~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 The Mighty Quinn 10/21/00 -- 06/09/03 See Memorial

To Family and Friends Tehya Ruby Rose "Little Rainbow" October 2nd Granddaughter of my dear friend, Ruby Dancingmoon Hants, England Eric "Wahya Egwa" October 2nd Brief Acquaintance Happy Birthday TO ME ... Now 49! October 3, 1957 Brenda Phelps October 3rd Friend, former co-worker, Mother, and Hairstylist David Williams October 3rd Former co-worker who shares my birthday. Frances Bowen October 3rd Friend, former co-worker, Esperantist, Klingonist, and Lupus victim Leo "Skip" Lewis October 9th Brother and Roommate Gary Anderson October 16th Friend & Coworker Joe Frank Wingate October 17th My cousin in Oklahoma Barry Stoves October 18th Former Coworker Todd Gauvin October 18th Former friend & neighbor Marlene (Jones) Muñoz Pardue October 21, 1946 My Aunt and my mother's youngest sister

DIMANĈO – OKTOBRO 1, 2006

12:01p – I got up. Let Kira out. Went to the bathroom. And Skip comes out and says, "Get dress! Let's go!" (He is dying to go to Long Horn Steak House for lunch. I just woke up. We are going to wait a bit.

12:24p – I just got my "Oktobro" page created. I decided to do the daily title in Esperanto for a change t his month.

1:26p – Well, it looks like Ricky probably stole my pentacle pendant, with the silver chain, and the other silver chain I bought. That cost me a total of about $70 over time. That's also, most likely, where my favorite kitchen knife went. So, he is not welcome back in the house. I can't prove it, but he is the only person who has been here, and I would not "lose" these items, so it has to be him. Besides, that is in his nature.

Anyway, I am showered and dressed. Now I have to get Skip off the computer. I am getting hungry now.

11:42p – We had a nice day. We went to Long Horn where I splurged and ordered a salad (with Ranch), a platter of BBQ baby back ribs (very tender), a loaded baked potato and Mr. Pibb (soda) on the side. It was delicious.

Then Skip insisted on going to the Mall. I wanted to go to the local State Park and see if I could get some picture of some of the Fall colors which are starting to make themselves known. Well, we never did this. I spent my time following Skip around from book store to game store, with little to interest me. It's strange that HE wants to go to the Mall and I do not. That seems backwards. My left hip was causing me lots of problems, so I mostly just found a bench or sofa to sit on while I waited for him. I could not afford to spend anything more since spent $25 on my lunch. I just let him have a good time and took a few photos to amuse myself.

I started to call Chuck, but then I found that Jack had called, so I called him. He needs help with money to pay for this web site. I will try to send $100 to help. I owe him, and I have seen this coming. Skip said he would contribute $50 too (since his email has been based on this site for several years too). I am not sure how I will manage this. Once again, my money is NOT going to go to my car which is smoking and looks like it will catch on fire every time I drive to work, or anywhere. But I do owe Jack, so I will do what I can. I have some coins rolled. I may have to use them.

11:53p – Marty and JR came over for the cans tonight. I moved a bunch of files from his camera for him. JR has a new Trac cell phone. Nothing too new in this realm.

LUNDO – OKTOBRO 2, 2006

Happy Birthday! to Tehya ... the "Little Rainbow" in England (now 3)

12:01a – I have food simmering on the stove. I am about ot go check on it and see what's up for supper.

1:04a – I've eaten supper and now I'm off to bed. I don't go to work until 1:45p tomorrow (instead of the usual 1:15p time).

12:27p – I got a good long sleep last night, which I needed. I got up at 11:00a, but I don't have to be to work today until 1:45p (instead of the usual 1:15p). The next two days I may have classes again. I will need to verify that today. Meanwhile, I have my shower taken and lunch made. (Some macaroni & hamburger soup). Kira is outside. I checked and she was still on her feet, which is doing good for her these days.

11:48p – I have about a half hour left here at work. The clock seems to be getting slower by the minute though.

MARDO – OKTOBRO 3, 2006

Happy Birthday! to ME (now 49)

This was probably the most boring birthday I've ever had. The only family member that even wished me a "happy birthday" was tia Marlena. There were several calls from Calisa on my phone, but I missed her and she left no message.

I sent Jack some money for the website issue, which I could not afford of course. Later he wrote me and thanked me... and told me the server would be coming down on November 1st. So I will have to find a new web host for my site. I think I can get something fairly cheap these days for less than my monthly Block Buster payment.

I was a few minutes late to work today due to an accident on highway 70. (First, I stopped at Q-Trip to pick up a couple of quarts of oil for the car, but I was still on schedule at this time.) I usually merge into traffic on 70 smoothly from the Poplar Street Bridge, but it was backed up and we had to inch our way in. I did not take my lunch today (on purpose), so (of course) there were NO food vendors there today (which is rare). I found a salad in the vending machine which did not look bad, but I only had 20's in my wallet, and the change machine was out of order. So I ended up rushing out to the car and driving to Rally's for food. I managed to be only 5 minutes late from lunch.

I put a those 2 quarts of oil in the engine before leaving work tonight.

MERKREDO – OKTOBRO 4, 2006

I got home tonight and put in the DVD "Alien Outlaw." I forced myself to watch as much as I could, but that was the stupidest, lowest budget movie, with THE worst acting I've seen in ... maybe ever.  Meanwhile, I fixed some chicken breasts and mashed potatoes for supper.

11:54a – I got up about 10 minutes after 11:00a today. I sure could have slept longer. Two more days of steady work, then I get Friday and Saturday off. I don't know about Monday yet.

11:56p – I have been in the TRANSITION queue most of the evening. It has been VERY stressful. People were holding in queue for up to an hour when they put me into the queue. I think I am doing okay though, despite the major confusion. I have had to used some of my old COMCAST tools for the first time in over two months. I am lucky I could remember how to log in!

ĵaŭdO – OKTOBRO 5, 2006
 

I made more of the herbal, butter, garlic chicken like I made last night again tonight (or this morning, to be accurate). This time I made it with rice. This "recipe" technique is a keeper! 11:19a – I am up, but no quite awake yet. One more 10 hour day to get through. This has been a very long four days. My schedule usually has my work days more separated, but sometimes all four

days fall together, and it's possible to have a total for 8 days together.  It's also possible to have 6 days off in a row too.

11:51a – I am showered and food is simmering for "breakfast" in the kitchen. Off to check email now.

12:54p – Off to work....

11:59p – I have been in the TRANSITION QUEUE all day. We've been slammed. Taking call from Comcast, Adelphia, and Time Warner customers. I only have a few minutes left on the phones. Maybe I won't get any more calls, but I am expecting at least one more. I am so much looking forward to having a couple of days off. These 10 hours days are draining.

VENDREDO – OKTOBRO 6, 2006

12:05a – Only 10 minutes left at work. I hope the phone does not ring... <knock on wood> ...

I spent all evening (ie, "morning") getting the rental records straightened out.

5:07a – Off to bed now... at quite a late hour!

12:13p – Just got up.... and here comes Kira, she's up too.

I finally got out of the house and went down to the post office where I picked up Skip's package from Thailand. It was delayed due to the unexpected coup that took place a couple of weeks ago. Then I went driving, looking for some Autumn pictures. The scenery was beautiful as was the day. I did not get the shots I wanted, but I got a few decent photos.

SABATO – OKTOBRO 7, 2006

I got up around 10:30a ... very early for me on a day off. Skip and I went to Ramon's for lunch. Then back home. He went to bed and did not get up again nearly 6:00p.

DIMANĈO  – OKTOBRO 8, 2006

3:15a – I woke up to a sound I did not want to hear. It sounds like Kira was peeing on the bedroom floor. Worse, it turned out she had an attack of diarrhea. I spent about 45 minutes cleaning and scrubbing, but it's going to take a steam cleaner. I did not sleep well after that and the various smells in the bedroom were causing me to have weirder then usual dreams.

12:28p – I got up at 10:00a. I am tired and feel queasy. Probably from sleeping in "the gas chamber" all morning. I was supposed to go to work at 1:15p but I called in and delayed it to 3:15p. I just don't feel too good. Skip wants to go to the store now. (I am not really in the mood... ).

2:18p – I just got back from the store with Skip. I got a couple of Rally burgers, but I don't have anything for lunch tonight. Anyway... off to work. I would rather go take a nap!

Work was a fiasco today! The customer migration in Pennsylvania crashed and what was supposed to be a 2 hour process turned into a mass outage. The phones in the TRANSITION queue rang without pause until I left at 11:45p. It was NOT a very pleasant experience.

LUNDO  – OKTOBRO 9, 2006

Happy Birthday! to my brother, SKIP (now 38)

12:07p – I am running late for work again. Morning comes way to early. Okay... noon. What ev'!

11:00p – Today has not been quite as bad as it was yesterday, but the migration issue is still a problem. At least we have some time between calls tonight. Happily, I have tomorrow off, so I don't have to worry about going to bed right away tonight.

MARDO – OKTOBRO 10, 2006

1:49a – Kira had peed in the hallway. I could smell it as soon as I got in tonight. We are going to have to do a major carpet cleaning soon. Skip is arranging use of the industrial steam cleaner from his office.

3:01a – I was just reading through my journal back to the April 2004 period. I had been reading the DUNE (Butlerian Jihad) series. I am a bit dismayed that since my untimely dismissal from my job with Wash U. that I have been unable to read again. Then I had the retinal aneurism last May which makes it physically more difficult to read. I still have 3 books which are not even opened from their packaging. I just can't read anymore.  A part of my life has been ripped from me by the trauma of being laid off from my job. I don't understand it, but it is very sad. I find it had to believe that I have not read ONE single book in over a year after reading about 1 book per week since I was 11 years old. What broke? Why can't I read anymore? What did they do to me? It makes me mad and sad...

12:26p – I sure was getting mopey before going to bed. I got up around noon. I just fixed a quick pot of Mexican style soup for firs meal.

12:29p – I am looking out the window and see a scene I wish I could capture with my camera. It only lasted about 30 seconds. The Maple tree in the front yard is starting to change color and has many deep red leaves on it. A Cardinal landed on the tip of one of the branch of vibrant red leaves and began chirping and flutter his wings. The sun, though mostly obscured by clouds today shown down on the Cardinal briefly. It was this very short performance in flaming colors which seemed to be performed for an audience for me alone. A one time miracle of beauty, dulled slightly by having to view it through the screen of my window, but a brilliant performance nonetheless.

9:19p – I was productive today and got a bit of house work done, AND I got my car washed, waxed and rubbed down the interior with leather protectant. The car was looking very dirty, but now it's sparkling!

11:59p – I just checked the clock ... lol... one minute before tomorrow!!

12:56p – I just had to get Kira up from her "stuck" position in the laundry room. She had peed on herself and could not get up. She was stuck under a chair. Got he up and outside, but... once again I am dismayed at her condition. I can't have he "put down" for her current problems. It would just NOT be right. She is having problems, but she is not in constant pain or in a constant state of misery. If that were so, I could make that final decision (I think). But so far she is still alert, cognizant and in full control of her mental facilities. Her physical facilities are not quite so well under control, but... that is no reason to have her murdered. I reserve that status until I come up with such a dismal determination.

MERKREDO – OKTOBRO 11, 2006

Michael Salvato

1;19a – I am off to eat here in a moment. I have been watching "A Matter of Fancy Dancing" ... on DVD. I will resume watching it. Not sure if I like it yet or not though... 2:22a – I could not finish the movie. I have to go to bed. Kira refused to go outside. Maybe because it is raining. Maybe because it too much hassle for her. Her left leg is becoming nearly useless... but I love her so much. Damn. Seeing her having problems just tears me up so much. Anyway... off to bed. 11:00a – Skip just called me with bad news. Our old friend, Michael Salvato, died yesterday. 11:33a – The light switch seems to have broken in the bathroom. Great. Now I have to shower in the dark I guess.

2:22p – I am at work now. The phones are not too hectic, but the migration problems are still going on.

4:57p – I just got back from break a little bit ago and see that a small plane has crashed into the side of a building in Manhattan. RD tells there are 4 known dead at this time. I also heard that there was a head-on train crash in France while listening to the radio on the way in to work today.

8:09p – I just got back from lunch. My TL caught me on the way back to my seat and gave me raving reviews on my call technique. He said he listened to about 4 of my calls and that I was a pleasure to listen to... very nice compliment! ... makes me *almost* feel like getting back to work! ĵaŭdO – OKTOBRO 12, 2006 I had the day off and this afternoon I went over to visit Carl (aka "Dr. Masthay") for the first time in ages. He is a most peculiar and eclectic person, but I like him. I am a bit peculiar myself though! (So I have no room to speak). I took my camera and took some pictures of various interesting items around his house and in his home. He has many fascinating items to photograph. I set him up with PSP8 and gave him a personal tutorial. Then we went out to have a bite to eat and he paid for my dinner. I had chicken parmesan and broccoli. (The broccoli was exceptionally good!).

Carl's House - backyard

Scenes from my visit to Carl Masthay's house

VENDREdO – OKTOBRO 13, 2006

Another work day. I got in a bit late. I am still working on the transition team handling calls from Adelphia, Comcast AND Time Warner. It is such a chaotic situation. I don't know what to tell most of the people and some of them are upset to the point of tears. I had "Andi" sitting in with me today. She was very attentive and is a real "go-getter." I think she will really do well after she has settled in. I think she is going to start taking calls "for real" tomorrow. Speaking of which, *I* have Saturday and Sunday off! YAY!

sabatO – OKTOBRO 14, 2006

2:07a – Skip just went to bed. He has been telling me about his job situation. It looks like his job is going to be growing into something even better. I am very happy and proud of/for him on one hand, yet a little envious on the other. If it were not for me and all the problems I went through, he would not be here in this situation. But, I am being petty. I am glad that I could have played the part that I played in helping him find a place where his own abilities could be realized and he could move forward. It's a good thing. I am just getting disgusted with my own situation in which I have worked for years, developed skills, abilities, and so forth, and find myself

answering phones for under $10 per hour. I should not complain. I have a job. I have a car, my computer, electricity, food, a roof over my head... life has many blessings and I should not complain so much. On the other hand, I have so much to offer and could be better utilized in some way to someone's mutual benefit. I guess I need to be more proactive and get out there and FIND something. I am just so worried these days about insurance, medication, my health... if I don't take my medications, I could die. That's a real wake up call and a deciding factor in many of my decisions. Not to mention, a real pain.

5:20a – I am just going to eat "supper." I made some chicken noodle stew like stuff.

5:53a – That was good. Off to bed now. It will be daylight soon...

12:24p – I am up... but still half a sleep.

8:50p – Skip and I went somewhere new today, to Columbia, Illinois, where we found a Mexican Restaurant he had been told about called "Tequila's." Then we went over to "The Market Place," an upscale grocery store. Very classy, with wood floors and surprisingly, some very good buys. I only picked up some of their onions. Two 3 pound bags of nice looking onions for only .99 each. We were going to go on across the river to the Wal-Mart in Missouri, but neither of us felt like it after the big meal and instead, we retreated to the house where we both took naps for an hour or more. I can just see us when we are old men... lol...

DIMANĈO – OKTOBRO 15, 2006

I got up later today, after my disconcerting dreams, including dreams of being naked. I hate those dreams! I fixed a bowl of egg drop soup to help get my bearings, then Skip and I went to Fairview Heights aournd 4:00p to find something to eat. We were headed to Red Lobster. I've not been there in a long time. However the Sunday evening crowd was there and overwhelming the place. Too many people and too long to wait for the next table. So we went to Olive Garden. This resulted in the same problem! Another lengthy wait for a table! We finally ended up at Applebee's and despite the fact that I did not want Mexican food again at this time, I ended up ordering the fajita platter. Our bill came to over $53 and I was not really pleased with the food. I left half of it behind. The rice (as usual) totally sucked. I wish they had told me there was a side order of rice. I never eat restaurant rice unless it is a a good Asian Restaurant. Even then I am picky. I like rice... LOVE rice... but I am VERY picky about it!

Before we went out to eat, I let Kira out in the back yard. I went out to bring her in and she had "vanished." I found her... or rather, Skip found her, stuck in one of his post holes in the back yard. I wish he would get that damn fence finished! (or at least cover up the dangerous holes which I paid for to have dug... obviously for nothing).

Skip changed out the light switch in the bathroom today. Now it works with only ONE switch to operate the fan AND the light. I will probably have to fix it later.

LUNDO – OKTOBRO 16, 2006

12:22a – I was going to wait, but ... I decided to put my pork roast in the oven to cook. I injected it with a bunch of Cajun seasoning, and (of course) added some of my own seasoning over the top of it. Unfortunately, I ran out of foil, so it might come out a bit burned or dry. Pork is rarely dry though. Glad this was not beef.

12:30a – Skip bought the "Forest Gump" movie tonight and is watching it now. That is a great movie!

Going to work tomorrow is going to be hard! I checked to see if there was UTO available... but (as usual) ... nope. They told me when I started work here that we have 2 days of UTO available per month. That has not proven to be true so far.

3:26a – I just finished watching the movie, "Equilibrium." It was a bit dry and drawn out, but... not too bad. Off to bed now though. Not sure if I am going to make it to work tomorrow or not.

1:00p – I just called in. I am going in late. Skip just called. He wants me to deliver his boss' day card to him. I don't know how that will work. I am going back to bed. I feel awful.

11:56p – I stayed in bed until 4:00p. I have felt bad all day. I seem to be having a bad case of depression for no apparent reason.

MARDO – OKTOBRO 17, 2006

11:35a – I am up and getting ready for work. I am still suffering from the depression. It's like an opressive, viscuous cloud around me. It should go away once I am at work and put on my customer's smile <gag>. Yesterday and today both have been overcast and rainy. I rained all day yesterday. Maybe that has something to do with this bad case of depression.

12:05p – I just checked the radiator in the car. I thought it might be low, but I barely poured any coolant into it and it was overflowing, so that's not a problem. I think the temperature gauge has broken. It has been working, but ever since the cool weather started up, I noticed the gauge does not move. At first, I thought it was because of the cooler weather, but even in freezing weather the gauge should go up as the engine heats up. Something must be wrong. I am wondering if something has gone out ... like the water pump. I just can't afford any major repair right now. (And of course, this does not help my feeling of depression).

Well, work, as much as I hate it, was very therapeutic. I feel less depressed after a harrying day at the office. My TL Fred gave me more compliments tonight, which really helped too. It's good to get some compliments.

MERKREDO – OKTOBRO 18, 2006

2:38a – I am still happily checking and responding to emails at this odd hour. I need to fix some food.

11:35a – I had more odd dreams last night. I did not want to get up. I did, but not after hitting the snooze button once. I am feeling so sick this morning. I kept gagging and nearly throwing up repeatedly while trying to take my shower for work, and of course the usual, on-going diarrhea. My meds are really hitting me that last few days. I am going to make some brothy soup and see if it settles my stomach.

12:56p – I could just barely force the soup down, and to make matters worse, I have had to call in 2 hours late to work. That will make 12 hours of pay I miss and can't afford. I just got an electric bill last night for $322 ... I don't have that much in my account. In fact, my savings has, for the first time, not only gone under the $100 mark where I try to keep it (so I don't get charged a fee), but it went into the negative! I think the bank made a mistake or the account is just "adjusting" ... I don't know. It's depressing. That's not counting the other bills sitting here that I have not opened. AND I need to buy more meds, which I can't afford, and which make me sick so I miss work and can't afford them even more. It's a vicious cycle, spiraling in an all too wrong direction.

I got to work and was opening my locker and someone called out me name. I was wondering who it was. I looked arounda nd saw no one. Must be my imagination. Then I heard it again and, again, looked around. It was Greg S. ... one of the team leads. He had been sitting in on a "calibration" test. This is (so they tell me) where they have a recording of a call and use it to "calibrate" calls for the other agents and to decide evaluation methods and standards. He told me that I was really very exceptional and that my Team Lead (Fred) would be discussing it with me later. Later I found myself discussing my "wonderful verbal skills and linguistic abilities "with some higher-ups of the organization! LOL... I am just being me. I am not sure what they are talking about, but ... I am just being polite and practicing the basic principals of "The Golden Rule." ... What more can one do? However, as Skip says, "Money talks and BS walks!"

ĵaŭdO – OKTOBRO 19, 2006

7:19p – I had the day off, but did not accomplish much. I cooked a pot of soup first thing... and ended up letting it burn. I ended up making a pot of menudo (from the can). Then I picked up Skip from the train, and we went by Wal-Mart. Got a supply of dog food for K-dog and a few other items. I am mostly bored and still slightly depressed, sitting here drinking some beer (which I really don't need) and piddling with email and website stuff... as usual.

VENDREDO – OKTOBRO 20, 2006

11:12a – I have been having such wild and bizarre dreams here lately. That is nothing new of course, but they have started to become physical. Last night I dreamed I was playing something like volley ball, except that we had to lay on our back and kick the ball. I woke up with my leg in the air kicking! A couple of nights ago, I had a similar dream in which used a martial arts style kick to close a door... and woke up with my leg flailing air. In other dreams I have been reaching for something, catching a ball, employing a martial arts backhand maneuver, or something similar, and woke with my arm in the air. I hit the wall with my hand once. So far I have not hurt myself, but I am sure glad I sleep alone these days!

11:24a – I have to work today. I always need more sleep though. Ever since starting to take my meds again, I have no energy and get depressed a lot. Oh well, my insurance runs out soon, plus I don't know how I am going to afford the medication even with the insurance, so I may have to stop taking it again.

SABATO – OKTOBRO 21, 2006

Happy Birthday! to my Aunt Marlene (now 60 years young)

12:57a – Today was a typical day at work handling the usual mess of irate customers and chaotic transition issues. I could actually enjoy this job and do good at it if I was getting paid adequately.

1:44a – I just finished signed up with 1and1.com hosting service. The wheels are turning and the process has commenced. This will be the first time I have done this without Jack as my "safety net" ... ever. I managed to get some things accomplished tonight. I put my old 40Gb hard drive into my computer and downloaded my files from it. Then I put my 80Gb hard drive back in, so now my main computer has a total of 180Gb of space. I also knocked on those obstinate panels in the font of the computer and got my DVD burner installed.  Now I can get some stuff backed up. And I only drew a little tiny bit of blood when I cut my thumb trying to get those panels out.

My tiny little injury...

However, later I was letting Kira in, and I managed to cut my heel on the damn storm door. I did not look at it right away, but it was burning and I looked to discover that I had ripped away a half inch flap of skin. Ouch. Not as bad as Donna Holleritter back in Orlando. She tells me, "I ended up falling over a curb stop for cars, skinned up my face pretty bad, chipped my glasses, think I broke my left wrist, skinned my knees, etc. Can't get an x-ray until Monday since it's not all bad enough to sit in the emergency room." Double ouch!

Skip got me up this morning a little before 11:00a. He wanted to go to the bank and deposit his coins. I felt awful and did not really want to get up. My BPPV was really getting to me, and my cut heel hurt. My eyes were bleary... and I did not think I should be on the road driving, quite frankly. We made it to Belleville to the main Bank of America and just made it in before they locked the doors. The manager had her keys in the lock already! I was the very last customer. (I cashed in my coins too).

We left the bank and Skip wanted to find a place to eat. (I would have been happy back home to bed personally). We ended up going to a very small, yet classy Indian restaurant in Swansea. It was buffet style, but the had very nice decor, good atmosphere (for such a small place), the waiters were in black and white suites. They had added touched like pulling the cloth napkins, which were neatly folded and set in crystal goblets, and handing them to us with a flourish. The served water and never let the glass get empty. The cleared our plates away and did not take our utensils. They watched us without hovering.. Granted, the lunch was buffet style and the tables covered with a paper cover over the white table cloths, but it was only the lunch buffet. We had Basmati rice, curried chicken and goat, paan (unleavened bread), an Indian version of BBQ chicken which was very tasty, a dish called "spinach and farmer's cheese" which is okay, but Skip spit his out and gagged ... (it wasn't that bad). We had some rice pudding garnished with almond slices for dessert. Not what I was planning on, but not too bad. I just wish I had dressed nice and had a bath. I felt like a bum. And Skip slurping his coffee from his cup without picking it up and spitting out the food he did not like did not exactly make me feel any more cultured! lol....

We tried to call Marlene to wish her a happy birthday today. Skip called from the bank, but we got her voice mail. Will have to try again later or tomorrow.

I tried to get my domain names pointed to the 1and1 servers tonight. I spent about and hour or more on the phone with tech support (in India... the theme for today) and finally figured out why I was unable to do this on my own. My CURRENT setup IS on 1and1.com, so they cannot point to their self yet again. I will have to wait until the account is deleted, after November 1st, or get Jack to delete them in advance (if he can). I called Jack, but he is probably at work.

11:07p – I just had to clean up after Kira. She was laying in the hall and strained to hard trying to get up ... and had another poopcident. I can't be mad at her... it is so frustrating for all of us.

DIMANĈO – OKTOBRO 22, 2006

1:39a – I am off to bed now. Kind of early for me, but ... I need the sleep!

11:35a – I slept better last night for a change and feel a little more rested this morning than I have been. However, I did get in the shower and had an attack of gagging and nearly threw up. That happens almost every morning since going back on the meds, but this morning was particularly rough.

5:34p – I gave Marlene a call to wish her happy (belated) birthday on the way in to work. She is 60 years old now! I can still remember when she was 16! How time flies. I had my earphone on again, so I was able to chat with her all the way in to the office while leaving my hands free to drive. That is very convenient.

I discussed with her that I am in communication with Judy and she went on about how I should not trust her, and so forth. I am so dismayed over how every time I talk to Marlene, she has to put some family member down. Last time I spoke to her it was her own son, Nico, whom she was talking bad about. He had apparently cleaned her drain and did not do a good enough job of it so she refused to pay him. That is all well and good, but frankly, I think it might have been something she would prefer not to advertise. Every time I speak with her, it seems she is putting someone down. That saddens me. However, in fairness, it seems that many other family members do the same thing. They don't forgive; the don't forget. Bygones are never bygones, but ongoing issues. The value of family relationship seems to be lost to most of my family. I hate to say these words, but this is what I am experiencing. I love them all, and I know they are not perfect, any more than myself, but they ALL must lighten up! We could be something SO much bigger and better than we are if we took more pride and care about the matter of blood relation. It's not going to happen, but .. that is my opinion and I will stand by it!

Work has been unbelievably quiet tonight. First of all, I was not supposed to be here until 2:15p and so I got to work over an hour early. I just got off my first break and I have only taken five calls so far. That is nearly unheard of. Besides that, they were expecting today to be very busy due to a migration process taking place in Minnesota, but apparently they over estimated the impact that it would have.

I was able to connect using LogMeIn.com again, so I am able to keep up my journal ... mainly just for something to do.

6:14p – It looks like they may switch me to the Adelphia queue any moment now. They are stacked 4 in the queue and the Transition queue is 20 minutes between calls. I am hoping to stay in the transition queue.

8:38p – I lucked out and did NOT get transferred into the Adelphia queue. So far tonight, I have only had NINE calls. This is about the slowest day I have ever had, not counting the times I was in the Tech queue.

9:32p – I am up to TEN calls now. I wish the job was always so easy! I guess I will have to enjoy it while it lasts. I hear it may be very busy tomorrow. But then again, that is what they predicted for today, so I will just wait and see.

10:12p – I am now up to ELEVEN calls. The time is dragging by slowly, but at least I am not dealing with irate customers. Most of them have been very calm and understanding today.

10:19p – Wow... that almost qualified as a "flurry of activity" for tonight. I got another call in less than 10 minutes. Now up to TWELVE calls for the day.

10:29p – I was supposed to go on break at 10:00p and missed it. I am now up to THIRTEEN calls.

10:50p – I came back from break and there was a call waiting for me immediately. I am back out of queue at the moment though. I hope it continues like this for the rest of the evening. I still have 1 hour and 55 minutes left.

11:14p – This night is dragging! I'm up to 15 calls now. I am sure looking forward to getting out of here (as usual). I also checked into the insurance thing today. I was previously told by personnel in HR that I could sign up for my insurance on-line, so I took some time to try doing that. I could not find where this was done. I found out later (talking to Steve) that this will not be available online until the OPEN ENROLLMENT process actually begins on October 30th. My insurance ends on November 11th, so it will be calling it close.

11:49p – Finally, I am on the last stretch of the evening... the last hour... only 55 more minutes to go. Oh, and I am now up to SEVENTEEN calls. I wore my jacket into the office for the first time this year. Or rather, since the last time we had cool weather. Previously, I was hanging my jacket over the back of my chair, but now I have a locker to store it in. This is just one of the many exciting things in my life <sarcasm>.

LUNDO – OKTOBRO 23, 2006

12:01a – And it is now Monday (Lundo). I am really struggling to keep myself entertained here at work. I enjoy not having a steady stream of call bombarding me, but this is REALLY slow.

12:37a – Less than 10 minutes left. Now I am *hoping* I don't get a call.

4:13a – I did get a call, but it was done by about 12:50a, so I did not stay too late. However, once I got home, my mood changed drastically. This morning when I left the house, Kira had gone into our bedroom and crashed on her bed. She seemed exhausted and so I asked Skip to keep an eye on her and shut my door when she got up. When I got home tonight, my door was indeed shut, (and "no" ... Kira was not locked inside). However, I immediately smelled cat musk! I searched for a few minutes and found that Barnabas had peed on my bed!!! I was furious, screaming and cursing and just HOPING Skip would wake up. I did not care. I am SO SICK of animals pissing and shitting in my home. Kira at least is old and can't help herself. My only solution with her is to have her euthanized and although I am daily evaluating this dismal prospect, she can't help her self. Barnabas, on the other hand, is pissing on pillows, furniture, clothing... and now MY BED... ON PURPOSE! This infuriates me. I think he should be neutered. I see NO reason why I should be subjected to the dictates of Skip's cat. My things are being ruined. My furniture was shredded by his claws before Skip got this new furniture (for free) ... which is also being shredded. Now I am having to stay up late, washing my bed clothes. I need to be in bed already, but stuff is still drying and I have not even had my supper yet. I my end up being late to work as a result, which will cost me money.  I am so angry about this I just don't have words. I have my mattress sprayed down with a neutralizing spray and sitting under a fan drying, but my room REEKS, and I will have to sleep in there... on this... grrrrr!

4:24a – Anyway, I got bills paid tonight. All my coins which I have saved up are going to bills. Skip's coins are going to ... well... what ever he wants. He makes more than me now and has money to spare. I am working my butt off for a pittance. I cannot say how much that irks me. I am happy for Skip and really proud of him for what he has accomplished, but my own situation is demeaning and embarrassing.

4:27a – So, I got all the bills paid that I had on hand, except the electric bill. They want over $300 on that bill and I just can't pay it. I am sending them $100 and hoping they don't turn it off! All the other bills are set to be paid in their entirety on Friday.

5:10a – I have just finally got my bed fixed again. Skip got up and I told him about Barnabas. Not that it will affect him. I don't know if the lack of sleep and the meds combined are going to let me function properly tomorrow. I will just do what I can. I am getting angry again... I  better to to bed ... and hope I can sleep.

2:46p – I overslept today. Not surprising. I just had to get more sleep after being up so late fixing my bed. I called in 2 hours tardy, which I hate to do, but I had to.

7:55p – It has been busy today. I am just getting back from lunch. Speaking of which, I had to buy my lunch since I forgot to take the lunch I prepared with me ... again. Anyway... I have about 10 seconds left to sign in!

MARDO – OKTOBRO 24, 2006

4:35p – I have not done much today, but enjoyed not doing it! Except for the fact that it is overcast and raining.

MERKREDO – OKTOBRO 25, 2006

It has rained all day I have done nothing but lounge around and play on the computer. I put a DVD in and began watching "Click." Skip called and I went down to pick him up.

His promotion is going into effect. I am very proud of him and happy for him! His new position is WAY up the ladder. His boss is next in command to the Director himself, though the organizational chart shows a dotted line from Skip to the Director, so that means that on occasion, he will be reporting directly to the Director. Of course, the Director reports only to the Dean of the University directly. Apparently, the Director and the Dean had lunch and the Director told him of his decision to create this new position and to promote Skip into it. The Dean said something like, "Good choice!" So Skip is rubbing elbows with the top brass now! And of course, there will be more money. <sigh> I am glad one of us is doing well.

Skip provided the food tonight, and I did the cooking. We had a big meal of fried chicken strips (on which I included a light amount of curry powder), mashed potatoes & gravy, and corn on the cob.

ĵaŭdO – OKTOBRO 26, 2006

1:32p – I was going to get up early today, but I slept until after 1:00p. Of course, I was up several times before that letting Kira out. I let her out again and when I checked on her, I saw her standing out in the back yard watching a squirrel. They no longer run from her. They know she can't chase them now. It's really very sad, knowing how much chasing squirrels meant to her. It was her greatest joy in life. I see her standing there, watching the arrogant little rodent blithely hopping about the yard, almost teasing her, and I feel so  sad for her.

1:39p – I just got up, but I am already hungry. I need to try to get up the motivation to go to Jay's today. I need to buy more rice and Sriracha hot sauce. I finished watching "Click." Very good movie! 5:13p – It is still raining and miserable outside. I just got back from picking up Skip from the train. I never did make it to Jay's. Back to work tomorrow. VENDREDO – OKTOBRO 27, 2006 10:50p – Here I am, sitting at work again. Waiting to go home. I think I will just go home and have a few beers, and finish watching my current movie, "Thunder Heart," with Val Kilmer. So far I have enjoyed this movie more than I expected I would.

To Stars and Celebrities Chief John Ross October 3, 1790 - 1866 Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1828 - 1866. Michael Crichton October 23, 1942 (author - Jurassic Park) Chicago, Illinois