Afterthoughts : This Past Month
The main thing I can say about August is that it went by fast. Very fast. Like quick as a wink. I feel like time is somehow speeding up. Not sure how that can be, but it August did prove to me that the weeks are flying by. Still, it was a good month. Here's the proof.
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My co-worker from Ralph's, still slaving away
Aug 1, First day of the month went pretty smoothly at work. Nothing really to mention there. My buddy is battling a bug and has been sick ever since he laid himself off his job. Talking to him on the phone is a chore because he is so soft spoken it's hard to hear what he says. Often times I am dismissive because I don't want to ask him to repeat himself. Especially since he's not feeling well. So yeah, I gather from today's conversation that he's doing better, I can't honestly tell you. After work I had to bolt home to deal with some family stuff. My cousin and her father are going to Mexico in November. They invited my aunt to go with them. It will be good for them to get. It will also be good for me to get her out of my hair for a week. I had a crazy notion to go up to Big Sur during Thanksgiving, but didn't want to leave my aunt here alone. But... that's exactly when they will be traveling to Mexico. So I could now get out of town and explore Big Sur. It's a thought. Speaking of Big Sur, TheGirl wants to go up there in September. I booked us a room earlier this week for September 27th through the 29th. She sent me an email tonight saying she needed me to change the dates to September 20th through the 22nd. I'm OK with all this, but what sucks is that each time we have set a date for our trips she has moved the date by a week forward. I mean whatcha gonna do, right? But still, it's annoying.
I mentioned having to bolt home tonight after work. My mind actually forgot that family was going to come and visit my aunt and me. I nearly bolted to Disneyland instead of home. But, my tired body made me want to go home. Good thing, just as I'm heading to the freeway I remembered that I had to go home. What a dope. Before going home I wanted to pick up something from the grocery store, so I went to my old Ralph's. Not so much because I love it so, but because they have the Chicken of the Sea tuna I like, the one packed in oil. While there I saw my old co-worker that still works there. She's cute, my age, and nice. I thought long ago I might have a chance with her. But... she was always involved with some douche. Well, earlier this year she finally left him. I always talk about Disneyland, and today she asked me, "When are we going to Disneyland?" I told her, any time. How about this Sunday, I added. She told me she would see what Sunday she can go. I told her to ask for a Sunday off. We'll see how this goes.
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Some of the objects in the display case that I was asked to arrange
Aug 2, Today I had the honor of being asked to set-up a display at the library containing Ray Bradbury memorabilia. How I got this job I'm not entirely sure. My supervisor said to me yesterday that one of the administrators asked specifically for me because I have a good eye for these sort of things. Why thanks, I said. So this guy I only know as John, comes up to me as I'm waiting by the display case. I then remember that I sorta met him about four years ago when the San Marino library was having its one year anniversary of the new building. The two of us went on to put the items in the display case. I only wish I had had the chance to get to know Ray Bradbury the man. But my few brushes with him have been quite wonderful. I had an hour to arrange the many objects John had brought. In the end I hope that I did a good job arranging them.
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Trader Sam's, a nice place for a drink
Aug 3, heGirl and I are planning on going to Disneyland in about three weeks. But, until then her pass doesn't allow her to go into the park, so we settled on the next best things, Downtown Disney. This is the first Saturday hang out in a LONG time. TheGirl mentioned how she missed me. She keeps saying that a lot these days. More on that in a bit. We went to this bar at the Disneyland hotel called Trader Sam's. The first time we went there over a year ago it was crowded and we bolted out of there in two seconds. This time we arrived before the crowds did. I ordered one of their speciality drinks, she ordered wine. Our second round was another specialty drink for me, a off menu drink for her. It packed quite a punch, because soon she was reminiscing about us. She has often told me that I'm the one man in her life that treated her with respect. Last night she went to the Chicago concert with either TheChisel or her fuck buddy. I suspect the latter. She and him got into an argument, something she likes to avoid. But, she voiced something that is always on her mind. Apparently she yelled at him, "Why is everyone trying to fuck me?!" I don't know his answer, but I basically told her that guys like her because she's attractive, nice, and nice. I hated to mention that she is sorta easy. Her fuck buddy is someone that asked for her number when she was out to dinner with TheChisel. She's still screwing her not really ex-husband. She slept with me on our trip. So yeah, she gives it up. And, she likes the attention from men. Men flock to a woman that act the way she does. Back to the reminiscing for a moment, she mentioned how she was quite happy back a year ago when she came back from her Hong Kong trip. I told her straight up that it wasn't a good time for me back then. I wanted to elaborate and tell her that that's when I knew we were done. Because she was already hanging out with TheChisel. That she was already moving away emotionally. But it's in the past now. In the here and now we are having a great time as friends.
After downtown Disney we stopped off at Knott's Berry Farm for some biscuits from the chicken to go place. The crazy thing is that they used to give a few packets of Knott's boysenberry jam with the biscuits. Tonight we opened the package and saw that their were not Knott's boysenberry, but rather Smucker's! What the fuck!!
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Aug 4, Today was supposed to be a day of leisure, where I don't think about anything at all. But, of course the Universe couldn't give me a day where the din is silent. My aunt also had the day off, and after today I will make sure not to be home when my aunt has a weekend day off ever again. This week my family came over to make some plans for their trip to Mexico in November. I was asked if I wanted to go. I would go, but my aunt is going and she would make the trip hell. So I'm not going. I'll find some excuse not to go. Most likely the job excuse. I would rather go up to Big Sur. My want to go during the Thanksgiving holiday could become a reality if I can find the inertia to call Deetjen's and get a reservation for those days. It's difficult to live your life enlightened and having to deal with those who are NOT enlightened.
I've come to the conclusion that AE isn't just not interested in me. I will throw dice and ask her out soon. I know how it will happen too. I'll tell her that I want to go out with her and she will say some stupid shit about how she's not interested. Or words to that effect. But you know what? It is her loss. Story of my life.
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The texting exchange between AE and me.
Aug 5, Work was work, but all the excitement happened after work tonight. I went over the TheGirl's and all the while I was thinking how I wanted to ask AE out to see Vertigo at the Aero theater in Santa Monica. Well, I threw dice and texted her to see if she wanted to go and sure enough she said YES. It's not it's a date or anything, but it will afford me time to hang out with her and finally just tell her how I want to date her. I don't just want to date her though. I really want to give it a strong shot at an honest to goodness future together. I'm ready for that, if the stars align. I think we should give it a shot, but of course the trick will be trying to convince her. Wish me luck!
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Aug 6, Today just had the air of being a strange day, and it was. Work was work. We now have three clerks working the front desk, so there was less for me to do today. I took full advantage of that and did my own things on the side. Around noon my co-worker comes down and says that her sister, another co-worker, had an accident and is in the ER. I didn't find out for a while but it turned out that my co-worker HO was cutting some bell peppers and nearly sliced her finger off. She went to the hospital where they stitched her up. Then, after my second job TheGirl texts me at the usual time, but this time she texts that someone sideswiped her car. Of course in this town they didn't leave a note. They simply drove away, leaving TheGirl holding the bag. She has to get it repaired because the car is a lease. On top of all that, I sent AE at text this morning, and didn't hear from her the entire day. I wonder if she sobered up and is rethinking going to see this movie with me. Did the Universe set me up, again?
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Aug 8, Once again my Thursdays are pretty uneventful. Which I like. The only thing I really worry about on Thursdays is running into TheHusband at city hall. But, I've had some run-ins with him over the last year. The first time I saw him it was frightening. Like seeing a wild animal in the woods or something. Crazy. So I was able to avoid that today. The route was the route, nothing special. AE was quiet, mentioned something about how when she gets married she isn't going to mention it to anyone at work. One of our co-workers is getting married and on Monday they're having a breakfast celebration for her. She happens to be TheGirl's friend. I've tried to mend fences between this friend and TheGirl, but this friend just doesn't seem to want to meet TheGirl half way. A few months ago TheGirl's friend that TheGirl missed her, and that she should text her. She did, like three days later. Maybe more. Anyway, TheGirl informed me that the text exchange consisted of both of them agreeing to hang out "soon." When that would be was never said. TheGirl also mentioned how she knew her friend would flake, and she did despite my efforts. What does this have to do with today? Nothing, but I'm drunk as I write this so yeah. So AE was the same as she's been the last few weeks, indifferent. I wished upon my magic jeans this morning that she would love me. Is that SO much to ask, that someone you like A LOT love you? I don't ask my jeans for much. I don't ask to win the lotto. I don't ask for money. I ask for love. If i let myself go I could love AE ten times more than I love TheGirl. Big if!
Today my buddy went to his old job to get some of his owed money. He called me later tonight to talk about how it went and we ended up going on some tangent that lead us to reminiscing about our CSUN days, which made me go back and check out some pictures from my archives. It doesn't seem possible that those days are only seven years back.
The theme of this month seems to be looking back at the past. TheGirl has been very reminiscent about our past, and how she doesn't understand how I put up with her. It was a chore at one point, when I was still in love with her. But now that I'm not in love with her it's easy to look at the past and reflect. I certainly don't want to go back there. I can't trust her as far as I can throw her, so it's best that the past be left there. The future is AE. I have no loyalty to the past, that's for sure. I live here.
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Montage of scenes from dinner with the co-workers at Clearman's Gallery
Aug 9, San Marino gave me and the rest of my co-workers today. Couple this with my boss telling me the other day that she appreciates my work, and that she wishes she could use all my talents. Nice! I wish I could find a job that allowed me to do the same. I had a good time.
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Never Built Los Angeles - never being the theme for today
Aug 10, It's not quite noon on this most important day. I don't know how tonight is going to play out. It might go great, or horribly wrong. Right now I'm just relaxing and getting ready to take a shower. I intend on going to the Architecture and Design museum on Wilshire to check out an exhibit. Then I'll kill some time and follow that up by meeting AE at the Aero. Man, I'm going to be on pins and needles.
The things that never were, that were thought of but never came to fruition, are always better than the things that do come to be. My plan to tell AE how I feel about her went down the tubes. I realize tonight that I'm a coward. I've always been a coward, and that's how I'll remain until I do something about it and TAKE SOME CHANCES and fail. And not just once, but over and over and over again until I learn that failure is just part of success.
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The Space Shuttle Endeavour is a pretty cool sight
Aug 11, My buddy and I went to check out the Shuttle Endeavor today... finally! I've been wanting to go since the shuttle arrived in Los Angeles. The shuttle was pretty dang cool. The number of people that bumped into me was not cool. People have always been dumb and don't know where they are walking. But it's getting worse. More and more people are completely distracted. Especially when they're walking around a huge spaceship, or driving to work. After the shuttle my buddy and I went to get tacos and called it an early day because he had a family thing to attend. Good times.
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Two chicken littles, eaten in lieu of 2 for 1 special
Aug 13, Second day of the week, nothing special happened. Work was once again work. My boss at San Marino did tell me that she thinks I'm very talented and that she wants to find something that will cultivate that talent. Yeah, I wish that too. I ran out of food for lunch yesterday, and I didn't know what I wanted to buy. So I figured I would just buy something from a fast food joint today for lunch in between the two jobs. While I was processing the magazines I saw a 2 for 1 sale at KFC coupon. With it I could have twice the meal. I drove to the nearest KFC after work and when I walked up there was a sign on the door, "We are not accepting the 2 for 1 coupon. Well thanks for nothing. I was hungry so I just went in and bought a couple of little chicken sandwiches. They weren't bad, but they were pretty tiny (as you can see from the photo). The mac and cheese wasn't very good. It was better the last time I had it a few weeks back. I wondered if this whole KFC thing was just some elaborate bait and switch.
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My free lunch consisted of a burger, macaroni salad, Asian salad, brownie and a Coke
Aug 14, San Marino gave me and the rest of my co-workers today. Couple this with my boss telling me the other day that she appreciates my work, and that she wishes she could use all my talents. Nice! I wish I could find a job that allowed me to do the same.
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Chandaka posted on FB that today was "Take your monkey to work" day
Aug 16, My route yesterday was nothing to write about, so I'll just quickly say that it was the regular Thursday for me. Today was nothing to speak of either. I took Chan to work with me yesterday and today. Sent TheGirl a couple of pictures. We exchanged texts. The main thing that I'm dealing with yesterday and today is my new U-verse modem, and the lack of wi-fi. I can't get the blasted wi-fi to turn on. It's very frustrating. I'll have to call AT&T Saturday to get this thing fixed. Speaking of tomorrow. When I got home today my aunt talked to me about a possible trip to Santa Maria. I really didn't want to go, and I was able to convince her tonight that driving back in the middle of the night was not my ideal situation. Tomorrow I get a day off, and my aunt is going to visit my Godmother. She isn't well, and my aunt is worried for her.
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Cute girl working at the 99 cent store
Aug 17, My intention today was to do as little as possible. Intention accomplished. I did run a couple of errands today. Went to the 99 cent store to buy a few things like paper plates and bird seed. Nothing major, just a few things I needed. Then I went to the grocery store to get a few more things I needed. Then filled up the car's tank and went home. I tried to get my modem issues resolved, but the guy from AT&T couldn't get my modem to work, so they're sending over some technician on Thursday to check out the modem. I read online that these modems are often sent from AT&T defective. Obviously reassuring. I haven't had the time to write about what's been going on lately, but here's the quick rundown.
+ My buddy basically quit his job and then went up to Hearst Castle this week. He was sick the week after he quit. He was asking me what my opinion was regarding pursuing his MLIS degree. I told him a bunch of stuff about my experience. I also asked co-workers for their opinion. He might go for it. He's wondering if I'm gonna try again. I should, but I don't want to go down that road again.
+ I forget which day, but I stumbled upon a few Facebook check-ins by TheGirl. I don't follow her page because seeing her with TheChisel just makes me sick. Even to this day. I made the mistake of seeing her page and I saw a few recent check-ins. I thought he might have been out of the picture, but I was dead wrong. I have ignored that aspect of TheGirl's life really because I don't want to know about it. And because I thought by now that guy would have been out of the picture. Seeing that makes me want to get out of her picture. I wish that last week's hang with AE would have been that way out. Though I don't just want to be with AE because I don't want to be hurt whenever I see TheGirl is still with that fuck. I want to love AE with all my heart.
+ I'm reconsidering going up to Big Sur during Thanksgiving. If things work out my aunt will be in Mexico city that week, so I can drive up there and camp. That's another thing I want to do. In order to save money I want to camp up in Big Sur this time. I would take my iPad to write, and little else. My plan would be to go up there and finally get this fucking book out of my head. It doesn't do me any good in there.
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Venice canals, first time visiting
Aug 18, My buddy Dane and I went down to Venice today. It was his idea, and it makes me happy to take Dane down to the beach, or somewhere else. Because in his current homeless state he has a limited scope to his travels. Basically he can travel as far as his feet take him. I walked up and down the boardwalk, then had some sandwiches that Dane bought. We ate them out of the back of my car. We people watched, and finally walked to the Venice canals. The canals were pretty cool, as you can see from the picture above. I dropped Dane off at the park near where he sleeps and I thought that was the end of my day. But a couple of hours after dropping Dane off my ex Talia called me to ask if she could stay with me. I really didn't want to go pick her up from her house, but she told me some sob story and next thing you know I'm driving to West Hollywood to pick her up from her house so she can stay at my place. She stayed the night, but I told her that my aunt didn't want her to stay for more than a night. That will give me some leverage against her, in order to drive her home tomorrow night. I can look like the good guy, all the while thinking the same thought my aunt had.
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Chan all ready to go back home to Mommy's
Aug 19, Something tells me this week ahead is gonna suck. After work I had to take Natalia back home. I know she's nuts, but at the same time I feel sorry for her. I ended up waiting for her to get to my place. When she finally did, I took her back to her WeHo home. Dealing with that and my friend's break-up caused me to not get to bed until 2am. I don't need this. I'm fucking tired of working at Montrose. I like the money, but this Montrose place went from being a great time to just being a burden. I'm tired. I loved having Chan with me this weekend. It's like he is my little monkey. I have a good time with hims. This week is gonna suck.
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Aug 20, Today sucked fucking shitty dick. I was a zombie the whole day because I stayed up late last night. I couldn't get anything right today. I had to process a passport, which was a total mess because the woman applying didn't have an ID. She also didn't have a birth certificate that was in English. So also had a photo that didn't have a white background. She told me she spoke to someone at the Department of State, and that everything was fine if she included a bunch of paper work. I just threw my hands up and processed it as best I could. Then on job two a mistake I made last week was pointed out to me today. But it wasn't like "you did this, now do it right this way." It was more like this and this was done wrong, but now let me explain why you did it wrong, and let me explain it several times. That sucked the energy from me. I just wanted to go and quit. I really wanted to, but where would I get money? I'm so very tired.
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A rare lunch with my co-worker Holly at Chipotle
Aug 21, The Wednesdays that I don't teach my senior computer class are strange, because those Wednesdays are my shortest days of the week. I'm only working a four hour shift until September 11th, when my computer classes start again. Today I had plenty of time, so I thought. Then my co-worker reminded me that we had a staff meeting this morning, which means a little extra dough in my pocket just for sitting down and not listening. After the meeting my co-worker Holly and I said we would met for lunch later, like around 11:45. She wanted to hit the gym, and I wanted to get some wine at Trader Joe's for my traditional dinner with TheGirl. I did that, and tooled around the Macy's that's next door to the Trader Joe's looking around the stacks. I didn't have the notion to buy anything in particular, I was just looking. Holly didn't plan her time good enough, and after leaving the gym at 11:45 and then driving over and looking for a parking spot she didn't get to the Chipotle on Lake until nearly 12:15. I wanted to leave the Chipotle no later than 12:40, but we didn't get out of there until nearly 12:50. It's amazing that we were only a minute late. Our shift together only proved that we are THE BEST clerk team in the library. We know each other's moves, and can even anticipate each other's actions. It's fun working with Holly. We used to work nearly every shift together. Then my car died and she went to school and our shifts became those in passing. The came the end of the shift and dinner with TheGirl. Which is always nice. This week is flying.
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Aug 22, My route was nothing out of the ordinary today. They did have me pick-up some print job in Burbank, and that was that. But! However! AE did mention something about being interested in me. In what I think is a Freudien slip AE mentioned that she was interested in me. She corrected herself by saying that I was her friend and that her interest in me lies only in our talks about art and philosophy. Sure! Sure! I so wish that it means something more than just a flip remark.
My new U-verse is fast, and I love it. However, the wi-fi on the router didn't work, so AT&T was going to send a technician over to swap out the bad router I shouldn't have been sent in the first place. Of course the appointment was from 4pm to 8pm. I knew that with my luck the guy would arrive at 4pm. Sure enough, I'm just exiting the job and the guy calls to say he's going to be at my place at 4:15pm. Oh sure, I'm just getting off work at that time. Thankfully I was able to bolt home and the tech guy was kind enough to not just bail on my work order. It took the guy less than 15 minutes to swap out the router and get my wi-fi working
My buddy went to Hearst's Castle this week, and he wanted to talk to me about the experience. I have a full plate of things to do this weekend, so I wasn't sure when I would find the time to hang out. Thankfully he mentioned how even if the tech guy was only going to be there a short time it would allow us some time to catch up. Thankfully it did. He came over, we went to eat tacos, and then we shot the breeze and he told me about his trip to Hearst Castle. The trip was just what he needed in his life right now.
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First time visiting Disneyland with TheGirl on a Friday in eons
Aug 23, The only thing I was looking forward to today was Disneyland. It is the first Friday that TheGirl's pass allows her to go to Disneyland, and the both of us have been on pins and needles wanting to go. Work was work, and thankfully it went rather fast. I also asked the boss if I could leave an hour early, which reduced my hours and made the second half of my shift, after lunch, go faster. We had a few drinks at our now favorite bar, Trader Sam's, and then went to get some dinner. We followed that up with honest conversation and Pirates. They sat us in the back, and I figured I better make the best out of it by turning our heads back and looking at the ride from the perspective of what had passed, not what was in front of us. And that might have been the theme for the night. After drinks we both got honest and opened up. TheGirl opened up about a possible sugar daddy on the horizon, and how even her daughter sees that she acts happiest with me. But that doesn't mean I'm the man for her. Obviously, or I would still be in her life. Not to get all analytical about it, but if she was happiest with me then why leave me? That's the question I always ask myself when she mentions this notion. Why would you leave that happiness? Right? The night ended with a sleepy drive home. I was just on the edge of sleep the entire way. Not a fun drive since I could barely muster the ability to talk, let alone drive. Somehow we made it home safe and sound.
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Aug 24, I worked at my Montrose job today. It was super hectic, but that helped make the day fly by. And it happened to be fun. I had one little run-in with a patron early on. He was being unreasonable. The printer queue is incredibly slow. No one's fault. I thought this guy was being unreasonable because his prints were slow in coming. How is that my fault? Huh? He was such an idiot. I helped him find a book, print his shitty resume, and still he got all angry. He even returned the book that I had just checked out for him. Fucker! Good riddance. Following work I came home and helped my uncle and cousin buy the tickets for their upcoming vacation to Mexico in November. Which now confirms that I'll be here during that holiday alone. My trip to Big Sur to write now has no obstacles except my own negative inertia, and my willingness to just do this.
At my Montrose job, I forgot to mention, I worked with the girl I asked out a few weeks ago. She's nice, and thankfully there wasn't an awkwardness between us. I worked a full shift, so I had to take a lunch. I went to lunch with one of the regular patrons. During lunch he said that Melody, that's her name, is cute. Ah, yeah. Why do you think I was interested? Cutting to the chase, he wondered if she was single. I know the answer, but I didn't tell him. I figured that I would tell him tomorrow or Monday. That way it looks to him like I asked her for him, which is what he wanted.
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TheGirl and I visited the Kadampa meditation center today
Aug 25, Today was a jammed packed day of meditation, Disney, and good news. First the good news, since that's what I got first thing this morning. A girl that I once complimented for her "Pre-Raphaelite" beauty is coming next month to get photographed by me. It's a HUGE honor to finally photograph my friend Lisa. She is quite pretty, and has natural red hair. I mean RED. She's coming to Los Angeles on the 27th through the 29th. I have been told by her to be ready for some photography. Fuck yeah!
In other news, TheGirl invited me to go with her to a mediation center close to Atwater Village so that she can learn to quiet the voices that pull her mind in twenty different directions. Of course I went. Not only do I like spending time with TheGirl, I also need to hone my meditation skills. The "class" was pretty good, and it helped bring certain ideas back into my mind so that I can think of them again. I also see it as a possible mingle. One of the women there and I had a "moment" where I could see she was checking out my feet. I checked her out, and she was attractive. I said a couple of things to her, and then went on my way. With TheGirl there it's hard to be the mack. Still, there's potential there. Especially if that woman I saw today shows up again next time.
Then came the focus of today's plans, a trip to Downtown Disney. I wanted it to be combined with a trek into the park. But, TheGirl didn't want to leave the kids out. So we had lunch at Earl of Sandwich, and had drinks at the Grand Californian hotel. Our original plans were to go to Trader Sam's, but that place was PACKED. So we settled for drinks at the Heartstone lounge. Afterwards we went inside the park for only 10 minutes to look for a antenna ball. We didn't find it, but TheGirl mentioned that she likes going to Disneyland with me because she has so much fun. She added that she doesn't have as much fun with anyone else she visits Disneyland with, most likely meaning TheChisel. Well of course she's going to say that. If it's true then it's because I am a fun time. If it's not true, then I'm not sure what her motivation is for lying to me. That makes me think she's not lying. Tomorrow, back to the shitty grind.
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My confirmation for a room in Carmel over Thanksgiving weekend.
Aug 26, Work was a little strange today at San Marino. First off, my co-worker came in saying that she didn't sleep the previous night. She proceed to not talk to myself or my other co-worker throughout the entire shift. She's usually very talkative, but not today. It was strange. The rest of the shift was filled with little things that had to get done, some of which did get done. Other things didn't, but they can wait for tomorrow. Job two was nothing to write about. My buddy Jon did ask me to come over to his place so we can catch up on stuff. I'll probably go down and visit him Saturday. But I also want to get some photo stuff done for the big day in September.
Lastly, I've been talking about going up to Big Sur alone to write for the last few weeks. Well, today I was compelled by unknown forces to book a room in Carmel. I couldn't find one in Big Sur proper, and camping isn't an option with the weather being cooler. Hence me going with a room. Also, I can have a desk in the room and be close to food when I need it. $340 later I have a room booked for Thanksgiving weekend. I can still cancel it if for whatever reason I can't make it. But, since my aunt will be in Mexico, and I don't want to deal with TheGirl's schedule during that weekend, I decided that it's best I go up that weekend. Besides, it's not like I'm going sightseeing. I'm going up there to do some serious writing. There's so much work to do before then.
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My co-worker's car, after being sideswiped
Aug 28, Today was a CRAZY day, to say the least. First off, I have been "sleeping-in" on Wednesday mornings because I don't have my computer class until Sept 11th (if at all). I've taken to spending some time on the computer and getting some things done before going to work. However, a few weeks ago I noticed that the date of my drivers license expiration was coming up and I hadn't gotten a notice from the DMV to renew it. Like in the past. A couple of weeks ago I figured that I best do something about it, so I made an appointment for today. When I woke up I COMPLETELY forgot that I had an appointment and I wouldn't be able to chill this morning. It wasn't until I woke up after falling back asleep that I jumped out of bed and threw myself into the shower. I didn't even have time to eat breakfast before bolting out the door. A thought came to me as I was driving on the packed freeway. Why hadn't the DMV sent me something? Was it a mistake? Did it have anything to do with that accident I had with the city van? I didn't know. Then I thought, maybe I have the wrong expiration date. I take out my wallet and see that my license doesn't expire until NEXT YEAR! 2014!! I shined on the appointment I made and went on to do my errands. I texted my co-worker Holly to see if she wanted to get something to eat, like last week. But I told her earlier, since we were late last week. Well, can you say famous last words?
I found a place in Old Town Pasadena that supposedly had good breakfast, which is what Holly wanted since she hadn't had anything to eat in the morning. I didn't care, I just wanted good food. I parked my car close to city hall, where there's a small part of the street Holly that has some inexpensive street parking. I was just about to text Holly my location when she called me. Moments later she was screaming, "Some girl just hit my car." I asked Holly where she was and I bolted there since it was only a few blocks from where she was. When I arrived the other car was nowhere to be seen and Holly's car was sitting on the far left side lane. The street she was on is a one way street, so it's possible to be all the way to the left there. She told me that she had exchanged information with the girl and that the other girl left and parked her car. Hmm, I thought, this ain't right. A girl walked by and I asked Holly, "Is that the girl?" Holly said yes. I could tell because the girl walking on the street had a look of contempt as she walked by. Like it was Holly's fault. What happened is that both cars were traveling East on the street. Holly was in the far left lane, and the girl was in the middle lane. The girl in the other car was turning from the MIDDLE lane into the parking garage. But, instead she hit Holly. Holly then told me that this girl said, "I had my blinker on." Like that justifies her terrible driving. I changed Holly's tire, since it was flat from the crash. Mainly because I knew we were going to be late otherwise. Well, we were late anyway since we had to wait for Holly's parents to pick up her car and take it to the tire shop. So much for my idea of not getting to work late.
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Aug 29, Nothing special about today. Just work, regular Thursday work. Came home and chilled. That's what I'm doing now. But of course my aunt has to ruin things with her meddling. I really want to not be around her any more. The pull of Big Sur beckons me to explore what I can do up there. But I love this city, and Big Sur is more of an escape. If I were to somehow move there it wouldn't be the land of wonder it is now. Well, unless I managed to win the lotto and then I wouldn't have to worry about money. Today I made plans to go down to San Diego and visit my high school buddy. I'm glad, it means I won't be here.
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The last day of the Ray Bradbury display at work
Aug 30, Work was pretty standard. They had me work the desk the first half of the day, checking out books and such. Then the second half after lunch it was all shelving. Today was the last day of the Ray Bradbury display. The guy who brought over the stuff picked it up today. The day went fast, thankfully. I didn't want to come home right after work, so I asked my buddy Dane if he wanted to join me for a drink. He drinks beer, and I had my usual Manhattan. We sat around, drinking, chatting. I was hungry so we went to In-and-Out afterwards. Asked for extra spread, it was super yummy. I think I'll get extra spread from now on. I came home and couldn't sleep because of the heat. All-in-all a good day.
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Aug 31, Today I had planned on getting some things done, but it turned out to be a lazy day when my aunt went to work. With her out of the house I could just sit here and enjoy my day off. I did have some evening plans to go over to my buddy's house. I went over to his place, we shot the breeze, ate some pizza, and just hung out. What could be better. Tomorrow, a trip to San Diego.
The main thing that I can say about August is that it went by FAST! Three quarters of the year is already gone, and when I think about something that happened last year it feels like it happened yesterday. It's nuts. As I think back at this month I also can't remember all the great things I did, because of the speed of things. The Bradbury display, Trader Sams, going out with AE, Never Built and viewing the Shuttle are some of the highlights of this month. It was a great month, so I'm going to give it a A grade.
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