SUNDAY - April 1, 2007
My Employment with the MIR Computer Section ends abruptly on this date in 2005
After four years and eight months of dedicated & loyal service....
On this date in 1976 I began my first day of Boot Camp in San Diego, California.

Other than floor support, I didn't do much work today. I did not receive even one phone call.

MONDAY - April 2, 2007

1:49p – I am just running behind schedule today. Reluctantly, I decided to call in late. There is no penalty, but it will cost me another 2 hours of pay.

Traffic was really bad on the way to work. There was an accident that had traffic back up all the way from 270 down N-170 to E-70. I I was about 20 minutes late getting signed in. I hope they don't decide to make this an "absence". That would be a shame since tomorrow makes 60 days with no absences. Ray told me on Sunday to remind him on Tuesday so they can credit me with 2 "earnbacks." This will remove two absences from my record.

The day was fairly typical of a Monday. At least there is no ongoing account migrations at this time, but the fall out from all the other "seamless" migrations (or "system upgrades" as they prefer us to tell the customers), cause enough problems. Especially the Time Warner accounts.

TUESDAY - April 3, 2007

12:00p – I got up a bit early at 11:15a. Checking email. It's looks dark and cloudy outside. Skip took the day off from work today and wants me to give him a ride before I go to work.

12:09p – It just start pouring out. The temperature is dropping.

LAST NIGHT'S DREAM: I was driving down a highway in some obscure location, in a non-specific urban area. The daylight suggested it must be late afternoon. I was was traveling in a Westerly direction and could see the sun ahead of me gather blankets of clouds about its tawny brilliance. My sister, Darlene, was riding along with me. Strangely, though I was on the left side of the car (which is normal for the driver in America), by some quirk of dream physics, Darlene was sitting to my left and nothing seemed odd about this (which is odd in itself). As I am driving, I see a passenger jet liner come flying in extremely low. The thought flicks through my mind as the jet roars overhead, that this time the plane will actually crash! I have thought about whether or not I have my camera with me, and with perverse curiosity, would it be safe to turn back and witness the crash? However, there is no time. I see the jet in my rear view mirror as it goes behind some obstruction ... and then I see a great fireball and we can hear the thunderous noise as the jet crashes.  Darlene is overcome with emotion, distraught, and buries her face in my shoulder, cupping her hand over her eyes. My perspective becomes erratic at this point and I am now see the plane in front of me, above the ground. The front of the jet is missing, and I can see vague auras  and outlines of people engulfed in flames inside the fuselage. My perspective changes yet again and now the jet is no longer airborne, nor in front of me. I am still driving down the same highway, but the jet is now sliding on its belly with sparks flying and flames and smoke streaming from it. It's wings have been ripped off like a mutilated insect and metal is screeching against the pavement like tortured beast. This monstrous, fiery behemoth should be slowing to a halt, yet it continues to rend and tear its way down its asphalt path behind me like some grotesque predator. I am now accelerating, concerned that the approaching disaster may be gaining on me. Darlene continues to say nothing and remains huddled against me, not daring to look outside of our speeding vehicle. Is it gaining on me? Is it slowing down? I am not sure... I wake up ....

WEDNESDAY - April 4, 2007

As usual, it was a pleasure to sleep in today, and I slept until about 1:00p. Of course, the day goes by very quick when one gets up that late. Skip called and I picked him up from the train as usual. He just received the "Employee of the Month" award, which included $50 of Schnuck's gift cards, so we stopped by Schnuck's on the way home.

I bought some pork steak at $1.39 per lb. and a pork roast at .99 per pound. I am getting tired of pork, but everything else is too expensive.

My jubchuQun domain expires today with Dotster. I requested the domain be transferred to 1and1, but there is some stupid mix-up. The keep emailing me at my BRAD email and say that they have sent consent forms for the transfer to my LEE email, and would I please contact that person and let them know. I wrote them back and explained that I AM that person, and that I did not receive the form they say they sent. The sent back another response saying basically the same thing, but once again I did not receive the email they say they are sending. So, I called the support line (India, of course) and the agent told me that they are sending me the form again. I told her I am not confident this will work, since I have been told twice already that the form was sent, but she was adamant that I should be receiving the form. Well... so far, no form! I sent them another email. Not quite as polite or professional the the two I have previously sent.

I worked on my EASL Newsletter tonight. It's mostly done except for four newsletters which still need to be printed. I ran out of ink though and have more on order. All the other newsletters are printed, enveloped, and waiting to be posted.

THURDAY - April 5, 2007

10:39a – I am up early, trying to catch up a few things, including my journal. The weather is still cool and slightly cloudy, so I probably won't get out to do any photography.

Skip printed off my remaining newsletters for me at his office today.

I got my taxes done at last this morning. Mi recivus pli ol mil ducent okdek dolaroj! Ĉi tio tre plaĉas min! Sed, ankoraŭ, mi ne scias ke mi faros pri la problemo kun la 2003 imposto submeto. Mi ne devus stultiĝi kaj supozi ke la IRS forgesos min.

I went to Wal-Mart to see about getting my prescriptions filled. The Lamasil was going to be $75 and I could not afford that. The Atenalol/Chlorthalamide was in an odd strength which they do not carry at that pharmacy, so they had to call the doctor's office. I walked around the store waiting for the doctor's office to call them back until Skip called me. He got off work early, so I went to the train station to pick him up. Then we drove out to Belleville where he was searching for a shop with brewing accessories. He has decided to get involved with brewing beer along with his friend Brian. This is kind of ironic, since Marty just got started doing the same thing. I would not mind joining them, but until I get a better paying job, I am not going to be able to afford anything.

After a very circuitous drive in downtown Belleville, we finally parked the car and walked to the shop. While Skip bought a couple of cases of bottles, a levered capper and some bottle labels, I wandered around the shop and bought a small bottle of Frankincense oil. I love the smell of Frankincense.

6:57p – I put some of the Frankincense oil in a warmer about 30 minutes ago and I can already smell it here in the other end of the house (despite my dried and pitiful sinuses).

7:13p – I just got my bills entered for today. I was 79 out of 4,238 in Illinois. After recalculating, it looks like I have dropped a notch down to number 80  has been up and down, but we had a very nice chat tonight.

I just got my "Where's George" entries caught up. Out of 4,240 participants. I am currently  #1,902 out of 50,373 in the USA, which puts me at a 96.2 percentile rating.

8:52p – Well, I just got off the longest chat with RD than I have had in several days.. Her connection has been up and down, but we had a very nice chat tonight. See her site, which is now hosted by my domain, at the link to the right...

FRIDAY - April 6, 2007

12:32p – I am finally out of bed. Wasting another day away, and these 3 days off go so quickly.

It has been a long day. I went to the monate KoRo en LaDue. Ni multe parolis pri diversaj temoj. Skip brought me a sample of his and Brian's recent beer/brew. Not bad.

I finally gave up on getting my domain transferred to 1and1. I called them again tonight, but they did not seem to have any interest in helping me, so I just renewed my domain with Dotster. They cost more the twice as much, but at least I had no hassle with them. 1and1 told me that my domain was good with Dotster until April 2008! I tried to tell them that on Dotster its says my account is expired. My web site is DOWN and my email is NOT working... but 1and1 remained ignorant assholes. So, they do not get my business as far as registering my domain. Up theirs. They fucked up. Pissed me off too. (obviously)...

Mi ĉeeestis la monate KoRo ĉe la Wild Oats manĝejo en LaDue ĉi vespere. La aliaj gehomoj tie estis Ron, Jerry, Dave kaj Audrey. Ĉi fojo mi ne estis malfrua. Fakte, mi estis la unua membroj je la kunveneto. Por manĝi, mi nur havis eta pelvo de verd’pizo supo (kun fromaĝo), kaj botelo de nigra teo.

 

SATURDAY - April 7, 2007

1:50a – Anyway, I am off to bed. Work again tomorrow. Back to the salt mines.

12:52a – I got up at about 11:30a, but I was not really sure what time it was. I still have not got my clock reset from when the power went out this past week. I tried to set it last night, but the buttons are too sensitive and I keep passing the hour. I finally got annoyed and just went to sleep. I usually can get up on time without the alarm anyway.

My order of ink came in before I left for work. I should be well stocked for ink for a while!

SUNDAY - April 8, 2007

My first Easter without Kira
Mia unua Pasko sen Kira

1:54a – I got through another day of work without incident. Steve was not there today. Michelle was. I sat somewhat apart from everyone. Did not have many calls, but floor support got kind of crazy between 6 and 7pm.

I just got fresh ink cartridges loaded in the printer and printed out a page of return address labels.

3:10a – All the labels are printed, and affixed to the envelopes. All the newsletters are ready to post (except for postage). My email is checked, the cat is fed, some beer has been consumed, and meat is thawing for "supper" ... but it is getting late fast!

10:30a – I am up way early for a work day. I bet I will be tired tonight. I already have a load of laundry washing. I just tried to call Wal-Mart to find out what is up with my prescription, but there is no answer. They may be closed on Easter.

MONDAY - April 9, 2007

4:31a – I am off to bed. Late again.

10:51a – I think the lack of sleep is catching up with me. I am up now, but can barely hold my eyes open.

12:01a – I am more awake now. I also realize that I got up an hour earlier than I thought. My alarm is set for noon and I got up before 11:00a, but I was so sleepy and confused that I did not quite comprehend that.

I called in late today and went by Wal-Mart and got my first supply of Atenalol in many months. I was starting to feel some chest pain in the last couple of days, and it was making me nervous. It was probably just indigestion, but... I don't want to play that game.

Another typically boring, uneventful day at work.

TUESDAY - April 10, 2007

3:44a – I have a pot of menudo simmering for my supper. Canned version, but I added fresh onion, fried onion, and corn.

4:24a – Off to bed.

I got up and 11:27a, and got to work a bit early. It was a chaotic day as far as my "schedule adherence" goes. I started off in the 148 queue (which never gets a call). Then after suddenly getting a couple of calls, one of which was preceded by the announcement "tech provisioning," I decided to log out of the phone and back in again to see if I was still in the 148 queue. I was not. They had moved me to 146 (the tech provisioning queue) without telling me! That caused me to transfer a couple of calls unnecessarily. Then on my first break I accidentally chose "lunch" when I signed out, so when I cam back from my break I could not sign in for another 15 minutes. I went on floor support early at 5:30p, and then they put me back in the Freedom queue (148), so I was on the phone AND doing floor support. It was around 10:30p that I took another break. I urgently had to go to the restroom! I put my phone on break and only took a short 10 minute break and got some coffee. When I came back, Steve D. got all over my case about going on break without having anyone to cover me in 148. Apparently the Command Center call and complained in that short time. I was not aware that I was the only person in the queue, nor had I ever been told that it is our responsibility to ensure we are covered, but he starts saying that as a "senior tech" we should take responsibility, etc. What I want to know is when I became this "senior tech"? And as such, why am I not paid any more than other agents who have been there longer than me? In fact, some of them have been there longer than me and make more? "Senior agent" my ass. I am just one of the one's who have the skill and intelligence to do a job that is above the level of 90% of the agents they hire so they "use" us to do floor support or take sup calls with no extra compensation. Frankly, I have no problem with notifying someone that I am going on break so they can ensure someone is in the 148 queue. I just need to be told at least once that this is being asked or expected of me. I am trainable. I would also ask that they realize this is a two-way street and if they are going to move me from the 148 to the 146 queue, then they need to notify ME as well. And it is not "all about me" ... but the customer's will not get the proper treatment if I think they have called the wrong number.

To add one last annoyance to my day, beside having to drive home in constant rain, I got stopped on Camp Jackson road again by, not just one, but TWO trains crossing. It took them about 20 minutes to go by.

I got home and had a few beers and watched a couple of episodes of Star Trek Enterprise. They are still all new to me since I never got to watch this series. I made a pot of soup out of potatoes, pork, celery, onion and mushrooms. I did not get to bed until after 5:00a.

WEDNESDAY - April 11, 2007 I started my job with the "Court Alternatives Department - Orange County Probation Component" on this day 28 years ago (1979).

1:54 – I got up around 1:00p today. My email would not work for some reason, nor could I get my FTP program to connect to the host server. The problem resolved itself in about 15 minutes. Skip has already called me for a ride. He is taking off work early. (He seems to do this a lot lately, but I guess he knows what he is doing).

The day is overcast and the wind is whistling in the window. I looks like a cold winter day out, but I don't think the the furnace is even on and I am only in a pair of shorts, so it is probably not as cold as it looks.

On this day 2 years ago, I got a call from LR telling me that they had read in my journal details about my severance pay. I was outraged that, after ruining my life by laying me off, that they would dictate and censure what I wrote in my journal! She is a total bitch. Which reminds me that I have a stack of unpaid bills in front of me and little money in the bank with which to pay them. I finally got my blood pressure meds for another month (after having some chest pains, which I hope was just indigestion). But my other meds are still on hold until I can get some money to pay for them. Meanwhile, my blood test results have been very dire. And when I do manage to get the meds again, I am going to be sick nearly everyday, which is to be expected from "a mild form of chemotherapy." Oh well... I will deal with it as I must, when I must.

5:08p – I finally got the EASL Newsletters in the mail!

THURSDAY - April 12, 2007

10:40a – I thought I would be up earlier than this. I went to bed very early lat night, around 11:30 I think. But I woke up around 2:30a and was wide awake. I watched a few minutes of TV, then turned the light back off and tried to sleep. The wind was blowing fiercely outside, and kept blowing aluminum cans around. Now that JR is not getting the cans any longer, we have been collecting them. I look outside a bit ago and there are cans everywhere. I will have to go clean them up later. And mow the lawn.

My dreams have been somewhat jumbled and hard, if not impossible, to put into words here lately. Last night (more like "this morning") I had some strange dreams and even though I can remember them, the sequence of events is questionable.

I was at some kind of auto repair shop. Sam Bizarro (from Deltona) was there. For some reason, he got me to trade my car for his old Camaro. His car was battered and dirty, and when I opened the hood to check the oil, there were old leaves and twigs that had to be cleaned out. Also, there was a second little "hood" under the main one. I opened it, but that was not where the oil should be checked. We fast forward and I have the car parked in the center of 3 bays in the shop. The bay is filling up with water to clean the car. The walls of the bay are clear, like plastiglass. The water only fills up to the floor of the car and stops. I am now in the bay with the car and rubbing off some of the grime with my finger. Someone calls to me and says I need a brush to clean the car. I start to call back and say I don't have one, but just at that moment I spy my blue and white cleaning brush laying on the floor by the car. Oddly, there was no water on the floor for that moment. The dream changes and becomes very confusing at this point. I am now at a restaurant in some small town. Apparently they know me here since, as I pick up a tray of food from the pickup window, a faceless, yet friendly waitress hands me some kind of of paperwork and trusts me to fill it out, which I know she will not do with most customers. I take my food back to the table where my party is sitting and the paperwork is some kind of check that I have to fill out to pay for the meal (I think). I am not sure who is with me at the table, but I think Daddy is there. Maybe Darlene too. Apparently we are moving into a new house. A vague male figure, possibly Daddy, is telling me about the place. It is a two story house and it has a security camera system so that you can monitor the first floor from the second floor. I also mention that I have traded my car for this junk pile of a Camaro and I don't know why I did it. I am thinking I want to back out of this deal. I am feeling trapped. The scene changes again and now I and others, maybe my sisters (I am not sure) are at the house of some woman I don't know. The woman is a large person, heavy set, but not exactly obese. Someone joins us, but again, I can't quite make out (or remember) who the person is. They have just come from the house we are supposed to be moving into, where I suppose some work is being done. This person is young, and they have something with them that was made by (Daddy?). They want to show me this -- thing. It looks like a couple of peanut shells held together by small rubber bands. They had it to me and it is not until I am holding it that I see long, black, spidery legs extending from the contraption. Having no love for spiders, and not wanting to take the time to count legs while its in my hands, I quickly set the repugnant thing down on the kitchen counter. It immediately gets up and starts wandering blindly into sink full of dishes. A part of me cannot help but to find this little "peanut bug" to be a clever, if cruel, construction. The "bug" clambers out of the sink and begins to bumble about on the cabinet.... and the scene changes again... I am now in the other room with the hefty young woman and at least two other people who I think may be my sisters (it is never clear). The woman is studying some book, and I am aware at this point that she has completed her Ph.D. I asked her what her doctorate is in and she tells me that is in "Nash." I am kind of embarrassed and not sure what Nash is. I know it is a surname, and there is a car called a Nash, but I've never heard of a "Doctor of Nash." Feeling a bit ignorant, I ask her, "What kind of Nash do you specialize in?" In a knowing voice, she answers me with, "Well, there are only two real areas of study in that regard: Nash and Mullah." I figure at this point that it must be some kind of Middle Eastern study, but I still have no clue. No matter. She finishes her research, or whatever she was doing, and says we are all now going down to some park, or some kind of rendezvous point where we are going to meet some of her friends (or a friend?). As we are getting ready to go, we are walking through her bedroom which is in total disarray with piles of clothes, unmade bed, and so forth. I think to myself how ironic it is that just because a person has a Ph.D., this does not make them tidy or organized... and the scene changes again... Now I am in some kind of down town area. It appears to be a Friday or Saturday because it is very busy and people are hustling and bustling all over the place. I am with Mom, and this time it is clearly her that is with me. I am again driving my Ford Taurus SHO, but the deal is still on for the trade with Sam's Camaro. Mom and I get in the car. I lean over, excusing myself, and open the glove compartment in front of her. I am checking to make sure my camera is still safely in there, and I also check a leather-like zippered container into which I remember that someone (Sam?) had put a pistol. I peek inside the pouch and see that the weapon is still there and, satisfied that all is well, I close the glove box. I pull out from the curb into the busy traffic and only THEN do I think to look in the rear view mirror. I comment to Mom at how lucky I was, that with all this traffic, I could pull out into it without looking and not hit or get hit by someone. There is something going on in front of me and there are people crowed out into the road. I have to partially drive in the oncoming lane to get around them. Meanwhile, my dream thoughts are still on my trade with my nice Taurus and the crappy old Camaro. I feeling distress over this off-balance trade. I do not speak to Mom, but I am following her thoughts to and I see that she really likes this car. I have not signed any papers yet, so the trade is only a verbal arrangement. I can legally still back out of it, but that would be dishonorable of me. Yet it would not be very honorable of me to make my mother have to ride in that junky old car either. Suddenly the knowledge comes to me and I realize there is no problem. I am waking up, and I realize it. I turn to Mom and say, "The good news is, this is just a dream and I don't have to worry about getting stuck with that damn Camaro. The bad news is that you are dead..." ... and I awoke with a heavy sense of irony.

11:42a – Chooga did not come in last night, nor when I called for him this morning. I guess I am getting kind of attached to the little guy. I worry when he does not show up on his usual scheduled.

Skip brought home his brewing paraphernalia in preparation for his new hobby of "home brewing."

New clutter in the living room as Skip begins a new hobby...

11:57p – Chooga has still not appeared. This is far longer than his normal excursion. I fear the worst.

FRIDAY - April 13, 2007 4:13a – I just got up to take some seltzer ... bad heartburn. I checked to see if Chooga was on the patio, but he is still a no-show. This is not like him at all. I have that sinking feeling that I won't be seeing him again. Skip started his first home brew tonight. I helped a little with the process.

Skip makes his first batch of home brewed ale...

SATURDAY - April 14, 2007

12:57p – I got up around 9:30a, but now it is time to go to work again. Chooga is still gone. I am not expecting to see him again. I poured down rain most of the night and this morning. The news says we may even get some snow! It's nearly May and we might get snow?! The weather is really goofed up these days.

My dreams last night were kind of erratic, but I am going to make an attempt at remembering some of the pieces. The scenes changed constantly with no rhyme ore reason.

At one point I was in a theater. I was with a group of young people in uniform, like the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts (except there were both boys and girls). The children were all lined up in side the theater in a squadron preparing to march from the theater (I guess the movie was over). I came in down their left flank, and was intentionally sliding ... kind of like skating. Someone tried to trip me, but I switched to just one foot, continuing to "glide" down to the end of the squad. I was not sure if I was going to be able to stop or not, but go up on my toes and stopped perfectly. The scene switches... I am at some kind of beach side place. There are some buildings and a wharf. I am running some kind of a contest. The participants must find certain items and the main item is apparently a large, floating contraption which is being held aloft by hot air (as in a hot air balloon). This "floating pavilion" (or what ever it is) is tethered to the ground by an thin cord. The cord is connected at the ground, then is connect to many other sites. The contestants must find each node of the tether cord and follow a clue. I am not sure what the goal is... and the scene changes again... Still at the beach, I am accompanying, or accompanied by a cat. The cat is small and dark and is happily "hunting." I am crawling low to the ground which is sandy with a few clumps of grass growing hither and thither. We come to a drop off of about 8 feet, with the sea in sight not far away. The cat drops silently over the edge. I crawl up and peer over the embankment and see the cat prancing about below, still hunting and playful. The cat is thinking that will have a problem following it over the side because I am to large and heavy. However, unlike the cat, I do not plan on going over head first. I swing my legs around and land on my "back" feet, which astonishes the cat, who never considered such a maneuver.... and the scene changes again ... and I can't remember what happens next.

SUNDAY - April 15, 2007

3:16a – I am home. Just watched the latest episode of Heroes. I seems to be replaying some of the previous episodes, but from different perspectives. It is still one of the best series I have ever seen. I love it. It is so thought provoking, interesting, entertaining, and mesmerizing! Every time I watch it, I dread coming to the end! Tonight I noticed that Stan Lee did a short cameo as a bus driver. I was pleased with myself for recognizing him. I can remember, back in El Campo, reading comic books and seeing Stan Lee's name on everything. He must be a bit of an iconic hero himself, to me...

5:16p – I got up around 10:00a and started to fix a bite to eat. Some vegetables in broth with broad rice noodles. Skip stopped me though. He wanted to go out and get a bite to eat. I was pressed for time or we would have gone over to the Amarillo Steak House in Bellville. We passed by it a few times, but never gone in. However, we just went to Ramon's and both had the Michuachan plate. I dropped him off at Wal-Mart, then run back to the house so I could print out a couple of copies de la unua Novaĵletero de EASL. Tiam mi eliris al Clayton por ĉeesti la monate kunveno. David kaj Ron jam estis tie kiam mi alvenis, sed mi ne estis la plej malfruano, ĉar Jerry alvenis poste de mi. Ni legis de eldono provizis per Ron, en Esperanto unue, tiam ni tradukis ĝin Angle.

We first visited "Ramon's" on August 6, 2006, right after a major summer storm.
The awning was ripped asunder by the violent storm, but has finally been
repaired, as we see today, April 15, 2007

I left the meeting at 3:30p and went down to Forest park where I took some pictures, mostly of some of the beautiful homes alongside the park It must be nice to have such large and beautiful houses near the University and next to the park and other interesting places.

Scenes from Forest Park: Beautiful homes, with manicured lawns,
a park bench and the golf course, a splash of color with lost balloons,
and majestic clouds with silver linings...

MONDAY - April 16, 2007

12:43a – I am off to bed now.

11:56a – I slept until about 10:45a. Lots of strange dreams, as usual. The one that stands out to me was about me and Skip. I was working on a computer and had some kind of problem. He decided to help and rebooted the computer. I was upset with him since waiting for all my applications to come back on-line was going to be worse than what ever my original problem was. He said he would show me a better way to do my work as I followed him to some small office. I was trying to explain that he was missing the point of what I was doing, but he would not listen. I complained that he was not listening to what I was trying to tell him, and he accused me of the same thing. We had reached an impasse that was so frustrating it work me up...

Still no sign of Chooga. I hope he is not suffering. Poor thing... he was starting to grow on me.

12:01p – My alarm just went off, so I have about an hours left before heading out to work.

I could not make it in time today and ended up calling in late. I got to work around 4:00p and discovered I was supposed to have gone on floor support at 3:00p. Oh well. We were SO busy today! I skipped my first break and did not get to take lunch until 8:30p. I was supposed to go off floor support at 7:00p, but after lunch, at 9:00p, I went back into floor support and stayed in until midnight. It was intense, but it sure made the work day go by fast!

TUESDAY - April 17, 2007

2:27a – I came home tonight and was hoping I would see Chooga who always greets me and runs in the house with me when I get home, but he was not there. Sometimes Skip lets him in, so I hoped maybe he would be in the house. I guess he is gone for good. I don't think I realized how much of the void that Kira left in my life that Chooga filled. I guess, on a positive note, at least I don't have to clean the litter box (though he mostly went outside anyway). I have all this dog food and cat food I need to get rid of.

I drove by the house on Leonard street on the way home tonight. Four people died there a few days ago when the house caught on fire. I will go by and take some photos if I get a chance.

4:42a – I fixed a big pot of beef strips, and added some chunks of pork. I added to the meat some onion and celery, and spices. Then I made a big pot of fairly plain Jasmine rice (with green onion). This will be my "lunch" tomorrow and was not a a bad "supper" ... moments ago. (Hard to call it "supper"!).

I got to work well on time today. I pulled in at the same time Steve did. We parked next to each other and walked in together. It was HE who was late this time! lol...

The news is all full of the horrible killings at Virginia Tech. Over 30 dead and 50 injured... all from one deranged shooter! It was all so tragic, and could have been stopped if people had listened, or laws were different. I doubt much will change as a result, but I can't help but to feel this should be a "wake up call" in some way. I noticed many cars with their lights on as I drove to work today. This is common on some holidays, such as Memorial Day. I realized it was how people were expressing their respect and sympathy to the victims of this awful event. I turned my lights on too. I also noticed that flags had been dropped to half mast.

Cho Seung-Hui, the Virginia Tech shooter, and one
of his more fortunate victims being rescued.

I logged in to the phones and actually took one call (a residential transfer), before going onto Floor Support. FS was rolling five deep most of the night. I was due off FS at 8:00p, but they needed me until about 11:00p. I went back on the phones and just MINUTES before logging out to go home, I had an actual Adelphia Commercial call! They were in a migration area in West Virginia, however, so ... not much I could do for them.

WEDNESDAY - April 18, 2007

3:49a – I just finished watching two new episodes of ST:Enterprise. The latest in the Xindi saga. Supper is cooked (rice & beef) and waiting for me on the stove. No work tomorrow... YAY!

4:07a – I just looked out the back door for Chooga again. I keep hoping he will show, but I know in my heart he is yet another feline figure who shall fade into my own personal history. If he got killed, which is very likely, then I hope it was mercifully quick. Meanwhile, I am missing having a charge to take care of. I have not been without a "pet" in twenty years! Not since taking Thor under our wing in August of 1987.  Thor was with me from 1987 to 2000. Kira from 1992 until 2007. Chooga from I think 2004 (or 2005) until now. Of course, we still have Skip's cat, Barnabas, born March 25, 1995. He doesn't like me though, and he tears up the furniture, pisses on things, and pukes all over the house. Not my pet... nor a very pleasant cohabitator of our home. Yet, still a part of my home and my life.

4:13a – Anyway... off to bed for me. No work tomorrow, and the weather promises to be nice. We have all the windows open tonight, and even now I can hear the bird making a raucous out in the dark of early dawn...

 

10:12a – I was going to sleep for another hour or two, but as I lay curled up in bed, something CRASHED. I jumped up, thinking something was falling on me. It was a loud crashing sound and I first looked at the ceiling fan, but it was secure. I could find nothing out of place in my room. I looked out my window, but saw nothing. Of course, now I wide awake. I went out on the back patio and looked around. It could have been some of the aluminum cans we are collecting out back, but they did not look disturbed. I have no clue what it could have been.

11:14a – For anyone bored enough to be reading my journal, I just finished adding some pictures in for several dates above.

11;55p – I could have and should have done more today, but... I just sat in font of the computer, and/or TV. At the moment, I have King of the Hill playing on TV, but... that is boring.

THURSDAY - April 19, 2007

12:12a – Whooo! My mouth is on fire. I fixed a bite to eat before going to bed and ... well, I am sweating! I am tempted to go buy some ice cream!

12:49a – I had such a sweet tooth! I drove down to Quick Trip and got some ice cream! But... Off to bed now...

10:29p – I had a chaotic night of weird dreams, including one in which we were in a movie starring Nicholas Cage. His character's last name in the movie was "Kull." He was "the bad guy" in this movie. There were lots of details, but all confused now. Oh! I just remembered the name of the movie... it was something like "The Kull Hounds." Now I will have to watch for something on this just to see if it could be true!

10:46p – Today has been so boring. I got up around 11:00a and went right to my computer. I sat there re-writing the sound file for the first paragraph of my Sequoyah page for TWO hours.

I picked Skip up from the train station around 4:30p. Chooga is still a no show. I only ate one simple meal around 3:45p today (I am munching on chips [chili fries] now).

10:56p – Anyway... Skip just went to bed. I need to fix something to eat for supper. I now up against five days for ten-hour shifts... no day so off until next Wednesday. I am trying to be positive about it, but... gawd... I hate going to work!  I used to love my job at Wash U. ... I actually looked forward to going to work; and found the weekends to be an annoyance! I know, it sounds like a fairy tale, but I truly felt that way for the first year I worked there. I sure wish I could be back in that situation again...

11:15p – Jeez! ... my back hurts. I just organized all the aluminum cans and straightened up in the kitchen. I did not spend much time, but my back is cramping bringing me to tears as a result.

11:19p – Next...I need to pay the electric bill. Today I received a "final notice" that the power would be turned off on the 26th. If I did not pay the bill. I don't think I have received such a "disconnect notice" since I lived in Deltona. I have saved a few dollars aside on the assumption that ONE of my creditors were going to send me a red note. However, the gas bill is still over $300 behind and I am expecting them to demand money next. However... I don't have any money to pay them. I am hoping Bethany can help, but they have not even responded to my last inquiry.

11:58p – I have cleaned out a bunch of crap from the ice box, got the aluminum cans organized, and supper is almost done. And Thursday is coming to an end. Work is looming before me. Yuck.

FRIDAY - April 20, 2007

12:00a – Hello Friday. Thank you, O Great Spirit, God, Allah, iith' Ahaanwe, Jehovah, etc.... for yet another day of life and experience. One day it WILL come to an end, and I want to express that I have enjoyed most of what I have been permitted thus far!

Meanwhile, out in space, Comet Encke is getting its tail ripped off by a coronal mass ejection!

The comet had just dipped inside the orbit of Mercury, perilously close to the sun, when a solar eruption struck and literally tore the comet's tail off. This surely has happened to comets before, but for the first time in history a spacecraft was watching. NASA's STEREO-A probe recorded a fantastic movie of the collision.

1:47a – Just finished watching "Zoom Academy" (with Tim Allen). Cute movie. A bit juvenile, but amusing. Off to bed now... and then I have 5 days of 10-hour shifts... and I am not looking forward to them.

3:08p – Running late today. Just headed out to work, 2 hours late, but only "tardy" and not "absent."

11:19p – I am sitting here at work in the Commercial & Tech Queue, which rarely gets calls at this hour. I just look over Kira's album on line and it has left me feeling melancholy and sad. She was such a beautify dog, physically, with a shiny coat and fluffy tail, and so full of energy. Her last days were so sad in comparison, with a hairless tail that looked like it belonged on a rodent, a patchy dulling pelt, and failing hind legs. The sadness and grief is once again overwhelming. My baby is gone and I miss her so much.

Among my dreams this morning were two more airline disasters. Why am I always dreaming about planes crashing? I think I am still reacting to the 9-11 day.

In the first dream, I am sitting on the hood of a car with Skip. As usual in my dreams, Skip is still just a little kid, about 5 or 6 years old. For some reason, he leaned over and bit me! He chomped right into the left side of my chest and would not let go. He hung on like a Pit-Bull, and it hurt. I was just about to punch him in the face to get him to turn loose, when I saw a jet flying over. It was obvious that it was losing altitude and I told Skip to look, "I think this one is really going to crash!"  Once again, my thoughts returned to my camera... could I get to it in time? Where would the plane crash? However away was it. Suddenly I realized it was coming right at us and was NOT very far away. I was worried that it might actually crash right on top of us. Still wondering if I could get to my camera in time to take a picture, I noticed the plane, which was coming in from a North-northwest direction, start to roll over to its port side. (It's odd, but I almost always know my compass directions in a dream). As we watched (Skip had stopped biting me at some point), the jet came down on the other side of the house which we were next to. I could now see that it had a mostly orange or red fuselage like a South-Western airliner. The plane seemed to just melt and disintegrate behind the house as smoke and debris filled the air and a horrendous sound shook everything. I was wonder if the house would offer any protection from the flying debris or not, and woke up at this point. The second dream was much more detailed, but chaotic. I was in some city and for some reason I thought it might be in Oklahoma. Daddy was with me, and maybe someone else. Off in the distance, I noticed a helicopter which was flying very strangely. In fact, it was defying the laws of physics and was flying straight up, nose first, into the air. It circled around and began to dive. It seemed to be performing some kind of evasive maneuvers. It had been very distant, but now it was nearing my location in a busy, downtown area. I realized now that it was being pursued by some kind of small fighter jet. The jet was very fast and I only saw it briefly as it swooped in and fired upon it's prey. The helicopter went down immediately and there was a massive explosion. The explosion seemed to be not just the result of the crashing 'copter, but the something that it crashed upon. The explosions multiplied and the resulting pyrotechnic display was mesmerizing in its beauty. I stood there watching it, aware the flak and molten balls of metal were flying all around from the fallen craft. I could not bring myself to step back around to the side of the building for protection, but someone (Daddy?) pulled be back before I came to harm. Again, I was frustrated by the fact that I did not have my camera. We went around to the other side of the building, a large structure, possibly a high-rise and I could hear the sounds of a jet flying over. We looked up and saw another huge passenger jet being chased and attacked by one of the quick little fighter jets. The jet could not handle the intensity of the flight, and before it could be shot down, it actually crashed into some buildings. The jet swooped around and may have been joined by more fighter jets as it began strafing the city streets. We began running from the scene in a northerly direction. I saw more fighters chasing down aircraft, and the domestic planes were being destroyed at every turn. The streets were being strafed ahead of us and we turned back toward the direction from whence we came... but there was more death and destruction still in progress there. There was no where to go! In a panic, and still wondering why I did not bring my camera, I awoke.

11:57p – Almost to the end of another day. I am still here at work until 12:45a though.

SATURDAY - April 21, 2007

4:41a – Getting home was major hassle tonight. There were a series of accidents on West 70 and I was forced to exit. I got caught up in the flow of traffic and ended up crossing the MLK bridge into Illinois. I do not know that router very well. I ended up all the way into Fairview Heights! I had to get turned around and found my way home at last.

I sat and watched one of my DVD's ... "Let's Go To Prison." It was not quite what I expected, but very amusing.

My "supper" was very light tonight. Just some bean thread with onion, bell pepper and sugar snap peas.

4:44a – So... I am off to bed now. I hope I sleep better tonight, but it is late.

10:40a – I woke up at about 10:00a and tried to go back to sleep, but I am going to be awake. I am only getting about five hours of sleep and I bet this will catch up with me today. I can expected to be tired.

SUNDAY - April 22, 2007

1:10p – The internet is down this morning. Great. I hope it is not bill related.

1:16p – I just confirmed that it is an outage in the area, not bill related.

Once I was at work, I saw the central server at home was back on line, so I suppose the DSL was back on.

I had floor support from 5:00p to 10:00p. It was not too bad, as is typical of a Sunday. Tomorrow will be rough though.

I crossed the tracks on Camp Jackson and saw a train in the distance. I think it was only about 40 seconds before the crossing guards came down, but this time they were beHIND me! LOL... I beat the damn train tonight.

MONDAY - April 23, 2007

Skated competition in Tampa Florida on this date in 1978.
Skated the Balanciaga and the Skaters''s March.

2:15p – This is day four of five 10 hour shifts, and I am feeling the effects of it. It was hard to get up this morning. I got up a few minutes before my alarm went off, put on some tomato soup to warm up and took a shower. In fact, I better go check on that soup now.

I've been thinking about Jack. I tried to talk to him the other day, but he did not seem interested in having a conversation. He never responds to or sends any emails. I never see him on line. I know he was very worried about finances and health issues. I don't know if he is mad at me about something, or suffering from depression, or what. But I am concerned.

1:24p – Just had a short chat with Ken as I am headed out the door. Haven't been in contact with my older brother in a while. We should talk more often.

Floor support was hellacious tonight! I had to get $20 worth of gas on the way home. Stopped by Taco Bell for some fast food so I don't have to cook the chuck roast I laid out to thaw yesterday.

TUESDAY - April 24, 2007

1:57a – Home again. One more day and then I can rest. These 10 hour days are so draining.

4:22a – Off to bed. Later than I should be.

12:20a – Lots of weird dreams last night. I had another helicopter crash in one of them. I have so many dreams about jets and (recently) helicopters crashing, that it was not even a major part of my dream this time. Just another crashing helicopter. There was also a long drawn out theme in which some guy named Mike was murdered. Shot in the head. His body was lay in the main room of what might have been the place I lived. I had to leave (for another portion of my dreams), but when I returned, several dream sequences later, he body was still lying there. Someone had taken my City of Orlando jacket and covered him up ... partially ... but no one had removed the body. Everyone seemed to just ignore with an "it's not my job" attitude. What a creepy dream.

WEDNESDAY - April 25, 2007

Skip took off from work today so we could take Barnabas to the vet, but apparently he has recovered from his chest cold, or whatever he had, so Skip cancelled the appointment.

We took a trip out to Belleville where we both deposited our accumulation of spare change. Then we went to a nice little Mexican restaurant located right next door to the bank. Skip insisted that I drive, despite it being in simple walking distance. However, the streets are one-way and I ended up have to drive back through the round about (which I hate), and several blocks over, just to get back into their parking lot. We had a nice meal. Skip ordered the #28 platter, but when it was served, it turns out he had meant the #18. I got a lunch special called the "Tostaguac". This consisted of a heavily laden tostada topped with guacamole.

We left the restaurant (I still don't know the name of the placed), and walked around the corner to "Common Scents" where Skip needed to pick up some more supplies for his home brewing hobby. I walked around and took some pictures in the store (with permission), and later sent copies of the pictures to the owners. Later I sent copies of the photos to the store owners.

We drove back to Cahokia and went to Wal-Mart. I stepped out of the car and my ankle had a sharp pain go through it. This happens now and then, but usually goes away in a few minutes. I hobbled around the store and when got home, it was still causing me excruciating pain.

Skip started another batch of beer tonight, and I provided some help though I was limping badly. The pain was shooting all the way up my leg to my hip.

THURSDAY - April 26, 2007

Except for having the day off, this was a sucky day. It rained most of the day and I felt sick. I spent several hours in bed trying to sleep. I picked Skip up from the train. This evening I finally cooked the chuck roast I set out to thaw a few days ago. It came out very tasty and tender. I got a lot of laundry done today, including my bed clothes. Not much more to say about today, other than my bed smelled nice and fresh and I slept well.

FRIDAY - April 27, 2007

1:53p – I slept longer than I should have, but I feel much better today. And the sun is out. I just ate some reheated roast & potatoes from last night and am getting ready to go to Soulard market. I need to buy some meat.

7:00p – It has been a good day. I bought 3 lbs. of hamburger meat, a $10 chunk of chuck roast (very lean), and 5 slices of pork steak. I got 6 lbs of plump onions for $4, 3 bunches of green onion for $1 some cilantro for a dollar. Then I walked around Soulard with my camera and took some photos before stopping in at Bastille's for a couple of cocktails. On my way back to the car, I ran into a young man named Will. He is the one who designed the Fleur de'lisse on the front of the door at Bastille as well as the sign for the Medusa Hair Salon.

OH... My tax refund came in. Apparently I got it all wrong, so it was good news and bad news. The good news is that I got it. The bad news is that is was about $500 less that expected. I got the car washed, filled the tank and then got an oil change. Then drove to Soulard.

I called Skip from Bastille. He was on his way home with Brian. I just had two drinks. I am paranoid about drinking and driving (for good reason). I got home and Skip was taking his nap. When he got up, he had to have me try some of his beers. He had 2 or 3 different kinds. They are stronger the regular store bought beer, so I am sitting here getting more "buzzed" than intended just "sampling" beers! lol...

10:02p – I've just finish chopping up about 3-4 containers of onions. Yellow onions and scallions. Now I have a stir-fry going.

10:09p – Now I am arguing with "someone" about who messed up the house. And "someone" is now pissed at me for mentioning him on the internet. Slammed the door... stomped out... I am so tired of it. With the insurance company trying to gouge me for my money, having an illness which is likely to be fatal, struggling to pay bills with a negative ash flow ... I am just about at my wits end.

Sad to say this when today was such a beautiful day. I had a pleasant time and got some things done. Now I feel like doing violence ... but I have to finish supper... and vacuum up "someone's" cat's disaster out of the living room. Yes, I'm in a bad mood.

SATURDAY - April 28, 2007

12:23a – Well... things calmed down some. I suppose we were both a bit influenced by beer. I am still depressed though. I just don't need that kind of stupidity in my life.

I just finished watching the latest episode of my favorite how, Heroes. Awesome series. Keeps me enthralled. Off to bed now...

10:46a – I am up ... out of bed ... not looking forward to going back to work today, but ... no choice.

I watched one of my DVD's after work. This was "The Curse of the Golden Flower." Beautiful scenery, but over all it was a kind of boring movie about a Chinese Emperor and his dysfunctional family.

SUNDAY - April 29, 2007
Remembering Colleen Dabbs Lewis "Mom" who left us on this date in 1984.

Today was a typical Sunday. Took not one call at work today, and the floor support chats were not too heavy. I took my camera to work with me today and snapped some shots of some rabbit in front of the Convergys building.

MONDAY - April 30, 2007

1:04p – Getting ready for work again. It is a beautiful day out. I would so like to just stay home. But... off to work.

It was as usual a busy Monday, though not as hectic as other Mondays I have seen. I took my "Lewis Etymology" in with me and gave a copy to Clayton Lewis today. Iihe sh' os' uutkye... eye ~aasheia.