Saturday, June 8, 2013

COH: $260.00

EBT: $177.99

Phone:267.80

Visa: $0.93

Laundry: $10.00

Weather: 81•F 

Mood: great! :)

Weight: 283 lbs.

At work today, we removed a bathtub, swept, moved lumber, broke up concrete, and dug up pipes. All of these tasks were very hard, but we eventually got them done. I feel accomplished and today is a great day! :D

Later, Sam picked me up and we ate Quiznos. I cleaned Sam's apartment and he was very happy with how I did. We used 3 different cleaners on the toilet. It didn't get all the stains, but it was better than before. I faced my fear of using the toilet gel and I feel accomplished for that too! I know Amadeo would be proud. It wasn't that bad and did not require gloves because it was not corrosive. I also helped him organize his outdoor closet. He was relieved because he is going to have to move the stuff in it soon due to apartment renovations.

I am staying the night and we are going to play Mtg in a few minutes.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

COH: $119.91

EBT: $134.24

Phone: 101.00

Visa: $1.97

Laundry: $10.00

Weather: 84•F sunny

Mood: better than yesterday :)

Weight: 275 lbs.

At work, I picked up trash, swept closets, moved and stacked scrap wood, dug up a post, and stripped copper wire. It was a laid back day more or less, but I still worked up a sweat. I figure it was the least I could do for missing so many days of work. I got there on time, with the help of Amadeo nagging me to not go back to bed after the alarm went off. 

I got paid $60, and then I headed home. Sam came to pick me up, and we ate Subway as usual. Now, I am at his apartment about to clean it to make another $30; $90 total in one day! :) Dyanis called me and we talked for a bit.

Monday, May 13, 2013

COH: $118.86

EBT: $134.24

Phone: 254.80

Visa: $35.62

Laundry: $10.00

Weather: 72°F sunny and partly cloudy

Mood: great! J

Weight: 272 lbs.

Therapy today went well. We talked about how Amadeo and I could come to a middle ground on our different lifestyles to make sure I get enough sleep at night. Amadeo was worried that I am falling off track with that. After therapy, I went shopping at Dollar General and Family Dollar for some things. Later, I took my birds outside and helped Dawn and Sasha clean the apartment. Dawn also washed clothes and cooked. The cat got out, but I eventually got it back in the house. Amadeo came home later and we ate. Afterward, I washed the dishes and headed over to The Bean Gallery to post this blog (there is no wifi at the apartment) and chat with Dyanis like I promised. On the way out, I saw Mills and he was complaining to Dawn about the cat being there. Tomorrow, I have a meeting with LRS. I hope that goes well.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

COH: $90.79
EBT: $0.00
Phone: 328.00
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $3.50
Weather: 72•F sunny
Mood: great!
Weight: 270 lbs.

I took a shower this morning, then went to work. At work, I removed glass from windows, swept and raked debris from grass, removed nails, used the circular saw, and helped with the deck. We got off early, and I headed to Maik's to play Magic. We had subway, and I am posting this using Maik's Internet connection.

Me taking a break at work.

Stairs in the garage on the left side of the house.

Me using the circular saw.

Maik and Michelle playing Magic on the floor, while Sam rests on the futon.

Saturday April 27, 2013

COH: $145.45
EBT: $39.64
Phone: 159.60
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $0.00
Weather: 72•F overcast
Mood: a little antsy but good
Weight: 263 lbs.

Outside with the parakeets today. Later, I will cook spaghetti and clean Sam's apartment tonight.

I doubled up the parakeet cages so they can have more space and interact with each other. I tried it yesterday and they loved it! They met each other as soon as I put the cages together. They are flock animals, and they go up to the bars to meet each other when the cages are separate, so there's no surprise there. I will do this from now on.

Thursday April 25, 2013

COH: $1.45
EBT: $39.64
Phone: 166.60
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $0.00
Weather: 61•F overcast
Mood: a little antsy but good
Weight: 263 lbs.

Going to work today. The dumpster will be there, so we will be picking up trash most of the day.

We did it! We got all the boards, trash, and swept up the place. It looks so much better after Ben and I cleaned up. Amadeo commented on that and also my noticeable weight loss, particularly in my face. I will be keeping track of my weight from now on by suggestion of Amadeo.

Saturday April 13, 2013

COH: $0.80
EBT: $135.00
Phone: 112.20
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $1.50
Weather: 73•F sunny and cool
Mood: jittery

All this week I've been having lower back pain (aching on the right side especially), and I feel jittery. I need to eat something. I don't know why I have been feeling so weird. Maybe it's the meds. I will tell Anya about it on Monday.

Last night, I dusted, swept, and mopped in the apartment after the tile guy was here. It was so messy! but I got it done. I didn't think I could considering how tired and how much in pain I was, but I did. Amadeo was proud of me. Today, Amadeo had me sort and and sell these various cell phones and accessories online. I just posted the ads to Craigslist and eBay Classifieds. I hope they sell. The broken stuff I can drop off at Best Buy.

I took the parakeets out yesterday and today, and they love it and I love it too. We are both happier as a result. My goals for this week are:

1) Clean Sam's Apartment tonight
2) Go to therapy on Monday
3) Sell 3 chicks to Bird's Unlimited on Monday
4) Get lab done on St. Charles (when I can)

I have learned alot this past week in the respite home. I was constantly around people, socializing, and learning self help techniques through our group sessions and also individual ones. I have learned that it's better to try and fail than not try at all. It doesn't have to be perfect or nothing. Just give it a try and do your best and relax when you feel overwhelmed or tense. Put on the brakes and start over.

I learned these things because I was in an environment that forced me to learn. It was rough, but I did it. Amadeo is proud of me. He got me big Tupperware containers to put my stuff in. I will stay at Amadeo's house for the time being while I look for another place to stay. My social worker will help mt with that.

Meanwhile, Justin Mills offered me a job to help with construction around his house for cash. I most certainly agreed to do it, as I need the money and work right now.

I feel like an adult now. I never thought I would say that, but now that I am almost 28 years old, I am getting things done and being responsible (with the help of Amadeo and others around me). I am posting on blogs and checking/sending/forwarding emails to people for real life communication instead of wasting hours chatting with people I don't know and will never meet. I think my peers have helped me get and stay connected to the real world. I have not done so in several years because my social circles dried up, but now they are back! :)

I am posting at McDonald's today. The blender machine was really loud, but I have calmed down and I think I am going to be ok. My ears are aggravated, but I was protected. I will be going home now, and maybe chat with Dyanis later. Hopefully Ali turned his internet back on. Until next time....