MONDAY - October 1, 2001

I have a hangover today. I feel horrible, but I made it to work in time. Lisa didn’t feel much better, and she has to be in a 7am! (poor thing) I made it through the day. Fixed a big batch of Mustard Greens for supper and went to bed early.

In the Jacuzzi at Tad & Deana's annual Halloween Party

TUESDAY - October 2, 2001

8:01a - I feel so much better today! Yesterday sucked.

Skip filled out his application for Per Sé, but I don’t think he has submitted it yet. I also got him an application for Washington University.

We went on a little tour of the PACS system in Barnes South Campus today. Led by Dave Melson of course. It was educational.

WEDNESDAY - October 3, 2001
Happy Birthday to me....

7:49a - I am 44 years old today. I thought of it just as was sitting down. No one should have a birthday on a Wednesday. It’s just not right. Skip and I plan on celebrating our birthdays together on Saturday, the 6th. Probably going to Landry’s Seafood House like I did last year. I assume Jack cannot make it since it is on a work night, but maybe we can go earlier in the day. I am tired of having birthdays... no, that’s not true. I am tired of the physical process of aging. I don’t mind getting older... that has many virtues. I just don’t want to look in the mirror and see it!

8:26a - I is a beautiful day out today. The Gods truly shine on me for my birthday with the creation of a day such as this.

I got on the elevator with the woman who is terrified of Kira again. I thought she was going to climb up the wall.

I took Kira our for her evening walk and the man who has the big Akita looking dog that always tries to attack us was standing out by the street. I asked (friendly-like) where his dog was and he pointed down the street and said, “She has her...” I saw an elderly woman with the dog and made it a point to pull Kira in on a short leash. I noticed the woman reach over and take hold of the dog’s collar as the dog was taking notice of Kira and me. Then the dog, as usual, started to go ballistic. As I was afraid, the woman was not strong enough to hold this big dog which appears to be about twice Kira’s size, and it broke loose from her. It attacked Kira whose first response was to fight back (probably to defend me). However, I was trying to keep Kira away from the dog and was dragging her by the leash, nearly swinging her around in a circle by her neck! .... I was also trying to kick the offensive animal and was risking injury to myself as well. Finally Kira, confused, scared, and dazed dropped to a submissive position and the other dog stopped its attack and stood over her in a dominant posture sniffing her. Both Kira and I stood very still. The woman just stood there and watched while all this happened, waiting for the old man to come over and get the dog. I was shaking and Kira was pretty upset too. Thankfully, she did not seem to get more that a scratch on the inside of one leg.

I got back into the building and reported the incident, but after thinking about it, I went down and retracted the complaint. After last incident with the property manager here, she stated that if problems continue she may have to not allow pets in the building at all. So, I don’t want to cause the problem. I would end up having to move. Meanwhile, someone else may get attacked and seriously injured... or killed (its a BIG dog!). So... what to do? I am in a dilemma.

Skip and I joined Jack (once he finally made it) down at Hannagan’s for some drinks and sandwiches. Jack show off his new digital camera (VERY nice!). I got kind of drunk for a week night, but it is my birthday after all.

We went down to Terry’s for a short spell this evening after Jack left. Chad who I met a few weeks ago was there. Iihe she ilst’ azh’ uutky’ azh’ evyerve. Iih’ emk’ apy’ uut’ aim’ esple uut’ ivg’ iim’ iz’ onfumneurbe. Y’Ope y’aank’ iis’ imh’ eyenge.

THURSDAY - October 4, 2001

6:50a - I was awakened early by Tia Marlene calling. She wished me a Happy Birthday and told me that Nico is getting married on the thirteenth.

8:29a - I am behind schedule badly today! I should be getting in the shower and have not walked Kira yet!

This was a mostly unspectacular day.

FRIDAY - October 5, 2001

7:39a - I got to bed fairly early last night, then I woke up around 4am and could not get back to sleep until after 6am. Then the alarm goes off and I am sleepy again! I hate that.

I had some very strange dreams last night. As usual, they are fading fast, but I remember one scene in which we were at someone’s house in California. Daddy was with me. There was a woman and her daughter. Daddy was commenting to her about the fact that welfare would pay them money and support them, but she was arguing that it did not work that way in the state of California. I heard Dad obnoxiously commenting something under his breath about the fact that the welfare would support cats, and, “I hate cats.” Then we were leaving the place where the woman lived and I turned back to look at it. I wanted my camera because it looked like a castle. Very scenic. The next thing I knew I was roller skating across a huge plain, possibly a dried up river bed. The woman and her daughter were up ahead of my climbing on the girders of an old bridge. They were wearing diaphanous gowns which were blowing gently in the breeze, and I realize I had my camera now and was taking pictures of them. They were angelic and the pictures were (I knew) works of art worthy of great fame. I was traveling fast on the skates and approaching the base of the bridge, but I was too caught up in my photography to be concerned with my impending crash. At the last moment I took one final shot (which I don’t think came out well) and performed some trick of skating which stopped me just short of slamming into the rubble. Then I woke....

7:50a - Weird dream. But... very dreamlike! Time to fix some breakfast and walk Kira. Skip has gone down to the store for some coffee. Oh.... he spoke with Jennifer last night (on-line) and now he says he is thinking of going back! I -think it would be a mistake, but ... whatever.... Skip confirmed that he is going back to Deltona today. I fact he is leaving on Saturday the 13th. I think its a mistake... but it his decision. Deciding to move up here was a big decision. My deciding to LET him was a big decision. I guess he has no concept of what I have gone through just making the decision for him to move up here.

And I don’t know what moving back is really going to accomplish. He will still be in the same situation he was in. He will have no job (other than part time cook at Chattz), no car, limited transportation, Jen’s mother will still be living with them.... etc. I think he needs to take some time to get HIS life under control before he walks back into the mess that he was just kicked out of. He will never learn I guess. I can’t do anything more. Skip and I went over to Planet Hollywood tonight. We learned that the owners just sold the place to “some men” on this date. I will have to see if I can learn more

Me (Lee) at Planet Hollywood St. Louis, MO - October 5, 2001

SATURDAY - October 6, 2001

Skip and I walked down to the ATM machine this morning. I pulled out some (MORE) money and we split up. He went to the bus station and I went to the market. I also wrote out bills this morning (over $375 worth!). I have had to dip into my savings already and the month is not even half way over!

I have filled the freezer with SO much food! I am ready for about anything... as long as the power stays on! :)

I wanted to go with Skip to Landry’s Seafood House at Union Station, but I was just too tired. Both of us were. We just stayed home and watched the first part of a movie he brought with him called, “Dogma.” But I couldn’t watch it all. I had to go to bed.

SUNDAY - October 7, 2001

I was so industrious this morning!. After taking Kira for her walk, I came back in and began doing laundry. I vacuumed and shampooed the carpet. Dusted a little and by this time it was about 1pm. Then Skip and I went over to the Arch and for the first time I actually went inside (underground). It is AWESOME! I had no idea! There is an entire museum, a store, hundreds of people, lines of tourist, I think I saw a restaurant. It looks so “dead” above ground. We got tickets to ride the tram to the top of the Arch where there are little observation windows. The line took forever! As bad as Disney!! And the tram ride was not something for a claustrophobe! There are 8 trams which are actually little “globes” which take four minutes to rise to the top of the Arch. They seat only five people and are very tight. One cannot even sit up straight in them. The circulation leaves something to be desired too. When you reach the top, you can feel the sway of the Arch. I sways in a 20mph wind from ½ foot to 1 foot. I was not windy, but I felt dizzy the entire time I was up there.

We didn’t stay too long, though they said you could stay as long as you like. Our wait for the 3-minutes tram ride down was the worst part. We were sweating and had to stand on a stairwell waiting for about 7 minutes (but it seemed like forever). So... I’ve finally gone up in the Arch. I will be a long time before I do THAT again! But, I did like the visitor’s center beneath the Arch. That was very cool.

After our Arch trip, we went to Union Station and had lunch at Casa Gallardo. We just shared a plate of nachos, but we were both pretty much stuff. We then went home.

Finished watching “Dogma,” took Kira out, then Skip & I where we met Billy and Bill and went over to Mag’s to play darts. I actually beat J.R. at a game of 301 and Marty at a game of Cricket! I may actually be getting better.

MONDAY - October 8, 2001

7:58 - I had lots of disturbing dreams last night. I can only remember two scenes. In one there was a woman, maybe a teacher. I seemed to have known here for a long time. We had a conversation, which I can’t remember. Then one of us pointed out a full moon showing from behind the clouds; and I noticed there were TWO moons! After some confusion, we realized that one of the two moons were moving... and it slowly went over the horizon. There was an explosion of sorts a few seconds later. I have no idea what all that was about.

But, I remember Thor (my 13 year old dog who passed away a year ago) was in my dreams repetitively during the night. I recall one scene in which I was in bed an Thor was in bed with me. I think Rex (another dog we lost when he was hit by a car) was in the bed too. I was wondering in my dream where Kira was. I got up, walked around the bed, raised the cover, and there was little Thor looking all sleepy and groggy. A short dream, but I think I am having a spell of missing my little “baby.” Actually, at 13 he was far from being a baby, but I remember him when he was just a little handful of fur.

8:04a - I better get moving. Its a work day. I may see about taking off on Friday since Skip will be leaving. Depends on how much vacation time I have left.

Okay... its getting confusing around here now. Once I got to work, Skip tells me that Jennifer now says, “no” ... “don’t come back to Florida.” This of course is AFTER I spent $60 on a bus ticket for him to get back. And after I had gotten used to the idea that he would be leaving. And after I had advised him against leaving. And after I had spent the money that he gave me, everything in my checking, and about a third of my savings!

On top of all this, he has been unable to get a refund on the ring that he paid $450 for. Two different Wal-Marts have told him a variety of reasons including, its dirty, it has been resized, and it was already refunded for $54 at another store. So he had it cleaned which did not help; he had it professionally “sized” at a jewelry store and verified it is correctly a size 7; and how could they say it was refunded at another store when he was carrying the ring on him ?! ... furthermore, why would he accept the refund of $54 for a ring he paid $450 for?! Totally ridiculous!!

He handed me the ring and the receipt last night and said he doesn’t ever want to see it again. I can understand the sentiment.

I got e-mail from Jodi today. She tells me that Ms. Betty, Nita’s mother out in Osteen passed away. I called Ms. Nita on the way home from work and offered my condolensces. I tried to call Jodi, but I did not have her cell phone number and when I tried to call the house, I got some kind of caller screening feature and never reached anyone. I will have to e-mail Jodi back and tell her about that.

I went down to Terry’s this evening and tried some of his white bean chili. It was good. I will have to make some.

TUESDAY - October 9, 2001
Happy Birthday to Leo “Skip” Lewis (33)

7:48a - The temperature was indicated as being 40F out this morning. I got home a few minutes after 7pm yesterday and it was already dark. The winter is fast approaching. I guess Skip will see snow after all.

I’ve decided I need to set some guidelines down for Skip. In writing. Just like Jack did me. And the first item on the list is going to be, if you can’t follow the guidelines, use the bus ticket I bought and head back to Florida. If one must live on the streets during the winter, it would be better to do it in Florida. Also, like me, he knows more there.

WEDNESDAY - October 10, 2001

I called in sick today; and today was the day that my apartment building held their “Practice Fire Drill.” I forgot about it since I was supposed to be at work at that time anyway. So, I had to take Kira down the stairs from the 23rd floor! That was quite a task! I was literally shaking by the time we got to the bottom. Thank the gods I didn’t have to CLIMB them!!

I watched a couple of videos that Skip rented today. The first one I had already seen, “The Mummy Returns.” The second one I hadn’t seen yet, “Sixth Day” (with Arnold Schwarznegger). I had not heard much good about “Sixth Day,” but I thought it was a pretty good movie.

My friend Marty’s dog, Missy, is very sick. She is 13 years old. He tells me her kidneys are starting to shut down. He will have her put to sleep soon. It is very sad. I always worry about my Kira. If/when something happens to her I will be devastated. When Thor passed away in June 2000, I did not know about it. He was dead or 3 months before I learned of it. I had been separated from him for that long. Plus, Thor was not the most loving dog in the world. He was as likely to bite me as anyone else if her were irritated... and it did not take much to irritate him. I grieved when I learned of his death and it was bad, but it will be even worse with Kira. She has been by my side for years; most of the past 8 years. I feel I would be dead if it were not for Kira. She was my anchor - my rock, through the bad times in Deltona. She is a lovable and loving dog. She is my friend and a true companion. She trusts me implicitly, she is intelligent, obedient, loyal, and all of the qualities one could hope for in a dog. It will be bad to lose her.

THURSDAY - October 11, 2001

8:05a - I hate going back to work after missing a day, unscheduled like this.

Work was work. We had a Help Desk meeting today for the first time in 4-6 weeks and Mary from MSCNS came over for one of her monthly meetings for the first time in several months.

FRIDAY - October 12, 2001

8:34a - Kira is walked, the coffee cup is full and the bath water is running. It is a cool day out; dreary and wet. Its not raining at the moment, but you can tell it will off & on all day. I am glad its Friday.

I enrolled in the Bill-Pay program with my bank today. I might as well pay my bills on-line since I am on the computer most of the day every day!

Marty had to put Missy down today. I am so sad for him. She was nearly 14 years old, so I figure Marty must have had her since he was about 35 years old... over a quarter of his life. That’s a long time to have a faithful friend that you see every day and then lose them. I’ve been there... I know.

Skip rented a couple of movies tonight; “Little Nicky” and “Charlie’s Angels.” I’ve seen “Little Nicky” ... see my diary entry for November 26, 2000. We watched that and I think Skip liked it. I thought it was even funnier this time. Maybe because I was not watching it alone.

Ordered pizza tonight from some place... Skip ordered it. It was not the best pizza we ever had, that’s for sure!

SATURDAY - October 13, 2001

10:53a - Got up and walked Kira this morning. It was pouring rain. Came back in and began cleaning the kitchen then peeled one of my manioc roots and I am boiling it slowly now.

10:55a - Skip just came back in from checking the mail. He brought back the letter that I sent to Chad. It’s marked “RETURN TO SENDER” and the address was marked out. So... I wonder what’s up with that? Has he left? I will have to email Sharon and see if she knows.

We went down to the Market this afternoon and picked up more food. Skip got the makings of a special salad he wanted to make for me. I discovered I could use my bank card at the spice store and the meat store (that’s handy). I picked up some shakers for some of the spices I bought this time.

Marty came by tonight and brought over some of Missy’s things. Some dog food, a travel water dish, and a big bed/cushion. Kira took to the bed right away. I also gave Marty another load of cans to take to J.R.. Over 200, I am sure! And then I discovered that I had forgotten an entire bag of them hanging in the closet.

I chopped onions up tonight. About six quarts of them. And a couple of quarts of portabella mushrooms. My ‘fridge is stuffed!

Skip put on a big pot of Pinto beans to soak over night.

SUNDAY - October 14, 2001

I did not do much today. Skip rented another movie, “A Knight’s Tale.” It was good. I really liked it. I laughed, I cried, etc. Skip spent the day cooking his beans. I told him he had the pot too full, but he never listens to me. It was about over flowing.

He had to scoop broth out several times because it was rising above the lid (heat expands... basic physics). I also told him he should turn the crock pot on high, bring it to a simmer, and then drop it down to low for a slow cook. He put it on low and the beans ended up taking all day to cook (after he finally turned it up to high). Ah, well. They finally got made! (These are some of the beans that I brought with me from Florida, btw.)

I need a new keyboard. The “d” keeps failing on this one. I hope I am catching all the mistakes with spell check.

I played darts with the guys tonight. I did very badly! Actually, I think I was doing okay, but my first competitor was SO GOOD! He was just picking off bulls eyes like nothing! It was very demoralizing

MONDAY - October 15, 2001

8:01a - I’ve been up a half an hour! I better get a move on. Time can drift away when I am sitting here at my keyboard.

When I left work this evening it was cold and raining! I did not have my coat nor my umbrella. I was drenched and freezing by the time I got home. My neck was hurting before I left work... some kind of a tension headache I am guessing. By the time I had got home and walked Kira (still in my wet clothes) my head was excruciating. After fixing supper I noticed I had a fever too.

TUESDAY - October 16, 2001
Happy Birthday to Gary Anderson!

I had to call in sick today. I am sure I had a fever and felt rotten. I got up later and fixed a big pot of soup and went back to bed. I slept most of the morning and was feeling better by this afternoon, so I went to work anyway. Without me there would be no Help Desk coverage from 3:30 to 6:00p, unless someone else covered me.

Skip had his interview with Per Sé today (3:00pm). He thinks he did well; especially after only having missed one number on the 10-key test.

I almost forgot I was supposed to play on the dart league tonight. Billy and Bill picked me up after work. I did not have my darts and had to use Billy’s, but I think I did pretty good tonight! Our team won tonight’s league game at least! It was at The Rainbow. Next week it should be at the same place I think.

Skip was supposed to walk Kira for me tonight. He says he did, but Kira had an accident in the house while I was out. Maybe its the change of weather bothering her.

My neck is hurting worse. I was awake half the night with it. I hope I don’t have to call in sick again in the morning!

WEDNESDAY - October 17, 2001
Happy Birthday to Joe-Frank Wingate!

8:10a - I feel a little better this morning. I am tired, but my neck is not hurting so bad. I have a pot of chicken & rice cooking and have to take Kira out in a minute.

This was a bad day at work. One of our people, Phil Seper, was called to active duty! He is in the Naval Reserve and will be shipped out to Guam on Saturday! This is bad for us because we are losing a vital person, but worse for Phil!

I had the rice for breakfast and lunch today. Trying to conserve funds. My money situation is going downhill fast. Skip has to get a job and quick. I cannot afford this. I did not think one more person would cost this much money.

I gave Skip’s ring to Lisa Z. to see if she could get it refunded at Wal-Mart. We will see if that works. Skip was unsuccessful.

Oh, speaking of Lisa Z.... she gave me an invitation for Skip and I to attend another party at Tad & Dina’s place. A Halloween party... in costume of course. I plan to go! It’s on a Sunday (again) and Lisa mentioned my taking Monday off. I would like to do that, but we can’t BOTH take off Monday. We will have to work it out.

THURSDAY - October 18, 2001
Happy Birthday to Terry Wells!
Happy Birthday to Barry Stoves!
...and in memory of Todd Gauvin, whose birthday was this date!

Also on this date in 1985 I resigned my position
as Administrative Assistant to the City Attorney
in Orlando, Florida, City Hall

7:47a - I am not a happy camper this morning. Kira had ANOTHER accident early this morning! This time she peed on the carpet. I think its because I gave her some water in the middle of the night. She tried to get me out of bed, I have to grant her that, but it was about 4:30am... and I was NOT getting up to go outside at THAT hour. Well... what can one do...

7:51a - Time to take Kira out. She is “hiding” in the bedroom. She keeps wagging her tail every time I walk by. She’s very ashamed and knows she did bad. I am giving her the cold shoulder treatment. (My poor baby... I feel so bad. I shouldn’t have given her the water; or I should have gotten up and let her out. But she almost NEVER has to pee in the middle of the night! <sigh>)

I have taken food with me and worked through lunch for the last two days trying to conserve funds.

I stopped and got a bottle of Bacardi-O at the store on the way home and had a couple of drinks down at Terry’s to celebrate his birthday. Theresa was there too. Meanwhile, I was also cooking the strawberries for Phil’s Bon Voyage party tomorrow. They were coming out way to watery, so I added peaches to them too. I am not really pleased with the results.

Lisa tried to get a refund on the ring last night, but Wal-Mart is just being nasty about it. I don’t understand what the problem is. They ring is in good condition, we have the receipt, they just won’t refund it. She is going to try again tonight. I sure hope she gets it!

FRIDAY - October 19, 2001
Bon Voyage á Phil!

8:38a - Kira had a problem AGAIN last night! She woke me up and I knew she had to go. This time I decided to try an experiment (since I didn’t want to go outside at 3:30a. I tried to get her to pee in the bath tub. I almost succeeded... but she couldn’t wait and peed in the bathroom floor right before my eyes. This is not like her at all; I am getting worried. But at least this was easy to clean up after. But then I took her out for a walk this morning and I discovered she is passing blood! Now I am VERY worried!! I need to get her to a doctor. I don’ t know how I am going to do it. At least she seems to be acting normal... she about took my arm off when she saw a squirrel this morning! I am very attached to this darn dog... she is the core of my life I think. 8:43a - I got up this morning and my rice cooker was on with partially cooked potatoes, chicken & rice in it; plus a burner was left on all night long. This is after I had cooked food for supper. This is not right and I am going to have to talk with Skip about this kind of behaviour. I have enough worries without having to have this kind of inconsiderate behaviour dumped on me.

10:20p - I got Kira to the doctor this afternoon! Jack has his car working (and legal) and he picked me up at work around 1:30p. I got to the “Pet Clinic” and saw Dr. Wagenknecht. The doctor agrees that it is probably a bladder infection. He have K-dog a couple of injections of antibiotics and some pills. It came to $77.... more money I was not planning on spending, but money well spent. I feel so much better! I’ve been so worried about my baby!

SATURDAY - October 20, 2001

Kira seems to be responding well to the medicine. Her symptoms are gone and she hasn’t got me up in the middle of the night.

Skip joined me this afternoon and we went down to Clem’s for a few beers. We walked down to Bastille around 5ish. I saw Jason for the first time in ages and got the ‘heart surgery’ story straight. He did NOT have open heart surgery like I have heard, but he DID have a mild heart attack! I don’t think he is even 30 yet!

Skip left around 6pm and I was going to leave around 7pm, but left at 8pm in stead.

SUNDAY - October 21, 2001
Happy Birthday Aunt Marlene Pardue! (55)

I should have done laundry today, but instead I joined Jack for an excursion in his car. Now that he has it running and legal, it is a nice luxury. He picked me up and 11:30am. His first destination was to be the Soulard Market; he did not know they are closed on Sunday and I did not realize that’s where he was going. Out next stop was far away across town and we took a slow, leisurly, scenic route to get there. The trees are turning fall colours and are very beautiful this time of year. Anyway, our destination was a place called “I Love Mr. Sushi,” but they were closed.

By this time we were both looking forward to a meal of Sushi, so we got back in the car and headed over to the Del Mar Loop. Next stop: “Sekki.” We parked here and walked a ways to get to it. It was closed too! At this point we decided called the next sushi place in advance; so we called “Sansui” over on Pine street. This is this only place that Jack and I have been to together for sushi since I lived here. There were closed. We finally gave in and wrote sushi off the list (but we sure did try!). We rode aroud for a while trying to decide what we wanted and finally we both reluctantly agreed on Chinese, though we were not really in the mood for it. Jack knew a nice Mongolian BBQ just down the street and we head for it. When we arrived we found the empty parking lot not only a spacious place to turn the car around in a slow circle, but it was also a special time to give verbal expression to our feelings about how food establishments should not be closed on Sunday. Our thoughts on this topic were varied and many, but in total agreement.By this time we were starting to feel a combination determination and despair; not to mention a little hunger. I was was to the point of feeling fine with Steak & Shake or Taco Bell, but Jack was disdainful of this idea pulledd into a Schnuck’s parking lot.

I am not sure why, but there was a Steak & Shake across the street and I was starting to think about the cheesy fries and a milk shake.... I don’t know what Jack was thinking about. From our vantage point in the parking lot we were then able to see a small Thai restaurant across the street. I believe it was called “Thai Kitchen.” And lo! There were cars parked in front! (And, just in case there were NOT really open, there was still the Steak & Shake which was just next door!). But, there were open.

We had a pleasant meal, though there was an incident with the tea. We ordered hot tea and I was expecting a tea pot full of steaming tea with some cups on the side for us to pour. However, the tea was served in two large glass drinking glasses with crap floating around at the top and bottom. It was not drinkable an we sent it back. The waitress said she was going to make us some more tea, but thankfully she did not. I was out of the tea mood after that barn yard trough looking concoction. Ick.

The only other problem I had with the meal was that it was spicier than I was prepared for. I had sweat running down my face, my nose was running and I was drinking a LOT of ice water! But it was good. Fortunately, I like spicy food (but the heat from this could have power the city!). We went by the Galleria Mall for a while. I bought a new calendar with wiccan holidays. It is fascinating... I was supposed to play darts tonight, but I was tired and did not get home till about 6pm. I still did not get laundry done. Skip says he will do it tomorrow.

The Thai Kitchen

OLD DIARY: 1988 - 7:16am: We close on the house at 10 am. - I feel like a kid on x-mas morning before opening presents! Closing costs are (amazingly) only $61.55!

MONDAY - October 22, 2001

8:11a - I got a sound night’s sleep last night. I should be alert today! I hope.

This was a long day. Nothing spectacular. Marty was telling me some of the current standing in the dart league. I learned that out of 51 league players, I am at #28! That’s good... I am surprised! Mark and Suzanne (on our team) are at 14 and 15! That’s even better!

TUESDAY - October 23, 2001

7:53a - It looks dark and overcast outside. But the days are getting shorter... Mabon shall pass very soon.

Agghh! Something bad happened today. Actually, it might be considered good, depending on how one views it. I discovered I have had over $700 worth of charges made against my bankcard! All of them to phone companies; including Verizon Wireless in IL ($346.88), MCI (over $50), and Southwestern Bell in TX (over $286.00)! I am getting my accounts credited for the missing money, but until it is all done, I must live on just the money in my pocket! My Visa card is blocked and I have a new one on order. This is so stupid. How can this happen?! Well.... I am playing darts tonight. I am just going to have a few strong drinks and try to have fun and forget the entire mess!!

Darts started off okay. I had a Black Russian to start off the evening... I needed something to calm my nerves after the bank account ordeal. Then some friends of Bill Grant’s came in and I was enjoying a very pleasant conversation with them. My dart game was going “adequate” but could have been better, then someone told me I needed to quit talking so much and pay attention to the game and everything went sour for me about then. I had been enjoying myself, now I was being told what to do and how to have fun and so my fun basically stopped at that point. Our team won. I won one game. My overall standing was 28 out of 51... I am hoping I moved up tonight, but I have no idea. At the end of the game we had a little lecture about focusing on the game, cheering for our team members, “having fun,” and so forth. This just further rubbed me the wrong way. I don’t think I should be told how to have fun, especially when I am paying for it. I was asked to join this league and I did so because I thought my friends would appreciate it, and becasue I thought it would be good for me to be involved in some extracurricular activity. Now I am starting to have second thoughts. If I am not going to enjoy myself, or if I come away from the evening feeling irritate or depressed, there is no purpose in continuing. I will see how things go and how I feel about it later.

Then Skip added to my irritation by paging me. I called him back on my cell phone (think there might be an emergency) and he asked me to ask my ride if they would stop and let me buy some beer on the way home! I am living on the money in my pocket (as I mentioned above)... I can’t believe he asked me that!

WEDNESDAY - October 24, 2001

6:51a - I got up early this morning! I already have rice cooked and some pork steak baked to mix in it. This morning I caught “Arshad” online. He lives in Pakistan.

Skip tried to get to a job interview with Marriott today, but the bus system is so screwed up he never made it. Fortunately, I sent my cell phone with him and he rescheduled, but I have a feeling he is not going to go to it at all. We will see. Lisa S. at work mention that they need more people in “House Cleaning” services at night at the University (my building). That would be a start. It does not pay much, but it would be a “foot in the door” with full benefits and everything. I told him about it.

I had an incident at the little store next door which made me angry. The security guard made me put my satchel down when I went into the store. I had to lay it down on the floor right out in the open where people shop. No explanation or anything. He didn’t even offer me identification for a check/receipt for leaving it in his “care.” I had a diamond ring in my satchel, my digital camera, my check book and other items. I needed to buy several items, but I did not want to leave my satchel out of sight. This had me upset all evening and I have written a letter to the management complaining. I feel if they are going to do this, then every woman who comes in there with a purse must leave her purse sitting up front on the floor too! It is gender discrimination making me leave my satchel (or “purse” if you will) just because I am a man. I checked my records and found that in the past month I have spent over $400 in their store. I average about $100 per week with them. That is over $5,000 per year! If they don’t want that kind of business, they may get their wish!

My money was showing in my account today, but I did not receive the paperwork from the bank yet. I just received my utility bill and a phone bill. The utility bill was much lower than I expected.

THURSDAY - October 25, 2001

7:56a - I am still angry about that incident at the store last night. I went to bed thinking about it. It’s “under my skin” now!

I never turned the letter in.

FRIDAY - October 26, 2001

The new CAM (Center for Advanced Medicine) opened today.

Skip and I went down to Talayna’s and to Nik’s this evening.

SATURDAY - October 27, 2001

Jack picked me up and we went to Soulard Market this afternoon. Then we went over to Cherokee to the Mexican section of town where we ate ate the Azteca Tacquería. I had a bowl of menudo.

I was going to go down to Central West End for the Halloween party but I didn’t have the energy. I thought I might even have a touch of fever. I just stayed home and put meat and vegetables away; and had some beer.

We put a chuck roast on the crock pot to slow cook over night.

SUNDAY - October 28, 2001

12:01 - Its a beautiful day outside. I’ve just been feeling lazy all day. I’ve been pigging out on chuck roast off & on all morning.

We are supposed to go to Tad’s Halloween party tonight. I have been unable to reach Lisa Z. so far. I want to make sure its ok for Jack & Adam to attend. I am sure there will be no problem, but it only seems proper to check first.

I felt sick this evening and cancelled on the party.

MONDAY - October 29, 2001
Happy Birthday to Denise (Batz) Tyler

Great news! Skip got a job with Washington University this morning! YAY! He starts Thursday. The pay is not that great, but its a good job with the same benefits that I have; including medical, dental, vacation, sick leave and more.

I took Skip out for a little celebration tonight. We ended up at Hoolihans in Untion Station for a few cocktails and some nachos.

TUESDAY - October 30, 2001

8:59a - Darts tonight! I am at 25 place now.

11:44p - Well... I guess the dart thing is over. I got pissed off at people trying to tell me how I was supposed to be enjoying my personal time and walked out in the middle of tonight’s game. I am there to enjoy myself. I pay for this. I did not really want to play darts to start with, but it kind of got pushed on me. I thought it would be good for me to get out and get involved with some kind of community thing, but I guess now that I was wrong. I was starting to sense this at the last game, but it got rubbed in my face tonight. So... they can take the darts and stuff them as far as I care. Too bad. It could have been fun. I was doing well.... but I will NOT be treated that way. If I have to follow some kind of military regimine for a simple dart game with some friend, then it’s not worth it to me. I don’t win any big monetary prize... no one brags about me on the news... its just NOT worth it. My health is more important. I have a concern for my blood pressure and mustn’t let these things bring me to an early grave!

11:50p - I got the forms from the bank last night and got them filled out and put in the mail tonite. I hope they make it in time!

11:51p - I set up more e-pay accounts with the bank tonight. So I can pay my bills on-line. I also dropped off my rent this morning. Everything is paid up-to-date!

WEDNESDAY - October 31, 2001
Blesséd Samhain unto thee!
* BLUE MOON *

12:14a - I got a flu shot today (Tuesday, actually, but I haven’t gone to bed yet.). My right shoulder has been achey and sore for a couple of days, so I told them to give me the shot in my right arm so all the pain would be in one place. That was before I remember that I would be playing darts. Well... I guess that doesn’t matter after tonight. They probably won’t want me back on the team, and I could care less.

12:23a - I have a head ache... I dont’ feel well.

I stayed home from work today. That is 3 days I’ve been out sick this month! That’s not good. I need to get my physical scheduled. I’ve put it off for too long.

Today is not only Samhain, but it is a full moon. Not only is it a full moon, but it is the first time there has been a full moon on Samhain in 47 years. Not only that, but this is a “Blue Moon” (second full moon in one month). The next time a full moon occurs on Samhain will be in 2020.

C A L E N D A R

Happy Birthday TO ME ... Now 44! October 3, 1957 Brenda Phelps October 3rd Frances Bowen October 3rd Barry Stoves October 18th Todd Gauvin October 18th David Williams October 3rd Gary Anderson October 16th Phil Seper October Chief John Ross October 3rd Marlene Pardue October 21st

~EN MEMORIAM~ Remembering... Danielle Debelius Taken from us at age 26 on Oct 21st Todd Gauvin Taken at age 31 Born Oct 18th Eula Vay (Wingate) Bernard Died Oct 4, 1967