California take, well: III

With the assurance that I'd come out ahead I took a trip, Honda Pilot in hand or rather, me in a Honda Pilot, to the Bay Area from Richmond, Ind.

No, this is not the story of now, this is the story of 3 weeks ago. And by random circumstance, it is now the story of this week.

So, I delivered said Honda Pilot to my newly acquired friends in the Central Coast/N. California/Bay Area/Santa Cruz area. I got to spend time with them, converse about important topics and take a walk through the redwoods, no less. They drove me to the San Jose airport and I was on my way back to where people may read this.

To me the place (Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley) was/is magical. I loved it and I could have seen myself living there. And oddly enough, I've felt a strong pull to find something out there.

But I went on my way, thinking about the day I would again see my friends in California and when I'd get the chance to walk the road running along the coast with surfers in the background and waves crashing into the rocky walls of Santa Cruz.

Not five days later, storms began battering the Central Coast/N. California/Bay Area/Santa Cruz area and as a result much of the living space around where my new friends lived. I was driving back from Baltimore and I got a text message that said 'tree fell, house smashed, car smashed; see you soon with a new Pilot!:)'

I felt awful but joyous at the same time for the opportunity to once again repeat history, somewhat, and visit this place I came to love in a matter of only 48 hours.

So, here I am after a longer jaunt to see a few things yet unseen, in Central Coast/N. California/Bay Area/Santa Cruz area.

After arriving quite late or early, depending on how you look at it, I awoke after a nap yesterday and ventured down to Santa Cruz, watched surfers and the Super Bowl at Rosie McCann's Irish Pub in downtown Santa Cruz. I met a few inspired individuals, one of which tried to convince me to move to Santa Cruz. He, although I don't remember his name, said, after my question: "so, what do you do,?" "I do nothing and I love it," he said "I just walk around and go to the beach every day." He was dressed in overalls, a flannel shirt and drank cherry coke, while we talked football and California Livin'.

What I'm Reading (or not) 2.1.2010!?

Disappearing is an act for a magician and they can have it.

To be honest, I've been quite busy since my last post and yet, as I haven't stopped writing, I have stopped posting.

So, I don't live in Indianapolis anymore, I don't work at Damar anymore and I'm back to traveling the country by-way of other people's cars in search of the best $1.99 cheeseburger. Or something like that.

After departing the dreaded town of Indianapolis, a place I try and avoid at all costs for its artificial feel and infrastructure, I began driving for the Mats International/Covenant Auto Sales again. I've remained somewhat busy, which is good because I need it.

New Years eve I had the opportunity to fly to Miami and pick up a 2006 Volvo and subsequently attend the Phish New Years eve show I wanted to make but never felt I could. Unbelieveable circumstance lead to me eating Cuban food on S. Beach, sitting in 80 degree weather on January 31 and attending a 3 hour, 3 set show by none other than the master's of music themselves.

After 2 full sets (the show began at 8 p.m.) Trey and the gang came out and began playing a diddy close to 11:55 p.m. As the time drew toward midnight, a large disco-esque ball lowered from the ceiling and as one the crowed counted down from '10' as the clock, or rather, guitar stuck '12'. As midnight ushered in 2010, Trey played Auld Lang Syne and everyone cheered. Unbelievable.

The last few weeks I've made trips to Baltimore/Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Wilmington, NC, Omaha, NE (in a snow storm) and most recently Dallas, San Antonio, TX, Monroe, LA and Little Rock, AR. So, I've stayed on the go at least.

Tomorrow I depart for Kansas City, MO, the home of overrated BBQ and bad professional sports teams.

What I'm Reading 12.17

The actions of the individual should not be weighed against that person, by any other person; it is not our duty to decide who is worthy and who is not.

This morning Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver Chris Henry lost his life. He was a father, someone's son and from many accounts, a changed individual. Slim's time in Cincinnati was short and full of controversy, but no one can justify the loss of an individual at the age of 26 with 3 small children.

It is a truly sad story, as his family rushed to his bedside following an accident, apparently beginning as a domestic dispute. It makes me genuinely sad, as Chris seemed to turn the corner this year, had his head set and was due to do good things.

CincyJungle: Chris became someone you root for, after being taken under the wing of Carson Palmer and others.

In other news:

Make sure to check your facebook privacy settings, now.

There are a ton of disability claims pouring in equidistant to the loss in jobs. During a supervised home visit for one of the kids I work with, the father of the boy told me he was getting a check for $64,000 in lost wages because of a back injury. Blows my mind.

Also, Rust Belt towns hit the hardest, according to the Washington Post.

Blessed are the conservative? I'm not convinced.

Something I saw on Bob and Tom show before I left work last night: 21 things that became obsolete this decade. By the way the decade ends in 2 weeks.

Also, the 15-worst states to start a business. Indiana didn't make the list! Let's hear it for NJ!

In a fledgling economy, kids are asking for jobs for Dad and other essentials.

"Am I the Grinch who stole Christmas?," asks one journalist.

A letter to the Manila Bulletin about importance of Jesus in Christmas; something I'm sure to write about sooner or later this Christmas season.

Prisons are full. So, the best way to alleviate a problem is to empty them?

AND, time to get going on some movies. Here are the 2010 Golden Globe nominations if you haven't seen them.

A Calling

A call to action to alleviate the inequities of this world is sadly only relevant if the bellower of injustice holds status in the unjust society. As a result, the call to action rarely comes, due to the intentions of the renowned individual, because it is their great action(s) and great fault(s) that allow them to take advantage in a world where THEY are the proprietors.

Determining how to pick up the pieces and become justified in a society once thought be limitless in potential for even the dregs, has no precedent and therefore the ingenuity of minds of a great underling society must be grande. Where to go with my thoughts and intentions when I am the aforementioned underling?

Faith fuels the hypothetical fire. Faith in God, in action and in possibilities that may or may not become conceivable with just the right catalyst and opportunity.

A call to action is possible but only with the ability to give of your full self, with non regret for personal loss; finding it in you, to live for someone else can be the biggest challenge in the world.

Selflessness is passion. It is something I work for everyday; a way to break from the individual-gain society we are thrust in. A bit more personal submission from each individual - quaint in distinction and effort - would yield much. It is imperative to give of yourself before you can fully and efficiently give to others.

Although you may have submitted yourself, those you are helping may have not, yet shouldn't be judged, as opportunity has given their struggles to us, to soothe . Understanding and patience is paramount at a crucial time when one may have thought all was figured. You will never find someone who justifies action in the same way you do; a challenge is to find someone who can accept your inherit biases and faults.

Dostoevsky said: “Love a man, even in his sin, for that love is a likeness of the divine love, and is the summit of love on earth." Express said love through action and in a blinding manner, being careful to not trump action.

Action, can be had and will be with time and patience and swift effort, even from the underlings of society. I wish for the understanding and enlightenment of others and for the faith to continue a journey set for no exact destination. Despite a lack of stature and power, difference can be made; it starts with each of us and the attitudes spawned from those around us, through our actions, countenance and silent conviction.

It is empowering without measure when you feel you have given you to something much grander than the self.

What I'm Reading 12.3

Happy December everyone; only 24 more shopping days until the most important day of the year!

Are you getting tired of hearing about Tiger Woods? I believe 'transgressions' were destined to happen.

In the wake of the 25th anniversary of a disaster you've never heard of - a slideshow marking the Bhopal, India gas leak.

My Ball State Cardinals scored the fewest points in a men's basketball game in 58 years: 38 against 23 ranked Butler.

I feel we spend too much money on Christmas presents and as a result I wish for all who read this to donate, donate and donate some more, for those who have little or nothing. On donating: ECI has done a good job.

Barry Larkin is up for the Hall-of-Fame. Would you vote for him?

My Cincinnati Bengals are 8-3, 6-0 in the AFC North, running the ball like never before and are destined for greatness.

And, a periodical that looks interesting to me.

Have a beautiful day, wherever you are.

What I'm Reading; Thanksgiving edition

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I enjoy the national holiday from the seat of my pants, alone with work in the horizon of a couple hours, I thought I'd provide some insight into what's been up and down, so to speak.

Here is an interesting story to ponder over as we celebrate that 1st Thanksgiving.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade skipped Broadway, this year for the first time.

On something I've read a lot about, the genetic mutation of what we have come to know that is actually a super-turkey, may soon come to an end. Goodbye big-bland-tasting bird, hello smaller, more-expensive-more-rich-flavored bird.

The Detroit Lions are staying on Thanksgiving. IMO, good.

If you haven't seen or heard the bell ringers for the Salvation Army, they now are taking credit or debit.

I've been working consistently at Damar Services for more than 2 months now, and I've come to the conclusion; there will always be good days and bad days. The best thing I've learned to do is to leave everyday at work, and work day-to-day.

Recently, I've felt personal gains with some of the kids. After reading some of their files I have found less reason to become aggravated with behaviors and more inspiration to try and understand what I can do to help.

I struggle with getting the kids to listen to me for a couple reasons I can guess; one, they have a hard time relating with me and two, they just don't care about what someone, with a position of power, over them, has to say.

Interestingly, when I have found a way to lower myself to them (in hypothetical sense only) I have found they listen, and are much more happy with my presence. Joking and having a good time with them is not hard and I struggle with the staff whom cannot find it within themselves to enjoy their time with the kids.

On the staff, I have met some good, some not so good, and some who just show up for a paycheck. I never want to a paycheck person.

Moving on, it is a sad cycle for some of the kids. Watching some of the kids progress within the captive environment is all for naught oftentimes, as many leave and revert to behaviors that seemed to have been irradiated. Also, some complete their treatment plan and because of a lack of family or guardian support and/or consistency, they fall back into the system and sadly if they have reached adult-age that often means incarceration.

I want to get in the minds of the kids but become so aggravated with my own deficiencies, limiting my ability to understand and make breakthroughs with the kids, who may only need one explanation to turn a major corner. I am thankful for this opportunity, but I feel so much time is wasted and it pains me to no end to know that I leave every day at 11 p.m., with the kids sleeping, and I haven't figured out a way to suppress a behavior that would otherwise help them to be at peace with themselves and/or the environment they see around them.

I watch kids struggle with thoughts, memories and defense mechanisms that have been socially conditioned within them from dealing with the horrific lives most of them have experienced. I want to feel their pain in more real terms, so as to understand and have them understand that I am always there to help.

So, today i want to express my thankfulness in having the opportunity to be around the people I hope to help. I am thankful for the chance to be a positive person in their lives and someone they can rely on and trust, the likeness they may have never known.

Today I work from Noon-11 p.m., again, as I am enjoying Thanksgiving with one client's family, via supervised home-visit. It is not ideal for me, or my family who spend another holiday without my presence, but the focus is on the people of need I now attempt to empower. Having the thankfulness to understand my family eats w/out me because I've been so lucky to have a supporting family, is key. Redirecting that thankfulness and giving of myself to help one of my kids enjoy a Thanksgiving, is what is important today.

And I'm thankful for the opportunity.

What I"m Reading 10.30

A lot is going on in the news and a few other things, aside from my new job as a direct support technician at a organization supporting children with developmental and behavioral challenges.

Some days, more than others, I find a ton of interesting stuff on the 'internets' and I feel that it's necessary for you to take part (you who are undefined).

For example: the largest cruise ship in the world is in Miami. The 'Oasis of the Seas' boasts 2,700 cabins and can hold 6,300 passengers.

How is this for irony: a man in Minnesota was mauled by a dog he rescued. Not exactly a plug for HELP shelter and like rescue organizations.

Speaking of Richmond (HELP shelter), on a sad note, a great man passed away this week. Audry Reichter, father of my babysitter, lived an extraordinary life as a WWII veteran and foster parent, with his wife, for more than 2,000 children since 1947. He was 87.

A Washington television station is receiving both praise and critical glances after airing a live-action video of how to properly administer a breast self-exam.

The Phillies and Yankees are even at 1-1 in the World Series.

The Baltimore Ravens, although handled by my Cincinnati Bengals, may be the best 3-3 team imaginable. I'll take them over 6-0 Denver on Sunday.

Perhaps the trade of the decade: Cleveland sent Barolo Colon and Tim Walker to the Expos for Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore, Brandon Phillips and Lee Stevens. In retrospect; wow!

Back to Bengals talk: Ochocinco, promoting his new book on the off-week, was on Letterman last night reading the Top-10 list.

Also on the Bengals: Carson Palmer has been the key to Cincinnati's early success.

Away from the Bengals and down to Athens, GA: a woman apparently acted like a dog to scare off a man.

Here is a story about the resurected Paul Reubens (Pee-Wee Herman).

Is there a real Jaws out there? Check out the picture on the link.

And finally, a trailer for a new movie about John Lennon's early life: "Nowhere Boy."

Contradicting Perspectives

I want you to think of your first memories. Remember the early times that formed you, at early ages; things that helped you become who you are.

Now, think about who might have lifted you to the table to blow out your birthday candles. Remember who was there to help you when you fell off your bicycle. Think about the times spent with the ones closest to you, the ones who nurtured you and the ones you rebelled against, only to come back to when you needed them the most.

Now, try and think about what your life would be w/out those who did so little, that became so much, in retrospect. Imagine your life w/out happy times and w/out the sad times; having the ability to have someone there to help you or, enjoy times with you. Imagine them not wanting to.

Speaking in general terms, kids i now have the opportunity to help have lived lives without, what most of us have taken for granted. Attempting to reason with someone, who has known a life directly contradictory to my own is a feat. These kids are living with burdens and experiences some of us can't begin to imagine and can never truly understand.

The image of abuse and neglect, I can now see in the faces of so many, causing behavioral and emotional problems have been spawned from the people who were supposed to be there for them the most. No one living a 'normal' life can imagine what they would have become w/out nurturing loved ones. Yet, given the opportunity to change a view of the world and of life, held by someone who has known no true happiness and no true 'loved' one, is an opportunity worth grasping.

Attempting to understand 'my' kids' perspective is difficult but possible, at least on a degree enough to help change a perspective, or have them see things through the help of someone they can trust. Helping one of them understand, despite their pain, that hurting someone else is never going to alleviate their greatest fears of abuse, is possible.

Changing the mindset of the people you are told to trust, will not let you down, is also possible but only if a staff or concerned individual has the ability to give of themselves on an even greater level than even our parents did for us.

"True success is measured only in the growth of an individual."

Yesterday, I felt I gained trust in one, and was able to develop a goal, in another. I want to be someone trustworthy enough, for those who have never known, or had the ability to know anyone they could truly rely on. I want to change perspective(s).

New Observations on Life

The two weeks of orientation were set to enlighten and yet, scare away those feeling that working with children having been through some of the most traumatic life experiences and dreadful treatment known. I pushed through, because that's what I do best and it is only now, as I'm head-on into the job, that I see the images of tragedy and pain those I work with have been through.

The challenge of working with children known and documented as being 'dangerous' and 'disabled', is finding it within yourself to change your perspective of how everything is 'supposed to' work in this world and realize how things sometimes work in the most horrific of situations.

Two full days into the job, about to head for a third, I have been pressed already; morally, physically and psychologically, and yet, no matter the hardship I face in attempting to do all in my power to help, I can never fully understand the pain some of 'my' kids have been put through in their lives. Understanding why a youngster may do something to harm themselves or someone else is best examined after knowing what a child has been through. And that is tough, considering everyone has some handle on how parenting in a 'normal' world works. Helping people who have never had 'real' parents is difficult when brains and trust have been morphed the way these kids' have.

I'm going to do my best to document what I see, keeping anonymity, of course; leaving out specifics often but getting at the root of how and why things happen, things I can only imagine.

A 'job' pushing ones pschy and mental perspective, is not really a job but, a blessing and something an enlightened person can take and do great things with for others. I hope to be that enlightened person and I hope to help change lives for the people I see as, no one else has before; as precious, raw and propitious people.

Jobs, California and Knashing Teeth

Yesterday I learned I now have a job - with the grace of a negative pee test and criminal background check. I think I'll be OK.

I also inquired through car transport company I'm working for, into a car in Riverside, Calif. MATS president Josh said that usually cars further away, like cars in California, are usually shipped. However, for a flat pay amount he said I could pick the car up and drive it back. So, I'm going to California Monday, September 28 to pick up a 2009 Chrysler Sebring.

I have coordinated with a cousin of my G-pa Sheets, who lives in Corona, Calif. to pick me up and take me to the car. I am very appreciative for the ride and I hope to have a good visit with my family from a distant land; roughly 2,400 miles.

On my way back, after visiting with family, and a couple of friends in L.A., I plan on hitting the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Four Corners and whatever I see along the way.

I have worked with my new employer and will not start my orientation until October 12. I will be working for Damar Services, assisting and supervising adolescents with disabilities. It is full-time with benefits. I won't know what to do with a regular pay check. Hopefully I won't do what I do with money, now.

As for the 'knashing teeth' title, I don't know why I said that.

Reds Writer's Last Season

Reading great sports writing is one thing I love very much. And for the past seasons as a reader of everything-Reds I have been a fan of Hal McCoy, the Reds beat writer for the Dayton Daily News.

This year the DDN has had to make more cuts, as all newspapers have, and one job that won't be continued is the beat position covering the Cincinnati Reds. Can you believe it? Therefore, as much disgust and angst that brings to people who care, McCoy is making this season his last covering the Reds and baseball, for that matter.

After 37 years McCoy has seen it all from the Reds, good times and as of late, mostly bad. But he has been there through a lot. I keep up with McCoy through his blog he started a few seasons ago called 'The Real McCoy'. During the last road trip to Chicago, Hal's last stop at Wrigley, he had a post that is encompasses everything about him and his writing. He thoughts could not be more congenial and I'll let you read it:


One Last Fond Look and a good-bye to Wrigley by Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News

WRIGLEY FIELD is empty, the 39,805 fans scattered throughout Wrigleyville or on the El or headed home on the freeways - after singing that catchy song they sing after every victory, “Go Cubs Go.”

The Cubs won, 5-2, officially eliminating the Cincinnati Reds from the pennant race, but I’m not giving that much thought.

As I sit in the press box high above Wrigley, scanning the horizon to see the high-rise buildings and Lake Michigan, I think of 37 years of coming to these hallowed grounds. They can talk all they want about Fenway Park, this is THE place to watch baseball. This is what baseball is all about.

Amazingly, the place has changed very little over 37 years - a few new seats crowded into the corners and a bunch of grandstands atop the brownstone buildings on Waveland and Sheffield.

The old-time scoreboard remains the same and the boisterous and belligerent Bleacher Bums remain the same.

But they’re gone now and I’m left here with my memories, of great times, of mostly day baseball, the way it was meant to be played. I love this park when it is empty and I love it when it is full.

I won’t miss walking the ramps. They finally put in an elevator for former broadcaster Harry Caray, but it is down in the left field corner and usable only when you arrive at the park and when you leave. To go to and from the clubhouse and to and from the field, you walks the ramps, just like the fans.

I could sit here and gape for hours, watch the elevated trains beyond the center field bleachers, watch the fans hitting all the bars in Wrigleyville, listen to the sirens from the firehouse behind the left field wall - a firehouse that has to be one of the busiest in Chicago because sirens are constant.

I can look at the ivy on the brick outfield walls and remember outfielder after outfielder getting tangled in the branches and searching frantically for lodged baseballs.

But I have a plane to catch home, so I’ll take my last look around this baseball pasture, this REAL Field of Dreams, and with a tear or two at the corner of my eyes, I’ll walk to the left field corner, take one last glance very close to the left field foul pole, then walk down a portal to the elevator and leave by the gate across from the firehouse. I’ll hail a cab and watch another dream fade over my shoulders.

AS JONNY GOMES calls it, “Your victory tour,” continued Sunday in Wrigley Field.

I was standing in front of the Cubs dugout chatting with manager Lou Piniella. After a 15-minute chat, I turned around and there was a semi-circle of Cubs writers and officials standing behind me.

General Manager Jim Hendry started it off, presenting me with a bottle of cabernet sauvignon, from his own winery in Napa Valley. Very nice. Hendry is a class act, a great friend over the years, who often asked me why I didn’t come to work in Chicago. They didn’t want me, Jim, and the Chicago writers are a great bunch of people. They all took me out for a drink near Wrigleyville after Saturday’s game.

A couple of them who were off and didn’t cover the game showed up for the mini-party. What a great time with Bruce Miles, Dave Van Dyck, Paul Sullivan, Carrie Muskat and Alan Solomon.

The establishment was The Piano Man on Clark Street and as soon as I walked in I saw the jersey of Reds’ pitching coach Dick Pole hanging on the wall. It was a Cubs uniform from the 1980s, when Pole was pitching coach for the Cubs. Then I looked up and there he was, sitting with friends near the bar.

Pole bought the first round and when he got the bill he looked at it and said, “What did I do, break a window?” Turns out he always says that and it never fails to get a laugh.

Next on Sunday, after Hendry, was Piniella, who handed me a box of Macanudos and said, “I first met Hal back in 1990 when I became manager of the Reds. I asked him for a rundown of the team and how to approach them and what kind of guys they were. Hal gave me a great rundown, he was right on all counts, and we won the World Series.”

I’m still waiting for my World Series share and my World Series ring, but Piniella’s words and friendship were enough.

Then Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster, who pitched briefly for the Reds and is one of the all-time great people I’ve met in this game, stepped forward with a gift from the Cubs: The actual No. 37 from the Wrigley Field scoreboard, where they still hang numbers manually. The 37, of course, represents the years I worked the beat. What a fabulous, unique gift. It’ll hang prominently in my home office.

The No. 38 is on the back and Hendry said, “That’s in case you pull a Brett Favre on us and come back.”

EARLIER IN THE DAY, when I was standing in the Reds clubhouse, somebody stuck a bag of cigars in the my face and handed me a note. It was from Cubs home clubhouse attendant Tim Hellmann, who worked the Reds’ clubhouse every spring in Sarasota and was an invaluable help to me after my eyes went bad.

The hand-written note said, “Thanks for everything, you will be missed. Hope to see you again down the road. Best wishes and good luck. TIM HELLMANN.

What a great gesture from somebody who some people in the game consider the “little” people, but he and many, many other clubhouse personnel, from the Reds to all those around the league, are fabulous folks who are tireless workers doing the menial jobs, but they are giants of the game to me. Thanks, Tim.

Thanks, Cubs.

Before the game, I went on the Cubs/WGN pre-game show with TV broadcaster Len Casper for a well-done interview (not by me, by Len and his questions, which made it easy and fun).

THEN I went back to the pressbox to dig into my late Big A** Burrito. Reds media relations director Rob Butcher always makes the burrito run to a little Mexican hole-in-the-wall place under the El tracks about a half a block away.

It was Butcher’s second run of the day. On Sunday morning he ran a half-marathon, The Chicago Half-Marathon. Butcher was one of 15,000 finishers. He did the 13.1 miles in 1:42.09 (980th out of 15,000).

Nice going, Rob. But your short run for the burritos was your best run of the day. It was my third straight burrito for lunch and today’s was my last.

I’ll miss ‘em.

Property of the Dayton Daily News and Cox News and Publishing, acquired Sept. 17, 2009

NYC, Dayton Beach, Washington DC, Unemployment

Folowing my adventurous trip to Houston, I was fortunate enough to get a call again from my friends at MATS International for another job taking me to NYC or rather, Long Island.

It was a great trip as I got to see the ocean, an amusement for someone from landlocked Indiana.

The day after arriving home from NY I got another call from MATS asking me to pick up a 2006 Nissan Murano in Daytona Beach, and so I went. And drove it back, but not before seeing the ocean, an amusement for someone from landlocked, oh ok, you know what I'm trying to say.

I ate at Hull's Seafood Kitchen, and it has my endorsement.

After the Daytona Beach trip I had little to do except for a few empty hopes in regards to jobs.

This past week I traveled to Washington DC to pick up a car, a 2006 Saturn.

I now have prospects with a couple jobs at Damar Services and Lawrence Central High School.

Texas, Camp and Jobs

Camp ended without me completing a post on this site or another. However, I did enjoy the summer that was perhaps the most enjoyable and enlightening time of my life, without disapointment, aside from it ending.

NOW, i'm in the process of finding a job in my new found city: Indianapolis. I have had little luck thus far, although I figured to have a position now at another agency assisting people with disabilities with vocational rehabilation and/or daily living needs.

I applied and am confident but we'll just have to stay posted on what comes of the entire situation and it could be a long road considering the cuts non-profits are making due to the economy. Everyone is taking a hit.

The other day I took a job hint from a friend from high school. We met and out of nowhere he told me that another friend of mine and Younglife leader from high school was running a business that bought used cars through auction all over the country and then paid people to pick them up and drive them back to either Indianapolis or Richmond, IN; the site of the operation.

Therefore, I enquired into the job and mere hours after a call to the president I got my first assignment to a land I had never been to pick up a vehicle I had never driven back to Indianapolis.

So, yesterday at 0330 I awoke and made my way to meet someone else working for the organization also flying out to pick uo a vehicle in Buffalo, NY.

I met said person and picked up my itenerary, company credit card, dealer used license plate and screws to hold said plate and rode along to Indianapolis International.

After arrving I printed off my boarding passes, travelled through security, and made my way to my gate.

In a non-eventful happening of events I boarded flew out and then landed softly in Atlanta International, having enjoyed a cold-cup of coffee; I had to ask twice for and finding what I thought to be my next gate, only to find out. . . .

IT WAS WRONG. . .

. . . and from what I knew Atlanta was a big airport, so i scrambled realized that despite my ticket said 'zone 5' i had no idea what 'zone' i was in except for a panicked one.

I quickly asked someone working at the airport and she said: it's just changed to right there; pointing to the gate next to my scheduled gate departure area. . .

So, it's been over a year since I was at an airport and let me tell you, in just 14 months i've become illiterate to the entire situation in airports. I can't imagine travelling to one, for the first time. now.

After boarding my flight to Atlanta I made my way to my seat. I sat next to a guy that looked smart, was reading a book on applied physics and had glasses; first hint my first observation was correct.

The flight was enjoyable with small belgian crackers and water, this time.

Landing in Houston, i was excited and yet in question mode about what was to come next.

I made my way out of the terminal, called the chairman of the company in Richmond and proceeded to take a taxi, which in turn took more thatn 45 minutes to arrive at my destination and more than $80 dollars.

NONE THE LESS, i found the auto auction, which consisted of a hundred-acre lot full of repo'ed cars, waiting on people to either pick them up or purchase.

I finally found my truck, after finding not 1, or 2 or even 3 people to help me. The 5th person finally called someone, who barely spoke English and who took me to my 2005 Chevy Silverardo that had no one wheel problem but 4.

However, the one tire, FOA or Flat-on-arrival was filled and I was able to make it to my next destination: Hub Cap City.

So, more or less, I left Hub Cap City and used my Garmin nuvi; sometimes my friend, sometimes my greatest enemy, to get to Jack-In-The-Box.

Following a delicious lunch compliments of my employer, I made my way north-eastward.

I stopped in Nacogdoches, TX; proclaimed as the oldest town in Texas. Snapping a few pictures and taking note that no matter how old of a town it is, being west of here, it is still a younger town than say, Richmond, Ind.

That kind of ruins the grandeur of the entire situation but, that is what I do.

Making my way through Texas (6hours with no end in site) I took note of roadside slot machines, long horns and yes Kroger stores. And we thought we were lucky to have such grocery stores.

I ate at an IHOP in Little Rock, AR; never to stop there again. No questions.

I stayed in a hotel in N. Memphis and basically crashed after a full day of driving. It really does take it out of you.

Making my way back, I arrived back in Indianapolis about 16:30 ET and proceeded to clean up diarrhea the dog left for me. Any questions?

Camp Isanogel 2009

I'm working at camp this summer. . .

Go ahead, some of you and laugh, others clap and still more booo. But, despite what anyone thinks it is the most enlightening and rewarding experience of my life.

We are through 2 weeks, of hosting campers, 3 weeks if you count training. This session is a 2-week experience, with a mix of campers staying for one week or the entire session. I have taken note over the last few weeks and added up experiece after experience, hoping to begin this blog anew for those of you interested in the lives of those spending their summers assisting campers with disabilities, the situations we find ourselves in and the campers, themselves.

So, as I'm exhausted, being on duty for more than 80 hours a week, and dealing with things I never thought I would have to, I'll leave the story telling off to tomorrow and hopefully you'll join me for a ride that I hope can last every camper day, for the next few weeks.

Inspiration for the day

I have some inspiration for any of you looking for a material item to boost confidence and babe-appeal.

Introducing the three wolf moon shirt:

Check out these reviews from Amazon on this t-shirt. . .

Here's a sample of one:

This item has wolves on it which makes it intrinsically sweet and worth 5 stars by itself, but once I tried it on, that's when the magic happened. After checking to ensure that the shirt would properly cover my girth, I walked from my trailer to Wal-mart with the shirt on and was immediately approached by women. The women knew from the wolves on my shirt that I, like a wolf, am a mysterious loner who knows how to 'howl at the moon' from time to time (if you catch my drift!).


WOW! I'm getting one!

What I'm Reading 5.13; Jungle Jim's, Pieces of Rome and DEALS!

Yesterday, Andi and I took a trip to Jungle Jim's International Market in Fairfield, Ohio and bought a bunch of stuff we needed and even more stuff we didn't.

It's a neat place with almost any food item you could ever ask for. Six acres of food under one roof, is a lot and I still see things I've never seen before, every time I go.

This weekend we are going to Mauk, Georgia, again, for Andi's cousin's graduation. I recently got a Garmin and have attempted to put their address in it, and it doesn't recognize where they live - could be the dirt roads.

In other news. . . a women bogged down with grief and regret has returned a piece of Rome after taking it during a vacation to Italy.

A snake is to blame for the Missouri capitol building going dark - and he died.

The pope is trying to make friends.

Another reason for me not to root for Notre Dame and Catholics. GO ILLUMINATI!

A drug dealer, who lead police on a chase in Fort Wayne was stopped - at Taco Bell?!

The Reds continue to play well and are now 19-14, believe it or not.

Restaurant.com is offering 70 percent off their already reduced coupons so $10 gift cards are now $3; with the keyword TASTY, when you check out to get the reduced rate.

Shop World Kitchen has a lot of Pyrex baking and mixing dishes for $1.99.

Sam's Club is offering a 1-day pass for non-members.

Jungle Jim's Run!

We're heading to Jungle Jim's now! So if you want anything call. . .

Chipotle; Richmond: Borat Like Very Much!

I'm big on Mexican food and the spicier the better, for me. But, you already knew that. Chipotle is not spicy, but is good.

Yesterday was not the first time I've been to Chipotle, per say, but it WAS the first time I've been to the Chipotle in Richmond. (I'm going to get tired of typing that awkward word soon.)

Whether you know, or not, the place is built for speed with a Subway-esque ordering system, except with steam tables and hot food in front of you; and good hot food at that.

You have only a few options; which is also good. Options are: Burrito, Fajita Burrito, Burrito bowl, and crispy and soft tacos. You then get options that include Chipotle's famous Cilantro-Lime Rice, the most important ingredient, IMO. Several types of beans, salsa's and meats can be added in different ways, to culminate a delicious and BIG burrito, taco or whatever.

Chipotle also offers beer, something most fast-food restaurants don't.

Now, my rating is high on Chipotle despite the fact that it's a bit pricey for lunch, everyday. But, as I was leaving yesterday I thought about the speed at which the employees are expected to get the food done. And every Chipotle I've been to has gotten my order processed, put together and paid for in under 5 minutes. The price of speed, is what tips it over to something more than fast-food, if the food quality doesn't already do it. It is much better food than Taco Bell.

I graciously urge you to at least try the place and don't be afraid to ask questions whilst there, the food is worth it.

What I'm Reading 5.8; Mill, Dog's and jelly bean robbery!

In honor of the fundamental philosopher John Stuart Mill, who died this day in 1873; this post will be directed at the 'greatest good for the greatest number.'

Whether you know or not - assuming you don't and if you did, your lessons from Philosophy 100 are probably gone - Mill was a philosopher, an economist and a political theorist, born in London in 1806. Although devoloped by Jeremy Bentham, 'utilitarianism' was largely expedited to academia as a theory by Mill.

Mill's works include On Liberty; an argument for the importance of individual freedom, established in a place and time of little freedom from the state. Mill also supported the de-establishment of slavery, the fight for women's rights and free market economics; all things foreign to the establishment of the time.

As an exponent for Utilitarianism - the greatest good for the greatest number - Mill became known as one of the foremost progressives of the time in philosophy, economics and government.

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History lesson over, now on to the important stuff:

I plan on going to the dog park again, today.

My cousin Stacey's wedding is this weekend and I'm the photographer. It should be fun.

Here's a good poem for you, from a good book: Good Poems, by Garrison Keeler (a selection of poems read on the writer's almanac, on NPR)

Animals by Frank O'Hara

Have you forgotten what we were like then

when we were still first rate

and the day came fat with an apple in its mouth

it's no use worrying about Time

but we did have a few tricks up our sleeves

and turned some sharp corners

the whole pasture looked like our meal

we didn't need speedometers

we could manage cocktails out of ice and water

I wouldn't want to be faster

or greener than now if you were with me O you

were the best of all my days

Weird News:

A burglar in Pennsylvania took jellybeans and, well that was it.

A cow escaped the slaughterhouse, wandered through Queens, NY (there's one of these stories a year, methinks) and may get a new lease on life.

Now, I love popcorn and eat as much as possible, when I go to the movies; which is never, but I don't think i could eat this much.

Closed for a while, the statue of liberty's crown is set to be open for July 4.

Australian officials are set to shoot 6,000 kangaroo's, because of over population. One of my wishes in life is for kangaroo's to wander Indiana. Isn't there some way we can spare some of the kangaroo's with the bailout money and ship some to Indiana? Heck, I'll put some money up for them. Forget the banks, I NEED KANGAROOS!

Manny Ramirez, yes that Manny, tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. Another one bites the dust.

I rented Last Chance Harvey. It's pretty good and one of the better-more-recent Dustin Hoffman movies.

And, last but not least: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is launching a new intimidating frangrance line. Thank to the Onion, for that one.

Reds Game 5.7

Tonight I will be heading down US 27, then IN 101, then I-74 to the Reds game to watch the much hated Brew Crew in action against the good guys. The only good thing about the Brewers is the sausage race, and that's only in Milwaukee! SO you know what that means. . .

I will do my best to update this tonight as I know it will be a fun night full of Skyline, baseball and (fingers-crossed) no rain.

Follow here for the action, baseball and antics!