TUESDAY - April 1, 2008
– –
Taline-iga – Kawoni Saquu
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏌᏊ

12:46 – I woke up at 10:08a with the emergency sirens blasting outside. There must have been a tornado warning or some such. I went back to sleep and did not get up until about 11:54a. So of course, now I am running behind schedule. I am fixing some food, and still need to take a shower, with no more the 45 minutes left to get it all done.

My TKS was totally whacked today. FS was difficult. I was in the Tech Q for a while, but I was doing chats at the same time, and calls were coming in (well... 2 calls). It was not cool.

WEDNESDAY - April 2, 2008
– –
Tsoine-iga – Kawoni Tali
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵ

4:03a – I am getting my April page in order. The central background is made from a photograph I took of the Cherokee White-Eagle corn that Koga sent me. I have about 50 seeds planted. (We will see how that goes).

4:17a – I got disc 4 of Lost in Space copied, and am copying disc 5 now. It seems so odd to think back to the 1960's when "Lost in Space" was my FAVORITE television show. I looked forward to each and every episode and hung on to the story lines like any avid fan. Now, I am copying the movies to DVD on my own computer, which is far more complex than anything imagined back then. And, to add to the irony, "Lost in Space" (the series) took place in 1997 (now 10 years ago in real time!!). I sometimes wish I could convey to Billy Mumy how much he meant to me back then. I was a young boy of Cherokee ancestry, living in a typical "matriarchal environment" typical of my ancestry. My mother, grandmother, aunt and sisters basically ruled and/or influence my life. I Dad, in typical Cherokee custom, was subservient to their will and wishes. He worked hard, did as he was told, turned his small pay checks over to Mom, and then went back for more, working harder earning little, but doing his duty. He grew up very much "Cherokee" (that was his first language) and it seems the old culture guided him strongly. Actually, having a much pride in my cultural ancestry, I admire him for these qualities, though those who in this "modern" age who would say he was "pussy-whipped." That term was not relevant then.

Meanwhile, I was craving some male companionship and longed for my own "brother." In my dreams, Will Robinson (Billy Mumy) became my brother and there was a time when I actually thought of him as my brother. I had dreams about him, and insisted on having a "Lost in Space" lunch pail (which of course, we could not afford, so I simply wrote "Lost in Space" on my brown paper; lunch bags contain my daily, boring, baloney, sandwiches.

4:32a – I should be in bed now. I was not going to fix anything to eat. Now I am getting hungry, and have put some chicken and corn on to cook. I will probably regret this...

4:49a – I am going to go eat, then crash... and finish all of what I am doing tomorrow (I have the day off!).

11:22a – I am up. I am not sure why. I wasn't sleeping though, so I might was well be up.

12:03p – I made some tea, checking email. More exciting events still lay ahead for me. I may even turn the TV on!

I've not done much today. I caught up some of my "word graphics" in Cherokee, watched a couple more episodes of Charmed

7:05p – I hear the ice cream truck for the first time this year, off in the distance.

10:54p – I think I will have to reboot the computer. Skip just put clothes in the washer and wants me to remember to put them in the dryer.

THURSDAY - April 3, 2008
– –
Nvgine-iga – Kawoni Tsoi
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏦᎢ

Taken Thursday night, April 3, 2008. – Lariat # 2 - Sandridge Energy – South of Ft. Stockton , TX

2:42a – I was just about to go to bed when I read my last entry about putting Skip's clothes in the dryer. I had completely forgotten. He was supposed to leave the light on in the laundry room. I assured him that if it was on, I would remember to turn it off, and when I did so, I would be reminded to put his clothes in the dryer. I never saw the light on, but fortunately (for him) I read my earlier journal entry. I just put his clothes in to dry. I am off to bed now. Work tomorrow. Yuck. Yes, I hate this job ... etc., etc., yada-yada...

12:51a – Off to bed.

11:34a – And up again. I feel poorly again this morning. I had a lot of dreams. It rained most of the night, and I had the coffee can catching the drips in the bedroom. All this rain has got to be causing a lot of damage up there in the attic, or inside the walls. We need to get moved to a better place, but I know we can't afford the cost of moving. I can barely pay bills now.

I got to work just a few minutes late. I had to stop for gas. I filled the tank at $3.49! This is the highest I've ever paid. It cost over $50 just to fill my tank. I can't afford this. Soon it will cost me too much to buy gas to get to work (to make the money to buy the gas....).

Work we nothing special. Floor Support and phones.

FRIDAY - April 4, 2008
– –
Tsunagilosdi – Kawoni Nvgi
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏅᎩ

5:31a – I was just headed off to bed. Turned off the lights in the living room. Went to check the outside lights, and tripped over the coffee table. Skip has moved it again, so it is out of position, and I slammed my shin into it. I am in excruciating pain now, and so mad I could spit nails. I am so f***ng tired of him being a slob. Jeez.... this hurts...

6:20p – I guess I kind of blew up in that last entry. I started to delete it, but my journal should reflect me, my feelings, and who I am at the moment. We all change, day to day.

I slept until nearly 1:00p today. I've not accomplished much. I noticed last night that a squirrel appears to have destroyed one of my peat pots with the watermelon seeds. And my two yellow watermelons have had most of their seed leaves chewed off by something. They may not make it now. Meanwhile, my corn has about 9 sprouts (of 50) coming up.

11:52p – Pain. I have been slicing & dicing tonight. I have removed 2 more ugly, annoying skin tags. After enough beer, I sterilize everything and chop them off. The last one was not very cooperative and took several attempts (and a few screeches in pain). But they're gone.

SATURDAY - April 5, 2008
– –
Unadodaquidena – Kawoni Hisgi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᎯᏍᎩ

11:38a – I wanted to get up around 10:00a but I was sleeping so well, I stayed in bed until about 11:25a.

I got to work well on time. spent until about 11:15p on floor support and took calls for a bout 1½ hours. My last call went over by about 20 minutes.

SUNDAY - April 6, 2008
– –
Unadodaquasgv – Kawoni Sudali
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏑᏓᎵ

1:13a – I am driving down the road on 170 headed home. I just heard on the news that Charlton Heston has died.

I got home tonight and notice a cardboard box that look like a picture or wall hanging had been in it. I looked around and see that Skip has hung a decoration in the living room. Well! It's good to see him taking an interest in some home decor for a change!

Skip's "Fine Beer" wall hanging

2:43a – Just finished watching another episode of Charmed. I still have about 40 episodes recorded! I can't seem to watch them as fast as the record. In this one, Paige just got married to Henry.

Paige and Henry's wedding

New Shower

For quick TV wedding... it was very beautiful.

2:52a – Great. I just took a moment to try to straighten up some in the bathroom, and even mopped the floor. I managed in the process to drop the shower sprayer and now it is broken. Why do I bother?!

4:18a – I had some leftover cabbage & corned beef from last month, plus some more of the black rice which Skip cooked tonight. I will have to buy more of that. We both like it.

11:35a – I am up. Skip is headed out to the store. I told him about the shower and he is going to pick up a new one.

12:28p – I just learned about the passing of a child named Paxten. I never knew him, though a friend of mine did. I was very saddened and have a made a tribute to him in the left sidebar.

MONDAY - April 7, 2008
– –
Unadodaquonvhi – Kawoni Galiquogi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᎦᎵᏉᎩ

4:20a – I watched another episode of Charmed tonight. I am trying to watch the entire series, but ... wow... there are a LOT of episodes!!

4:37a – It's getting late! I need to go eat.

5:05a – I am an hour behind in getting to bed. But... here I go...

12:22p – I got up a bit after 12:00p, so I managed to get 7 hours sleep. That should be enough. I jumped straight into the shower. Now I still have about 45 minutes before I have to leave to work.

12:58p – I am leaving a bit early so I can pick up some fast food on the way to work. I am starving, but no time to fix anything. So ... here goes day 3 of 4. Almost to the end of another long stretch of work days.

I stopped by Rally's and got a burger on the way in. Actually, I forgot to stop. I had to turn around and go back. I got in the left-hand drive through lane because it looked shorter, but the speaker was out of order and we had to order at the window. So the "short" lane ended up going slower. Still, I was ahead of schedule and got to work early.

I was on the phones all day. I took over 32 calls. That is the most calls I have taken in one day in quite some time!

TUESDAY - April 8, 2008
– –
Taline-iga – Kawoni Tsunela
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏧᏁᎳ

12:28p – I woke up around 11:00a to a window rattling clap of thunder. I lay in bed and doze until a little after noon, then got up an hopped in the shower.

I stopped at Rally's for a quick burger on the road again today. I don't really like to eat like that, but sometimes it is a necessary evil.

Work was long and tedious. I took calls for a while. I went on floor support early to cover Chris for lunch, and just stayed in... and stayed swamped! I had one awful chat from an agent who had an OEM issue and insisted that *I* roll a truck to have a technician come out. I refused to do this since the customer would get charged and we do not fix OEM issues. I had to escalate this to supervisors, and I expect the agent will be mad at me now. However, I am not going to put my name on an invalid truck roll. If they have the tools and want to do so, that is on them, but don't put MY name on it!

WEDNESDAY - April 9, 2008
– –
Tsoine-iga – Kawoni Sonela
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏐᏁᎳ

3:05a – I finished my recent episode of Charmed (dealing with African Witch Doctors this time). Caught up some email, and am now trying to catch up my journal.

3:56p – I got up too early this morning. I always seem to do that on days I don't work. I suppose I dread the days I do work so much, I just don't want to get up and face it.

My Cherokee White-Eagle corn is coming along nicely. I took some pictures of it for the first time today.

Meanwhile, up on the sun, this is happening!

7:10p – Skip called around 4:30p and I picked him up at Schnuck's at about 4:30p.

9:43p – I am making burritos for supper. Skip bought the ingredients. I was going to fry them (chimichanga style) ... but he want them baked. So ... the are baking. The ingredients include refried beans (with salsa intermixed), black rice, hamburger (with onion, garlic, and seasonings), and a liberal dose of cheese.

THURSDAY - April 10, 2008
– –
Nvgine_iga – Kawoni Sgohi
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏍᎪᎯ

I got up very early (for me) today, around 9:00a. It was pointless to try to stay in bed. There was a storm in progress. Thunder was cracking, rain was pattering, and the leak in my bedroom was drip-dripping an annoying noise. Also, the birds were making an awful racket. I love birds, and bird song, but since living in Cahokia, the birds seem to have taken on a bit of a ghetto quality. Instead of laying back and enjoying their lovely little bird songs, I find myself annoyed by their rude and argumentative squawks and avian expletives!

So, I got up, but I was tired and lacking in energy. Finally, around 11:00a, Skip called. He was not feeling well and was coming home early, and wanted me to pick him up from the train. I droved down through the rain an picked him up at about 4:40p. I brought him home, and he went to bed almost immediately, while I sat in the living room, still dressed for an excursion, and stared listlessly at the TV.

It was about 1:30p, with a good deal of effort, that I roused my lazy self and took a caffeine pill. I called Larry M. and told him I was headed out and if he was willing, I would meet him at Clems. I've not been to "Clementine's" bar in a LONG time. I just really don't go out any more.

I then drove over to Block Buster (still raining) and walked in my two most recent "Lost in Space" DVD's. I had set them out for the mailman to pick up yesterday, but apparently we had no mail and he never ran. So, this morning, I found the two DVD's in their mailing envelops, laying soaked by rain on the front porch. I walked them in and handed them over, explaining what happened. I guess there is no problem.

From there, I went to Wal-Mart and picked up some needed items (paper plates & towels, bar soap, etc.). I also got a couple of new tank tops and a pair of shorts.

Then I went to Jay International. I picked up several items, but one of the main things I wanted to get was some more of the 'black rice' that Skip and I have become so fond of recently. Well... they seemed to be OUT of that one particular item! Damn....

However, I did pick up some fresh sugar snap peas, fresh shiitake mushrooms and large package of jalapeños peppers. I got a couple of packages of fried garlic, and some dried leeks. Also, a larger container of Knorr chicken bouillon. And of course, I got a jar of kim chee. I also picked up a variety pack of black teas.

By this time, I had to piss like the proverbial "Russian Race horse." (Whatever that means, I am not sure...). I headed off to Clem's to meet Larry.

It was already past 2:30p, so I was running later than intended. I tried to go by way of Grand to Gravois, but... there was not left turn allowed. I had about two cases of one-way street obstructions, but I finally made my was down Gravois to Russell, and then to Clem's.

Larry was there. I said "hi" and apologetically ran for the bathroom (where Larry had just posted some of his flyers for an upcoming event).

Larry's poster

Larry and Li on the patio at Clem's

My visit with Larry was great. We chitted and chatted about inconsequential things; we moaned and groaned about the many complaints of aging (managing to avoid any discussion of bowel movements, I might add!). I drank several screw drivers which he insisted on paying for (which was good, because I had just spent about $70 on groceries... and still need to gas up the car!

All in all, I had a very pleasant visit with Larry, but I did get a little too tipsy! I was a bit concerned about driving home. Not as concerned as I should have been (which was my later worry). I was fine though, but I did not stop to pick up beer for Skip as he had wanted.

I think he understood. I should not be driving any more than I had to, being a bit inebriated.

So I handed him the keys and he went to the store for himself.

Meanwhile, I put on my last batch of spiced raw peanuts to cook. I took a hot shower, and put on some of my new clothes. I opened; up a beer, and sat down at the computer. Then the drinks started to hit me! Skip was back from the store,- and I asked him to watch my peanuts, and I went to bed. I got up around 9pm ... and felt WONDERFUL! Much relaxed. I am now having a few beers and munching on VERY spicy-hot peanuts! Not heaven, but... it will do.

FRIDAY - April 11, 2008
– –
Tsunagilosdi – Kawoni Sadu
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏌᏚ

10:03a – I tried to stay in bed longer, since this is a work day, but I was not sleeping, so ...here I am. Up early.

I was sick all day. I called in late to work, hoping I would feel better with a couple more hours of rest, but I was getting worse. I ended up calling in sick. So ... there goes another day of pay out of my paycheck

I found it was not a squirrel getting into my plants. At least not just a squirrel. I caught a Cardinal in the act of tearing up my White-Eagle corn! Damn bird. grrrr!

I worked off and on with getting my font creation program to work. I was successful and I actually succeeded in creating a TTF font for the old script! Here is a graphic I made. Now, I just need to refine the graphics, and somehow incorporate the numerals into it as well.

SATURDAY - April 12, 2008
– –
Unadodaquidena – Kawoni Talidu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏚ

6:19p – I slept in until nearly noon today. I made some English Breakfast tea.

Thankfully, I am feeling much better. There must be some bug going around. Skip came home sick on Thursday. I was sick on Friday. Brian (Skip's co-worker) is now sick today. But I feel better now.

We went to Fairview Heights looking for some new Mexican place Skip had heard about. We never found it, so we went to Lota Watta Creek instead. However, they had a 20-25 minutes wait to sit, so we decided to just go to Ramon's. It was cheaper there anyway. We both just settled on our old standard, "Mexican Plate" ($8.95).

We went to Wal-Mart for some shopping. I did not spend much. I did pick up some more peat pots. I need to get some of these plants in the ground. It was COLD today though. That's just not right for the middle of April. There were even forecasts of possible snow flurries!

After Wal-Mart, and Skip's customary trip to Star Buck's for his coffee fix, we went over to the Cahokia Mounds Interpretive Center to check out the Choctaw Art show. I got permission to take a few pictures.

SUNDAY - April 13, 2008
– –
Unadodaquasgv – Kawoni Tsogadu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏦᎦᏚ

1:16a – I made a steak on the Foreman grill tonight, and it came out EXCELLENT.

I got up around noon. I made some Earl Grey tea (I like Earl Grey!). Skip and I decided to be cheap today and pick up some "fast food." But first we went to Shnuck's. I spent a chunk of money on a pork butt and a pork sirloin.

From the grocery store, we went down to Q-Trip and I got another $10 worth of gas. Prices today were $3.59!! I cant' afford such prices. This is really bad. I don't know what I am going to do, but gas prices are going to put me into poverty earlier than expected!

We went to Popeye's Chicken. I got a 3-piece meal with a biscuit, corn on the cob and a jalapeño pepper.

My plea to the on-line Cherokee community for help with the design of the "old script" TTF font has gone way better than expected! I have had so many people offering to make contributions. BLESSINGS to "Ta:mili" who paid for half the cost. I am still awaiting promised contributions from 4-5 others, but ... meanwhile... I have gone ahead and purchased the program myself. It turned out to be about $10 more than I had thought it was.

I have been working with it diligently, but ... I see I have MUCH work ahead of me!!

We are making a festive supper tonight. Eye of round steaks, wrapped in bacon, cook on the grill; steamed broccoli in cheese sauce, and baked sweet potatoes which I will smother in brown sugar & butter.

MONDAY - April 14, 2008
– –
Unadodaquonvhi – Kawoni Nigadu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ– ᎧᏬᏂ ᏂᎦᏚ

2:13a – I am off to be after some wonderful food. I dread work tomorrow, but ... what else is new?

Steve Dodd quite today... that was unexpected.

TUESDAY - April 15, 2008
– –
Taline-Iga – Kawoni Sgigadu
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏍᎩᎦᏚ

1:52p – I over slept this morning... very rare. I should have been able to make it out on time, but I didn't. I am running late, so I called in tardy. I hate this job. I am so tired of dreading going in to it. The car didn't want to start either.

I had a strange and amusing dream last night. I know it was a result of doing hours on end of floor support chats plus watching 2 or 3 episodes of "Charmed" every day. I dreamed I was in a FS chat and someone ask me about ingredients for a potion to vanquish a particular demon. I double checked my demon database and found that this demon had already been vanquished! I admonished the "magickal agent" for this, as they should have checked this before contacting me. This was probably a result of all the agents who contacted me yesterday to have a modem provisioned, BEFORE checking the customer's billing status... which showed they were in a delinquent non-pay status. The agent should always check this BEFORE contact me! lol... weird mix of fantasy and reality...

Steve was not at work, so I covered his floor support time. I ended up all by myself in FS for quite a while. I did not get to take my first break until about 8:30p. Then I was on again until James relieved me. I finally got lunch at 11:30p, then squeezed in my last break at 12:15a.

WEDNESDAY - April 16, 2008
– –
Tsoine-Iga – Kawoni Daladu
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏓᎳᏚ

3:30p – I just took a shower and am leaving to get my hair cut here shortly.

Got discs 6 and 7 for Lost in Space copied. One day I will have to sit down and actually WATCH them...

I sat the tobacco sprouts out for some sun today. I don't think the are doing too well. It was a beautiful day, though a bit windy.

I worked a bit more on the 3rd version of the OldTsalagi font.

The character "hu"

Got my hair cut, then went next door to the Family Dollar. I picked up some cheap cologne and some (very) cheap patchouli oil.

Before

After

Then I went to pick up Skip from the train. I dropped him off at Schnuck's and I drove over to Wal-Mart and picked up a few things. Including a new lunch dish. I ran him be Q-Mart, then we went home.

THURSDAY - April 17, 2008
– –
Nvgine-Iga – Kawoni Galiquadu
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᎦᎵᏆᏚ

12:50a – I ate too much for supper tonight.

12:02p – I did not sleep well last night. I had some congestion that caused a problem for a while. Then I got a headache. Finally, after 3:00a, I got to sleep, but I had disturbing dreams. There was a nuclear bomb going off in one dream. I was laying down by the side of a road. There was a lady with me with her baby laying there too. She said, "This is her first bomb!" ... like it was a special event. I told her to be sure the baby did not look directly at the explosion. Then the bomb went off and I covered my eyes with my hand, but could see see since the light from the blast was so intense. This bomb was bigger than the ones I was used to. It started blowing things down. I was flying through the air (strangely unafraid). Buildings were bursting into flame, and I saw a big red barn flying to pieces. Everything seems to be in slow motion.

In another dream, there was a kitten in a microwave. It was being kept in there for a bed. I was hoping no one had turned on the microwave! I opened the door and the very young kitten was laying on its back. It was breathing, but it seemed to be breathing to fast. I rubbed my finger down it's belly and after a few strokes, it woke up. I seemed confused. Kira was lay beneath the microwave and I took the kitten out and lay it next to her. She was all excited and began to nuzzle and lick the baby. She got up to reposition herself, but she was stiff from her arthritis and I was afraid she might step on the kitten, but she didn't. The dream fades, but I am in the same place. I think I am about to sit down with some family to eat, but I hear something strange outside. It is night time (or dusk) and off in the distance there is an explosion. Someone says, "I wonder if that is a bomb?" I said, "Yes...it is!" and then we saw planes in the distance, and the were bombing a nearby city. But the bombs began to drop closer and I was getting worried. Then a helicopter comes flying by, very low. There is a man hanging to the outside of it. He might be on our side. He is trying to bring the craft down. Meanwhile, a vehicle pulls up in the driveway. It is the foreign invaders. They are going to take our home... probably kill us! I am wonder if I can hide or run. And I wake up.

1:28p – I am running late. Gotta get dress and zip out of here...

Work was ... the usual, for the most part. I did have a long talk with Chris. He is my TL now, but he knows me from the beginning since we started at Convergys together. Apparently my "tardies" are accumulating and becoming an issue. A mild issue, but ... I guess I need to address it. I need to get some FMLA documents files. We went over all kinds of insurance variations, but ... Convergys' insurance plans basically SUCK for anyone with a medical problem like myself.

I took calls for most of the 'day.'

FRIDAY - April 18, 2008
– –
Tsunagilosdi – Kawoni Neladu
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏁᎳᏚ

3:52a – I am (again) catching up my journal. No work tomorrow, and of course, I am reveling in that fact. I've got to do something. I don't make enough money, my health is declining, I hate my job, the car is falling apart, I have no social life, my insurance sucks... ad infinitum... it cannot continue on this course.

4:41a – Jeez!! The whole house just started shaking! I think we just had a small earthquake tremor! It woke Skip up.

5:26a – Well... no more tremors. That was SO bizarre! I wonder if it was just a sample of something yet to come? Anyway... I am off to bed now.

5.4 earthquake rocks Illinois;
also felt in Indiana

WEST SALEM, Ill. (AP) — A 5.4 earthquake early Friday rocked people awake as far away as Indiana, surprising residents unaccustomed to such a large Midwest temblor.

The quake just before 4:37 a.m. was centered 6 miles from West Salem, Ill., and 66 miles from Evansville, Ind. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

"It shook our house where it woke me up," said David Behm of Philo, 10 miles south of Champaign. "Windows were rattling, and you could hear it. The house was shaking inches. For people in central Illinois, this is a big deal. It's not like California."

The quake also shook tall buildings in downtown Indianapolis, about 160 miles northeast of the epicenter.

Indiana State Police spokesman Sgt. Todd Ringle in Evansville said there were no immediate reports of damage.

12:00n – Precisely noon (by the clock in my room) and I am getting up.

3:49p – Once again, I have a day off, and it is cloudy and raining. I am getting so sick of my days off being dismal.

SATURDAY - April 19, 2008
– –
Unadodaquidena – Kawoni Soneladu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏐᏁᎳᏚ

Work was fairly typical. Nothing out of the ordinary to report. It looked like a nice day, what little I saw of it. I've been reading an e-book online; Edgar Rice Burroughs, "At the Earth's Core." It's the closest I've come to reading a book in 3 years now! I am actually on the last chapter (15).

SUNDAY - April 20, 2008
– –
Unadodaquasgv – Kawoni Talisgohi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪᎯ

A Mahar with possibly Dian the Beautiful...

5:20a – I am off to bed.

11:58a – I am up. Barnabas peed in the bathroom floor again. Skip is out in the back yard with Brian and a tiller.

1:34p – Running late, as usual, but ... off to work again.

Both yesterday and today were very slow at work. The chats, and even the phone calls were slow enough that I read the last 10 chapters of "At The Earth's Core" yesterday; and today I read about 6 chapters in the sequel, "Pellucidar." I read these book over 30 years ago, but my perception of things were so different then from the way I see things now, that it's like I never read the stories at all. Maybe I should read the Tarzan novels again too. I used to be very proud of the hard back novels that I had as a kid back in California. I wonder when I lost those books? Hmmm... no idea.

MONDAY - April 21, 2008
– –
Unadodaquonvhi – Kawoni Talisgo-Saquu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏌᏊ

2:31a – I am so tired. I should come home, and go straight to bed, but I am not. I am having my usual few beers, watched part of an episode of charmed, catching up my journal, and I just put a couple of pork tenderloin steaks out to thaw. I don't know what I am going to do with it.

5:23a – I threw together a pork-corn-bean concoction for supper. I am off to bed now. Tomorrow promises to be a very sucky day. I am not looking forward to it at all...

12:59p – I still need to shower and get out of here for work. I expect today to be a long day. I am not scheduled for floor support, and a migration is scheduled for today, so it is going to be a mad house.

1:26p – I am so angry. My sacred tobacco plants were not doing well and needed some sunlight, so I set them outside, hoping it would perk them up. A damn squirrel got into them and tore every peat-pot to pieces, destroying the entire "crop" of tobacco plants. All that time and effort for naught.

This was a LONG day with no floor support to break up the tedium. However, we began a new acquisition/migration from "Patriot" today, so I am probably happy I did not have to do any FS.

TUESDAY - April 22, 2008
– –
Taline-Iga – Kawoni Talisgo-Tali
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏔᎵ

3:06a – I am getting so disgusted with trying to keep the living room tidy. I am officially "giving up." Skip cleaned his bedroom up this past weekend (looking for a game CD apparently). He trashed the living room, and I expect it will be like this from now on. I cannot keep it clean. I don't know what to say to him. He complains about the kitchen being a mess (and it is), but at least we could have company come in and they don't have to see the kitchen. I would like to be able to have someone step inside the home I live in and not feel embarrassed by the total, cluttered, mess.

The mess...

3:10a – I need to fix something for supper. I am so tired though. I am not sure what I can or will come up with.

WEDNESDAY - April 23, 2008
– –
Tsoine-Iga – Kawoni Talisgo-Tsoi
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏦᎢ

4:32a – I am off to bed.

1:30p – ...and up again. Wow. I got NINE hours sleep. I have only been getting about 5 hours sleep all during the past four work days. I needed it and feel very refreshed. I have so many things I want to get done today, but getting up at 1:30p means I will not have much time to accomplish anything. My main goal is to get my corn planted in the garden we have started.

It has been a beautiful day. After picking Skip up, I got my corn plants in the ground. It was only a few minutes work, but I was shaking like a leaf, my legs were cramping, and I was radiating heat like I had a fever or something. It took me about an hour to recover. I need to mow the front lawn too, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.

A rainbow arcs over my newly planted Cherokee White-Eagle corn...

This evening, Skip spent some time building a planter box to grow carrots and other vegetables in.

THURSDAY - April 24, 2008
– –
Nvgine-Iga – Kawoni Talisgo-Nvgi
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏅᎩ

1:28a – Off to bed!

2:59p – I got up about 11:30a. Skip called me shortly thereafter and I picked him up from the train. He left work early after going in to work about 5:00a this morning. We stopped by KFC and got some lunch (breakfast in my case), then came home and I put the "I am Legend" movie in to watch. I've paused the movie for now, and Skip has gone to take a nap. It's rainy and gray outside today. I was going to mow the lawn (assuming the lawn mower is up to the task after sitting in the shed all winter).

10:02p – We got a lot accomplished today. Skip got his planter filled with soil from the burn pile, a couple of bags of garden soil, and one bag of peat moss. His hops rhizome is sprouting. I not only mowed the lawn, but I got the Elephant Ear tuber planted. I am pooped and in pain, but it was good exercise and I think I am better for it.

My Elephant Ear tuber and Skip's planter in a collage image...

11:45p – I just finished eating a VERY spicy concoction of rice, pork, chicken and lots of jalapeños. Whew! Spicy!

This video made me sick and brought tears to my eyes. I wish I had money to contribute to the effort to stop such monstrous behavior.

11:59p – Nearly time to go to bed, and back to work tomorrow. Yuck.

FRIDAY - April 25, 2008
– –
Tsunagilosdi – Kawoni Talisgo-Hisgi
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᎯᏍᎩ

12:06a – Off to bed.

10:25a – The power must have dropped momentarily during the night. My clock was blinking when I woke up around 3:00a this morning. I notice the server computer lost power, but (as usual) my computer stayed up.

I had so many strange dreams last night. A little more than usual. In one dream, Doug and I were shopping at some store and bought $118.00 worth of groceries. For some reason, we left the cart of groceries sitting in the store and went out to make room in the trunk for them. Doug insisted on move all of our previous shopping purchases to the back seat and I was arguing with him about it. He got everything moved and seemed pleased with himself. I said, "but we still have to get the groceries and put them in the trunk." He seemed to have forgotten about that. Somehow, he had gotten drunk while shopping and was acting a bit stupid. We went back in the store, but now the cart full of groceries was missing. I was getting angry and disgusted with the entire affair and went back out to the car. Mom was sitting in the passenger's seat and I told her about what was going on, but she seemed not to care. I stressed to her that this was a lot of money to be losing, and I was becoming annoyed that she did not seem to care or be paying attention to what I was telling her. Suddenly she snapped at me and admonished, "And how dare you!?..." and proceeded to chew me out about something I knew nothing about. She seemed to think I had made some insensitive comment about my Dad, who I had apparently referred to as "Pappy" at some time in the past. I had no clue what she was talking about and tried to tell her so, but she would hear none of it.

Odd dream. There were more, but I could spend all morning trying to write them down.

We had all new computers at work today. The new computer was much faster. However, I still had the problem where "Cleo Tools" would fail to copy & paste. I had to switch, once again, to using "Notepad" to take my notes. Why is this happening? I don't know... but it is VERY bad for trying to do my job.

Here is a crude picture of my desk where I normally sit... with Kira on my desk top. She is still the anchor of my heart. I miss her so ...

SATURDAY - April 26, 2008
– –
Unadodaquidena – Kawoni Talisgo-Sudali
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏑᏓᎵ

4:18a – Payday-Saturday ... at last. I look forward to joining my brother in some culinary expedition today.

4:53a – Off to bed.

12:06p – I'm up but not quite awake. I am having a cup of Lady Gray. I've been drinking a lot of tea lately. I think RD has influenced me.

5:56p – We just got home after an excursion to Delmar Loop (aka "The Loop"). We had lunch at Chipotle's Mexican Grill. Skip got a "burrito bowl" (which is a lazy way to make a burrito with no tortilla!). I got a regular tortilla. The manager came out and spoke to me and was impressed when I switched to Spanish with him. Mexican dialect of course. We discussed food for a bit, and I (knowing better) asked if they might have menudo on the menu? He got an "Aieee, que lasitma..." look in his eyes and lamented that they did not have this traditional Mexican delicacy. Too bad. I could have enjoyed a bowl of menudo! I found their decor very interesting. I took pictures of all but one of their Mezo-American wood & metal designs. They blended into the general decor wonderfully, and I was fascinated by the style since I am seeing that the style of the Mezo-American (Aztec, Toltec, Olmec, Maya, Inca ... etc.) is VERY similar to the Southeastern Amerindian styles.

Some of the metal & wood art at the Chipotle grill..

The "master piece" (in my opinion) ...

Skip's new book

Then Skip walked across the street to the "Subterranean Bookstore." They used to sell used books, but they are sell all new books now. I picked out a book for Skip and (not much to my surprise) he bought it. I think the title is "I'm a Lebowski, You're a Lebowski: Life, The Big Lebowski, and What Have You." He seems to be enjoying the book. I am pleased I found it and could bring it to his attention. (Of course, I will have to suffer a bombardment of quotes from this book for... well, probably the rest of my life! lol!)

After the book store, we went next door to "Plow Sharing". I took over 50 pictures of some of their merchandise (with permission of course). I promised to send them copies as well. It was a very interesting store and I enjoyed a long needed bout of photography.

We left there and I had to sit down for a few minutes to rest my back, while Skip smoked a half cigarette. Then we went into the store next door. I am trying to remember the name of it, but it escapes me, and I can't seem to find it on the map. I got permission to take more pictures in this store. It was most products from India, including a child's "rocking elephant" which we thought was cute...

Rocking Elephant!

Plows Sharing ...
a neat store we visited today.

We left The Loop and went to Jay International. Our main goal was to pick up some habañero peppers to make a pepper spray which we plan on using to protect the garden. I picked up another package of black rice, although this is not the kind that I bought before. I also got another jar of kim chee. I still have some at home, but I go through it quickly. As we were going through the check out line, Skip pointed out a tea service set on a shelf above the cashier and had her get it down. It was fairly priced at about $11.00 and so I splurged and bought it. It's a little more "feminine" than I would have liked, but it will service the purpose and didn't cost $30-40 like most of the sets I've seen lately.

My new tea service...

Habañeros purchased from Jay's for the purpose of making a garden spray to deter the pests...

After we got home and had rested a bit (my back was in a lot of pain), we tackled another project. Skip was the motivating force behind it, but I am glad he was, because it was something that has needed to be done for quite a while. We emptied out the freezer on the back porch, cleaned out the glacial accumulation ... which was quite a feat. Then got the freezer brought into the house and reloaded with meats and such.

SUNDAY - April 27, 2008
– –
Unadodaquasgv – Kawoni Talisgo-Galiquogi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᎦᎵᏉᎩ

12:45a – Supper consisted of meatloaf, pasta shells in parmesan sauce, and black sweet rice. All very good, and I am full!

1:09p – I got up around 11:00a and made a pot of tea in my new tea pot for the first time. The first cup was too hot and the Asian style cup do not have handles. Next time I will remember not to fill the cup so full.

This has been a pleasant, if boring, non-productive day.

MONDAY - April 28, 2008
– –
Unadodaquonvhi – Kawoni Talisgo-Tsunela
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᎲᎯ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏧᏁᎳ

1:09a – We did not do much today, but I had a nice, pleasant day sitting at home doing very little. I got a lot done on my old Ashoke font however. I need to work more on the "Old Script" font. It is much more involved and detailed though. However, working on the Ashoke font is providing me with lots of practice.

12:54p – I was up a little after 10:30a. I finally got around to re-setting the time on my clock last night. It has been "blinking" for 3-4 days now, since the power went out. I've been having to guess at the time. I had some tea this morning, washed a few dishes and made a pot of pork & rice vermicelli soup. I actually had time to watch an episode of Torchwood and another episode of Charmed. Now, it's time to get dressed and head out to work.

Work was bearable. I spent most of the day in floor support, but I did take some calls. My average handle time was around 6 minutes, which helps. I started reading "Tandar of Pellucidar" on line tonight.

TUESDAY - April 29, 2008
– –
Taline-iga – Kawoni Talisgo-Sonela
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏐᏁᎳ

In memory of Mom, who pass away at the age of 46 on this
date in 1984, Pasco, WA. We still miss you Mom!

4:34a – I should be going to bed about now, but I am just making a quick hamburger and noodle soup; and watching another episode of Charmed.

Progress of the Habañeros ripening in the window sill...

WEDNESDAY - April 30, 2008
– –
Tsoine-iga – Kawoni Talisgo-Tsosgohi
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎧᏬᏂ ᏦᏍᎪᎯ

5:43a – It is daylight outside. I am pooped...and off to bed. Skip just got up for work as I was typing this. Off to bed for me!

y'ainfeile Atg' aim' aSoke Antf' Ut' erkwe!

1:58p – I went to bed so late last night, and then I got up early around 11:30a. I needed to sleep (I am still sleepy), but I did not want to waste the day.

We went to Schnuck's today and while looking through the vegetables, we saw this nearly obscene looking sweet potato! Skip snapped a photo of it with his cell phone...

eeek!

11:59p – And so ... April 2008 passed behind us. Another year. Another month. Another step toward our final demise. Sometimes, I wonder what the point may be. Sometimes, I think I know what the point is. Other times, I realize I cannot ever know or comprehend such a deep yet pointless topic... What ever. It will be as it will be be.

5.4 earthquake rocks Illinois; also felt in Indiana

5.4 earthquake rocks Illinois;
also felt in Indiana