Nice Day For A Party 9:17 PM

What a great day out. I went to Ryan's 3rd birthday party this afternoon. Got to spend time with Kim, Jody, Steve and Tracy and the rest of the gang. I had a good time, there was plenty to eat, drink, and converse about. It is so nice to get together with friends and just hang out for the day. Ryan liked my present alot, a walking, roaring dinosaur. After all rhe gifts were opened, it was mine he chose to walk around with. I made a good choice. Now it's time to rest, relax, sleep.

Open Door Policy 7:33 PM

After the storms this morning, the temperature went up and it became quite nice out. We decided to prop the door open at work to get some fresh air. It caused quite a stir, as people would come on in and visit through out the day. It is so nice sitting right by the door, I'll have the door open whenever the weather is nice. I ran over to Target during the lunch hour to pick up a few things and while I was leaving the store, a woman driving an oldsmobile bounced over a divider and wedged her car between a cart corral and a parked car. It was interesting to see. That's why I usually park farther away from the door. It's supposed to be a nice weekend, so I hope to get out and about and enjoy it.

Soap and Water 3:34 PM

The rain is falling, so it's a good night to catch up on my laundry. The week has gone slowly, even with the extra day off, glad tomorrow is Friday. As I was making coffee this morning at work, I decided that today would be a coffee free day and I drank water instead. Not sure why I decided that, just something to do I guess. There were times when I reached for my coffee mug, but then remembered I wasn't drinking coffee. Tomorrow I'll be back to the grind and enjoy my first mug.

Head To Toe 5:29 PM

The weekend is over, it was nicely paced, didn't fly by, and I had plenty of time to lounge. The weather was nice, up until last night when the temperature dropped 30 degrees in minutes. Today is downright chilly. I am wearing layers, yesterday I was in cargo shorts and a tshirt. Stopped at Target on the way home, got some Excedrin and socks, an odd combination of things to buy. For some reason, wandering the aisles of the store didn't interest me today, which is a good thing, I didn't spend excessively. Tonight I'm going to wrap myself in a blanket on the couch and read, trying to stay warm.

Lounging About 6:43 PM

Today I didn't get anything accomplished besides reading and watching TV. It's such a nice day out, but I haven't been motivated to get out and enjoy it. Yesterday I got to go to the zoo, have a good Chinese dinner, and relax. It was a nice day. Looking forward to more lounging tomorrow. I like three day weekends with nothing to do.

Action, Adventure, and Lounging 10:05 AM

The holiday weekend is here, three days to run amok if I choose, or to lay on the couch if I feel like it. Last night went out for dinner and saw the latest Indiana Jones movie. It was entertaining and I enjoyed the action, adventure, and mythology of it. The sun is shining, so I will get outside today, and who knows what else. Sometimes the uncharterted weekend is the best. There's another ANTM marathon this weekend, I'm reading a good book, my couch is comfortable, there's plenty to keep me busy.

Busy 6:59 PM

Still waiting for the weather to bump up and stay warm, there's still an edge to the air, a coolness that keeps me from wearing shorts. Maybe over the weekend. Work is getting busy, I'm actually leaving work at night with files sitting on my desk. I ran out of work, did some quick shopping, headed home and finished a crossword puzzle, then met Doug out at Culver's for a bite to eat. Now I'm starting a new book that should keep me occupied a number of days. In the paper today there was a list of new book releases for the summer, and it looks like I will have plenty to read. Well, the couch is calling.

Motoring 9:25 PM

I have narrowed my choice of new vehicles down to two, either the Jeep Wrangler or the Dodge Nitro. I have always wanted a Wrangler, but have been interested in the Nitro since I seen it at the car show in February. Since both are Chrysler vehicles, they have many of the same features I want. If I decide on the Jeep, it will have a removeable top, and the Nitro will have a sun roof. Both are in the same price range I am looking to spend. Now I will have to test drive both to see which suits me. Of course whatever vehicle I settle on will have 4WD. I am not in a hurry to get a new one, so my decision will be made over the course of the next several months. My goal is to buy one in the next year.

How About That! 6:56 PM

I had my fifteen minutes of fame today. I was the featured reader of the day for Pop Candy, the entertainment blog at USA Today online. http://blogs.usatoday.com/popcandy/2008/05/pop-forum-ta-12.html#more
How cool is that? I had dinner with Mom and Dad, Mike, Erin, and Hans this evening. We sat around, ate good food, laughed, caught up with each other. I enjoy these informal family gatherings. Now it's time to watch Family Guy on TBS and get some reading done.

Two Flags 3:52 PM

Ran down to Six Flags Great America today to get in a few roller coasters. The lines were short and got on the rides with hardly a wait. Had a late lunch at Joe's Crab Shack in Gurnee and stopped at the Jelly Belly retail store on the way back. It was a nice day to get away for a number of hours. Now I'll settle onto the couch, read some and wait for the Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad to come on.

Cleaned Up and Places To Go 5:41 PM

I always look better after Kim cuts my hair. I should schedule a regular appointment instead of waiting until I can't stand dealing with it. I stopped off for some coffee, went to the book store and bought some books, went to the mall, got some clothes and the sunglasses I wanted, stopped at the grocery store for food and snacks. The weather was nice to be running around. I toyed with the idea of riding my bike, but the pull of the couch and reading won out. Going to lounge for the evening and I'll see what tomorrow brings in the way of adventure.

An Inch Or So Off The Top 6:59 PM

It's been kind of an up and down week for me. I'm glad it's the weekend. I need to get a haircut, it's getting long, curly, and unruly. I have an appointment in the morning with Kim. I'm going to get groomed, cleaned up. Then I'll do some running, been meaning to get out and shop a little. Tonight I'm just hanging out, going to do some reading, relaxing, and TV watching. Tomorrow is all about self indulgence.

The Point Of No Returns 5:14 PM

The Social Security Debacle continues. They have absconded my 2007 tax return and the economic stimulation rebate payment. Now, not only am I trying to get them to stop garnishing my wages, I have to attempt to get monies back from them. One frustrating call after another and there seems little I can do at this time except wait. The stop order on the garnishment has been placed, which is only a temporary fix. I was informed it can be up to three months before Social Security will have updated and completed my records. I am frightened. I can only call each time I get a notice to make sure the administration is working on my account. I had to file paperwork requesting a refund. I wonder if this will ever get settled.

Reoccurring Nightmare 6:43 PM

The Social Security Debacle continues. Even though they have determined I do not owe any money, I have received a notice to garnish my wages again. I contacted the local office, spoke to the representative who is handling my case and he explained that while I do not owe anything, their payment center still shows an overpayment and the garnishment order is automatically generated. Once the account is noted, the garnishment will be withdrawn. In the meantime, he has placed another stop order. Once again I will have to call on a daily basis to make sure this is done. Work needs to receive notice of the stop order, otherwise they have to send payment. I have no words to convey how I feel about the social security administration at this point. This is a neverending nightmare.

Mom 6:00 PM

Today is Mother's Day. I spent the day with my Mom and Dad. We went out for breakfast, went to the casino (where I won $50!), did some shopping, watched the baseball game (where the Brewers won!), played a game of scrabble (where Mom won by nine points!), and had dinner together. It was a nice day even though it was cool, damp, and rainy. Tonight I am channel hopping, so many shows that I want to see, I'll try to catch them all in bits and pieces. Mom, hope your day was as enjoyable as mine was.

One Flag 5:06 PM

Doug and I got down to Six Flags Great America for the first time today. The season pass is going to work out rather nicely. We got on most of the roller coasters, picked out a couple for our next run to the park. The lines weren't bad at all, the longest wait was for our burgers at Johnny Rockets. The weather was decent, got a little chilly but nothing to complain about. I faced my fear of heights, got on the giant drop, kept my eyes open, and actually enjoyed the free fall. Afterwards, we both admitted that was the one ride we weren't too eager to get on. Now, it's not a big deal. Until I face it again.

Tufts of Fur 9:21 PM

On the walk today, I noticed animal fur scattered across the lawn of a business we pass by. At first it looked like clumps of grass left behind after mowing, but there were so many that it seemed out of the ordinary. I crossed the lawn to get a closer look. Some kind of animal had been mauled. It was definitely kind of freaky. I ran back to the road and wished I hadn't been so curious. Tonight I went out for a fish fry, came home, wrestled with the PC and printer (I need a new computer!) and now I'm settling in for the night. Going to run about this weekend.

In Pursuit 5:51 PM

On the way to work this morning, I had to pass by two squad cars parked on opposite sides of the road, one with lights flashing, the other an unmarked squad. The occupants were not in the vehicles. I noticed them running between two houses, obviously tracking someone. It was quite interesting to see. Later on this morning, I mentioned it at work. A coworker stated they had encountered a similar scene a few miles from where I had, on their way to work. I wonder what happened, saw no mention of it on the news tonight. Intriguing.

Pretense 7:49 PM

I have been going to doctors since July of 2006 and find it amazing how some people use the excuse of going to the doctor to skip out of work continuously. I want to say I'm offended by their actions, but since their behavior is completely discourteous and inconsiderate on a regular basis, I feel immune to it. A habitual liar is just that, a liar and no matter what they say, I don't believe anything out of their mouth at this point, whether it's the truth or not. I wonder how someone can become so disconnected.

Culvers De Mayo 8:05 PM

After a busy day at work, I came home, pulled the mail, did a crossword, watched some TV, then headed out to Culvers for a burger and malt, then to Target for some household items. Figured it was a good evening to do some running around since the weather is pretty nice. Now I'm going to lounge about, watch some TV and relax for the rest of the evening.

Spare Me 8:06 PM

I bowled today. Three games for MS. Scores 174, 145, 141. I am not kidding. For some reason, I did well. Much higher than my usual. Now my average goes up. Considering I bowl at most once a year I think I did pretty good. Now my legs and arms are tired so I'm heading for the couch.

A Typical Atypical Friday 8:23 PM

Work was busy, lots of accounts needing attention, new ones coming on board. I like when I have things to do. Grabbed a bite to eat with Doug, hung out at the coffee shop for awhile and got a season pass to Six Flags Great America. A nice relaxing evening all around. Good to get out and see my friends. Now I'm going to settle in on the couch and lounge.

Walking the Earth, Walking the Moon 5:29 PM

Today was the first day of the walking club at work. It's a good way to expel some energy, get outside, get some exercise. We walk through the business/industrial park. I met Kim for lunch at Arizona Grille, to give her my astronaut costume. Sarah is going to be Sally Ride for a presentation at her school, and I had the perfect outfit for her to wear, complete with helmet. I enjoyed spending time talking with Kim, even if it was for a short time. I always enjoy getting together with my friends.