The Co-Op, The Bank, and DCD - - screw ups and disasters.

 

Over the past 12 days, I have had a cough that won't go away. It has eased off a bit, and I am confident that it will be gone soon.  At my worst, I felt like the model above - as if some angry force had lodged itself in the back of my throat, and I had trouble coughing up the crap in my lungs.

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Today, I cancelled a meetup, as I wasn't in the mood to be with a large group for dinner.  Instead, I wanted to play it safe and stay home.  Given that I had to go to the bank to transfer money for my co-op, I was going to be stuck in Mario mode for the day.  There was no longer any need to change back to Marian for the evening, so I took this as an opportunity to get little things done, such as 2 loads of laundry.

My first stop was the bank.  I was tasked with transferring a sum of money from an expired CD to our savings account.  A manager said that I could go to a teller to perform this transfer, and I did so.  15 minutes later, the teller moved money in the wrong direction and asked for help.  So, I had to wait another 10 minutes for the manager, and then she took another 15-20 minutes to undo the teller's mistake and move money to its proper location.  And even then, the manager wasn't absolutely sure she did the right thing, saying that she'd call in the morning to confirm that the transaction was correct.

Now, I could go back home after a quick stop at the local pizzeria for lunch, and I rested until 7 pm when I started to do my laundry.  Just as I was about to put my clothes in the dryer, DCD's ex called.  N wanted to tell me a little more about what was going on.  When she got home from work, she found him curled up on her bed, looking like he was one of the homeless found in the NYC Subway.  She took him to the local hospital, as something was very wrong, and left him there.  She told me of a second, inoperable tumor that was found in DCD's brain, and the radiation therapy DCD went through.  After his first brain surgery, radiation therapy, and the COVID epidemic, DCD was no longer the same person N fell in love with.  Now, all N wants is for DCD to be a ward of the state, so that someone better capable than her would take responsibility to see DCD is cared for.

I was able to finish my laundry and fold it before I called RQS.  I have yet to pack for my upcoming cruise.  That will have to wait until tomorrow morning.

Doctor, Car, Co-Op and DCD (the latter two being F****d Up messes.

 

I should start out by saying that I knew that this would be a busy day.  What I didn't know was how much this day would take out of me.

But first....

My doctor visit was scheduled for 10:45.  I knew that it would be a long visit, as the doc tends to run late with his late morning appointments.  Today was no exception.  Even though I arrived at 10:45, the doc didn't see me until 11:10-11:15 or so.  Again, the doc is changing my medication mix to get things where he wants them.  However, he didn't say anything about one of the drugs he wanted me to start on a while back - before we knew that it could be covered by my formulary.

After seeing the doctor, it was off to the deli for a breakfast sandwich, and then home to rest.  One problem - I thought my car service appointment was for 2 pm, and not for 1 pm.  So I didn't have much time to rest.  Luckily, I live 15 minutes away from the dealership's service department, and got there on time.  So, I was back home by 3 pm.

I couldn't take a nap.  So I ended up watching YouTube videos until the Co-Op board meeting started. Before everyone joined in, I found out the current state of our finances - and they weren't as good as I'd like to see them.  Later on, I found out how our former management company fouled things up.  In short, their arrogance and lack of adequate communication with the board and co-op shareholders is the root cause of our difficulties. All I can say about this is that I'm glad that we have a good accountant and a good lawyer we can count on if things go bad.

And finally, I got a text from DCD's ex-girlfriend (I'll call her N for now).  He really screwed up this time, and no one's going to help him get out of his mess.  DCD has been sleeping in his car for a while, and let his car insurance lapse.  N has been giving DCD work to pay some of his bills, and she wants to be done with him.  If N's boyfriend were to find out how much she still helps DCD, he'd leave her.  So, she keeps what she does for DCD a secret from her current boyfriend.  Recently, DCD received some money from his mom and gave N a token payment for all the money he owes her.  You'd think that with the rest of the money he had, he'd bring his car insurance up to date.  Wrong.  A few days ago, he had no money, and asked N for some money to get gas.  N gave him $20, and told him to take a gas can, walk a mile or two to the gas station, and return to the car with gas.  Under no circumstances should he call AAA or similar roadside aid for help.  DCD ignored her, and called for a tow.  Someone ran his plates, and found that the car wasn't insured.  DCD's car was towed to a pound, and he was left without transportation.  He now has 30 days to bail out the car and get it insured, or the car will be gone for good.  (And with that, there goes any chances I have of getting the $2,100 he still owes me for the car.)  To make things worse, he broke into N's place, and is now squatting in her garage. 

If it were me, I'd consider being honest with my current love, and telling the truth.,  If N's boyfriend were to leave, then he isn't worth her time.  She needs to kick DCD out of her place once and for all.  He is sick, and needs help.  He still uses N's place for his mail, so that he can keep Connecticut residency.  One problem - he shouldn't be listed as living there anymore.  What would you do if you were N?  What type of help should DCD's parents give him, even if it is to steer him to a shelter and public assistance.  (Remember, DCD has had two operations on his brain, and might qualify for public assistance, being physically/mentally unable to hold a full time job,)  It's a dilemma for which I have no solutions. And I can say that I didn't depend on him paying me off for the car....

I was still feeling ill enough to cancel lunch plans with Vicki (a short post)

 

I almost thought I'd be well enough to have lunch with Vicki today.  But a laughing fit while watching TV with RQS proved me wrong.  So, I reluctantly put off lunch - and wisely so.

But first....

For the past few days, I've been kept awake by my unpredictable coughs waking me up as I was about to fall asleep.  It's amazing that I've been able to stay awake during the daytime lately.  Yet, I digress.  RQS got up an hour later than I did, and we started watching YouTube videos.  One of which was a video by Gabriel Iglesias ("Fluffy") talking about a "Racist Gift Basket."  And I ended up laughing so hard that my cough was triggered continuously, and I almost choked.  At this point, I decided to text Vicki to tell her that I couldn't make it to dinner.

Around 2 pm, Idropped RQS off at the train station, then picked up a slice of pizza as I was hungry.  After leaving a message for Vicki on her phone, she was finally able to get back to me to confirm receipt of my messages.  Then, I ended up going home for the rest of the day.  

At least, I'll be seeing my GP tomorrow.

A short post about a "Butt Dialed" phone call.

 

Today's post will be a short one.  Although I'm getting over my cold, I am tired and don't want to be distracted later on....

The other day, I got a phone call from my former cruise partner (FCP).  Given how exhausted I was feeling that day, I didn't message her until several days later on.  Those of you who have read my blogs know that our relationship didn't end on a happy note.  So I wondered why she called.

Given that I didn't know what she wanted, or whether the call was accidental, I decided to send her a text message.  I belatedly wished her a Happy Holiday season, and acknowledged the call, noting that I was sick and had the ringer on my phone turned off.  There was no way I could focus on a phone call that day, as it tool all the energy I had to go about my daily business.

Will she call again?  Will she respond to my message?  Who Knows?  But I will try to answer the phone next time, as long as I am able to do so.

A quick trip to Poughkeepsie and back.

 

RQS had several things on her docket that had to be taken care of today.  First, we had to take her dress to a seamstress to be altered to fit properly.  Then, it was up to Poughkeepsie to pick up some clothing RQS had ordered and delivered to the store, and finally, to pick up a space heater to replace one which was recalled.

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Given that I am still recovering from a bug, I didn't get moving until 2 pm, not leaving the house until 3:30 pm.  Our first stop was at the seamstress's place, where RQS spent $50 to get her dress altered.  After we left the shop, we took Route 9a into Peekskill.  Along the way, we saw a gathering of fire trucks (and maybe police cars) blocking the entrance to the Cortlandt Train Station parking lot.  There was no way that I was going to stop and find out.  That could be done later after we got home,

About an hour later, we were up in Poughkeepsie to pick up the package waiting for RQS at Lane Bryant.  Although I parked at the other end of the mall, I figured we could stop into Target before going home.  Sadly, my GI Tract told me that I had to make it home pronto, and that's what we did.  By the time we made it home, I just had enough time to take off my coat before I took care of some important business.

Once done, it was off to the kitchen to start preparing dinner.  After shredding 2 chicken legs w. thighs, we started cooking some string beans, chopping up some scallions, and cooking some noodles before tossing everything into a skillet with peanut sauce.  Yum!  RQS even went back for seconds!!!

The rest of the evening was uneventful.  "Z Nation" was on the idiot box, and we enjoyed some mindless entertainment for the rest of the night.

It's going to be a long weekend.

 

I'm very glad that RQS will be with me this weekend.  However, am still not feeling that well, and I would rather retreat into a cozy bed and be left alone until I'm ready to emerge from my cocoon.

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We just changed management firms at my complex, and I have yet to set up online payments via their portal.  This morning, I was awakened by one of their staff calling me in response to an email I sent about an inability to use their portal.  Sadly, nothing much was accomplished, as they have problems on their send regarding account setup.  Since this is not a major issue, I will not worry about it.

The real thing that bothered me about today was that my cold is still around after a week of dealing with its symptoms.  I still need cough syrup to make things more bearable, and to be able to rest for a while.  I still need to take aspirin or acetaminophen to deal with my achy joints, and I still feel like I'm running at no more than 75% or my normal self.

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Right now, I have cleaned up some stuff in my bedroom, putting things into an empty drawer, as well as filling up another donation to be taken to the drop off point.  There are still too many articles of clothing in my closets, drawers, and storage containers for my own good. Yet, I figure that each bag I donate is equivalent to at least one or two storage containers holding clothing I no longer wear.

When RQS gets here, we will be doing a lot of running around.  RQS has to replace a couple of items which have been recalled, as well as pick up some clothes waiting for her at Lane Bryant.

Dentist, n. A prestidigitator who, putting metal into your mouth, pulls coins out of your pocket.

 

For those not familiar with Ambrose Bierce, he was an American short story writer, journalist, poet, and American Civil War veteran. His book The Devil's Dictionary was named one of "The 100 Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature" by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration.  Sadly, his memory is largely lost to most people's memories, as the world never likes to remember the cynics who describe our world so well. But why did I use one of Bierce's quotes for the title of this entry?  The answer is simple.  I went to the dentist today, and my wallet is much lighter because of it.

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Earlier in the week, I had tentatively arranged lunch with Vicki for today.  However, I was feeling so tired, that I wouldn't have had the energy to meet with her, go to the dentist, do some shopping, and then go to game night.  Luckily, neither of us connected with each other on time, and lunch was rescheduled for next week.

This meant that I would have a bit more time to sleep.  Even though the dental hygienist called me at 10 am, suggesting I switch my appointment to 11 am, I said "no" and took advantage of the extra 2 hours of needed sleep.  Around 1 pm, I got showered, dressed, and made up, and was at the dentist by 2 pm.  An hour later, I left the office $300 lighter. (I'm not complaining.  He does great work, and is worth every cent I pay for services.)

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In my texting with Vicki, she made one assumption that is false - I go to the dentist in Mario mode.  I haven't done so in a while.  Eventually, when my current GP retires, I may look for a new doctor who I can visit in Marian mode, taking one less place off the list of places I must visit as Mario.  It'd be nice to be able to dispose of most of my male clothing....