Afterthoughts: This Past Decemeber

It's the end of the month and the end of another year.  2023 is strange in that it feels like it kinda didn't happen, since it went so fast.

Friday, December, 1, There is construction going on at the library.  The crews have put up caution tape in front of the walkway to the side door because they are lifting items to the roof in that area.  They certainly don't want someone getting hit on the top of their head.  But the fools that come to the library don't appreciate that we are all looking out for their safety, because they continue to walk around and over the caution tape.  Today I went ahead and added more caution tape to prevent dummies from going over the tape.  But did it keep people from going over and around the tape?  Nope.  There were still dopes that went over the tape.  I mean, do they think that the tape is there as some kind of art instillation?  Or are they Christmas decorations?  I mean come on.  Caution tape literally says caution on it.  Fuck these fools.

Montrose has book trucks that are different from any other branch library.  The trucks have six wheels instead of four.  I like that because the six wheels distribute the weight on the truck better than the four.  Which makes for a smoother ride.  One little fault in the truck design is that the brakes aren't very good.  Because it's smooth it sometimes starts moving without a nudge.  There have been times in the past when I turn around, while working something in the delivery van, only to find the Montrose truck moving towards the street.  That almost happened to me today, only I had the van between the truck and the street.  Still, that thing needs some good brakes.  I might have to look into some method of keeping that book truck, as well as others, from moving when I'm loading and unloading things.

I got to Brand for lunch, but when I got to the kitchen TheNewCute wasn't there.  She later told me that she had to take an early lunch due to something or other.  Oh well.  I didn't ask her, but I wondered if she was going to go to the city holiday party in a couple of weeks.

A few weeks ago the tree in front of Adams Square was gone.  Today I drove up and noticed a new sapling.  How nice.  I'm glad the city planted a new tree there.

The bathroom faucet is a little wonky in that the hot water side turns farther than it should to keep the water from flowing.  It should stop at a ninety degree angle to the backsplash, but it goes beyond that.  Because of that it actually opens up the faucet and allows a little bit of water to drip out.  Also, the proper place for it to stop all flow is just before going ninety degrees.  My aunt has zero idea of these things, because she NEVER leaves the faucet in the proper angle to keep the water from leaking.  It's such a frustration dealing with her actions.  She has no accumulated knowledge.

Sunday, December, 3, I didn't see the girl in the striped yoga pants at the market today.  Nor did I see the cute self-checkout lady either.  I did see a lady that was dressed up in what I can best describe as a body/cat suit.  And oh boy did she have a fantastic figure.  It almost didn't seem real.  I see the striped yoga pants girl all the time, and she has a nice figure.  But this girl today looked flawless.  I hope she becomes a regular on my Sunday trips to the market.

Monday, December, 4, I've said it many times before... weekend crew is trash.  Those bums just dump books into the bins (see above).  Today it wasn't just dumping books, it was overfilling the book bins for Brand with heavy books.  Fuckers!  I need to work a Sunday to show these dopes what's what.

I've had enough of these antics from these weekend stooges.  I think I might actually possibly have to write an email about this to Mala.

As predicted, I'm back to working at Casa on Thursdays.  Once the current Thursday guy, Grigor, gave notice that he would be leaving for a new full time job with the County I knew that they would have to return me to Casa on Thursdays.  They have no one else.  So, I'm back.  I knew I would be, because of how things are.  Am I looking forward to it?  Yes and no.  I didn't like being without an assignment on Thursdays, so for that I'm glad to be back at Casa.  But it's going to be a late day for me, working until 7pm.  I mean, that's OK.  I just better find some projects that I need to do.  I do have a lot of those, but I never give myself the time to do them.

I put up the caution tape last week to prevent dopes from going on the side of the library where there is construction happening.  But time and again these idiots step over and around the caution tape.  What are these morons thinking?  The tape literally says caution on it.  What other way can I make it clear that they shouldn't go that way?  If I had the power I would install a fence around that area of the walkway.  No one but employees would be able to go that way.  Alas, it's never going to happen.

There is an idiot that frequents the library that likes to park his car in the loading zone.  He parks it RIGHT where I need to park.  I hate this guy.  I told myself that if he parked there again I would call parking enforcement.  Sure enough I called and these dopes let him get away.  He told us that we couldn't do anything to him, because he has a handicap permit.  Having one of those doesn't give you blanket immunity if you park in white zones or red zones.  I called and it took the parking enforcement douches so long to arrive that he was able to escape a ticket.  This time.  I will get this mofo a ticket.  Then he will learn.  Because his arrogance made me determined to show him up.  Fucking parking enforcement sucks.

Tuesday, December, 5, There isn't much to report from today.  It was a slog at Casa.  I was scheduled to go home at 3pm, but the guy that usually comes in after me called out, so I stayed until 7pm.  It was a long day, and just slow.  We didn't have that many people today.  New lights were installed inside and out.  They are really bright.

I want to thank whomever put this particular episode of Saturday Night Live on the site archive dot-org.  I've been looking for this particular sketch for YEARS.  It's called the Bastard Battalion, and it's one of my favorite sketches.  All I could remember is that they kept on saying the word bastard over and over again.  It was hilarious.  I often search for things on the archive site.  And now I am able to present to you that old sketch, the Bastard Battalion.

Wednesday, December, 6, A couple of guys came by Casa today to install some new lights all over the building.  Here they are putting in new lights outside (see above).  The guys were here yesterday as well, mainly installing lights outside.  I'll try to get a picture of the outside lights.

Since TheGirl doesn't have any income right now she suggested that we spilt the check at dinner.  I'm not sure how that's going to help her pay less, but I went with it tonight.  I have the means to pay for dinner each week, but she doesn't want to do that.  Tonight we went to get pizza.  It hit the spot.  Then TheGirl took us to Toluca Lake to check out the Xmas lights, even though she's not in the Christmas spirit due to her not having a job.

Thursday, December, 7, I came into work a little later than usual, 8:30am.  When the rest of my coworkers arrived a few minutes later I was told that Sue fell down outside in the construction zone.  Remember that caution tape I put up?  Yeah, my coworker went around it, but then she walked on the grassy area where they construction guys put down some plywood.  She apparently lost her footing in the plywood and fell.  She's going to be out for a few days due to worker's comp issues.  She did hurt her side, from what I understand.  What I don't understand is why she walked on the grassy area, other than to save time.  It's not safe in that area, hence the tape.  The construction guys put more tape extended to the bushes.  Their tape says danger.  Even still, Violeta told me that she saw several people go past the tapes.  Dumb.  Sue should know better since she works here.  Don't go that way.

The name of our new assistant director has finally been revealed, and it's a blast from the past.  Lessa used to be a children's librarian upstairs about eight years ago.  She's one of the best coworkers I've had, and certainly one of the nicest.  I'm happy to hear that she's going to be the assistant director.  Maybe I can put some ideas in her ear.

Misa sent me a picture (see above) with some rando in the background.  She later said it was her boyfriend.  I don't know the guy, but he looks a little on the douchey side.  I wish her well.  I guess that's why she was trying to lose weight.  She wanted to look good naked.  *Wink*

Friday, December, 8, I usually end my route at Adams Square, but today I had to make that my first stop.  I was given a huge luggage to take there, as well as an ironing board.  The branch isn't open on Fridays, so I normally don't see anyone there.  Today Edit, the person in charge of the Maker Space, was there.  There were two other girls there too, I didn't get the name of the blonde, but that's OK.  I was mesmerized by the brunette, Elizabeth (pictured above).  She's cute, but I loved her hips.  They were amazing.  I did some cyber stalking and found that she is accomplished.  She seems to be attached as well.  Her social media shows food, eating and cooking it.  Nice.  Despite her possibly being attached I would like to see her more often than not.  She's easy on the eyes, that's for sure.

So yeah, TheNewCute was on the desk while I ate my yummy tamale.  When I got to the desk after lunch she was telling me that she picked Misa for her guinea pig for her class assignment.  Basically she had to watch a pair of people and write about it.  Because of this I know that Misa's new fella was quiet.  Yeah, that's pretty typical.

Saturday, December, 9, I was watching a video last night and it got me thinking of ice in my soda.  I have a fancy glass that is meant to concentrate the smells of a Coke so that it taste better.  The glass has a small mouth, so covers your nose.  I don't know if it makes it taste better, but it does taste good.  But then there is the discussion of the ice.  Mixed drinks need crushed ice to transfer the cold to the drink.  So I bought myself a Lewis bag with a mallet.  Sure enough, it crushed the ice nice, and immediately the first drink I had was cold faster than with the big ice cubes.  Nice.

TheGirl and I went to El Sol up in El Cresenta to get some dinner.  The place has really good food, and super good margaritas.  I was only able to have one margarita, since I was driving.  But, TheGirl had two, and boy did they hit her.  She was flying even after we got back to her place.

TheGirl and I went to the Descanso Gardens after dinner for this year's Enchanted Forest.  I have to say that it was just OK this year.  The garden's lights are pretty much the repeat of last year, and the year before that, and the year before that.  Some things were moved around, but really it's the same thing now.  Maybe next year I'll go to the South Coast Botanical gardens instead.  Their displays a couple of years ago were just OK too, but at least they were different.

TheGirl, still feeling good from the margaritas, decided to put her Santa Hat on Cheyenne for some pictures.  I went and gave Cheyenne and kiss and a hug.  She's so adorable.

Monday, December, 11, My aunt bought a truckload of Eggo waffles from Costco a month ago, which means we have a lotta Eggo waffles in the freezer for me to eat for breakfast.  I've been topping the waffles with just butter but yesterday I picked up some maple syrup.  Today the waffles topped with maple syrup were SO good.  I'm so happy that I bought that maple syrup.

Every Monday I get a surprised by the stupidity of the weekend crew.  Today it was pretty bad.  The weekend crew just does everything wrong.  The problem is no one on the weekend crew has been properly trained.  So it's not entirely their fault, but they still lack common sense.  Because common sense would say don't stack the bins so high.  But, what do I know?

I was up at Brand having lunch and dropping off some items for tomorrow's holiday party.  While up at Brand I ran into Stephanie by the bathrooms.  We said hello and she walked to the bathroom and I went towards the kitchen.  That's when I got a nice look at her behind.  She doesn't ware very tight clothing, but today she was wearing something tight.  I got a great view of her behind, and sure enough I can confirm that Stephanie has a really nice ass.  I had a feeling, but now it's confirmed.

Last year I had a ticket to see Sarah McLachlan, but that's when I got Covid.  I had to sell my tickets and of course didn't get to go see her.  I found out a couple of days ago via social media that she was coming back in May.  Tonight I got my ticket for her concert in May.  I hope something doesn't prevent me to see her this time.

Tuesday, December, 12, I don't like participating in a lot of work related activities.  I planned on going to the city's holiday's party a couple of weeks ago, but I got off work three hours before the party.  So, I naturally went home.  TheGirl mentioned that TheHusband attended the party as well.  I dodged a bullet, I guess.

I don't like social things, but TheNewCute was going to be at the holiday party, and that I can't miss.  I can't believe that five years ago she was not in my life.  I didn't know her at all.  She was not even in Los Angeles.  Today, she's a very significant someone I know.  But yeah, she's special.  How many other special people did I have in my life?  TheSilmarillion?  Mary?  Kimberly?  TheGirl?  The list might be as long as my arm, or it could just barely reach my arm pit.  But... I digress.

My photo feed showed me a pictures from WAY back in 2001, when I was going to school at Santa Monica College.  I had the BIGGEST crush on on of my professors, named Professor Smith.  I remember I would go to her office, wanting to ask her out, or something.  But if she was there I would just walk by and not say a thing.  But this one time she wasn't there.  I took out my camera and took the above photo.  Yeah, there's not much to see there.  The flash makes it hard to see any details.

I just remember that my fantasy with her was that we would be sitting on a huge couch at opposite ends.  She would be grading some papers, or reading a book, and I would be on the other side reading a book.  The room would be dimly lit, and there would be a fireplace behind us.  We would be cozy.  We would be one.  We would be ourselves.  We would just be of the moment, all nice and cozy.  Reading... sharing the same space, but maybe not even touching.  We would just... be.  It's all I ever wanted.  Alas....

Wednesday, December, 13, Last year I had a ticket to see Sarah McLachlan, but that's when I got Covid.  I had to sell my tickets and of course didn't get to go see her.  I found out a couple of days ago via social media that she was coming back in May.  Last night I got my ticket for her concert in May.  I hope something doesn't prevent me to see her this time.

The construction crew was taking cement to the new teen area.  They were using a wheelbarrow to take the cement from the side door and the new elevator.  Because of this they have tracked cement down the hallway (see above).  Yeah, I don't know who's bright idea it was to install the new carpet before the renovation was completed.  Dumb.

For about the last year there has been this asshole patron that parks in the loading zone, which I need to be free to do my deliveries.  About a month ago my coworker confronted this dummy and told him that he needed to park his car somewhere else, because it's a loading zone and not a parking spot.  The patron, dummy, told my coworker that he didn't have to listen to him.  Furthermore, he said that the police didn't have jurisdiction over that area, and that there was no way he could get a ticket.  That got my dander up.  Fucking idiot makes it so much more difficult to unload the bins from the van.  Last week he parked there again, and even though I called parking enforcement, he got away.  Parking enforcement took so long to come around that he was able to get away.  But today I was determined to get him a ticket.  I called up parking enforcement, and maybe it was the tone of my voice, but today they arrived within ten minutes.  I told the guy the story about how the asshole said he couldn't get a ticket, and the guy says to me, "I'm going to give him one right now."  And like that the asshole had his ticket.  Now I have to find out how I can have that car of his towed.  Let's see how he likes the ticket he got.  Fucking idiot thinks that having a disabled placard means he can park anywhere for as long as he likes.  Now he knows it's not true.

There's not much to report from dinner tonight.

While at dinner I wanted to check on my paycheck for tomorrow.  I see it and it's only for $548.  What the fuck happened to the rest of it?  I know that this paycheck includes the Thanksgiving holiday, but still.  That's about 1/3rd of what I usually take home.  When I got home I saw that I didn't submit any hours for the week after Thanksgiving.  Fuck me!  I submitted the hours, but now it won't be until my next paycheck in two weeks that I'll get that money.  I'm a dope.

Thursday, December, 14, It's back to my old Thursday night jam at Casa.  I stupidly forgot to organize something special for breakfast this morning.  Next week, for sure.  Today was a long day.  I forgot how long the days at Casa were.  Working 9am to 7pm is long.  I should try to be more productive in some way.  I did journal a bit, but I have to find something else to use my time while I'm on the desk.  Because, the last couple of hours are usually really quiet.

Tonight's program was teaching the rudimentary rules of chess.  I had to do a little brushing up this morning, because I didn't remember all the moves.  Only one kid showed up, so I played against him.  He wiped the floor with me.  It's cool, I haven't played in a million years.  Although he knew a lot, I did teach him that when someone gives up they say I resign.  He didn't know you could resign.

The outdoor lights were replaced last week.  I am not usually around at sundown, so I didn't get a chance to look at the lights.  But, tonight I worked past sundown, so I got to see just how bright the new LED lights are.  I was sitting at the desk when the outside lights went on, and it was like a spotlight had been turned on behind me.  It was actually a little startling.  Those things are super bright.  I like.

Friday, December, 15, Tony was out yesterday.  He called me to tell me his back was acting up, so be ready for a call today.  Nope.  They just said fuck it and sent out a message saying there would be no delivery yesterday.  Of course that meant that I would get all of yesterday's delivery and today's.  It doesn't work out exactly that way, because if there is no delivery then there isn't anything from the branches to distribute.  It's only the stuff that's outbound from Central that will be from yesterday.  It doesn't mean it was a light load today.  As you can see from the picture above there were a lot of bins.  As I loaded the van the guy from technical services came into circulation with new books.  Oh hell nah, I'm not going to take that today.  Fuck that!  I'll take them on Monday.

I was told and then emailed about moving a bookdrop from Grandview to Chevy Chase.  At Chevy they are preparing to redo the front walk to become more ADA compliant.  Not sure what they will do, but they need to take the bookdrop and move it temporarily.  That's fine.  I'm not sure what they intend to do with the bookdrop I took over here, because it's an indoor bookdrop.  It's not water proof in any way, and I say that because the weather liars are predicting rain next week.  So I'm not sure if they are going to leave this bookdrop outside or inside.  And if it's inside than it's pointless.  Why?  Because if you have someone come inside they can just hand the books to the person on the desk.  Dumb, but I'll guess we'll see what happens next week.  I delivered the stupid thing.

I delivered some hiking bags now dubbed "Nature Literacy backpack."  Here is the email that was sent out:

A new item will soon be available for check out at the Glendale Library! This month we will begin circulating "Nature Literacy Backpacks." According the 2020 American Community Survey, 67.3% of all people in Glendale speak a language other than English, and 32.8% indicated they speak English less than "very well." Parks are full of signs explaining rules, advisories, and other important information. To help members of our community whose first language is not English, these kits will have translation devices, and other tools to help them navigate parks safely and comfortably. These devices can translate from picture or voice into over 100 languages including Armenian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Korean.

OK, that's fine and dandy.  But not quite.  Grayce and I were talking about how you need to have some sort of wifi connection in order to use all the functions.  I'm not sure where you're going to find wifi out in the mountains.  Hell, sometimes you don't even have cell service up there.  OK. Then there's the matter of the "Device agreement."  They don't have one.  They sent out the kits, but as TheNewCute pointed out, they have no idea when they will have device agreements ready for these things.  Like, why bother, right?  TheNewCute told me that the gang in charge of this just said, "We can use the device agreements for the hot spots."  OK.  Why don't they go on to the computer and change a couple of the words to say "translator" from "hot spot."  TheNewCute pointed that out to the team, but they didn't say anything.  So come next week, when I'm on the desk, and some dope asks for this I'm just going to give it to them.  I don't have the agreements, so fuck it.

Saturday, December, 16, I pointed out that food doesn't seem to have much taste lately.  Not all food, but some food.  For breakfast I ordered some Taco Bell.  I thought of mixing some mayo with ketchup and some chili paste from Zankou.  It was a good combination, and flavorful.

I was on my way to the Brand library tonight to make a appearance at the new gallery opening.  I didn't intend on being there that long.  I got off the freeway at Forest Lawn drive, because it looked like the better move.  Right as I got off there was a car tailgating me.  Nothing new.  When I got past Travel Town the car behind me just whooshed around me, turning on his hazards while doing his illegal maneuver.  Because everyone knows that turning on your hazard lights on means illegal stuff is not illegal.

I made an appearance at Brand for tonight's gallery opening.  Stephanie was bouncing around, looking very nice.  I can certainly confirm, again, that Stephanie has a kicking body.  Sigh.

Sunday, December, 17, Every Sunday night I take a few minutes to refill my aunt's pill box.  I do this so she will take her meds the proper way, and completely.  In the past she would skip certain days, just because she wasn't, "Feeling well."  Because, you do know that when you have an illness that's under control due meds, it's a good idea to use FEWER meds when you're not feeling well.  My aunt has the worst logic.  To me it always feels like she's using some kind of reverse logic.

Tonight I noticed that my aunt split one of her meds, and didn't take the other.  All I can do is shake my head.

Tuesday, December, 19, I don't have much to report today.  I went to work and got there a little early, and slept in my car.  Good thing too, because I was originally going to leave at 4pm, but I ended up going home at 7pm.

I'm kinda glad to take these extra hours, because I'm working less hours this week.  Today's hours help my total hours stay close to my regular hours.  The next couple of weeks I'll have one day off due to the holidays, so any extra hours help make up for those hours lost.

Administration posted some pictures from the city's holiday party.  Someone mentioned that Sarah had a boyfriend.  He accompanied her to the city party (see above).

Wednesday, December, 20, It rained yesterday and sure enough there were new leaks at Central today.  The leaks have moved a few feet from some old leaks.  Suffice to say the new leaks are close to where the old leaks where.  Of course everyone questions how there are leaks when the roof is supposed to be sealed.  Yeah, tell that story walking.  I'll say it again, because I'm not sure I have said it here.  Who the fuck puts a roof up during the rainiest part of the year?  Oh, and I'm pretty sure if they did put it up when it was warm it would still leak at the first sign of rain.  This is not the last time we will be putting trash cans out to catch the leaks.

I had my evaluation with Mala today.  It went well.  She told me that I'm getting my raise, but that the delay is because of the fact that the person that was the financial person left in September.  Just great.  But at least I'll be getting my raise.  I hope that they give me a 5% raise like last year.  I need to make more money, so I can save more, pay off bills faster.  All that stuff.  My evaluation was most excellent.  Stacie was telling me that she got hers and that it only had one category where she was exceptional.  I had three.  Woo hoo!  Until next year.

TheGirl had concerns about washing out, if you wanted to go somewhere that had a covered patio.  A few weeks ago we went to a place at the Burbank mall, a Mediterranean spot.  It wasn't amazing, but it was good.  TheGirl told me that she might have enough income coming in that she will be able to return to our old pay system for dinner where we alternate who pays each week.  For the last month we have been going Dutch.

After dinner we went to Orange Julius and while I got a pina colada drink TheGirl got whipped cream.  Cheyenne loves whipped cream.

Thursday, December, 21, A change in my schedule meant that I working from 1pm to 6pm today.  That meant I had my morning free to get some stuff done.  A few weeks ago I went to Knott's berry farm with my buddy Dane.  During that visit we had some Italian meatballs with boysenberry BBQ sauce.  It was soooo good.  I wanted to replicate that for my work lunch.  I decided to go down there today and get some bottles of BBQ sauce.  Done and done.  While there I also bought myself some shortbread cookies, but the boysenberry ones.  The stores usually just carry the raspberry ones, or the strawberry ones.  Yuck, raspberry.

My shopping spree was over and done with by 10:15am, and I sure wasn't go back to Glendale for work yet.  My other part of the plan was to get some food, but it was way too early.  I had to kill some time.  I remembered that there was a park that I wanted to visit out in Anaheim.  I put the name into the phone and it guided me to Anaheim Founders park.  A little park that had four standing buildings and some other little features.  Plaques with history of the park and the buildings, as well as Anaheim history.  My favorite of the buildings was the Queen Anne style mansion.

There was another feature that you couldn't miss.  It was a huge tree that dominates the area.  One of the plaques had the history of the tree.  The last fact it cool.  It says,

Walt Disney drew inspiration from many places.  In 1962, he modeled Disneyland's Swiss Family Robinson treehouse (now Tarzan's home) after the Moreton Bay fig, here at Founders' Park.

The Disneyland attraction clearly was inspired by this amazing tree.  Sorry the picture doesn't do it justice.  It was only 10:40am when I finished up taking pictures, but maps said that it would take me forty minutes to get to Pioneer chicken.  Because I didn't take a turn when maps told me to I ended up going a little out of the way to get to the freeway.  It took me about an hour to get the East Los.

I've been wanting to go to pioneer chicken for a long time.  When I was a kid, they used to be a pioneer chicken right up the street from us on Ventura Blvd.  I'm sure we went there a few dozen times over the years.  When it closed I was sad, but I went on.  I knew there were others, but they always seemed so far away.  I found one on Sunset Blvd, but then that one also closed, before I could do anything more than drive by it.  Then I come to find out there are two in the East Los Angeles area that are still going strong.  But when am I ever out in East Los?  Very rarely.  But with today's little exposition down to Buena Park I was in the neighborhood.  Sure enough, the place was like the one I went to in my neighborhood.  I liked the chicken, but when I was a kid I would often order the fish and chips.  It wasn't authentic fish and chips, but they were tasty.  So I ordered that up today, along with a chicken strip.  It was all very tasty.  The only miss is that their tartar sauce was just out of packets, like ketchup packets only with tartar sauce.  If, big if, I had known I could have gotten some Big Boy tartar sauce, which is the best I've had.  It's SO good.  Next time I'll have to do take out and slather some tartar sauce I have at home.  Oh, and some malt vinegar.

It was around noon that I got going from Pioneer chicken.  I still had an hour to get to work, but I knew there would be traffic to slow me down.  Google lady said that it would probably take about thirty five minutes to get to the Grandview library.  Could my bladder survive this?  I had ordered a huge orange bang at lunch, and I had used the rest room at Knott's before I left at around 10am.  I made it to Grandview, but I didn't see anyone's car in the parking lot, so I booked it up to Brand to use their bathroom, because the urge was getting stronger.  After using the bathroom I jotted back down to Grandview.  Mary had been there the entire time.  How was I to know?

My shift was scheduled for only five hours today, but boy did it feel like a longer shift.  But, I survived.

TheGirl is without a job, and she's been depressed about it.  So much so that she didn't even put up a Christmas tree this year.  She basically said no thank you to Christmas this year.  I wasn't even sure she wanted to do a gift exchange.  But, I went ahead and got Cheyenne a gift.  TheGirl mentioned that her little light that helps her be seen by cars was costing her a lot.  This is because the light doesn't have a rechargeable battery.  Every time it dies she has to drop about $6 for the batteries, oh and it's two, so that adds up because they don't last long.  So I bought her a pair of rechargeable lights, that are super bright.  Tonight TheGirl shared a picture with me of Cheyenne with her new bright light (above).

Friday, December, 22, When I got into work this morning I went to the bathroom, because these days I always get urges when entering a building.  I went into the men's room and found cones blocking a puddle of water.  I was told later that some dope took the plastic urinal cakes from the urinals and stuffed them down the toilet, along with paper.  The city guy told me that he was thankfully able to reach them with his tool.  These patrons are such assholes.

Having lunch at Brand without TheNewCute is different.  I know I have lunch up there on Mondays, when there is no one working.  But this is different.  TheNewCute went back to St. Louis to visit her family.  She didn't really tell me she was going, but I knew she was because she does it every year.  Anyway, I ended up having lunch with Misa today.  She didn't bring anything to eat, so I ended up sharing my can of chili with her.  I almost bought myself a sandwich, but I'm trying to lose a little bit of weight.  Little did I know I could have given Misa the other half of my sandwich.  Next time.

A patron paid myself and another coworker a compliment today.  Vivian wrote Gitmo to tell me, and us.  Here's the email:

Guillermo, patron Dace paid a complement to our entire Casa Verdugo team.  She said that everyone is very warm and welcoming here, and that she could tell that staff enjoy it here too.  She especially wanted complement Michael and Eric for assisting her at different times, one regarding LINK+.  Michael and Eric, thank you!

The security guard told me that there is a new replacement janitor that is very pretty.  He said that as she was coming down to the first floor to clean the bathrooms there.  Sure enough, she is really beautiful.  For sure she's fresh off the boat.  Eli, the security guard, said she was from Venezuela and doesn't understand much English.  But she is gorgeous.

Saturday, December, 23, I was doing a little drinking last night and at some point I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote down some things that I wanted for 2024.  Here is the list:

1) Take more pictures.
2) Save more money.
3) Meditate

Obviously taking more pictures means taking more pictures.  But I also want to take more "meaningful" pictures.  I guess that's another way of saying artistic.  Yeah, I should have said that instead of just saying meaningful.  But I also want more in general.

Save money is duh, I want to save more money.  I got my raise, so I need to take that extra money and put it aside.

Meditate is just that, meditate.  I also want to improve myself by reading good books, like the one I did the past year, "Man's search for meaning."  That book made me see things differently.  It was the reason I am able to just keep chugging along as others get frustrated.  Yes, I do have my moments, but I also know that in any given situation I choose how I deal with it.  That's very important.

Sunday, December, 24, I was only able to eat three McRibs this year.  What a tragedy.  I tried having more but they left before I could eat more.  It's a damn shame.

Monday, December, 25, I was all set to just chill at home when my aunt asked what we were having for dinner.  I knew that I had a lot of food in the fridge, and that's what I was going to have for supper.  But then my aunt asked me what we were going to eat.  I told her I had food here.  She then insisted that we get take out.  She kept on saying that I should get us a pizza.  First, I don't like any of the chain pizza's in my neighborhood.  They all suck.  Second, I haven't found an independent pizza place that I like enough to order.  So that's out.  Also, it's fucking Christmas day!  Everything is closed.  I told my aunt that, but she continued to say I should get something, "De la calle," meaning from the street.  Take out.  I found that Burger King was open and I ordered something for the both of us on the app.  I picked up the food and I don't know what happened but my Whopper was not good.  My aunt liked her fish sandwich, except that she thought it was chicken.  Like really?  I should have gotten the fish as well, my burger was not OK.  I didn't even finish it.  I don't know what got up my aunt's ass that she insisted we get take out.  There was plenty of good food at home.  So frustrating.

Tuesday, December, 26, Nothing much happened today at work.  We weren't very busy, though in the middle of the day we had a good amount of people.  But at the end of the night there was just one patron.  I think that's how it's going to be at the library until past New Years.  People are out and about, they don't have need for the library.

The other day an older man came in and told my coworker Alex and me that there was no need for libraries anymore because, "Everyone is on their phones."  I told them that not everyone wants to read on their phone.  He scoffed and said that as a taxpayer he thought it was a waste of his money to have a building open that had almost no patrons in it.  He added that it wasn't just the building but our salaries that he was paying for, and basically said all of it was a waste.  OK, thanks for coming.

Wednesday, December, 27, I'm listening to the Arnold Schwarzenegger book "Be Useful."  It's a good book, and a good motivator.  He asks the question of the reader, "What do you want."  And he doesn't say things will come to you if you just put it out there, like that took "The Secret" says to do.  No, he mentions that the goal is just the first step.  The other steps are to actually get something done, to make that vision a reality.  So what do I want?  I know I want to be a good photographer.  Ideally it would mean making some money on the side to pay off my debts.  The ultimate goal is to create some awesome images and get paid.  Now I have to figure out how to do that.  There's a way, for sure.

When I got to the Chevy Chase branch there were a bunch of guys pouring concrete in the front area of the driveway.  I couldn't tell how they are changing that part of the driveway, but the idea is to make it easier for someone who is handicapped to get to the front door.  We shall she if they don't fuck this up.

Jade was telling me today that Grigor was on the schedule again, and it wasn't just a day or two, it was nearly all week.  How strange since he just took that job at County Housing.  I texted him to ask and he goes on to text that it didn't work out with them.  He said that they told him one salary and then didn't have him making less.  Total bait and switch.  So he is back at the library.  For now his return doesn't seem to be affecting my schedule.  It appears he won't be working at Casa.  The online scheduling website shows that he will be working at Central.  Perhaps that's just for January, but then again I don't see him scheduled for any Thursdays.  I like that he's back, but I hope his return doesn't mean that I'll be departing Casa on Thursdays.  Or do I?  Working on Thursdays until 7pm is a slog.  At least when I was working at Central on Thursdays I was getting off work at 4:30pm.  Hmmm.

There's not much to report from dinner tonight.  We went up to Don Cuco's, and I have to say that their drinks feel like they are weak sauce these days.  It's a good thing I pre-game some whiskey while driving over to the restaurant.

After dinner TheGirl and I always go on a walk with Cheyenne to have Cheyenne do her business.  We went around the block and my fucking bladder could not hold my fucking urine in.  We were nearly around the block when the urge went from like a four to a ten.  I literally couldn't hold it in.  I fucking peed myself a little and then a little bit more.  And then a bit more.  I had to grab the top of my dick just to keep the pee from coming out.  But, it was too late, quite a bit had already come out.  The thought that I might need adult diapers went through my mind.  ARGH!  I need to figure this thing out.  I was able to finally get back to the restaurant's bathroom.  My pants didn't get wet, but my underwear did a bit.  This is the worst.

When we got back home to TheGirl's place she bundled up Cheyenne in all her blankies.  She's so cozy.

Thursday, December, 28, Two weeks ago was the last time I got paid.  TheGirl and I were at dinner when I checked and saw that my paycheck was about 1/3rd of what it usually is.  The pay period did cover Thanksgiving, but there's no way I only made $548 in two weeks.  When I got home I checked and stupid me forgot to submit my hours for the week after Thanksgiving.  I did after, but I knew I would have to wait until today to see that money.  Sure enough, my paycheck came in today.  And just in time.  I owe my mortgage and in a couple of days my American Express is due.  What does suck is that the city paid me for the last three weeks and here's what it was.  $3,166.  Minus taxes, and other deductions, my check came out to $2,320.  That's almost a grand in taxes and deductions.  This is the last paycheck of the year, but even though it doesn't cover the last two weeks of the year.  Still, it's good enough to see what I made this year.  I'm stunned myself.  Gross, I made up to date, $55,311.  Take home was $43,009.  Either way this is the most I've ever made.  I'm hoping with the new raise I'll get closer to $60,000 a year.  I do plan on putting a lot of that extra money towards the mortgage and savings.

TheNewCute and I were talking about how the people at Central hold back the Link Plus labels for reasons.  About once a month Central will send Brand four packs of Link Plus labels.  They are not just the blank labels, but rather the printed ones.  They're all set to write on.  This last time Central only sent two packs, for some reason.  I had a talk with the people at Central and they claim that Brand doesn't need that many.  What the fuck are they talking about?  Brand needs what it needs.  I don't have an idea why Central limits the amount of labels they send anyone.  I always get extras for Casa, because we are often on the verge of running out.  No thank you.  I am of the opinion that Brand should be swimming in those labels, not have to ask every couple of weeks for more.  Today I saw that they even keep track of the amount of labels they send Brand.  Like why be so stingy?  What is the purpose of that?  Why have ANY limits?  Idiots!

For weeks there have been groups of special needs people, along with their handlers, coming into the library.  A couple of the girls are attractive.  Today I finally got to chat up the REALLY cute girl, Julie.  Every time I interact with a cute girl like Julie I forget how I feel that it's best to ignore girls.  I mean the reality is no one wants me.  Julie is probably half my age, or more.  Womp womp.  I can dream, but all I can do is wish.  The fella she handles is a kid stuck in a wheelchair.  You can tell that he probably has a big crush on her.  That is something we share, and we both have the same chance to go out with her.  Her face looks a lot like one of the ladies that starred in the movie The Ring, Rachael Bella.

Friday, December, 29, When I got to Brand today Misa was on the desk.  She told me that the gang at Brand was talking about me the other day.  Me?  The topic was that I'm a hermit.  I never go to anyone's invites.  That's kinda true, because a lot of these hangs are on a "school night."  And then on the weekends I just want to chill.  Misa said that I HAVE to go to the next thing they invite me to do.  I guess that's it.

Who knew they ever thought of me after I leave the library and go to my next stop.

Saturday, December, 30, I've added a step to my jerk off routine.  The only thing I look forward to on the weekends is jerking off at night.  While I jerk off I also drink some whiskey.  That dries me out, so I've gone to drinking this hydration drink after I come.  So far it's helped me not wake up so hung over.  I need a fuck buddy, like when Talia and I were fuck buddies.  It was scheduled and regular.  Maybe in 2024.

Sunday, December, 31, Here is the last Link Plus cartoon of the year.  I forgot to post it earlier.  The old Brand librarian, Erin, wants me to contact the library this comes from, but I don't want to say what she says.  She wants me to say that they must have a lot of time.  Yeah, no.

I went to the market today and the cute self-checkout lady was there.  I got to check out her ass.  She was wearing her tight black pants as I walked by the self-checkout area.  When I was checking out she wasn't there though.  Damn.

December wrap-up: The last month of the year and it was pretty good.  The biggest highlight for me is getting a ticket to Sarah McLachlan concert in May.  I just hope I don't get Covid again right before the concert.  Some of the other highlights was getting that jerk a ticket for parking in the loading zone.  Fucking arrogant bastard won't be parking where I need to park anymore.  If he does, ticket time!  The month overall was good.  Had a couple of adventures, and got to eat some good food like Pioneer chicken.  Overall I give this month a B grade.

2023 wrap-up: It's hard to believe 2023 happened, because it was so fast.  Every year will feel like that now.  Early in the year I fell down and really hurt myself.  That event was hard, because I had to live in pain for weeks afterward.  I'm not sure that I didn't do some permanent damage to some parts of my body.  For sure my ego.  Then there was the matter of the full time jobs I was passed over for.  Two interviews and two no chance of getting the jobs.  Why did I even sign up for those jobs?  Lesson learned.

The positives of this year is that I got to check out some places in town that I hadn't visited before.  Places like the Formosa Cafe, Musso and Frank, as well Anaheim Founders's park, to name a few.  And who could forget that it actually snowed here in Los Angeles.  Sure, it melted as soon as it hit the ground, but it did snow.  Amazing.

TheNewCute got the full time job up at Brand, which meant we would not be working on the same desk at Casa anymore.  Sad, but the library is cyclical.  There may be a day when we get to work side by side again.

This year I made it my purpose to do good deeds, and I think it went well.  Also, for sure this year was all about nostalgia for me.  I really looked back over the years this past year.  Maybe it's a wanting.  Maybe it's a wish that I could go back and fix things, like on those sci-fi stories where the main character goes back in time to fix something.  I wonder if there has ever been a story of time traveling just to be nostalgic and revisit your old childhood home, or school, or favorite restaurant.