What to do when life becomes overwhelming

Y'know, for a guy who isn't working, I sure have a lot of stuff going on. Trying to finish the taxes (I filed an extension, but the deadline is coming up—long story). I'm behind on some other things and trying to work through them. Despite health issues, I am able to work, though I would be best at doing what I've been doing for a long time, which is pretty much engineering support—drafting/design, technical writing and illustration. It's frustrating when people tell me to "go apply at a warehouse" (Amazon, Costco, etc.) or "get a fast food job" when they don't know my state of health. There are personal transportation issues, as in "needing reliable transportation." I'm still planning to rid myself of that tragic carpet on my face. And there's the never ending fight to try and keep myself healthy, vertical and breathing. These days, life is kind of like trying to fit a full-sized, five-course meal onto a dessert plate. If nothing else, at least I'm sleeping well and getting enough.

As I mentioned previously, I've connected with the local Baptist church. The last time I was there, I asked Pastor Glenn if I could arrange a time to sit down with him and just...talk. I have no doubt that he can point me in a better direction than the one I'm heading in. He's really busy this week, but he said that perhaps sometime next week could work, and that he would be glad to spend some time with me.

A couple of friends invited me to join them at Six Flags Magic Mountain (SFMM) this week. I think I'll take them up on their invitation because I could use that. Fright Fest is going on out there and they'll be open late. SFMM is one of my happy places, and a visit out there always puts a smile on my face. Mom and family are going to visit this weekend to help me with some things at home.

Today's post was mostly written for me to vent a little. At some point, all of the crap will be over and everything will be all right once again.

A rambling visit to the Planet

It felt so good to be able to write a new post last week. So much so that I wanted to try it again. Like last time, I'm at the library. They got new computers with some funky keyboards, but I'm sure they'll grow on me over time.

Speaking of growing...

By now, most of you know that during the early months of this year, I have regrown my beard. Something's wrong with it because it's all gray—like it's old or something. A few days ago, I overheard a guy tell someone to "go ask that Methuselah-looking guy over there." That calls for me to rethink having such a monstrosity adorn my face. I never wanted to grow it in first place, but when the simple act of shaving becomes difficult, it's just easier to let the hair grow and the beard flow. While I'm still fighting the fatigue that caused me to grow it in the first place, there comes a time when it's gone far enough and must meet its doom. That time is soon. Perhaps I'll write a post with before and after photos—for shock value if for nothing else. The police can update their files with my new photos. I'm not easy to catch so they'll have their hands full.

Getting around the Planet has been difficult as of late. The three cars at our house are anywhere from 15 to 20 years old, and all are running poorly or not at all. Common sense says to "just get a new one." Easier said than done—especially now because even used cars are hard to come by. It's all related to COVID-19, so they say. Not having worked for awhile doesn't help, either, as it takes money to acquire a car.

Have I rambled enough yet in this post? I think so. I'd better not say any more about the things that are bugging me at the moment or I'll end up getting into things that need to be kept quiet for the time being.

I'm thankful for being able to get back into my blog and do some writing, whether it makes sense or not, and whether it's a long or short post. Any way I can do it, it's good for me.

Looks like I'm back

Didn't think you'd see me again, did you? Honestly, neither did I. When you don't have a computer, you use your tablet if you have one. Mine worked enough for me to write while the library was closed, but it ran out of memory then went all josoco and stopped working altogether. I thought I was sunk.

I don't recall if I've written about having started to attend church where I live. Like most things, I'm slow to jump in with both feet, so I haven't officially joined this church as of yet. But I do enjoy going and there are some wonderful people there. They just got a new pastor last spring, and in my opinion, he's a keeper. Pastor Glenn Bezerra is young and brings a whole new dimension to a conservative Southern Baptist church. From what I've seen, he's really given the church a good kickstart. Reaching out to the community is high on Pastor Glenn's agenda, and the church has planned or will plan events that involve the community. With five acres of property, there's a ton of room. A recent event was a block party. Everyone at church was invited and encouraged to bring family, friends and neighbors. They had a ton of food—American, Brazilian, Filipino and Mexican. (I had a little of each.) There were games, music and a raffle. I even won a new tablet. (I was surprised because I usually never win anything.) I invited my mom, my sister and my nephew. All of them had a good time, got to take a tour of the church, and they got to meet Pastor Glenn.

It's been about a month since the picnic and I haven't yet set up the tablet. But I'm behind on most things these days. Overall, I'm not feeling well. Even though I'm fully vaccinationated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines, I'm still struggling. After my poor Honda quit running last December, I've been driving Diana's old Corolla, and now it needs a ton of work. Per my last post, I still haven't been out to take a much-needed coaster ride. Taxes. Issues with my home. *SIGH* 2021 may go down as a worse year than 2020.

This wasn't a world record-breaking post in terms of length. But it's enough for me to reconnect with both of my readers. Despite the challenges, I think I'll be OK when all is said and done.