Lady Gaga Concert

Went to the Lady Gaga concert in St. Paul, Minnesota, tonight. Wow, what a show! She played just about every song I knew- and wanted to hear. Most fun I've had in a while, and good cardio to do all of that dancing and moving around during songs. My favorite Gaga song, "Alejandro", was played near the end, memorable as my cellphone popped out of my shirt pocket during it. I was having such a good time I didn't even notice at first! Told myself not to panic, and enjoyed the rest of the song, singing along with it. Actively looked for it after the song was over, as expected it fell into the seat in the row in front of me. Thanked them for finding it for me, as it would have been a real pain to replace it. Will try to write more in my next entry, as it was a true event, but it is late and I have work in the morning.

Covered Wagon

When I returned from lunch at work today there was a package waiting for me, a movie poster I had ordered from Ebay. Apparently it was a big deal at the office, as my boss claims I was going to show people what it was when it arrived. Almost sounded like a betting pool at first, then I referenced the movie 'Good Will Hunting' and said 'who won the bet? I did.' One colleague, a lover of Japanese culture, guessed it would be a Lady Gaga poster. He knows I'm a fan of her music. But it was a poster of a silent movie from the 1920s, 'Covered Wagon', based on an Emerson Hough novel. It was a better deal than trying to get a VHS copy of it, as those are going for at least $49 on Ebay. Must be rare. The ordeal over the school closure has inspired me to study Emerson Hough, the man, way more now. Hard to say what will be next to acquire. It also proves how I seem to be funniest when not trying to be, as I said I needed to stay one step ahead of my boss who is often looking for a good laugh. When the colleague was guessing it I said you may have recalled me speak of this subject when we were bus buddies- right away I said 'not butt buddies'. But I did ride the same bus with him to work for a while.

Beatles Exhibit

I liked how it was another leisurely morning, finally went out to see the Beatles exhibit at the local museum. It was about their concert at the baseball stadium in 1965, that is now a big mall. Wanted to see it soon since it's closing in a few weeks. Went to a few other exhibits as well, since it's included in the admission price.
  After this I went to a Blockbuster Video to see if they had 'Toy Story' on DVD, they did. Hadn't seen it before, not too big on animated movies as I think of them as kids movies. Main exception is 'The Simpsons' of course, but not your typical animated show either. The movie was mentioned in a book I had read earlier this year, written by a motivational speaker. There was something about the toy owner wanting to abuse the toys and destroy them, so it piqued my interest. I will admit the recent media attention about how Blockbuster may be filing for bankruptcy soon was one reason why I went today. I've had a membership card since 1998, though for a while I didn't use it as I couldn't find it, too many moves and forgot where it was packed. So once it was found it went into my wallet.
   Also made it to a Dairy Queen, one that had an inflated Blizzard cup on the roof. I like Blizzard treats. I do my best to have them less often than before, since I have lost some weight in the past year.
   Another notable thing was being onstage tonight telling jokes. I'm still finding jokes people like, and this fells good, but I do my best to study this craft to know what works and what doesn't. It was a reminder of how if you do it long enough and are good at it you will end up with fans, got another one tonight. We spoke for a while after the show. Guess it ranks up there with somebody who wanted me in their camera phone picture.

Aplington-Parkersburg Football

I made the most of my time in Iowa, went to a high school football game on Friday. Aplington-Parkersburg beat Humboldt 34-7. A-P won, and never trailed, despite having more penalties and turnovers. The defense and special teams was helpful, defense holding when they needed to. Humboldt was stuffed on 4th down a few times, and the first touchdown was on a punt return. In addition, there was a short field more than once due to partially blocked punts, getting it near midfield, or Humboldt starting deep in their own territory due to a muff on a punt. One drive ended with an interception in the endzone, and another on an incomplete pass as it was halftime.
   They threw shirts into the crowd after touchdowns, one bounced to me and just fell in my lap. But like foul balls at baseball games, I figured the proper thing was to give it to a kid. That's what I did shortly after the game ended, as I figured somebody locally might enjoy it more. I said I had contributed to the coach's memorial fund, the late Ed Thomas, who was murdered last year, and event that received national media attention. Also notable was at halftime as I was at the concession stand and somebody spotted me, and my Saints baseball hat, and said they had seen my car in the lot. It did remind me of what life is like in small-town Iowa, where everybody knows everybody. I did concede how I had to have been one of the few with out-of-state license plates on my car. After the game I went on to my hotel, a Motel 6 in Waterloo, about 25 miles away. It was no problem getting there, aside from a construction detour for a little while. Watched an episode  of 'South Park' that night, the one about whether or not to pull due to a Mohammed reference. Also plenty of features on CNN about the upcoming 5-year annivesary of Hurricane Katrina that wrecked New Orleans. It was something that saddened and angered me, seeing a great American city drown.
   I was rather leisurely this morning, watching some Cable TV in my room, eventually going to the McDonald's across the street for an Egg McMuffin. Also went back across the street to the Hy-Vee grocery store, wanted to see if there was anything good there. Found a DVD copy of a movie I only had on VHS, 'Smokey and the Bandit', so I bought it. Then it was on the Dyersville and the Field of Dreams, about 60 miles away. First visit there in 20 years, I rode up with my dad from central Iowa to see it then. It was a little tricky to get there, based on the directions I wrote down from Yahoo online, but I found it eventually. It helped there was a sign or two that directed people to the site. Spent about an hour there, sat on both of the wooden bleachers, and spoke some of the lines like 'people will come'. Or when I got to the outfield and the cornfield, I did 'Dinner, Ray' and 'I'm melting'. Helped with fielding balls hit to 3rd base, and ran the bases. Got a picture next to a sign on a fence that said 'Field of Dreams', somebody from Kansas City helped me with that. Got a few souvenirs as well, like a bumper sticker that asked 'is this heaven?' I put it on the back of my car while I was leaving. Also got a pennant, as well as a postcard and magnet.
   I was tired near the end of the drive back home, but I still made it with just 2 stops for a more than 4-hour drive. I wanted to see a local comic perform at a comedy club inside a mall, and I did at the late show. He must be enthralled with me in some way, maybe since we're both from Iowa or I'm just funny to him. I say this because he often gives me a shoutout while onstage whenever I'm there. I made sure to say 'thank you'. Though for one of them it was a dead giveaway. I found him before the show and said I had arrived, and then when an earlier comic asked for impersonation ideas I said 'Lady Gaga'. So he did a 'callback' to it when he took the stage. This wasn't the only time I had been thinking of Gaga, as I heard some of her songs more than once on the radio while driving in Iowa. I brought the 2 CDs of hers I have, and listened to one song right after reaching the Field's parking area, and before going to the field, it was 'Bad Romance'. There was an article in the local paper on Friday, and the title was 'why we love Lady Gaga' as her two shows here are in a few days.
   There's probably a few things I'd like to see and do on Sunday, need to figure this out after some rest.

A Day Off

This is an early edition as I am on the road soon. Already made it a productive day, watching a video, called 'Tanner 88". It was a mockumentary about the presidential race, I like satire a lot. Also made it to a massage therapy appointment, my back feels better already. Kind of odd how I opened up to the therapist more than most people in my life, much like somebody who is more comfortable when talking to a bartender.

Delayed Call

It was a long day after work and I am tired, will be nice to have Friday off. State fair opened today, will have to see when I can make it there, but may not be the first weekend. Had a first date at a sandwich shop tonight, had a nice time, we talked for a while. Called my dad after it, said I was late in calling due to the date but didn't want to go into detail about it since I've been on many first dates and most of them fizzle out early. Had to end the call when my cell phone battery was dying.

Season Finale

The local baseball team, the Saints, had their season finale tonight, lost to Sioux City 4-3 in 11 innings. There was fireworks after it. It was my 7th season at their games since moving here, likely the most games I had seeen- 10 this year. I did see all 3 fireworks nights, the other 2 being Memorial Day and July 4th. Naturally their season ends before Labor Day.
   Did one thing this morning I don't do often, watch the news. Usually I don't as I'm afraid of being late for work. But I knew a comedian friend of mine would be interviewed before he headlines at a local club this week, so I wanted to see the feature. Thankfully I did see it as it was just 5 minutes out of my morning, still no problem getting ready for work as I actually got up a little earlier for it. All too often I lay in bed a little longer after the alarm goes off as I know I can afford a few more minutes. I've joked that I better understand a song for this reason, 'Volcano Girls' by Veruca Salt. In it they say, 'leave me lying here, cause I don't want to go'. I think we've all been there before.
   Called my dad before the game, but it was short and said we could talk more at length on Thursday. Didn't say anything about a date I have planned, somebody in show business, sort of. I know she's on Facebook, checked Youtube and she's there as well. Will have to ask her about those videos. If it goes well I will have to think about how I would present her to my comedian friends, but first things first.

Concert Jokes

I was onstage tonight at the comedy club inside a mall. This might surprise some of you, readers,  since I might appear to be a serious, dour person. But there are some comics known for dry humor, like Bob Newhart. I just like having the courage to take the stage, since I didn't have it for a while. I spoke a lot about concerts I've attended over the years, since I'm attending the Lady Gaga concert next week. I liked how the DJ played one of her songs, 'Bad Romance', as I left the stage since I mentioned it during my set. I spoke of looking schizophrenic in what music I like, best evidenced by those shows I saw in 2005. I saw Eminem at Madison Square Garden in New York that year, along with Bob Dylan/Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, and Avril Lavigne. Seemed appropriate that the ticket to Eminem's show said it was the "Anger Management Tour", as music is a good release of emotion. Also made sure to wear an Em shirt, and said I know I don't appear to be the typical fan of him or Gaga. People like jokes about online dating, so I did some of those as well. Also odd how that same Gaga song was playing on my car radio while driving back from the club. As expected, there was another message from my dad waiting. We are still playing phone tag.

Doing Chores

I went to the comedy club tonight after work but didn't stay long, there was a showcase instead of an open-mic night. So after a few minutes and exchanging greetings with some of my comic friends I went home. I was tired and was behind on chores like dishes and recycling. Got it done along with taking out the trash, and watched 'Big Bang Theory'. This was the toughest thing about deciding to be a regular at the comedy club- giving up watching this show. But sometimes one must make decisions like these, and I told myself there might be Mondays when I still could watch like if it was closed. An annoying colleague once compared me to Sheldon, the neurotic picky-picky one. Then again, it's not the only time somebody has tried to make an unflattering comparison between me and some pop-culture figure. I've learned to laugh it off, and of course being at the comedy club is therapeutic. Of course this show is moving to Thursdays in the fall, so I may be able to see it again regularly.
   Sometimes I don't check my cellphone often, as few people call me. I checked it tonight and found out my dad called me Sunday evening. I left a message and went about more record-keeping, on eating that is. I am still trying to track what I eat and the pedometer reading, although it's not a daily thing like before. In my case it means writing down the food wrappers before sending them to the trash. I've got a good thing going about the weight loss, learned plenty, so my concerns about relapsing are minimal. Again, we must make choices in life, and I've made better choices about eating in the past year.
   Another notable thing was noticing what I had for pocket change, I like to do that before putting it in my change bank. Since one of the pennies was from 1930 I decided to wait on doing this routine. As a history major I like studying the Great Depression. Knowing this coin has had a long journey to reach me can be fun to think about. All of the changes between now and then, and what it bought along the way. Hopefully it brought many people happiness, naturally it went farther during that time.
   Just saw a feature on 'Nightline' about a bullied kid, it was tough to watch since I know what it was like to be bullied. I am hopeful it leads to the proper punishment for the offenders and hopefully a deterrent to those who might otherwise attempt it. I am for justice, not revenge.

Bottomless Popcorn

I went to the comedy club tonight, same as many other Sundays, but had no idea how much popcorn I would get when ordering. It said it was bottomless, and before finishing the first bag I got another one. So I was slower on eating the next one, didn't want any more. Will be putting it in my lunch for my job on Monday, as I don't believe in wasting food.
   The people I meet along the way tend to be memorable for various reasons. This was true of somebody in my neighborhood today. He was selling a few items, including a guitar amplifier. Had to say no to all of the stuff, already had things like a TV and a laptop bag and an end table.

Volunteer Helper

I am still wearing a volunteer shirt from earlier today. Got up early on a Saturday morning, not typical for me, to help with the event. Went to a Walmart  a few miles away and it reminded me a lot of doing events through a mentoring program at my employer, mentoring a high school student. But these were younger, mine was 12 and entering 6th grade. I did get prepped for it by looking up the history on Wikipedia, I recall it was an organization mentioned in history class in high school. There were plenty of humanitarian organizations that sprung up in the 19th century, when there were many poor people in the cities that needed help. It said this one started in Great Britiain, and merged the ideas of a military with a Christian mission group. I've heard other organizations do this, like the Shriners using a Moslem (now Muslim or Islamic) theme for their fraternal organization, based on the terms they borrowed.
   It was quite an experience, as I hadn't shopped for clothes in a while, especially for somebody that age. It reminded me a little of doing so when I was young, though my family went to Sears, Wards, and JC Penney. It was where they had the credit cards. Looks like things have changed some, thought it was odd to see electronics being part of shirts, like MP3s and headphones. But he was able to get plenty with the $80 allotment, 11 items. I advised him to try on the shirts and pants and basketball shorts in the fitting rooms, didn't like the wait there. Also on his list was a Spanish-English dictionary, we found 2 types there, it was suprising as I expected he would have to look at a bookstore. The cheaper one was larger print, so I said he should get that one. We needed approval for it, even though it was on his list. We did talk some about ourselves, he said he plans on trying out for football. When I saw a Justin Bieber shirt nearby I said each generation needs a teen idol, he said he had to hear about him all the time. Guess that means he's bored with him, probably not alone on that one.
   There was plenty I got accomplished after it, like getting tickets for a baseball game in a few days as well as the state fair. Advance tickets for the fair are cheaper. Made it to a Walgreen to get a photo order dropped off, and visited a nearby pizza parlor for a lunch buffet. Plenty of gangster pictures on the wall, I like looking at the artwork at many places. As the evening began, it also meant getting new tires for my car as the front tires weren't passing the penny test. In the evening I did more record-keeping and watched a baseball game on TV. There is still some to do on Sunday but I like what I did get done. One big thing left is getting the last of my belongings out of the storage locker, as I said I wanted it to be just one month there.

School Appeal

After doing laundry tonight I saw how my Facebook page said the appeal on the closure of Emerson Hough School has been dismissed. I was first wondering 'where do we go from here?' but also knew that since I no longer live in Newton,Iowa, that whatever happened it wouldn't affect me directly. It is still tough to hear nonetheless. But without it, I wouldn't have been motivated to do a lot of things like start this blog. I will be continuing it as I do like writing regularly on it. It also prompted me to do more research on Hough, the man, and get more of his books as well as items with the school's name on it.
   I did like a new laundromat I found tonight, it had a Coca-Cola sign out front though there was no attendant on duty, and no vending machine selling Coke. It had some dated art on the wall, profiling some entertainers from July 1989. It was Roseanne Barr and Brett Butler (not the baseball player). There were plenty of marriage jokes on it. Before I went to do laundry I did eat and tried to listen to my new Lady Gaga CD, but fell asleep. When I woke up it wasn't done yet, but I was to the last song which spoke of wanting her man to show some teeth. It did make me grin. You go, Mother Monster!
   I already have Friday off from work, as I had planned on going to the hearing in Des Moines. But if it is not being held now I am sure I can still find things to do that day. I've wanted to see the Field of Dreams, since it is for sale and I haven't seen it in a while. That is one possible, along with seeing a football game in Iowa. I saw one of the Aplington-Parkersburg games last year, at Nashua-Plainfield. Saw the Little Brown Church before it. The A-P team is home to start the season, so that is the likely football game to attend. It would mean seeing the 'Sacred Acre' made famous by their former coach, the late Ed Thomas. I contributed to the coach's memorial fund last year as news of the tragedy reminded me of what my coach taught me about football and life. As an Iowan and as a member of my school's football team it meant plenty to me.

Star Wars Backpack

I've had a Star Wars backpack for a while, and today as I was leaving work the final thread gave out on one of the straps. So hopefully soon I am motivated to get it sewn back on. Yes, to some it would seem odd that I have one, but why not? Stay as young as you can for as long as you can. Turk Wendell, a baseball pitcher, said this while being interviewed on local TV when playing for the minor-league Iowa Cubs. It is from E-1, and I liked seeing Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan. May have written about it a little before, but when I use it on many days I think about it often.
    Another notable event at work was getting signed up for being a back-to-school shopping escort for kids, a volunteer event through the Salvation Army. I like trying to give back whenever I can, hopefully give some kids things I wanted but didn't always get while I was younger. I am referring to intangible things like politeness and patience.
   Got an oil change done on my car after work, probably let it go longer than I should have. But I've had the car for just over 7 years now, longer than any other car I've owned. After this I went to a Barnes and Noble bookstore to use up the remaining amount on my gift card. I had bought a book about military forts from the Plains Indian Wars before. Was unable to find an autobiography of Theodore Roosevelt like before, but I can go online and order it if I want. I will admit that seeing an online article about the bookstore chain being for sale prompted me to go use it.
     I ended up getting a Lady Gaga CD instead, The Fame Monster. It's a good primer for her concert coming up. This is yet another way to stay young- with music. I ended up using three cards to pay for the purchase, one was the B and N card of course. The other 2 were gift cards I got from the points on my Speedy Rewards account. One of them had just 3 cents on it, the other I had just acquired earlier that night. There was a card inside the CD that advertised 'heart beats', a type of in-ear headphones. It's endorsed my the musician, as you see her drawing a heart and then signing her name. Sound is fashion is her claim on it. Good photography on it, but good music as well, as I like 'Bad Romance', 'Alejandro', and 'Telephone'. Will have to listen to all 8 tracks, as sometimes I like the songs that don't get much airplay. So the Mother Monster is likely pleased how I added this CD to my library, but not the first of Gaga's that I have. Already had one with various remixes of 'Just Dance'. In the Rolling Stone magazine interview from last month it had both of her CDs on the top 40 for sales.
   Now this has to be a rare event, mention of Teddy Roosevelt and Lady Gaga in the same writing. But the bookstore does have both available.

Alumni Directory

Sometimes it's a good idea to stay in and get caught up on chores like record keeping. Tonight, it meant going through the monthly bank statement and seeing all of the entries are in my check register. Usually there aren't too many to add, like a small fee for using an out-of-network ATM. Looks like it will be happening less often, since I called for customer service and was advised to upgrade my account. One advantage will include more rewards when using my check card.
  Another thing I did was call a number on a postcard about an alumni directory that will be published soon. Since I like writing I will enjoy the chance to write a biographical sketch along with it. Good opportunity to mention the blog as well. Though it was a sales pitch too- for copies of the directory.

808 Drum

At lunchtime I decided to look up what an 808 drum is, since it is mentioned in the song 'your love is my drug'. Pleased to find an extensive article about it on Wikipedia. Sounds like an old-style progammable drum kit. Unsure how often I had heard them before, but I think I like drums played by somebody better. For a while I wondered if it was in reference to Hawaii, as that is the state's area code. I like how I'm still interested in learning what I can.
  The song is a good reminder of my visit to the Carolinas in April. Heard it a lot on the radio often while driving through South Carolina between Greenville and Charleston, stopping midway through the journey in Columbia. The other one I heard a lot was "Rude Boy" by Rihanna.
   Doing my best to spread the word about the Emerson Hough saga, now the school is in the running for a cash prize from Kohl's Stores so I am hopeful to get people to vote for it.

Camera Phone

At the comedy club tonight I showed a camera phone picture to one of my comic friends, as it reminded me of his 'cat show' joke. He seemed to enjoy it. Now I need to figure out how to get it sent.
   Also notable was some visitors at work. Went on a walk across both bridges downtown, while we had some people from our Ohio office. One of them went to the same university as me, and an Iowa native as well. So we had plenty to talk about.
   In the afternoon there was what I called a 'wing-ding' on a lower level of the building, more about our healthy initiatives. One of them was about our company's weight loss program, I learned plenty from it and I am pleased with the results. There was food available, fruit kebabs- the food that becomes a weapon! Unfortunately it means some left-over food, happens all too often. You'd think they could just order less food.

Charlie Brown Anniversary

I went to the Twins baseball game today as it was a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Charlie Brown and Snoopy comic strip. Some people might be lost when referring to its official name, Peanuts, and I recall how Charles Schulz even had in the Sunday editions how it was 'featuring Charlie Brown'. I did 2 things to mark the event- wear a Snoopy shirt and brought a coloring book. The shirt says 'tis the season to rock'. It might be a seasonal shirt on some level but I think every season is a season to rock, have fun, and enjoy music. Not just Christmas.
   It was a nice game to watch. The Twins pitcher had a no-hitter through 7 innings and then the bullpen lost the no-hitter and shutout. But the Twins still beat Oakland 4-2, so getting the win is most important. It was my first Twins game since early May, and the fourth of the season.
   There was a benefit event before the open-mic show tonight, unaware of it. After getting home last night I thought it was appropriate on some level to turn on the TV and have it on to 'Monk', the OCD detective. A former boss said I was like him, and I might be, but still it wasn't flattering to hear. Some don't seem to understand that a show is often a farce, and some characters are written to be really ridiculous. Anyway, I listened to the theme song, 'It's a jungle out there', by Randy Newman. Maybe that's what made it all appropriate. I was thinking of the date from earlier, and going from being on the sidelines to trying again reminds me of how the sentiment is true.
   I knew I was behind on record keeping, so after the comedy show I got caught up on it, the receipts dated back to a week ago. This included writing a check for a utility bill, and it will be mailed on Monday. Like many errands to run or chores to complete it doesn't take long once you get started. But it can be tough at times to get motivated to do it when there are more fun things to do.

Giving Feedback

A comic friend of mine asked why I liked certain jokes from his Friday show, and I gladly answered. Figured it was a good idea he asked, since I can help out more when I explain myself more. Funny what he will say as well, coming from him it's a compliment even if the definition of words like blackguard aren't flattering. It's done affectionately, I understand this better than I did.
   More cleanup done today, more things moved out of the storage locker. Soon I will have the place looking more the way I want it, more inviting to visitors.
   I had another first date, hard to know what to say about it. I don't always know what works, still trying to figure it out at times. I know it's best to remember courtesies, but aside from that it's hard to know what to do. I think it's hard to avoid looking nervous, wanting to impress them in the worst way. I do say I would like to see her again- when our schedules allow- and a hug. As I said to a coworker in advance of it- 'Poker Face' isn't just a Lady Gaga song. Haha- I'm back! I said I wanted it to be more than just a fan site for her, and it has been a while since I made a Lady Gaga reference. Found a way where it was relevant.
     When I've been turned down a lot and seen plenty of dates be 'one-and-done' I'm afraid of coming across as aloof or too chatty. I can't be alone in feeling this way either. Many of us fear rejection, which was why I didn't try for a while. I was also not putting my best foot forward enough, needed to understand how it tends to go better when you do. Dating wasn't fun, so I made halfhearted attempts to say 'see? I failed, it's not for me' as an excuse to crawl into my inner sanctum and stay there. It did me no good, when I wasn't trying. Had to sort out the emotional problems before I was truly ready. It's still hard to talk about, not knowing who, if anyone, would understand. I had to realize how nothing worth having is ever easy, be it a companion or a job. The way I worded it was if I had the same attitude about dating as I did about jobs I would have went bankrupt and starved a long time ago. But for some reason it was hard to change my attitude about dating to match the one about jobs. Guess I figured it didn't matter, since I needed to eat and pay rent so the job was necessary even if a companion wasn't. It led to feeling bitter for a while, and this did me no good. All that matters is getting out of my funk.
   Very brave of me to share this on my blog, but I know at times I am more comfortable writing.

Book Search

 Facebook can be a good thing at times. There was a comment thread about candidates for governor, and how both had played hockey. Suggestion was why not settle it on the ice? Then I said I knew one of them had been a goalie at Yale, but needed to find the book that mentioned it. I did, before going to a comedy show tonight.
    I had picked it up during a visit to Yale in 2004, saw a football game there vs. Lehigh. I like baseball and history, and the latter was why I decided to travel to New Haven. I was familiar with the contributions made to football by the school, thanks to their coach, Walter Camp. He devised many of the rules of the game still used today, and made football a truly American game. There were a few pages in the program about him, and some arches near the Yale Bowl, the stadium, honoring him. The stadium itself  is notable, on the National Register of Historic Places. It even was the home of an NFL team, the New York Giants, for 2 years in the 1970s. But the Giants were a horrible team then. It was a temporary home after leaving Yankee Stadium due to renovations, and before their New Jersey stadium was built.
   One of my comic friends thought it was a rather specific book, and it is. Though I explained how my 2 biggest interests are baseball and history, and many of the books I own are about those subjects.
    The comedy show was great, went because one of my favorite comics from open-mic nights was there. Looks like Saturday will be busy, with a baseball game. Need to do some more cleanup and organizing around the home as well.

Role Player

I like being a role player at work, filling in wherever needed. That was the case today, as one of my colleagues was out. After the second of 2 meetings today I was given a payoff report to do, and said to my boss how I'm willing to help in any way I can.
  I like watching 'Nightline' on ABC, and last night they had an interview with Anne Rice, the writer. I liked how she had the courage to explain why she quit religion. Even left a comment saying so on her Facebook page and the feature itself on the Nightline page.
  Another notable event this week was retiring a pencil at work I had bought a while ago, when I still lived in suburban Chicago so it was well over 6 years ago. It was too small as I had been sharpening it. But  I still have to pause whenever I think about the end of an era, whenever I've had something for a while.
  
  

Bus Rides

I take the bus to and from work, and meet a motley crue of people for this reason. Noticed this more when coming home tonight. There was a Jamaican woman who spoke in an unintelligble voice except when we were going past one place and said 'there's my house' but she didn't get off at that stop. She got off at mine, and then spoke to two people at the stop who said something about diabetes, I think they had trapped her in a lie if she was asking for money. There was also somebody who spoke of seeing plenty of different major league baseball stadiums across the country, for some it was baseball. For others he said he only was there for a Bruce Springsteen concert, must really like The Boss as I lost count of how many times he said he had seen this musician in concert. Most I've ever seen a music act in concert is twice.
   I threw my hat in the ring for an opportunity that just became available recently at work, the deadline for applications is Friday and I found a few minutes in the afternoon to complete and submit the interest form.
  Looks like the saga around Emerson Hough School is still ugly, as I read more postings on the Facebook page. Will plan on sending another donation to the cause soon. I think about Hough's legacy a lot, whenever I see something about conservation.

Primary Election

It's really raining outside, and the returns are coming in on the primary election. Plenty of attention on the governor race, but still too close to call. I voted shortly after getting off work, and then found some dinner and went to the comedy club. Saw a friend and favorite comic of mine doing plenty of new material.

Bobblehead Doll

Normally I at the comedy club on Mondays, but went to a baseball game tonight instead as I wanted  a Darwin bobblehead the Saints were giving away. Saints won 7-5. I am proud of trying tonight, thought it was odd to see a woman decide to sit next to me. It's rare, we'll say that much. I saw it as an opportunity to get to know somebody, so I had a conversation with her. Figured we had plenty to start off with in common, I like baseball and she was having a Summit beer. It didn't take long to find out she had a boyfriend, I've noticed it doesn't take long to find out without actually flat-out asking. If it means enough to them they will say it. Thankful the kiss cam wasn't put on us! The beer vendor asked me why I hadn't bought her a drink, I said she was spoken for. I'm not left wondering if she was taken or not, so it's an accomplishment to find the courage to talk. In some ways it was a relief to find out she was taken, as the pressure was off and I didn't feel the urge  to impress her. I think this is why I am drawn to the Abe Lincoln-Ann Rutledge story, as Lincoln was uneasy around women as he lacked confidence as well, being so awkward and unsophisticated. And the story was of a lost love, since she died at a young age.

Bureau Drawer

I came to a sad but true realization last night after trying to use super glue on my bureau drawer, or dresser drawer, I've had since I was a kid. It's falling apart and it's best to replace it. So I found another one at a Goodwill today, 5 drawers instead of 4. So it means a changing of the guard soon, and moving one out and start use of the other. Will need a small ceremony to mark the event.

Getting Organized

Weekends should be about fun, but all too often it is about errand running, like today. Knew I wanted to get more things moved out of the storage locker and back to my home and did, and things are better organized at both places now so I can find what I need to.

Laundry

After work I decided to go do my laundry, as it was very necessary. I was running out of clean clothes to wear. There was plenty of towels in there as well, using them for dust covers on my furniture and I decided to change them due to the recent cleanup still in progress. I like the feeling of a dryer warm to the touch when feeling the glass. Since the laundromat was closing soon I went there first, then to eat dinner at a Taco Bell.
   The big buzz around the office today was asking people if they were going to apply for the new position, and I was one of those asked. I gave the politician's response- non committal. I said I needed to see the posting on the interest form, and it was sent in the afternoon. But it will interest me if there is plenty of analytical work to it.

Being Wary

While I am hope about online dating, I know I must be wary of scam artists. It looks like there are some on the sites I use. I've learned from past experiences to pay attention to red flags when you see them. I am smart enough not to send money when asked, but it also means ending communication quick when you see red flags. Just got what looks like another one, as her story of what she liked about my profile didn't add up. And she asked me if I was married or had a girlfriend. Chances are I don't if I'm looking! It looked too much like one last week that spoke of antiques dealing in foreign countries, and exes cheating on them.
   Oh, and that ominous convention at work, was a positive thing- job opportunuties.

Hello Again

I was at a Fedex Kinko's this Monday and saw somebody who had helped me before, but at a different location. I informed him about this blog, and he said he would check it out. So it was a 'hello again', or a pleasant surprise. We had discussed various subjects before when I was there for whatever my needs were, but haven't had to go in for a while. It reminded me of being in the Carolinas in April and found out the desk clerk had been my clerk in Tampa, Florida a year earlier. When he saw my driver license we spoke for a while about where we were when the 35W bridge collapse happened, a day many people will never forget. Guess he had just driven over it minutes before the collapse.
   As I recall one of the subjects discussed was law, and I did speak of getting a comment about Clarence Darrow- in relation to my ranting about somebody who couldn't get their facts straight about law schools. Something about the J.D. (juris doctorate)- commonly what a 'law degree' is called now- apparently was created around that time, 1930. And yes, before that many would just be an apprentice in law and get admitted to the bar without having to attend or even graduate from law school.
   Another notable thing happened at work, a 'mandatory meeting' was scheduled by managment for Thursday. I have been with my company for a while and know that usually isn't a good thing. I am not alone on thinking it is ominous. But as the saying goes, prepare for the worst and hope for the best.   

Busy Weekend

Besides the festival, it was a busy weekend for me getting more done in a cleanup. But the festival was a nice break from it, as I went to it for a little while on each of the 3 days. A notable thing was the bagpipe band, and the absence of the dancing girl in front when they performed on Saturday morning. I joked with somebody next to me in line at the pancake breakfast how it looks like somebody was trying to take the place of the dancing girl. It was a shirtless man with a lei around his neck and wearing a green kilt. Thankfully the dancing girl was a part of the band when they helped open the religious service on Sunday morning. I did get a picture of the shirtless man and may want to post it on my Facebook page.
  The open-mic comedy show tonight was running long, so I decided to leave early as it was getting late and I was tired anyway. One comic just kept telling jokes though he was over his time, and I didn't want to wait for when he would leave and let the final comic, the headliner, take the stage.