March 2001

THURSDAY - March 1, 2001

7:59a - Just walked Kira. It’s kind of cold out.... in the 40’s I think. The snow has mostly melted again.

Terry told me this morning that he put down a $200 holding fee on a 2-bedroom 2-bath apt on the 5th floor of his building! It’s official! Also, he was able to get one with a balcony... EVEN BETTER! We are to move in the first week of June. I am so excited! Can’t wait!! This way, I won’t have to go through credit checks, deposits, etc. I will be taking the smaller bedroom, but I don’t care... that’s fine considering the expenses that I will be avoiding.

We stopped for drinks last night and Terry came over to my place for a few minutes while I walked Kira. I paid him back the money he put down as a holding fee. That money will go toward Kira’s pet deposit after we move. He is a little nervous about dogs, so I want him to feel comfortable with Kira. She is such sweet dog... she’s my best friend. Anyway, we were going to get a bite to eat at Talayna’s, but no one seemed to be going to wait on us, and we got out of the mood, changed our minds and left. Terry went on home... I went home and put on some Chili to cook for Joe Bowles farewell chili-luncheon tomorrow.

FRIDAY - March 2, 2001

7:56a - I could smell that chili cooking all night long. I got up this morning and fried up the onions and sausage and added it. I was thinking I would call a cab so I could take my crock pot, but decided to put the chili in a couple of plastic bowls with lids. I added minced scallions to one bowl... so now I have two varieties. I dread what all this chili is going to do to me/us. I bet I should not go out in public tonight!

The “chili luncheon” went quite well I think. My chili was made with beans, but no tomatoes; Laura’s was made with tomatoes, but no beans. I made mine with sage sausage. She made hers with ground beef. I had nopalitos in mine. The two styles of chili were very complimentary.

OLD DIARY - 1998: Left the Help Desk & went back to field work.

SATURDAY - March 3, 2001

8:44 - Its a beautiful day out. I need to do something today, but I don’t know what. Maybe there’s a goo movie playing...

I went to Union Station and watched a movie, “See Spot Run.” That was a good movie! I highly recommend it, especially if you have a dog. I was laughing in parts and had tear in my eyes in other parts. I really enjoyed it.

Then I went over to the mall where I bought a couple on new ties. I needed some solid colored ties; I got a red one and a black. I also got a tie chain... I’ve never had one of those... always wanted one. It was the only one they had and I got it at a discount (I think).

Then I got a birthday gift for Keri (I hope she doesn’t read this). I had her name made from gold wire and place on a necklace. They put her birthstone on it to. I have made myself a resolution to recognize my nieces birthdays. (and my other relatives, too).

I was going to go out this evening, but just couldn’t get in the mood to even walk downstairs to Nik’s. I was sleepy and got a good night’s rest instead. Terry had to fly to Chicago to see his parents this weekend. He was tired and didn’t feel well and really didn’t want to go, but his father was most insistent.

SUNDAY - March 4, 2001

7:55 - Well... its morning... Its Sunday... I am up (kind of early). I got a good night’s sleep, more or less. I haven’t got a real good night’s sleep since moving to St. Louis, but I only got up 3 or 4 times last night. That’s better than usual. Time to walk Kira now.... 7:57a

Went down to Union Station again today. Then ended up walking from Grand Station all the way back to Union Station. That was a long walk! I ended up at Talayna’s where I got some wings to go.

Monday - March 5, 2001

Today was a typical Monday. I look snazzy though (several people commented). I had black slacks with my red shirt and my new black silk tie with my new tie chain.

Went for drinks with Terry after work. He has put it a request to try to get the apartment sooner. I don’t know what chance there is... we will have to wait and see.

TUESDAY - March 6, 2001

I went downtown after work to Terry’s office and then we went out for supper. He only had 40 minutes, then it was back to work until 10p.

Adam says he is feeling sick. I guess he is getting the same bug I had. I am still coughing from it.

WEDNESDAY - March 7, 2001

I told Jack about my plan to move in June to Gentry’s Landing and he got all mad at me. He had told me that I need to move out by September, now he doesn’t approve of who I am choosing for a roommate. I just don’t know what to say. I couldn’t finish my supper and had bad dreams all night. I was so excited about the upcoming move, now that’s going sour too.

Too make matters worse, we learned that my supervisor, Tracy, is leaving us for another job. I really like her... she’s one of the best “bosses” I’ve ever had. We don’t really think of her as a supervisor and she doesn’t think of herself as one.... that’s why she is so good.

THURSDAY - March 8, 2001

I had floor calls at work today... I have SO many calls! They just accumulated during the past week. I got a lot done, but still have a lot left.

I picked up a fajita burrito at Tomatillos for supper last night.

FRIDAY - March 9, 2001

Well, we are one mouse less this morning. Kira had a (the?) mouse that we always see in the kitchen in my bedroom floor this morning. It was intact... and looked like she had been licking it. Ick.

I ate too much today. I had a big breakfast of biscuit & gravy plus potatoes with gravy over them. Then Tracy wanted to have lunch from Tomatillo's, so I got another big fajita burrito and more chips. I was so stuffed!

This evening I ended up working late with Dr. Sabrina Ward trying to get her CD-ROM to work. After working till 7pm we still were not successful. Then, to top it off, I left my “Family Photo CD Original” in the drive! And she is shipping it to CA for repairs over the weekend! I hope she checks the drive before sending it.

SATURDAY - March 10, 2001

8:06a - I put on a chuck roast in the crock pot last night with collard greens and other veggies and seasonings. I smelled so good when I got up this morning. I am having a little collards and broth now. Spicier than I had thought... but still good.

I went to the movie, “Monkey Bone” starring Brendon Frazier today. What a strange movie. I liked it, but it was very bizarre!

After having a bite to eat at Casa G, I met Theresa an Terry at LZ. Theresa was very drunk. Terry wanted to go to the Casino Queen for dinner and I agreed to join him. The 3 of us left and Terry bought Theresa a ticket for the train; she was so drunk she didn’t know to do so. When we got off the train, Theresa made a beeline toward the nearest Chinese Buffet and so we went with her. She said she was going to buy us all dinner, but she only had a dollar, so Terry paid for all 3 of us. Then Theresa kept getting plates of food! She had about 4 or 5 plates all full of food and running over onto the table. It was so embarrassing! When we left, she started getting worse. She needed to go to Terry’s flat and get some belongings then go home. Instead, she pulled off half her clothes and climbed into his bed and refused to get up. Terry kept trying to get her up and she just kept calling him names and tried to hit him a few times. Terry even called security, but then he just gave up and called security back and told them never mind, that the situation was under control. We left her laying in his bed crying and cursing. It was not a pretty sight!

SUNDAY - March 11, 2001

We left, I went home and later met up with Terry again at LZ, then went to Alibi’s for a while. I was getting pretty much bored and tired and left around 1:30. I missed Terry... I guess he got home ok. Haven’t spoken with him yet today.

9:27a - Well, Kira is late for her morning walk. Yesterday was such a beautiful day. I hope today is a nice. Spring is finally started to show itself. I am so glad!

I got laundry done today; that was my major accomplishment. My throat has been sore all day and seems to be getting worse. Terry got his new satellite dish in today and got it hooked up. Theresa was sober a gain and very apologetic. She didn’t remember even seeing me yesterday! I went to Talayna’s for supper tonight, but it took forever to get a menu and then no one would take my order. Finally, Tim ended up giving me a free order of chicken wings. Not what I wanted, but it was free.... what could I say? There was an acquaintance there named Steve (Anj’ Ihe S’os’ Utkye!!). His wife was with him and she speaks Mandarin. I learned a few new words, including ... (and am sure to spell it wrong), “Wo fu, zhiang loong.” ... which is the Mandarin translation of “Crouching Tiger, hidden Dragon.” (a movie title).

MONDAY - March 12, 2001

Today was strenuous.... Lisa was out with a sick child, Tracy went home at 12:00 and everyone else left for some reason or other. I was practically the entire Help Desk for six hours straight.

TUESDAY - March 13, 2001

7:52a - I sure slept badly last night. Kept waking up. I feel so exhausted this morning. <sigh> ... and its only Tuesday. :(

Got a lot of “field work” accomplished this morning. Time went by quickly. Then I came back to set at my desk and the clock slowed down!

Went for cocktails after work with Terry... then we went the the grocery store and shopped. It was actually kind of fun.

WEDNESDAY - March 14, 2001
Today is “Pi” Day (3.14)

7:45a - I am cooking some of my rice for breakfast at work this morning.

The rice went over well. I ended up eating most of it though.

We loaded Lotus Notes “Sametime” at work to day. This is the most interesting computer related activity I’ve experienced at my new job so far.

I came straight home from work tonight. I cooked up some cabbage with sausage, onion, grape tomatoes and straw mushrooms. It was surprisingly delicious.

Jack and I sat down and had a couple of beers and a long chit chat for the first time in quite a while. It was nice to be able to talk with my “friend” again rather than get lectured or chewed out about something. One reason I want to move so much is to preserve what is left of our tattered friendship. Living with Jack for 9 months has nearly destroyed over 19 years of friendship! I don’t think either of us are to blame for any specific reason... just getting old & set in our ways I guess!

On going construction in Central West End

THURSDAY - March 15, 2001

7:42a - I have floor calls at work again today. Yesterday the temperature was a high of 61. I wonder what it is like today? ... well.... I just checked the temp on line. We have a high of 52... guess its getting colder. :(

My floor calls went well. Got a lot accomplished. I also learned to obtain a quote for purchasing equipment from Dell. And I attended the first Applix meeting we’ve had since before the holidays. Busy busy day.

FRIDAY - March 16, 2001

7:50a - I don’t feel very good today. Headache, stuffy nose. Hope I am not getting sick. I hear it is supposed to snow this weekend. That sucks. Sure glad its finally Friday, but my finances are getting low. we’re only half way through the month, but I am over half way through my budget.

Well... at least I didn’t spend any money tonight, anyway. I was so tired today, I just ate a bite and went to bed!

I wore my green shirt to work today. No one seemed to be observing St. Patrick’s day here. Yet for Marty Gras there was cake, and food, and strings of beads.... this is a strange land I live in now...

SATURDAY - March 17, 2001
St. Patrick’s Day

8:41a - Well... I am up. I hope I have caught up on my sleep. Jack bought some books at an auction the other day and today we are planning on scanning in the covers. He is going to put them up on ebay and see what he can get for them.

Well... I had most of the books scanned in and a pot of butter beans cooking by the time Jack got up!

I met my on-line friend, Marty, tonight. And I met some of his friends, Billy, Josh, Steve and Joe. They live just a few blocks away from me, strangely enough. Anyway, we all went out together and I had a great time! I did get pretty much trashed, but it was St. Patrick’s Day and I am part Irish... :)

Me and Ed

SUNDAY - March 18, 2001
Frank Lewis’ Birthday (1926-1988)

8:15a - I don’t feel very good this morning! Had just a little TOO much fun last night! I did have fun though. I don’t think I fed Kira either... so... I must get up from here and take care of my baby...

8:43a - It is beautiful outside today.... a bit chilly, but the sun is shining brightly. I am making myself a pot of rice with some of yesterday’s butter beans as seasoning. After I eat, I will probably lay down again ... this hangover is wearing me out!

Well... the hangover faded away pretty quick, but now I’ve started getting a bad flare up of ulcers in my mouth. Painful

Took Kira for a walk in the park today and took a lot of pictures of things that were a sign of spring. I put them together in a collage in memory of Daddy who would have been 75 years old today.

"Signs of Spring" memorial collage for my father, Frank E. Lewis

MONDAY - March 19, 2001

10:21a - The ulcers in my mouth are worse today. This is one of the worst attacks I’ve ever had. I called in to work sick this morning. I will go in later today, though, since there will be no one to cover me. Meanwhile, I will get some sleep...

I worked four hours today... I was feeling much better, but the ulcers are still bad.

I cooked some horrendous concoction of spaghetti and chili for supper. I was edible.... but not one of my better creations!

TUESDAY - March 20, 2001

7:34a - My mouth is still sore, but I am functional.

I had strange dreams last night, as is common here lately. I remember dreaming about my Dad. We were driving somewhere in a strange place at night. He knew where he was and where he was going, but everything was weird. We stopped at a signal and the light kept changing to different animals. Daddy said it was legal to turn left on the red bull! (I told you it was strange!!). They we went around a corner and had to drive straight up a metal bridge at about a 40 degree incline. The car, surprisingly, made it almost to the top; but there was a big hole at the top and one had to stop. We then had to step out of the car and place one foot in a metal stirrup. Then a conveyor belt began to lift us toward the top of what was apparently a bridge (some kind of draw bridge maybe). I remember thinking the entire time that it didn’t make sense. Traffic would be backed up for days waiting for one car at a time to go across the bridge in this fashion. I it could only handle to people per car on the conveyor belt contraption. (and definitely not children or handicapped people). The confusion of trying to figure out the logistics of this system is what woke me!

I had more dreams... just as peculiar, but not as much detail.

I had so much energy today! My mouth is still sore, but not nearly so bad. I had floor calls and got a lot accomplished again today, including the installation of a Flashcard Reader on Mallinckrodt 9.

I ended up loaning myself money last night and went to Talayna’s where I got myself an order of Manicotti. I had a couple of beers while I waited... it came to over $15! I have to penny-pinch for the next two weeks.... I don’t want to end up owing myself most of my paycheck!

WEDNESDAY - March 21, 2001
* Ostara *

7:40a - It looks like a beautiful day out there. I hope I have as much energy today as I did yesterday. I think drinking a lot of water has been contributing to my good feeling and energy. I am going to make it a point to drink water a lot again today. It is healthy anyway and helps one to lose weight, so I can’t go wrong.

There is a Chinese place just down the street called “China Express.” As long as I have lived here (9 months), I have never eaten there. I stopped in last night and order some cashew chicken and some shrimp fried rice. I had heard negative things about them, but I found them to be quite tasty.

Speaking of Chinese... a few weeks ago I met this this guy from China named Yifang Guo and helped him to find the building he was looking for ... which happened to be the same building I work in. We have spoken a few times since and a couple of days ago I got his e-mail address. He is helping me learn more Mandarin. I thought it was interesting that I ran into him again this morning on the corner of Scott & Euclid trying to get directions from some woman. Again he was looking for the same place (my building) and I gave him directions!

THURSDAY - March 22, 2001

7:41a - I was going to do laundry last Sunday but never did. I still haven’t done laundry! I am really running low on clothes to wear to work! I have no idea what I am going to wear to day.

Yesterday was beautiful (high of 59). I did not wear my jacket to work. I don’t know what the temperature is outside today, but it looks cloudy. I will be taking Kira out in a moment and will find out!

8:13a - Looks like my web site is down this morning! Most irritating. And its raining out side, but not cold. Just overcast and drizzly.

8:30a - My web site is back up! (now I can publish this morning’s entries).

Bought supper and the Chinese Express again. This time I got Kung Pao Chicken. I was think of General Tso’s chicken when I got it

FRIDAY - March 23, 2001

7:50a - In a hurry this morning... something went wrong with my alarm. I got up a half hour late!

Made it to work with time to spare!

Went out tonight. Had a few drinks with Marty and Terry. Terry paid me back some money owed me... he’s is very good about that! (not like most people I have experienced). Stopped at Talayna’s and got some eggplant parmagiano to take home and eat. Michael was working... hadn’t seen him there in a long time. Thought he must have quit.

SATURDAY - March 24, 2001

8:01a - Well... to my surprise, I don’t have a hangover this morning! That’s good. I hate wasting a day recovering from a few hours of the night before!

Scenes show the gradual approach of Spring ... taken today

I am in a long conversation with “Tina” from Berlin this morning. I don’t think she speaks all that much English, but her Esperanto is much better than mine I think.

I am glad to report I got all my laundry caught up yesterday. I also noticed our downstairs neighbor was moving out.

I was going to go to a movie today, but couldn’t get there in time, so I went to Casa Gallardo and had my usual chips, dips & brew. Then I went over to Terry’s and watched some TV. Then we we over the The President (one of the riverboat casinos) and had supper. I wasn’t that hungry, but Terry was paying... so I ended up eating to big plates of steamed shrimp. I was STUFFED! I was so miserable... when I got home I went straight to bed (after walking Kira, of course).

SUNDAY - March 25, 2001

8:43a - Boy.... its cold outside this morning! Kira had fun racing her friend “Oliver” who lives in the complex behind us. He’s a little Schnauzer and about the only dog in the area that she is friendly with.

No wonder I thought it was cold! It’s 27 deg out! The high today is only 35 deb. And it’s supposed to get down to 13 deg tonight! That’s no fair! It’s Spring now!!

Terry and I met at Schnuck’s and did some shopping this morning. The prices here in St. Louis are so high! I get angry shopping here. It’s ridiculous.

9:57p - I am in a bad mood. I went out with Terry tonight, but was rude to me and basically told me to “bug off.” I was hurt and insulted, though frankly I don’t remember what the reason was. I am sure it was silly, but nevertheless, my feelings were hurt and I left (we were at a bar called Clementine’s). I ended up having to walk about 3 miles until I finally found a connection to the MetroLink and could get home. I don’t know why Terry had to be so rude, but I’ve been hurt by enough people and didn’t need any extra from him. He probably did mean to hurt me, but he did. And walking 3 miles through the cold didn’t exactly make me feel any better!

MONDAY - March 26, 2001

7:43 - Got up early this morning so I could clean up a little in the kitchen. I made a bit of a mess last night and didn’t clean up. Brenda IM’d me from work and say Tracy went home sick this morning and that it is could outside. I guess I will find out in a few minutes when I take Kira out.

My e-mail has not been working in 3 or 4 days now! It’s really irritating. Nothing changed on my end... it has to be something on Yahoo’s end. What a pain!

GOOD NEWS! I got my Tax Refund check today!

TUESDAY - March 27, 2001

7:41 - I slept well last night. I should have a lot of energy today. I understand that Tracy is out sick again today. I am still waiting to get my 6 month evaluation done, but since it is not for a pay increase, it is not urgent. She already told me in advance that it is a “glowing” review, so I am not worried about it.

I did floor calls today. Attempted to install my first Palm Pilot, but did not have the necessary software. Also went to install WordPerfect Office 2000. This turned into a fiasco, but I finally managed to UNinstall WordPerfect 7, install version 9, UNinstall “End Notes” ver. 3.1.2 and install version 4. (several times!). It was much more complicated that all that, but I finally met with success (and learned more about both products that I ever wanted to know!)

Marty ask me to join him at a dart tournament on Thursday. I thought I might try to make it. I have asked for Friday off anyway since its payday.

Well, I must have misunderstood... Marty’s dart tournament was TONIGHT... not on Thursday. Oh, well.... I’ve ask for Friday off... may as well stick with it.

WEDNESDAY - March 28, 2001

7:14a - I did not sleep well last night. I had some strange and disturbing dreams... kind of scary. It looks cloudy outside this morning. Hope its warmer than it looks.

Well... I was chilly out but not too bad. Would have been comfortable if the wind wasn’t blowing.

Tracy took me to Silk Road for lunch today to go over my review informally. (I insisted on paying for mine own for though). I am pleased to report that I got a “4” on my review which is the highest possible score! Tracy told me she has only given that out to one person before.

The next review is in August. Then it will be for a pay increase. I don’t know who my new boss will be then, since Tracy is leaving, but I doubt that we will get along as well as I do with Tracy.

I went to Talayna’s last night and had a pitcher of beer. I was down to the last glass and something went in my mouth... yuck. There was some kind of debris in my pitcher of beer and floating in my glass! I ended up getting another pitcher of beer for free. I ended up getting some jalapeño poppers for supper and two pitchers of beer! (minus one glass).

THURSDAY - March 29, 2001

7:37a - Well... Lisa took the day off today. I am taking tomorrow off. It’s cloudy outside again and the temperature is 39.

Today was not too hard of a day. Met Terry for drinks after work. Then I came home and walked Kira and was going to go out again, but ended up just going to bed.

Friday - March 30, 2001

7:47a - Today is payday! YAY! And I too the day off... MORE YAY!!

I am pleased to say that I finally got something accomplished today that I should have done a long time ago.... I GOT A BANK ACCOUNT!! Checking and Savings. I will be getting a Visa Debit card somewhere around April 11th. Now I just need to get Direct Deposit set up at work and I will be all set.

I was going to go out and party with Terry tonight, but he ended up going home and went to bed early after a long day at work. He was supposed to go to Manila this weekend, but it has been postponed for a week.

I ended up coming home early. I went by the Chinese Express and got some Cashew Chicken. I ate and went to bed.

SATURDAY - March 31, 2001
Bill & Marita's Anniversary - Anniversary of Doug's passing (1996)
Myrtle Everett's Birthday - and my Naval Enlistment day (1976)

8:16a - I didn’t sleep all that well. My mouth is still suffering from aphthous ulcers and now I have one right on the tip of my tongue. It is so painful! It kept me awake all night.

Its beautiful weather out there today. Just a little cool. I hear its supposed to be up to 75 by next Wednesday! That will be nice.

Jack aad’ ey’ estg’ oyurve aastl’ aitne. Y’idenche iis’ imhe, t’be Jack oldt’ iim’ iih’ aasw’ aantne erveir’ utg’ uut’ ukl’ aache! (Anj’ iih’ aasw’ aakble_eute).

Well... today I think I will have some leftover Cashew Chicken for breakfast and later I may go to the Galleria Mall. However, I need to get my web page finish for publication tonight! It’s almost done, but I still have a little work to do.