Extended Play 2:12 PM

I am going on a vacation, some days here, some days there, some days inbetween here and there. Taking a break from the chaos and the serenity and going to enjoy the dog days. I shall return September 1st. Until then, be good, be safe.

Black Or Brown Cow 7:36 PM

While I have always enjoyed having one, this Summer I have been indulging myself with a nightly brown cow. What is a brown cow? root beer and vanilla ice cream. I prefer mine blended, but a float is just as delicious. I have been tempted to use chocolate ice cream, but haven't gotten to just yet. Then again, I am also want to use ginger ale in place of root beer, or even orange soda. There's still plenty of days of Summer left for me to create a yummy treat!

Rescheduled 8:25 PM

I am waist deep in boxes, bubblewrap, clothes, chaos, and books. I am making progress, but it still seems like I have way too much to sort through, pack or disregard. So what do I do? Plan a trip for 10 days! Oh well, it'll all be here when I get back!

The State Of A Fair 9:05 PM

Spent the day wandering the fair grounds with Tim and Julia. Stopped and ate our way through the fair, corn dogs, chocolate covered bacon on a stick, deep fried oreos, sausage on a stick with sauerkraut, buffalo burrito, mac and cheese on a stick, root beer milk, chocolate milk, blended mocha freeze, cream puffs. Interesting day of food, music, people-watching. Char was singing at the Budweiser Pavilion, got to see her sing, spending Saturday night hanging out with her at Shank Hall and the eastside last night wasn't enough I guess! Booked a trip on Amtrak for next weekend this morning before heading to the fair. Busy weekend, leading to another busy week of organizing and packing and cleaning and traveling.

Wall Space 5:42 PM

Spent much of the day taking down all the pictures and things hanging on the wall, wrapping them up and packing them. I'll continue with the process tomorrow. It is slowly starting to look barren even though there are boxes stacked everywhere, books stacked here and there, belongings pulled off shelves, etc. Eventually I will begin the process of hauling things to various outposts, Goodwill, Used Book Stores, and storage, narrowing down what is going with me to Florida. Of course I am torn by wanting it all, but knowing it doesn't all have to go with me. Picking and choosing is the fun part! At least I know the majority of winter clothes will not be heading out of state!

Special Delivery 6:51 PM

I was out and about, went to the book store (again), stopped by Mom and Dad's for a quick visit and returned home. Sitting by the door was a package. I hadn't ordered anything, so I was wondering what it could be. It was a box of dark chocolates and a coffee mug. Something unexpected, touching, and special. Thank you for a wonderful gift. Check Box 28.

(Un)Social Security Updated 9:54 AM

It has been two years in the making and still records have not been updated. The lastest report is somewhat encouraging though. One office located in Chicago has the correct information, but not the money collected from retaining my tax returns and rebate check. This information must be generated at the local office, which will be doing so within the next several months. Until this is resolved, there will be no more attempts to collect money I do not owe. All I can do is wait for the slow wheels of government to grind its way through the process.

One Day Just Like The Others 7:26 PM

Back from an extended weekend trip to South Bend Indiana, took Amtrak through Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Toured the Notre Dame campus, the riverwalks along the St Joseph River, Hung out at the Chocolate Cafe, crab walked on the astroturf at the college footbal hall of fame, had lots of black cows,and good conversation. Shane is an awesome friend. After several delays in Niles, Michigan and Chicago, I made it back home. It is my birthday and it is just another day, but thanks everyone for the great birthday wishes!

Out Of It 9:20 AM

I'm actually getting away for an extended weekend! Hitting the rails and going through four states in four days. Let the journey begin!

Plane, Trains, and Automobiles 6:49 PM

One of my favorite filmmakers passed away today. John Hughes, who created such classic movies as Sixteen Candles,The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, along with Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, among others defined the 80s, provided moments of sheer entertainment, not to mention the music soundtracks that keep me reminiscing and grooving to this day.

A Book By The Cover 5:16 PM

So I'm at the store and I notice that on every shelf all the books are turned facedown so the back cover is displayed. I found it rather odd, interesting. At first I thought I was seeing things, but as I wandered aisle by aisle, it was the same. Other people were browsing through the store and I wondered what was going on. The thought crossed my mind that it had to be some sort of prank. Someone must have methodically gone through the book section and turned every book around. I decided to tell a clerk. It was done intentionally, for inventory purposes. Made sense, but just not during shopping hours. I still think it's kind of funny though.

Pop Goes The TV 6:16 PM

Today I hauled out things to the dumpster to make room for crates as I fill them. Unfortunately the TV will be going out with everything. As I was busy emptying the front hall of things, I heard a snap. I stopped what I was doing and checked the living room to see where the noise came from. I couldn't see anything amiss, so I turned to go back to what I was doing. As I turned, there was a crackling noise, followed by a loud pop and smoke started rising out from the back of the TV set as the screen went blank. I hurried over and unplugged it from the surge protector. Good thing there isn't anything on TV tonight I must see. Oh well, one less thing that I have to haul with me down to Florida.

Biking, Brats, Words, Moving 8:58 PM

Today was an absolutely beautiful one. I had to get out on the bike trail. Took a nice leisurely ride along the lake. There were a lot of people enjoying the outdoors. Biked over to Mom and Dads, first time for that! Spent the afternoon laying tiles, scrabble tiles with Mom, listening to the baseball game, talking, and having dinner, brat patties with kraut, onion, and swiss cheese, potato salad, beans, and pistachio pudding. I wasn't too sure about the sandwich to start, but have changed my mind and think it was rather tasty. I sat around for a while afterward and headed home. I took a different route on the way back, using the streets instead of heading to the bike trail. The streets are bumpy in Cudahy. Settled in, watching TV and plotting the next step in getting ready for the big move. Tomorrow starts the major push.

Already? 4:23 PM

They weren't kidding when they said time flies. I was making out some payments and wrote July on the checks. It wasn't until I jumped on the computer did I realize that it is the 1st of August. I was momentarily confused. I shouldn't be, having been to so many Summer festivals and such, but where did the time go?