Afterthoughts: This Past Month

It's my birthday month!  I turned fifty-five this year.  Jeez, that's old.

Tuesday, September, 1, There was a new bird in the backyard.  I looked it up and it's most likely a Western Flycatcher.  How cute.  I hope that the birdbath brought him in.  If that's the case I hope more birds are attracted to the birdbath.  They sure like the smaller bird bath though.  It's cool, for now I'll keep both.

No MILFs at the library today, but there was this tutor that's come in before, but has never sat so close to the service desk.  She was sitting on the chair all sideways, and generally acting like a cat.  I didn't say in heat, not that, but certainly a house cat that wants to be petted.  When not moving around she just looked hot because she has such a nice body.

I got home and I started getting my dinner warm when I saw Ziggy's silhouette perched on the backyard bench that I chill on in the evenings.  She knows that's where I chill.  She knows she can get my attention by being there.  I quickly grabbed a handful of peanuts and put them on the ground.  So cute.  My friend Ziggy.

I went to Total Wine to get some booze, and I found some pre-made paper plane.  It was good.  I thought it didn't pack a punch, but then it did.  Very good.

Wednesday, September, 2, I was told to pick up the van because it was ready.  But it turned out they just wanted to give it back to us, because they ordered the parts and they didn't want us to be in the loaner.  Fine.  The garage is also going to order a visor as well.

It's been at least five years that I went to Mala and told her how we needed a new delivery van.  Knowing that the process can take two years to get a new vehicle.  Was anything done?  Not one thing.  Five years later, one complaint from the new guy and suddenly there's talk of a replacement.  And like urgent talk about having a replacement.  Well, if it gets me a new delivery van I don't care what the source is.

As I was picking up the delivery van I ran into one of the mechanics that told me the city took delivery of twenty-five new cars.  The guy who ordered them retired, and now they don't know what departments nearly half of the cars are going to.  I figured I could go to the director and tell her this.  And to put the library's hat in the circle for one of these cars.  After I told her she said the same thing.  She tells me, "Yeah, I can tell them that DrDeath had talked to them."  Just what I was thinking.  But I had to find out if any of those cars were vans.

I drove to the civic center and ran up to the fifth floor of the garage to see what kind of cars they have up there, only to find the new cars are Chevy Bolts.  Damn!  I can't use them for delivery.  But, after having a talk with the boss I think that I might get a new vehicle... in two years.  She said, "I'm working on it."

I thought TheGirl said she wanted to go to the Broken Compass this week, but then she mentioned going to Don Cuco.  Which is not a problem, because I like Don Cuco.  After dinner TheGirl wanted to walk on California street, because it looks like Phoenix is going home next week.  So like with Cheyenne TheGirl wanted to walk down by Warner Bros.

Thursday, September, 3, Just before my shower I looked down at my dick and told it, "You are adequate... you don't have to be anything other than what you are."  In short, I don't care about size or anything.  I guess I'm comfortable with who I am.  But also, since I'm not pursuing anyone, nor will I in the future, I don't have to impress anyone.  I can just be me.  I like that.

On Tuesday Adam told Kerri something about Syco's actions and attitude.  He said that Syco told him that the only reason he was driving delivery is because Tony died.  That's a hell of a thing to say to someone.  Even if Syco thought that, why would she say it out loud?  And to Adam directly!  This is yet another example of Syco crossing the line at work.  She already has a grievance filed against her by Jane.  And six other people have added to that grievance.  Seven, if Adam wants to tell his story.  Kerri already said that she is in touch with the other union rep to add this to the pile.

New pamphlets came in delivery today and I opened it up to take a look.  Right off the bat there was a mistake.  The text under the title was cut off.  It happened in another part of the pamphlet that also had cut off text.  What gives?  How does marketing allow this to happen?  Straight up, Vivian and I found twenty-seven individual mistakes.  Some can be categorized under the same umbrella of mistakes.  Such as all the bullet points being at different distances from the words next to them.  Just no.  Kerri refused to put them out for the public.  Vivian marked up one of the pamphlets and emailed it to Nancy.  Not good.  I started something.  How long would it have been if I didn't notice these mistakes on day one?

Friday, September, 4, For my Adventure today I first went to the Western Museum of Flight in Torrance.  I've been going to that area a lot lately.  The museum was nice, because they had a lot of planes and displays.  Plus I had a personal tour from one of the volunteer docents.  But it was a small museum and I was done in less than an hour.

After the Western museum I went to the Flight Path Museum at LAX.  I've been wanting to go to both of these museums for a white now.  This museum was pretty cool, because it used to be a terminal for MGM Grand airline.  It was a luxury airline.  The museum had a lot of cool things, but the best was the view of the southern runway.  For sure I need to bring TheGirl here.  She'll love the views as well.  I know that there is also a spot that people use to view the planes that's a short distance away from the museum.  Too bad the museum doesn't have a cafe that could serve airline inspired meals.

I bought a ticket to the Alex theater for a screening tonight of the movie Star Trek the Motion Picture.  I was front row, but it's funny that I thought it was going to be sold out, but it wasn't.  Perhaps five hundred or maybe even less.  Still, I loved it.  Although, they screened the director's cut, which is good in some ways, but not so good in others.  Like I liked the original not showing what the Vger ship looked like.  The director's cut has some silly looking ship at the end.  Anyway, it was a good night.  The popcorn was good and so was the wine.

Saturday, September, 5, About a year ago I went to the Valley Relics museum for an event.  There were booths there with merchandise and stuff.  One of the booths was for the 3D Space, and I was like I have to go some day.  Well, since my weekends are going to be limited I figured no time like the present.  I asked TheGirl if she wanted to go with me, and I'm glad.  We both had a great time, and learned a lot.  I really want to get into 3D photography.  I'll have to reach out again to the guy running the joint.  You can tell he is quite an expert on 3D.

While exiting the store Whammy I noticed two women starring and pointing to something on the wall.  I could not see what it was from my angle.  But since we were waiting for the person from the 3D space to open the door I went to investigate.  Well, it turns out the ladies were looking at a mouse peek its face out every few seconds.  Not sure why, but it was just there.  Like a cartoon.

My aunt keeps bothering me about some letter of eligibility, or some shit.  It turns out Covered California wrote her to say that she does not qualify for coverage there because she already has Medi-cal and Medi-care.  But she can't get it through her thick skull that she doesn't have to DO ANYTHING.  The letter says, "Our records indicate that you have Medicare.  Your case has been sent to your local county Social Services office for review to see if you qualify for cover under any Medi-cal programs."

She just sent the paperwork in last month.  Well, I did.  And they told her she qualified.  But nooooo, she had to keep harping on this shit letter.  From now one no letter is getting to her.  I'm going to intercept every letter she gets, just so I can have some peace.

Sunday, September, 6, I went to the market as is my Sunday tradition and they have pumpkins.  Not even Labor day.  I get it, the best time of the year is after Labor day and the holidays.  The weather turns cooler, and everything is about pumpkin spice.  But I wonder if we cheapen it a little by extending it so much time.  The second Halloween is over boom, Thanksgiving.  Even before that's over it's already Christmas time.  Don't get me wrong, this is my favorite time of the year too.  I told Ilsa that one of the best moments last year was walking on Harvard ave in Claremont.  I had parked my car on Harvard close to Foothill, and I walked into the Village from there.  The scene made me feel like I was walking down Charlie Brown's street.  That was October 25th last year.  I was in Claremont to visit Katherine.  She had invited me to the Village Venture.  I won't be able to go this year, because I'll be working.

I'm sure the birds don't like the rain as some of us humans do.  They have to be out in the elements.  At least it's not cold out.  I gave my backyard buddies some extra seed, and tried to keep the floor clean.  My aunt also gave me a large plate to put on the table outside, so I could spread some seed on it.  Good idea from my aunt, for once.

This whole weekend my aunt declared that it was Rosh Hashanah, which meant she was not allowed to work.  Or toil, I guess you can say.  Mind you, it's not actually Rosh Hashanah this weekend.  It's NEXT week, but what does the calendar know?  Because she can't work on this toil the kitchen sink is full of dishes.  And she won't let me do it, because I'm also somehow Jewish.  Whatever!  More work for her on Monday.

I was on social media today and a post from Pioneer chicken made me stop scrolling.  They have a new chicken sandwich!  OMG, I have to try it.  Already I was looking to see how far the Huntington is from the Pioneer chicken in East LA.  It's not that far.

Monday, September, 7, I was tasked with emptying the bookdrops this weekend, but I honestly forgot to go yesterday.  I didn't put it on my calendar.  So, I went today.  They will be none the wiser.  If something is said I'll blame the rain.  I was also thinking that if they have me continue to come in on three day weekends to clear out the bookdrops I'll just show up on Monday.  Since I'll be working at the Huntington on Sundays.  Or I could just come after work.  Nah, Monday.

I was surprised how many books were in the internal and side bookdrops had.  Mainly because there has been a fence around three of the four bookshops.  Now sure how people got books in those.  Or maybe people didn't check the bookdrops after the fence went up.

As I was doing the outside front bookdrop, the one with the most books, I noticed a group of five or six guys coming up to the library.  Not sure why they thought the library would be open on a federal holiday.  People come up to the library at all hours of the day and expect it to be open.  At Casa we open at 11am, and there have been people there over an hour early thinking we're open.  I guess library people don't deserve a day off.

My aunt called me when I was at the library checking in books to tell me that someone parked their car in front of the house.  I checked the security camera and sure enough it looked like a car was parked in front of the house.  Little did I know that this idiot parked in the driveway.  On a street that has SO MUCH room on my street to NOT park in front of my driveway.  What a fucking idiot.  Thankfully I have a little car, and I was able to squeeze through to my driveway when I got back from the library.

Tuesday, September, 8, The morning commute was longer than I thought it would be, but I still made it early.  There were six of us being onboarded today, most of them working for security.  I was the only shuttle driver.  There isn't much to report from the training.  It was dry, but necessary.  It was a good day to be inside, since it was so muggy out.  It even rained at one point.  By the time we got a quick tour of the grounds the rain was gone, but not the humidity.  ARGH!  It was even worse after the rain.

It was cool to get my employee badge... this shit is real.  I'm really working at the Huntington library.  I tried applying here many years ago, but it didn't go anywhere.  Here I am now, more seasoned and ready for anything.

While having lunch in the lunch room called the Footnote, I made some fast friends.  I think I'm going to like this place.  Think?  I know I'm going to like this place.  It's the fucking Huntington, for goodness sake.  And I'm here.

Wednesday, September, 9, Day two of onboarding went well.  We even finished up a little early.  My supervisor told me to come back to work on Friday for final training.  Woo!  It turns out he's a Disney fan like myself.

I get a text from Kerri asking if there was going to be delivery today.  I tell her yes, there should be.  Then she tells me they said in an email that there wasn't going to have delivery today.  I checked and it turns out that Grigor called out today.  He gets sick a lot.  Which makes me wonder if he's actually sick.  Then again why would he accept these hours if he couldn't make it.  Anyway, that just means more work for him tomorrow.

I'm working at the Huntington library!  I had a thought today, one I rarely have... what would my mother think of me working at the Huntington library?  I think she might be proud.  I don't think of things like that, because what's the point.  I guess I'm projecting pride that I would think she would have because I'm feeling it inside me.  Still, it's a great moment.

TheGirl originally said we should go to Wood Ranch, but then said her ex might go there too.  So, we went to the Smoke House instead.  It turned out to be a great night making new friends.  We sat inside, because it was way too hot outside.  And we don't have a dog in tow.  They sat us down at this table that has a window separating us from the table on the other side.  Only the window was open, and I could see the person next to me getting ready to eat dinner.  I said hi and that was it.  Next thing we know we're taking pictures together and laughing.  My dinner mate on my side of the table was Olivia.  TheGirl had a young lady named Melissa.  I think, I couldn't hear her over the din of the dining room.  TheGirl didn't catch her name either, but it did stat with an M.  Oh well, we have the photo above to remember that tonight.  I would have at least exchanged IG's with one of them.  Anyway.

Thursday, September, 10, As I sat in a classroom at the Huntington library yesterday I received a text from my Glendale supervisor asking if I could run the delivery route today.  Sure.  Why not?  Otherwise there would be no delivery until Monday, which meant I would be moving the books anyway.  Just all at once.  It was a busy day on the route today.  I can't believe that my replacement is sick and I'm replacing my replacement.  What is up with this crazy world?

I looked in the safe and noticed there were a lot of money bags.  Which means more time spent at the treasury department on Monday.  So I texted treasury to see if I could take the money today.  Sure, they said.  There's a new girl working there, so Marie had to show her the ropes.  Her name is Nicole and she seems super shy.  As Nicole was processing the money I noticed a check that was made out to the library, but not the city.  I pointed it out to Marie and she tells me, Good catch.  Then she wanted to test Nicole to see if she would see that on the check as well.  Nicole struggled to find the mistake.  Marie had to eventually tell her that it was made out to the wrong thing.  Checks should be made out to the City of Glendale, not to the library.  The back will take it, but they could also reject it.  The best thing about Marie showing Nicole the ropes is that I got a lot of face time with her.  Sigh.

Word was given to me that Junior is returning on Monday.  Not that I had any doubt, but I think this means they won't need me on Saturdays.  Thankfully I was already ahead of these dopes.  I'll be at the Huntington, thank you very much.  Cram it, dopes.

Friday, September, 11, I got to the library early this time, and settled down.  My supervisor, David, tells me that I'm going to be learning the ropes by going out with him on the route.  We drove around the entire campus, and then parts of the back campus.  Then we took passengers around while David drove telling me tips and how we do things.  He's super flexible about things.  It's not a job that requires rigidity, it very much requires flexibility and thinking.  That's me.

As we were going to lunch my supervisor tells me that after lunch I'm on my own on the grounds.  Gulp! I got on the route and picked up my first guests and went about completing the circle.  On the weekends the road that connects stop one and eight will be open, because there won't be construction on campus on the weekends.  Today we had to double back after stop eight, which is right in front of the mansion.  By the afternoon the construction guys were gone and the route was open.  I wasn't super busy, but steady.  That is until the 3 o'clock hour.  I think I made about four or five loops without picking anyone up.  The last hour picked up again.  It will be different during the weekends, and when it cools down.  They can track how many visitors there are because they know how many reservations were made and what percentage is showing up.  Today we were at 5%.  The weather is supposed to get cooler on the weekend.  It's still going to be hot, but not as hot as today.

I told some of those that rode with me on the shuttle today that it was my first day.  More than a few said they couldn't tell.  I do have to say that I picked it up pretty fast.  It's not rocket science, I keep telling people.  But it does require thinking on your feet.  That is a skill I have in spades.  Not to toot my own horn, I just do.  Next time is going to be Sunday, and I'll be working without a net.  And I suspect that things will be different in that many of the nine to fivers will not be around on the weekends.  Today is a regular work day, but the weekends are going to be busier with patrons but not so much with staff.  I think.

A lot of nice looking ladies come through the gate at the Huntington.  A lot, even on a hot day like today was.  At one point I picked up a trio of young ladies, that despite the heat, were all giggles and smiles.  I like that.  I think most people that show up will be in a good mood, because reasons.  Nothing is a guarantee, but I'll do my best to deal with dopes.  I'm certain it's not going to be like at the library.

When I got home I found Ziggy asking for peanuts in the front yard.  She even followed me as I went to the door.

Saturday, September, 12, Today is my third to last Saturday at the library.  I'm just going to work at The Huntington on the weekends.  It wasn't very eventful today.  Only thing that I noticed was how my coworker Jaime still has a nice body.  She has always had such a nice butt.  It's wide but not like fat.  It's not perfect, I'm not saying that.  But it's nice.

A lady came up to the desk saying that she got a book about MMPI, whatever that is, via Link plus.  But, she wanted MMPI 3 and the book ordered was on MMPI 2.  I told her I would search for it, but for some reason WorldCat locked me out because of a clitch with the stupid CAPTCHA.  Why does EVERY fucking website need to confirm my fucking cookie settings?  Because of this I couldn't search for the book while on the desk.  I told her I would check it out when I was in the back.  Well, it turns out there are a ton of books on WorldCat for MMPI.  So I emailed the patron and told her how to put the books on hold using ILL.  She thanked me saying I went above and beyond.  That's just normal for me.

Sunday, September, 13, I'm still adjusting to my new schedule.  I figured I would go to the market if I woke up early enough this morning.  And I did, and it was great to be at the market at 7am with almost no one there.  Now the only problem is that I didn't tell my aunt that I was going to work today.  So she couldn't give me her grocery list.  I told her after I got home that she needs to give me her list, but I didn't say when.  She'll figure it out.  We have food.  Anyway, I figured I would make sandwiches on my weekends at the Huntington, just to make things easier for me.  No having to warm anything up.

Because there wasn't any traffic in the morning I got to work early.  Like 9am, early.  I started off by cleaning the shuttle window.  I cleaned the inside a little, but it's pretty dusty since it is just outside in the elements.  The best part about today was the fact that it was much cooler than Friday.  There was even a nice breeze most of the day.  I was still sweating, but at least it was better.  The best thing about driving the shuttle is that it's not tiring.  I won't be having many days off these days, but it least I won't be too tired.

I had a funny question go through my head last night - do porn stars visit the Huntington?  They don't have to, the regular ladies gave me a show today.  So many short shirts.  So many tops that just showed practically everything.  One lady stood out.  I stopped by the Conservatory to pick up some people when a girl in a white dress appeared before me.  She was right out of a painting, and she was beautiful.  Her dress was just see through enough to let me see the curves of her body.  And the fact that she might not be wearing underwear.  There were quite a few instances today where the light caught a lady and I could see the silhouette of her body.  Simply amazing.  So yeah, regular ladies dress up pretty nice for the Huntington.  I got quite a show.  My favorite was one that had an off-white dress, with a tremendous figure.  Gorgeous face.  She was the prettiest girl today, and there were a LOT of contenders.  And today wasn't even a busy day.

Monday, September, 14, The library has thrown another person at me to train on the route.  I think this is like the eighth or ninth person I've trained for this.  Vagabundo and Tony lasted the most.  Everyone else drops out of this after a short while.  Lunatic, other William, Patrick, and many others I can't even remember right now.  No one but me has done this job as long as I have.  Well, I should find out if anyone in the era before I drove was behind the wheel as long as I've been.

The Casa Verdugo Library is celebrating 75 years this weekend and because of that I had to pick up some cocktail tables from the Brand Library and take them over today.  I had my trainee in tow today, so he got to help me move the tables.  I won't have him when the tables have to go back.  ARGH!

I had to train William on the fly today.  No time for depth.  Just the basics today.  I don't think he'll actually be driving anyway.  He told me that he can only fill in on Tuesdays.  And maybe not even Tuesdays.  Just great.  I didn't go too deep with the training.  Whatever!

I came back from the route and my supervisor asks me to come into her office.  She tells me that the director has approved of me doing half a delivery route on Fridays.  Of course.  I saw this coming from the moment they told me I wasn't driving on Fridays.  Idiots.  I should have told them to cram it, but I need the money.  It also means that Mondays will be easier.  This also means less time off.  I'll now be working seven days a week.  Half day on Fridays, which is good.  I plan on going out and having some fun on Fridays after work.

Tuesday, September, 15, I keep seeing this book series and I keep reading the title wrong.  I keep reading it as "Agents of Sluts," not SUIT.  TheNewCute texted that it's a product of an adult mind.  Well, yes I do have an adult mind.  But still.

The marketing team has done it again.  Another pixilated mess.  Who the fuck is doing this?  Any one working in graphics even for two minutes would think this is an unmitigated failure.  And why are we just now getting these fliers DAYS before we're having the celebration?  Total fail on the part of the marketing team... AGAIN.

Since I haven't been here since two Thursdays ago I didn't have a chance to take out the tea bags from the bottle I use to steep them in water for some cold brew tea.  So it's been nearly two weeks of them in that water.  I thought it would taste terrible, but it was fine.  Nothing bad.

Wednesday, September, 16, The new guy complained about all the things wrong with the van, so today I was tasked to take it to the garage to get some things fixed.  I don't like using this loaner, I rather have the Toyota that drives itself.  Oh well, can't have everything I want.  The new guy complaining is getting things moving though.  Word from the garage when I dropped off the van was that they are "working on" getting a new delivery van.  I only asked five or six years ago.  This is what happens when these dopes don't listen to me.  Do they ever get the voice in their heads to say, "Wow he's almost always right, and we're always wrong."  Nope.  I'm sure that thought never passes through their stupid heads.  But I guess it wouldn't since they are stupid.

The fences around the park are getting some companions in the form of fencing around the side path.  They said it was for fire reasons, but they aren't going to have the fence unlocked.  I think they did it for delivery, because this move makes it much easier for me to go through and get to the van on the sidewalk.  Finally a win.

For dinner tonight TheGirl and I went to Don Cuco in Toluca Lake.  It was yummy as usual.  One person asked us about Cheyenne.  It's been a while since that has happened.  We sat on the patio despite not having a dog in tow, because the weather was so nice.  Then we went on our Toluca Lake walk.

Nearly towards the end of our walk I really had to go take a piss.  Well, I was still many blocks away from the restaurant when I just lost it.  I pissed my pants.  Everything came out.  I couldn't stop it.  TheGirl gave me a blanket so I could ride back to her place to change clothing.  So embarrassing.

Thursday, September, 17, The date has finally come for Vivian's last day.  She took off in the morning, so I thought that was it.  But she came back and we said our good-byes.  I'll see her around though.  I just won't see her every day.  For now Aurora will be doing the Thursday storytime.  She's not happy about it, but it's what needs to happen to have storytime at Casa.  And, she doesn't have an excuse.

I put in a ticket online to pick up the duo of illegally dumped junk.  I said it was a TV, but I added in the notes that it was also a couch.  Well, guess no one read that part.  The city only picked up the TV, and left the couch.  I put in another ticket just for the couch.  Dumb.

Friday, September, 18, Today was the first Friday I'm back after being gone since the start of July.  So that was about two and a half months without Friday delivery.  Feels longer to me, for some reason.  The delivery went well.  I only hit three locations, but they are the busiest: Montrose, Brand and Pacific Park.  That last one I'll have to gauge.  I might just ask them to tell me how busy it was on Thursday to gauge if I should go there or perhaps Casa.  Time will tell, this is a new thing.

After the abbreviated shift at Glendale I went over to the Huntington to walk the grounds and get to know it better.  Mission accomplished, I know that place like the back of my hand.  Yeah, right.  I still have so much to know and learn.  The good thing is I did mentally map out the children's garden with its sort of a splash zone.  It's not technically a splash zone, but it does have some water features.  No splash pad, that I could see.

I rounded the corner to enter the 1919 Cafe and there is my coworker, Mari, from Glendale sitting with a group of work friends.  It was so funny just to run into her outside the cafe.  Funny things like that have been happening to me lately.  It's a thing.  Anyway, I spoke to Mari for a couple of minutes and met her work friends. There was a pair of boxes on the table that Mari said were tarot cards.  She busts open one of the boxes and asks me to pick a card (shown above).  It's a picture of a finch and a peach.  She opened the accompanying book to read what the card means.  And here is what it said.

MEANING: Romance

Love is in the air when the Finch and Peach appears!  The peach, a sweetly scented, heart-shaped fruit, has long been associated with fertility, sexuality, and love.  And the lively finch symbolizes exuberance, enthusiasm, and excitement.

UPRIGHT: Your vibrancy and charm have led to a blossoming romance.  Be open to and accepting of new love's many delights.

REVERSE: Your timidity or unwillingness to take risks may be hindering your chances at love.  Remember that vulnerability, while frightening, is essential to healthy relationships.

How do I show others I love them?

Do I feel safe and supported enough to be open to new love?

XXXVI THE FINCH AND PEACH

OK.  Sounds plausible.  Ha!  After that is when I started my walk around the grounds.  I got to meet some of the security guards.  I have to remember their names and their faces.  I think they don't know what's my deal.  I'm just out here trying to get to know people and this job so I can do it better.

When I walked to the bonsai garden I ran into a girl that I saw on my second day of onboarding.  She's a security guard named Julia.  She has really nice, wide hips.  Like crazy wide, but beautiful.  Could Julia be the Love that the tarot card showed?  Sure.  Why not.  She is nice looking.

After walking the grounds I headed back to Glendale to attend the Casa Verdugo 75th anniversary thingie.  It was nice.  I got a little food, but not much since I had eaten at 1919.  More on that in a moment.  The celebration was nice, and small.  I thought more people would show up, but who showed up was fine.  The place isn't that big to absorb a large crowd.  All in all good times today.

Back to my lunch meal then.  I went into the 1919 Cafe at the Huntington today to try some of the food.  I was trying to see what was better, the tacos or the burger.  I picked the burger.  It was OK.  I told TheGirl via text that I wasn't expecting Pie n Burger here, but I can't say it was bad.  The price as right though.  There are some meals that are just $6 for employees.  The burger is usually $21 by itself.  I added iced tea and a tiramisu cake.  With my employee discount it came out to $15 total.  TOTAL!  Now that's what that burger is worth, $6.

Saturday, September, 19, Today is my second to last Saturday at Glendale.  At least for a while.  It was a pretty chill day that went by fast, because the desk was kinda busy.  I'll miss the money I made here, but I won't miss the desk.  Although, at this point I'm probably one of the best on the desk.  Especially since I've gone though so many days on the desk.

My coworker Sevana is so curvy these days.  Her sister was the hot one when I first met Sevana.  Well, that's no longer true.  Sevana is killing it.  We all walked out of work together and I couldn't stop checking out her butt as many times as I could without making it look super obvious.  Sigh.

This year I've mentioned the Silmarillion a lot.  Her pictures come up all the time, like today.  In the picture above she's laying on my bed.  I wish I could say we were intimate.  We were not.  I do wonder if I had taken my shot earlier on in our friendship if I had a chance.  I loved her, but I didn't want to come off as a masher.  And there went my shot.  I often think about how things would have turned out if I had taken my shot.  Would we have stayed together?  Would she have turned to me one day and said that she needed to end it, because her family insisted she marry an Armenian?  How would it have changed the trajectory of my life?  Our lives?  We'll never know.  I think about her all the time.

I have to get used to a new routine.  I had already been doing my colored laundry on Saturdays in order to keep my aunt from meddling with it.  I also got some of my lunch things ready today.  I still haven't taken the slow cooker out of the box.  I want to decide what I want to make in it first.  I want to aim for next Sunday with some prep work done on Saturday.  Again, this is all new to me.

Monday, September, 21, Nora from the office of sustainability is easy to find.  Her office is right where I walk by to reach the graphics department.  I often get to see the top of her head as I walk by.  It's more rare to see her outside of the office.  Today I saw her in the hallway by the bathrooms and she looked amazing.  Come on tarot card, do your best.  I know, it's a pipe dream.

The load for the branches was a little less than it has been on a Monday since they told me I wasn't driving on Fridays.  But, of course they reversed that bad decision and have me driving half the route on Fridays now.  It really did help me not be so overwhelmed today.  I plan on asking two of the branches to let me know how busy they are, so I can rotate some visits.  For sure I'm going to Montrose and Brand, but who else?

The birds in the backyard seem to really like the other birdbath I have for them, rather than the actual birdbath.  I did see Ziggy drinking from the larger birdbath though.  I'm sure there are birds that use that one, but not when I'm around.

Tuesday, September, 22, I got my first paycheck from the Huntington.  $482.12.  this is in line and what I thought I would make after calculating $19.25 an hour minus approximate taxes of 10%.  And it's so funny because this week I worked 39 hours at Glendale.  Basically erasing the time I lost.

Growing up the grown-ups in my life would often ask me to help them with "los parches," which were the Salompas pain relieving patches.  Whether it was a shoulder or back of the neck, it was somewhere that my mom, aunt or grandmother couldn't reach without getting the placement wrong.  It was a nightly thing.  For me it's starting to be a daily thing.  I had a pain on my right shoulder last night and I reached for the patches and there was only one left.  While picking up my aunt's meds at CVS I got some patches.  That took me back to the time when I helped the grown-ups with los parches.

The last patron left the library ten minutes before we closed up shop.  I was about to close the window that had the statistics when I noticed that on Monday there was a line for the 6pm to 7pm hour.  And under that line is said to have been ten people in the library.  Not sure how that is possible since we close at 6pm.

Wednesday, September, 23, I find it comical that I go ahead and get a pump for the birdbath and gravel and fix it up nice and the birds seem to prefer the little dish that goes the bottom of a potted plant pot.  it's comical, but I enjoy that they actually get to take a bath back there.  I tried to refill the water at least in night so it'll be fresh in the morning and then when I get home, I try to refresh it again.  Today I did see a mourning dove and sparrow actually using the big birdbath.

When I got into treasury, Marie told me that she gave a presentation in front of council yesterday for budget reasons.  The city treasurer is in charge of the investments that the city makes.  So she had to go in front of council to show them the numbers.  She said she was nervous and that council had a lot of questions for the treasurer who fielded their questions.  She's so cute.

I arrived at Casa and Grigor tells me that his scanner isn't working.  They tried plugging and unplugging it from behind the computer, but it was still nonfunctional.  That is until the Solution, me, showed up.  I went ahead and disconnected the extension from the cable for the scanner.  After I reconnected them the scanner worked like a charm.

The girl said she had a gift card for $25 for either Olive Garden or the Yard House so we decided to go to the Yard House tonight for dinner.  I usually get the burger when I go there. I wanted to try something different but the burger just called out to me again.  is this thing called an enchilada stack that looks interesting but I don't know about that.  It hasn't moved me enough to I actually get it.  TheGirl ordered something that I've been wanting to try there, the orange chicken.  She let me taste some of it and it was pretty yummy.  Not the best I've ever had, but it's not bad.  Maybe next time.

Before leaving the outdoor mall to make our way back to TheGirl's place for our walk, we walked by a smashed burger place.  I told TheGirl we should try it out.

Thursday, September, 24, I bought some sopes on Sunday.  I wanted to fry them up in the air fryer the other day, but stupid me didn't actually order the spray bottle for oil on Sunday.  I thought I did, but I was wrong.  Well, it's on its way and will likely arrive today.  I couldn't wait.  I used a brush to lightly coat the sopes with oil.  Then I set the air fryer for two minutes.  I figured I could see if that was enough time, and if not just add two more minutes until it was just right.  Well, at the six minute mark it was good.  I cooked the second sope for six minutes to confirm.  Perfect.

I haven't walked around the Casa Verdugo Library neighborhood in a while because the weather got hot and I didn't wanna walk in the heat.  But today I had to do it because on my way to the mall there was a big accident and it prevented me from going directly east on Ventura Boulevard, so I just got on the freeway.  And at that point, I just said to myself, "Fuck it, let's just go to work and walk around the neighborhood."  But it's still hot and humid so I sweated a bunch.

Friday, September, 25, Once again I have a Friday shift that's busy.  Today's extra task was moving the cocktail tables from Casa Verdugo to Brand.  It had to be today, because they are having a gallery opening tomorrow.  Moving those tables cost me time, but I dropped Casa's delivery to kill two birds with one stone.  Last time I moved the tables I had help.  Not today.

Once again I went to the Huntington on my day off.  I had to kill some time today, because I was going to meet up with TheGirl in Burbank for some smash burgers.  I also wanted to see the new exhibit, Doyle Lane: Master of Clay, because I never get a chance when I'm working there.  I'm too busy working to check out the art.  I guess I could eat my lunch quick one day and go to any new exhibits.  It's a thought.  I was only on the grounds for about an hour and a half.  Martin, one of the new guards that was on with me when I was being onboarded, showed me one of the breakrooms last week.  This one is pretty nice, but it doesn't have a cold water dispenser.  It's behind the American Art building, and close to the Tea Room.  I may have a break there next time I'm working.

The last time we went out to dinner I mentioned to TheGirl that we should get a smash burger.  Well, today was the day.  The Melt is a place we often walk by when TheGirl and I go to dinner at Yard House.  The other night we walked by it, and feeling tipsy I said we should have a burger.  I don't think I meant this place, but here we were today.  The burgers were mid, a 5.5 rating from me.  Nothing amazing.  They had good elements, but the burger just wasn't that tasty.  I spread some mustard on it and helped it out.  I won't be back again.  I told TheGirl that we should go to Cassell's.  They told me their veggie burger is really good.  If it's like their other food that I've had there then it must be good.

After the burger TheGirl and I went to Yard House for drinks.  It was packed, and I commented that I was surprised how packed it was for a Thursday.  TheGirl corrected me telling me that it was actually Friday.  That makes sense, but it made me think about how I don't even know what day it is.  We decided to go walking at the mall, so we dropped off our leftovers in our cars and walked over to the Burbank mall.  We walked until TheGirl got a message from her friend Mary Kay.  She was in a car accident and was currently in the ER.  Our walk ended there.  TheGirl went to the hospital, and I took her food home so it wouldn't spoil.  I knew she would be the ER for a while.  Then, I went home.  Mary Kay isn't too bad, mainly shaken up.  Her car is totaled.  Sucks.

I washed a new shirt that I got for when I work at the Huntington.  But when it came out of the washer it was super wrinkly.  Probably because it's all cotton.  So, I busted out one of the irons and ironed a piece of clothing for the first time in forever.  The shirt looked much better ironed.

Saturday, September, 26, I plan on waking up early even on the weekends in order to get some stuff done, as well as eat some yummy food.  Today I made some pancakes for my aunt and me.  I also added some sausage, to make my breakfast complete.  I made some for her and left them in the fridge.  I hope she likes them.  I added a wee bit of vanilla, but I think I need to add more next time.  And maybe get some soda water to fluff them up.

Today the library hosted the city's poet laureate on his last gig.  A new person is going to be the new poet laureate for the city.  The outgoing poet is kinda handsome, so of course all the painted ladies came out to see him.  I didn't see many men showing up, but all the painted ladies did.  Sigh.

Joseph the janitor, gave me a pastrami sandwich that he bought around the corner from the library.  Too generous a guy.  It looked really big when I took it home.  I gave half to my aunt and half for me, because I thought it was huge.  Well, it wasn't that huge.  It was not as stuffed with meat as I initially thought it was at first glance.  Oh well, that's fine.  It was free.  But, it also wasn't up to the snuff to say The Hat's pastrami.  I should get some Hat next shift I work at the Huntington and take it home for dinner.

I sent Tony's widow a text on his phone today and the phone said the message was not delivered.  I talked to my supervisor, who was kinda close to Tony.  She told me she also hadn't been able to get in contact with Maria, Tony's widow.  Sad.  Maybe something happened to her.  I would think the family would say something.  Maybe she's busy moving.  Maybe she doesn't want anything to do with us.  Who knows.  Oh well, I'll try again to reach out.  If not then maybe I'll just let sleeping dogs lie.

Sunday, September, 27, So wait, it's Sunday today?  Checked.  It's Sunday.  On Friday I thought it was Thursday.  Yesterday didn't feel like a Saturday, so it's no wonder I didn't remember today was Sunday.  Another early morning for me.  I went to the market to pick up some stuff for my aunt.  We're going to have to adjust the grocery schedule.  It's kinda nice shopping at 8am.  I have the market practically to myself.  No dummies in the aisles not getting out of my way.  I could get used to shopping alone.

At work, I first ran into Julia just as I was finishing up my lunch.  She walked into the lunch room behind botanicals and we greeted each other.  She grabbed something from the fridge and went into the locker room to sit.  Next time I saw her I went to that break room again to refill my water bottle.  The third time I ran into her today was when I was driving the shuttle back from the Chinese garden.  She crossed the road in botanicals.  At that encounter she was wearing a pretty black dress.  She was going up to the party.  She cleans up nice.  Most girls do.  I'm sure at that point she wondered if we were going to run into each other again.  Nope.  She probably looks at me and sees what I am... an old man.  Which is what I am, to her for sure.

After chilling in the break room behind Membership services while waiting for my shift to restart at 6:15pm, I got word on our group chat that there would be food for the shuttle drivers.  It named two places and I thought oh how nice.  To cut a long story a little shorter, there was no food in the promised places.  The other driver, Kevin, was not too happy.  I was like, whatever!  But, this is what's different about the Huntington.  The event coordinator made it a point to get us food.  Apologizing for the lack of food she said to me, I guess people took seconds.  I told her, I get it, they're probably really hungry.  Still, that wasn't going to get me food.  Jessica told me to go up to the party and she would have food there.  I found her and she bought me a bowl from one of the vendors.  Now that's mighty nice of her.  She said she was not going to let me go home without a meal.  See... the people at the Huntington are super nice.  I got my bowl and made my merry way to my car.  It's funny because half way down I realize that I'm eating a bowl that is basically rice and ground beef.  Online that particular dish is known as boy kibble.  They fed me boy kibble.  Hilarious.

Monday, September, 28, I am not a Vulcan.  Julia proved it.  I felt giddy when I ran into her several times yesterday.  This morning the thought that I could be developing a crush on her and it made me sad.  I don't want to go down that tired path where I like a girl and he's unattainable.  It's an old story in my life.  It is the story of my life.  It made me cry to think I might be liking this girl a bit much already.  I need to not get too attached to this girl.  I didn't know she had the potential to make me want to desire someone.  To want to pursue her, in the clumsy way I always pursue a woman.  This madness has to stop here and now.

Tuesday, September, 29, I've been waking up early in order to get some stuff done in the morning.  Yet, today I kinda schleped through the morning and I didn't have a full hour to walk at the mall this morning.  I can't be doing that, if I want to get my steps.  Because I had to shorten my walk to only two miles rather than my usual three.

Katie had an art program, and a couple of our storytime regulars came in for that.  This one mom is kinda annoying.  Well, today she crossed over into the category of being fully annoying.  Her daughter was standing up on the chair, in a precarious manor.  When Katie pointed out that she was, "Worried," the mom just said, "Oh I'm not," and continued making her art.  Her kid cries at the top of her lungs nearly every story time.  Again, so annoying.  But yeah, today she crossed a line with me.

Look, I get it.  I'm sure all parents worry about everything when they first become parents, and that worry gets eroded over time.  Especially moms, since they have to deal with the kids all day every day.  So I get that this mom isn't "Worried" about her kid because she's just checked out on worrying about every little thing.  But legitimately the kid could have gone down like a tree from that chair.  I've seen other kids fall the same way.  But OK lady, you do you.  We warned you.

Starting next week my schedule will settle in to my new hours both at Glendale and at the Huntington.  I'll work fifteen hours a weekend at the Huntington and thirty-two and a half at Glendale.  So I will have lost five hours at Glendale total.  Not too bad.  If my math holds up I lost about $150 from those five hours lost at Glendale.  But, the hours at the Huntington will bring me about $260.  That more than makes up for those hours lost.  Good.  And I do love working at the Huntington.

Wednesday, September, 30, Today is the twentieth anniversary of me going to Club 33 at Disneyland.  Twenty years?!  The photo above was taken from one of the balconies.  There was a moment years before when I looked up at the windows and wondered what that was.  Who was that person looking out to the courtyard?  All these years later I feel it was like the line in The Great Gatsby that says, "I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life."  I was that guy looking up at the windows of Club 33, and now I was looking down from there.  I was both at the same time.

OK, so now I know that Adam won't go to treasury at all.  That's because when I opened the safe this morning I had a nice stack of money bags staring back at me.  I knew it since last week he wouldn't show up.  Whatever, I tried.

What is also not OK is Adam leaving his trash in the van.  I mean, come on.

Mala came out this morning as I was loading up the van to inform me that they are going to keep the side gate open.  Someone told me that the fire department was out yesterday after someone complained that side exit, considered an emergency exit, was a bit of a trap.  That's because the gate is locked and once you go out there you can't go beyond the gate.  Only a few people have the combination.  I was told that the fire department is gonna make another appearance tomorrow to inspect the exits.  Ha!

Krishna and I went to pick-up the bookmobile this morning, in order to return it to Central.  And biggest thing is that the bookmobile now, finally, has a license plate!  Woo!  It only took twenty-six months.

TheGirl and I went to Wood Ranch for dinner.  It was good times.  We went back to her place to walk to Toluca Lake and back for our evening walk.  During that walk we talked about how it's nearly a year since Cheyenne's passing.  I totally broke down.  I couldn't say a word for over a minute, and all I could do was cry like a baby.  We miss her so much.  I knew when she passed that I would miss her forever.

I visited her before changing my clothes to go out to dinner.  It's been quite a year.  From the heartbreak her loss had on TheGirl and me, to the triumph of me working at the Huntington.  It's been a ride, for sure.