| Job |
[Aug. 22nd, 2009|03:50 pm] |
Well for the time being the unemployment crisis here at the Thompson den is over. I has a JOB. That's right it's back to being a wage slave. Unfortunately it's not in my preferred profession, but at least I'll be back to earning a paycheck. Starting Monday next week I'll be drive a truck for a local freight company. Monday through Friday I'll be delivering freight in the Rogers, and Fayetteville, Arkansas. Then pick up a load in Bentonville, and deliver it to Oklahoma City, where I'll pick up another load to take back to Tulsa. Which will make for a long day, but at least I'll have a steady income coming in. So things are starting to look better.
My new ride.
I know the voices in my head aren't real.
But they do have some damn good Ideas. ;) |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 25th, 2009|01:31 pm] |
Well it's been a while since I posted. Things are pretty much the same still looking for work and putting out resumes and filling out applications. And the way things are looking now I may have to go back out on the road. On the medical front things are getting better to some extent. The visit with the urologist for my cystoscopy which turned out normal. My appointment with Dr. Meese my new surgeon feels that we need to wait see what happens as far as my adrenal mass is concerned. So I have another CT scan scheduled for early November to see if the mass has grown any. From what Dr. Meese told me is that apparently adrenal masses are not uncommon and only a small percentage ever needed to be removed. So if the next CT scan shows that it hasn't grown any then it'll mean yearly CT scans to keep any eye on it.
I know the voices in my head aren't real.
But they do have some damn good ideas. ;) |
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| Ouch |
[Jun. 30th, 2009|12:16 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  anxious | ] |
| [ | music |
| | ABBA | ] |
Why do doctors schedule so early? I had to be at the hospital today at 7:30AM for my biopsy, and while I was waiting found out that the actual time for the procedure was 9:00AM. So I got to spend an hour and a half bare but in a drafty hospital gown. And why do they keep it so cold in the pre-op and recovery rooms. I arrived at the hospital at 7:15AM and didn't get out till 2:00PM all that waiting for procedure that took 30 to 45 minutes. The procedure it's self I thought was interesting, since this is the first time I've something like this done. Managed to talk the doctor out of giving me a sedative so I was wide awake for the whole show. I wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. They did what is call a CT guided needle biopsy. They inserted a needle that's about 1/16 of an inch in diameter in between the two bottom ribs. Through this they insert another needle that they use to remove tissue samples with. hardly any pain at all just a slight pinch when they took the samples. And all the while I'm wide awake watching it happen on the screen. As far as post-op pain only hurts a little if I bend the wrong way. And tylenol solves that problem. So now it's the waiting game to see what happens next. The next doctors appointment is set for the ninth of July with the urologist and the tenth at the dermatologist I just LOVE getting old. If I'm already have problems now I ain't looking forward to what I'll have to deal with when I'm in my 60's oh well I guess that's life.
Picked up the loan today also so looks we'll be okay for a month at least. Until I either get work or the state decides get off their bureaucratic hiney and start sending me my unemployment. Over the years I have come to learn that who ever came up with the saying "To err is human, but to royally screw things up takes a computer." Obviously never had to deal with some form of governmental agency, like unemployment. Originally I thought I was going to start receiving my unemployment this week, well now it looks like it'll be either next week OR the week after that. Good thing a relative was able to loan me the funds. Maybe the month of July will be better for us.
I know the voices in my head ain't real.
But they do have some damn good Ideas.. >;) |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 27th, 2009|10:31 pm] |
Thank God for relatives. Made arrangements today with relatives to float me a small loan so we'll be able to keep our nose above water. At least till funds start coming in either from unemployment or I hear back from one of the numerous applications and resumes that I've put out. So now it just comes down to playing the waiting game.
Beware the light at the end of the tunnel just might be the head lights of my speeding truck. 8O |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 26th, 2009|07:44 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  frustrated | ] |
Well today went on another round of job searching. Dropped off several copies of my resume along with filling out several applications. Got one possible hit at a fab shop that is just starting up, so hopefully I'll have job soon. But just to be safe I'll still keep on looking. Which is the only bright spot today.
Also called unemployment to see just when I'll be see some funds cause things are getting to tight. And well I can sum it up in to words. We're screwed. Cause now it looks like I won't be seeing any funds not next week like I was lead to believe but the week after. Now I have $215.00 due the Second of next month for my truck insurance, and $277.00 due the first so I can keep our health insurance going. Hopefully I can get some financial help from some of my reletives I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. So I would appreciate it if you could keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Beware the light at the end of the tunnel just might be the head lights of my speeding truck. 8O |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 20th, 2009|03:53 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | anxious | ] |
Well nothing really new going on. Still wait on unemployment to get their act straight. So hopefully I'll be seeing some money coming in week after next, cause things are getting really tight. Got a call from my surgeon and I now have a date and time for my biopsy. Which is on the 29th of June, have to be at the hospital at 7:30 am(fun). Still having bladder pains the urologist took me off the pain meds and I have cystoscopy on July 9th at which point he'll go over the lab work he had me do at my last visit. Haven't been doing much of any thing. The job front is looking really dim right now. As right now things are really slow for the company I was working for so they aren't calling anyone back. And going through the state job link is slim to none. May have to look at maybe changing careers, cause things are not looking to good for the fabrication industry here. Recently several fab shops have closed their doors including one of the biggest being Shaw.
Beware the light at the end of the tunnel just might be the head lights of my speeding truck. 8O |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 7th, 2009|07:28 pm] |
Well things here have been interesting the last couple of weeks to say the least. Had my first meeting with the GI doctor on May 13th. Went through the usual exam and discussion of the symptoms of my abdominal pains. He was pretty sure that wasn't anything to do with my colon. But to just to be on the safe side went a head and scheduled a Colonoscopy on May 20th. My kitten went with me when, had the procedure done and every thing is Ok. So we can now rule out my GI tract. I returned to work the next day May 21st every thing was fine same ole same ole. An hour before time to clock out and start the weekend. I get told by my boss to take my tool box to the tool room and have the check it out. Yep got laid off about 3 weeks shy of being there a year, but with the hope that if things pick back up I'll get called back. I ain't holding my breath but I be taking this time to get my health problems cleared up. Another thing on the plus side is that I qualify for a 65% subside on the cobra health plan. So it's not killing me financially to keep our health insurance. The following Friday had a appointment with my primary care Doctor and she set up an appointment with a Urologist on June 10th. Last Tuesday had a appointment with my surgeon about the possibility going ahead and getting the tumor on adrenal gland removed since basically I have the time to recover from the surgery. But he's really being resistant about doing the surgery so he's gonna set up an appointment to have CT guided biopsy done, and then we'll go from there. So to say that the last couple of weeks have been a roller coaster ride would be a slight understatement. So my amigo over on the West coast I know how yer feeling right now. But as all ways I'll just take a little time regroup, and have another go at it.
Beware the light at the end of the tunnel just might be the head lights of my speeding truck. 8O |
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| Medical worries |
[Apr. 26th, 2009|11:16 pm] |
Back in January I developed a pain in my lower abdomen. My primary physician thought I was developing a hernia, so she sent me to a surgeon. After a full exam the surgeon told me that it was a strained abdominal muscle. I took it easy for a couple of weeks and it looked like things were going to be okay. But last month the pain came back especially when ever I had to use the restroom. I went back to my Doctor and she started me on a antibiotic thinking it was a urinary tract infection, even tho the urinalyses showed negative. She then ordered a full abdominal x-ray and it didn't show anything abnormal. So an appointment was made for a CT scan which was done a week ago from last Friday. And I heard from the doctor last Monday, and the scan showed a mass on my right adrenal gland. So a follow up appointment was made for last Friday, at which I learned that the mass which measures 1/2 inch in size appears to be benign. Don't you just love it when a medical professional uses the the words appears and but. So I now have an appointment scheduled for this Tuesday to see the surgeon, and from there we'll see what happens. Which might also result in an appointment being made with a endocrinologist. But what really has me worried is the fact that several members of my family have had cancer. My grand-father and a aunt on my mothers side of the family, and my grand-mother on my dad's side died from cancer. My sister also had it and thankfully she survived it, and is alive and still kicking. So to say that the last two week have been nerve wracking would be an understatement.
But all that still doesn't explain the abdominal pain so the doctor is going to set up an appointment with GI specialist. As I learn more I'll let you all know so for the mean time Me and Kitten would appreciate you keeping us in your prayers and thoughts. |
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| White stuff |
[Dec. 15th, 2008|09:55 pm] |
Well we got our first arctic blast of the season, last night and today. Got enough sleet last night also to make things interesting during the drive into work this morning. Good thing I got up an hour early this morning. Normally I get up at 5:00 AM and on the road by 5:45 no latter than 6:00. But not this morning got up at 4:00 AM got out got the truck fired up and warming and on the road by 4:50. And it was a good thing I did, because whats normally a 30 minute drive ended up being an hour and 30 minute drive instead. As usual the City of Tulsa waited around for it to quit sleeting before they started putting any sand and salt down. Which means what was once a slushy mess became an Icy nightmare after it melted and reFROZE. Why to go guys, ya know you have to keep treating the streets to do any good.
Had to deviate from my usual route into work since I didn't feel like navigating a hill with several near 90 degree curves going up at a 12% grade and their twins on down ward run with the same grade. I may grouse about having to drive in winter weather here at home, but at least I ain't up in the far frozen North like I was last year. Every time I start to complain about it I just have to remind myself that at least the temps here won't drop down to the -20's to -40's Fahrenheit like it does up in North Dakota and Wyoming.
Me and kitten went and did some geo-caching Sunday while it was still nice (low 70's for the high) before it got to cold. Hit seven total with one DNF (Did Not Find), three of them where in the same park. Al tho you wouldn't figure it to be a city park when it looks more like a unused field.
But it is, it's called Charles R and Grace Cousins Park or more affectionately known as Cousins Park. But apparently some fellow geo-cachers have had some problems with someone claiming that they have lease rights to the land and they don't like trespassers. Since my truck is the same color as a city truck I guess that person decided to stay away. I just knew there was a reason why bought that truck.
On the home front my Father-in-law turned 63 years young yesterday, Happy Birthday Ed. But as for my folks well things aren't looking so good for my folks. My mom has fallen so many times that she has loosened the rod that attaches the ball part of her artificall hip to the thigh bone. And it has been causing her some serious pain, but since she has only 40% lung capatice she wouldn't survive the operation to fix it. So it looks like she's gonna be wheel chair bound, on the up side the her doctor wrote her prescription for a power chair so now all they are waiting on is the approval from the insurance and medicare.
I know that little voices in my head aren't real. But they do have some damned good ideas. ;) |
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| Photography |
[Nov. 22nd, 2008|04:36 pm] |
Well I've decided to finally take the plunge. I've been getting some of my photos printed up and in the process of matting them for framing. So I can start showing and hopefully start selling them. I'll be making some changes on my flickr page. I'm also going to be entering a Photography Contest & Exhibition. So well see what happens.
Beware the light at the end of the tunnel just might be the head lights of my speeding truck. 8O |
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| (no subject) |
[Nov. 13th, 2008|07:18 pm] |
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As promised I have pictures up and ready for your viewing pleasure. |
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| (no subject) |
[Nov. 8th, 2008|08:38 pm] |
Went to an air show today, saw several WW II aircraft. Aluminum Overcast a B-17G was there along with The Miracle Maker a P-51D, a F4F-4 Wildcat, a couple L-19As, PT-19, BT-19, a Douglas Skyraider, a L-19 Albatross, a UH-34, and a Chipmunk the Canadian version of the PT-19. With a fly by of four AT-6's. The Wildcat, Chipmunks and two of the L-19A's did fly by's on approach. They where also giving rides on the B-17 but what they where charging was a little more than what I could afford at the time but the next time it comes back I will have the money saved up for it.
Aluminum Overcast
BT-19
Chipmunk
Douglas Skyraider
F4F-4 Wildcat
L-19A
L-39 Albatros
P-51D
PT-19
UH-34
I'll have more pictures up on my Flickr account in a couple days.
Beware the light at the end of the tunnel just might be the head lights of my speeding truck. 8O |
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| (no subject) |
[Nov. 4th, 2008|10:06 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | distressed | ] |
Well folks. It now looks like you can add the American working class to the endangered list. I'm feeling like it's time to pack up head for the woods to hide out for the next four years. They claim they want change well it ain't gonna be for the better. |
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| (no subject) |
[Oct. 14th, 2008|09:56 pm] |
Well it's been awhile some of my friends must have thought that I've dropped of the face of the earth. Just been really really busy the last month working 68 hours a week. Last weekend me and kitten got out just the two of us drove down to Oklahoma City and walked around the Zoo, and had a wonderful time. Just the two of us and the animals, and sites. We also saw some of Silver Coyote's fellow canids.
We also saw this little fella.
You can just hear what he's thinking ohhhh POUNCE TOY'S. More picks from our trip here at my flickr account. http://www.flickr.com/photos/df_thompson2000/sets/72157608036829380/
Now I know how SC feels after putting in a lot of time in at work and finally getting to spend time with his lovely Fox. We'll be going out this weekend for Oktoberfest, Hum-pa-pa Hum-pa-pa. It's time I taught my kitten how to do the chicken dance.
Beware the light at the end of the tunnel just might be the head lights of my speeding truck. 8O |
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| (no subject) |
[Sep. 8th, 2008|08:00 pm] |
Every once in awhile car will catch my eye. And today it was one that normally I wouldn't give it a second glance. I saw a De Lorean while on my way home. Some car enthusiast's would like seeing it. But as for me if you've seen one De Lorean you've seen them all. Except for this one I let you be the judge.
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 31st, 2008|08:14 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  mellow | ] |
Well so far I've been enjoying my holiday vacation. So far it's been nice not to get up at the crack of dawn and go to work, like I've been doing for the last couple of weeks. Been going out and doing some geo-caching. Was out today and hit a few caches and saw this today.
And yes that is a 71 240Z Scarab with small block tucked in there.
I'll be going out again tomorrow to hit some more caches.
On a different note Mom is doing a little better. She fell last Friday, it's been hard to see her slowly deteriorate from her lupus and Alzheimer's. To see a woman who once was so vibrant and active raising six children and keep house. It's been rough but more so on my dad who himself ain't in the best of health. But he still struggles through taking care of mom, but I worry about the day when he can no longer do so. The rest of up pitch in and help when we can and when he needs it. A good friend of mine is also going through the same situation of watching a beloved parent go through the same thing, and if he reads this. I have only this amigo ya take it a day at a time I know it hurts to watch. But thats all that you can do other than be there for them. As for the reason why? I wish I had the answers but unfortunately I don't. It's just a fact of life we are born we grow old and then we die. I know you don't like hearing that, but what really matters is the memories that we have and that we are there for them when they need us. There are some meds that slow the progression of Alzheimer's, but that's all it does just slow it down. We'll be visiting them tomorrow while we're out tomorrow. |
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| Moveing day |
[Aug. 16th, 2008|11:00 pm] |
Today helped move the elder Mountain Lions into their new den.
Their neighbors have a couple of cats and one of them was playing peek a boo.
Mama Lion is doing well despite her Alzheimer's and Lupus and just plain old age. But at least now she'll be able to get around a little bit better now that they are living in a house instead of mobile home. Papa Lion is also doing better since the docs have made some changes in his heart meds. Kitten went with me to keep Mama company, we also had help from my youngest brother. And my uncle James, one of my dads brothers and his wife Kathy. My next to oldest brother Daniel also showed up a little latter to help. I felt for him I really did he had just got back into town after moving his eldest Catherine into her college dorm room.
On the work front I have to go in tomorrow to I guess there's no rest for the weary. But at least it pays the bills. I have a few hot items to get out, and we are gearing up to start working some 32, 36, and 42 inch pipe. So should be interesting when that starts.
Beware the light at the end of the tunnel just might be the head lights of my speeding truck. 8O |
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| If ya say your gonna be there. Then show up. |
[Aug. 2nd, 2008|08:43 pm] |
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Oy what day. Today wasn't a very productive day we only had three welders show up today at work. I know why some of them didn't show up. And it's because of the heat. We made it up to 102 F today and it was only a degree cooler in the shop. We have fans and we are allowed to take cool down breaks when we need. We also have access to 10 gallon water jug filled with Ice water. So what gives??? I work as a fitter which means I'm also under my welding hood when I'm tacking my own fits and with big bore heavy wall pipe you have to put in a good size tack weld. Hopefully the guys that run the subarc welders will show up or tomorrow will be a slow day. I a few prints to do, every thing else is partial fabs waiting to be welded out. Heres hoping that they decide to show up tomorrow. |
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| New job busy, busy, busy..... |
[Jul. 28th, 2008|10:13 pm] |
Been awhile since I posted. Part of the blame is the job, the last couple of weeks have been 12 hr work days 7 days a week. Last weekend was the first weekend off since July 4th weekend. The other part pure tiredness, but things have calmed down abit at work. The reason for working all those mind and body numbing hours, we had a rush job for a shut down at a refinery up North. And they where needing the pipe up there yesterday. So every thing is now back to normal, and we finally are starting to get some more big bore pipe in so I's a happy fitter. And what I mean by big bore is pipe that has an outside diameter 12 inches or more. I got some 32 inch and 46 inch pipe coming up.
Me and kitten got out Saturday morning and had breakfast together. Due to the high heat she didn't feel like going caching with me so I went alone and spent the day hitting several caches. One of the caches I found was at park near a local museum. While I was there I also wondered around the Museum grounds and took a few pictures especially of one of my favorite pieces of sculpture called Sacred Rain Arrow by Alan Houser.
In the back ground is the mausoleum of the founder of the museum Thomas Gilcrease.
http://www.gilcrease.org/history.aspx
I also discovered another piece of sculpture that is now my second favorite piece it's called.
Strength of The Maker by Denny Haskew.
On Sunday I took kitten out to Gilcrease Museum and walked around and viewed the exhibits there. One of the traveling exhibits there is about the 101 Ranch that used to be near Bliss, Oklahoma what is now Marland, Oklahoma.
http://www.gilcrease.org/cal_details.aspx?ID=496
http://www.kaycounty.info/101_ranch/101_frame.htm
From what I learned at Gilcrease and found on the internet. It looks like our next day trip this next weekend will be up to the Ponca City and Marland area. I'll post pictures when we get back.
Till then.
Beware the light at the end of the tunnel just might be the head lights of my speeding truck. |
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