I ended up staying in last night. Just as I was making my final decision it started pouring. I hate being a wimp but I stayed home. I was going to see Miss Tess at Rockwood and part of what put me on the fence was the cost. Today she announced that she is doing a free show at Skinny Dennis in Williamsburg. The problem is that the show is at 10 PM and the L train is running a limited schedule late, one train every 20 minutes. I’ll make the call later. My abdomen is still feeling tender and that argues towards taking it easy. My sleep is still not good, that’s another reason I’m hesitant.
I got up to do something in the kitchen and while there I tried to operantly condition one of the cats. Lefty likes to jump up on the table we use for food preparation. That’s is not a good thing. I found her on the counter when I walked in. I didn’t pick her up and remove her, I sharply said “No!” and repeated it till she got off it. As soon as she did I petted her. She moved back on to the divider above the table and as soon as she did I gave a sharp “No!” When she got down I petted her. After a few repeats as soon as she looked at the divider I gave her the sharp no. When she got off the table on the other side of the divider from the one for food prep I gave her even more intensive petting. This isn’t easy for me as I’m allergic, so as soon as I was done I had to wash my hands. My intention is to repeat the verbal punishment when she’s near the food prep and to reward her when she lounges someplace else. I trained rats like this; it should work with cats too.
I’ve seen many posts by both my friends and newspaper columnists demanding that Trump be impeached. Elizabeth Warren who I wholeheartedly support for the Democratic nomination is pro-impeachment. I think it’s political theater and pointless. If the House voted to impeach it would require two thirds of the Republican controlled senate to remove Trump from office. There is absolutely no chance of that happening as things stand now. I’m not saying that I don’t think he deserves to be removed from office. I’m saying that there is no way available till the election to make that happen. Being for impeachment doesn’t disqualify Warren from the Democratic nomination but being against it shouldn’t disqualify anyone either. We are not discussing anything that will make a substantial difference. I understand Pelosi’s reluctance to bring it up for a vote. It would put may Democratic house members in a very difficult spot. About 40 represent districts that Trump won. The real-world effect of voting for impeachment would mean that at least some of them would not be re-elected and endangers the Democratic majority. That has real effects. It’s not about feeling good. So while I’m fine with someone supporting impeachment I’m not fine with attacking those that aren’t. I’m also not fine with attacking those who are for impeachment. I’m only fine with attacking the people doing the attacking.
Now I’m continuing my debate on going out. Do I go to Aldi? There are things that I need and I can’t go tomorrow. On the other hand carrying bags of groceries are why I’m hurting right now. I think I’ll just run to the local supermarket to get eggs and a snack.
Before I go I have to give myself a public pat on the back. I made an appointment for my next infusion. I should have done it weeks ago as it’s due for Monday. I thought I could do it online but I can’t. I didn’t have a number to call. Most importantly I was afraid it was too late and that’s exactly what sets off the vicious anxiety cycle. I put things off then get afraid it’s too late which makes me even more afraid of trying and finding out that it is. Even after years of therapy it’s still how my mind works. I know it’s self-defeating. This has nothing to do with logic. My logical mind works great. It just too often loses in the fight with my limbic system. The fact that I did call is a victory. I’ll all set for Monday. Damn, I just realized that means I can’t go into the City to buy half-priced bagels then. Oh well. I’ll make do without them.
Wise Madness 