JUNE 2007

FRIDAY - JUNE 1, 2007

Happy Birthday to Odo! Actor René Auberjonois

2:25a – Today has been more productive and busy. After getting up around 10:30a, I have gone to Soulard and done some shopping, got my hair cut, and mowed the front lawn. It is hot and muggy today. I just gave in, shut the windows, and turned on the A/C. Then I took a cool shower and now I feel nearly human again. Except that I have only eaten one strawberry all day and I am starting to get hungry!

Dale sent me an email in response to the picture of me at age 11 holding my first platter of fried chicken. He said I should have entitled it "Chef Bar Ar Lee" ... and that got me to playing around. I ended up created this...

This has been a long, yet productive day. I attended the monthly Ko-Ro in Ladue with Ron, David, Jerry, Mr. & Mrs. Duncan Charters.

I spent much of this evening chopping veggies and prepping meat for the freezer.

Skip went off on me tonight about fixing our supper last night. He did not want to cook, so he invited me to cook for the both of us. I (reluctantly) complied. I really did not feel like it, since I had my own food ready to cook, but ... I complied. I cooked up a skillet of hamburger helper, along with some extra food of my own to stretch it out.

Today, all of the food is gone. I guess I ate it all... (I really don't remember... though I did go buy some ice cream to top off the evening!). Anyway... he is all pissed off at me for eating up his food now, so I am just going to ask him to never ask me to cook for him again. I don't need this kind of harassment. I would have been fine without his asking me to cook for him ... which I did not want to do in the first place!

SATURDAY - JUNE 2, 2007

Happy Birthday to Jerry Mathers! aka "Theodore Cleaver" from LEAVE IT TO BEAVER

Happy Birthday en Memoriam to Johny Wessmuller Thank you for all the childhood memories of old Tarzan movies!

Happy Birthday to Kenneth Scot Terrell My favorite nephew!

1:50a – I am off to bed now, after some ice cream and no little depression with Skip going ballistic on me.

3:31a – I feel awful. Just woke up with an acid reflux attack. I puked my guts up. Had to clean up the bed a bit. Thought I was going to clog up the bathroom sink. I am going to dread working tomorrow. I am so tired of trying to keep on working. So tired... can't give up...

9:58a – I am up early, as I often am on Saturdays. I am still perturbed by the incident with Skip last night. The first thing I did when I got up this morning was to go search the refrigerator. I didn't find any leftovers, but swear I don't remember eating all the hamburger helper dish that I made last night. I do remember emptying the pan and washing it, thinking to myself that I wish Skip would do this instead of putting that huge skillet in the icebox where it takes up too much room.

12:34p – Aha! I am vindicated. I did NOT eat all of the food Thursday night. As I thought, I had placed the leftovers in a container for Skip to take to lunch with him, AND I washed out the skillet afterward. I found the food in my lunch container (which I thought was Skip's container). So, not only did I not eat all his food as accused, I fixed him a lunch for the next day and cleaned up afterward.

SUNDAY - JUNE 3, 2007

Happy Birthday to Toni Curtis! Actor

My trip home started off with giving William a ride home. This through off schedule, but no big deal.

1:23a – Here I am, on East 70, on my way home and traffic comes to a halt. Usually I am in Cahokia by this time. Now I am stuck in traffic due to an accident. People are just crazy out here tonight. The van in front of me ... the passengers, they are all getting out and taking pictures. They have dumped garbage in the road too. How tacky.

Finally, the traffic breaks and I start up the car again after sitting for nearly a half hour waiting to go. I stop for some beer at the Route 3 convenience store. Cops are arresting people all over the place. Saturdays are dangerous driving home!

2:00a – I am just now turning the corner from Route 3 to Camp Jackson road. Yep ... there it is... my nemesis... that damn train. I had to stop and wait...

2:02a – The wait was thankfully short! The train is just now passing.

4:46a – I am so tired... tomorrow will be a strain. I got some supper cooked, and lunch for tomorrow, but it is SO late!

12:28p – I just got up at 11:45. Have some soup cooking. I just watch a neat view on YouTube. I wonder if I can embed it here in my journal? Of course, some day in the future, the video will be gone and this link will be meaningless... but for now, let's see if it works...

12:29p – I had a long and complicated dream last night. To make a very long story short, I was a girl, dark blonde hair, mid twenties. Apparently I was killed in an accident, but I did not know it. I was taken over in death by some kind of intelligent, parasitic alien. At first I did not believe it. There were other aliens as well, including one the seemed to get mixed up between a cell phone and a horned toad. It was not intelligent, and was creating a burrow. I later replicated and there were several of them. They looked like normal horned toads, but they had a full color LED display screen in the back of their heads. The dream was quite long and complicated, but I can't remember enough of it to elaborate now. Plus... I have to get ready for work.

Today was fairly relaxed at work. I only took one call, but I was doing chats at the SAME time... again.

MONDAY - JUNE 4, 2007

2:14a – Here I am getting home late again tonight. This time I had to wait in a LONG line at the Route 3 convenience store. I was chatting in line with 3 young men from the Ukraine while we slowly made our way up to the window. I have NEVER seen that line so long before.

4:38a – After a meal of beef & rice with gravy, I am off to bed. It's a bit later than desired... again.

12:54p – I slept until nearly noon, and did not really want to get up. The last couple of days have worn me out due to getting home so late, and then going to bed late. I just called in and took a couple of hours of UTO. I was surprised they had UTO available. This is what I call "Hellday" ... (otherwise known as "Monday"). I have floor support beginning at 6:00p tonight. That is right when the new people start. What I sometimes call the "idiot shift."

3:10p – Just about time to head out. I really can't afford to be taking UTO like this, it is bad for my paycheck. But, sometimes it's just something one has to do I guess.

I stopped for gas on the way to work. It started raining while I was at QT. Then the train was crossing Camp Jackson again, so I zipped down Range to Mildred. It was still crossing there too, but I coasted along slowly and it finished crossing just about the time I got to the crossing.

As usual, Monday was rough. But being busy (and going in late) made the day go by quickly.

TUESDAY - JUNE 5, 2007

1:26a – I am just turning onto Camp Jackson Road. Up ahead I see it... that damn train.

1:27a – I did not have to wait long. I am now crossing over the tracks ... and I see ANOTHER train coming from the opposite direction down the line. I just missed it!

3:23a – I tried to grind up some meat in the meat grinder I bought in Oklahoma. That did not go well. I got some meat ground up and I am using it in my third meal, but most of the meat I just bagged up and tossed back in the icebox. That was too much work for 3 in the morning!

I need to get some laundry done. I wonder if I could get help from this lady?

 

11:59a – I must get ... out ... of ... beeeeeeeeeddddd.....

12:00p – I'm up!

12:21a – I hear the garbage truck outside... picking up the trash. Meanwhile, I have some curry pork and onion simmering on the stove for lunch. Mmmm... what a lovely combo....

12:23a – One more day of work. I wish I could be so enthusiastic about my job as RD is about hers. I am so happy for her! She sounds like she is doing great, enjoying herself, working hard, and "going" somewhere after a long time of hanging in a limbo of despair and not seeing anything in the future but gloom. I've applied for a couple of jobs in the last two days. Maybe I can get out of this sweat-shop I work in and get a real job... and get my life back on track. I am still too young to be so depressed by life.

This has been a strenuous day. Eight hours straight of floor support, constantly 5 chats deep. I am worn out. And my shoulder aches from whatever it's problem is (arthritis I think). Now the muscles in the right side of my neck are in pain. I think it's from grinding the meat up last night. The pain has spread into my head and was causing me to have some problems toward the end of my shift.

WEDNESDAY - JUNE 6, 2007

1:25a – Home at last. I got home more quickly tonight. My head hurts, my neck, my shoulder... I am just going to relax in front of the TV with a few beers and see if that numbs the pain.

3:31a – I've been watching "I, Robot" ... I am sure I have seen it before. I rented it anyway, and I don't remember ANY of this movie! Well, bits & pieces. I know I watched it. Maybe I was drunk? Hmmm...

Anyway, it's a good movie. Enjoying it... again!

2:19p – I did not get up until 1:30p today! I was really tired. I feel much better now. My neck is still a little sore, but only if I move it the wrong way.

5:22p – I just got back home from an excursion out to the Galleria Mall in Brentwood. I had some sushi for lunch. California rolls and BBQ Eel roll... with LOTS of wasabe.

11:57p – I had a good and tasty supper, with rice smothnered in pork and onions. I am now off to bed!

THURSDAY - JUNE 7, 2007

7:57a – I am up early. I couldn't sleep, so I got up about an hour ago.

10:01a – I am going to take a nap. Too sleepy. I got up too early.

3:07a – I dozed off and on until about 1:30p. I am bored now. I can't get motivated to DO anything.

FRIDAY - JUNE 8, 2007

2:55p – I have been more motivated and industrious today. I took my application for my membership to the Cherokees of California and got it notarized (only $2) and in the mail. I bought stamps. And then I went to Wal-Mart and did some minor shopping. I came home and tried again to put coolant in the car's A/C system, but I don't think I succeeded in getting any in. I got a gauge, and it never seemed to move.

It was raining this morning, but now it is hot and sunny in the high 80's. Wash. U. is having their annual "Employee Appreciation Day" today. I wonder if Skip is going to have to work out in the heat? The last year that I attended, he was working and nearly passed out from the heat.

Oh yes, I also got another resume sent out for an Administrative Assistant position (starting at over $14.00/hr).

3:11p – I got one more thing  accomplished today. I just renewed my ani-kutani domain name for another year.

11:25p – I was on a roll today... I kept on going. I drove out to Jay International for some non-standard groceries. I thought about stopping by a bar on the way home and having a drink, but it was so crowded out, I decided against that. I drove on home, and ran by Schnuck's for some more ingredients for my sushi designs for the night. I made some Kappa Maki for a snack. Later, I made some California rolls. They came out pretty good. Here is a shot of my Kappa Maki...

11:38p – I am so tired. I think I will have a snack of ice cream, then crash.

11:56p – Okay ... ! I am full. The ice cream was yummy. Now its time for my BP meds and a some Tylenol PM ... and sleepy time! Trying not to think about work tomorrow...

SATURDAY - JUNE 9, 2007

12:43p – I got up around 10:00a. Diana called me from Washington shortly afterward... that was a surprise! I made some rice and rolled some sushi for my lunch today. I made some beef & rice noodles for "breakfast" which I ate while watching last night episode of SG-1. It's almost time to head out to work now. I've taken my shower, but the hot soup left me sweating. I almost need another shower now, darn it.

I spent TEN hours in floor support tonight. Jeez... that is exhausting...

SUNDAY - JUNE 10, 2007

4:03a – My supper is ready.... and my lunch prepared for tomorrow. I watched the most recent episode of SG:Atlantis after getting home from work. I need to eat and crash soon. Time is ticking by and I will be tired tomorrow.

11:53a – I slept terribly last night. I had so many disturbing dreams. In one of them, I was taking a mal and female duck somewhere, for some reason. They saw a pond with water, however, and quack with glee... and bolted for the water. Suddenly, Kira was in the dream with me and she chased after the ducks. She liked the water too, so she jumped down the steep embankment into the water. I was trying to call her back, but she was too enthralled by getting to go for a swim. The water was deep, almost over her head. The she dove down under water. I could see her as the water was quite clear. I was worried she was going to drown. Then Chad appeared on the opposite side of the pond and started yelling at me to get her out of the water. How he expected me to do this, I don't know. The sides of this pond were steep and I was wondering how Kira was ever going to get out. She had come up from her dive and was swimming around. She was starting to appear tired and was trying to find a way out of the water. I could tell she was in serious trouble now and so both Chad and I dove in the water. Kira had gone under again, but she came up under a huge sheet of plywood and could not get air. It was with difficulty that I managed to get the wood moved... but I was too late. Kira was floating on her side, and not moving. I was hopeful that I could get her out of the water and maybe revive her, but I could not lift her from the water. The despair and grief became overwhelming and I wok up screaming and feeling a surge of grief that left me upset for quite a while. I glanced at the clock after getting my wits back ... 8:39a.

I called in to see if there was UTO time available today. There was, so I am going in late today (but not "tardy."

12:36p – I just got back from running Skip to the train. I nearly got hit by a semi-truck getting back on the highway. They are doing construction (though I never see any work being done) and the entrance ramp has been made VERY dangerous. It has been like this for 2-3 months now. They need to get it finished before someone gets killed. (Assuming that has not already happened).

12:43p – The first thing I did this morning, eyes still bleary from sleep, was to put on the pot of my last meal's leftovers on the stove. Then I got out the food processor and puréed a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. I mixed some of that in my soup.

Just before leaving for work, I sent a resume out to an email address I got from Elizabeth K. at work. I am not even sure what the position(s) may be for.

Again today we had no floor support schedule. I ended up being on the phone all day long for the first time in ages. I even got switched to the 140 (Comcast West coast) queue. I took 36 calls with an average handle time of around 7-8 minutes.

MONDAY - JUNE 11, 2007

1:18a – I am a little bit ahead of my usual schedule coming home. I am just now turning from Route 3 to Camp Jackson Road ... damn ... there's the frelling train again. So much for being ahead of schedule.

2:16a – I put Skip's clothes in the dryer for him (per a note he left me). I have some chicken leg quarters on to boil. I brought home my bottle of Sriracha sauce, nearly empty, and poured the small remainder of it into my home bottle. (I have a fresh, unopened bottle in my locker at work). I also just put on a put of Jasmine rice to cook. I am thinking making some chicken stir-fry rice with chipotle. Not sure just how it will end up yet.

2:19a – Back to my movie now. I am watching "The Mothman Prophecies" with Richard Gere. So far it is kind of dark and depressing. Not sure where this movie is going, but Gere is usually pretty good. We will see. 3:21a – I need to get the food finished, but it is taking too long. At least I got started as soon as I got home. The movie is getting really weird! Its not really my favorite kind of movie, but it is doing a good job in the creepy department!

3:45a – There is just not enough time sometimes. I have been industriously busy since getting home, but it is nearly 4:00a (my "bed time") and I am still not done fixing my supper/breakfast/lunch. I have the chicken cooked and de-boned, the rice is cooked, and I have rendered the chicken broth down to a thick broth for later cooking use. But... I have a ways to go.

4:08a – Supper is about done. I took pictures, as I am often wont to do. At the last minute I remembered that I was going to add some boiled peanuts to the mix. They are frozen though, so it will take a bit to thaw them out. Damn... getting late...

5:02a – I finally finished the movie. It was not all that great, but it was okay. Long though.

5:07a – And finally... off to bed. I shall dread the morrow...

11:45a – I slept fitfully again, with more disturbing dreams. The theme of one dream was that everyone moved away and left me all alone... except for cats. (The dongs were gone to). However, one of the dogs came back. Strangely, it was my sister's dog, Dottie. Then Skip came to tell me he was leaving. He appeared to be in his early 20's in the dream, which is rare for me. I usually dream of him only as a 5 to 7 year old. He sat next to me, pulling up a small Styrofoam cooler and we ended up in a big hug and I was crying, and he was uncomfortable. I was being left all alone. I guess that must be an increasing fear in my life, especially living out here in the Mid-West where I don't know people and have no family (except for Skip).

TUESDAY - JUNE 12, 2007

3:01a – I dawdled getting out of work and did not get home until about 1:45a. I am thawing some pork steak out now, but I don't know if I am going to cook. It's getting late and I am tired. One more day of work.

4:21a – I am off to bed now. A little earlier than last night... but not as much earlier as it should be. Been watching "Dark Angel" on the DVR.

11:55a – I just got up. I actually slept past 11:30! Probably from taking a Tylenol PM last night. I had lots of dreams, as usual, but they were more positive dreams for the most part. Only one was "scary" and that was a dream in which I was driving down a highway, somewhere on the West coast. I was following someone; I am not sure where we were going. The weather was starting to get bad very rapidly and rain was starting to fall. I had my sun roof open and needed to close it. The sun roof changed to a convertible top and I was trying to put the top up ... while driving. I was not sure if the wind drag would allow me to do this or not, but since I was following the other person, I could not stop. I did slow down as much as possible, but now the clouds were roiling overhead and there was a huge funnel cloud forming directly over me! The roof nearly in place. I was worried about being sucked out through the sun roof (it was no longer a convertible all of a sudden). Fortunately, my seat belt was on. I woke up.

In another dream, I was with someone, a male. We were in Japan in a very busy city. We were trying to get to a smoking room. My companion needed to smoke a cigarette. We both bought a single cigarette and one match (they came in a package from a vending machine). I don't know why I got one, since I don't smoke, but I had one too. We were trying to get down a narrow stairway to the smoking area, but so many people were coming UP the stairs we could not get down. I pointed out that, being in Japan, maybe we should take the other stairway on the left side, rather than this one on the right. My friend agreed, but again there were too many people in the way. Then I notice glass doors leading to the outside and thought ... duh! Let's just go out there! We both went out. It was sunny, and there was a young Japanese girl sitting in the grass. She spoke to us (in Japanese) and pointing a huge sign on the wall around the corner from us. We went around to look, but the sign was in Japanese. It had a picture that had something to do with smoking, and was seemed to be stating some kind of rule or ordinance, but I had no clue what it said. The girl spoke to me again in Japanese and I shook my head, not understanding. She said something else and I realize she had switched to English. "You speak English!" I exclaimed. Her answer indicated she was a bit insulted, having attended some major US college, like Yale or Harvard, or some such. ...and the dream fades out.

I think it was the last dream I had in which Penny (Ensley) Reed was working on a project creating decorations from some kind of walkway for some important party. I am not sure what it was about. I was helping her, though she had a huge crew under her direction. They were using cardboard boxes to create pylons about 4 feet high, with another block shaped box on top. They were all being covered in dark green wrapping paper. Huge bows were being made for each box. A chain was strung from each of these pylons and covered with the green paper (or maybe it was green felt cloth). I was trying to help, not sure what I was doing, or why we were doing it. I had a vague feeling of confusion as I woke up or moved to the next dream.

In another dream I was working at Wash. U. with Skip. I don't know what we were doing or why, but we were stringing up this red plastic coated wire from on building to another. I got to talking with people in one of the buildings, and one of them was Pat Petersen, from Orlando. She was being promoted to an Executive Secretary position. I was happy for her, yet part of me felt I should have been the one getting that job....

Yet another dream had me with my doctor. This was a feel-good dream in which the doctor was taking care of all my worries and fears in regard to my insurance, health, medicines, etc. I can't remember much of it.

12:23a – Anyway... my time is running short! I better get ready for work...

I spent another full day doing floor support. Its more stressful than answering the phone in many ways, yet I like doing it more.

WEDNESDAY - JUNE 13, 2007

1:28a – The ramp to I-64 was blocked off tonight. I had to detour down by Soulard Market again, and get on 55, back to 64. I am just now entering traffic getting on the bridge back to 64. There is a cop ahead of me going from Missouri to Illinois. I didn't know they did that. Maybe he lives in Illinois?

3:07a – I got home and settled down for a few beers and TV, since it is my Friday. Skip had left a half of a "special" home brew beer in the icebox with a note to drink it first. I did. POTENT! I am getting quite toasted at this point after a few more of my regular beers. I may just go to bed without fixing supper; however, I set some chuck out to thaw.

4:07a – Ouch. I just discovered that I have not paid my DSL bill in 3 or 4 months. I could have sworn I did. I just caught it up, but that hurt at at $125! 5:12a – I am just off to bed ... finally. Daylight is breaking. Darn. 5:06p – I was up around 11:00a today. Did not do much of anything, but I did respond to an email and a voice mail from Ms. Scoby regarding a job interview with Syllogis Tech. I got the car washed, went by Wal-Mart, and picked Skip up at precisely 4:23p. He arrived at 4:25p. Received a Family Tree Maker file from Dale Goodwin with about 187 members in it! I made a new "signature graphic" today... I am so flabbergasted! Skip bought me THE most thoughtful gift today (for no particular reason). I want to cry ... I am so moved. He did not need to do this... nor did I need this... yet it is something I will enjoy and cherish... something I will love! Bless his heart. I get so pissed off at him sometimes, but ... damn it... he is the best brother one could ever wish for. I used to joke about "sending him back" ... since he was born just 6 days after me, and was supposed to be my "birthday present."  Never mind. He's KEEPER! He can be an ass at times, but... who can not?

New Sig File

I ordered a new battery for my cell phone today

My gift from Skip today...
A sushi kit! TOO COOL!!

THURSDAY - JUNE 14, 2007

9:25p – I got up WAY too late today. I spent some time on email, then watch a few minutes of TV and ate some beef & rice. I finally got myself motivated and headed out to Soulard Market. I bought some wasabi power there, and some fruit (peaches, strawberries, apricots, plums, and some kind of hybrid thing). It was very hot today. The car said 103° when I left the house. It was down to 101° as I headed home from St. Louis, and after crossing the river, it dropped down to 96°.

As I was leaving Soulard Market, I saw a German Shepherd walking across the parking lot he/she had a leather collar on and was limping severely. Each step appeared to be painful. I think the heat on the pavement was part of the problem. I wanted to do something so bad. I tried to steel myself against it and move on, but I found myself going back around the block ... barely keep tears out of my eyes. (Thinking of Kira of course). As I came back around the corner, I saw a young man who apparently was putting some water out for the dog. She (I seem to think it was a female) had disappeared though. Probably finding a shady spot up under some bushes. I felt better knowing someone was trying to help her. I felt bad not being the one to help. With my luck, I would probably have ended up getting bitten for my efforts anyway <sigh>.

My new Where's George stamp, the circular "track this bill" stamp arrived today.

9:38p – I have laundry drying, but the dryer is still messed up. I need to get in behind it and get the air duct connected properly. It is venting all the hot, steamy air into the house. I just opened one of Skip's beers... the "Nut Brown Ale" ... not bad. Very tasty! A few minutes ago, Skip tasted some of my wasabi powder. He complained that it tasted like flour; was dry and impotent. I went and mixed up a batch, mixing in some water and sitting it out to develop. That shit was so potent I was getting tears in my eyes from mixing it! LOL! ... I had him try a microscopic taste of it... it now has his respect! 9:42p – I have been working hard for the last 2-3 hours creating a new signature graphic. This time it is an animated one, designed for my "video list" ... but depicting me in my various personas.

9:51p – It's about time for me to go put on another pot of sushi rice. I bought 50 sheets of nori today, about a pint of gari, and a nice container of wasabi. Yesterday I picked up some salmon and served it last night (raw) as sashimi. It was really VERY good! I have not, in the past, been so pleased with my OWN serving of "raw fish." But this one was quite excellent. I have come to realize that "raw" fish tastes MUCH better than cooked fish. Cook fish tends to make it dry and bland. Raw "sounds" gross to most Americans, but once you get over the "idea" ... and start to appreciate the actual taste, texture, and "food" ... it all changes. Fish is one of THE most healthiest foods. Raw fish is much better for you (and better tasting) than cooked fish. Of course, some people will argue that raw fish could have harmful bacteria, but... so can raw carrot, bell pepper, onions, lettuce, and most any other salad any ingredient. Also, the use of vinegar and gari (pickled ginger) helps to "sanitize" sushi and sashimi, making it less likely to be tainted by bacteria.

10:19p – I now have the sushi rice cooking, and I have taken a bunch of pictures of various aspects of my cooking, and ingredients.

My supper. Background is raw salmon slices, upper left is my final plate,
and bottom right is sushi rice with black fungus.

FRIDAY - JUNE 15, 2007

1:01a – I am off to bed. My sushi supper was EXCELLENT!!!

5:21p – I had another morning of not wanting to get out of bed, but finally got up around 11:00a. For some reason, I am dreading this interview today. All I've had to eat at this point is a little bowl of fruit (from Soulard) that I sliced up last night.

The interview went well, I suppose. I am not 100% certain this is something I really want to get into, but...we will see. It was hot again today, so driving nearly 30 miles to Chesterfield, MO, in long sleeves and a tie, in 96° weather was ... less than pleasant.

Me, Lee, on the left with ... me, Brad, on the right...

I stopped by Schnuck's on the home and picked up another fillet of salmon. I am on this sushi kick here lately, especially now that Skip bought that really awesome sushi kit.

7:31p – I finally fixed a bite to eat. Some beef with onion, okra, and a few seasonings. I needed something in my stomach if I am going to have some beer.

7:58p – It is still light out, and I need to find the energy to go mow the lawn. Apparently I did not get it mowed last week. I've watered the lawn at least. Needs mowing and it needs some weed & feed spread.

My sushi supper was once again EXCELLENT! I am getting good at this sushi thing!

SATURDAY - JUNE 16, 2007 12:55a – I just called in to work and scheduled 2 hours of UTO for tomorrow. I know I am going to be too tired to deal with getting up and going in on time. Off to bed for now though. 1:09a – Ok ... off to bed. I just confirmed that I will be going with Jeff out to Dickson Mounds next Thursday. That should be FUN! 2:36a – Rushing to get ready for work here. Shower is done, laundry is in the dryer, food is ready to eat, lunch is made. Now, if I could just dig up some give-a-shit.

Spent all day on Floor Support. Gave William a ride home. Had my sushi for lunch (it was bit too dry). Not much more to report on today.

SUNDAY - JUNE 17, 2007

4:40a – I have been watching "Ghost Rider." Got food cooked for tonight, in the morning, and lunch tomorrow. (Hamburger & rice mix). It's late. Off to bed. I am  so tired...

11:37a – I am still tired. I did not want to get up at all his morning, but I wasn't really sleeping anyway. I kept driving in and out of senseless and weird dreams (as usual). In one dream there was an old man, bald, and wearing glasses. He was cringing, terrified, in a corner in what seemed to be a garage. There was a small swarm of large hornets surrounding him and he seemed to be terrified. The hornets were merely hovering in a station position, forming the general shape of a sphere around him. Each hornet was about 1 foot apart from its neighbor and the spherical pattern they formed was perfectly symmetrical. I picked up a can of air freshener, since I could not find any bug spray, hoping to disturb them enough so the man could get away. However, the spray did not work right and instead of misting like it should, it shot out a syrupy stream of goo. The stream struck several of the hornets, and they became agitated and and I made a run for it. The dream becomes blurred for a bit and I find myself outside of he garage preparing to go back in. This time I have actual bug spray in hand, but my sister Darlene is with me and she is trying to get me to give her the can of spray. I am refusing, and pull it away from her. I open the garage door and step back in. The old man seems to be gone and forgotten by this point, but there is a lot of garbage in the garage and there are bugs flying around it. I decided to spray to spray some of the bug spray over the garbage. When I do so, the room is suddenly filled with thousands of canal flies (moths). They are everywhere, and I quickly exit back out of the garage, and that's the end of the dream.

Another hot day and sweaty drive in to work, with no a/c in the car. I took West coast Comcast calls for about 3 hours, then switched to floor support for the rest of the night.

MONDAY - JUNE 18, 2007

2:54a – I am watching "Blood and Chocolate," a new Werewolf movie. So far, I kind of like it. I have some chicken leg quarters cooking. About to put on some rice. Isn't my life exciting!!? lol... 4:32a – Ouch. I am on my way to bed, but in a bit of pain. I sliced off the tip of my right index finder tonight! Unbelievable. I have not cut myself cooking in YEARS. I simply just DON'T do that. But... I did. Damn it. 12:39p – I feel awful this morning. Exhausted. I decided to get up and call the absence line. If there was UTO I would take a couple of hours and rest. I expected there would be no UTO available, but there was, so I went back to bed. But, I couldn't sleep, so I got back up.

1:04p – I think I am starting to feel a little better. I think part of the problem is that I have again run out of my Atenalol, and my blood pressure is probably causing me to feel more worn out than usual. My shoulder is still aching every morning. I can only lay on my right side for a short time before my shoulder hurts too bad and I have to turn over to my left side. Then my right arm will go numb and I have to turn back over again. I try laying on my back, but I can never sleep that way. So I am not getting decent rest and that is making matters worse.

2:07p – I just got out of the shower. Man... my finger is screaming in pain. Can barely type at the moment. It's hot to the touch even.

My finger has been throbbing all day, but ... it will heal.

TUESDAY - JUNE 19, 2007

4:18a – I am off to bed sooner than usual. Watched the movie, "El Labarinto de Pan". Ironically, I had burritos from Taco Bell for supper! The movie was okay. Not quite what I expected. And it was all in Spanish. There was no English track. There were English subtitles, and I understand Spanish well enough, that I didn't miss much, but it was annoying not to have an English track, especially when I watched the Director's pre-movie comments, and he spoke in English.

12:33a – I slept much better last night and did not get up until 12:02. I only woke 2-3 times. My shoulder was not hurting as badly as it did the night before. I feel so much better than I did yesterday. Except my stomach is growling! I am hungry, but am thinking of stopping at Rally's for a couple of burgers for now and lunch later. I have a pork butt thawing out, but it will not be ready until many hours from now. On the other hand, I think I will put on some soup for now and get a sandwich from the Blimpie guy.

I opened a electric bill today and it was... a cut off notice! Apparently my last payment was received in April. I found another bill laying in the floor in the living room. More disarray and clutter that I simply hate, yet which Skip seems not to see or comprehend. So, I missed at least one payment, and had to pay $300 on this bill. That should keep things under control for electric for a while, but wreaks a bit of havoc on the checking balance I have been trying to encourage to grow. Fortunately I had the funds there to cover it. This time.

I got out on time and to work on time, despite being caught in a funeral procession in I-70 at about 1:45p. There were going down the right/fast lane at a somber respectful speed, which unfortunately, was backing traffic up for quite a ways. I wonder who it was? Would the have found it amusing to know they were annoying people in traffic even after leaving this world? I found the thought amusing. I wonder if my journal will survive after me? Maybe someone, some day, will read my daily, boring commentary and take the time to find out WHO was might have been the one occupying the hearse in today's funeral procession. I suppose it would be easier for me to search for that information today though, than for someone in the far future. But then, my journals will probably be long gone and lost and worth no more consideration that the electrons creating them on the internet today. I do have backups on DVD... assuming DVD's do not go the way of the 8-Track!

Floor Support was Hell today. The chat system "QuickComm" was up and down and not working right. For hours on end, I was the ONLY person able to receive chats. Chat after chat... constantly 5 deep... which I am used to. HOWEVER, they were coming to us in person, swarming on us like ants on a dead worm.

WEDNESDAY - JUNE 20, 2007

2:23a – Home at last and 3 days off! I am relaxing, and wallowing in the pleasure of knowing I don't have to work tomorrow! I am also watching the movie, "Merlin's Apprentice." Back to the movie now.

3:40a – The movie is going good. Enjoying it. However, the house smells bad. I have lit about five fragrant oil warmers about the house, mostly with Frankincense oil. I've taken pictures of them all. If I am good, I will make a collage of the photos and place them here. Anyway... back to my movie...

4:12a – The credits are playing across the screen now. I found the movie to be enjoyable. (A little hoaky, maybe, but fun and enjoyable).

4:13a – Meanwhile, I have some leftover rice warming with some diced onion and will be adding some of the salmon I have had sitting aside for a couple of days. I don't want to use this fish for sushi since it is not fresh.

4:22a – Wait a minute! The movie I just watched appears to have been "part one" only! It may continue. Interesting. We will see...

5:07a – Whoo! Still watching the movie, but it will wait. Off to bed now. Daylight breaks. Sleep will suck.

4:02p – Got up around noon and have done a lot of nothing. I read through some email, did a little graphic art, cooked pot of soup and watch a portion of SG:Atlantis. I just got through watching this awesome guitar performance by Del Puckett. As long as the link lasts, here it is...

 

4:05p – Skip called a bit ago. I need to head out to pick him up in a few minutes.

Stopped at Wal-Mart on the way home and I picked up a little battery powered fan. It has a battery built in AND uses C cell batteries also.

The pork roast was EXCELLENT!

THURSDAY - JUNE 21, 2007

10:52a – I am up, showered, had something to eat, dressed, and ready to go to Dickson Mounds in Lewiston, IL. It should be about a 3 hours drive. I am waiting for Jeff and Grace to pick me up in a few minutes (if we are on schedule).

Jeff and Grace (and Leon, the dog) arrived fair well on schedule at about 11:10a. I was ready, and we headed out right away. About a half hour into trip (precisely 11:35a), I got a call from Steve S. He is off work today too. We both go back in on Saturday.

The time and the miles seemed to fly by quickly, and we stopped at the "Rail Splitter" rest area on Interstate 55 to stretch our legs and use the facilities. I got a bottle of green tea since I was getting quite thirsty. I was going to get a drink from the water fountain, but it did not work. Jeff took Leon for a walk in the pet area. I tried to chase down a big, black butterfly, but it fluttered off before I could get my camera ready. It was jumping from flower to flower in this big garden of day lilies (see picture). We left the rest area, revitalized and ready to move on...

We continue our journey, heading North for highway 136, if I recall correctly. I remember we exited I-55 and I saw a sign pointing to the right (East) to some place called "McClean" ... and about 3 other places listed pointing to the left (West) to several places, including Havana. We drove quite some distance down this rural road between acres and acres of corn fields and wheat fields. I saw some combines harvesting wheat which is something I remember from my childhood. However, the combines today have sophisticated, air-conditioned cabs. I remember Daddy only had an umbrella to keep the sun at bay! To make matters worse, we found ourselves running low on fuel!

The directions, hand-written by Jeff from Map Quest, pass back and forth as we all try to decipher what seems to have evolved into some cryptic code!

We finally found "civilization" again, including a gas station where we filled the tank up with gas. We were all relieved. Jeff had been so tense that I sneezed earlier and he jumped! LOL... he was REALLY worried we would run out of gas! (This was not his car, so he had no idea how far it could go "on fumes"). 

We had only a short distance to go from here, to get to Dickson Mounds. We arrived and, our first order of business was to get Leon situated. Since Canine Americans are still discriminated against, he was not allowed within the building. So, we had to set him up in the car, which we left running with the a/c on for his convenience.

This is a panoramic shot of the front of the Dickson Mounds Museum.
It is a combination of 5 photographs combined into one (using Canon Photostitch).

A familiar design in the museum window!

When we arrived, almost immediately I noticed a recognized symbol sitting in a window of the 3rd floor of the museum. This is one of the symbols I copied from Jeff's book of Southeastern Native American designs. It is also one of the designs I created for my Cherokee Arts site. Click on the icons in the picture. You can be taken to the relevant sites. Jeff finally got Leon some water and situated him in the car, engine running, a/c on, and we headed inside. We signed the guest book and were told to take the elevator to the 3rd floor and work our way down. It was about 3:00pm by this time. We were wondering WHERE this "Dickson Mound" was located. We found out that we were atop Dickson Mound already! LOL... I thought it was a hill....

It was kind of disappointing not to be able to go to an actual SITE that reflected our heritage and provided an actual place we could realize our feelings and to pick up on the spiritual energy of the place. We (Jeff and I) were both very focused on and used to the depth of spirituality which we both have experienced and felt at the "Cahokia Mounds" ... the feeling we get standing atop The Temple of the Sun is something which cannot be explained; it must be felt!

A time line posted on the 1st floor

The 1990s marked the beginning of an astonishing Developments beginning in the 1930s culminated by 1990 in nationwide changes in the treatment of American Indian burials Responding to these sweeping changes, the Museum recommended to state authorities in 1989 that the Dickson burial excavation be closed to public view. This proposal triggered an emotionally charged controversy among local and state residents, political leaders, American Indians, archaeologists, and the media. The conflict was finally resolved in October 1991 when Governor Jim Edgar announced that the Dickson burial excavation would close but that the museum would be renovated and the new exhibits installed. 1931 – The Winnebago protest excavation of Indian burials at Utica, Illinois. The protest is covered by the media including The New York Times.

1970s – American Indian remains are removed from museum displays in New Mexico and Wisconsin. American Indians picket the Field Museum in Chicago to protest excavation of burials at the Palos site. The remains are reburied. Chicago-area Indians plan a protest of the 1972 dedication of the new Dickson Mounds Museum. The protest fails to materialize. 1980s – Indiana's Angel Mounds removes its American Indian remains from display. Policies prohibiting the display of remains are implemented by the Field Museum and the U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Native American Rights Fund negotiates the closing of the "Salina Burial Pit," a privately operated display of human remains. The World Archaeological Congress passes a resolution that display of human remains is no longer acceptable. Governor James R. Thompson signs the Illinois Human Graves Protection Act. American Indians register complaints regarding the display of skeletal remains at the Dickson Mounds Museum. The Illinois State Museum receives a request from the American Indian Center of Mid-America (St. Louis) for a meeting to discuss reburial of American Indian remains in Illinois. The Illinois State Museum, based on statewide and national developments, recommends to the Governor that the Dickson Mounds burial exhibit be closed, a position accepted by the Governor. 1990 – Many local residents and their elected representatives oppose the closing. Citizens mount petition drives. The Illinois House of Representatives passes a resolution calling for a public hearing. The public hearing in Peoria is covered by the national media. American Indians raise the Dickson Mounds Museum issue before the United States Senate during Congressional hearings. Governor James R. Thompson reverses his position and announces that the burial exhibit will remain open. American Indians begin protests at the museum. At one demonstration, several protestors climb into the burial excavation and cover some skeletons with blankets. President George Bush signs the Native American Graves Protection ad Repatriation Act, setting guidelines for repatriation of human remains and associated objects to lineal descendants. Violation of security measures by protestors at the museum requires on-site protection. 1991 – Indians mark the first anniversary of protests with a news conference at the museum. Nationally known Indian activists hold a news conference at the museum. Following the news conference, five protestors climb into the burial area and shove dirt over several skeletons. Chicago-based American Indians file complains with the Illinois Department of Human Rights against the museum and state officials. An aide of Governor Jim Edgar meets with representatives of Indian tribes to discuss the Dickson Mounds Issue. Protests by Indian groups at the museum cease. On November 25 Governor Jim Edgar announces that the burial exhibit will close to the public in April 1992. He also announces that building renovation and new exhibits are planned for the museum. 1992 – Architects are selected for the renovations. Exhibit designers are selected for planning of the new exhibits and audiovisual programs. The Dickson Burial excavation closes to the public on April 3; 15,000 people visit the exhibit during its final week, including 3,500 on the final day. American Indian hold an early morning ceremony on the grounds and another at sunset. 1993 – The museum building is closed for renovation. 1994 – The Dickson Mounds Museum reopens.

The above is a transcript of the document in the picture above.

We were wondering just where the "mound" was located, and were surprised to learn that that the museum sat atop the mound itself. We thought we were just on a bit of a hill. It did not seem like a "mound" to us... especially as were were more familiar with Cahokia Mounds. It was a bit dissapointing.

We began our tour of the museum on the third floor where we watched in introductory movie. We found it annoying that the projector had the words "Please Replace Lamp" at the bottom of the screen during the entire presentation, and the color was washed out with lots of purple and blue. I almost did not get to see the movie with Jeff and Grace. They had stepped into the theater and I was snapping some photos. The doors are automatic, and closed just as I was going to step inside. I could not open them from the outside! But Jeff figured it out and opened the door for me from within.

On the 3rd floor of the museum...

There was really not much to see on the 3rd floor, after watching the movie and looking at the wall displays.

The second floor has all the most interesting display, dioramas, and artifacts. We spend a good deal of time there and I took a lot of pictures. Jeff had to run out to the car and check on Leon. We had to leave him locked in the car, which we left running with the A/C on. He hated being left alone, but he was fine otherwise.

On the first floor we spent some time in what used to be an exhibit of the skeletal remains of the ancient people who were buried here. Though I would have found it interesting to see, I am glad they have brought dignity to the place by covering the exhibit from public view. It was not just a big dark room with an ongoing narration which included images projected on wispy hanging fabrics. It was all a little hokey actually, but I suppose they had to come up with something to substitute for the lack of ancient human remains to gawk at. In fact, there were almost no pictures at all even showing what visitors once viewed here. However, there was a "stereoscope" on the first floor with a picture of the excavated pit showing some of the skeletons. It is with dubious tasted that I used my camera to take a picture through one of the eye pieces ... and got this picture...

A sneak view of the exhibit taken from one lens of a stereoscope!

We ended up on the first floor around 4:15p and the museum was due to close at 5:00p. We poked and prodded about the gift shop for a half hour or so. I wanted to buy a book with a CD containing lots of graphics images, but I could not justify the expenditure. I left the shop before I spent money, and wandered about some of the exhibits on the first floor. Mostly documentation and books, plus a few artifacts.

We left the museum and I took a few more pictures in front of the museum entrance. Grace took my picture, and I took hers. She posed "Gracefully" in front of the entrance plaque... only to discover that the metal "spider" display was VERY hot to the touch!

Grace and Lee ... posing in front of the museum ...

Before leaving, Jeff did a smudging and we discussed our visit. We all seemed to agree that Dickson Mounds, while interesting, and worth the time and energy spent on the trip, was a pale comparison to Cahokia Mounds. We will not be traveling that far again to visit Dickson Mounds, but we were glad we did. It was a learning experience, but we were mildly disappointed overall.

Right about 5:00p we left the property, exiting via the back entrance. On a lark, we too a gravel road off into the "wilderness" ... and found ourselves in somebody's driveway. We turned around and headed back to the road. It was a scenic, if pointless diversion.

The Bob Evan's restaurant in Springfield, IL

The drive home seemed to be long and tedious. We stopped in Springfield at a Bob Evan's where we dawdled for quite some time. I had a half of a pot roast sandwich (my Bob Evans regular order), and a dinner salad with ranch dressing. It was very good... but NOT as good as the strawberry shortcake which both  Grace and I ordered for dessert! The used real shortcake biscuits ... not the more common pound cake.

We got back on the road, barely avoiding a truck driving along with a flat tire and made our way home. We stopped only only once to walk Leon and stretch our legs. I tried taking a picture of a Kill Deer bird which was oddly running about at night. Very unlike them! Grace bought Jeff a birthday gift (today is his birthday) ... she got him a condom from the ladies room! lol! ... I love a good sense of humor!

The Shell Station where we stopped to refresh. Our last stop before home!

We finally arrived at my place around 9:30p. I got Skip to give Jeff one of his home brew, and Skip finally met Jeff in person for the first time... and Grace too, of course. Jeff was very tired at this point and more than ready to get home. He did all the driving and I think it kind of wore him out.

I was looking forward to relaxing with a cold beer. I had barely had time to get changed when Marty called. I had spoken to him while on the road earlier and he was planning on spending the night. Skip had gone to bed as soon as Jeff and Grace left, so I took the liberty of sharing one of his beers with Marty. He seemed to be appropriately impressed and gave high praise for the beer. (And well he should... the stuff is excellent!). We sat up and had some beers and watch some ST:Voyager from the DVR. Then I put Marty to bed on the sofa and I went to my computer and began editing photos from today, until about 2:00a. All in all, this has been a very busy and entertaining day. Despite the Dickson Mounds being something of a disappointment, I had a fun time and it was a great day!

FRIDAY - JUNE 22, 2007

2:22a – It has been a great day. I had a good time. I have not had much time to document things, but I will catch up! I took lots of photos. They will be included soon.

The following article includes a comment from me.
Click on it to go to the actual site. I sign my name as "Li Luyi" ...

I did not do too much today, but I did get a few things accomplished. I straightened up the living room a little (I would not say I cleaned it). I vacuumed, which was badly needed. I got some weed and feed put on the front lawn, and I got some garbage out to the dumpster and the cans to be recycled are bagged up and set outside. There are getting to be way too many bags of cans in the backyard. We need to do something about getting rid of them.

I took quick trip to the store around 5:30p, got back home and changed into my 'around the house' clothes, when Skip calls. He was on the way home and wants me to run him to the store. So I got dressed again and we went by Schnuck's and Q-Mart.

I made an experimental label/logo for Skip's Home Brew tonight...

I spent most of the evening working on my journal. I am still trying to write about the trip to Dickson Mounds, so if you read my journal, you may want to back track and see if I have more about that trip and more pictures added.

SATURDAY - JUNE 23, 2007

2:09a – I have been sitting in the living room, dozing. I still have a lot of work to do on my journal, but I need to get to bed. Work tomorrow.... oh, yay...

2:42a – Okay ... I am REALLY going to bed now...

12:01p – I got up about 11:40a. I really did not want to get out of bed. The first thing I did was call the ABSENT line at work to see if there was any UTO available. There is not. I am so tempted to call in sick today, but I have succeeded in reducing my absences to just two. On July 3rd it will drop down to 1 ... unless I miss a day.  Besides all that, it will cost me about $100 in pay to miss a day.

3:06p – The power almost went out just now and a bolt of lightening struck VERY near by! Yikes... I have lost my DSL connection too. Looks like Skip's computer went out too. Mine stayed on... I did not miss a beat. Saved what I was working on REAL fast though!

I could not get ready in time. I called in tardy. First time in a while.

I was on floor support again... all day. Part of it by myself.

Someone sent me this video of a Lyre Bird... I found it absolutely fascinating! I did not know they were such keen mimics...

Looks like I will be schedule off work next Saturday! First time I get a weekend day off (without special arrangements) in a long time. But, that means I have to work Wednesday, making 5 days in a row.

SUNDAY - JUNE 24, 2007

1:49a – Home again. I am going to sit down and watch a DVD, "The Stone Raft" ... I think its in Spanish though. I hope its worth watching.

2:53a – So far, the movie is bearable. Don't rush out and rent it though!

3:45a – Almost bedtime and I am still watching the movie... and food is cooking.

4:00a – Just finished the movie. It ended leaving one wondering just what exactly happened. One person died, which seemed to mean something... but I don't know what. Lot's of women became pregnant... for some reason. The "dog" in the movie wandered off... where did he go? No clue. The Iberian Peninsula moved to the middle of the ocean... why? Why did Joaquim throw a 10 lbs stone over 500 meters? Why did the birds follow the school teacher... and then later quit following him? What did the blue yarn signify? (If anything?). What was the significance of the girl who could draw a line in the ground that could not be erased? The list of vagaries just goes on and on.

4:41a – I was really trying to get to bed by 4:00a ... I am about 45 minutes off.

12:00p – I got up at 11:15a. I am surprisingly well rested considering that I could not have had more than 6 hours sleep. And I had wild and crazy dreams all night. To diverse and complicated to write down in any great detail. One part of a dream stands out in my mind. I was in some kind of a big warehouse-like building. There were foreign "bad guys" here (maybe Russian) ... and I was hiding and dodging between shelves and platforms. They were up do something, I don't know what. I was on top of some kind platform, which was partially covered in a dingy off-white tarp. Then some of the "bad guys" came through a doorway and I dropped down to hide. I remained very still, for if they looked up, they would probably see me. They had guests with them. The guests appeared to be Middle Eastern, wearing matching full length robes, and turbans with a large, oval, opaque stone set in the front. All of these guests looked alike to me, with long, black flowing beards. As they moved out of my sight, I dropped down and ran quickly, hunkered down, toward my exit. Just as I was approaching the door, some man that I knew (not an enemy), opened the door unexpectedly. I took advantage of the door being opened and leaped through, rolling to my feet, and telling the man to shut the door. And that's all I remember of the dream.

I spent half the day on floor support, and the second half on phones in the 140 Comcast queue. I took about 23 calls at about 9 minutes average. My last call ran late and I did not get out until nearly 1:30a.

I got a call from Skip around 7:00p. Richey had brought over the gas bill that I owe. The "second final notice". I have been waiting for AmerenIP to send me the paperwork on this. Apparently they have forgotten.

MONDAY - JUNE 25, 2007

2:03a – Home at last. I am drained.

4:11a – Up too late again, but it's hard to avoid when you have to cook three meals between 1 and 3am every day. Worse when I get home late. I just got through watching Stan Lee's "Harpies" ... a Sci-Fi channel movie. It as ... amusing. Bad, but amusing.

4:43a – Last meal is eaten. This is going to be a long week. I have Saturday off, but Skip insists on spending it cleaning the carpet. Oh great...

11:30a – Got up precisely on time.

11:52a – I called AmerenIP, spoke with "Tamara" and I have her extension. They will be sending me a form to fill out and to have notarized; either by mail or by email. I hope I SEE it in the email and don't delete it thinking it is spam!

11:55a – Left a message for Tad on his home phone updating him as to the situation with the gas bill.

12:48p – After all the business transactions this morning, I find I am running late. I just put on some pork & rice to cook, have not taken my shower yet, and don't know what I am going to wear. I decided to call and see if there was any UTO available. There was, and I took 2 hours. This is going to kill my paycheck! I really need to get a job that pay properly!

3:07p – I just received a response from the Cherokees of California. I am very disappointed.

They are now asking me to provide a Roll Number.