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!
31 October 2009
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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.
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/
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/
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
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.
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.
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