Tonight's List of Random Thoughts

[eurydicebound]

1. This is my third year of being unemployed at/around Christmas. I was not supposed to be unemployed now. I cannot tell you how much this sucks, especially as Santa is not supposed to have a budget per se.

2. I feel like I'm almost sort of getting a handle on what to do about my diet so that I could see some results. Today was the second day of no cokes. I did have a soda, but it didn't have caffeine. My son has offered to finish off the last root beer for me, taking a bullet on his mom's behalf. I've drank roughly a gallon of water today, hitting my target in at least one area. Go me.

3. It's been a year, and the town my parents live in has still not corrected its water supply. Technically, they still have to boil their water. My parents disagree as to whether or not this is necessary -- my mom says that whatever it is that's in it won't kill you unless you drink it for years; given that I grew up in this town and was there for three years three years ago, I don't feel the need to add to my exposure. Also, water filters don't apparently help.

Of course, my parents drink mostly soda and bottled water (mostly soda), but this means that if I manage to get to the amount of water I'm supposed to be drinking, then I'll be going through their water supplies at a gallon a day there too -- only the closest grocery with cheap bottled water is 40 miles away. Soda is as cheap or cheaper and is available locally. I'm stuck there for two weeks. Anyone want to give odds as to whether or not I'll be able to stay off sodas while I'm there? :(

4. I got slightly more concrete information about the job I've been waiting for today. Apparently it managed to get lost in processing twice, but is now proceeding along (in theory if not in practice). I also started applying for other work today. I want that job, but there are limits (like a month-and-a-half of unscheduled unemployment and counting).

5. Rosie got a bath today. As a result, she is far more pleasant to be around. Yay baths.

Comments

[mysticalforest.livejournal.com]

This is my third year of being unemployed at/around Christmas.

Ha! Me too!
My contract ends on Dec. 21. Even if it's extended, WotC goes on break the 21st and doesn't resume 'till the 1st or 2nd, so it's 10 straight days (counting weekends) of nuthin'.

Upside: Don't have to go out into the cold as much!

[anaka.livejournal.com]

Your contract ends? I didn't realize you were doing a contract gig. I'd hoped it was full time. I'm sorry to hear that, hon.

[jesshartley.livejournal.com]

while you're there, can you buy bottled water by the gallon rather than the serving size? At least here, it's much less expensive that way (less than a dollar a gallon, versus about 20 cents a bottle by the flat or 1.49 a bottle single serving (WTF?) I just realized how insanely overpriced that makes single serving size drinks. Doh. But, yeah, pick up a couple of gallons while you're at the store and keep one in the fridge to drink from.

[anaka.livejournal.com]

Yes, I will be doing so. There's just nothing that puts you off drinking the required amount of water like knowing it's rationed.

Careful, there.

[anidada.livejournal.com]

I understand your mom's theory, but... if they're saying the water's gotta be boiled, it's probably best to do so. Can you make one trip to help them stock up on bottled water, while you're there? Or get a friend to do so?

*hugs you lots* I hope you get something awesome, job-wise. *writes to Santa*

Re: Careful, there.

[anaka.livejournal.com]

I know it had to be boiled at one time. I don't think that still applies now (that much they would have had to correct regardless). My problem, of course, is that I'm hearing it second hand, and neither of my parents can remember exactly what they said was in the water, though I believe it is not bacterial in nature... it was for a while, but they fixed that in theory... gah. I don't know. I hate that town, though.

[exilesletter.livejournal.com]

...Please boil the water. "A Civil Action," anybody? Michelle, please. Do not jeopardize your health. I don't care how inconvenient it is or how many people don't do it and are "just fine" or who says that it's really not necessary to go to all that trouble. Spend, what, 10 minutes daily? to boil water for the day. Put it into empty gallon bottles. Encourage your parents to drink from them -- do enough for all of you.

You said you were worried about finding things to do while you were there, right? Here you go! A daily task that's useful to your parents, and, oh yes, imperative for your health. Do not resort to soda just because it's a little inconvenient. That stuff is Concentrated Toxic in a Can.

Do I sound adamant? I am adamant. I am also not above begging: Please.

[anaka.livejournal.com]

Don't worry, hon. Actually drinking the tap water was never on the menu regardless. I will not do the stupid thing, I promise. *hug*