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!

Two Hundred Seventy-Fifth Entry

iTunes sucks. Just when I thought legal downloadable music would fill a void in my life, iTunes has to go and suck. The jury is still out on Napster.

Yesterday I tried to download a song. It is only available from the UK store. Uh-uh. Not gonna do it. I checked the FAQ's and the bastard music industry (record companies and such) do not want music not produced or distributed by an American record company available to American consumers. If a band from another country gets an American company to release their album here, then it's OK, but until that happens, their music is off limits.

What about import CD's you ask? Well, those are legal because the record companies didn't stop the imports before they started. But since downloading music is a brand new industry, the record companies can control it and impose their own rules on it from the beginning.

It pisses me off because I was just looking through all the other countries iTunes pages and there are bands that I could potentially buy from. I'm willing to bet that even my parents would want to buy some Portuguese music from the Portuguese iTunes site but can't because of the stupid rules.

Music downloading was supposed to bring the world together! All of a sudden Kazaa and the like seem more appealing and almost worth the risk.

Two Hundred Seventy-Fourth Entry

It's been a while.

Last Saturday I watched "Sideways". It is a very very good and funny movie. The sex parts and the violent golf scene are the best. It was fun to watch the movie and be able to say that I used to live in that area. It makes me want to move back there.

Last Tuesday I watched "The Aviator". It is a very very good movie. I was truly impressed with it. Leo "King of the World" DiCaprio did a very very good job as young OCD Howard Hughes. I really felt bad for him as he descended into insanity, and was frustrated when his periods of sanity were ruined by some bizzare trigger that threw him back into OCD-ness.

I really really really want to see "Million Dollar Baby", really want to see "Ray" and am lukewarm about "Finding Neverland" after a poor review from Amy. See a pattern? Yes, they all are nominated for Best Picture of the Year at the Academy Awards. After those, I really really want to see "Hotel Rwanda" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". And then "Kinsey" and "Maria Full of Grace". "Vera Drake", "Closer" and "Being Julia" are not available on DVD or in the theaters. And that covers all the acting categories. I am also intrigued by "The Motorcycle Diaries"...I think it's out on DVD.

I've been flirting with changing my voter registration to Libertarian as of late because that's just what happens when you work for the gov't. And I am "sick...and tired" of my Albertson's union. And I want to pay lower taxes. And I want to stop being the worlds police. And I want people to do what they please with their bodies(drugs, sex, abortions, tattoos, whatever). And I want to bring back the right to privacy, completely. And I want to deregulate handguns. And I want people to marry who they please. And I want to dump some of the environmental regulations. And I want to hear "fuck, asshole, and shit" on TV. I want to have an economy where survival of the fittest rules supreme. I want to let anyone who wants to come in to MY country, come in. I want to remove the government from the lives of Americans. It just makes more sense. Both Democrats and Republicans say that the other side is too controlling of the people, but they are both right. Tree-huggers and Bible-beaters both are pushing their own agendas and trying to dictate how people live their lives. "Save the Whales" and "Choose Life" are identical in the eyes of a Libertarian. The Libertarian slogan should be "Save Me".

Tomorrow promises to be a great day. Full of reading, writing and studying. Enjoy your weekends everyone! Happy Birthday Louish! and Congratulations!!!

Two Hundred Seventy-Third Entry

Overwhelmed is the only word to describe how I feel today, and have felt all week.

It all started on Friday...

Paula asked me to babysit for her Friday night. She had to work until 8:30, and afterwards was going to go out with some work friends. I worked at A's the night before, and did not get much sleep that night, nor the whole week for that matter. The last thing I was that day was patient.

I got to Paula's at 5pm and Calvin was getting ready for work. I brought two frozen pizzas for us to have for dinner(if you are ever in an Albertsons, you must try the Essencia brand Supreme Pizza...very good). Well, the girls don't like combination pizza. I actually knew this, but I was having a week long brain fart and completely forgot. So, after cooking the combo pizza twice(i forgot to remove the cardboard), I made some pepperoni pizza that they had in the freezer for the girls. They went to town on it.

After dinner the four of us talked for a while and then I started to get sleepy. I decided that we should all play a game. The game was called....Naptime!! It was 7:30, and I was dead tired. I convinced Georgia and Shaley to play with me, and banished Dalila to her room(she just turned 13 and thinks everything is stupid.) It wasn't that hard to convince Georgia and Shaley this was a fun game. They are only 5 and 7, and if you just laugh enough, they think they are having a good time. I tried to nap, but I'll tarred and feathered if Shaley didn't just have to keep getting up to get her dollies! It just so happens that her dolly somehow "fell" behind me, and that I happened to be laying on the part of the sofa that was Shaley's favorite. Georgia was a real peach(get it?) and played the game very well. I probably only got about 10 minutes of sleep total before their cousins Stephanie and Michelle(ages 15 and 14, respectively) decided to walk to the house and throw it into disarray.

Shaley and Georgia just adore Steph and Michelle, and it wasn't long before they were up and running around. About 10 minutes later, Cindy came over and brought Nathan. He is a little devil child. Christ almighty that boy can howl! It was all over by then. Three teens and three "babies". All trying to talk at the same time, all trying to get each others attention.

Paula got home at around 9pm and got ready for her night out. The girls and Nathan were a little quieter when she got there. After Paula left, Nathan went home, and Dalila, Stephanie and Michelle went to spend the night at my aunts house. It was just Shaley, Georgia and me. They played video games and I watched Collateral.

By 10pm, the two started fighting about the computer game. I told Shaley to let Georgia play and she started to cry. She came over and I knew she wouldn't last long. I told her that it would be her turn in 10 minutes. She gave me a hug and climbed into my lap and we watched Collateral(don't worry, it had just started, no killing yet). But I knew that Shaley would go to sleep before 10 minutes, and she did. I carried her to bed. Now it was just Georgia and me. After a while, she got tired of the computer and wanted to play Playstation. I told her that we could play after the movie was over. I suggested that she go lay down in bed and when the movie was over I would get her to play video games. She actually went to bed and fell asleep.

So now it was just me. Tom Cruise had already killed the guy in the apartment, and the guy in the penthouse and was on his way to the jazz club. I had seen all that already, I was just waiting for the end.

So I decided to get drunk and eat the rest of the pizza. Reflecting upon it now, I don't think that was a good idea, but oh well. There were no emergencies, no house fire.

Collateral was a very very good movie. The ending was very very very good. Is it oscar calibre for Jaime Foxx? Yeah...only just barely though.

Paula got home at 3:30am. I was still awake and just hanging on. Shortly after that, Calvin came home. They went to bed and I slept on the sofa. Their stupid dog, Ginger, kept waking me up. Goddamn dog! I swung at her to get her away, but she couldn't take the hint. I got some sleep though.

The first thing I see when I woke up was Shaley taking the blanket off of me and looking for her doll. It was 7:30am. I nearly yelled at her. I calmly told her to go back to bed. But within half an hour, everyone was awake. I had no choice but to get up.

Paula made biscuits and gravy though....mmmmm....drool....

I hung out for a while, and went home at noon. I tried to nap, but couldn't. I had to be at work at 3:30.

I didn't sleep much, and went to work. Work pissed me off, as it has been of late. No recognition for the hardworking, just for the ass-kissing.

I got home after 10pm. I stayed up to watch SNL and I was impressed by Paris Hilton's acting. She didn't seem afraid to make fun of herself. Either that or she was completely oblivious.

I get to sleep at about 12:30(taped the rest of SNL) and got up at 7am to go study with Kuna at the office. Semi-productive morning. I was really tired. I got home at about 1pm, and baked my other frozen pizza. I did beaucoup laundry, and dishes, and watched shows I taped earlier in the week. I had to be at work at 5pm and I wanted to tape the Super Bowl. After eating the pizza, I got a call from Tia Luisa, inviting me to a Super feast. I was stuffed from the pizza, but I needed to have some of Debbies famous ribs. So off I went in the middle of the 1st quarter to Tia's, where I engorged myself on ribs, chicken wings, beans and potato salad. I somehow got to work without being able to walk. I was ready to burst.

Work sucked, as it has been. I got home at 11pm. Couldn't get to sleep til about 12:30.

Woke up at 7:20. I realized that I had run out of cigarettes the night before. Without a single thought, I quit smoking. I put on the patch and walked on out that door.

These have been the worst three days of my life.

Monday, the first day of quitting, Marcia, the boss, came to me and said that she needs plans and specs for TWO projects by Friday. Ok...I nearly freaked. There is no way I can get it done by Friday. Besides, I'm not here this Friday. Monday night I had to experience the joy of bagging groceries for ungrateful bitches, and the customers are pretty bad too.

Tuesday was worse than Monday for nicotine withdrawal, and today was the worst so far. Even worse than the last time I tried to quit. If I don't kill myself, I'm going to die trying.

Bright spot: I met a gorgeous girl at Albertson's. I guess met is not quite the right word...bagged her groceries while making a complete ass of myself is probably a more appropriate term.

Lent sacrifices: The usual Chocolate. But new in '05, eating after 8pm.

Two Hundred Seventy-Second Entry

I'm at work again, studying. I got here at about 7:30 this morning. I am dead tired. I worked til 11 last night. My body just aches.

Sacramento on Thursday was a big success. DSA signed off on my plans. Excellent.

I've started thinking about a vacate in May. Not a big flying one, just a boring stay at home or go up to the Bay vacate. I don't think I've ever taken one of those. I'll be done with the big test, so maybe it would be a good thing to just veg for a week or more. I'll try to do it around my birthday.

GOD I'm tired.

Kipp called in "sick" last night, leaving us a bagger short. Apparently, his car broke down in Sacramento and he couldn't get it fixed. He called last night to find out his hours for today, and I could hear a girl laughing in the background. Car troubles my foot. I guess I'd do the same thing if there was a possibility of sex.

I am soooo tired. I was hustling last night to get all of my closing stuff done. In 40 minutes, I cleaned all the checkstands, put away all of the go-backs(about 30 items,) and got all the carts(about 20). Like I said, my body hurts.

There is a new mandate that says all baggers must stamp their sweeps and actually do them. There has been a lot of stamping sweeps but not actually doing them. The new Store Director is cracking down. Rumor has it he is actually going to start looking at the surveillance tapes to see if we are actually doing them. I wouldn't really mind so much, but there are some baggers who just get away with anything just because they shmooze with the right people. Somehow I think the new mandate won't apply to them.

Next week I get my Albie's benefits! I think I'll go see a podiatrist first, an accupuncturist, maybe a little allergist, and a pinch of dermatologist. Believe me, by the time the year is out, I will have seen any type of doctor you can think of. Any suggestions?

Two Hundred Seventy-First Entry

I am currently in my office at work digesting my Panda Express lunch. Why on a Saturday you ask? I am studying for my exam with Kuna (a coworker). He wants to meet up to study on a regular basis, and today is the first day of that studying. We are studying for different exams, but it helps to have someone to help you not procrastinate.

We couldn't think of a place around here conducive to all day studying. All the libraries close early, and restaurants and coffee places are too distracting. It sucks. The only place we could come up with is here, the lovely TC Gvmt. Plaza building. I guess it's alright. I have access to the internet, and that's good.

I've already covered 5 chapters out of the 89 in my Reference Manual. WooHoo!! It's all easy stuff though. Background...like vectors, algebra, metric system, calculus. Nothing engineering yet. But I can't wait!

Two Hundred Seventieth Entry

I didn't do squat this weekend. I worked at Albertsons, entertained my parents and went to my grandparents 60th anniversary party. It was fun hanging out with all my family.

Oh yeah, I watched Paparazzi. Don't waste your time. I watched Meet the Parents on USA. It was really funny, but probably even more so without all the censoring and commercials.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday I am closing at Albertsons. For some reason, they gave me Friday and Saturday off. I am a little upset about that. I would much rather work on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and one week night than four weeknights. I think they're trying to fuck with me.

Good/Frustrating news. I gave Steve a ride home from Albertsons on Sunday night and he told me that Wes(fourth in command, manager) said that I work hard and I should be made a clerk. Golly gee Wes, thanks for the compliment. But when exactly is that gonna happen??

Funny thing. Wes' favorite saying is "Git 'er done". He says that for everything. It also explains why he's been in a good mood lately....hehehe.

A cashier, who shall remain nameless, has vowed to get Chad fired. I won't hold my breath. He was pissing me off this weekend. Almost back to his old lazy tricks. Hmmph!

Back to work...

Two Hundred Sixty-Ninth Entry

I would like to give a shout out to Rouja.

I am drunk. Drunk is good.

As of last week, there was only one person that I didn't get along with at Albertsons. His name is Chad. Chad is an extremely lazy 16 year old that is only working because his parents are forcing him too. Not that he needs to, his parents are filthy rich. Anyway...

Last Wednesday I decided that my ill-will towards Chad should end. Partly because he was showing great improvement in the grocery bagging arena, and partly because I felt bad for him being picked on by all the Checkers. Brad, a checker, was laying into him verbally about how he needs to do what all the checkers ask of him. I stuck up for Chad because all Chad seems to know how to do is stand around and cop a tude. That ended the silent hostility between me and Chad.

Today, our truce is still intact but wearing thin. Today was a particularly tude-iful Chad day and a lot of the baggers weren't havin it. There was even a mini-shoving match between the well-liked Kipp(a bagger, 20 years old) and Chad. Kipp lamented the fact that Chad cannot be the subject of a Kipp ass-whoopin' because he is a minor. But Kipp swears that if Chad was 18, Kipp would kick his ass all over the place. Yes, it was as "high school" as it sounds. The rest of the night Johnny(another bagger, 19 years old) and I were chanting "Kick his ass" under our breaths. Very very high school.

Tomorrow night I am closing, I have Tuesday and Wednesday off and am closing again on Thursday. I have Friday off and am working a relatively early shift on Saturday. Pretty cherry schedule if you ask me.

Sleep time..

Two Hundred Sixty-Eighth Entry

I was loaned a DVD of a christian comedian called Brad Stein about three weeks ago. I have yet to see it. Every day I am reminded by Blas(the office religious zealot) to watch it. I really have no desire to watch it, but will do so because I told him I would. He probably thinks that by watching it I'll probably start rollin' around on the ground and speaking in tongues and swear off my evil ways of watching TV and DVD's with the word 'ass'(gasp!) in them.

The last month and a half have been really draining; physically, mentally and financially. I spent over $700 on presents. I love to give presents, especially to little kids, i.e. Georgia and Shaley and Dalila; the look of excitement on their faces is priceless and the hugs and kisses are even better. I like to receive presents, don't get me wrong, but not as much as giving.

I was really excited about my Festivist gift. I have the Nikka Costa CD in my truck right now and it is one of the best CD's I have ever heard. Love it, love it, love it. The sad songs make me sad, the happy songs make me happy. Thank you Lamar!

New Years Eve was fun. Hanging out with Jen, Lisa and Amy was fun. I got drunk and erased all evidence of it. Sorry Lisa, no blackmail.

Getting back to the daily grind after a very enjoyable holiday season really sucks.

2005 is going to be a busy year. My PE exam is the only thing on my list for the first third of the year. I'm afraid I won't be any fun at all through April. I'll be studying for the exam my every spare moment. Quitting smoking and paying debt down are other priorities for the first two thirds of this year. The final third is full of difficult choices: real estate investments, change in career, education continuation, relocation to the bay area-out of state-abroad. It's going to be tough, but at least all of these choices are connected. One choice will dictate the others.

2005 will not be a very social year. I plan on staying at home in Tulare a lot and spending less money in return. When I want to get away, I'll go to the other place I feel real comfortable, the coast. Meaning, SLO. It's only half the distance than to the bay area...I could go and come on the same day. I could probably even do some studying there.

Have a good year everyone!

Two Hundred Sixty-Seventh Entry

Putting your self out there is very scary and nervewracking...

Two Hundred Sixty-Sixth Entry

I'm allergic to penicillin. I was red and itchy for two days. So now I'm allergic to two things: Cats and penicillin. Keepin' count?

My friendster count is now up to 5. Wow. I'm moving up in the world. My latest Friendster is Sean. Remember? Sean Tellier? It has a long old time since I heard that name. Very good hearing from him.

Jen called earlier. Great talking with her, as always. Good soul.

This friendster thing has depressed me somewhat. It is really hard for me to make friends. And when I do, I get lazy and lose contact. Friendster is cool in that it connects people that have lost touch.

As much as I've said I hated High School, I now realize that it was one of the best experiences in my life. The banality of the lives of an everyday high school can never be experienced again. 360 of us graduated from SL in 96. 360 of us spent at least one year confined to the SL campus, breathing in each others air, bumping into each other in the hall. Some of us took advantage of it and took off running after high school. But others, myself included, didn't. I didn't keep in touch with most of the people I considered a good friend.

I just finished going through my senior yearbook. It was VERY nostalgic and I nearly cried. It wasn't the pictures but the messages that got to me. John, Donovan, and Brent's "OK, Phil, shut up and play cards," Lynnett's "Statue?", Winnie and Wendy's "Fish and Buffalo!" All great memories of a time when I really had nothing to worry about. As much as I like to think that I had it rough in high school, it was a cakewalk compared to my current situation.

I know folks will disagree with me but I truly feel that high school was a much simpler time. We were all there and couldn't leave, we didn't have mortgages to pay, marriages to be in, conferences to attend, apartments to decorate. Our lives were as predictable as the day is bright.

I guess what I am getting at is that I really regret not keeping in touch with people from high school. And I really, really regret not giving high school a fair shake and taking full advantage of it. I could have been a completely different person now.

Note: Oddly missing from my yearbook are scribblings from Lisa and Jen. Interesting. I've got Louis, Dayni and Carolyn, but no Lisa and Jen.

Life sucks.

Two Hundred Sixty-Fifth Entry

Ando tanto tempo a perguntar
Porque esperar tanto assim de alguém
Percorrendo espaços no mesmo lugar
Não sei a quanto tempo estou a te buscar

Num segundo eu vou
Sabendo e percebendo o seu sabor
Sem ter medo estou
Correndo contra o vento sem nanhum rancor

Ando tanto tempo a perguntar
Porque esperar tanto assim de alguém
Sem saber
Sem qualquer medo de ver

"Tanto Tempo"
Bebel Gilberto

Two Hundred Sixty-Fourth Entry

I am boycotting WalMart. Check it out.

It's disgusting. I hate the WalMart.

Two Hundred Sixty-Third Entry

Bless me, for I have sinned.

It has been over a week since my last entry.

I just placed my lunch order in. Tuna salad sandwich with lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions and provolone on wheat. Port of Subs sucks, but there's no changing Port of Subs Tuesdays.

Louis was here this past weekend. It was good to see him.

Last night at Albertson's was a mess. It was the busiest I had ever seen it. I couldn't believe how busy it was(Fucking Thanksgiving.) And on top of being busy, I had to close. And on top of that, the management decided to give me the two laziest, stupidest baggers that work there. And another guy that was supposed to be there until 10:30 decided he'd had enough and left at 9:30. Stupid new guy. So I was left there to do everything on my own: fill up the bags, wash the checkstands, and put back a whole cart of go-backs. My shift was officially supposed to be over at 11:30. I was there until 12:30, and I still didn't finish the go-backs. I was also supposed to fill all of the spray bottles with cleaner and put paper towels at each checkstand but I couldn't get to that either.

I will probably get a talking to today when I go in(we aren't supposed to work overtime), but I cleared the extra hour with the manager. Besides, it would have been a fiasco if all those go-backs were left for todays baggers there really would have been hell to pay. If they do talk to me, by God, I'll give them an earful.

On the other hand, if they fire me that would be one less thing I would have to deal with. Less money, but more sleep. Initially the money was a big plus, but now I'm beginning to think that it's more of a wash.

The one cool thing about last night: I got to be a checker! It was fun and I was really running through the items fast. The checker that was training me was playing bagger and she had to tell me to slow down because she hadn't bagged in years. I can't remember anything I learned, but it was still fun.

Two more days and it's all over. Fucking Thanksgiving.

Two Hundred Sixty-Second Entry

I got an email from friendster today and it was Lynnett Santos saying hi. I haven't talked to her in over 8 years. "Friendster, bringing old friends together."

I then went through and added a little something special to my three friends' friendster pages. Awww. I was a little jealous of my three friendster friends' dozens of friendster friends, but then I remembered that if I had put a little more effort into my own friendster-ing, then I would be where they are. I have only myself to blame..."Friendster, keeping the friendless, friendless." God, I should be an ad-exec!

Today I had a meeting with Caltrans in Fresno. It went overwhelmingly well, much to our surprise. We left the meeting feeling confident that we had addressed all of Caltrans' concerns sufficiently. We were on a high out of that meeting. Then I fell asleep in the car, and missed all the office gossip. Hey!...I was tired!!

Good/bad news...starting next week, Albertsons will be closing at 11pm instead of midnight. That's good because when I close, I can have an extra hour of sleep for my other job the following day. That's bad because it will probably cut my weekly hours by about four or five. It's OK. I will sacrifice twenty bucks for an extra hour of sleep.

I did my budget today and assuming everything stays the same for me, financially, I can have all of my credit cards paid off in less than a year. Totally excellent. Then I can pay off my truck, and then my student loans. Hopefully after another year, I will be debt free.

I have totally decided that this weekend will be the official start date for my studying. It needs to start now if I am to have a chance in hell of passing the test next Spring.

Other good news. I have secured a tentative schedule for Thanksgiving which gives me Thanksgiving night, the next day and Saturday morning off. Guess who's comin' home? Me!

Two Hundred Sixty-First Entry

Took a few political quizzes today...


The Few The Proud The COMMUNIST! You belive in
equality above all things. "I wish
everyone could live in a palace".


Want to know what political party you really are?
brought to you by Quizilla

You are Communist

What: Communism

Where: At the distant top-left of the politcal spectrum

How: Developed by German politicians Marx and Engels in the book The Communist Manifesto, communists believe that society should be run by the workers. It has been attempted and failed in countries including Russia, China, and North Korea.

What political extremity are you?

Who'd of thought.

I'm a Liberal-leaning Libertarian in this one....

a Green Party member in this one....

a Liberal Libertarian in this one....

and a Civil Libertarian in this one.

Wow. I guess in the next election I get to vote three times.

Two Hundred Sixtieth Entry

I'm sick. I'm sick, I'm sick, I'm sick.

Disease is never fun. Except for when you get to stay home and watch TV all day:

6:40:00am - Awoke to the TV and clock radio going off.
6:40:15am - Hit the snooze on the clock radio, watched a story on the news about some plane crash.
6:45:00am - Awoke to the clock radio going off, with the TV still on.
6:45:10am - Hit the snooze on the clock radio, watched a clip of some Oktoberfest festival in Fresno.
6:50:00am - Awoke to the clock radio going off, with the TV still on.
6:50:07am - Hit the snooze on the clock radio, watched the lamest traffic report in history. "There's a cow wandering around on Caruthers Ave. near Midvalley, so you better watch out for that."
6:55:00am - Awoke to the clock radio going off, with the TV still on. Decide not to hit the snooze. A decision that would alter the course of my day...OK, not really.
7:20:13am - After watching some more news, and wondering why I didn't feel as sick as I did yesterday, I called the office and left a message with my supervisor saying that I was not going in to work today. Better safe than sorry, I always say.
7:22am - Went to the bathroom for my first bowel movement of the day. It is somewhat of a morning ritual. If I don't have time, I hold it until I get to work. The flush power of the toilets at work is amazing. Nothing will clog those things.
7:26am - Hatched plan to go on a no carb, all protein and fat binge in an effort to clog the toilet at work.
7:35am - Went downstairs and immediately started on my Vitamin C loading for the day. I started out the day with about 1.5 gallons of OJ. I also ate two frozen burritos(I nuked them first).
7:40am through 12:30pm - Watched news, napped, Watched Good Day Live(they have new hosts...not so good)(We love you Jillian!), napped, Watched BBC America, napped.
12:30pm - Got hungry and went to McDonalds for food.
12:40pm - Ate McDonalds at home while watching TV, napping and drinking orange juice.
1:15pm - Picked up some trash in my living room in a half-hearted attempt to tidy up.
2:00pm - Exhausted from "tidying up" I took a nap.
2:30pm through 9:00pm - I re-watched most of the Arrested Development episodes(still hilariously funny!), "tidied up" some more(mainly so I wouldn't have to step on the same National Geographic mag each time I got up from the sofa...it was time for the Maxim to enjoy my feet), drank tons of OJ, had two mini-bowls of cereal and a roll of Ritz crackers for dinner, and washed all the dishes I could find.
9:00pm - Put on CBS and watched Everybody Loves Raymond. Still funny after 10 years...
9:30pm - Watched Two and a Half Men...not so funny. Clipped my finger and toe nails. They were gettin' claw-ey.
10:00pm - Watched the news...definitely not funny, but informative and educational, and drank a Theraflu thing.
11:00pm - Retired to the second floor and checked email and blogged.

I ended the day with about half a quart of orange juice. It's probably just enough for tomorrow morning before work.

I can't sign out for the night without saying that Arrested Development is one of the best TV shows I've ever seen. The DVD special features really help explain a lot of what goes on on and off the set to make the show as great as it is. As far as favorite characters go, there are no favorites, they are all favorites. Each one does their part to make the show hilarious.

There is heavy rain in the forecast for tomorrow evening. I'm excited! It's just what I need to get over this disease.

Two Hundred Fifty-Ninth Entry

Red Sox win the pennant! Red Sox win the pennant!

I wouldn't be happier if I won the lottery. That's a lie.

Last night I closed at Albertson's. I am very tired today.

Amy was here this weekend and I had a lot of fun. Thanks Amy for visiting.

I would also like to thank Carolyn for the First Season Arrested Development DVD. Yes, I finally used the Target Gift Card she gave me for my birthday. I really like that show. I had seen a few episodes during the regular season, and on Saturday, Amy and I watched the marathon on FX. I had no idea that GOB were his initials. I am on episode five.

We had the first fog today. It wasn't too dense, about a quarter mile visibility, but enough to make it fun.

Two Hundred Fifty-Eighth Entry

Oh yeah, I forgot. Go BoSox!!!

Two Hundred Fifty-Seventh Entry

Tomorrow, I am stepping outside the safe and sheltered confines of my office and am going to give a 20 minute presentation to the Tulare County Board of Supervisors. I guess, not so much give the presentation, as be the technician for the presentation. Well, not so much be the technician, as the button pusher for the Power Point portion of the presentation. For which I have to wear a tie. I'll be the best goddamned dressed button pusher ever seen. I gotta find all my bling....

I saw the new Eminem video and nearly snotted all over myself it was so funny. Hahahaha. Noone in Hollywood is safe.

I was very sad to read Britney's "I'm taking a break" letter to her fans. Thank you Jen for sharing that beautifully penned homage to Britney's crappy life by Britney. I hope to God she doesn't reproduce. I can see her having just enough kids to start a tween band. Actually, that probably wouldn't be a bad idea for her. She must realize that she can't be this successful forever. She needs a healthy and "talented" set of dependants to support her as she ages. God knows deadbeat Kevin won't do that for her. (Hmmm...it may sound like I care, but I don't.)

Thank you Lisa for filling my answering machine with three messages containing Michael Gates belting Freeway of Love. It truly made my eyes water. It made me miss Karaoke...for about two seconds.

I didn't work tonight. I don't work tomorrow night. I close on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I'm working 3-9 on Saturday. Working at Albertson's is fun, until your feet and back start reminding you you've been standing and walking for two hours straight.

On a related topic, do me a favor and do not ask for paper bags at the Supermarket. Reasons why:
a) It takes the courtesy clerk longer to bag your groceries. By the time I actually get one open, I could have had 2 plastic bags filled up.
b) They are not stronger than plastic. That is an urban legend(Fred). If you are still concerned, ask your courtesy clerk to double bag something for you. It is a helluva lot easier than fussing with the goddamn paper bags.
c) Contrary to popular belief, it does not save the environment. Although paper bags are recyclable, most of the paper bags from grocery stores end up in the trash, either from people who forget to recycle them, or from people who use them as trash bags. If anything, you are contributing to the overflowing landfill problem. Just do this quick exercise, take a paper grocery bag and a plastic one. Crumple up the paper bag as small as you can. Now, take a plastic bag and tear a bunch of holes in it (to simulate it's interaction with other objects at a landfill or in the home) and scrunch it down as small as you can. Which one is smaller? Plastic. And don't give me any of that biodegradable bullshit. A lesson on how landfills work: California law states that after a day of trash at a landfill, the days trash must (MUST!) be covered by dirt. I kid you not. Now imagine weeks and weeks of trash building up, layer upon layer. Now, the landfill will settle some, there is no denying that, but what do you think happens to the trash in all these layers in the absence of water? It doesn't decompose. Sure there is some water that goes with the trash, in the form of banana peels and the like, but it ain't enough to decompose all that trash. Why do you think people can go diggin' around a landfill and find a legible copy of the New York Times announcing Kennedy as the President? If you really want to help the environment, create a compost pile in your backyard.
d) This reason is the grossest one. I didn't know about this until Jane told me about it at work a couple of weeks ago. The glue that holds the paper together in the shape of a bag is a delicasee for...COCKROACHES!! Yes! It's true!!! I couldn't believe it myself. All I kept thinking about was how many cockroaches there must have been in my childhood kitchen between the counter and the fridge. So disgusting. They climb on into the bags, feast on the glue and lay eggs all over the place. Gross, gross, gross!!!
e) The final reason. It really pisses us off. It does. We are supposed to be happy and smiling, but I've never done more number fours than when bagging with paper bags. JEEE--SUSSS!!
If you still want paper bags when shopping, but don't care if your groceries are in them or not, just ask for them. Any courtesy clerk would be more than happy to give you a few paper bags.

The new store director started today. His name is Kenny. Hahahahaha. Many South Park jokes in the future. I don't think I've ever known anyone named Kenny. Oh wait, Kenny something-or-other in Elementary School. What a jerk.

It's gonna rain pretty heavy tomorrow according to the forecast earlier this afternoon. 100% chance of heavy rain for us here in Tulare. Fun! You know what that means?! Snow in the mountains!!!!!!

I can't think of anything else to write.

Two Hundred Fifty-Sixth Entry

It's raining. I stood in the dark in my backyard for 10 minutes just feeling the rain. Letting it soak me. I opened the window in my bedroom so I can fall asleep to the sound of the rain. I love the rain.

There is just something relaxing and almost cathartic about the rain. "It's raining. I'm standing in the rain. I'm getting wet." I forgot about work tomorrow, work on Monday, my laundry, my bills. I forgot about everything and thought only of the rain. "How long does it take a drop to reach me from it's place of formation? It must be only a matter of minutes. Is it raining in San Leandro? I sure hope so. How big is the storm that is producing this rain? Does it reach all the way up to the Bay Area? or down to LA? The water feels good hitting me." It's been a long time since I felt rain.

The last time was probably in San Luis Obispo, my Senior year. It was raining the hardest I've ever seen in my life. I couldn't believe it. It must've been about two in the morning and I was doing takeoffs for my estimation class. I heard the heavy downpour and ran to the door to see it. It rained so hard I couldn't see the building not 200 feet in front of me. Beautiful. I went out onto the sidewalk and got completely soaked. I just stood there. Thinking. Waiting. Wondering about the rain....much of the same things I wondered tonight. It lasted 5-10 minutes. I was completely drenched. It felt good.

It's the first rain of the year. It isn't much, just enough to make the roads slick. But it's promising. While I can never expect a torrential storm like the one in SLO, I can look forward to several more of these.

I love the rain.

Two Hundred Fifty-Fifth Entry

Science for the sake of science...what? Helping people through science...huh?

I just read an article saying that the FDA approved computer chip implants for humans. Whoa. It's a sign of the end times folks.

I just OD'd on coffee and I feel great!

I have the rest of the week off from Albertsons. I really like working there, but I'm glad for my days off. And I get paid tomorrow! It's gonna be a small check though. I only worked 24 hours last week.

I have to go to Costco tonight to stock up the Cantina. I counted all the money we have in the kitty and the total was $505.83. In the 10 months I have been in charge of the Cantina, it has gone from owing me $200, to having over $550 in cash money and goods. Not bad, not bloody bad. I was talking with Danny and we were thinking that maybe all the excess cash could be used to invest in a stock of our choosing, buy lottery tickets every week, or have a just-because-we-have-a-ton-of-money party.

It's freakin' hot today.

Two Hundred Fifty-Fourth Entry

The A's were just denied a chance at the playoffs. The Giants are most likely eliminated too. The Raiders and Niners suck, the Warriors suck, the Sharks suck. Bay Area sports just ain't what it used to be.

I guess now that I officially live in Southern California I can root for the Dodgers and Angels, Chargers and Ducks, Lakers and Clippers. But that's no fun.

Go BoSox!

Yesterday, I closed for the fourth time in a row(I spent a lot of the time cart skiing). They had to give me today off or pay me time and a half for my shift today. They gave me the day off. What did I do today? Next to nothing:

I went to my grandma's house. I went with Paula and Calvin to a house they are seriously thinking of buying. And later, I am going to a lamb barbeque at the PPAV in Visalia. I don't think I've ever had BBQ lamb. Sounds good though. Baaaaa.

Everything downstairs has been consolidated and in piles. The house is as neat as it has been in several months. It took a lot of hardwork and determination this week to get it the way it is now.

My escape plan should begin next weekend. That is the scheduled start of my studying for the PE. I am excited and thrilled at the opportunity to start studying. I just can't wait.

I hope Eric and Norma's wedding went well. I hope Amy had a fun time. I wish I'd have gone. I could have used a break from the insanity.

I will be needing to go to San Leandro sometime towards the end of this month to get my last car service. Bullet is nearing 60,000 miles, 59,2-something.

I got two new credit cards this week. I love it. They are shiny and platinum. With this new Albertson's job, all of my credit cards should be paid off by late next year. We'll see.

Two Hundred Fifty-Third Entry

To say that I have been busy and tired the past week is a huge understatement. I have been working a lot at Albertson's in my inaugural week. It is a very tiring job, but very fun.

The people I work with are great...a sarcastic and cynical Tulare City Council candidate, a very nice woman from the Azores, a perverted ex-con, a woman who can "suck a golf ball through a hose", a very happy and helpful girl who reminds me a lot of Delia(it's a compliment Del), a hardworking Forrest Gump and a lazy son-of-a' that takes 20 minute breaks and does no work. Of course there are the managers, and I haven't met one I didn't like.

My favorite task at Albertson's is doing go-backs. Those are the things that people decide they don't want when they get up to the Cashier. Go-backs are a chance to get away from the front end for a while and learn stuff in the store. I get to help the customers that are out on the floor, which is kind of fun. Even more fun is what I like to call, cart skiing. I run as fast as I can down the aisle with the go-back cart in front of me and then lean forward onto the cart and "ski" on my tip-toes. Great fun. I'll probably get hurt doing that someday.

I learned how to water the produce yesterday. That is pretty fun. Playing with water indoors has always been something I couldn't do, but now I get to do it. Hahahaha.

The compliments have been coming fast and furious. The checkers say that I'm one of the three best Courtesy Clerks in the store. Even the managers give me compliments. Someday I aspire to be an Albertson's manager.

One thing that does suck is that there are a lot of flakes that call in sick all the time. Who gets called when that happens? Me, the new guy. Oh yeah, by the way, there was another new guy that started the same day that I did and he already quit. Interesting...

Tonight, I am closing for the third night in a row. Since I've started, I've only had one day off, and that was Monday. I took the day off from the County too to make it a real day off.

So yeah, I'm busy and tired, I don't get to see or talk to my girlfriend as often as I would like, I am losing track of my TV shows and I'm never home except to sleep, but it is all worth it. I'm makin' BANK!

Two Hundred Fifty-Second Entry

I peed in a cup today....I had an interview at Albertson's today. It went well. Looks like the job is flexible enough to form itself around my County job. I just have to call back on Friday to talk with the manager again. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to working at Albertson's.

I got my promotion. Yay! $120 more bucks a month!

I'm tired.

GO IVAN!!!

Two Hundred Fifty-First Entry

Since my last entry, I have gone through a lot. If anyone has noticed me acting a little odd or distant recently, I apologize.

I am almost 100% certain that by this time next year I will be somewhere else. I really don't care where it is. I can't live and work here past that. I have been seriously reevaluating my career path and continue to be disappointed with it. I can no longer say that I enjoy doing a single thing at work. For some reason, I have become the research bitch at work. First it was ADA, then it was Bikeways and now its fed and state standards. How the hell is any of this going to look good on my resume? It isn't!

If it wasn't for the fact that I have absolutely no other option, I would leave. But I can't. So I'll just have to cope.

The past week my brains been working overtime trying to figure out my escape plan. I need to have a plan to fulfill all of my commitments and minimize my responsibilities. Then I can truly escape. Live a life with minimal financial or professional commitments or responsibilities.

The only thing holding me back is passing the PE. If I never work another day as a Civil Engineer after I get my PE, I won't care. I'll have that piece of paper that tells me that the last eight years of my life weren't a complete fucking waste. It's like closure.

I had a vision this week while driving to Paula's house. I'm checking my mail one day in July. In it there is an envelope from the California Department of Consumer Affairs with the results of my exam. I open it and find that I passed all four sections. After crying for an hour about just what it means to be a Professional Engineer and how long it took me to complete the journey that started eight years ago, I go to the liquor store. I spend over $500 on liquor and drink for a week straight(I'll have enough vacation by then). Random people come over and congratulate me, drink and after a while don't even remember what we were drinking for. The following week I go to work, hand in my two week notice and begin my escape.

You're all invited, of course.

Two Hundred Fiftieth Entry

I have mixed feelings about this past weekend. I'm glad I got to spend a lot of down time with my family. I'm glad I got to spend some alone time with Amy. I'm not glad I didn't get to see Louis and Jen. I'm not glad I had to pay my car insurance.

See, mixed feelings.

A big shout out to my peeps in the HI! Aloha wahines!!

Another big shout out to my peeps on the red planet! Zera mitels!!

Two Hundred Forty-Ninth Entry

I am making quite a bit of headway on my website. Uploading photos that is.

Just got back from watching "The Bourne Supremacy" with Paula and Calvin. Awesome movie! Xlent and plentiful car chases! It makes me want to go back to Berlin. And learn German.

I hope they make "The Bourne Ultimatum".

Must read them all.

Two Hundred Forty-Eighth Entry

This past weekend was fun. Amy was here. We did a lot of stuff. We watched TV, watched "The Shining" and "The Others", watched some more TV, nearly got arrested for eating Cold Stone out by the airport, went to my Grandma's house a lot, went to a bullfight on Monday night, ate tons of food(not literally, figuratively), slept very little, and talked. It had been a long time since I'd seen her. It was good.

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On Tuesday I got my PAF(Performance Appraisal Form). I got a 7 out of 10, which is the highest you can get without the supervisor having to write a special essay explaining the reason for the 8, 9 or 10. Nobody likes that. Nobody ever gets above a 7. Anyway, with this stellar PAF, I was given a promotion! I was excited. My super told me that I deserved it and asked me if I had anything to say. I told him that I didn't really care about all the pats on the back and just wanted the money. He laughed. I told him I was serious. It's either a 5 or 10% raise. I really need this.

Fast forward to Thursday. Phil tells me that the county has place a freeze on hiring and on promotions due to budget issues. I almost started crying. I told him, in no uncertain terms, that I was going to start looking for another job. He told me not to start looking yet. Him and Marcia put in a freeze exemption paperwork thingy and once it goes through, I should have my promotion. Good lookin' out, but I was still shocked. I've had to put up with this bullshit for 2 years only to get frozen.

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My aunt came back from Portugal on Monday. I was over there on Thursday night and got the download about the trip and I downloaded to her about my trip....all three of them. Then we had dinner. Mmmmm. I am off the hook now for my Grandma's meds. It's gonna suck not going there every day. I've gotten used to it. I guess I could still go, but now that I don't have to I probably won't. I'll go back to the once or twice a week visits.

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Last night I finally constructed my coffee table. It is massive. And moving it requires major strength. But......it.......looks.........good? I like it. I even have materials left over. I love my new power tool!

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Me going to Palm Desert delayed a long overdue project from being delivered. I have been working on this project for about a year, and it's crunch time. The four days I was gone to Palm Desert were four days that I could have completed a lot on the project. I should have trusted my gut and not gone to the conference. But I can't say no, especially when it's the boss asking.

I'm sure I've talked about this project before. It is a sidewalk installation project in the poorest community in the county. It is a good project for a place that really needs it.

My deliverable for this project is to produce a complete set of construction plans to send to CalTrans for review. I have never done this before. I have no idea what needs to be done to complete the drawings. I've been trudging a long, with very little direction from my supervisor. I ask him about what I need to do, and he either evades the question or tells me just one thing that needs to be done. What I need is a list of things to do to complete the drawings and not piecemeal guidance. That way I can at least have a reliable schedule to tell people. I can't think of how many times I have told them that I could have it done in a week only to have something else come up that needs to be done.

I've brought three sets of the current drawings home this weekend with the intention of staring at them forever and waiting for more work to come to me. I don't have AutoCAD at home anymore, so I can't make the changes directly onto the CAD file, hence the three copies.

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That is all I have to report.