door the cream color or another color.  This earned Kevin a raised eyebrow.  

Yes, it does bother me that the door isn't centered

Don't Borrow Trouble

 You know what I enjoy about the digital age?  Yet, I'm not 100% patient with?  The fact that most of the time everything is done online.  You don't have to talk to anyone anymore.  Well, unless something has really gone wrong.

This whole accident thing is a good example.  Everything has been completed online.  Claims for both insurance companies are online.  Request for police and accident reports, done online.  Search for possible replacement vehicles: ONLINE.

After talking with Deputy CoolGuy that day, we have only had to talk in real to one other person.  The adjuster for the loser's other driver's insurance.

I think Kevin would rather have someone to talk to. But I find comfort in the fact that I've done what I can and can wait.  If I think of something else in the middle of the night, I can send it off and not worry about waking someone.

Where I am not patient is when something goes wrong.  I can't track the claim online because the loser's other driver's policy is a commercial policy.  Then we do have to phone someone.  Sigh.

Right now we're at the wait and see point of this adventure.  Wait for the loser other driver to actually contact his insurance.  (he had not as of Wednesday)  Wait for the reports to be emailed to us.  Wait for the adjuster to either come to the house to see the truck or allow us to take it to the body shop.  Wait to see if it will be totalled or not. 

While I was writing this over the past 24-hours, guess who phoned?  The loser other driver.  At first he was calm, serious, professional.  He asked me if we could just get estimates and he would pay us out of pocket and not involve the insurance company at all.

After actually counting to three in my head, I calmly said No.  It was not my first response but it was the more grown-up response.  I informed him that if he had done the responsible and proper thing at the accident scene, then we could talk. But because he did not AND didn't call the deputy back AND still hadn't called his insurance, we were not interested.

This is where he got a little snarky again, his default setting I suspect.  "It's not a big deal" he says because that went over SO WELL when he said it at the accident.  I told him it was a big deal and a bigger deal now because he refuses to provide any insurance information. 

His response? "I gave you my Business Card." I get Scooby snacks for not cursing, not raising my voice, or losing my cool. Oh, I so wanted to.

He made a sound like he was going to argue then just muttered "Okay" and hung up on me.

The "It's not a big deal" just makes me want to punch him.  He has NO IDEA what is going on in our lives.  He doesn't know if that's our only vehicle, he doesn't know if one of us is sick, he doesn't know if we're broke.  He knows nothing to base the "It's not a big deal."

My suspicion is that he is on the verge of losing his insurance.  My suspicion is this is how he manuevers through life.

Meanwhile, we are lucky.  We have another vehicle to drive.  If I'm being honest, Kevin can drive his work truck but he's being prideful for some reason.  We both came out of it with no injuries.  Lucy is fine and not scared to go in a vehicle. We have insurance that will cover this if the loser other driver's insurance goes poorly. I work at home so I don't need to go somewhere every day.  #thankscovid

We spent time this weekend making sure that the truck was spiffy underneath the tarp that is currently protecting it. Kevin kept saying he felt like he was rearranging chairs on the Titanic. I kept less patiently each time replying "Stop borrowing trouble."

Sigh. So we wait. I'm not usually such a patient person. 

But I've enacted the One Crazy Person at a Time policy. No, it's not a special insurance endorsement; it's a coping technique when life is challenging.  If one is spun out, the other bucks up so we don't devolve into chaos. Theoretically. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Knucklehead

It snowed last night and it's absolutely beautiful outside.  It's Saturday so we slept in then went to get coffee with Lucy.

We weren't a mile from the house when a snowplow went through a stop sign and stopped in the middle of the road, front of us.  As much as Kevin tried, we hit the truck and stopped.  WE ARE FINE.  

The passenger front corner of the truck took the brunt of the damage, folding the bumper underneath the truck.  If Kevin hadn't thought so quickly, it would have been a t-tone accident.  The plow truck took a hit to the front fender mostly.  We were "lucky" that it hit just between the plow and the truck.

The worse part for me was Lucy.  I had to just hold her tight to my chest with one arm and brace myself with the other.   She is unhurt but was definitely shaken.  She was more upset that we were upset, I think.  Needless to say she is getting All The Cookies today.

Again, we're fine.  I'm certain we'll be sore tomorrow but we're fine.  More frustrated and disappointed.

Because this is where it gets interesting:

The guy didn't want to give us insurance information or I.D.  He finally gave up his business card when I insisted and threatened to call 911.  He stated he was the owner of the company and it would be fine.  In my busy brain, I'm thinking "Heaven help you if not. I will flame you, your company, and dog on the interwebs."  He said that he only had insurance information on the email. I stood right at his door and said "Fine, give it to me right now. I'm standing RIGHT HERE."  He fiddled with his phone, texting, then said he couldn't.  

Meanwhile, I also took photos of EVERYTHING.  (remember that in a minute)  I even have a photo of him in the truck, the name on the door of the truck, the damage, everything.

Kevin was a little spun out because accident, me and the dog in said accident, and his beloved truck was wrecked.  This truck has 500,000 miles on it and he has had it almost his whole adult life.  It's His Truck.  It has seen some stuff.  Also, it's snowing and we're wrecked in the middle of the road with a flat tire.

He had to solve how to get home with said flat tire.  He was going to try to just get it home on the rim and I offered to walk along side to spot him.  I offered to call our young, non-family member, neighbor to come help but he declined because reasons. (see: spun out) Finally, he changed the tire on the side of the road.

Six cars went by. Two stopped.  TWO.  C'mon humanity, get your sh*t together.

While Kevin is problem-solving the tire issue, the plow driver took his truck back up onto the hill and parked.  No offer of further help, nothing.  About fifteen minutes later, another company truck drove by, then stopped.  He looked a little annoyed? I'm not sure why.  Kevin opened his door, without permission, and asked for tools "Because your guy disappeared."  Kevin took a hammer off the floor, said "I will leave it over there for you to pick up", slammed the door, then walked away. THAT DRIVER then goes up the hill, leaving us alone.

A few minutes later, the truck returns down the hill and both guys are in it.  They get their hammer and leave.  Yep.   Super awesome guys, for real though.  I'm already writing the yelp review of their company, trust that.  "Will run a stop sign, cause an accident, not provide information, AND bail on you in an accident. Negative stars. Do not recommend."

About twenty minutes later we finally made it home.  I sat down at the computer with the phone and filed ALL THE CLAIMS.  As you can imagine, I didn't get far with the other driver's insurance because he didn't give me his information.  I am not to be thwarted.  And anyone who knows me in real just laughed and nodded.

This is where shock wears off and I do the obvious next step: call 911.

We had the BEST SHERIFF'S DEPUTY EVER.

He called me a knucklehead.  Made me LAUGH.  Because he was right: I was a knucklehead for backing down on getting the guys info.  And, frankly, for not getting Kevin to focus and get it from him.  To be fair, Kevin thought I had a photo of his I.D.  I don't know how.

Next the deputy asked what information I did have.  "A business card".  He sighs: "I could make a business card. That means nothing."  Again, I'm laughing because he's RIGHT.  "Did you look him up on the internet?" he asked.  I laughed again "You don't know me, sir.  Yes, I did."  I explained what I found and he sighed.  The website has no physical address or PO Box.  Now I'm feeling the fringe of panic.  He assured me it was fine and that it happens and he's certain I would never let this happen again.  Yeah, buddy.

Not to be daunted, the deputy said that he would run the guy's information and get back to me. Oh, and did I at least get a license plate?

...............

.....................

Um, no.  I have photos of EVERYTHING but the license.  OMG.  What the hell, me?

So after a little bit of education/teasing, he asked for the condition of the truck and exact location of the accident.  I explained that he parked it away from us and left.  This did not sit well with the deputy. Yet there was a little bit of sadistic glee in his voice when he said he would go look for the truck and then do all the police stuff.

Again, he reassures me that while I screwed up, it was going to be fine.

Then I phone Kevin, who is somewhere on the property and explain that we made a mistake in not holding our ground to get the information AND not phoning 911.  Now he's spun out AGAIN.  We decide that we would go look for the truck because certainly we were closer than the deputy.

We weren't.  The deputy was already there.  Hooray!  He and Kevin hit if off almost immediately and he laughed when I introduced myself as Surely the Knucklehead.

"Go take a photo of the license plate.  The front one" he instructs.  This wasn't easy because of the, you know, plow but I got it done.  Then he looks up the information, finds the guy, and works on his computer for a minute.  Then we hear a phone ring....he is phoning the dude as we stand there.  OMG.

I am a little in love with this deputy now.  "Hello this is Deputy CoolGuy of the County Sheriff's Department.  It's my understanding that you left an accident without providing insurance or identification to the other party.  That is considered a hit and run and a crime.  I would strongly suggest that you call me back as soon as possible."

Now I am not the one in trouble and I am flop-sweating.  But I'm also trying not to audibly laugh and be overheard on the voicemail, like the sibling who didn't get in trouble.  He disconnected and asked a few more clarifying questions.  This is where I take out my phone and call up the photos.  "Look, I have everything!" as I hand him my phone.  "Except the license plate" he quips.  omg. I love smartasses.

After all of that, where we were parked was Sketch Level 100 so Kevin offered to have the deputy follow us to our road and safely park.  He gladly took us up on the offer.  Of course the neighbors are outside playing in the snow as the Sheriff follows us into the driveway.  Of course.  It gave us a good story to tell and got a good photo out of it.

I've filed claims with our insurance company and now his. It was a little fun to tattle and explain how their client left an accident scene without doing the proper things.  It was also nice that the insurance company's FIRST question was "Is everyone okay?"

Now we're stuck at the insurance company's mercy and at the snow's mercy too.  It's not supposed to stop until Monday-ish then be really cold so we're in it for a while. Also, we are waiting for the guy to respond to the officer, who will then let us know the next - if any - step on that front. 

For the rest of the day, Lucy and I played in the snow and laid on the floor in front of the fire. We agreed that it is a rest and cookies day for the remainder of the day.

Despite all of that, look how beautiful it is:

Shots In All The Arms...Eventually

 Quoting the ever-so-lovely Swistle again: I want all the shots in all the arms.

Here's my journey through this befuddling vaccine process. I think it would be easier to find The Ring than to accomplish these vaccinations.  

Out of four eligible adults that I'm trying to schedule vaccines, ONE has had ONE of TWO vaccines.  I have been trying for a MONTH to schedule appointments.

No, that's not frustrating at all and ignore that banging noise of Surely's head against the monitor.

In Washington State, Kevin and I qualify for the vaccine because of the multigenerational household.  His parents, of course, qualify because of their age and medical fragility.

Because of lack of vaccines, I was only able to get Kevin's mom her first shot.  There was only one appointment available IN ALL THE LAND and I had to play Sophie's Choice as to which parent received the vaccine.

And I think I chose wrong.  I think I should have scheduled his dad because he goes out into the public recklessly  more than his mom.  BUT his mom is more medically fragile...And why is this a THING?

It's a moo point because there is never going be vaccines available here. *flailing of head and hands*  I search twice a day through THREE COUNTIES and have been unable to schedule any appointments.  Meanwhile, television and news make it sound like "Oh, just walk into the drug store and you're good to go."  So much NO.

I am on the waiting list at my clinic AND I have a physical scheduled in two weeks.  I am a tiny bit concerned because the vaccines have warnings about people who easily have allergic reactions.  (Hai, hey, hello)  As it looks like the physical will occur before the shot, I'm putting that on the We'll Worry About It When We Get There shelf.

I can't put Kevin on a waiting list because His CLINIC isn't a vaccine site. Reason number eleventy that I wish he'd change clinics.

My father-in-law is on two waiting lists: both at his clinic and the Health Department.  (Kevin isn't eligible for this list due to his work schedule)

Because of my job, I get weekly vaccination updates through the state that goes to medical providers, etc.  They also make it sound like So Easy Peasy to get the vaccine.  GAH.  When I first realized that the regular update was providing Covid imms information, I was excited.  And then almost immediately disappointed.  Because if there were some secret process to doing this: I would be telling ALL Y'ALL how to do it.  Alas, not so much.

I've heard of people traveling down to Seattle to the mass vaccine sites to get immunized, which is great.  But it's not possible in our situation.  The parents simply can't travel like that anymore.  I've heard that if you just show up at the end of a scheduled vaccination site, they will give out unused vaccinations instead of wasting them.  Again though, the parents can't just hang out in hopes to get these damned immunizations.  (also, this could totally be urban legend so don't trust that idea)

Which brings me to this crazy system that is in place. Scheduling is 100% online. What happens to other folks who don't have a Surely in their lives to schedule these?  For an elderly person, this process is Capital "I" impossible.  I can barely get my m-i-l to not mess up an amazon order, let alone wander through this process successfully.

Like almost always, I have no point or solution.  However, hopefully this will make you feel a tiny bit better if you are also going through this process.  

Oh, if you live in Washington State, here is the link:

https://www.doh.wa.gov/emergencies/covid19/vaccine