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.

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!

Vacationing 3:00 PM

It really isn't that big of a thing, yet it seems to be. Today, I gave my notice to vacate the apartment. So begins the daunting task of sorting, tossing, packing, panicking, dragging, hauling, cleaning. I am dealing with moving ten years of accumulated junk and belongings. Today it seems insurmountable, but every day should make things easier. I just need to stay on top of things and not procrastinate, which I find easy to do. Work day to day, get things accomplished, until I close the door on Apartment 6 the last time.

Hopping With Anticipation (pun intended) 9:57 PM

I just caught this on Hulu and got excited about Disney returning to traditional hand drawn animation. I will be going to see this in the theater once it is released.

Look Up 6:56 PM

Driving along Lincoln Memorial drive on my way to UWM today, they were busy setting up tents for the Air and Water Show. Over the lake planes were practicing manuevers, including the Thunderbirds. Traffic was moving slowly so I got to watch some of the formations and stunts. I was impressed. Not only by the sight of the planes flying, but the the number of vendors and displays being set up. There was a Blue Angel on display that you could even sit in. I'm looking forward to the show this weekend.

Summer Weather 7:12 PM

Yesterday was warm, sunny. Not so much today. Cool, cloudy, rainy. For the most part Summer hasn't been much like Summer. I like warmth, sun. I'll deal with it, not to long before I head out to perpetual Summer (or so I think!). Been running around, meeting up for lunch, dining out, shopping, hanging at the coffee shop, obviously browsing book stores, making the most of the days of Summer.

On The Verge 3:04 PM

After several (too many) days of overcast cool weather, the temperature is moving up, skies clearing out, and getting back to Summer. I like. Got my backpack filled with snacks and drinks for the fireworks down on the lakefront tonight, picking up Dad in a couple of hours to head on over and find a good spot to see and feel the fireworks.

Burgers And Ice Cream 8:21 PM

Summer days, hot, humid. I love it. Perfect for going to Night Owl for a cheeseburger with fried onions and a chocolate malt and heading to the lakefront.

Florida Edition 4:26 PM

Ventured around the vicinity, noting companies today. Stopped and browsed shops, had lunch, even got my haircut. Tonight, I am going out for dinner with Jeff, then to a movie in the park. Tomorrow it's Miami and South Beach!

The Blood That Moves The Body 5:42 PM

Yesterday, at the Oncologist, I was expecting to hear that everything is going fine, no issues, come back in six months. Well, that didn't happen. This time instead of having low levels, I had elevated ones instead. Additional blood work done shows no real problems relating to lymphoma. Thankfully. Now I can head down to Florida with a clear mind and focus on eight days to change my life. I had a 3 card Tarot reading about my personal journey and the results were rather surprising.

Context - Ace of Swords: Your mind will become sharp and clear. It will be ready to accept new challenges and you will be ready to discuss these new opportunites with others to make the best out of what presents itself.
Focus - Priestess 2: The Priestess represents your dreams. They are sending you a message. You should focus, maybe, on a repetitive dream for the answer. This is our innermost voice attempting to help us out with its wisdom.
Outcome - Devil 15: The Devils card symbolizes some negative place. You are in some sort of uncomfortable situation that you need to free yourself of. It may represent bad habits that need to be dropped such as greed, being blind to truths, etc. It urges a cleansing of the negative karma.

Read into it what you will, but I think it is rather compelling.

Outside 6:32 PM

Out here, you hear the birds, horses, cows, coyotes. I'm used to hearing cars, airplanes, neighbors.

UP 9:53 PM

Went and saw the latest Disney/Pixar movie UP today. It was entertaining, funny, touching, and magical. The talking dog, his obsession with squirrels, and the South American bird named Kevin brought laughs and memories. I definitely left the theater in an UP mood! Go see it!

Sleepy 10:42 PM

I am sleepy. Been sleeping all evening. Up for a little while, yawning. ready to go back to sleep. It's just one of those tired and sleepy days.

Magnolias 4:15 PM

My brother Tim has been talking about two magnolia trees down on the UWM campus for weeks, waiting for them to bloom. Back in the day when I wandered the campus, the trees were there, and I was oblivious to them as I walked by them. For the first couple of weeks they were budding, unremarkable in their appearance. I didn't see them last week, so we walked by them this week. They were in full bloom. Beautiful, Stately, Majestic and the air around them scented. I never knew they were magnolia trees.

Today is a warm Spring day, so instead of hopping in the car to run errands, I decided to walk to the auto parts store. It was nice to get out and enjoy the weather. I purchased the spark plugs, wires, rotor, and cap needed to tune up the Jeep and walked home along Lake Drive. I noticed a number of blossoming magnolia trees on the way home. I smiled as I passed, a secret revealed, a little truth in the beauty of trees, a little bit of knowledge of the wonder of nature.

Thanks Tim!

Up With The Sun 6:43 AM

Early morning for me today. Going to start some laundry, finish the book I'm reading, then get outside. The sun is out, it's supposed to be a nice day, and I want to enjoy it away from the couch!

Yesterday, I got in contact with an old friend I used to work with years ago(actually, she contacted me), and as we were talking she informed me she had been diagnosed with hodgkin's lymphoma in February and is currently going through treatment. It started a long conversation as I told her about my experience with the disease, she told me hers. It was a good conversation for the both of us.

Last night, I talked with my friend who just finished her treatment for colon cancer for over an hour. She has responded well to them and is hoping for a reprieve, depending on test results and scans. I am hopeful too.

Oh, it's 7:01am and I can now use the laundry facilities, so starts my day.

Let The Sunshine In 1:29 PM

The day is sunny, warm, have the windows open wide and am enjoying it very much. Tonight I am going to see Hair at the UWM Peck School of the Arts with Char, Tim and Julia. I'm looking forward to it, the performance, the music, and getting to spend some time with friends and family, who bring sunshine into my life.

Seeing Red (Lobster) 5:50 PM

The ad for lobsterfest got me craving. Craving for their garlic cheddar biscuits. So when Julie suggested we meet for lunch, the obvious choice was Red Lobster. I met Julie and Hiro when it opened today, and dined on biscuits, seafood stuffed mushrooms, wood fire grilled chicken, and garlic shrimp skewers. Yum! Then we stopped at Starbucks, grabbed some coffee, and went to her house for the afternoon. Watched Finding Nemo, well, it was on while Hiro entertained me before nap time!

A Little Pampering 1:33 PM

After

Before

I needed to clean myself up a bit, so when the job interviews start rolling in, I look presentable. I went to Sportcuts and had a haircut, hot towel wrap, and a neck & shoulder massage. I feel Pretty! Damn! Good!

In Search Of . . . 7:48 PM

Spent the day sending out resumes online, applied to a multitude of IT jobs, mostly in Florida. Since most companies now have web sites, it is easy to search the web and apply for jobs, no more hoofing it from company to company, yet it seems like I haven't done much in the way of job searching since I don't have to leave the couch to do it. I met Christine and Kristi for lunch at McDonald's (Yum, Filet o' Fish) just to get out of the house for a while. Yesterday I went over to UWM and had lunch with Tim, now a weekly tradition! The entire campus is Wi-Fi (wireless), so I am going to take the laptop with me on the next trip. There's a snow storm looming, so I just might hang low this weekend. I just want nice weather now, enough with the snow all ready!!! I am also toying with the idea of driving down to Florida to look for jobs, but right now it's just a thought . . .

A Day Like Any Other 2:41 PM

Well, it is the first day of Spring, otherwise it's pretty much the same. Not too many job postings to choose from, going to have to get more active on the job search, actually go to a job service or something. Glad I made it through Winter. Not particularly a pleasant one for me. It had it's moments. I ordered a new cell phone (which I will post about once I receive it). I also found the lap top computer I want. Now to debate whether or not to actually purchase it. I do need a new computer, the one I'm using is eight years old and I have to wrestle with it more and more to stay connected. Had lunch this week with Jody, Tim and Christine, been spending much of the time reading, watching TV. It's just another day.