31 October 2009

Out Again

Hush Puppy and I got together after he got off work. We visited here for a while before heading out. And wasn’t it a Chiflado Day, gorgeous, just gorgeous. We went the Delivery Market for a late lunch. See why I’m called Chiflado?

Of course it never fails. We sat down and were chatting while our order was prepared. Next to us, of all the empty tables around us mind you, plopped two ladies with twin monsters. Now, Chiflado likes children don’t get me wrong, but these two were so out of control and were just too much for the two women. They finally left with their food to go and apologized to everyone in the store.

I forgot it’s Halloween, there were a lot of people in costume downtown. That and tourists for a Notre Dame football game. I don’t know which were funnier to stare at.

We came back and visited a while longer before I walked Hush Puppy to the bus stop; I have to look out after my baby sister.

Happy Halloween!

30 October 2009

Out and About

Mess rang me up today also. He said it was a beautiful day and that I should get out. I did not tell him of my lunch plans, but I did say I was going out.

After lunch, I went to pick up my last HOPWA check. It was a weird experience because it’s been part of my routine for so long. She said it was nice working with me. I told her I’d think of them in my suicide note and left.

As I was leaving, the receptionist asked if she’d be seeing me next month, like she already knew that was my last check. I told her no but as I started walking to the bus stop I wondered if the whole agency knew it was my last check. You know how people talk and it upset me a little bit, but what can I do?

I know all about burning bridges and I’m not about to raise a stink because I can always reapply for HOPWA next year. I guess the bright side is I don’t have to jump through their hoops, that’s one bit of stress I can delete from my routine.

Now I have the stress of waiting to hear from housing. I’m still on their list and my complex does accept housing vouchers. Keep me in your prayers and light a candle for me please.

Mexican Manhattan

Purple 13 rang me up and invited me to lunch today. She works downtown so we get to have a ladies lunch periodically. Plus I wanted to gossip about something I might write about down the road.

We went to the Mexican Manhattan. Some people like it and some people don’t, we like it and not just for the hottie waiter! The food they serve is like Mamacita makes and the portions are generous. It was a late lunch so that was it for Chiflado for the day.

Chiflado had the Manhattan Dinner which is a guacamole salad, two beef enchiladas, rice and beans and the tortillas are home made. The Manhattan is practically hidden in the middle of boarded up businesses and has been there for decades. Here is their website:
http://www.mexicanmanhattan.com/

29 October 2009

New Meds

Just got back from the pharmacy. Remember we’re trying something more aggressive to boost my CD-4 count. Instead of 13 pills a day, I’m up to 15 a day.

We eliminated Atripla for Truvada, Reyataz and Norvir, the bright side being I only take them once a day also. They’ll be part of my Saturday routine of pill sorting. I’m quite excited about this and I hope the sarcasm comes through loud and clear.

I’ve been on a downer for a while now. I try not to let things overwhelm me but they sneak up on me and attack full force. I haven’t been out of the house in days now spending my time surfing the net. I cannot focus on movies or a book right now either.

People worry about me but they shouldn’t. I’m used to being alone and they misinterpret it as lonely. So don’t worry about me, concentrate on your lives please.

26 October 2009

Manic Monday

It’s a fabulous October Monday. It’s raining buckets out there and it’s in the 50’s, perfect weather for a walk to clear Chiflado’s mind. I’m still on auto-pilot but I did wind up at the post office so I checked my mail while I was there.

With all the loonies in downtown San Antonio, no one turned to look at a grown man walking in the rain in shorts and a polo shirt. Hey, I’ve seen tourists jogging in worse weather. My window’s open letting in cool northern air but don’t worry, Chiflado is invincible.

It’s times like this that I miss cawfee. I’d probably make two pots on a gorgeous day like today. Tea doesn’t do it for me neither does oatmeal. I woke up before the rain hit and I’m ready for a nap already. I'll wait until I dry off first.

25 October 2009

Mortality

Like I said before, why bother? As soon as we’re born, we’re ready to die. I am just that much closer to the big finale. And with all the advances, AIDS patients are living longer than ever, like that’s a fun fact.

Yes look on the bright side, but there’s still the gloom and doom there no matter what. Believe me I’ve heard them all; the glass is half full, lemons, make lemonade, etc, etc.


And the one that gets me is, you’ve got so much to offer. Like what, cure cancer? Or I can always write my great American novel, but I’ve got so many ideas how does one decide on one over the other?

Death haunts me. It’s the next logical step. I’ve thought of suicide for way too many decades, but I don’t have the courage to do it. I’m a wuss. Counselors and other people say it’s the coward’s way out, but I’ve talked to other people in my boat and it does take a lot of courage to pull the trigger, jump off the ledge, etc.

I actually went on-line one day to see if I could buy cyanide but they only sell it in 55 gallon drums! Someone suggested I write for a sample, it should only take a dose right? Don’t worry dear readers, Chiflado will never take the plunge; he has no cojones to do the deed.

Oh, I love this, they say no people are dying from AIDS anymore, it’s heart disease, liver failure, some kind of cancer, or a number of other things. Like that’s comforting to know.

Well that’s my Sunday diatribe. Have a great week.

23 October 2009

Dr.'s Visit

First the good news, my cholesterol level and triglycerides went down, so my new diet seems to be working. I’m still undetectable which is great; we all strive for that and a high CD-4 count.

The bad news is my CD-4 count went down for some reason. I’ve been taking my meds religiously, so what went wrong? We decided to switch meds to something more aggressive, or so I hope. I just dropped off my script at the pharmacy for next week.

I’m on auto-pilot right now. First the bad news about my housing situation and now my low t-cell count. I just don’t get it. I put out good karma and then I get hit with elephant dung from the whole herd!

Calm down. Relax. Inhale. I can see light at the end of the long tunnel. Believe it Chiflado.

HOPWA Update

So I met with my case manager and it flat out looks grim. It looks like I will be off HOPWA after November. I’ve reached the end of my rope and there’s no hope for Chiflado. All I can ask is keep me in your prayers.

He wanted to go in one direction that seemed promising but when I came home and looked at my records, it’s a no go. I just hate giving up. Before this illness, I was in charge of my life and nothing could stop me. Now I’m at the whims of someone else.

Needless to say, Chiflado is not feeling great, like he ever was to begin with. I think I’ll drink my half glass of lemonade. I will survive.

21 October 2009

Counseling

Chiflado had a great visit with his counselor today. We talked about my HOPWA situation, she reads the blog so she knows what’s going on and we got right to business. I am truly blessed to have her in my life and consider her part of my support system.

I feel safe in the womb of the room like I mentioned earlier. And I always leave like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. She asked about Mess and Hush Puppy and considers me lucky to have friends like that. Blessed is what I am.

CentroMed Clinics

CentroMed is the clinic I go to for everything from lab work, test results, nutritional counseling, and counseling. I am very happy with the treatment I get there.

They also provide instructional luncheons and dinners at various restaurants throughout SA. All the topics deal with HIV awareness in some form or another. Chiflado has been to enough that he is well educated in the HIV realm.

I just got back from such a dinner and honey, no rain’s gonna stop Chiflado from a free meal! For more info on Centro click here: http://www.centromedsa.com/

19 October 2009

The Lost Symbol

I just read The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, author of Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code. I must say I was disappointed.

It’s redundant and he gets repetitious at certain points. As in the previous novels, all the action takes place in one night. It also seems that Brown used his imagination very well and was more verbose than necessary.

This time, symbologist Langdon is called in to Washington to give a last minute lecture but winds up involved in a mystery involving the Free Masons. The book randomly goes from the current time frame to the past and back again. It is easy to keep up with it all but it gets annoying when something is happening and then we’re whisked off 10 years earlier.

And the book reads like a movie script at times and a boring movie at that. There is CIA involvement since there is a potential leak and the CIA agent in charge is one of the two interesting characters. The other is the antagonist who knows a lot of Masonry, but the striking things about him are his height and his tattoos.

We are taken to some of Washington’s historical sights and when we get to the climax, it’s so anti-climactic which is when I realized I read this for this pay-off? I am a Dan Brown fan but I would not recommend this.

Of course everyone’s gonna read it expecting something spectacular like the above two novels. I just re-read The Da Vinci Code and loved it. Brown has written some other novels that I have yet to read but I hope they do not let me down like this one.

18 October 2009

Bad News

Being the realist that I am, I thought this would happen. I follow their rules and regulations, but I was turned down for my HOPWA reassessment this month. I just got the news today.

There is a formal grievance procedure and I have been through it before. But this time I wonder if it’s even worth it. I’ve been sensing gloom and doom and sure enough it happened.

I personally think their formula is a little outdated and should be modified. And this year I will not be getting a raise as ya’ll may have heard. So I’m gonna sit down with my case manager and see what we can do. I’m still on the housing list just waiting for them to call me.

We’ll see what happens.

Family Time

Chiflado spent quality time with his two favourite nieces yesterday. Nothing says loving like the warmth of family.

Sometimes it’s just nice not to think of AIDS and when we visit, we talk about everything and everyone we know. We all have our aches and pains but we were just so happy being in each other’s company.

D and her husband picked me up and we ran some errands and picked up take-out then it was off to B’s home for our mini-reunion. B is married also and has two wonderful children I adore. Sometimes we don’t see each other in weeks, or in my case, months, but when we get together it’s like we haven’t seen each other since yesterday.

We had a great meal and homemade cake and we made some more memories. Too quickly it was Chiflado’s bedtime and he had some pill taking to do as well and they knew it.

B packed up some yummies for me for the next couple of days and D and her husband drove me home. It’s great to love and be loved.

16 October 2009

Delivery Market

Purple 13 invited me to lunch and since there was nothing on my calendar, I said yes. Here’s to the ladies that lunch…

We went to Delivery Market on E. Houston. They have a deli with great sandwiches, subs, and pizzas. I’ve always been one for a Philly steak sandwich and it was delicious. It also came with a potato salad made out of baked potatoes.

You can also buy some sundry items and they deliver. It’s just a walk for Chiflado, so if I need anything I’ll just walk over. Highly recommended of course and here’s their website: http://www.deliverymarketsa.com/

14 October 2009

India Palace

Mess rang me up and asked if I wanted to go to lunch today. After checking my calendar, I said I was indeed free for lunch. We talked about places to go to and when I said Indian, he was sold.

Located in a shopping strip in the Medical Centre, the place is spacious and well lit even with the tinted windows. For a minute Mess thought it might rain. The restaurant is now located several storefronts from the previous location.

Well Dear Readers, the food is still fabulous. They have a buffet or you can order off the menu, but we headed for the buffet area, that way you can get a little of everything and give your taste buds a treat. Nothing I had was bad; my favourite is spinach paneer over a bed of basmati rice.

There were several chicken dishes including tandoori chicken and chicken curry, and vegetarian dishes as well. We were kinda surprised to see a beef dish seeing as how the cow is holy in India, but I guess Texas got its way here. For dessert I got some mango custard that just hit the spot and Mess got some fresh fruit.


I highly recommend India Palace for a nice time out. For more info, click here: http://www.indiapalacesa.com/

Majestic Theatre


I should mention we saw Mamma Mia! at the Majestic Theatre downtown. The Majestic Theatre is San Antonio’s oldest and largest atmospheric theatre.
In 1975, the theatre was listed on the National Register of Historical Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993. Designed by architect John Eberson in 1929, it is also home to the San Antonio Symphony.
Words cannot begin to describe the grandeur that is the Majestic. Recently restored down to the aquarium in the lobby. As you face the stage you can see all the intricate craftsmanship that went into building this classic building.
I remember as a child how in awe I was of the theatre and even now it manages to impress me. I highly recommend seeing a show at the Majestic just to experience an age gone by.

12 October 2009

Jazz Station

Mess hooked me up with another jazz station that I want to pass on to ya'll. This one is out of Portland http://www.kmhd.org/ Hope ya'll enjoy.

11 October 2009

Headstone

This says it all!

10 October 2009

Wal-Mart

Hush Puppy turned me on to this website. Sure makes me glad I'm not a Wal-Mart shopper! I cannot believe people leave the house looking like this. Do they own mirrors? Click here for more: http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

Weather

We have been having the most phenomenal weather lately. After quite the hot summer with temperatures in the 100’s, it has been a welcome change. Shallow Chiflado that I am, I have the weather set on my home page for San Antonio and Paris.

The weather has been very similar in both places and reminds me of my week in Paris. The difference being that in Paris I was out all over the place and here I am in my sanctuary. Yesterday’s morning rain was quite needed and at least I didn’t get rained on in Paris.

I’ve had the window open for the past few days letting in that cool blast and today I had the last of my chicken soup. The clouds do not bring me down, au contraire; I love this kind of weather. It’s the Texas heat and humidity I abhor.

08 October 2009

Out and about

I actually went out today, and in this humidity. That time of the year for lab work and I hate it when she takes out vial after vial as she looks at the work order. That’s enough I said, she laughed and kept on getting more vials ready. At least it didn’t hurt because I’ve heard horror stories.

I got a quick bite to eat and then it was off to the pharmacy. No week is complete without a visit to the pharmacy. Of course I’m on a first name basis with everyone and usually when they see me walk in the door they go get my order.

Next stop, library. I had to drop off some DVDs and pick up some. I’m watching Mad Men and don’t see what the big hoopla is all about. Well, one could say there’s Jon Hamm, but it’s nothing but a soap opera set in an advertising firm. I do like the characters though.

All this by 10 a.m., not bad for an HIVer. And I did it all on foot, since I don’t have the luxury/bother of a car. Looks like I’m in for the rest of the day again.

07 October 2009

Planning ahead

I have always been an organized person, I like to plan ahead. How I wish I could plan a visit to Paris!

The other day I was at Office Depot getting my Norton anti-virus and also bought a calendar for next year. I guess that means I’m planning on being around another year at least.

Some days I just don’t feel like going out. What’s the point? I don’t have any money to spend and I literally have everything I need here. Today was one of those days. I had a bagel for breakfast and made some chicken soup for the next couple of days. I’ve felt something coming on, hence the soup along with some aspirin.

Not to mention the humidity. Why go out if you don’t have to? People get concerned that I don’t go out. Hey, it’s my business. I go out when I have to and come back home ASAP. There’s no place like home.

06 October 2009

Percy Jackson

What if the Greek gods were still alive in the 21st century? San Antonio's own Rick Riordan has brought them to life in a series of children’s books that I highly recommend. Our hero, Percy Jackson is a demi-god, son of Poseidon and a mortal woman.

Twelve-year old Percy finds out the truth and is whisked off to a demi-god camp on Long Island where he meets other demi-gods. The first book is The Lightening Thief and he sets out on a quest with a satyr and a daughter of Athena. Along the way he meets other mythological creatures and gods to deter or help him.

There are five books and they must be read in order and each book is a one day read. Of course Hollywood has taken notice and the film comes out in February and Chiflado will be in queue to see it.

Riordan has also written some adult mystery novels that I will read as soon as I get a chance. For more info, click here: http://www.rickriordan.com/

03 October 2009

Houston St Bistro

After the musical was over, my high school buddy, Purple13, took me to a fabulous restaurant almost next door to the theatre.

The Houston St Bistro is a posh almost hole in the wall. It is very theatre oriented with murals of Hollywood’s famous people from yesteryear. The menu is cute in that each entrĂ©e is named for a play or musical. She had the Cabaret which is a chicken breast in marsala sauce over angel hair pasta. I had the Avenue Q, duh! A grilled to perfection New York strip with mashed potatoes and asparagus. It was so perfect I did not even have to season it. Oh and the bread is freshly baked and my Caesar salad quite yummy.

The atmosphere was congenial and the service exceptional. They do take reservations but we got in no problem. They also have some great luncheon specials during the week. I have walked past this restaurant so many times since I live downtown and never went in, but guess what?, I highly recommend it.

Hope yall try it out sometime. Or call me and I’ll meet you there!

Dancing Queen

No, I did not go out clubbing! Just got back from seeing Mamma Mia! at the Majestic Theatre. It’s only my fourth time and this is as good as the Toronto version I saw before it went to Broadway.

Based on Abba songs, the musical tells the story of a young woman’s search for her father. She is about to get married and after reading her mother’s diary, there are three potential men in the running, so she invites them to the wedding hoping she will know which is her dad.

It was quite the pick-me-up after my week. Theater is in Chiflado’s genes and if I cannot be onstage I may as well be in the audience. This is one musical I can always recommend.

Blanco Cafe

Chiflado went to Blanco Cafe with his friend the other day and I had the green chicken enchiladas. Theses are chicken enchiladas with a tomatillo sauce and a dollop of sour cream. Quite the tasty dish.

My friend is part of my support system and I have known her since high school. Our friendship goes back that far back although we lost track of each other while I lived elsewhere, but I'm back and we found each other.

Chiflado didn't feel like doing anything for breakfast this rainy Saturday morning so guess where I went? I had the chilaquiles which are out of this world, the plate comes with beans and potatoes and the customary tortillas. Chilaquiles are tortilla pieces with egg and cheese and a bit on the spicy side. Chiflado was sated.

For more info on the Blanco cafe, click here http://blancocafe.net/

01 October 2009

Tattoo

I forgot. While in Paris, I got the most fabulous tattoo of the Eiffel Tower on my right forearm. Very detail work for only 65 Euros, that’s under $100. It’s a great conversation piece as everybody notices it.

That is my fifth tattoo, but far from the last. All my tattoos have a meaning behind them, but this was my birthday gift to myself. I guess I forgot to mention also that I went the week of my birthday. I celebrated with a slice of strawberry torte and an espresso.

I really should go back. My psychiatrist highly recommends I return. There’s always the Lotto.