I Am Atomic 1:33 PM

I am taking a break from blogging until after I relocate. The blog will return in October, under a new name and URL. It is going to be more of the same; me rambling, raging, reacting, and reliving those moments that need to be written about. I shall return, recharged and ready to write!

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!

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.

Thinking About Disney 3:58 PM

I always have Disney on my mind at some point of the day, whether it's reading the latest news at MousePlanet, AllEars, Etckt, or DisneyBlog, listening to music on my Zune or CDs, or watching DVDs and youtube videos. I was toying with the idea of going to WDW to celebrate my birthday, but with the impending move, it makes more sense to wait until then, when I can get a residents pass, (already budgeted for!). So for now it's memories of past experiences. One that stands out is the time standing in line outside 8-Trax on Pleasure Island, waiting to get in and on comes Our House over the sound system and we all started singing along. Disney always provides such good memories.

Couch Dancing 6:46 PM

I had the chance to reminisce with Jan about the days living on the east side and all the fun, interesting things we did. Videotaping some of the more bizarre moments in the apartment with floors that gleam like glass, nights of reckless abandon, turning up the music and dancing. Dancing until you fell down. Dancing for dancing sake and enjoying the movement, the music, the moment. One of the best memories I carry. We chuckled about attempting to dance like that now, and the day after our conversation, we both acknowledged that we threw on some music and just danced.

It Begins 5:57 PM

I got rolls of bubble wrap today. I am beginning in the kitchen. Going through 100s
of dishes, pans, appliances, utensils, weeding out things I do not want to take with me when I relocate. It's amazing how much stuff you can accumulate in ten years living in the same place. I actually found some things in the cupboard I haven't touched since I moved in, those things are definitely being disposed of. I plan on going room by room, until everything is crated or disgarded. But for now, I'll focus on the kitchen.

Evacuated 7:36 PM

I woke up later than usual, to an acrid stench in the air. Out the window I could see an odd cloud formation of black against the bright blue sky. Shortly afterward my cell phone rang and it was Kent telling me to get out, that the city of Cudahy had a mandatory evacuation within one mile of a major fire at the Patrick Cudahy meat packing plant. I told him I wasn't in the area of the fire. I turned on the TV and sure enough, the police were going door to door, telling people to leave and I was in the area being evacuated. Within minutes, there was a knock on my door and it was the police. I threw on a shirt, flips, grabbed my wallet, keys, cell and headed over to my Mom and Dad's. We watched the news for a while and decided to head over to the casino. I managed to turn $20 into $117.35 on one machine. That was the end of my gambling. We stayed and had an early lunch, then back to their home, watched the news, the continuous fire, and no sign of being able to return to my apartment. I went shopping for crates to use for packing, and ate dinner with Mom and Dad. I wanted to return home, moreso because officials said I couldn't. At 7:00pm the order was lifted and I was able to come back. Glad to be on my couch at this time.

Cooler By The Lake 8:10 PM

Jody and I went to Summerfest today. Free street parking and free entry to the Summerfest grounds. We made our way through the park, enjoying different music, food, and beverages. The weather behaved while we were there, alternating sun and warmth, and clouds and cool breezes. I had a really good time hanging out with Jody down by the lake for the day.

Delayed 6:53 AM

No plane on ground in Milwaukee to take me until 1:07pm. That's a long time from the original 6:10am departure. I'll head back to the airport in five hours...

Uncertainty 8:18 PM

Today I admitted to someone other than myself my insecurities, doubts, and the tumultuous self destructive journey I have been on. Opening up and letting my fears, faults, and troubles out seems trivial to hear, but sparked a realization in me that hasn't been there for quite some time. What has plaqued me and kept me spiralling for months now has been the fact that I lost my faith in things around me. Trust, decency, respect. I have been beating myself up because I lost those aspects around me and have become wrapped up in finding it around me. I am flawed, and been asking for forgiveness and understanding, but never had I done that for myself. In speaking about my issue, I realized that the faith in myself is still present, not lost, as I perceived it to be. That being said, I still have plenty to comprehend within myself and work to stand again. I've made mistakes, none out of malice or spite, so I am not the monster I have come to believe I must be. I still ache from things that have happened, but in time I will know how I will live with those scars.

Disney Moments 7:08 PM

I find that no matter how I am doing, I am moved by the wonders of Disney animation. I spend many hours watching the movies, have them all on VHS and DVD. There's a magic to them that I find captivating and uplifting. These are two of my favorite songs, one from The Lion King and one from The Lion King II. Inspirational, Powerful.

The Swim Of Things 8:46 PM

The day went by fast. Up early, online job hunt, quick shower and over to Mom and Dad's for a journey to Gurnee. Acquired a new slow cooker. After shopping, a stop for lunch. Back home and I read, fell asleep, up for dinner. Afterward I wanted to get out and do something. I searched the Internet and discovered that Pulaski Pool has open swim. Without hesitation, I grabbed my suit and headed over to the pool before I talked myself out of it. I got there, not too crowded, changed, and swam some laps. Not my best effort, but I actually did it, enjoyed it, will do it again. Could this be the start of something. . .? Hmmm . . .

Headache 6:29 PM

Today is rather overcast and rainy. I've had a pounding headache all day, took some excedrin earlier and pretty much napped the afternoon away. I applied for some jobs online, contemplating my next approach in finding a job, and thinking about getting Windows certification to add to the resume. Looking for a job is a headache in itself, given the current economic situation. The search continues . . .

Powerless 12:21 PM

I was at a McDonald's over the weekend where the computer system wasn't working so the employees were taking orders by hand, writing down the order, using calculators to add up the bill, and using a cash box. It was rather interesting and amusing and felt like stepping back in time. During the snow storm over the weekend, there was thunder and the power went out four times within a twenty minute period early Sunday morning. It woke me up. It was rather interesting, amusing, and annoying.

Looking 7:11 PM

I never thought that at this point in my life I would be looking for so many things. Not too long ago I was in the groove, had a circle of friends that I really enjoyed knowing, which has since disappeared just like that. I had a job, that while wasn't the best match for me, was challenging, interesting, kept me occupied, now that's disappeared too. Too many bumps in the road and the self confidence shrinks, disappears like that too. I can take the hits, shake myself off, move on, but it is a bit much at once. I looked for a job and insurance today (even though I most likely will go with COBRA thanks to the President's 65/35 initiative which makes it affordable. I will continue to get my resume out there, found a couple of job sites I will be signing up at. As for the circle of friends, that seems to me the most daunting of tasks, to put myself out there after all these years. A job certainly would help me afford to get out and socialize. I hate to say it, but I sure do miss the friends that have gone.

Oh The Horror!!! 5:57 PM

I stayed up way too late last night watching horror movies on cable TV last night. I turned off the TV around 3:30am and settled into a rough sleep. About 9:00am I finally got moving. I ran a couple of errands and took a walk since it was a really nice day out. I was unproductive on the job search, but will get into the swing of things for sure tomorrow. Yesterday afternoon I stopped by Mom and Dad for lunch and two games of scrabble (won one just barely, lost one considerably). Then I read, watched TV and planned on going to bed early. Then I started watching FX. The movies were bad, but I couldn't help but watch them.

Puzzle Pieces 6:33 PM

Today I started a jigsaw puzzle. Figuratively speaking. I updated my resume and started applying for a new job. I am focusing on IT. I am looking at both the greater Milwaukee area along with Orlando and Sarasota in Florida. The effort put into finding a career is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, making sure you have the correct pieces in the right place.

This weekend, I got to see Pat and Toni, Tim and Julia, over lunch at Mom and Dads. Then we viewed pictures from the trip to Florida. I enjoyed reliving the moments. Mom, Julia, and I played scrabble too. I do like word games. Sunday brought overcast, dreary, rain weather complete with thunder and lightning, freezing rain, and snow. I had to chisel off my car this morning. Tomorrow, I'll work on the puzzle some more.

Extended Vacation 12:37 PM

Woke up this morning to a mound of snow. Had to navigate the roads to get to work. Started up the coffee, went about my morning routine, playing catch up after a week away. About an hour into my day I was summoned up to Human Resources and let go effective immediately. My position had been eliminated. Boxed up my stuff and fled the building. I'll miss the few people I liked, glad I don't have to endure those I couldn't stand and with all the upheaval that's been going on in my life, know that I am destined for bigger and better, and feel at ease. Now if only it would stop snowing.

Preparations 6:39 PM

I pulled out the suitcase tonight. One week and I'm off to sunny Florida, and Disney! I can hardly wait. I will be doing something each night to get ready. I could get it all dome now, but that wouldn't be any fun. This way I stretch out the eager anticipation until the morning I leave. Plus I keep changing my mind on what to bring with me!

Home 2:08 PM

I had an incredible time at the Wildnerness on the Lakes in the Dells. It was a nice four day getaway. I managed to get to the casino and leave $50 ahead of when I got there! Spent lots of time at the water parks, soaking in the hot tub, eating plenty of good food, and enjoying the company. Now I will settle into my regular routine for a few weeks before I fly to Orlando for another trip to Disney. Well, the couch is calling and I am answering . . .