Wednesday: Service Pins and Doctor's Appointments

I tried to go to bed "early" - I was in bed by 2:00 a.m.  I had already said my nightly prayers, but I said more prayers in bed.  I meditated.  I cuddled Dancer,  I got out of bed and turned off the ceiling fan and turned on the stand fan.  I went back to bed.  I turned over.  I adjusted my pillows.  I turned over, again.  The last time I looked at the clock, it was 3:30 a.m.  The first alarm went off at 6:30 a.m.; I turned it off and slept another 10 minutes until the second alarm went off.  Then, I got up.

Had a cup of coffee, texted my daughter, got washed and dressed and left the house  by 7:15 a.m.   I got downtown a little after 8:00 a.m.  The meeting had started by the time I reached the auditorium, but that was OK.  The director was giving his welcome speech and department update, which went on till about 8:30 a.m.  It was followed by someone else doing another presentation about his division's recent achievements.  The service pins were awarded only after that.  There was someone who received his 40 years of service pin.  And then, it was my turn.  I received my pin and was congratulated by the director, two deputy directors, the head of our personnel section, and my division head.  Then, even though the meeting was still going on, I left.

I walked over to the next building, where the retirement office was located, to ask a couple of questions that I had about the paperwork that I have yet to submit.  After that, I drove home.  I was home by 10:30 a.m., in good time to have breakfast - a rice cake, spread with some cream cheese and a little bit of apricot jam.

I replied to blog comments and checked emails, etc. and just took it easy until about noon.  Then, I left for my doctor's appointment with the radiation oncologist.  It was scheduled for 1:30 a.m., but, I left a little after noon because traffic can be so uncertain.  I didn't want to feel rushed.  But, traffic wasn't bad until I reached downtown.  As a result, I was at the doctor's office around 12:45 p.m.  Which was OK, because I didn't mind waiting.  The office was nice and cool, there was a TV and fish tank in the waiting room, and I had taken some knitting with me.  I watched the fish and knitted, and ignored the TV.

I'm sure they called me in before my appointed time.  I was weighed and my blood pressure, etc. were checked and all were good.  The results from the blood tests my primary care physician had ordered had come in and the radiation oncologist said they looked fine; but I'll go over them in detail with my primary care physician when I see her on Friday.  The only area of concern were the results from the bone density scan, but I've already discussed them with the oncologist and we will discuss them further when I next see him.

On my way home, I stopped by the smaller Armenian grocery store and bought another loaf of their very delicious bread ($1.50) and some white champagne grapes ($.99/lb = $1.36); not exactly bread and wine, but I don't drink wine or anything alcoholic, so it's my equivalent!

Bread and Champagne Grapes

 
I spent a total of $2.86 at the store:

Receipt

This, too, will be added to the August Week 2 groceries total, at the end of the week.

I had some of the bread with seeni sambol, which is another type of spicy onion relish.  This bread reminds me so much of the type of bread we used to have when I was growing up!  Then, I had some of the grapes.  I also put two eggs to hard boil for egg salad, for later.

I rested in the afternoon and wrote most of this post while I did so.  I felt a little sleepy, around 5:00 p.m., but I didn't want to take a nap.  Fortunately, Aunt C called to tell me that she and cousin N were back from their trip to France.  We chatted for a bit and then, I made myself a cup of tea and watched the evening news.  No such thing as a "slow news day", these days.

I had planned to put water to the front garden, but cousin P called and left a message and then, I called her back and by the time we finished our conversation, it was already dusk; I prefer to water the front when it is still light (just in case the fleas are out!)  I did turn on the sprinklers at the back, though. 

Later, I cleaned the dressing table and mirror.  I tossed some old lip balm and old lotion and a few other things.  There's more to toss, but I got tired!   

Today, I am grateful for:
- Receiving my service pin in recognition of my 35 years of service
- Good blood test results
- A good visit with the radiation oncologist
- A safe drive to my appointments and back
- Fresh bread and sweet grapes

Wednesday's To Do List:
- Attend the staff meeting/receive my service pin - DONE
- Go to the doctor's appointment in the afternoon - DONE
- Clean my bedroom

• dresser & mirror - DONE
• ceiling fan & light fixture - Thursday

- Water the front garden and back - DID the back; will do the front on Thursday

- Do the dishes - Not done yet

- Clean the litter box - Not done yet

Thursday's To Do List:
- Change and launder sofa dust covers
- Change and launder bed sheets
- Shopping - flea spray, baking soda, vacuum cleaner bags
- Clean the ceiling fan and light fixture in the bedroom
- Vacuum? 
- Water the front garden

How was your Wednesday?  How long do you keep old lotions and shampoo, etc.?