Busy, Busy, Busy

Rough week coming up. For reasons unknown, our store, which isn't staffed particularly heavy in either customer service representatives or management personnel, is loaning help out to other stores. While this creates a greater challenge for us on every shift to complete required tasks, it also creates the opportunity for overtime in one's home store, a rarity to be sure. Presently, I'm waiting to hear if I work on Tuesday or have the day off and am subsequently available for my oldest son's re-admittance meeting at Student Services. Roughly a week ago, he punched another kid in the face when that child insulted his mother. Noble sentiments, perhaps, but still poor decision making. We've tried to explain to him that the other kid's words hold power only if he allows them to, but he's headstrong and short-tempered. I certainly hope he's able to return, not only for the sake of his education, but for the sake of my sanity; if he stays home much longer, I may have to arrange for an abortion in the forty-fifth trimester.

On Wednesday, I have an appointment with my new doctor to go over some test results from my recent routine physical. Routine in name, anyway; the tests ran confirmed a past diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism and revealed its severity. I'm expecting the topic of surgery to come up during this appointment, and that makes me none too comfortable. Save for wisdom teeth extraction, I've managed to make it forty years without being cut open for anything, so I'm not anxious to start now. At the same time, I can't deny a strong urge to be rid of this condition. It was an eye-opener to me to see the long list of symptoms for hyperparathyroidism and realize how long I've been dealing with them. I was diagnosed with clinical depression around the time I began passing stones like a gravel quarry; that was a symptom. Moodiness, irritability, constant aches and pains, digestive distress, all symptoms. The real revealing aspect was the realization that virtually every one of my wife's complaints as pertains to marital strife was listed as a symptom of my condition. I'm eager to see how our relationship improves with this issue out of the way.

Wednesday night holds a little-found occasion in our household. My oldest son and my daughter will be receiving a Hope scholarship from the Lansing Police Department, which will pay for two years of community college anywhere in Michigan. I'm proud of them both, of course; I just wish they could be as proud of themselves. Nothing makes an impact on my son regarding his behavioural issues, and my daughter hides her head when the occasion is mentioned, as though it's something worthy of shame. My wife and I have asked her several times if she's being picked on at school for academic success--I remember starkly the hate-filled words and physical abuse I received for daring to succeed--but to date she claims that no one is bothering her.

Other things are in the works as well, and although won't be happening next week, the foundational work must begin soon. I've made contact with a couples counsellor located nearby. Although I'm hopeful regarding their philosophy and outlook, it's finances that have me concerned. They don't accept our insurance--Blue Cross Blue Shield doesn't cover couples therapy--and although they have a sliding scale, it doesn't slide quite far enough for my comfort. If I can convince them to allow us to have bi-weekly sessions, we may be able to swing the payments. I'd really refer that to looking from scratch for another therapist. Also, I've begun looking into accounting programs at local schools. While I'm still very much interested in forensic accounting, I've learned that the certificate for that program is a post-graduate program offered to established CPA's, indicating that I'd be better off attending the local community college and taking advantage of their program for holders of other degrees. That program teaches almost exclusively preparations for the CPA examination, skipping a great deal of general education, in acknowledgement of the fact that the participants already hold at least a bachelor's degree. Regardless, I still have to look into financial aid and scheduling. I just don't see myself the online class type; I think I'll be more comfortable going to a physical class.

Still have a few more hours on this day off, and then work two days of shorter, later shifts. Off to enjoy a pipe or beer, or maybe even a nap before the real world of dirty dishes and laundry comes knocking on my peace and quiet.