Computer Paranoia

One of my rituals for starting the day is to solve the Washington Post crossword puzzle. Last week when I clicked on “Daily Puzzle,” it wouldn’t load. Hmm. I tried several times during the day. My day just wasn’t the same without the WP puzzle. Strangely, the Sunday puzzle and the weekly Puzzler (a more difficult puzzle) loaded with no problem.

I tried several things to correct the problem, but I couldn’t get the darned thing to work. It became a niggling mini-obsession. A few days later I tried one more thing.

For years I used Internet Explorer as my browser, but when Google took over Blogger, I found it was easier to use Google. (One reason why I’m sure Google is trying to take over the world beginning with my computer. They are always making changes without telling me.) For some odd reason, I decided to try the IE browser, and lo and behold! the puzzle loaded with no problem.

Is there a IE conspiracy to get back a little at Google (beginning with my computer)? Is Google punishing me for being a little less than thrilled with their knowing-what’s-best-for-everyone attitude by making decisions concerning my computer without getting my input? Am I being a little too paranoid? Nah, you know what they say about paranoia, “It’s not paranoia if someone is actually out to get you.”

Nuts, Loony, Bonkers, etc. That’s Me!

I have been staying at home since this re-qualification for Mr. Fixit’s medication began. I haven’t even been taking my daily walk outside fearing that I would miss a phone call. I’ve been using the hated treadmill. This morning I couldn’t stand the thought of one more step on that machine. I loaded up my coat pockets with everything I might need in case they called. Of course, the first thing was my telephone (turned on, of course). Then I had to include a copy of his insurance card, our credit card, a small writing pad, and a pencil. My desk in my pocket, so to speak.

I did my mile and returned home. I had a cup of tea and then the phone rang. The Wal-Green rep gave me a number to call to get the ball rolling. After several transfers I finally talked to someone who knew what was going on, and now all I have to do is wait for a return call about shipping information.

After I hung up, I thought about what a good day it was turning out to be. I took my walk, I didn’t miss the phone call, and I was told everything is in place for the shipments to continue. I was pleased. Suddenly, I started to cry. It seems I cry more when any crisis is over than I do as it’s happening. Sometimes I don’t realize how stressed I am until the crisis has passed. You’ve heard of  “Tears of Joy?” I have tears of relief. Or I’m simply going bonkers.

A Good Thing

Late this afternoon Mr. Fixit and I took a little drive to find kerosene. Have I mentioned that it’s very cold here? I guess everyone is augmenting their heat source (just like we are) with kerosene heaters. As a result, Mr. Fixit couldn’t find any in three nearby towns.  We had to go a little farther (further?) afield. We finally found a supply at a gas station that is near the entrance ramp to a four-lane highway.

While Mr. Fixit was inside paying, I saw about a half dozen cats come running out of a brushy area between the station and the highway. I then saw a lady get out of her car with a bucket in her hand. The cats ran to meet her. She proceeded to feed  them. Then she sat on the emptied bucket and spread a little love around to each cat. They were so loving toward her.

All the cats were fat and sassy-looking. None of them had that lean, hungry look of feral cats. She must feed them every day. What a good person! It just made my day!

Is It February Yet?

January is shaping up to be a very difficult month. Not only are our property taxes due, the medical deductibles have to be paid, and the medical bills from last February and March are still coming in, but we have to re-qualify for the grant that we get for Mr. Fixit’s cancer medication. That’s harrowing to say the least. I started the process two days ago. The pharmacy tried to get us a new grant. There was money available yesterday, but not today when the rep filed the new application. This medication  is so expensive that the only way we could afford it is if we sold or mortgaged the house and then that would only pay the co-pay for a few months. But this medication is literally life sustaining.  According to the last phone call just a few minutes ago, arrangements are being made so that it will be taken care of until March before we have to request a new grant. So I’m feeling a little more hopeful.

You cannot imagine what it feels like to hear that there is a possibility that the medication may be out of reach. It took my breath away.

Mr. Fixit and I have our 49th anniversary coming in February. I know that 49 years is a long time, but I’m selfish—it’s not enough.