Wednesday, July 10, 2013

COH: $88.00

EBT: $223.00

Phone: 106.00

Visa: $0.93

Laundry: $15.00

Weather: 88°F sunny and partly cloudy

Mood: ok

Weight: 270 lbs

This morning, I went to Dollar General to buy some cat food. Later, I took my birds outside, took them back in because of thunder, and then ate lunch. Now I am here at CC's posting the blog. It's Magic night tonight at Maik's, so I will be going there. 

Friday, June 28, 2013

COH: $120.00

EBT: $88.03

Phone: 62.80

Visa: $0.93

Laundry: $1.50

Weather: 91°F sunny and partly cloudy

Mood: ok

Weight: 283 lbs.

I didn't do too much today other than laundry and taking care of the kitten. I also took my birds outside and went to Dollar General for some laundry detergent. My jaw joint hurts because of TMJ/the earplug problem. Also, my left elbow hurts from riding my bike for whatever reason. I think it's because of the posture of my arms while on the bike. Today was pretty boring. I will go home later, bring my birds in, shower, and get ready for bed. No picture today because I forgot my webcam. 

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

COH: $134.00

EBT: $88.03

Phone: 119.20

Visa: $0.93

Laundry: $12.00

Weather: 92°F sunny and partly cloudy

Mood: ok

Weight: 283 lbs.

Today, I got up and took out my birds. Unfortunately, I noticed one of my females has a lump in her bottom and I'm worried that she might be egg bound. This is a serious condition that could kill her and I don't know what to do. I am hoping Amadeo could take me to Bird's Unlimited today to see if Ms. Joann can do anything about it, and maybe even buy the two chicks I have while I'm at it. Later tonight, Sam is going to pick me up and we will play Magic at his apartment with Andrew. He will get food and I will spend the night, so Sam won't have to drive me back so late. I hope everything goes well.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

COH: $167.00

EBT: $137.01

Phone: 96.60

Visa: $0.93

Laundry: $2.00

Weather: 86°F sunny and partly cloudy

Mood: sick, tired, weak

Weight: 283 lbs.

Last night, I crashed at about 8:30. I was so exhausted. I slept more or less nonstop until 11:00am today, with a few short wake-ups in between. I called in sick to work today because I feel sick, tired, and weak. Then, I rested until about 12:30pm. I could not handle doing hard work like demolishing the bathroom wall today, which is what I'm sure I would be doing. Anyway, Amadeo came back and helped me get up and moving, as well as handle some business with getting my bike back. I still feel sick, tired, weak, and sore from yesterday, but I managed to get here to post this blog because I have to and it was within my means to get here. I took my birds outside today. I will go later to Maik's to play Magic and hang out. Then, I will go home and go to bed. I hope I feel better soon.

Monday, June 17, 2013

COH: $253.00

EBT: $138.01

Phone: 145.40

Visa: $0.93

Laundry: $0.00

Weather: 88°F sunny and partly cloudy

Mood: ok

Weight: 283 lbs.

Today, I had therapy. It went well. I took my birds outside as usual on my off days. I am in uptown CC's posting this blog. Afterward, I am going to buy a new decibel reader from Radio Shack because my current one stopped working properly. I have to have my decibel reader! :-$ Anyway, the rest of the day, I will find something to do and prepare for tomorrow. I hope I get to work with Terry again.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

COH: $252.00

EBT: $145.16

Phone: 145.40

Visa: $1.97

Laundry: $0.00

Weather: 84°F mostly cloudy

Mood: ok

Weight: 283 lbs.

Today, I am off, since it is Sunday. I went to Irene's going away party last night. It went very well and I got to meet new people. :) Before I got there, thought, I went to McDonald's and my iPod got stolen! I accidentally left it on the table when I went to get my food and when I returned, it was gone! :-O This sucks, but I will live. It just goes to show you that people will steal and you can't take your eyes off of your valuables for even a second when in a public place. 

I am at The Bean Gallery posting this from my laptop with the new webcam Amadeo got me for my birthday :) Until I get another mobile device, I will have to post from my laptop from now on. Instead though, I will post at CC's because it is closer, I don't have to go inside to pay for a drink to use the internet, and they close at 9:00, so I won't be there later than 10:00pm, when I should be home. In a way, this is a blessing in disguise, since I prefer to use a laptop or computer for internet. At the same time, I don't have as much portability as I did with the iPod and the camera that is on it. The tags are easier to use on the laptop, but the location is not. Also, I will have to either bring my laptop to Maik and Sam's places, or ask them to use the computer. Most likely the latter, though, since they don't like me using their computers, at least Maik.

Anyway, I took my parakeets outside today, cleaned their cages, and changed their food and water. They are so happy outside! :) I have not got to do this in over a week. It rained a little today, but very lightly and it was a sun shower. I went to Dollar General for a few things, and talked to Dyanis on the phone before heading out with my laptop to eat and post my blog.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

COH: $188.45

EBT: $177.99

Phone: 135.80

Visa: $0.93

Laundry: $0.00

Weather: 88•F sunny

Mood: ok

Weight: 283 lbs.

I meet with my social worker at about 3:30 today. So far, I washed a load of clothes, took my birds outside, went to Dollar General, and walked to CC's to post my blog.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

COH: $100.68

EBT: $14.74

Phone: 273.20

Visa: $0.93

Laundry: $10.00

Weather: 84•F sunny

Mood: great! :)

Weight: 275 lbs.

Last night, we played Magic after the pool party, then I went home. Today, I slept in a little, but still stayed on track. Amadeo is at Sasha's right now. It rained earlier, so I stayed inside, worked on magic decks, and looked through and organized my cards. Now, it is sunny, so I went to McDonald's to post my blog. When I get back, I will take my birds outside.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

COH: $57.16

EBT: $51.72

Phone: 86.60

Visa: $0.93

Laundry: $10.00

Weather: 84•F sunny and cloudy

Mood: fatigued 

Weight: 276 lbs.

This morning I got up at 9, even though I was off today. I did my morning routine, then I cleaned my bird cages. I just finished and it was exhausting. I also went to Dollar General for a few things, namely a scrub brush.

Later, I have therapy. I hope it goes well. Yesterday, Ben told me it looked like the Abilify was working, because I am more energetic and focused now, while before, I was like a zombie. It's good to know when other people notice my progress. It's also good to know that my medicine is doing its job, and that it is not a matter of sheer willpower to get things done when you are clinically depressed.

Monday, May 20, 2013

COH: $109.89

EBT: $110.99

Phone: 271.60

Visa: $1.97

Laundry: $10.00

Weather: 88•F sunny

Mood: better :)

Weight: 274 lbs.

Therapy went well today. We found alot of practical solutions to my problems. Afterward, I took my birds outside, cleaned up around the house, rested for a while, and then went to a wifi spot to post this blog. I may go to Rouse's later and maybe the cafe after that. 

Sunday, May 19, 2013

COH: $119.72

EBT: $110.99

Phone: 285.00

Visa: $1.97

Laundry: $10.00

Weather: 84•F sunny and cloudy 

Mood: worried, a little down 

Weight: 274 lbs.

I took the parakeets outside today, picked up around the house, and showered. Amadeo, Dawn, and Mills went to the Bayou Festival. I went grocery shopping at Dollar General, and now I am at McDonald's posting this blog. Later, I will wash clothes, call Lou, and chat with Dyanis.

In other news, the cat has been whining and moaning alot today and lately. I think  he is bored and wants to go outside, but he would get lost again if we let him out. I  don't know what to do :(

Sunday, May 12, 2013

COH: $118.86

EBT: $147.69

Phone: 259.40

Visa: $35.62

Laundry: $1.00

Weather: 75°F sunny and partly cloudy

Mood: pretty good

Weight: 272 lbs.

Today is Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day! I will call Mom later. Today, we slept in late, until about noon, because we were up late last night. Amadeo was working on a project for a Mother's Day present for Dawn. I did the usual morning routine, then I brought my birds outside to clean the cages, freshen up their food and water, and let them have fresh air and sunshine. 

Last night, when I was chatting with Dyanis online in the courtyard, the cat jumped on top of the parakeets' cages and knocked down the nest box with the breeding hen in it. There was debris and broken eggs all over the floor, and I lost two fertile eggs. That damn cat! This has happened before with stinky butt, so although I am upset that this happened, I am a little desensitized to it. I know it's their nature, but I can't have them keep doing that. 

I do everything I can to prevent it.I moved the table and ladder so the cat cannot easily jump on top of the refrigerator. I put Plexiglass in front of the cages, to block the cat from getting to the birds. Yesterday, I got a spray water bottle to spray the cat when he tries to go for my birds. After I cleaned up the mess, last night, I put hook straps around each nest box to keep them from falling. The lady from Bird's Unlimited suggested that and so far it is working great. I hope the nest box does not get knocked down again.  

Later, I might go grocery shopping, chat with Dyanis, and maybe go to The Bean Gallery.

Monday, May 6, 2013

COH: $118.15
EBT: $0.00
Phone: 298.60
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $3.50
Weather: 61•F sunny
Mood: good
Weight: 275 lbs.

No therapy today because Anya is out visiting her mother. Instead, Caitlin from NAMI is meeting with me to do more case work.

Right now, I am out with the parakeets after having showered. Later, I need to go grocery shopping and put money on my Visa card at Money Mart.

The appointment went great. We worked on a service plan and next Tuesday, we go to LRS intake appointment in Metairie.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

COH: $117.28
EBT: $0.00
Phone: 300.20
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $3.50
Weather: 61•F sunny
Mood: tired
Weight: 275 lbs.

Not doing much today. Stayed up until 2 last night and woke up at 7:30. I couldn't sleep past the sunrise, and we were all up late last night.

I took the parakeets outside and fed them bread, lettuce, apples, and millet inside a foraging toy.

Mills came over and I ate apples and oranges. The sprayer hose on the kitchen sink has a hole in it, and water sprays everywhere when you use it. I will ask Shazzad to fix it on Monday.

I have no plans for today and I am kind of bored. Nothing is open today so I will have to find something to do, like maybe go for a walk, ride my bike, go to the store, or go through my Magic cards.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

COH: $148.53
EBT: $0.00
Phone: 324.20
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $10.00
Weather: 72•F sunny
Mood: great!
Weight: 270 lbs.

I got up early today and did the morning chores. Dawn got us breakfast from McDonald's. I took my birds outside, got some quarters from the store, them started washing clothes. Actually, Amadeo beat me to it and started the first load of white clothes. We bleached it.
Later, Sam and I are hanging out. There's not much to do today, but it's ok because I am relaxing :)

Monday April 29, 2013

COH: $146.08
EBT: $18.54
Phone: 115.20
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $2.50
Weather: 73•F sunny
Mood: great!
Weight: 270 lbs.

Therapy today went great. I had some CBT to think more positively about my life as well as some ideas for long term work. We came up with putting up an ad on Craigslist offering cleaning services for construction sites, houses, or pet sitting.

I honestly feel like my calling is to be a servant like my name suggests. I feel so right when I do it, and I am so good at it and love it that it almost is not work at all. I think I have found my ticket to success. Now all I have to do is give it a try.

I have interview with Caitlin from NAMI in half an hour. She will be getting to know me and my lifestyle so we know what I need help with. Later I am going to cook spaghetti.

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.

Friday April 26, 2013

COH: $145.45
EBT: $39.64
Phone: 160.60
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $0.00
Weather: 75•F overcast
Mood: a little antsy but good
Weight: 263 lbs.

Went to work today. We finished picking up the boards, removing the nails, and removing the windows and facia.

At 1:00, I drove Mills' truck to and from the clinic to get my meds. He asked me to drive it to save time and I was very careful with it. Thankfully, nothing happened to his truck.

We got off early, around 5:00, after a hard day, and we got paid. It was in 1/2 dollars again, lol, but that's ok; money is money .

I went home, unpacked, and went to DG for some kitchen trash bags. When I got home, Dawn let me have the rest of her Angus burger :) it was delicious, but only a snack. I set some meat defrosting for later when I cook spaghetti.

Right now, the parakeets are outside getting fresh air. As usual, they love it. I think all bird owners should do this. It is even good for me to be outside. Earlier, I serviced the cage as well as the food and water outside the door for the stray black cat. I love that thing.

Anyway, going to take it easy tonight. It has been a long week. I worked 5 days and got paid $150. I got all my spending out of my system for now, so I think I will save it for something later like my car.

Sunday April 21, 2013

COH: $30.54
EBT: $103.19
Phone: 202.80
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $2.00
Weather: 66•F sunny
Mood: a little antsy but good

I took my parakeets outside, went for a walk today and stopped at the Bean Gallery. We are going to play Magic at Sam's place @ 5:00 today. Maik, Lou, and Michelle will be joining us. It will be great.

Today is the first day I stopped taking Abilify. I could not take the restlessness it gives me. I still feel jittery because it has a long half life. It's ok because the doctor said I could stop taking it if I wanted to. I think it's for the best. I can't live my life not being able to sit still for 2 seconds. I am better off without it.

Monday April 15, 2013

COH: $12.82
EBT: $121.79
Phone: 82.20
Visa: $0.62
Laundry: $1.75
Weather: 73•F rainy and cloudy
Mood: jittery still, but feeling better.

Went to therapy today, and it was great. The solution to my restlessness is to stay cool, drink plenty of water, exercise to burn off excess energy, and drop down to 1/2 a pill of Abilify every day. I cut the pills for the rest of the week and put them in a newly bought daily dose container. I was advised by one of the worker's at New Hope to get one, and I agree, because it helps me remember if I have taken my dose that day or not.

I cleaned the bird cages today, as well as some other things. I walked alot, too.

Yesterday, Amadeo and I watched "The Story of Luke", a film about a young man with autism who is trying to get a job, girlfriend, and fit in with the rest of the world. Alot of the content in the movie applied to me, and Amadeo gained a greater understanding of what I go through after he watched the movie. For that, I am grateful, because he cares enough to research my condition. We talked a bunch during breaks in the movie, and we got alot of communication through to each other. It was great! :)