Three Hundred Twelfth Entry

Well another year has passed. A lot has changed. A lot has stayed the same.

2006 will bring about much change. I'm pretty sure I said the same about 2005, but the last few weeks have reaffirmed my commitment to changing. So much to do, one year to do it in.

Happy New Year all!

Three Hundred Eleventh Entry

I am such a bonehead. I found my CD's. They were hidden in various places in my truck and studio. Stupid me. But I am relieved.

Have you gone astray?
Or lost your way?
You should have seen me yesterday.
Well I knew this kind of love
Was written in the stars
It's only once or twice that you're in line with Mr. Moon
Then it was you,
You took me on your cloud,
Give me flowers for my pain,
But with some degree of certainty,
My destiny,
Seemed to slip away from me,
Before I got to know your name.

CHORUS:
Just give me a chance
I'll do what you want me to
Everybody wants to dance
So how come I can't dance with you
You really turn me on
You're the one that makes me smile
It's Mr Moon who plays in tune, Mr Moon who knows
And if it's Mr Moon who gives the sign then that's the sign that goes
I never know what to do
Till I'm there with you.

Did you lose your mind
For a day
You don't remember anyway
Like the waters of a dream
Encapsulate my mind
A place I haven't seen sits at the end of space and time
So lost in love
Than I think I'm blind
To perchance upon this circumstance is something of a miracle
So spiritual
It's verging on the physical
Searching for a love I cannot find.

CHORUS

Mr. Moon
Return of the Space Cowboy album
by Jamiroquai

----------

You say you fight to give us freedom
But often more than not this is abused
And the faces of a tired generation
have decided they are sick of being used
for the purpose of current declarations
Still the same, it'll never change until the end
Is to buy appreciation of the nation
To cover the mistakes you must defend
And you say there'll be a chance for everyone
to protest against your calculated greed
But I can see into the future
Won't be long before the welfare
Send me letters telling me how much they need
And it's not been in my interest to please them
For the only interest rate to fall is mine
See a brand new generation is demanding
What you've been doing with our money all this time

Scam
People try living life at speed of light
Scam
Don't know why but I have to do the things I do
Scam
Give me ten, that's the move I give you five
Scam
People say it's the way to stay alive

So you see you have to be a schemer
If you wanna love the life you have to live
And it don't matter how much I earn
'Cos I always get my fingers burned
When the man gets down to his business
And I've been searching for a reason
Why I have to give it all up just when I want to get ahead
See I have no car, job, wife, dog and home
Debts and threats on the telephone
Maybe I should bust a move instead
Now we all know when we watch the television
Not confused between a puppet or conviction
Glued to the screen by a thousand shallow words of widsom
It ain't what it seems when it's a single sided system
Someone's got a hold on my living
So I'm gonna have to do the things that's fair
They got to justify for what I should be giving
Should I lie, should I steal or should I care
'Cos now I've got to scam

Scam
Return of the Space Cowboy album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred Tenth Entry

I just finished watching two incredible movies, "Ray" and "Finding Neverland". "Finding Neverland" made me cry, and Jaime Foxx really was really really great in "Ray". I love netflix.

Up next is Anchorman, Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby. I can't wait.

I am missing about 10 CD's. Three of my Jamiroquai (Emergency, Travelling and Funk Odyssey), my Travis Singles CD, 12 Memories, and a few others. I've searched and searched, but to no avail. Let me know if anyone knows of their whereabouts. Operators are standing by.

Four hundred years or more
Since you came to crucify
They were taken far away from home
There were promises of paradise
But if they have been told that day
They would be sold this way
To satisfy the souls of chosen men
See I had to look carefully
At the shame of my ancestry
To re-define the story line again

If I was taken for a day
And shown another way
Every child can learn a different thing
See i tried a million times
but i had to change my mind
Sadness was the best thing I could bring
On the inside he was dead and this is what he said
As he took away the blue above the clouds
Superiority was clearly meant to be
So destiny will manifest in time

So where was the love all gone
A troubled trail of tears will tell the tale
Of how I was put down where I don't belong
Woman, child and man for sale
For ethical slavery is just an absurdity
How can you be alive when you are dead
With these chains of hypocrisy
The shame of my ancestry
Forever stained by blood in which you tread

(repeat chorus)

Manifest Destiny
Return of the Space Cowboy album
by Jamiroquai

----------

Now we're getting nasty
Everybody's talking about the kids
The kids got funky soul and groove emotion
But if you don't give the kids the chance to use it
They're always more than likely to abuse it
Everybody's talking about the kids
It's taking time for you to realize
Now hunger turns to anger in our eyes
I say the revolution will be televised
Yes it will, Gil
Everybody's talking about the kids
The kids needs space to get their heads in place
And every day this world we have to face
I just can't seem to find my proper place

Kids get down
Stormy weather
Fifteen years of royal pleasure
Kids get down underground
Everybody dance to the funky sound

Everybody's talking about the kids
It won't be long before we get our own
And every kid can truly feel at home
I told ya you should give the dog a bone
Everybody's talking about school
But I get more pleasure breakin' all the rules
Cos lesson one begins with "Life Is Cruel"
Well I guess I'm just an educated fool
Everybody's talking about the kids
Mom and Dad make efforts to excuse it
Government officials will confuse it
Members of the bench will try to prove it
You're going down sucker

Everybody's talking about the kids now
Everybody's talking about the kids now
The kids got funky soul

Kids get down
Stormy weather
Fifteen years of royal pleasure
Kids get down, celebrate
Now we're going to kick the thing we hate
Everybody's talking about high
But kids get high to satisfy
For reaching out to touch the sky
Is all I can identify, and you know why
Kids get down
Stormy weather
Fifteen years of royal pleasure
Kids get down, celebrate
Now we're gonna kick the thing we hate
Kids get down, pressurized
To live the life that you devised
Kids get, celebrate
Life's too short to complicate

Kids
Return of the Space Cowboy album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred Ninth Entry

TV rundown:

Sunday nights:

Extreme Home Makeover on ABC at 8 p.m. I like to watch them do something in a week that would normally take months to do. Plus, I get ideas for my own house, should I ever buy one.
Backup: Cold Case on CBS, then West Wing on NBC.

Desperate Housewives on ABC at 9 p.m. I know, I know. Such a girl show. But it is full of very interesting secrets. And the writing is great. And Eva is hot. You can't beat the drama.
Backup: Iron Chef America on FN, then Nick at Nite.

Grey's Anatomy at 10 p.m. Grey reminds me a lot of someone I know. And I love that it is kicking ass in the ratings against ER. Hate that show!
Backup: Footballers Wives on BBCA.

Monday nights:

Arrested Development on FOX at 8 p.m. Far and away my favorite sitcom on TV. Rumor has it that it is going to be cancelled after the Baseball Playoffs. Even with Charlize Theron making cameos on this weeks episode. Such a shame.
Backup: Nothing. Don't cancel AD!!!!

Kitchen Confidential on FOX at 8:30 p.m. I love that show. And the fact that the main character used to be on one of my other favorite shows just makes it great. Who knew that working in a kitchen is such tough work.
Backup: How I Met Your Mother on CBS.

Prison Break on FOX at 9 p.m. Cool show. The doctor is very cute and looks very familiar. She must have been in something, must research. Any show that has a Civil Engineer as it's main character is going to be watched by me. If, in school, they had explained that I could use Hooke's Law to break out of prison, I probably would have learned it.
Backup: Nothing. I hate Two and a Half Men.

Medium on NBC at 10 p.m. I like psychics. In fact I am psychic. I see that if I am not enjoying Medium, I watch the 10 o'clock news.

Tuesday nights:

Biggest Loser on NBC at 8 p.m. I hate to admit it, but I am kind of getting into this show. It is so motivating. It makes me want to get on that elliptical and use it 'til I pass out.
Backup: Nova on PBS. Science fun. See Phil learn. See Phil geek out.

9 p.m. is still up in the air. I really like My Name Is Earl and the Office(both on NBC), but I also really like Commander in Chief on ABC. I am leaning toward Commander in Chief because Earl and Office are much more DVD-able. But still not sure.

Law & Order: SVU on NBC at 10 p.m. I enjoy the Law & Orders, except for CI(LAME). Kickin' ass and takin' names. All in an hour. If only the real criminal justice system ran that way...
Backup: Boston Legal on ABC, Frontline on PBS.

Wednesday nights:

Nothing at 8 p.m. I still haven't found anything worthwhile at 8 on Wednesday. Any suggestions?

Lost on ABC at 9 p.m. Far and away my favorite drama on TV. Last night "Lost" did not disappoint. I love that show. Every smoke break I took at work today, Jane and I discussed the significance of the film and the Dharma Initiative. Very intriguing. You just can't go wrong.
Backup: Coupling on BBCA. But if I'm not at home watching Lost on Wednesday night, then I am dead in a gutter somewhere.

Invasion on ABC at 10 p.m. Oooh...Aliens. Need I say more?
Backup: Law and Order on NBC.

Thursday nights:

Alias on ABC at 8 p.m. Sidney is still kickin ass after four years. And now she's pregnant? Her hormones should spice things up a little bit. Too bad about Vaughn though. He was expendable. Nobody watched the show for him anyway. It's all about Sidney, dear sweet, hot, pregnant Sidney.
Backup: Nothing.

Night Stalker on ABC at 9 p.m. I'm too young to have seen the original, but they say it's no comparison. I like it just the same. Supernatural panthers, mind-controlling blind guys in prison("You know what you have to do."), Gabrielle Union running around. Perfect formula for a hit show. We'll see how long it sticks around.
Backup: The Office on BBCA.

Nothing at 10 p.m. Maybe the news, maybe nick at nite, maybe PBS, but mostly computer time before I go to bed.

Friday nights:

Nothing 'til 10 p.m. Either the news or Numb3rs.

Saturday nights:

Channel Surfing. But I do like the trend the networks are starting by airing repeats on Saturday nights. I get to watch Earl since I missed it on Tuesday. And I do like how PBS has the Saturday night british comedies on.

So that's my TV week. You can probably see that ABC is my favorite network. For some reason, I have always liked ABC. Since before Desperate Housewives, Millionaire, Dharma and Greg. My whole family would sit around and watch TGIF. We loved that Urkel. Every afternoon my dad would watch Peter Jennings on World News Tonight. He was always my favorite news anchor. I'm just glad ABC has turned it around and is doing well. Now if only they would buy Arrested Development, promote the hell out of it, and make it a hit. That would be great. I'd almost only need one channel.

Wow, that's a lot about TV. I love it.

every bird will sing
the melody of our love tune

yesterday i was half the man i used to be
maybe that's because you're the other half of me
like the spring in bloom
the summer of our love is soon
every bird will sing
the melody of our love tune

sent down from above
unconditionally love
likened to a flower
stronger love grows by the hour
stormy weather days
make us go our separate ways
where our love was so at ease
now you got me down on my knees

yesterday i was
brighter than the morning sun
now my love is lost
and lonely days have just begun
a solitary chair
for a silent love affair
a king has lost his throne
and now he sits alone

every bird will sing
oh now every bird will sing
every bird will sing
the melody of our love tune
I wanna tell you

yesterday i was half the man i used to be
maybe that's because you're the other half of me
like the spring in bloom
the summer of our love is soon
every bird will sing
the melody of our love tune

Half the Man (one of my top five)
Return of the Space Cowboy album
by Jamiroquai

----------

You can be light years
Away from serious intention
See I thought I'd change it all
Someday
I'd get to turn mankind this day
If you don't know you can be light years
Away from your true destination.
Until I get with good vibration
I'm never gonna get to use that earthly power
But I'm gonna jump back
Stnd back and use that earthly power

Now I got that sunshine in my life
Now I got that sunshine in my life.
Light years half a million miles from what you wanna be
Did you ever hear about the man who tried to be
Truly free truly free
You know what I mean
Light years will stand between the laws of principle
And now we think we are invincible
But without true power it's unthinkable

Light years away from the colour of our brotherhood
Light years away from our duty to assistance

Light Years
Return of the Space Cowboy album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred Eighth Entry

Had my interview at Caltrans in Oakland today. I was very good and restrained myself from discussing how ignorant and inefficient they are.

It was a good interview. The three panelists were nice and asked interesting problem solving questions. For example: Imagine a roadway has a congestion problem(not that hard in the Bay Area). What factors contribute to the congestion and what measures can be taken to alleviate the congestion? Not a question like "What is LOS?", or "What are HOV lanes?" which is a very Tulare County way of interviewing. You really have to think and almost participate in a quasi-preliminary design solution for that problem. The really broad answer would be to increase capacity on the roadway. They wanted specific answers like: widen the road, add metering lights(if it's a freeway), add a carpool lane(HOV lane), encourage ride-sharing/public transit, provide adequate detour if congestion is due to construction, change the phasing patterns on signals, investigate trip generation for the area. I gave all those answers except for the last two. I think there was one more, but I can't remember it.

Then I had two questions about hazardous waste. One was what to do when you find it (stop construction, isolate it, call hazmat teams) and the other was what risks it may have on environmental resources and people during removal(make people sterile, kill off any plants or animals(possibly endangered), damage the water supply, potentially become airborne). Very interesting questions!

I pulled a boner today. I am such an idiot. I forgot some papers that I needed to take to the interview in my office yesterday. I thought that if I went early enough, noone would see me and I could still call in sick today without repercussions. So, I got up at 6:30 a.m. and went over to the office. I went in, got the papers and headed out. As I stepped out the door at 6:40 a.m., the Assistant Director of Engineering was walking through the parking lot. IF only I hadn't hit the snooze!!! I was absolutely certain he saw me walking out to my truck in my sweats and flip-flops. I totally ignored him(he walked like 5 feet from my truck) and got in and sped off. Then on my way to SL I called in sick to Danny, not thinking the AD of E would say anything. Well, I called Blas after my interview and downloaded to him the questions and my answers. He mentioned that AD of E was up in Danny's office asking where I was:

AD: Where's Young Phillip?
Danny: He called in sick.
AD: Oh really? I saw him here this morning.
Danny: Really?

If I wasn't quitting next week I would shit a brick the size of a microwave. But I am, so I'm not. He'll probably come up and see me tomorrow and ask me what is going on. I'll tell the God's honest truth. Aliens abducted me and taught me how to speak their language. Meep zorb cantwi Poona. Anma Hipro sporat Gijif. I'll teach him the basic phrases, just in case he's ever abducted, and he'll give me one million dollars for being so honest.

Everything is good and brown
Oh I'm here again
With a sunshine smile upon my face
My friends are close at hand
And all my inhibitions
Have disappeared without a trace
I'm glad, oh I found
Somebody who I can rely on

This is the return of the space cowboy
Inter-planetary good vibe zone
Say at the speed of Cheeba, oh you and I go deeper
Maybe I'll have to get high to get by, hey

Everything is good oh and green
Say I'm red again
And I don't suppose I'm comin' down
I can see clearly, so high in sky
A man with psychedelic picture frames
Of happiness to shade his eyes
He's glad, oh that he found
Somebody who he can rely on

This is the return of the space cowboy
Inter-planetary good vibe zone
Say at the speed of Cheeba, oh you and I go deeper
Maybe I'll have to get high to get by, hey
Maybe I'm gonna have to get high

Now he's here again
Now he's here again
And I don't know what I'd do without him next to me
Everything, everything is good and brown
Now that, now that he's around

This is the return of the space cowboy
Inter-planetary good vibe zone

Say at the speed of Cheeba
Oh, you and I go deeper
Maybe I'll have to get high to get by

This is the return of the space cowboy
Inter-planetary good vibe zone

Say at the speed of Cheeba, oh you and I go deeper
Hey now we'll go deeper, oh now we'll go deeper
You and I, you and I, you and I, you and I
You and I, you and I, you and I, you and I
Now we'll go deeper yeah

Return of the Space Cowboy (one of my top five)
Return of the Space Cowboy album
by Jamiroquai

----------

There's a stillness in time
Which I cannot define
Does your heart bleed like mine all the time yeah
For a place we can go
Where the troubles of our time are far away
Hey they are so far away
And I had all my life in front of me
Now my darkness days are trouble free
There are so many wonderous things for you to see

If you find that somethings going wrong
Look around at what your running from
You can wait a thousand years in line
For that stillness in time

I found love in that way
And I'm never sad, and I'm always glad
Anything you give me today
Oh yeah I will will be thankful for
People find it hard to be strong
Cause they don't know where they're coming from
Ooh there was nothing left to do but hang on
For that stillness in time

There's a stillness in time
Search the space inside my mind

If this world is turning too fast for your head
Just remember how bad times can roll instead
Guess I'll have to search the space in my mind
For that stillness in time.

Oh yeah I found love in that way
And I'm never sad, and I'm always glad
Ooh yeah anything you give me today
Oh yeah I will be thankful for
People find it hard to be strong
Cause they don't know where they're coming from
Hey, there was nothing left to do but hang on
For that stillness in time.

I know that this is the peripheral side of bliss
There is no me, for the love I have will stay the same
I have been wrong if I don't know where I'm coming from
If I don't see the things that are inside of me
Apart of me, in front of me
Oh, see it's all around me
Said I know, said I want to find that stillness in time
Stillness in time

Hey la, la, la, la, la, lo (repeat until end)

Stillness in Time
Return of the Space Cowboy album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred Seventh Entry

I have a mere $20 dollars to spend between now and payday next week. I don't think my funds have ever been that low. That's what I get for driving so much.

Today at work, Phil, Jane and Johnny went in for their second interview for Marcia's old position. I was pleased to hear that I was a topic of one of the questions. "What can this agency do to keep Young Phillip around?" Cool, huh. I am thinking that Phil will get it, but my gut is saying he won't due to agency politics. Too much shit goes on behind the scenes, it's disgusting. The administration may well decide that none of the candidates are suitable for the position and re-advertise the job. It's gonna suck to get a new guy from the outside to fill Marcia's giant shoes. The learning curve is already steep with all the work that Marcia was doing, but to bring in an outsider? It's gonna get ugly. Thank God I'm not gonna be here!!

Phil was telling me recently that they used to do exit interviews for people leaving the county. I doubt they will call me in for one, but I was trying to come up with something to say in case they did. I would probably mention the benefits situation in passing, but would concentrate more on how engineer's are treated pretty horribly compared to most places. I would like to see a training program started at the county for engineers. Or at least send them to some classes at the UC extension or something. I would like to see more challenging projects where an engineer can start using all those permanently sharpened pencils. I would also point out that there is no chance for advancement within the agency. Phil has been at the same pay scale for 10 years. He's been passed up for promotions every time one comes up. It's as if there is some sort of rule that no engineer inside the agency can be promoted above a III. They always hire from the outside.

Speaking of injustices against engineers, word came through last week that our Operations Division is being transferred over to the Traffic boss, Dennis. From what I've heard, he has absolutely no experience with Operations. Furthermore, a lot of people seem to think that the Administration is setting him up for failure, and when he does fail he'll get fired. If all that is true, then I couldn't be happier that I'm leaving. I don't want to work somewhere where there are such blatant and petty politics at play.

Of course, once all the dust clears everything will go back to normal. Someone will be in Marcia's office, someone will replace Dennis, and engineers will continue doing the same inane projects like sidewalks and overlays. It really is disgusting.

More pleasant news: There was a breakthrough in the talks concerning Blas' and my going-away party. After much pleading and begging on my part, Blas agreed to have the party at Me 'n Ed's pizza in Visalia. Yes, there will be beer, but he is willing to overlook that. So far it looks like it is just going to be Design/Graphics and a few people from Solid Waste and downstairs. Should be fun...

but sad. I was thinking on my drive up to San Leandro on Friday about what I would say if asked to say anything at the party. And it almost made me cry. I've spent the last three years of my life working so closely with these people. There are not just my co-workers, but my friends. I know so much about these peoples personal lives that I can't help but feel a connection. And there were my first steady employment after college. I found out a couple of weeks ago that I almost didn't get hired. If it wasn't for some "golden boy" rejecting the offer, I never would have been called. I am so glad that I got the chance to get to know these people. I really do consider them among my closest of friends. So sad...

and now it starts all over. How will I get along with my new co-workers? Will I like them, or more importantly, will they like me? Will I be able to go to the company functions or will I be a wallflower? Am I going to have as good a relationship with my supervisor/boss as I do now? How will it end?(I've had a yen to watch the Truman Show)

Everything happens for a reason.

----------

If i pick it up i can put it down,
Whatever it is i just can't stop,
For only 20 seconds at a time it's all mine.
I got, too much, pressure,
Got me under it's thumb
And it's no fun, you can lose
Now i got a choice but i can't choose
Insistent as you are, is no guarantee that you'll go far
Rock steady if you can
But i've never been a steady man,
People, wanna shoot you down,
If you can't swim then you will drown
In sorrow, can't get any medical attention till tomorow,

Sadlands, are where i live,
But that's none of your business,
You keep asking, and soon enough
The kids gonna have to get rough,

Maybe i'm a speed king
Push with the foot and i'm smiling,
I can glide on the love inside,
And there was you thinking that my hands were tied
All along i saw you hoping
I would slip and i'm not joking
The evidence in these events
Is still your lack of commonsense
Did you really think that i would sink
Because i like another drink
Have to get up to get down
The remedy is the sound
Absurdity of your suggestion, leaves me asking just one question,
If you're my friend today?
Why do you wanna hear me say?

If i pick it up, can i put it down?
Whatever it is, i just can't stop. (repeat)

Whatever It Is, I Just Can't Stop
Emergency on Planet Earth album
by Jamiroquai

----------

Oooh yeah don't you know that you blow my mind!
Honey you're sweeter than anything,I need you
Want to get closer to you,to you,to you
I want to get closer to you now.

Love ya,I need ya,I think i wanna squeeze ya
Nightly,so tightly,girl you know you really blow my mind
Say it again, Just one more time I've got to know
How you came to blow my mind- Closer

Pleasure, passion- Tonite's the night I'm
looking for your action- I want to hold you
Don't you know that now you blow my mind
Say it again just one more time i've got to know
How you came to blow my mind- Closer

Fever, hot now, help me wipe the sweat
away from my brow- Sexy- oh Lady,
Don't you know this time you blow my mind
Oh don't you know yeah, Don't you know by now
that now you blow my mind (Yeah)
Oh yes you do, yes you do, yes you blow my mind

Blow Your Mind
Emergency on Planet Earth album
by Jamiroquai

----------

You've got to stand up, stay strong start movin' in the right direction
Don't wait, too long, for people promising divine intervention
19 nine three, now I'm taking matters into my own hands
So fast, I can't see
A revolution is the only way that we can change change change
I wanna fight the power

Well it's hard times, white lines, kids of nine
gettin' down with gun crime
War zones, no homes, ain't it time we gave the dog a bone
Say brothers, sisters, step up and put yourself in the picture
This time you know a revolution
if the only way that we can change change change
I want to fight the power

Question, answer, shake your hand and smile for the camera
But it's no good you should spend time in your neighbourhood
Where black kids, white kids
Now you're working overtime to be a crack kid
No job, no cash, a revolution
is the only way that we can change change change
I wanna fight the power

Still we don't seem to understand we need a revolution
Everybody wants a revolution

Who is, this man,
I'm having trouble finding out where I'm coming from
Preconceptions, it's eternal human infection one chance,
Learn how you're gonna change
the habit of a lifetime my soul, concerned,
That revolution is the only way that we can change change change
I wanna fight the power

Higher, higher, now we're gonna learn to fight the power
Sunshine, new day, I only know how to get the right way
Faster, stronger, I help my brother and my soul lives longer
Blinded, I can't see
That revolution is the only way that we can change change change
I wanna fight the power

No doubt, in time, everything is sweet sunshine
But in the meantime, mankind, is having trouble
where to draw the line
We still don't, respect, and yet I thought we had intellect
Sometimes I think the music is the only hope we have for revolution

Still we don't seem to understand we need a revolution
Everybody needs a revolution

Revolution 1993
Emergency on Planet Earth album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred Sixth Entry

So...

I accepted the BKF (Burger King Fries) job in Redwood City, starting on Oct. 24th. I almost didn't. I got a call on Tuesday from Caltrans in Oakland saying they were interested in an interview. They wanted me to fax in a copy of my Diploma and EIT Cert. I did, still waiting for a call back. A Caltrans job would 100% for sure secure me about 5k more than BKF. Plus the commute would be half as long. And I would be 100% comfortable there. I felt like asking BKF for another week, but that wouldn't be fair to them. Also I wouldn't learn as much and would miss out on that all important private company experience. So...

I decided to go to the interview and if Caltrans offers me mega-bucks (doubtful) I would retract my acceptance of the BKF offer. Mega-bucks is good, but knowledge and experience in new things is better in the long run. It would seriously have to be a big offer for me to go to Caltrans.

Fast-forward to today. Caltrans calls to set up an interview on October 11th, at 10:30am. Thing is, it's Caltrans in SAN LUIS OBISPO!!! I almost wet myself. The opportunity presented itself to return to the city I have loved ever since I started school there. The possibilities were running through my mind. I could live downtown, a mere half mile from the office where I'd be working! I could bus to work! I could go to Frog and Peach for a beer after work! The beach would only be 10 minutes away! I could go to the bars on Friday nights and not worry about driving home! I could look into attending grad school(very wishful thinking)! I could go to the bars on Saturday nights and not worry about driving home! My mind was full of possibilities!

Crash!!...Oh yeah, it costs as much to live there as it does in San Leandro, and Caltrans' salaries are the same statewide, regardless of cost of living. Shit, shit, shit. My dream was smashed in to a million little Frog and Peaches. Sniff, sniff.

Yesterday I put in my notice. Oct. 14th will be my final day at work. Much sadness will be had by all. Hopefully much drinking will be had by all at my goodbye party. I'm thinking Me 'n Eds Pizza in Visalia. Pizza, beer...sounds good to me. Blas doesn't like the idea though. That whole anti-alcohol thing. I told him that he doesn't have to drink, but it's still the principle of it all. His last day is the same as mine. He's going up to Caltrans in Fresno. He wants a little pizza party at the office. BORING!!! Come on Blas!, after Marcia's big blowout of a going away party, I have a reputation to uphold!

No jello shots this time, though. It is a family restaurant.

The kids need education,
And the streets are never clean,
I've seen, a certain disposition, prevailing in the wind,
Sweet change, if anybody's listening?
Emergency on planet earth.
Is that life that I am witnessing,
Or just another wasted birth.

Now, we got emergency
Oh, we got emergency on planet Earth
Oh now, we got emergency
Oh, we got emergency on planet Earth

Think we're standing for injustice,
White gets two and black gets five years,
Took me quite a while to suss this,
But now I know my head is cleared
And a little boy in hungry land, is just a picture in the news,
Won't see him in that tv advertising, 'cause it might put you off your food

Now, we got emergency
Oh, we got emergency on planet Earth
Now, we got emergency
Oh, we got emergency on planet Earth

Emergency on Planet Earth
Emergency on Planet Earth album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred Fifth Entry

Where do I begin...

Last Wednesday I drove up to beautiful San Leandro, CA for an extended four-day weekend trip. Well, it was half business, half work and half pleasure.

Thursday afternoon, at 1:30 p.m., I had an interview with the City of San Mateo. I was extremely nervous. I felt like throwing up all morning. I had breakfast with Louis at Pelton Cafe. Pretty good breakfast. Wasn't a good idea with my stomach being in knots and all because of my interview. Good to see Louis though. Caught up on a lot of stuff. Around 11:30 a.m., I made my way home to get ready for the interview. Nervous coughing all over the place. I thought that there might be trouble with midday traffic, so I left San Leandro just after noon to make sure I would make my interview on time...at 1:30 p.m. Well, minimal traffic. I made it to San Mateo just after 12:30 p.m. Dammit. One whole hour to kill. I spent that hour making sure I found the place and driving into San Mateo's hills. Very pretty views of the bay from up there. Perhaps even prettier than our views in the East Bay.

I got to City Hall at 1:15 p.m. Government jobs always have some interview associated paperwork, and I decided that 15 minutes should be enough time. And it was. I signed my name in a couple of places, and still had time to take a leak, cough it up in the bathroom and chew a piece of gum before the interview.

A very pregnant Asian woman introduced herself to me and asked me to come in for the interview. One last cough and I was in. I sat myself down and tried, somewhat successfully, to compose myself. I made sure I understood the questions(which wasn't that hard considering a typewritten copy was taped on the table in front of me) before answering. I tried to appear very interested and eager to learn new things without seeming over-eager/desperate and completely unknowledgable about the topics discussed. I was getting pleasant feedback from the panel(all asian, 3 men and 1 woman, all speaking with slight accents), lots of nodding heads and an "Ahh" when my ADA experience was mentioned. The questions I did not know how to answer were responded to with a very forthright, "I don't know" or "I'm not sure, but I think...". I didn't ramble on and on about anything, tried to give efficient answers to the questions. I was nothing if not totally polite with the panel and the staff at the HR counter. I did the absolute best I could in the interview.

Afterwards, I was taken to the library and asked to write a fictitious letter to the public concerning a Sewer upgrade project. Did well on it, I think.

I left the interview feeling good about it. Not a slam dunk, but I knew I had done my best. I left San Mateo and began the long trek down El Camino to Palo Alto. I had to meet Mylinh at Peet's coffee at 4 p.m. It was 2:30 p.m. Lots of time to kill. I remembered the Washington Mutual in downtown PA and went there. I needed to deposit a check and withdraw some ATM money. And after some confusion about where Peet's coffee was, I finally met with Mylinh and we ordered coffee. It was really nice to see her. We went to Ikea and shopped a little bit. Afterwards we went to Hawai'ian food with Jen and then dessert from Max's back at Jen's place. We watched Survivor. Ooohh.

Friday morning I had another interview. This one was in Redwood City, with BKF Engineers. I had interviewed with them three years ago for a job, so I was familiar with the company. The interview was at 10 a.m.. I wasn't experiencing too much of the coughing because I wasn't as worried about this interview. I left a little early to account for traffic, but once I got onto 92, it was smooth. I got a little lost when trying to find the building. It's a different office than the one I interviewed at three years ago. They just moved into a new office building which overlooks a lagoon. Very swank. From the conference room, you could see the Oracle complex and a bunch of other buildings. The whole area used to be the old Marine World park. Remember that guys? I do, just barely.

Anyway, the interview lasted 2 hours. The longest interview I have ever been in. One of the guys was late, but before he got there Alex, the recruiter, talked to me about the company and stuff. Once Tom got there I was sat down in a little conference room and was interviewed. A lot of questions about experience and a lot of technical questions too. Tom laid out a layout sheet with a topo drawing on it in front of me. He asked me to explain what was going on in the drawing. Very cool. I totally geeked out and was using a scale and using fancy civil engineering terms with confidence. Pretty cool. Then Tom left and told me he was going to send in an employee my age to talk to me a little more about stuff and maybe answer some questions I wouldn't want to ask him.

James came in and we talked for a while and that was it. I left. I felt even better about this interview than the one in San Mateo. Then I drove out to Pleasanton, had Taco Bell, had a cigarette with Rouja and went to Fred's house in Tracy. I helped there for the rest of the afternoon. They had just poured the foundation and needed help ripping out the forms. Easy, but hard work.

Friday night I hung out with Lisa, Greg, Jen and Dayni. Greg has left the Bay Area for Wyoming. He is going to WyoTech to learn about Auto Body work. Lisa will follow in a few months. Jen, Dayni and I went to say bye. I got home and crashed.

Saturday morning, I awoke to the sound of my dad yelling at me to get up. It was 6:30 a.m.. I had to go, I mean, I promised to go help at my brothers house. It was kind of fun. My brother and I worked and capped(does anyone still say that?) on each other, and then my dad(Construction Nazi) yelled at us, and then we worked. It was kind of a cycle. Rocks were thrown, dirt was dispersed, girders were placed. Much wood was moved and piled. It was really windy too, so our conversations were pretty much yelled at each other. My mom brought Subway for lunch and Firmino came with her and helped a little. Rouja showed up after her work and she was ordered by Fred(Construction Nazi Jr.) to find cool rocks for a water feature he was planning. And yes he did say "Water feature". I think he's been watching too much HGTV.

After work, Rouja and I went to the Build-A-Bear Workshop in Walnut Creek. I told her I would get her one for her birthday, so I did. And I got one too. I got a giraffe on a safari, but minus the binoculars because those things were 7 bucks. The shoes alone were 7 bucks, but more important than the binoculars. Whoever invented this place is making money hand over fist off idiots like me.

We got home and Fred was just finishing grilling steaks. They were sooooo good. I don't think I could find a steak that good in a restaurant. It was really good. And with my mom's famous peas and some avocado slices, it was a perfect dinner.

Fred called Hernani and invited him over to watch Arrested Development. I'm so glad I introduced Arrested Development to my family. They all love it. We all felt like eating some Ben and Jerry's so I went to Pak 'n Save. I went nuts and bought 7 pints of B&J. But the two and a half I had were soooo good. We also bought beer, but beer and ice cream don't mix. They'll save it for another time.

Sunday I met up with Louis for coffee at Starbeezies at 11 a.m. and we talked for a long while. Very nice to see a lot of Louis this weekend. I told him that one time I'm up there I wanted to take him and Jen out to dinner. Their choice, of course.

Then I went to my godmothers house and dragged her out to my parents house for lunch. We talked and speculated on my job prospects. It was good to see her too. I hadn't seen her in a long long time.

I hung out at the house and ended up leaving at 5:30 p.m. I was racing home. I decided to take the 198, which ended up being a huge mistake. "I think I've made a huge mistake", as GOB would say. I got onto the 198 and, as usual, there was no traffic, save for the odd slow poke doing the posted 55. Well, I'm zooming along and get to that annoying stoplight out in the middle of nowhere. I make a complete stop and go through. No sooner had I cleared the intersection, when I see CHP lights in my mirror. I got a speeding ticket!! My first reaction was a surprising one. I kind of expected it. I pulled over onto the giant shoulder and rolled down my window. The officer was really nice and polite, not those mean hard asses that you see on TV. I gave him my license and registration and he wrote me a ticket. The experience was actually semi-pleasant. I almost asked him if I could get a picture of him and me and the ticket to commemmorate my first ticket, but thought better of it. Instead, I'll just frame it. Yes, it will make a nice addition to my cube wall, right next to the photos of the dead cat and squashed oppossum.

I got home at 8:30 p.m. and went to Paula's house to show everyone my giraffe. They loved it. It even roars like a lion. I'm not sure giraffes make a noise. I imagine they probably sound like rabbit does when they are being killed and eaten. I watched the Emmy's(Go Lost! Boo Raymond!) and opened my mail. Guess what was in the mail? A letter from the City of San Mateo, mailed the day after my interview. It was a letter informing me that I was number 5 on the list of candidates. Not too good. Only six people interviewed on Thursday, and I doubt if there were interviews on Wednesday or Friday. At least I bested one person.

Monday morning started off alright. I was on time to work. I did my morning routine: check personal email, check work email, read/catch up on Doonesbury comic strip, read/catch up on Dilbert comic strip, check the weather, check the earthquake website, read the headlines at SFGate.com. All that only takes about 20 minutes.

About mid-morning, I got a call from Alex at BKF Engineers. He wanted to let me know that another Project Manager who was out of town for my interview wanted to set up a phone interview and talk to me. I said sure and 5:30 p.m. was the time set. I spent the whole day coughing and being nervous about this. I hardly got any work done after that call.

Craig(i think that's his name) called at about 5:40 p.m. and we talked for about 45 minutes. It went OK. I really hate phone interviews because you can't see physical expressions and reactions, only the audible ones. One thing that really sucked was when he told me that BKF's salary is not too competitive with Public Agencies in the area. And that really really sucks. Thank God he couldn't see my face. It was all contorted and my jaw dropped when I heard that one. I was a downer for the rest of the night. Except for when Arrested Development and Kitchen Confidential were on.

Today, I got up and got to work on time. I told people about my phone interview. I told them about the salary situation and figured out that at the County I make $26.60 an hour. I would not accept any less than that from BKF. Once again, as if I'm on a schedule, I got a call from Alex at BKF. They want me to come in on Friday for another interview with another group. I rolled my eyes as I agreed to a Friday morning 10 a.m. interview. Alex said that he would try really hard to get them to pay my mileage. I could almost hear his eyes rolling.

I discussed the new situation with my co-workers and we agreed on two possible scenarios:

a) They really want to make sure about giving me an offer hence the third interview.
or
b) They're jerking me around and have someone else they are waiting to hear from.

As much as I'd like to believe a), I think b) is the case. In any event, I am going to that interview on Friday and am going to do the best I can.

Blas has made his intention to take a job with Caltrans known with all the right people. He's gone within a month. Good for him. He's got a growing family to worry about. I'm gonna miss him though. Even when he picks on me. I'll have to pick on myself now. **sniff**

So I get home and watch "Meet the Fockers". I liked it. Not as funny as "Meet the Parents", but still funny. After that I watched "My Name Is Earl" and "The Office" both of which had me rolling.

Very much looking forward to two hours of "Lost" tomorrow. The first three episodes promises to reveal a lot of the secrets, but also create new ones. Very exciting!

Don't you know..
If I like it I just do it

Say that we have all the time we need to make it right
Don't hurry for nobody
If it ain't the thing you like
Know your place and fit your space, young man you will conform
I didn't hear my soul express those rules when I was born.
Cause I'm free to roam 'cause it's my home
You can't stop sweet inclination
The kids want the system breaking down
Not higher education
If it ain't no natural law
Then you can keep your regulations
Cause if I like it I do it

But I keep on movin' though they wanna bring me down
I've gotta run for the cover,
And I keep on smiling
Though they wanna tie me down and give me death for the lover,
And I keep on losing though I'm proving what I'm doing
I'm still groovin', and if I like it I do it

You've got to help those people break that legislation
We can overcome this suffocation,
Execute your natural liberation
Happy to enjoy rejuvenation,
All around hear the sound
No-one can stop us now,
A thousand rules for plastic fools
Now they can take a bow.
Surely there's been time to see it doesn't work by now,
So if I like it, I do it

Still I,
Keep on finding that they're pushing those distorted visions.
And I keep on living but I'm dying 'cause of their decisions,
If I keep on looking I can find a higher space
I'm still groovin' and if I like it I'll do it

If I Like, I Do It
Emergency on Planet Earth album
by Jamiroquai

----------

When it gets too ba-ad,
and I never know which way to turn,
there's a friend I see-ee, oh yeah,
who believes in me.
He is all I have,
oh put your hand away
and bring it out
another day.
If I listen hard, if I listen hard now,
I can hear him sayyy
I know somewhere we can go,
so much better.
Oh the music in my mind,
oh now the music in my mi-i-ind,
I know somewhere we can go,
so-o much better.
Oh the music in my mind!
The music in my mi-i-i-ind yeah.
I can take you there
I can take you there
Oh now
I wanna say that I can take you there

Music of the Mind
Emergency on Planet Earth album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred Fourth Entry

Oooooh...drugs.

Im so glad I got you hooked up on my drugs,
Everybody sings to the music,
Ha,
Are you feeling well now you've caught this bug,
Everyboydy dance to the music,
I think last time i took an overdose,
Come on dance to the music,
Hey, well It made me realise that I came too close.
Now im gonna dance to the music, music, music, yeah come on.

It can seem to have no relevance,
Bet you wish you'd danced to the music,
What you'll want to do is kill yourself,
So you dont dance to the music,

I can look at you and hear you scream,
Come on dance to the music,
And you'll tell me that your needle's clean,
Ahh..
Come on dance, dance

Come on now, dance to the music,
You know I need it, need it, need it,

Come on now, dance to the music,
Ow, I need it, need it, need it,
Yeah

Come on now, dance to the music.

Hooked Up
Emergency on Planet Earth album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred Third Entry

The symptoms of bulimia unintentionali(see Three Hundred Second Entry) are becoming more evident now. The coughing has started. If I keep my mind off of my interviews, then the symptoms go away. So I tried to keep busy. I actually had one of my most productive days today. I got one plan sheet of details done, two more to go before Wednesday is through. I finished the first coat of mud in Tia's garage. And I took Igo driving and taught him how to pump gas...and washed his windows. But now I'm hackin' it up. I will have an ulcer by the end of the week.

When I think of how much I have riding on these interviews, I get an even knottier stomach. I NEED A NEW JOB IN THE BAY AREA. There are no two ways about it. I realize that there is a slim chance I get an offer out of these two interviews, but I can't help getting my hopes up. Talk me down people! Tell me how much I suck!!

I thought of a great icebreaker answer to one of the usual interview questions. Those of you that know me really well will understand.

Interviewer: What is your biggest weakness?
Me: Well, to be honest, and I am really ashamed of this, I can't sneeze just once. I have to sneeze at least six times before I'm done. Most people find it annoying, but a few people kind of like it.

Dalila didn't like that answer. She didn't think it was funny. But I think it might work. If they laugh, I have them eating out of my hands. If not, then I just blew the whole interview trying to be funny. In either case, the actual answer will follow. I have yet to come up with a genuine answer for that one that doesn't sound either stupid or, well, stupid. Possible answers: worry too much about minutae and detail; don't worry enough about minutae and detail(I think the first one applies to me, I concentrate more on tiny details and lose sight of the big picture); afraid of confrontation; impatient; afraid of change. Tell me what I suck at!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Jamiroquai.

Everybody,
Don't want no war, no, no no no,
'Cuz we're too young to die,
Too young to die.

So many people,
All around the world yeah,
All around the world,
Seen their brothers fry,
You seen your brother fry?
What's the motive,
In your madness?
Oh, I wish I knew,
You made my people cry,
You made my people cry.
So politicians, this time,
I think you better keep your distance,
Say, sing it loud:

We're too young to doo-doo-do-do-do-dah-do-do-do-do-dooo,
Do-do-do-do-da-do-do-do-do-do (etc.)

What's the answer?
I wish I knew,
To our problems.
I think we've gone too high,
I think we've gone too high.
Little children, never said a word now,
You know they never said a word,
Still they have to die,
Well I'm asking why.
It won't be long, no no no,
Dancing like we do yeah,
Oh, like we do now,
To put this sad world right.
I gotta put it right.
So don't you worry,
People we won't have to suffer no more,

'Cuz we're too young to...

All gone when they drop the bomb
Can the politicians reassure?
'Cuz here I am assuming that
Nobody wants a war.
There's so many people praying
Just to find out if they're staying,
But lately stately governments
And disillusioned leaders,
So full of empty promises,
But rarely do they feed us,
Put our backs against the wall,
Or don't we count at all?
Can you decide? Are you mesmerised?
Do you know which side you're standing?
'Cuz when it falls gonna take us all,
Gotta know what we're demanding.
I'll never lie can't you hear me cry
Coming from on high,

We're too young to die (doo-doo-do etc. to fade)

Too Young to Die
Emergency on Planet Earth album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred Second Entry

I just got a personal invitation from Donald Trump. Yes, for a mere thousands of dollars, I too can learn to be an asshole with a bad combover/toupee at Trump University.

I now have two, count 'em, two interviews scheduled for this week. One at the City of San Mateo, and the other at BKF Consulting in Redwood City at the fabulous Redwood Shores, whatever that is. I'm nervous, but that's to be expected. I haven't had any fits of vomiting yet; I've just been too busy to think about the interviews. I expect by Wednesday morning I'll be making hourly trips to the bathroom to dry heave. I just love interviews. Who knows, an interview a week might just help me lose weight. I shall call it, "Nervous Bulimia", not to be confused with "bulimia nervosa". "Bulimia Unintentionali".

I sooooo want one of those jobs.

*****Jamiroquai in 55 days!*****

In honor of the concert on the 5th of November, I will post the lyrics to each and everyone of their songs everyday. Not all of them at once...Um....I mean...One lyric a day until all of their songs are on this blog....starting.....now.

Yeah, yeah, have you heard the news today?
People right across the world
Are pledging they will play the game.
Victims of the modern world,
Circumstance has brought us here,
Armageddon's come too near,
Too, too near now,
Foresight is the only key,
To save our children's destiny,
The consequences are so grave,
So, so grave now,
The hypocrites we are their slaves,
So my friends to stop the end,
On each other we depend,
Oh, we depend.

Mountain high and river deep,
Oh yeah, we've gotta stop it goin' on.
We gotta wake this world up from its sleep
Oh, people. Stop it goin' on.

Yeah, yeah, have you heard the news today?
Money's on the menu in my favourite restaurant.
Well don't talk about quantity,
'Cuz there's no fish left in the sea,
Greedy men been killing all the life there ever was.
And you'd better play it nature's way,
Or she will talk it all away,
And don't try and tell me you know more than her 'bout right from
wrong.
Oh you've upset the balance man,
Done the only thing you can,
Now my life is in your hands.

Mountain high and river deep,
We've gotta stop it goin' on.
We gotta wake this world up from its sleep,
Oh, people, stop it goin' on,
Greedy men will fade away yeah-yeah-yeah,
When we stop it goin' on.
I know it's got to be this way,
Oh, people, stop it goin' on (I'm asking)
When you gonna learn?
To stop it goin' on?
Now when you gonna learn?
To stop it goin' on? (x2)

When you gonna learn
Emergency on Planet Earth album
by Jamiroquai

Three Hundred First Entry

I just finished watching "Hotel Rwanda". It was sooo sad. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. All the killing and dead bodies in the streets. Very depressing. But very good. A must see.

Three Hundredth Entry

I decided to blog today because I am bored at work. Do-do-do.

I have an interview in San Mateo next week on Thursday. I am sending out applications to Caltrans in Oakland today. I am also sending my resume to BKF Consulting. Hopefully I'll get a bite.

I have Hotel Rwanda and Meet the Parents waiting for me at home. Haven't yet decided whether I want to die from laughing or depression. Decisions, decisions.

I bought tickets last night for Jamiroquai concert in November! WoooHooo!! Hopefully the evil Rosie O'Donnell doesn't destroy my concert experience like she did last time.

Two Hundred Ninety-Ninth Entry

All weekend I was busy. I hate being busy doing crap I don't want to do. I wanted to fill out applications, redo my resume and clean my room. Instead, I helped clean and paint my Tia Luisa's house in preparation for sale. Tiresome work. The previous residents decided to leave used heroin needles and crack pipes in the house and saw fit to graffiti the walls of nearly every room with beautiful sayings like "fuck your moma", "fuck the world" and "RIP Victor"so and so. Ah yes 'twas a beautiful sight.

I got free lunch and dinner on both of the days. So that was kind of ok. And plus I was helping out family and that is a reward unto itself.

I took Monday off and decided to just veg and do absolutely nothing productive. So I picked up the copy of "The Da Vinci Code" that I bought a month ago and read it from cover to cover. Talk about great book! I felt proud of myself for deciphering the book jacket code before even starting reading. I was also proud of myself for seeing the Fibonnaci sequence in that set of numbers, for determining that the text on the Rose Box was English backwards and for guessing what Isaac's orb was. But I think Dan Brown threw the readers a "frickin' bone" with those ones, just so we wouldn't feel out of the code-cracking loop.

Now I know that it is fiction, but it does kind of give a plausible explaination as to why the "Holy Grail" is or was so sought after. But then I guess that is why this book is so good; the ideas sound very non-fiction. I was talking to my aunt about it yesterday and she said that she wanted to buy it, but needed the Portuguese version. I don't think she would like it. She is a devout Catholic. Not that the book is anti-Catholic, in fact, I found it to be somewhat religiously neutral. But she is way old school and might not like some of the things it talks about.

Lemme know what you thought of it. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Two Hundred Ninety-Eighth Entry

I haven't blogged in a great while.

I just finished watching two very excellent movies. First was "Talk to Her". Very good movie. I had seen another movie by the same director, "All About My Mother", which was excellent. "Talk to Her" was a more serious movie, but very good.

The second one I saw was one of the best movies I've seen all year. "Amelie" is such an interesting and moving tale. I nearly cried at the end. It was soooo very good, excellent even. It reinforces something that I have always wanted to be true; peoples good deeds can make a difference in the world, whether it's on a large scale, like for a country, or on a small scale, like for people in your neighborhood. Very impressed by this movie.

I love netflix.

So far I've watched: I Heart Huckabees, Talk to Her, Amelie, Garden State and Sin City. Loved them all. I have Napoleon Dynamite, but that can wait til tomorrow. After that, I've got Hotel Rwanda, Meet the Parents, and Meet the Fockers, in that order.

I love netflix!

Two Hundred Ninety-Seventh Entry

Do I have "Door Mat" tattooed on my forehead? Am I a sucker for a compliment and a gorgeous set of tits?

Thursday was a typical day. Went to work and hated it.

Marcia invited me over to her house to check out her Gazelle. You know, that stupid Tony Little(whatever his name is) workout machine. It was weird that I was going to my boss' house.

I had mentioned to Marcia that I was looking for a machine to do some exercise. She told me I could have it for free, I just had to come pick it up. Sweet!

As the end of the day approached, I got her address and directions.

Before I left, Blas asked me for help moving some of his mother-in-laws stuff. It was weird that I was going to Blas' house, considering I'm such a heathen and stuff.

His wife, mother-in-law and kids were all out of town at some skirt wearing, long haired, no TV/drugs/alcohol conference in Santa Maria. I met him at his mother-in-laws apartment and picked up a BBQ. Lucky me for having a truck and being able to take such things.

After that, I went to Marcias house and checked out the Gazelle. She has a nice house. Her husband, Gene, was there and he was watching some movie. I took the Gazelle. It is in mint condition. Even the little LCD screen still worked. While I was there, she tried to unload a bunch of other stuff on me, the biggest one being a spa. Yes, a giant-ass-no-room-for-it-anywhere spa. I said I'd think about it and ask around. It's for free. That's definitely a plus.

She is trying to downsize all of her "crap" before her big move to SLO. She doesn't want to take all that stuff with her. She's been making weekly trips to the landfill, getting rid of perfectly good stuff.

We(Marcia, Gene and I) talked outside for a bit before I left. They were talking to me about getting out of the county and applying for Caltrans. They really wanted me to apply. I think I will.

I was literally a quarter of a mile away from Marcia's house when I get a call from a very frantic and stressed out Tia Luisa. She was complaining about Avo's pills and how the stupid doctor hasn't OK'd a prescription refill. Then she tells me about her interview on Friday. Interview? What interview??

She was up at Stanford earlier this week for some medical stuff and on the way back her and Debbie stopped in Hollister.

(Tia has been talking for a while now about moving up north where the air is cooler and less polluted. She had set a firm deadline for the move at next summer.)

Well, they liked Hollister a lot. They get home on Thursday morning and Debbie checks on the internet for teaching jobs in Hollister, and wouldn't you know it, they were looking for an Art Teacher! That just set the ball a-rollin' for Tia. She called them up and found out that they were interviewing on Friday. That meant she had until the end of the work day on Thursday to get a resume and three letters of reference faxed in. She got it all sent in and here and Debbie spent the better part of the rest of the day getting her Portfolio's prepared for the interview panel.

Hence the frantic Tia I had on the phone Thursday afternoon. I told her not to worry about the pills, I'd take care of it. And I took them some dinner.

Friday morning was almost typical. The Krispy Kreme donuts were there, but Marcia wasn't. She's been having doctors appointments and stuff for her physical on Fridays. I guess we will just have to get used to no Marcia around here. It will be very sad around here when she leaves.

Just after work, I got a call from Tia, and her interview went really good. Good. Camping plans were still on, and she downloaded a giant list of stuff to buy for the trip. Lotsa, lotsa food. Mmmmmm.

I went on my way buying a bunch of food. I dropped it off a Tia's house and went on my way to run a few more errands. I got back to Tia's house and she was on the phone. She was offered the job in Hollister! She made no promises about accepting the job, but she was just thrilled. That gave this camping trip a whole new meaning.

We didn't leave Tulare 'til about 6:30. We got up to the campground at about 8:30. It was so nice up there. Cool, breezy. Wonderful. It was very nearly dark, so the first thing we needed to do was set up the tents. Tias have a giant tent that is really a cinch to assemble because it is color coded. Well, it was dark already and the tent took a little longer to set up. Plus, it started raining on us. Just a little, though. Enough to give us a sense of urgency about setting up camp.

The tents went up with little problem and the fire was started with even less problems. So we just sat. And talked and sat and talked. It was nice to unwind. We cooked Aidell's sausages on the grill over the fire. Yummm....they were soooo good. I was in bed by 1 am.

Saturday started out nice enough. I awoke in the middle of the Sierras to the sound of birds chirping and a light breeze blowing through the trees making that beautiful sound that only wind through trees makes.

I had to be back in Tulare by noon to get ready for my last shift at Albertsons. Debbie cooked delicious french toast and we ate very well. By the time we were done eating, had our post breakfast cigarettes, and took down my tent, it was 10:30am. I was cutting it close, but I would still make it to work on time.

I rolled in to Tulare at 12:30. Jumped in the shower and sped off to work. I was two minutes late. What are they gonna do, fire me?? I love that line. I've used it countless times in the last two weeks.

Sebastian/Sebastard/Slob tells me that Dan/Big Guy/Manager of the Year wants to see me in the office.

Knock, Knock, Knock
Door opens.
Dan: Hey Phillip, have a seat.
Me: Thanks Dan. What's up?
Dan: Have I ever told you that you were my favorite cashier?
Me(Happily/Flattered): Thank you, that's nice of you to say.
Dan: It's true. You are the hardest working and nicest cashier here.
Me(Half Flattered/Half Confused): Thanks Dan.
Dan: Everyone else here thinks so too.
Me(Zero Flattered/100% Something-smells-fishy): Uh, thanks.
Enter Malissa/Manager/Miss California
Dan: I have a huge favor to ask.
Me: No kidding.
Dan: Steve is going to be out for the rest of the month. He brought in a doctors note.
Me: Really?
Dan: Yeah, and Sebastian's going on vacation this week.
Me: Oh.
Dan: Yeah. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind postponing your last day for a week.
Me(incredulous): What?!
Dan: It would be a big favor to me.
Me: Would I get Steve's wage?
Dan: No.
Me: I don't think I...
Dan(begging): Please, please it would really get me out of a spot.
Me: I really don't...
Malissa: Please? It's just for this week.
Me: I kinda have to...
Malissa: I'll show you my tits!
Me: Ok.

And that's how I got roped into working an extra week at Albertsons.

Two Hundred Ninety-Sixth Entry

It's official: In two weeks I will no longer be an employee of Albertsons.

Bust out the cheap champagne and old e' 40's, cuz imma gonna git drunk!

Two Hundred Ninety-Fifth Entry

I have just completed and printed out my letter of resignation for Albertsons. That sounds really fancy. Two week notice is better Albie's speak.

Yes, I need the money, but $7.08 an hour really isn't worth it. I'll just make do on what I've got.

I also have a lot of things I need to do in the next few months, and I don't need Albie's cluttering up my schedule.

Of course, I just may not have the guts to hand it in today and hold on to it for a while, but I've done that before. I need to do this.

Everything happens for a reason.

Two Hundred Ninety-Fourth Entry

Tonight I was at Paula's for a while. I had a very interesting conversation with Shaley.

Shaley: Are you married?
Me: No Shaley.
Shaley: Do you have a girlfriend?
Me: No Shaley.
Shaley: Who was your last girlfriend?
Me: Amy?
Shaley: Yeah.
Me: We broke up a long time ago.
Shaley: Why?
Me: Because she moved very far away.(A gross oversimplification, but hey, she's only five.)
Shaley: How far away?
Me: If we got into a car and drove to her house, it would take seven days.
Shaley: Wow, that's far.
(short pause)
Shaley: What about before her?
Me: Well, there was Mylinh. But she lives in a whole other country.(I actually have no idea where Mylinh is, but I doubt Shaley has any fact-finding abilities.)
Shaley: Oh.
(short pause #2)
Shaley: You know, if you want a girlfriend, you just have to be nice to a girl.
Me: Really?
Shaley: Yeah, you just have to be nice and she will like you and be your girlfriend.
Me: Really? I didn't know that.
Shaley: Yeah, you just have to be nice and buy her stuff.
Me: Oh, I have to buy her stuff too? I can't just be nice?
Shaley: Well, you can be really nice and buy just one thing.
Me: I've tried that but it just doesn't work that way.
Shaley: Yes it does. You just have to ask a girl and be nice to her.
Me: Oh, thanks Shaley.
(Tight hug from Shaley)
Shaley: My Phillip.
Me: My Shaley.

Then Shaley asked me to fix her hair like a ballerina. I tried, but it was the most pathetic excuse for a bun that I've ever seen. She didn't know, she couldn't see it. Then Amy called. I told her I'd call her back in 30 minutes. Then I fell asleep on Paula's couch for about an hour and forgot to call Amy. Oops. They are in Cheyenne, WY, if anyone was wondering.

I got to thinking about the cutest and most innocent "lecture" Shaley gave me. Being nice really is what kids are brought up to believe starts a relationship. Being nice leads to love which leads to marriage and kids. Throw a princess, a pony and a ballet in the mix and that's probably what Shaley was thinking.

But she doesn't know that a vast majority of potential relationships are made or broken based on appearances. You always hear that women always say that the thing that attracts them to men is their personality or their intelligence or the "he makes me laugh" bullshit. I don't buy it...at all. I've been trying to make women laugh and showing my personality and intelligence for a very long time and the majority of times ended up on the losing end of the deal.

Mylinh and Amy thought I was cute, why doesn't anyone else?

Self-pity, self-pity, self-pity. (It's what I'm best at)

Maybe I should start breeding ponies and give them to potential girlfriends. That should go over well with my grandparents.

Saturday at the coast was a lot of fun. Thank you Jen for helping me keep my sanity. Earlier on the phone I apologized to Stephanie, one of Dalila's cousins for cussing at her and flipping her off...twice. But only after she apologized for being a total bitch/whiner/teenager. Karmic balance is once again achieved.

Everything happens for a reason. Everything happens for a reason.

Two Hundred Ninety-Third Entry

I can't sleep. I've been listening to the new Jamiroquai CD all night and it is just amazing. Easily one of their best albums. Chatter on the forums indicate a possible US tour in early 2006. I will so be there even if I have to quit my job or something. Must remember to buy US release of CD to help the cause.

"Dynamite", "Feels Just Like It Should", "Don't Give Hate a Chance" and "Seven Days in Sunny June" are the best of the album, although the whole disc is really good. I especially like the dig at GW in "World That He Wants", and his "un"thanks to him for messing up the world. I would say it's very Travis of them, but their first two albums were very activist and that was before Travis.

In other music news, I finally opened my Coldplay album on Friday. It was good. I don't like it as much as "Rush of Blood to the Head", but still a good CD.

Three tours I am waiting for:

Jamiroquai
Nikka Costa
Gorillaz

Much money will be spent.

Two Hundred Ninety-Second Entry

I had tonight off and once again I squandered it on watching TV, napping and relaxing. I had so much to do today too.

I only did one load of laundry. I really need to take my laundry to a laundromat because my grandparents dryer sucks. It takes about 90 minutes to dry one load of clothes. And that's not even towels or other heavy stuff.

I probably should go grab the hopefully dry clothes, put them away and then go to sleep. I guess that would be the responsible thing to do.

Two Hundred Ninety-First Entry

Bring it on Cheat-whore!

For those of you who have not been introduced...Homestar Runner! Favorites are Strong Bad emails and "Teen Girl Squad". Hilarious!, in a clean and quirky/dorky sort of way. And if you do browse Strong Bads emails or check out the "Teen Girl Squad", there are almost always hidden links in the last frame of the animation. Just move the mouse around until you see a hand.

I started a new tradition today. July 3rd fireworks! Tonight was the big (read: pathetic) Tulare County Fourth of July fireworks show. I got off of work at 9 and picked up Dalila, Georgia and Shaley to go see it. Well, just as we left the driveway, they began the "Grand Finale" (read: pathetic) and we didn't get to see any of it. So, upset that I missed the show (and with three whiney girls in the truck) I stopped and picked up some fireworks. $30 dollars worth. Ooohh. We sat ourselves down in Paula's driveway and lit up all the fireworks. It was fun. Georgia called it Independence Eve. It's a good name. We shall do it again next year in the name of the day before our nations founding fathers declared independence from the evil and tyrannical England. Followed by an airing of grievances and arm-wrestling contest.

Actually, following the fireworks, we went inside and ate ice cream and talked about Paula's service in the first gulf war. And about all sorts of events that shaped our nations history. Not a bad homage to our Founding Fathers.

Two Hundred Ninetieth Entry





Which Homestar Runner character are you?

this quiz was made by jurjyfrort

Two Hundred Eighty-Ninth Entry

I still have not received my results letter. I thought for sure it would come today after it didn't come yesterday. Post office bastards! DOOM AND GLOOM!!

I went yard sale-ing today with Paula. Didn't buy anything. Still looking for that ideal record player. I found one at a thrift store here in town. It was the perfect size and everything, but it didn't work. The turntable turned and you could hear the music being scratched out by the needle but it wasn't coming out of the speakers. RECORD PLAYER'D-ED

Still looking forward to next weekend. Ahhh yes, the Bay Area is a-callin' my name.

Two Hundred Eighty-Eighth Entry

I still have not received my results letter from BPELS (Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors). I already know that I didn't pass it. If I had, my name and address would be posted on the License Lookup website. I just need to know which exams I didn't pass and by how much. It doesn't bode well for me, the cutscores were relatively high for the three exams. 70% for the 8-hour, 60% for the surveying and 55% for the seismic. Historically, they have been lower. Maybe I'll get the easy tests come October. I'm pretty sure I aced the take home exam, but the fact that I sent it in a month late might be a problem. My boss started laughing when I told her I hadn't sent in my take-home yet. She failed it the first time she took it and said that at least she wasn't the only one that failed it. Very funny. She had to take the seismic three times before she passed it. Not uncommon at all. I just need to pass it this year because next year the seismic exam gets harder. They are going to have questions on dynamic analysis instead of static analysis!! Gasp!!!

I am loving my new CD's. I still haven't opened the Coldplay one. Waiting for the right moment...

I'm still getting a bagger wage at Albertsons. The Store Director caught wind of that and supposedly threw a hissy. Heads almost rolled. People almost died. I'm pretty sure next weeks check will have my new wage on it.

I am soooo hoping that I pass the exam in October because I absolutely do not want to spend another summer here. It was 102 today. This is literally hell on earth.

By some stroke of luck, I only have to be at work at 5 tomorrow. Most excellent. Much yard sale-ing will be had in the morning. Must go to bank for cash...

I'm excited about next weekend. It feels like I haven't been to the Bay Area in a long time.

Two Hundred Eighty-Seventh Entry

Big shout out to Dayni. I just got your SUD. Meet again soon we shall.

I went on a media binge yesterday. And it felt good...

Purchased:
Nikka Costa's new CD "can'tneverdidnothin'". Some very catchy tunes on it, just like the first album, but unlike the first, fewer depressing songs. Excellent cover of a Tina Turner song I've never heard of, "Funkier than a Mosquito's Tweeter". Not quite as good as her first CD, but if she tours I'll be there.

Gorillaz' new CD "Demon Days". Not a bad CD. Best track is "Feel Good, Inc.". That's the one getting all the radio play. I think I like it the most because it is the most reminiscent of their first CD. This album has less of a hiphop feel. More rock. Again not as good as the furst, but if they tour, I'll be there.

Coldplay's new CD "X & Y". Haven't opened it yet. I have heard nothing but good things about this album. Supposedly it is a huge album full of hugely epic songs. I guess I'm just waiting for the right moment to crack that one open.

Jamiroquai's new CD "Dynamite". Ordered it on amazon.com. Not much I can say about that one except that the first single is amazing and the video is just as amazing. It's an import and it is released on June 29th, so I won't get it til after that. The American release isn't til August and I just can't wait that long.

Deltron 3030 CD "Deltron 3030". Ordered it on amazon.com. They guested a lot on the previous Gorillaz album. My brother has it on vinyl and it's a truly awesome musical journey.

In Living Color Second Season DVD. I've seen the first 2 out of 4 disks. Hilarious, hilarious, hilarious. I had forgotten all about "Open handed slap to the mouth". Love it. We must have an In Living Color party sometime. Too funny it is. I'm still waiting to see J. Lo. before she was famous.

I haven't seen Episode III yet, but I am dying too. Earlier this week at work 1 we had a discussion about Yoda-speak. He sounds fancy, without being fancy. Talk amongst yourselves.

Two Hundred Eighty-Sixth Entry

It's hot.

Tonight is my first night off in over a week. I plan on spending it spending money. I seem to have a little extra since I haven't had any time to spend it in over a week. I see many CD's in my future (Coldplay, Gorillaz, Jamiroquai(online)as well as a record player. Speaking of which, if anyone knows of anyone trying to get rid of a record player, let me know! I have a general idea of the kind I want. But I'm open to anything. Just not those suitcase ones. I figure I'll hit up some garage sales on fri and sat and see whats out there. I have a great Vivaldi's Four Seasons record that I haven't listened to in ages!

I have never looked forward to a night off like this in forever. It's gonna be great.

Two Hundred Eighty-Fifth Entry

Just when you think you've got it all figured out.....WHAMMO!!

Two Hundred Eighty Fourth Entry

I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications

Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know will be alright
Perhaps it's just imagination

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away

Alone between the sheets
Only brings exasperation
It's time to walk the streets
Smell the desperation

At least there's pretty lights
And though there's little variation
It nullifies the night from overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away
Come back another day

I can't get to sleep
I think about the implications
Of diving in too deep
And possibly the complications

Especially at night
I worry over situations
I know will be alright
It's just overkill

Day after day it reappears
Night after night my heartbeat shows the fear
Ghosts appear and fade away

Overkill by Lazlo Bane

Two Hundred Eighty-Third Entry

This weekend was the wedding that the whole family was waiting for. It was a blast!

Apart from a little mini-drama, the wedding was a great time for all.

I picked up Jen at her house. I must say, she was looking very pretty. We had to stop at Target because in my rush to shower, shave, brush teeth, wrap presents and wake up my brother, I forgot to clip my nails and put on deodorant. Jen was hungry, so we ate at the Taco Bell Express in Target. TB was anything but express, so I clipped my nails and put on deodorant as we waited. Jen kindly averted her eyes while the deodorant was going on.

The drive to Gilroy was smooth, almost no traffic. We got there just at 2pm, but the ceremony hadn't started yet. I said my obligatory hellos, and introduced Jen around. The ceremony was just absolutely beautiful. The sun was out, it was warm...just perfect weather for an outdoor wedding. The ceremony was actually held in a bit of a clearing in the middle of a bunch of redwood trees. Brock was wearing a nice suit, with a stupid hat. I wish he'd take off the hat, but he didn't til the reception. Marcia came down the aisle in her "Lord of the Rings" inspired dress. She looked sooooo nice. She deserved that day.

In between the ceremony and the reception, Jen and I ventured into Gilroy and bought some munchies at Nob Hill. Very nice grocery store. Almost fancy. Then we stopped at Starbucks. Mmmmmm....

The reception was held at Bonfante Gardens Family Theme Park. Very nice place. The DJ was a DJ and he played a whole ton of different kinds of music. The food was OK. The rice was a little undercooked and the salmon had too many capers for my taste. But the steak was really good as were the green beans and rolls. The free beer, wine and champagne was really really good. The money dance was unorganized, which made it fun. My people, as Jen pointed out, don't understand the concept of the money dance and went out onto the dance floor to dance.

The Best Man gave the worst speech in the history of Best Man-dom. Even worse than mine. His was totally unrehearsed and completely disorganized. He even forgot to toast the bride and groom. Woops. He was a maniac on the dance floor too. He went nuts, as did Brock and the other groomsmen. The bouquet and garter toss were pretty basic.

One surprise in the evening was the singing of a song my uncle wrote for Marcia. She had no idea and started crying. As with most other Portuguese folk music, it was very touching, almost depressing. But it was a big highlight of the evening. We all came together as a family to celebrate Marcia and Brock's union in song.

Everybody danced, even the old folks (i.e. my parents, aunts and uncles, Fred). My dad did some sort of Elaine-esque dance thing a couple of times and we all just laughed. It was hilarious. At least he has rhythm.

The party wound down around 10:30 and we went home. Jen and I thought it a good idea to stop at In 'n Out to grab a bite since it had been over 6 hours since last eating. Well.... major police action at the In 'n Out. Leavesley Street was blocked off just east of the In 'n Out and there were 2 or 3 cop cars in the p-lot. One of the guys they had there was given a sobriety test. Very interesting. The most important thing was that In 'n Out was still open. Mmmm....number 1....mmmmm.

Well, Jen and I discussed the wedding, the people at the wedding and some family drama that was thankfully left out of the wedding. Then I took her home. After that, I was practically falling asleep on the drive home. I didn't get into bed until about 1 am. geez.

Lasting impressions and thoughts...Marcia and Brock stayed at the wedding and partied with everyone until the very end. I always thought the bride and groom were supposed to leave early for the honeymoon and stuff. At first I thought it was weird, but now I think it added to the party atmosphere. And it felt more like a party than the function that it was. Everyone left their baggage at home and came to have a good time. Very fun.

*******************************

Money's gonna get tight soon:

Two weeks ago, Bullet was assaulted by an unknown driver in either the p-lot at Albertson's or the county. No note was left or anything. The quote I got this morning from my uncle to fix it was $1500. Jesus! I was hoping I wouldn't have to contact the insurance, but now it looks like I will have to.

I have to go to the doctor sometime this week. My right knee is killing me. I can't walk that good. I'm limping around more than usual. For the last couple of months it had been bothering me, but last night at the wedding all the dancing and jumping around was just too much for my poor knee to handle. Of course, I am thinking of the worst case scenario...my knee is broken and I'll have to have surgery on it. Or it's broken, I'll have to wear a cast and stay off of it for 6 weeks. I would have to quit Albertsons. I think I might go to the emergency room tomorrow if it feels the same.

Sheesh. I need a vacate.

Two Hundred Eighty-Second Entry

4161 - Onion, Texas
4022 - Grapes, Green Seedless
4087 - Tomatoes, Roma
4798 - Tomatoes, Small Hydroponic
4799 - Tomatoes, Large Hydroponic
4664 - Tomatoes, Vine
4562 - Carrots, Loose
4079 - Cauliflower
4499 - Grapes, Red Seedless
4034 - Honeydew
4416 - Pears, Bartlett
3056 - Apples, Cameo

My God!

Two Hundred Eighty-First Entry

I was so excited, I almost blogged last night!

Jamiroquai is coming out with a new album!! I heard the new single "Feels Just Like It Should" and it sounds very good! No US tour dates announced, and I won't hold my breath. They were never that popular here. But, who knows, there may be a quick trip to Europe in the near future to catch a show. Anyone interested? End of summer, beginning of fall? A whirlwind 3 or 4 day trip to watch a great show?

And lord knows I'll need it by then.

Work is getting me down this week. I am ready to move on. So ready. City of Tulare may be hiring...

If I don't get out of here soon, I will be completely put off by engineering. I haven't done any "engineering" in about six months. Pushing paper and research is all I have been doing. Maybe a career as a grocery clerk would suit me better.

Going back to school popped into my head again this week. So did being a teacher. So did moving overseas...Europe, Australia, Japan, South Africa, Brazil. So did designing my own house...from scratch.

4060 - Broccoli, Bunch
4011 - Bananas
94011 - Bananas, Organic
4065 - Peppers, Green Bell
4088 - Peppers, Red Bell
4089 - Radishes
4082 - Onion, Red
4068 - Onion, Green
4080 - Asparagus
6007 - Ice, 7#
6020 - Ice, 20#
4050 - Cantaloupe
4032 - Watermelon, Seedless
4432 - Pineapple
4889 - Cilantro
4784 - Squash, Yellow Crookneck
4062 - Cucumber, Green
4067 - Zucchini
6033 - Juice/Tea, Single Bottle
7514024514 - Crystal Geyser Water, 24 pk
4030 - Kiwi
4129 - Apples, Granny Smith
96800 - Stamps, 20
4116300xxx - Anything Floral

Sad that this is actually taking up space in my brain.

I've invented a check clearing dance. It's to the noise of the check machine as it endorses the check. It will sweep the nation. I only do it when Caryn is bagging for me cuz she joins in. That way I don't look like an idiot...by myself.

Two Hundred Eightieth Entry

It's official. I have no life.

Camping last weekend was really a lot of fun.

I am so tired right now.

Last Sunday was my first day as a checker. I got absolutely no training at all. Pretty much just a "good luck" and a shove into the checkstand. Very scary. But as the days pass, I am slowly asking fewer and fewer questions and getting more comfortable in my new role.

That is all, I have to get ready for work.

Two Hundred Seventy-Ninth Entry

It's been a great while.

My exam was last weekend. It sucked really hard. Chances I passed:

Civil Engineering Principles (8-hour): 50%
Seismic Principles: 25%
Engineering Surveying Principles: 75%
Professional Ethics Exam (Take-Home): not yet completed, but 100%(come on, it's take home)

When I finally get the results(mid-July), it will give me the cut score and my score for the exams I failed. I have been contemplating taking a Seismic review course for the October exam, but it's all the way in Sacramento, and it costs some crazy amount of money like $400 dollars. It might be worth it. We'll see. As for the 8-hour, I have a gut feeling that when I get the score, I will have missed passing by only two or three points. And I can cover that by studying things that I passed up studying this time around. And if I failed the Surveying exam, then I might just give the whole thing up and become a monk. Or lead guitarist in my new band.

That would be a cool name for a band, "The Failures". It kind of prepares us for not making it in the biz.

Saturday after my exam, I went to Jen's house and hung out. It was nice just hanging out. Playing with the kitty. Eating "fig" bars and Thai food. After that was Karaoke! Love karaoke. I think next time we should go to the one in Oakland. Hayward was a bad call on my part. Stupid not working equipment.

Sunday I spent the afternoon with Louis. It had been a while since we did anything. Very fun. Food, talking, talking about people. That's always fun. And I got to ride around in his brand new car! Rouja fits in the trunk of his new Camry. It even has a latch on the inside so in case you get kidnapped, you can get out.

Then I drove home. On the drive, Dayni called. I was glad she called. She comes home in less than a month. Much marshmallow roasting will be had by all.

Yesterday, I passed by Albertsons to find out who got fired. Well, it was someone from Night Crew. And through some personnel changes as a result, there is now an opening for checker. But wait, there's more. One of the older checkers left last week on disability, making that two, count 'em two, checker positions up for grabs. Yours truly put in a bid form yesterday, and I believe I am either number 2 or 3 in seniority for those positions.

This morning I had a meeting in Fresno with some Caltrans folks about a project they are doing in Cutler. I said maybe two words in the whole meeting. But it was interesting.

Tomorrow I have a meeting here at the office with the Assistant Director and an Associate Director about our county's bike plan. Thrilling.

Have a great week everyone!

Two Hundred Seventy-Eighth Entry

Here's another song I really like...gasp!...it's country!!

Coming to a Karaoke Box near you....

Well, I walk into the room, passing out hundred dollar bills
And it kills and it thrills, like the horns on my Silverado grill
And I buy the bar a double-round of Crown
And everybody's gettin' down
And this town ain't never gonna be the same

Cause I saddle up my horse and I ride into the city
I make a lot of noise, cause the girls they are so pretty
Riding up and down Broadway on my ol' stud Leroy
And the girls say
'Save a horse, ride a cowboy'
Everybody says, 'save a horse, ride a cowboy'

Well, I don't give a dang about nothing
And I'm singing and bling-blinging
While the girls are drinking long-necks down
And I wouldn't trade ol' Leroy or my Chevrolet
For your Escalade, or your freak parade
I'm the only John Wayne left in this town

Cause I saddle up my horse and I ride into the city
I make a lot of noise, cause the girls they are so pretty
Riding up and down Broadway on my ol' stud Leroy
And the girls say
'Save a horse, ride a cowboy'
Everybody says, 'save a horse, ride a cowboy'

Well I'm a thoroughbred, that's what she said, in the back of my truckbed
As I was getting buzzed on suds, out on some back country road
We were flying high, fine as wine, having ourselves a Big & Rich time
And I was going just about as far as she'd let me go
But her evaluation of my cowboy reputation, had me begging for salvation all night long
So I took her out giggin' frogs, introduced her to my ol' bird dog
Sang her every Willie Nelson song I could think of
And we made love

And I saddle up my horse and I ride into the city
I make a lot of noise cause the girls they are so pretty
Riding up and down Broadway on my ol' stud Leroy
And the girls say
'Save a horse, ride a cowboy'
Everybody says, 'save a horse, ride a cowboy'
What, what, 'save a horse, ride a cowboy'
Everybody says, 'save a horse, ride a cowboy'

Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) by Big & Rich

Two Hundred Seventy-Seventh Entry

I can't get this song out of my head. Great song.

I'm crazy for this little lady
I'm freaking for my little baby
'Cause she makes me feel good
She's so fine
Don't need all my other ladies
I'm begging for this little lady
'Cause I tell you she's cool
She's divine

I know she's a super lady
I'm weak and I've gone hazy yeah
I'm crazy for that lady
She's chic but she's not shady yeah
Sophisticated lady
And she makes me feel good
She's so fine

Never knew there was such a lady
That would make me want to straighten
Out my life at this time but I find
I'm thinking 'bout this pretty lady
I would love her to have my baby
'Cause you know she's no fool
she's refined

I know she's a super lady
I'm weak and I've gone hazy yeah
I'm crazy for that lady
She's chic but she's not shady yeah
Sophisticated lady
And she makes me feel good
she's so fine

Yeah
Don't you know she blows my mind
All the time
'Cause she makes me feel good
Like a real woman should
Yeah
She's so mine

Lady by Lenny Kravitz

Two Hundred Seventy-Sixth Entry

I'm approaching panic mode with my exam. I haven't studied at all the last two weeks. I haven't even cracked my seismic and surveying books. I've decided that the exam in April will not be all or nothing. I'm gonna take the stupid thing with the expectation that I will have to sit for the exam again. It's the only way I'm not going to go ballistic. Besides, if I pass one or two components, then it was still worth the while. I can concentrate harder on the components I failed.

For those of you who don't know, there are four components in the exam: Civil Engineering Principles(8 hours), Seismic(2.5 hours), Surveying(2.5 hours) and Ethics(Take Home). I've been concentrating on the CE Principles. If I pass that one, I can become registered in most of the other states in the US. But in California, I need the other three. Hooray for California!