February might be a short month, but it was packed with action.  Here's the update.

Thu Feb 1, I had to take this picture in order to illustrate something.  The pages at the library don't do what pages are supposed to do... that is, shelve BOOKS!  These days I don't give enough fucks to care that these books reach the shelves in a timely manner.  Because the dummies that are paid to care don't care.  This is why I've divorced myself from what I knew to be true in a library environment.  Not just at Glendale but also at San Marino.  How is it that both of my jobs get so many things wrong?  These are dark times, to be sure.

Last week I went up to the new guy in the city garage and asked him the van was scheduled for any maintenance.  It's been a while since I feel the oil or any of the fluids had been checked.  Sure enough, he told me that the van was way overdue for an oil change.  How overdue?  How about four-thousand miles overdue?  I told him that I would bring it in this week for an oil chance.  He took nearly an hour to finish up, but that's because he has to take care of the entire police fleet.  Still, he fit me in and I was able to get the oil changed on the van.

When I drove up to Brand today there was a fucking city van sitting in the driveway.  I think I know which fellow city coworker drives this van, but I can't be sure.  I told Misa that I had a feeling it was this one dope that goes up to Brand to take his break in the middle of his shift.  Both Vagabundo and Misa asked who the idiot that parked his van like that was.  I couldn't tell them, because I didn't know.  Misa said later that she looked and looked for the guy and couldn't find him.  Vagabundo told me I should confront the guy.  I would, if I could find the idiot.  But, of course, he was completely out of sight.  How convenient.

As per usual I was hungry after working.  I went to a different place tonight, because I was going to drop off the stuff I was holding for Dane.  When I was about to order I saw that they had a new sandwiches featured.  They had one that was supposed to be steak.  It looked good, so I ordered it.  Sadly it was expensive and small.  Not only was it small, but it hardly had any steak inside it.  It was mostly cheese.  I may try another sandwich, but I'm not going to get this sandwich again.  It was just meh.  Which is a shame, because in the past Jack in the crack has taken some chances with their food in the past.  For the most part those chances have failed, in my opinion.  However, this was a chance they took that had more potential than most of their attempts.  Which makes this meal all the worst.

Fri Feb 2, When I arrived to work this morning the first thing I noticed was that the book bins that I brought in yesterday were not checked in at all (pictured above).  Mind you, the library closed at 10pm last night.  I dropped off the books around 4pm.  Do you think six hours is enough time to check-in six bins?  I guess not.

AD mentioned in her email of death that Cerberus was "working."  Yes, it has power, but you can't say that it's working.  Working denotes action.  When this fucking machine only checks in three or four items a day that's not working.  I just love all the propaganda surrounding Cerberus.  I've said what I think about that stupid thing.  It's now funny to watch these idiots upstairs do verbal gymnastics in order to perpetuate a narrative that things are alright.  Well, things aren't alright.  Things are pretty damn terrible.  But those in charge, Maleficent and AD, have this grand idea of how the library should change for the better.  I honestly think that they BELIEVE these changes are for the better.  So why aren't things working?  Because many of these changes ARE NOT FOR THE BETTER.  They are just dragging the library down.  The proof is in the pudding, and the pudding is off. 

Sun Feb 4, A few minutes before opening and there was just one person in the patio of the library.  I do love this, because I would rather no one shows up on my Sunday at the library.  Alas, this doesn't happen every Sunday.

At the end of the shift I went around the library to tell the patrons that we were closing soon.  Funny thing is, most of the patrons were already gone.  I wish it was like this every week.

The Super Bowl was tonight and one of my new neighbors had a whole thing going on in his front yard.  I could see a large screen TV in his garage and I could hear music.  I just went in my house and chilled.

Mon Feb 5, Work today was whatever.  I had lunch and went and took a nap for over an hour.  It was so great to sleep.  I don't want to die, but I only think that when I'm awake.  If it's just an eternal sleep then I guess I can make my peace with that idea.  It's kinda a funny idea to be thinking this while I'm at work.

I went over to TheGirl's place after work.  She told me that puppy isn't feeling well, but of course Cheyenne is well enough to roughhouse for a good forty minutes while I'm there.  TheGirl thinks that Cheyenne is having stomach issues.  Last month she took her to the doctor to see and they found nothing wrong with her.  While I was there TheGirl was reading that it's not a good idea for a dog to be active up to half an hour after eating.  TheGirl admitted that she walks Cheyenne almost immediately after feeding her dinner.  Now that TheGirl is getting home a little earlier she's going to feed Cheyenne and then wait the half hour before going out on a walk.  Poor puppy.

Tue Feb 6, The above picture was taken while I was in administration waiting for one of the people that work there so I could tell them that my stupid keycard doesn't work... AGAIN!  It didn't work last week, and then it was reset.  But of course this fucking keycard doesn't work today.  It's absolutely frustrating to have to deal with this bullshit.  But, at the same time part of me thinks I should just live with it and use it to milk more time on the route.  Because instead of going through the side door I would have to go through the front door.  I did it in the past, I can do it now.  Whatever.  If the fucking thing doesn't work again I'll just leave it be.

The social media feed for the library sent out an image (pictured above) that just screams bullshit.  Some dummy "artist" created these alternative street signs as an art project.  I have to say, as a scam this shit is great.  As art it is devoid of thought, emotion, or even technique.  It's such an empty shell.  It's absolutely perfect that the stupid library would promote it.

Not much to report from the route except the following.  When I got to Adams that girl, TheRose was there.  I did my delivery and of course forgot my hat.  She took this little piece of plastic attached to a lanyard and put it on my hat so that the lanyard would go around my neck and prevent me from losing my cap.  It was super nice of her.  And it only makes me like her all the more.  I think this gesture is a sign that she kinda likes me as well.  At least I hope it's a sign of that.

Wed Feb 7, Work is work.  That's pretty much what I can say about what's going on there.  In lieu of any big details here is a photo of the library (pictured above).

TheGirl and I went out to dinner at this one Mexican restaurant that she loves for the strong margaritas with Cheyenne in tow.  Mind you, we've NEVER been there with puppy, but TheGirl mentioned how she asked the bartender if she could bring her dog along with her and he said yes.  To test that out she went to dinner with TheHusband last night and took Cheyenne with her and they all sat on the patio.  Well, of course tonight the tables turn.  The waiter comes up to tell us that dogs are not allowed even on the patio.  Unless the dog is a service animal.  Which they aren't allowed to ask now either.  The waiter insisted that the owner was watching through the security cameras and saw the dog and called him to tell us that no dogs were allowed.  They would let us stay there for our dinner, since we had already been served our drinks.  But they advised that we can't bring the dog in again.  I tell you, that restaurant is just meh.  I've never had a great meal there.  Their food is just below middle of the road.  Their margaritas are strong, and that's why I do like going there.  But not for the food.  I was half tempted to tell TheGirl that we should just walk out.  But she loves that place, and we were already seated.  I'm going to mention other restaurants to TheGirl for the next couple of weeks.  I don't want to go to this particular restaurant for a long time.

Thu Feb 8, The route started of with a lot of little requests for "special deliveries" today.  Krishna had special deliveries, and I had to go to Pasadena as well.  Always not good times.  I'm kinda going out of sequence for this part of the entry, because running into this book didn't happen until Brand, which I talk about again in a bit.  But I had to bring it up, because so many times in my life this book (pictured above) will pop up during certain times in my life.  Times when things change in a major way.  What does this encounter with this book mean?  Probably nothing, but time will tell.

As I went to Grandview I turned up this little street and encountered far up the street a car crash.  I'm surprise I don't see these every other minute in this city.  Everyone drives like a manic these days.  It's not OK.  Especially since my job is to drive around the city.  Fucking idiots.

When I got to Brand I saw this in the back room.  What is it?  It's hell.  Its RFID hell.  It's also bullshit.  These dopes sent the dummy page in "charge" of the RFID project to Brand to "help" them.  Meanwhile, Misa pointed out that the dummy page didn't do anything.  She hardly worked.  Oh, I know how this dummy Liana girl works.  She gets ready, then gets ready some more, and then checks her phone, and then takes a break.  After the break she gets ready some more and and then it's lunch.  Fucking bullshit.  No wonder this fucking thing is going super slow.  They have a fucking PAGE in charge of it.  Welcome to RFID hell, Brand.

As I was pulling out of Adams I encountered this bullshit.  The driver is one of those app drivers and of course he breaks every rule in the book to drop this guy off by the library.  When is it OK for this to happen?  Only when it's a app driver that needs to get some dope to his destination, apparently.  I'm so fucking frustrated by this shit.  I can't go five minutes in this city without some idiot making this sort of move on the road.  Better yet, after this dope dropped off his "fare" he then did a U-turn in the middle of the street.  Dumb.

Speaking of Adams, that girl TheRose was there today.  I have no idea how she has such an incredible figure, but she does.  She's super adorable.  She mentioned a book of "poetry" on Tuesday.  I put the word in quotes, because the poetry is pretty terrible.  But, TheRose loves it, and says it's her favorite.  And now dummy me wants to buy it for her.  I'm gay for this girl.  Ha!  She's so nice and pretty.  I don't have a chance with her, but it's nice to interact with her.  It's nice to now be able to text her.  It's just nice.

I took a picture of Cerberus before I went home to illustrate just how little "work" it does.  Maybe the fucking sorting machine is related to this fucking Liana page.  Look, just look at the "pile" of books in the bin.  Why it's practically overflowing.  Oh wait, it's overflowing because the machine is shit and the sensors don't know to lower the plate so that the books don't pile up on the top.  Morons.

Fri Feb 9, I had another special delivery to and from Pasadena today.  Which meant extra time on the route.  Which is not something I oppose, seeing as my hours have shrunk sine last year.  I need every hour I can get.  But on my way to Montrose the ramp that leads from the 134 to the 2 freeway was closed.  I had to get off the freeway and then go up a side street in order to get on the freeway again past the closed ramp.  Of course I wasn't the only one doing this.  ARGH, that's for the traffic.

Because of this special delivery from Montrose to Chevy in the reverse order I'm used to going I did have the opportunity to have lunch at Chevy instead of the park today.  It was so enjoyable that after finishing up lunch I rested on a couch.  I had my alarm, which did wake me up, but then I almost immediately fell back to sleep.  I slept for another twenty minutes and then had to rush to catch up.  It's fine, I almost always trim about fifteen minutes from my time card in order to not take advantage of the fact that I do take a little longer lunch.

Of course there would be traffic on the way to Pasadena.  But of course.  It wasn't super bad, but of course today the theme was traffic.  I picked up a bunch of boxes at Vroman's.

I wanted to show you a picture of the mess that are the bins.  This one is from Grandview, but it could also be from other locations.  Grandview has become the worst at this sorting thing.  They weren't ever the best, but at least it as better in the past than what it is now.  This kind of lazy sorting just makes me have to take more time fixing the bins so they don't tip over.  I shouldn't even care about this, but a tipped bin does cause me to have to fix a mess.  Oh well.

Just as I was leaving work MontereyGirl sends me a text and asks what I'm doing tonight.  I told her I was tired and heading home.  It turns out that she wanted me to come over in order for her to give me a blow job.  Well, I told her, why didn't she just say that from the start?  By the time she finally said that I was past Woodman on the freeway.  I was practically home.  No way I'm turning around and driving out to Monterey Park to have her blow me.  I'm not that into blow jobs alone.  I want the full monty, not just a blow job.  Sure, it's good for a start, but I've never wanted it as, "The main course," so-to-speak.  At the end of the conversation she called me an idiot for not driving out to get a blow job from her.  Hey, she had a chance to do something the last time we hung out.  But no, it's was just all business.  Whatever.  I'm tired of doing this dance with MontereyGirl.

The above is a picture of Misa and her friend from long ago at the library.  I knew the other girl as well.  We made out twice.  I thought we were going to have sex, but I have a knack for ruining my chances at that sort of thing.  The first time we made out I just remember going drinking with Misa in tow.  The second time we made out was when I was fresh off of TheGirl dumping me.  I needed to live a little, and Olga was there.  She and I went to a great bar in Glendale called Jax.  Of course the fucking place closed down.  I just remember her telling me, "Why don't we come here ever Thursday?"  It was Thursday and Jax had live music on Thursdays.  It was a fucking great night.  We made out and of course I fucked it all up.  Within a fortnight I was back with TheGirl for I think the second or maybe third and final time.  Whatever.

A few years back I saw Olga in front of the library and she mentioned that we should go to a museum together.  I said sure, and then later in a text exchange she said she was busy and I think I did the same and that was it for that plan.  I haven't seen her since that day.

Sat Feb 10, I had plans to go out and get a sandwich with TheGirl today.  But first I needed money.  For some reason I have had nothing but trouble getting to an ATM to get my money lately.  There is an ATM in a market on my way to work.  It's perfect.  I've hardly had any problems with that ATM not working.  But, because I don't go by there until tomorrow, and I needed money today, I had to go to my local bank location for money.  In the last month I went to one place in Glendale close to that job, only to be thwarted when the ATM ran out of money or was just not working.  Either way, no money, and I had to go to ANOTHER location down the street.  Thankfully I was super early to work, which meant I could go to the other location without fear of being late for work.  Well, today I tried to get money and of course nothing but obstacles.  First, when I drove up Ventura I could see that the left turn lane was blocked due to some street repair (pictured above).  I quickly turned one street before and parked the car.  Only to THEN notice that the sidewalk had been closed as well.  OK, back in my car I went.  I went up the back way to get to the street that I couldn't turn left onto.  Thankfully I found a spot and got my money.  Getting my money shouldn't be this difficult.

TheGirl picked me up and she and her daughter and I went to this sandwich shop that TheGirl saw on TV recently.  The place is super tiny.  The ordering system for hot sandwiches is strange.  The guy behind in the "kitchen" calls out for orders.  This is separate from the woman at the counter taking cold sandwich orders.  THIS is definitely NOT confusing at all.

TheGirl found this place via a television report on the weekend news.  There is a news anchor that visits various restaurants around Los Angeles County in order to report on some good food.  As I was saying, TheGirl saw this place and asked if I would be interested in checking it out.  I'm always willing to check out a restaurant.  I have to say that the pepper steak I had was north of just being good.  I want to say that the meat was good.  The reason I can't confirm that is that the sandwich was piled on with a mountain of onions and tomatoes.  Overall, it wasn't a bad sandwich.  But, was it a great sandwich?  No.  I can't say it was a great sandwich.  There's a place in Pacific Grove that makes MUCH better sandwiches.  And in the next two weeks I'm going to be able to go up there and possibly have one.  TheGirl will want to come back here again.  I'm OK with that, because next time I plan on having their Italian sub.  If THAT's not good then I know this place is bullshit.

Sun Feb 11, I dropped off my aunt and then went to work.  But, before going into work I needed to make a stop at the market.  While there I ran into a patron that I used to see more often, but lately haven't seen much of her.  She's attractive.  It was nice of her to give me a hug while at the market.  I searched her out online and found that she's a doctor.  Coolio.

The library had a program in which a trio came in to play at the library.  For some reasons the Sundays I work there always seems to be some program where I have to be in charge of the entire thing.  Because, no one else is as responsible.

There is a woman that comes in to "tutor" some dopey kids every week.  Today she wore a fucking pair of hot pants.  Her shorts were short enough that I could see her ass cheeks (pictured above).  I'm not going to say I disapprove, because I don't.  But these days it is unusual to see such things.  Or is it?  I have to say that it's nice to see such things.

Mon Feb 12, The boss at the library, one of my coworkers, and I went to a local store in order to buy a futon.  It took us longer for us to get there than it did for the boss to find one and buy it.  I didn't even really need to go.  But, it was cool.  Better than working.

Tue Feb 13, I should have known that today was going to be a mess when I turned onto one of the main drags in Glendale and saw a fucking mess on the roads (pictured above).  Lately I have found that when I drive there is nothing but obstacles in my way.  Either some dope slowing me down by merging in my lane and then slowing down.  Or some other idiot that is driving super slow.  Or like the above, when there's construction going on.  Mind you, when I got out of the city hall complex all this was gone.  Just terrible.  Why can't they do this shit on the weekends?  Later in the day I did a favor for a coworker and came back to the city hall complex to drop off something to the housing department.  It took me so long to get a parking spot that I nearly gave up.  But just before giving up I saw one.  I was about to turn right when I saw a person crossing the street.  Of course I stopped.  As soon as the person reached the other side I started to move and just then some idiot crossed and turned from my left and cut me off as I was turning right.  I honked at them and of course being the douches that they are they honked back.  I was livid.  But it wasn't until I was ending my route that I really lost it.  More on that later.

I went to treasury and because of a problem with the money I had to sit and wait.  This gave me a chance to check out TreasuryGirl when she was helping someone else.  Boy, that girl has some huge boobs.  I mean they are giants.  It's a shame I never tried to ask her out.  See, I knew I had zero chance with her since I was not the same ethnicity.

Mala sent out three emails imploring all of the employees of the library to help out with the RFID project.  She gave some lame excuse for it to be completed as soon as possible.  The above is but one of three emails, as I said, that she sent out today asking for help.  As far as I'm concerned they can just go fuck themselves.

The weather is absolutely perfect today.  Some might say that it's a little cool today.  But those people are monsters.  It was just cool enough that some would need a jacket, but not so cold that one would need a coat.  The sun was warm enough that if someone were to stand or sit under it then the sun would be enough to warm that person.  I put my hoodie when in the shade, but took it of when I was in the sun.  Enough said.  I hope it stays like this for a while.

I've mentioned TheRose here a few times.  Today when I was just about to leave Adams she asked me to go to the book nook at work and check to see if this book of "poetry" was there and to buy it for her.  I had thought of buying her the book last week, but I then thought to just wait.  I couldn't' wait any longer.  I went online and bought her the book.  Or should I say books?  This particular "poet" has two books out.  What I read wasn't that good, but if this lovely girl likes them I will want to get them for her.  I ordered them online and they will arrive on Thursday.  That means the earliest I can hand them to her is Friday.  I'll have to come up with an excuse for not finding them until then.

When I was done with the route I pulled into the parking garage and found some idiot parked in the van's spot.  I was so absolutely mentally exhausted with this day that I just didn't want to deal with this shit.  I just kept on driving until I reached the B2 level.  I parked the van down there and went back to the library.  The dopes that run the parking structure saw me as I walked back from my car.  I made ZERO attempt to make eye contact with them.  I wanted to punch someone in the face... repeatedly.  I wanted to, to quote a books, breath smoke.  I wanted to put a bullet between all those fucker's eyes for making my car so difficult.  I wanted to go home.  I pulled out of the parking structure and just didn't stop until I got home.  I wasn't polite on the road.  I moved and kept moving, like a shark.  I didn't want to spend another minute in that fucking city.  The people that live there might be nice, but there is an element that is only looking out for themselves.  On my way home I thought about how these dopes better hope I still keep caring about things.  I know that if I stop caring it will go all the way.

Wed Feb 14, I get a message as I'm sitting at my desk this morning.  I was just about to get into the thick of it when Vagabundo texts me to say I should call him as soon as possible.  I went outside and called him.  He tells me, "Guess who's driving today."  About two hours before I checked my Glendale work email and saw that dummy Benedict had "car problems" and wasn't going to be driving today.  They know I can't make it.  And they know that Vagabundo is a captive audience since he's working at Casa on Wednesdays.  Sure enough, they called Les to see if it was OK for Vagabundo to drive and of course he said yes.  Vagabundo didn't start driving until past 11am.  Which is nuts.  Vagabundo and I mentioned how Benedict seems to miss a day or two during the month... every month.  And I pointed out how it always seems to be a Wednesday.  He rarely misses a Saturday.  If ever.  Whatever!  His car problem excuse might be valid, but at this point I can't believe any excuse he gives.

Valentine's day dinner with TheGirl tonight.  We're not in a relationship, of course, but it is Wednesday and it was time for our traditional Wednesday night dinner.  We went to the Counter and had much wine and food.  For some reason the tatter tots tasted super good tonight.  We talked a little about our upcoming trip to Carmel.  I can't wait.  On my last trip up there I did miss having someone to talk to and share that moment with.  I don't know what we're going to do when on our trip, but I know it will be fun.  Especially when we have a little wine.  Then the old memories of us having great times comes up to the surface.  We really did have great times.  Tonight was nice.

Thu Feb 15, I still don't have a working keycard.  The problems started a couple of weeks ago and was "fixed."  But then last week the problems getting into the building started again.  The guy upstairs told me that he was going to order a new card for me.  I picked it up today.  But before that I couldn't get into the building.  Hence me taking the picture above as I waited for the front doors to open.

Despite the fact that Vagabundo drove yesterday there were a lot of money bags today, because Treasury was closed when he went.  I found out today that they were closed because they were attending a BBQ.  The positive was that I had more face time with Demi.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, I went ahead and bought TheRose a pair of books that she was mentioning to me she wanted.  She asked me to check the friends of the library book store, but I knew they wouldn't have them.  They arrived in the mail today, just about the time I was arriving at Adams.  TheRose is quite nice.  I think she's taken a shine to me.  It could be wishful thinking on my part, but I think I can read people pretty well.  Now, whether that shine is a crush or just an interest because I'm kinda out there, that I don't know.  Either way, it's nice to feel these feelings again towards someone.  Not that it's realistic that we go beyond just being friendly coworkers.  If only.

One of the security guards is leaving.  Tonight was his last day.  They asked me if I was sticking around, but I was more interested in going home.  Besides, I'm not too keen on sticking around and mingling with the dopes that would potentially attend a going away party.  Pictured above were some of the attendees.  Far left is Sue, followed by TheDesire, Reggie (who is leaving), Ru and Achee.  Misa sent me this photo after it was sent to her by Bundy.  Misa mentioned that TheDesire looked fat.  Ah, yeah.  And she mentioned that Achee did as well.  Misa asked why TheDesire's hair looked so bad.  I don't know, because this morning her hair looked nice.  She frosted it, and sure it's different, but it didn't look as bad as it does in this picture.

Fri Feb 16, These two dopes are always in my way on Fridays.  For the last month, or so, these two dopes find it easy to sit on the sorting table I'm taking the books off of to put in the van in the morning.  I mean, come on dudes.  You know I HAVE to ask you to get out of my way.  Just don't be there until you see me leave.  But no, almost as soon as I enter circulation one of these dopes is already sitting on the table supposedly getting a cart ready to shelve.  It shouldn't take a better part of an hour to sort a cart that size.  Whenever it took me that long it was because I was goofing off.  Yeah, no.  Get out of my way.

My buddy and I call the sorting machine Cerberus, and this is another Cerberus fail.  There was a moment when the machine finally did something and we could hear the books being sorted.  We wondered who was ACTUALLY using the book drop, seeing as only the inside book drop is active.  A few moments later Becks comes running in saying she needs to find the books that were just "checked in" by the machine.  Someone asked her why and she says, "The patron now wants me to double check her account to see if she returned all her books."  Mind you, Cerberus can't check in all the books, because they have to be tagged with a special tag.  But Pasadena isn't going to do that with their books, so anything of theirs won't be checked in supposedly.  Well, the machine sorted about half the books in one bin and half in the other.  As Becks and Achee were checking in the books, Achee mentioned that all the books she was checking in had not been checked into the system.  Duh, the fucking machine doesn't do that correctly.  Becks, for her part, had all Pasadena books.  Becks openly wondered what the machine was good for if it can't check in all the books.  That's what I say.  It's a colossal waste of money.  Nearly a million dollars of waste right there.  But of course Maleficent and AD are telling us how wonderful the machine is and that it's "working."  Fuck those two.  They are fucking idiots.

I get ALL the special deliveries when I'm on the route.  Today it was dropping off e-waste at the recycling center.  I took my time with that.  No rush today.  I have some e-waste at home that I've been wanting to take the the drop off spot in Los Angeles.  It's right by this one, but it's only open on the weekends.  The way the timing works out I can't do it on Sundays.  And I'm not going to do it on my Saturday off.  But now that I think about it, maybe I'll drive it over during my delivery next week.  Hmm.

Driving around these days could be called an "adventure," but that would denote something of a good time.  It's never a good time driving around with so many dopes behind the wheel.  Case in point these two dopes.  The car on the left is trying to make a left into a driveway.  Of course some dope decided it was a good idea to park in said driveway.  Mind you, I don't know why the person turning left even started to turn left when they had this dope dancing back and forth in the driveway as I drove up.  Finally the dope on the right pulled away and the other idiot could turn.  Fuck ups all day long.

I made it up to Chevy later than normal, which meant I was going to have lunch there.  Which is fine, since it's nice and secluded.  Well, it normally is secluded.  Today I drove up and there was a convention of the cleaning crews (shown above).  Fuck, I thought, are they just here to chill or are they going to go into the building.  Jose, one of the guys I know from the route showed up and told me that they were going to clean the carpet.  Fuck.  Well, I was starving and I had no intentions of waiting for at least another half hour to eat.  Convention or not, I ate my lunch at Chevy.  They gave me most of my lunch time alone, but towards the end they entered the building and started doing the carpets.

And then came Montrose and TheRose.  I had her books with me and I sent her a text saying that I had a "surprise" for her.  I gave her the books and she gave me such a huge smile.  And then told me that she had to pay me back somehow.  I told her not to worry about it, and that she owed me a Coke.  She said she would have "something" for me on Tuesday.  Gee, I so wish it would be a kiss from her.  *sigh* I have this crazy notion that I could ask her to go to the Jasper Johns exhibit I have tickets for in March.  Could it be?  Am I thinking she would ACTUALLY go with me?  I am a dreamer.

The above photo is from one of the books I gave her today.  Interesting.

The rest of the route was pretty much standard.  I got out of Dodge and went home.  I had to make a stop at the ATM to get some money out for a haircut I planned on getting Saturday.  I got off the freeway and made my way to the bank.  Just before getting to the bank I noticed the one parking spot on the west side of the street by the bank was clear.  Perfect, I thought, I'll get that spot.  The car in front of me jets past the intersection and of course parks right in that spot.  Just great.  It's the only spot on that side of the street and of course this guy beats me to the punch.  I parked on the east side of the street and make my way to the ATM.  The guy starts to follow me and of course goes to the ATM as well.  I had a feeling he was going there so I booked it and beat him to it.  When I came back some idiot was parked behind me.  I say idiot because the space behind me is not a parking spot.  But, of course these days simply turning on the hazard lights on a car automatically makes a parking spot out of a non-parking spot.  These idiots.

Sat Feb 17, I needed my hair cut since last week, but I went with TheGirl to that sub shop.  That was more important than getting my hair cut.  But TODAY I had to get my hair cut since I'll be out of town next week.  That would mean I would have to wait two more weeks.  Last time I went I forgot to take Chan with me.  I didn't forget this time.  The above photo is pretty cute because it looks like Chan is looking directly at my barber.  How cute.

Many years ago when my Grandmother was still alive we would frequent this place in Tarzana, Mick's subs.  But these days my life and travels are focused towards the East of where I live.  Today I had this idea that I would drive down Ventura blvd. in order to check out what the street looks like these days.  And since I was sick I decided to get a yummy sandwich.  I remember the first time I went was when I was driving home with my Mom.  I was starving and she wanted to go to a store that no longer exists right by the sandwich shop.  I had a cheesesteak and that hooked me.  I ordered the pepper steak and a turkey sandwich for my aunt.  It was so yummy.  Much better than the one I had at that sandwich shop I went with TheGirl last week.

Sun Feb 18, My aunt and I have this new tradition based on me driving her to visit my Godmother in Silver Lake.  I worry about my aunt, so I take her out there.  For that she buys me breakfast.  Mostly we go to the IHOP by the house.  The last couple of visits their service has been lacking.  Today was the worst.  I ordered a crepe with peaches.  They served me crepes with raspberry.  Nope.  Any other flavor I would take.  But, not raspberry.  The waitress comes by and apologizes for the mistake and tells me that the peaches they have are frozen.  I told her that she could just bring me a plain crepe.  In a few minutes they did bring me a crepe with peaches.  They said they "found" them.  I tasted one and sure enough it was half frozen.  They should have at least put them in the microwave.  And then during all this I didn't have ketchup for my eggs and hash browns.  I realize that I don't like eggs so much as I like the ketchup on top.  Next week I'll be on my trip, but a couple of weeks from now I'll tell me aunt that we should go to the Honeybake store in Toluca Lake.

I really like being able to track my aunt when she leaves the house.  Today it worked out, because the bus dropped her off down the street instead of the usual stop.  I was waiting for her and tracking her.  The tracking showed that she was close and then I saw the bus pass by.  I thought I saw her in the area of the back door, but then I thought nah.  Well, when she didn't come walking up the street I double checked the app and sure enough she was down the street.  I drove over there and picked her up.  Nice!

Tue Feb 20, Yesterday was President's day, which meant not too many bins today.  Thankfully.  The bins pictured represent five of the branches.  That's pretty crazy, considering there are seven branches.  And, I don't go to one of the branches today.  Hey, I say the less work the better.

I was checking on Cerberus and it had a message on the screen saying that the lens needed to be cleaned.  Already?  This stupid machine hasn't been working for that long and already it needs a lens cleaning?  This is some bullshit!  I'm sure this isn't the last of the maintenance it will need.

TheRose gave me chocolates as thanks for getting her the poetry books last week.  Oh how I wish she had given me a hug.  The chocolates are nice though.  And I'm hoping that she will continue to look at me the way she did when I gave her the books.  Yeah, I'm going to fall for this girl if I don't watch myself.

Now that Cerberus is "working" the powers that be have decided to take the cover off the window that looking into the sorting machine's room.  It's a SUPER boring look into the machine.  You don't see it actually doing anything because of the way the conveyor belts are up high.  I'll take another picture from the outside looking in, instead of this one that is from the inside looking out.  This was a terrible idea and now it's just that much worse.  I really wish they would put a curtain between the Cerberus room and the rest of circulation, but they won't.  Idiots.

Wed Feb 21, I haven't been in San Marino in a week.  And after today I won't be back for another week since I'm taking Monday off for my trip up to Carmel with TheGirl.  LaFlor looked really nice today.  There was a moment when I got on the reference desk and she walked to the desk to drop off some paper slips that are used to check on the volunteer's work when they shelve.  I saw her and gave her a nod.  And then she walked away from the desk in a move that I described to Vagabundo as sashaying.  I think she knew what she was doing by slowly walking away in such a sexy manner.  Her behind was amazing, and spoke to me.  I have no idea how, but I somehow have to kiss that girl.

We didn't get to hang out on Monday, so the last time I saw TheGirl was a week ago.  She didn't like that I cut my hair, but I needed a haircut.  We went to an Italian place for dinner tonight.  I had something in mind, but the waiter gave a good suggestion.  We talked about our trip and what we would do.  And of course we still don't have an idea what we want to do.  I don't know either, to tell you the truth.  I know I want to take a lot of photos, that's for sure.

Thu Feb 22, Circulation is a mess.  Just look at the photo above.  There are book trucks full of books everywhere.  This is because the pages don't do page duties.  They're too busy doing stupid RFID.  The library doesn't library anymore.

I haven't said it before, but I'll say it now.  Becks is a good looking girl.  She has a nice figure and a really nice behind.  I like that we instantly clicked as friends.  And it's also nice to have her around, and not just because she's really nice to view as she walks around the library.  She's awesome.

In front of the library I constantly see people making a three point turn that includes driving on the sidewalk in front of the library (as seen above).  So many dopes do this EVERY FUCKING DAY.  It's extremely annoying and I wish it would stop.  But, I know it won't stop.  Ever.  And it's another one of those things that I have to learn to let go of and relax.  Because me having my blood boil every time I see these dopes do this three point turn jazz isn't doing me any good.  And it's certainly not going to change their bad behavior.  Yeah, it's time to not give a fuck about this either.

I had to use the restroom before going home and I found that the broken faucet was no longer broken.  However, it did still have a bunch of tap from where the sign was when it was busted (pictured above).  This place can't do anything right.  Nothing.  On top of that, the faucet now blasts water out so hard that when I put my hands under the faucet the water nearly hit my face.

As promised, I went on the other side of the Cerberus observation glass to take a picture of what it's like for the patrons who look into the former sorting room.  Vagabundo called it the porthole to hell.  Yeah, I think that's pretty accurate.  I just love that the fucking window is nowhere near where the "action" happens.  I have no doubt that the "designers" of this renovated library did nothing to check what the window would be looking into when they "designed" it and placed it where it currently resides.

The above is a text I sent to TheDesire today after I found out that a jar filled with sunflowers was thought to be a "hazard" by the dumb powers that be in the slaughterhouse of a library.  I don't even know why I even tried with this shit.  Nothing is worth trying to do anything right in this place.  It doesn't deserve it.  Fuck this idiots.

Fri Feb 23, CurvyPage, as Vagabundo named her, was prancing around circulation this morning.  She's super pretty, and curvy.  She's gone from curvy to a little more curvy, but she's still gorgeous.  Just sigh.

I keep saying this, so I'm sure this has gotten really boring.  But for the Nth time I have to mention that the bins some of the branches are just horrible.  Today I went up to Chevy and they had TWO bins for Pasadena.  A little sorting by me and the two bins magically fit into one bin.  But, of course it takes some time and not just someone throwing the books inside the bin.  It's another example of these dopes not doing their job correctly.  I shouldn't even take the extra time to fix them.

TheRose was at Montrose today.  And she looked quite cute.  Of course her body just mocks my existence.  I think she's taken a shine to me.  Certainly the whole book thing helped out.  But, this age difference is something I'm not sure I can fight through.  Even I wonder why she would want to be with me.  I'm more than twice her age.  And what did I say I wanted?  Certainly not a relationship.  I don't require one.  I'm done with things like that.  But, at the same time I would like to have a companion.  In other words I want it all.  And that's so not fair to a nice girl like TheRose.  Still, I like her.

The route was whatever today.  But here's a little story about that stupid sorting machine.  I had some CDs from Pasadena this morning, so I tossed them onto the sorting machine and had it "check in" the items.  One had a hold.  The fucking hold was STILL in the bin this afternoon.  No one even checked to put it on the sorting cart.  What's the use of having this "fantastic" sorting machine if the items are going to sit there all day?  Fucking stupid pointless machine.

Sat Feb 24, TheGirl picked Chan and me at 7:30am, and we were on our way.  We made good time going up the 101.  No big traffic stops along the way.  I think it not being a holiday weekend made it all the better.  This makes me wonder what I should do when May comes around and the hotel I usually stay in Carmel calls me to ask if I want to book a room for November.  I'd like to go up there just to go up there.  But the last two trips, going there by myself, was not as fun as the trips I've taken with TheGirl lately.  TheGirl said she is considering leaving her puppy at home, but I know she won't do it.  She loves her too much.  And I know that TheGirl thinks it's a pain to travel with Cheyenne I don't mind it at all.  That dog fills my heart with so much joy that I would be sad if she didn't come along with us as well.

We stopped in Solvang to get some food.  We went to our favorite place there. I ordered a meatloaf sandwich, which was really good.  The bacon on the sandwich was amazing!

Going up the 101 instead of the coastal highway means jetting up to Carmel.  I think it takes about an hour or two less to go up the 101.  But, as TheGirl pointed out, it's not as beautiful.  Maybe the next trip I take up to the peninsula I'll go up on the 1 and come back home on the 101.  When we arrived in Carmel we quickly settled into our room.  The place where we stayed has Dutch doors, and Cheyenne just couldn't help but stand up as she waited for TheGirl to come back from the car.

We had some time to kill before our dinner reservation, so we decided to walk around Carmel.  Carmel is such a nice little town.  Every turn means something new to discover.  Tonight we did our fair share of walking around the city.  We walked past our old favorite restaurant, Club Jalapeno.  It was a source of many good meals and many good times.  I'm not even sure how we discovered the place, but we did, and it became somewhere we HAD to go at least on one night of our trips.  Alas, it closed down about six months ago and now it's going to become a coffee shop.  How sad.  I never had a bad meal there.  And the booze was really nice.  Farewell.

TheGirl made reservations for Little Napoli.  It was a cold night, so we ended up being the only people out in the patio.  It was fine by us, since we had puppy with us, and she doesn't play nice with other dogs.  As the night went on it became colder and colder.  And I mean it was super cold when our food was brought to us.  It was still hot even in the cold, but not for long.  The booze was wearing off on me, so I was starting to feel the cold.

I love people watching.  There was a couple of ladies sitting in the bar, which we could see from where we were seated.  I was playing around saying that the two ladies were "Into each other."  I didn't know that for sure, of course, but it sure did seem that way.  Well, there was a point where one of the ladies walked by and came to pet Cheyenne.  Then she went to the bathroom.  I needed to use the bathroom and when we crossed paths I had a big urge to kiss her.  The women was a bit flirty, and I got a little signal from her when she petted Cheyenne.  She touched my shoulder.  Later when we encountered the women outside of the restaurant the woman did the same thing.  Hmm.  It would have been strange to kiss a stranger like that, but if I had a little more booze in me I MIGHT have had the courage to kiss her.

When we were finished with dinner we made a mad dash back to our room.  It was super cold.

Sun Feb 25, TheGirl and I headed down to Garrapata beach in Big Sur.  I figured it would be a great spot to check out.  It's not a big beach, but it does allow does as long as they're on a leash.  Too bad other dog owners don't always follow that rule.  There was this one lady with her dog off leash, but thankfully she went to one side of the beach and we went down the other.  I ran with Cheyenne on the beach.  The first time I quickly jogged.  But the last time I told TheGirl that I was going to go full blast.  And sure enough, I ran with Cheyenne as fast as I could.  She easily beat me, but I pushed myself to a point I didn't think I could reach any more.  The beach was great, despite the potential problems we could have had with that dog that was off leash.

We were getting hungry, so we drove up to Pacific Grove.  There's a place there called the Red House that looks like they have really good food.  It's super tiny, and there's now always a wait.  We decided to go there.  But then after a bunch of dogs walked by us on the street TheGirl suggested that we go somewhere else.  She suggested my favorite sandwich shop.  We went there and we both ordered sandwiches.  I waited outside in the car with puppy.  While TheGirl ordered I went about finding a park where we could go.  I found a nice lonely park just a short drive away.  It was just right for our purposes.  It was pet friendly and we didn't have to worry about running into other dogs.  There were some dogs in the distance, but none in the actual park.  Also, it wasn't super cold since the trees blocked the wind, and the sun was shinning.

After eating, but not finishing the huge sandwiches, we went walking around Monterey.  Not much to add to that.  TheGirl later said that she didn't realize how much history Monterey had.  Yes, it does have a LONG history.  And it's a nice little town.  Of course the both of us love it up here in the peninsula.  I told a friend that if I had money to burn that I would for sure buy a house up here and have it for my many vacations up here.  Alas....

But the walking didn't end there.  We returned to hour hotel and rested a bit, and then went out walking in Carmel.  Thankfully the cold kept most people from even being on the streets.  It was near perfect.

Mon Feb 26, This trip went by quick, but at the same time it was quite awesome.  One of the things I'll always remember is Cheyenne laying on top of me as I waited for TheGirl to get out of the shower.  It was definitely an awww moment.  This dog has made me really happy.

Just as we were getting ready to head out we noticed that it was starting to rain.  It came down pretty steady until we were nearly past Salinas.  We jetted it down the 101 and made it back home before 5pm.  We made a stop in Pismo beach so that TheGirl could visit her brother, who was in Pismo.  They'll see each other on Friday.  I was a tired monkey today.  I nearly went to sleep several times while on the drive down.  But, I didn't.

Overall it was a really nice trip.  We ate some good food, and did a lot of walking.  Not too much sightseeing, but that's OK.

Tue Feb 27, I walked by Cerberus today and had to take a picture of the bins that just sit there empty.  Why?  Oh clearly because Cerberus is so damn busy.  Yeah right.  At the end of the day there were just a few books in the a couple of the bins.  And I know that they don't clear those bins in a timely manner since I showed how last week the CD sat in the bin the entire day.  This fucking machine is a waste of money.

On the other side of the room formally known as circulation we have a ton of books that haven't been shelved.  It's been like this for weeks, and the problem is only getting worse.  Meanwhile, I thought Cerberus was going to fix problems like this?  Guess not.  It can't even check in books.

On of my coworkers was talking to me about how she sees the big mess and she just thinks about how she simply needs to do what she can and not worry about the rest.  See, she still worries.  I told her today about my trip and how it made me really think about how that fucking place isn't worth caring about.  not one bit.  It's an ash heap.  A former library now struggling to find what it wants to be in the future, because it certainly isn't a library.  I know for my own part I've told myself to really care less than zero.  It's not always possible, because I do fall back on caring.  But, at the same time I really have been able to not give many fucks anymore.  Soon I won't care a single fuck.

While checking my email later in the day I saw this from Maleficent.  She was sending a promotion for some bullshit "taste walk."  First thought was, what the fuck is a fucking taste walk?  Are we going to taste shoes?  My buddy Vagabundo called it "The Taint of Glendale."  Nice.  That's exactly what it is, a fucking taint.  This is yet another example of these dopes not being able to name anything correctly.  There is already an established "Taste of" series that ends with the name of the city that's hosting it.  But of course these idiots probably feel that they need to establish themselves as something different.  So, instead of coming up with an truly original name they just add the word "walk" to the title.  Because, that's what you're doing between booths, or something.  Fucking idiots.  I love the generic stock photo that was probably taken up in Seattle or something.  I hope Maleficent attends and chokes on her own blood.

As part of me not caring, like I told my coworker that she should do, I told myself that I would not spend the extra time I have been taking, to re-sort the bins given to me on the route.  Why should I take that extra time to re-sort the bins when no one cares?  I really need to just focus on my art projects and not worry about this shit.

Early last month I went to the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso gardens.  The photos don't quite do it justice, but here's one anyway.

Montrose is a nice little community in the hills above Glendale.  After a recent rain I took the above picture, with the clouds in front of me and the sun behind me.

Here is another photo from my visit to Descanso garden's Enchanted Forest of Light.  I can't wait for another visit.

On a previous trip to Monterey I went into old Monterey and looked around the sights.  This particular picture was taken in an area just yards away from Colton Hall at the Casa de la Torre.  I made it a point to take the picture with my old iPhone.

What is there to say about Point Lobos except that it is absolutely gorgeous.

While traveling up to Carmel last year I took some detours to check out some Carnegie libraries.  This one is located in Paso Robles.