8:02a – I am behind schedule on my web site and my diary. I haven’t even begun to design anything for my May theme and my diary page is quite plain at this point. I need to find a nice summery theme. Actually, I need to find the time to find it!

Today was a rough day at work!

I got some Kung Pao Chicken for supper last night. Boy was it spicy!

Also found my missing checks and got rent paid to Jack.

WEDNESDAY - MAY 2, 2001

7:51a – I hope today is better at work than yesterday was! But I have a feeling it won’t be. I still have not got laundry done. I am not sure what I am going to wear. It feels later in the week than it is for some reason.

I went to Galleria Mall last night and watched “Crocodile Dundee in LA.” It was amusing. It took me nearly an hour to get a bus back home though. Then I stopped at Talayna’s and had a couple of beers and a small pizza. By the time I got home, it was nearly 12:30am! I did not get to bed until after 1:00am.

THURSDAY – MAY 3, 2001

8:11a – I got up late this morning. Going to bed so late last night... or rather “this morning,” has left me pooped. Its going to be a long day!

Today was a busy day, but I feel like I got nothing accomplished. I decided I would come home and do laundry and vacuum, but I did not even do that. I also started to get a touch of a sore throat today... suddenly and unexpectedly.

FRIDAY – MAY 4, 2001

8:04a – My throat is worse today. I am taking extra vitamin C, but I don’t feel good. Kind of fevery & achy. I am supposed to go out to dinner with Terry tonight... Planet Hollywood was the plan. I hope I feel okay to do so.

We never made it to dinner. I ended up going to LZ then with another acquaintance named Terry to the Complex.

SATURDAY – MAY 5, 2001

7:12a – I seem to have gotten a bit drunk... but I still have all my money and no more Visa receipts... I must have had enough money in my pocket to pay for what I ordered... (so it must not have been very much).

I still have slight sore throat.

I got up at 6:30 this morning and heated up some leftovers and ate a bite. Now I am going back to bed!

OH NO!! I discovered my pager is missing! I don’t know where I lost it.

I went to watch a “The Mummy Returns” at Union Station today. The theater had THE most rude patrons. Everyone always makes a lot of noise and ruins it for me. I was going to go to the Chase Theater at first, but the bus did not run in time. I should have gone anyway. Even if I missed the first few minutes, I would have been able to enjoy it better! Nevertheless, it was a great movie.

I have felt sick all day, but I have been trying to ignore it. It is not going away however. I am just staying home tonight and getting my rest.

SUNDAY – MAY 6, 2001
Happy Birthday to my coworker, Lisa Zakaria!

I feel awful today. The sore throat has worsened and I have a fever off & on. I did get my laundry done, at least. And a cooked a pot of butter beans. I made it to the halfway point in the book I am reading (The Path of Daggers, by Robert Jordan).

I slept a lot today too. I feel rotten. Sore throat and fever. I’ve been taking lots of vitamin C, but it isn’t enough. I am supposed to sign up for my medical this Friday.

I finally got my May theme for my web site published today.

MONDAY – MAY 7, 2001 8:51a – I am still sick. I called in sick at work today. I hate to do that, but I feel awful. 2:54p – I just made the wallpaper for this page. This is a picture I took on the 5th of this month. It is a flower on “The Other Tree” by the tennis court out back.

 

TUESDAY – MAY 8, 2001

8:14a – I feel terrible this morning. I thought I was feeling better last night, but this morning I not only have a sore throat and fever, but a headache too. I need to go to a doctor, but my medical coverage doesn’t go into effect for a while yet. I have to sign up for it on Friday.

I went in to work at noon today. Spent most of the day working on RESTORING a document to the network and getting backup prepared.

I took my book and went down to Talayna’s for supper (wings).

WEDNESDAY – MAY 9, 2001
Happy Birthday to my cousin
Margie Lee Goodwin
of Ormond Beach, Florida!

8:12a – I am still so sick this morning. I could not get up on time. Running late. Feel horrible. Lisa was not at work today, nor was Brenda. I *was* the Help Desk practically. If it wasn’t for Becky and Debie, I would have been the only one. Even though I went in late, it was still a long day. Tonight I just made some rice and went to bed early.

 

THURSDAY – MAY 10, 2001
Birthday Memories for my mother, the late Colleen Lewis (1937-1984)
...and Happy Birthday to her granddaughter, my niece, Stephanie Selfridge
...AND Happy Birthday to Laura Ruhrwien, my Director!

7:43a – I am up a little earlier today for a change. I already have a cup of coffee and I am cooking some rice to take to work for breakfast. This is the Jasmine rice and is very flavourful.

I feel good day! No more sore throat! YAY!!

I took some Jasmine rice to work and Brenda made a tasty Mexican style cheese & bean dip.

I am well over 3/4’s of the way through the book I am reading (The Path of Daggers, by Robert Jordan). It has been VERY good... much better than book #7, (The Crown of Swords, by Robert Jordan).

FRIDAY – MAY 11, 2001

7:38a – I feel so guilty! I have not managed to get Stephanie (my niece) a birthday gift yet! My New Year’s Resolution was to be more attentive to my family. It is cloudy out this morning, but warm.

Marty wants me to take a train out to where he lives and then we can go to a Demolition Derby tomorrow. I kind of want to go.... it would something interesting to do. But I have two concerns. One, is getting up so damn early on a Saturday to catch the 7:30am train. The other is who will walk Kira if I don’t get back in time in the evening. I need to figure out the logistics a little better before I decide.

I went down to Talayna’s for supper tonight. Had some beer and the Eggplant Parmagiano. I am kind of bored with their menu, frankly.

T’be... iith’ arb’ endtaerde (Josh) sh’ os’ utkye! Y’aank’ its’ aanj’ aachw’ imh’ orf’ os’ aangle! Aanj’ uut’aitne iih’ aad’ ey’ endfr’ aav’ iz’ erthe uuh’ aasw’ iiyenve ORm’ uutkye aathe Josh!! (Fy’ aathe aank’ iib’ ose!).

SATURDAY – MAY 12, 2001

8:03a – It looks nice outside. There is a cool breeze blowing in the windows. The A/C is off. I am getting ready to take Kira for a walk. I am going to take my camera and walk somewhere we have not been before. I need variety. Not sure about the demo derby still. Marty said he might come out and pick me up, but I would have to help with gas. That will be no problem. Then I would not have to worry about Kira (depending on how long we would be gone).

I did not hear from Marty by 11:30a so I made plans with Terry to meet him down at Union Station for lunch. We sat at Hoolihan’s and had a nice lunch on the patio; watching the turtle’s and tourists and such.

Then we got on the train and headed downtown. Terry got off at the Convention Center and went home. I decided to go all the way to the end of the MetroLink system and see what was out there. They just opened up a new extension last week, adding another 17.5 miles to the system. I went all the way to College, IL. It was a nice ride, but mostly just boring and very rural.

On the return trip, I debarked at LaClede’s landing where I roamed around and took a lot of pictures. Then I went over to Terry’s, but he was not home, so I got back on the train and went home too. However, Terry actually came over to my place later and walked Kira with me. Then we went down to Central West End where I work and I showed him around some of my work place. He went on home and I stopped off for a few drinks then went home, cooked a bite to eat (leaving a mess in the kitchen, which I still have to clean up) and went to bed.

SUNDAY – MAY 13, 2001

7:35a – Interesting.... I seem to get up earlier on weekends (with no alarm set) than I do on weekdays when I have to get up & go to work! Yesterday was such a beautiful day, I hope we have another like it today! The high yesterday was 72. I haven’t received my weather report on my pager yet today, but it looks like it will be about the same. I have the window open and the fresh air feels pleasantly cool.

I am supposed to go to the zoo with Terry today. Let’s see if THOSE plans hold up today.

Jack and Adam invited me to join them at a movie at the Tivoli today, but since I was going to the Zoo with Terry today I declined. I double checked with Terry first and he said he was going. We planned to meet at Union Station where I was going to have lunch. I waited for Terry at Union Station for 2 hours... he never showed. I wish he would just tell me if he doesn’t want to go so I can plan accordingly. Oh well, I guess I can go to the Zoo some other time.

I bought a new book today ... don’t laugh... I got the first book in the Harry Potter series. I thought this was a children’s book... and it is somewhat on the juvenile side; but I am ready for some light reading for a change. After years of reading “The Wheel of Time” series, I will enjoy something simpler. Besides, they are making a movie about it, and I like to read a book before the make a movie about it.

I left Union Station and went shopping for a while, picking up some necessities at Wal-Green’s, then returned home. I was pooped and laid down with my book (The Path of Daggers) and finished it off!

I caught Terry on line... he said he never left home (duh...). He was headed out to a bar. Oh, well.... I went and got some pizza for supper and went to bed. Work tomorrow.

MONDAY – MAY 14, 2001

8:01a – Here we go... another work week. It looks overcast outside again today. Yesterday it was actually a bit chilly when I took Kira out. I made the mistake of only wearing shorts and a tank top. It warmed up later and turned into a beautiful day. I heard on the news yesterday that it will be hot this week... great :(

It was very busy at work today. I got a lot accomplished, but then we had a server problem and the server had to be rebooted. The was a major incident which caused a lot of people serious problems, but we got through it ok.

This weekend I am supposed to meet with Terry and his Dad on Saturday and go to a Wine & Cheese festival on Sunday with Marty.

I had left over pizza for dinner and went to bed fairly early.

TUESDAY – MAY 15, 2001

7:13a – Got up early this morning. It sunny outside for a change.

This was yet another busy day at work, but at least nothing major happened. I did get a lot of work done.

Picked up some Chinese food on the way home, but didn’t eat it all. Will take some to work tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY – MAY 16, 2001

7:37a – It was hot yesterday and it looks sunny out again this morning. Bet will be hot again.

I will have to e-mail Helen a line up in Idaho today.

I am moving right along in the Harry Potter book. For those who know the story, he is at Hogwarts school now and has gone through the sorting ceremony where he was chosen for house Gryffindor (which I am sure I spelled wrong).

I took my leftover cashew chicken to work for lunch today, but got so hungry I ate it by 11am! I decided to just get a salad for lunch and I did so (but it was damn big salad!).

I scheduled with Fry-Wagner Moving for an estimator (Ron Drago) to come over on Friday at 12pm. I also scheduled to get my hair cut on Friday at 2pm.

I am over halfway through the Harry Potter novel. I went online to www.harrypotter.com and went through their “sorting ritual.” I was sorted to house Ravenclaw.

I stopped back at the Chinese Express and picked up two half orders of shrimp fried rice. I ate one and will have the other for breakfast tomorrow.

THURSDAY – MAY 17, 2001

7:40a – Well its Thursday. Staff meeting at 10am. It will probably be another hot day today. Its not as hot as Florida though!

I had accidentally scheduled to have my hair cut on Saturday... I meant to get it done on Friday; so I was able to get that changed to 3:30 tomorrow. My appointment with the estimator was moved to 8:30 tomorrow morning... which is awfully early. Oh well.... it will just be over with quicker.

FRIDAY – MAY 18, 2001

8:15a – Aunt Marlene called me this morning at about 6:50. Got me out of bed.

8:32a – The estimator was here. He has left already. I don’t have to do anything or be anywhere until my haircut at 3:30 today. (Well... I do need to take a shower).

Went shopping and bought some new clothes at Dillard's discount. Got my hair cut as planned and then dyed it two-tone. Also shaved off my mustache.

SATURDAY – MAY 19, 2001

6:54pm – I went out partying last night and ended up over at Terry’s apt. It was too late to catch a train home, so I stayed there. We were drinking and playing on the computer until 8:00. I got home just before 9:00! And boy... have a felt bad all day!

SUNDAY – MAY 20, 2001

7:53 – I feel better today, but my headache has moved down to my back! I am supposed to go the the Wine & Cheese festival with Marty today, but this back problem might get in the way.

Had lunch with Terry at the Casino Queen (the Riverboat)

I went to watch “Shrek” today. It was much better than I expected. Very Funny!

My back is in such pain. I think it is my left kidney. It just constantly aches.

MONDAY – MAY 21, 2001

7:37a – I am in so much pain. I wish I could stay home from work, but Lisa is taking off Monday through Wednesday in order to mover. My back is hurting so much I can barely type this.

This has been a horrible day... I have been in so much pain. I has also been a very cool day. High of 77, but I don’t think it got that warm.

TUESDAY – MAY 22, 2001

7:44a – Still in pain. I think its worse. This really sucks.

I was late getting to work. There was a high pressure gas line broken near my office and the street was blocked off. It was an hour before they left me go to work. It was on the news tonight. They said 4 buildings were evacuated.

I bought the second book in the Harry Potter series. I finished the first one off on the 20th.

Watched the season finalés of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel” tonight. They were interesting. Next week is the premier of “Witchblade” which looks like its going to be good.

My back was feeling better this evening, but started getting bad again just before I went to bed.

WEDNESDAY – MAY 23, 2001

8:07a – I looks like another beautiful day out. Yesterday’s high was 66F. My back is still in pain.

It was another day with lots of technical problems at work. Lisa will be out all week. My back is still in pain.... not a good week.

I went to Talayna’s for supper. Had wings and beer. That’s getting old too. My acquaintance, Nathaniel, was there and joined me.

THURSDAY – MAY 24, 2001 7:36a – My back is still in excruciating pain. I am getting SO tired of this! There was a gas leak somewhere in the vicinity of Euclid and Scott Avenues this morning. Today was not as bad at work until about 5:30pm when the MSNS network went down again.

My back has been hurting all day... I went and had some drinks after work, that (unfortunately) helps. Then went to get something for supper at ... you guessed it... Chinese Express. More of their Cashew Chicken. (and some shrimp fried rice for breakfast).

FRIDAY – MAY 25, 2001

8:26a – The back pain continues. I had fever last night too. I am running late for work. I thought Friday would never get here.

Monday is a holiday, but I have agreed to work. From 10:00a to 2:00p. It will be some extra money.

I was on line with Calisa (sister) this morning and was telling her about my birthday gift for Stephanie (youngest niece). She ask when I expected to receive it and I told her, ‘any day now.” Then, as we were speaking, the delivery man arrived with it! Talk about TIMING! What a dismal day. Dark and rainy and cold... IN MAY!! I went to Talayna’s for dinner. Had their fried mushrooms. Jack came in just as I was about to go and I bought his dinner too.

SATURDAY – MAY 26, 2001

9:20a – I took Kira for her walk. I met Heidi and her dog... whose name I have already forgotten.

Terry is supposed to come over and borrow my camera today.

Terry never came over. I just lounged around all day resting. My back hurts still but is feeling much better.

SUNDAY – MAY 27, 2001

Marty called to tell me got his new camera and had to bring it over to show me. It is a really nice Polaroid digital camera. Then we went to Wal-Mart and I bought a bunch of stuff which would be difficult to carry on the bus.

I got laundry done finally. Marty came back over later and I with out with him and JR to Mag's to play darts. I had not played in 5 or 6 years and never with the little plastic darts. I guess I did ok under the circumstances, but did win any games.

MONDAY – MAY 28, 2001 8:52a – Today is Memorial Day... I am going to work from 10:00 to 2:00 pm today. Work went well. Didn’t do very much actual work, though. I took my new little clip-on fan in and hooked it up; made some tamales for breakfast in the micro; prepared my nieces gifts for mailing; ...and read my email. Went to LZ after work and took advantage of the free Memorial Day buffet and had a little too much beer. Someone threw out a lot of good stuff in the dipsy dumpster tonight! Including a very nice floor lamp which I was not fast enough to get. I did get a brand new secretarial chair (sitting in it now), a small lounge chair, and an office chair, as well as several coffee cups and other items.

TUESDAY – MAY 29, 2001

7:36a – Here we go... back to the grind and regular work hours. But Lisa is back at work! It will be good to have her back. REALLY missed having her last week!

6:56p – This was long day. It started with someone taking a bath in the tub this morning and using up the hot water. Then I tried to make a pot of rice for breakfast, and I forgot to put RICE in it!! (duh!)... Well... I am home now. Kira is walked and my new show is coming on. The premier of “Witch Blade” ... it promises to be very good!

WEDNESDAY – MAY 30, 2001
Happy Birthday Kenneth Terrell!

7:32a – It is overcast out there today, but I think it will improve. I got a good night’s sleep, so I hope to have a little more energy today than I did yesterday.

I had such wild dreams last night. In one of them I was some kind of spy (like James Bond) and was trying to rescue someone... maybe my own children (that would have came from watching the movie “Spy Kids” recently). I remember one scene where I was hidden and looking in a room where there were “bad guys” ... one of the was looking at a computer screen on a pedestal and the dominant colours were red and gold; I knew that it in someway represented the country of Mexico. Later in the dream I ended up in a big spherical shaped submarine... it was huge. I, and someone I cannot identify, were escaping in this giant contraption when we were contacted by “good guys.” They said something about picking us up, but I figured they did not understand how big the craft was that I was in. Suddenly my round shaped sub (while was sitting at the surface) started to rise out of the water... being raised by a HUGE submarine (normal shaped) which made the one I was in look like a baseball!

I got some pineapple chicken for supper tonight.

THURSDAY – MAY 31, 2001

7:03a – Up early this morning. Coffee is on already.

I had some horrible dreams last night. I can’t remember them all, but there was a meteor that hit the earth.... actually, it seems it was just an old crater that opened up further. There was mass destruction around the world. I remember being in a cave (something underground). I was with other people... I saw a train coming... we had got into a train tunnel. I rushed to get off the track, but I picked up a wheel barrow that was in the middle of the track (fearing it would derail the train, I guess). I heard people screaming from the train to get off the track. I think it was out of control. Then there was a brief scene where I was in a field of some high plants; they had dew or water on them. I was again with other unknown people (survivors of the disaster). I recall thinking all this was going to end soon, it must just be a bad dream (which, thankfully, it was). I comment out loud in the dream, “I want my civilization back!” Then we switched to the mother with two evil genius twins. One of them was especially bad and she was having to fight the child (about 1 years old). She (or me?) literally slapped the child with all her strength. The baby turned to her with an evil grin and said, “It will be my turn soon....”

Then the baby went in the kitchen and there was another child, a normal child there. The evil child innocently ask the other child for help and the other child hid him away in a cabinet. Somehow the evil twin found ingredients in the cabinet and made a bomb. The wicked little genius then came out of the kitchen with a sickly grin on his face as a explosion went off and demolished the kitchen... meanwhile, the world wide disaster was still going on.

In another dream, possibly before the world disaster dream, there was something to do with being chased by some monster. I hid in the grass and thought maybe it was gone. Suddenly a giant black tail swept over me as my stalker searched the grasses for me. I remember screaming; I think I may have been screaming for real.

That dream my have been prompted by a loud crack of thunder that happened earlier, around 3:00a. I woke up just a second before the thunder crack. It was so loud it freaked me out! Kira started running around the bedroom barking.

I remember one last fragment of a dream. This one takes place much further along in the world disaster. I was delivering something to some one. I was in a market place of some sort. I think I was carrying a scroll with information for someone. I remember getting off some vehicle and jumping down off a box. That’s all I remember of that portion.

WEATHER: I was overcast yesterday before I walked Kira, but when I left for work it was raining. I rained last night, it is overcast now... I expect to walk in the rain again today. Yuck.

Paid the last of the rent money to Terry tonight. I am all paid up for the move except for the $260 to the movers.

I found another chair in the trash tonight. It is a nice large secretarial chair. And thus ends May of 2001.