It's Saturday night and I am laying in bed… well, I am always laying in bed… and I'm listening to a jazz pianist named Joanne Brackeen. And she's darned good, performing lively and often complex compositions.
What follows are responses to the questions and inquiries culled from the comment section of my most recent blog entry. Thank you kindly for participating!
@lenora : Since you're using names of some of my faves, I'll have to ask why one of your incognito's (or whatever)wasn't named Mork? I truly miss Robin Williams as no one could make me laugh the way he could.
I did think about utilizing character names from TV shows, or movies or some such, but I'm not much of a viewer myself. And I didn't want to strain my brain. But yes, Robin Williams was ridiculously funny, and definitely an influence on my nine-year-old self… a person who religiously watched Mork and Mindy. And get this, my pet parakeet was actually named after Mork from Ork.
Lenora: You gather friends like the library used to stamp the cards from the backs of books. Remember the old Dewey System?
It is indeed rather strange, the number of people with whom I now associate with on a daily basis. Nighttime can be a bit slow, depending upon who's working and who wants to come hang out in my room. Being in lockdown, as we still are, is sometimes limiting.
And yes, I remember library books being stamped .. in the front, in the back, and sometimes sideways. Although, I didn't really do the library thing. Or have all that many books growing up. I didn't understand that I was able to go to the library, and check out any book that interested me. In many ways, I was a very slow (and probably confused) child in many regards.
Speaking of characters... The people here know each of you based on the location from which you reside. Texas Woman. Indiana Girl. The New Mexican Neighbor. The California Crew. People of the Overseas. The Massachusetts Marauders. The Oconomowoc Eight. Etc.
@Rufous McKinney : Do you have a room to yourself at present?
Yes, I am still alone in my room. One of my people here even rearranged the furniture, making my room seem very much larger. But it's inevitable that they place someone else in here. Probably after we are taken off of restrictions. I've already halfway offered that I would work for my room and board, to keep myself in a solo situation.
Having this room all to myself makes every day amazing. The pressure is off. The sound is minimal. The door is shut. I can relax. I can sleep. I can hear the sound of my own respiration. Heck, I can probably hear the sound of my perspiration if I really focused intensely!
When they do eventually put someone in here with me, I'm hoping they're unresponsive, deaf, or in the least, uninterested in television.
Rufous: yes, please document this tan!
is it only on one side, or do you rotisserie?
Is the hair getting lighter?
The continuing suntan is not just on one side. However, there are major gaps. Places where pale and tan meet. Often. Probably too much contrast. But nobody says anything. At least, not to me directly! Lol
Where I am bandaged on the front left side is plain white. But of course, I'm always bandaged, so I'm the only person that sees beneath the wrap.
And then I am able to twist and turn certain ways on my outdoor Geri Chair. And now that I am slightly improving, I can have my limbs hanging off either side, sort of dangling down towards the ground. I can do this without much difficulty.
So as you might suspect, sometimes my head goes towards the West, and on other days, I move to the opposite side of the courtyard and face the opposite direction. Head East. Just like the name of that old 70's band you used to know and love.
Also, sunscreen must always be applied to my nose. Even when I sleep, my nose tends to burn from the 25-watt nightlight bulb a healthy dozen meters away. So yes, there's that!
Rufous: With time, tracking Mandy versus Mindy, should get easier for the reader!
And I apologize regarding the naming conventions. It's just that I'm getting deeper into personal things with real life individuals, and I do not wish to expose them to the elements in any certain way. So I'm sort of testing the waters... determining whether or not this type of writing can work.
I even discussed this particular issue with a psychologist today. She's the wife of a husband who is temporarily staying here. A rehab guy. Anyway, we spent about an hour discussing this and that, and she was encouraging me to follow suit, detailing my individual relationships (with each of these people) in a blog formatting.
I'll have to think about this. Shocker. Right?
@christiankatz: I was concerned the virus might worsen your ME, but you sound so good, so that concern was unfounded, yay!
Right. No long-term side effects so far, besides the weird blood pressure fluctuations. Energy is good!
As an example, I can sit up, reach forward, and pull my shutters closed. The ones towards the far end of the bed. So, not crazy improvements, but I am getting better overall.
@Judee : I'm super glad you're feeling better.
(avatar update???)
Avatar update? Well, I hadn't even thought of that. The one I have now is from last summer. But perhaps I shall. Although, wouldn't that be confusing for other members?
I always notice avatars first, rather than the names affixed. But perhaps word recognition is easier for other humans. I suppose I am more picture friendly than most! LOL
Judee: Are you doing a blog of us for the nursing home folks too? a writing double-agent.
Not so coincidentally, it's been suggested that I contribute to the newsletter here at the facility, to Jazz Things Up. And if I do well, perhaps they can cut me a paycheck. Would $20 a week be a reasonable ask?
With that kind of loot, I could purchase my own applesauce. Luckily, I have that applesauce connection here, the woman who lives in Room 222. Let's call her Jillian.
@Tammy : Your coloring is sooooooo much better Howard ............ compared to your Avatar selfie
I had forgotten about my translucent skin color in the Avatar, but yes, my skin does look a wee bit different now. I suppose six years living in relative darkness does that to a fellow. LOL
@lenora : Why am I not surprised that you like black? The music was a major tip-off, I guess. I could get one of those scarves to wear as a headband...look like a biker chick, huh?
Why are you assuming that I like to wear the color black? After all, you purchased these clothing items for me! It's not like I have a choice! LOL
To be clear, my former wardrobe had all kinds of variety, differing shades of black… not just your run of the mill blackness. And I think the biker chick thing is feasible, I truly think you could pull it off. I mean really, you've just got to sit there and pretend that nothing hurts all that much. Okay. Realistically, we may have to postpone! I no longer have a driver's license. Or any form of ID. Everything got lost halfway between here and there.
Apocalyptic Sundays
Yes, @Rufous McKinney , there's a huge void of employee participation on Sundays. They do not pay time-and-a-half. Sundays are volunteer only. So perhaps that's the problem. They need to recruit volunteers who are capable of maintaining, and sustaining. Maintaining what? I'm not quite sure. As long as they roll me out into the courtyard, I'm satisfied. Although today, they were rather late rolling me back. Unfortunately there were too many negatively impactful outcomes out and strewn along the darkened hallways of this facility (apparently, no one knew how to turn the hallway lights back on today).
Two people fell. One hospitalized. The other? Recovered well enough to participate in 18 separate smoking breaks throughout the day. Mind you, 14 of the smoking breaks were illegal. Nope, they weren't pre-approved by The Hierarchy. That's right, the Hierarchy of Needs. Indeed. We need more Maslow here. All of us do. Worldwide. This planet misses him badly.
Sunday Night, Blown
The wind is acting up again, super strong from the Northeast. A strong pressure gradient. But I'm not curious enough to look at the maps for details right now. So there's a slight and occasional howling, accentuated by my window being cracked open ever so slightly. I need to feel that cool breeze funneling through my unwashed hair.
So I've got that going right now. Also related to weather, Mindy may be purchasing me an umbrella, something to protect me from The Sun. That's what she tells me she's going to do. I think she feels badly after nearly blowing up one of the oxygenated residents here, on site. Jillian, my friend, no less. Mindy keeps lighting her lighter all over the damn place, and you just can't do that.
Weekend Hardships
I only had a blood pressure taken a scattered few times in the past three days… and only once in the past 30 hours. I have no idea if any CNA's were on duty last night, and I gave up on my feeding tube maintenance around half past midnight.
That's unusual (even for a Sunday), but halfway expected based upon the short-handedness we've experienced. In some cases, it was no handedness. Which may or may not have contributed to the half-dozen falls up and down the dimly lit hallways.
And just as I am writing this, the neighbor across the way fell hard. Yes, a loud crash. And he's hollering for help.
I called the front desk, they transferred me to the nurses station, nobody is picking up. I called again, same thing. So I tried to calling Nurse Station #2, no answer there either. When a guy is moaning and no longer calling out... that may be a bad sign.
It didn't take long, but CNA Betsy happened along. And the gentleman got picked up, and placed back into bed. His TV is now turned out loudly, quite loudly, everything is okay.
Anyway, it's just after shift change, so it's typically harder to get help right away. But this has been crazy the past few days, I'm telling you. Bodies falling left and right.
Planetary Gravity must be broken. It has to be. Or intensified. Something. Maybe solar flares.
I found out after the fact that there were actual "live" nurses at the nursing station. Apparently their response when I called was, "Oh, it's just Howard, don't worry about it."
The ONLY time I ever call the nurses station is when somebody falls down, basically, some type of emergency... or when I would like to be brought back inside from the courtyard (outdoors, in the early evening .. after having been left outside on my own all day, not requiring any help or assistance from anybody).
So ... what the f#ck?
And so you know, they now have my phone number on caller ID throughout the facility. I'll let you use your imagination, in regards to why that is.
So yeah, one of my favorite CNAs is on duty now. Things are going smoothly. Today. For me. But perhaps not for her, based on the early returns. But perhaps when the other residents are finished feeling neglected, they will simmer down.
In two hours I'll be outside, basking in the sunshine's mid morning glow, greeting staff as they pass on by, then eventually chatting with individuals employed, and those currently residing.
Take care,
Howard
What follows are responses to the questions and inquiries culled from the comment section of my most recent blog entry. Thank you kindly for participating!
@lenora : Since you're using names of some of my faves, I'll have to ask why one of your incognito's (or whatever)wasn't named Mork? I truly miss Robin Williams as no one could make me laugh the way he could.
I did think about utilizing character names from TV shows, or movies or some such, but I'm not much of a viewer myself. And I didn't want to strain my brain. But yes, Robin Williams was ridiculously funny, and definitely an influence on my nine-year-old self… a person who religiously watched Mork and Mindy. And get this, my pet parakeet was actually named after Mork from Ork.
Lenora: You gather friends like the library used to stamp the cards from the backs of books. Remember the old Dewey System?
It is indeed rather strange, the number of people with whom I now associate with on a daily basis. Nighttime can be a bit slow, depending upon who's working and who wants to come hang out in my room. Being in lockdown, as we still are, is sometimes limiting.
And yes, I remember library books being stamped .. in the front, in the back, and sometimes sideways. Although, I didn't really do the library thing. Or have all that many books growing up. I didn't understand that I was able to go to the library, and check out any book that interested me. In many ways, I was a very slow (and probably confused) child in many regards.
Speaking of characters... The people here know each of you based on the location from which you reside. Texas Woman. Indiana Girl. The New Mexican Neighbor. The California Crew. People of the Overseas. The Massachusetts Marauders. The Oconomowoc Eight. Etc.
@Rufous McKinney : Do you have a room to yourself at present?
Yes, I am still alone in my room. One of my people here even rearranged the furniture, making my room seem very much larger. But it's inevitable that they place someone else in here. Probably after we are taken off of restrictions. I've already halfway offered that I would work for my room and board, to keep myself in a solo situation.
Having this room all to myself makes every day amazing. The pressure is off. The sound is minimal. The door is shut. I can relax. I can sleep. I can hear the sound of my own respiration. Heck, I can probably hear the sound of my perspiration if I really focused intensely!
When they do eventually put someone in here with me, I'm hoping they're unresponsive, deaf, or in the least, uninterested in television.
Rufous: yes, please document this tan!
is it only on one side, or do you rotisserie?
Is the hair getting lighter?
The continuing suntan is not just on one side. However, there are major gaps. Places where pale and tan meet. Often. Probably too much contrast. But nobody says anything. At least, not to me directly! Lol
Where I am bandaged on the front left side is plain white. But of course, I'm always bandaged, so I'm the only person that sees beneath the wrap.
And then I am able to twist and turn certain ways on my outdoor Geri Chair. And now that I am slightly improving, I can have my limbs hanging off either side, sort of dangling down towards the ground. I can do this without much difficulty.
So as you might suspect, sometimes my head goes towards the West, and on other days, I move to the opposite side of the courtyard and face the opposite direction. Head East. Just like the name of that old 70's band you used to know and love.
Also, sunscreen must always be applied to my nose. Even when I sleep, my nose tends to burn from the 25-watt nightlight bulb a healthy dozen meters away. So yes, there's that!
Rufous: With time, tracking Mandy versus Mindy, should get easier for the reader!
And I apologize regarding the naming conventions. It's just that I'm getting deeper into personal things with real life individuals, and I do not wish to expose them to the elements in any certain way. So I'm sort of testing the waters... determining whether or not this type of writing can work.
I even discussed this particular issue with a psychologist today. She's the wife of a husband who is temporarily staying here. A rehab guy. Anyway, we spent about an hour discussing this and that, and she was encouraging me to follow suit, detailing my individual relationships (with each of these people) in a blog formatting.
I'll have to think about this. Shocker. Right?
@christiankatz: I was concerned the virus might worsen your ME, but you sound so good, so that concern was unfounded, yay!
Right. No long-term side effects so far, besides the weird blood pressure fluctuations. Energy is good!
As an example, I can sit up, reach forward, and pull my shutters closed. The ones towards the far end of the bed. So, not crazy improvements, but I am getting better overall.
@Judee : I'm super glad you're feeling better.
(avatar update???)Avatar update? Well, I hadn't even thought of that. The one I have now is from last summer. But perhaps I shall. Although, wouldn't that be confusing for other members?
I always notice avatars first, rather than the names affixed. But perhaps word recognition is easier for other humans. I suppose I am more picture friendly than most! LOL
Judee: Are you doing a blog of us for the nursing home folks too? a writing double-agent.
Not so coincidentally, it's been suggested that I contribute to the newsletter here at the facility, to Jazz Things Up. And if I do well, perhaps they can cut me a paycheck. Would $20 a week be a reasonable ask?
With that kind of loot, I could purchase my own applesauce. Luckily, I have that applesauce connection here, the woman who lives in Room 222. Let's call her Jillian.
@Tammy : Your coloring is sooooooo much better Howard ............ compared to your Avatar selfie
I had forgotten about my translucent skin color in the Avatar, but yes, my skin does look a wee bit different now. I suppose six years living in relative darkness does that to a fellow. LOL
@lenora : Why am I not surprised that you like black? The music was a major tip-off, I guess. I could get one of those scarves to wear as a headband...look like a biker chick, huh?
Why are you assuming that I like to wear the color black? After all, you purchased these clothing items for me! It's not like I have a choice! LOL
To be clear, my former wardrobe had all kinds of variety, differing shades of black… not just your run of the mill blackness. And I think the biker chick thing is feasible, I truly think you could pull it off. I mean really, you've just got to sit there and pretend that nothing hurts all that much. Okay. Realistically, we may have to postpone! I no longer have a driver's license. Or any form of ID. Everything got lost halfway between here and there.
Apocalyptic Sundays
Yes, @Rufous McKinney , there's a huge void of employee participation on Sundays. They do not pay time-and-a-half. Sundays are volunteer only. So perhaps that's the problem. They need to recruit volunteers who are capable of maintaining, and sustaining. Maintaining what? I'm not quite sure. As long as they roll me out into the courtyard, I'm satisfied. Although today, they were rather late rolling me back. Unfortunately there were too many negatively impactful outcomes out and strewn along the darkened hallways of this facility (apparently, no one knew how to turn the hallway lights back on today).
Two people fell. One hospitalized. The other? Recovered well enough to participate in 18 separate smoking breaks throughout the day. Mind you, 14 of the smoking breaks were illegal. Nope, they weren't pre-approved by The Hierarchy. That's right, the Hierarchy of Needs. Indeed. We need more Maslow here. All of us do. Worldwide. This planet misses him badly.
Sunday Night, Blown
The wind is acting up again, super strong from the Northeast. A strong pressure gradient. But I'm not curious enough to look at the maps for details right now. So there's a slight and occasional howling, accentuated by my window being cracked open ever so slightly. I need to feel that cool breeze funneling through my unwashed hair.
So I've got that going right now. Also related to weather, Mindy may be purchasing me an umbrella, something to protect me from The Sun. That's what she tells me she's going to do. I think she feels badly after nearly blowing up one of the oxygenated residents here, on site. Jillian, my friend, no less. Mindy keeps lighting her lighter all over the damn place, and you just can't do that.
Weekend Hardships
I only had a blood pressure taken a scattered few times in the past three days… and only once in the past 30 hours. I have no idea if any CNA's were on duty last night, and I gave up on my feeding tube maintenance around half past midnight.
That's unusual (even for a Sunday), but halfway expected based upon the short-handedness we've experienced. In some cases, it was no handedness. Which may or may not have contributed to the half-dozen falls up and down the dimly lit hallways.
And just as I am writing this, the neighbor across the way fell hard. Yes, a loud crash. And he's hollering for help.
I called the front desk, they transferred me to the nurses station, nobody is picking up. I called again, same thing. So I tried to calling Nurse Station #2, no answer there either. When a guy is moaning and no longer calling out... that may be a bad sign.
It didn't take long, but CNA Betsy happened along. And the gentleman got picked up, and placed back into bed. His TV is now turned out loudly, quite loudly, everything is okay.
Anyway, it's just after shift change, so it's typically harder to get help right away. But this has been crazy the past few days, I'm telling you. Bodies falling left and right.
Planetary Gravity must be broken. It has to be. Or intensified. Something. Maybe solar flares.
I found out after the fact that there were actual "live" nurses at the nursing station. Apparently their response when I called was, "Oh, it's just Howard, don't worry about it."
The ONLY time I ever call the nurses station is when somebody falls down, basically, some type of emergency... or when I would like to be brought back inside from the courtyard (outdoors, in the early evening .. after having been left outside on my own all day, not requiring any help or assistance from anybody).
So ... what the f#ck?
And so you know, they now have my phone number on caller ID throughout the facility. I'll let you use your imagination, in regards to why that is.
So yeah, one of my favorite CNAs is on duty now. Things are going smoothly. Today. For me. But perhaps not for her, based on the early returns. But perhaps when the other residents are finished feeling neglected, they will simmer down.
In two hours I'll be outside, basking in the sunshine's mid morning glow, greeting staff as they pass on by, then eventually chatting with individuals employed, and those currently residing.
Take care,
Howard
