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Monday, June 1st, 2009
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10:32 am - Tortoise
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I know it's bad when I'm feeling guilty about my posting. I guess I'm still having trouble putting together thoughts in more than a bullet point fashion. That better change soon, since I'm now officially back to class. I got tired of talking about it and have dipped my toe in the water for summer session at Prince Georges Community College. I'll be taking an intro Psych course online, hopefully that will allow me to work around other commitments. In the end, if I can wipe out some basics at community college rates I'll be better off. Long term, the goal is a Social Work degree....and I do mean long term since I figure this will stretch on while I'm working full time. No sugar daddy in the picture, so I guess I will the slow and steady rate.
Otherwise, life is par for the course. Rain and Cora are plugging along, each blossoming in their own ways. Cora got accepted at an Arts magnet school for Jr. High as a Drama student - she's in high squee over that. Rain is likely to switch schools for 11th and 12th. Sad, but hopefully a fresh start. I'm still trying to allow myself some time for frivolity, i.e. my regular Tuesday trivia night. Took some time yesterday to hang out with the lovely ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) daisydumont yesterday over Limoncello and eclairs with fresh strawberries. Limoncello was new for both of us, and while refreshing is quite strong. I think in the future I'll have to cut it with something.
All in all, life is good - not perfect, but moving forward.
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| Sunday, April 12th, 2009
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7:34 pm
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| Monday, March 23rd, 2009
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8:29 pm - Providence
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I am a great believer in providence. I realize it's at odds with other aspects of my personality, but regardless, I feel that periodically things come forward at times most needed.
Today was a mix of feelings. I am very relieved to be done with WinterHaven, a tough season. At the same time, I feel a certain amount of guilt at being relieved - there is always a group that will head back to the street. I've long ago made peace with the fact that I can't want something more than the person in question, but being relieved is somewhat guilt inducing. I worry about my jaded attitude, but I've been doing this since '91. I've seen things I never expected to at the beginning.
In '91, it wasn't easy, but the guests were much more of the "Otis" drunks. As I look back, I know Otis (the Andy Griffith caricature) was likely not the harmless sot he seemed, but he was cheerful and manageable. They had their ethos, and in a warped way took care of each other.
In '09 we have more mentally ill, dually diagnosed and more personality disorders. No one is "just" a drunk, they mix and match their addictions and come up with hellish cocktails of abuse. The years of abuse take a physical toll, requiring adult diapers, multiple medications and detailed oversight. None of which we are competent to provide as an all volunteer organization. In the end, we are the dumping ground.
My friend D called this eve to let me know that a client I worked with extensively at my old job died this morning. She was one of the first cases I dealt with as a case worker, one that made me want to explode at the time. She had no insurance, but while she was considered terminal hospice provided her medications. She then had the temerity to get better....so all her medical care was cut off. Makes sense, huh? Long story with many other twists and complications, but all in all, a sad story.
I left for the store after D called, picking up a few things. On my way out I heard my name called. I turned and saw another former client, also with multiple health issues, waving at me. I stopped to chat, cautiously avoiding case issues that I can't address. She's not 100%, but she's doing OK. Sometimes that's the best that can be done. She was happy to see me and was positive about her future. Given the day, I'll take that as my piece of providence.
current mood: wistful
current music: Back on the Chain Gang - Pretenders
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| Friday, February 13th, 2009
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10:20 am
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My cockiness over my avoidance of the series of colds and viruses that have been coming down the pike has come round to kick my ass. Since last weekend I've been increasingly drowning in snot and now have a lovely croaking voice. I always bemoan the fact that I always skip over Kathleen Turner's sexy husky sound and go straight to Kermit the Frog during puberty.
I took a rare sick day yesterday to sleep in, but had to take Rain for an oral surgery appointment in the afternoon. We had to predose her with Valium which left her quite stoned. I'm sure there would be those who would frown at my amusement, but she was pretty funny. Poor kid has two stitches in her cheek and looks like the Godfather...but only on her left side.
One promising thing that happened yesterday was a call for an interview with another local agency. I had applied for a community worker position, but they want me to interview for a supervisory position. I'll be going over there next Wednesday, so keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.
current mood:  sick
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| Sunday, January 25th, 2009
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1:50 pm - Writer's Block: Robotic
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| Monday, January 19th, 2009
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2:38 pm
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I'm staring out my office window at a frosted white landscape. Somehow that dusting of snow can cover the ugliest pile of trash and make it a sparkling new thing. The denuded trees reach their white gloved fingers to the sky, finding a new elegance.
Our area is bracing for the onslaught of visitors for the inauguration. After initially considering going down, I thought better of it as the estimated numbers rose and rose. I've been to many large gatherings in DC - marches, protests, celebrations - but this will likely trump all of them. If I really want to see what's going on, I'll have a better vantage point watching it on TV. I do want to watch it with my clients, as the excitement here is palpable.
Our local PBS station is running a marathon of "Eyes on the Prize." It's been on throughout the day as my background, a reminder of the strides that have been made and the sacrifices that were made to get there. I love the old footage and the smaller stories that sometimes get lost. So Happy Birthday Martin. You stood on the mountaintop, but it would have been wonderful to have you performing the invocation tomorrow.
current mood:  thoughtful
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| Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
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12:02 am
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tx_cronopio passed on a poetry meme, not quite a meme but a chance to post a favorite poem. I've always loved this one, a recognition of the beauty of the ordinary. Richard Brautigan has a way.
"Affectionate Light Bulb"
I have a 75 watt, glare free, long life
Harmony House light bulb in my toilet.
I have been living in the same apartment
for over two years now
and that bulb just keeps burning away.
I believe that it is fond of me.
current mood:  content
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| Saturday, January 10th, 2009
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9:45 am - Back from the Abyss
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I survived the holidays, St. P's week of WinterHaven and assorted distractions. 2009 is here and I have my first interview of the year with a local transit company. A flip of the calendar page does not mean much in real life, but I'm hoping to move forward despite the gloomy forecasts.
I've found an interesting source of opposition in my job search. The girls seem very unnerved by any prospect of me going to a "straight" job. They understand it might be necessary, but are genuinely freaked by the potential that I wouldn't be in a "helping" job. I guess neither of them can remember the days when I had a business type gig, so it will be an adjustment if I end up outside of my more recent gigs.
I hope to write more, just have had a stretch where life has overtaken most outlets. I'm trying to carve out some things for myself, so hopefully this will be one of them. Coalescing my thoughts into a post has been tougher lately - if I set it as a goal I may not win the slowest poster award. I do read daily, however, so I'm still here, believe it or not.
current mood:  tired
current music: I'm Every Woman - kd lang & Dame Edna
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| Monday, September 8th, 2008
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7:52 pm - The Times, They are A'Changin...
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I have seen things in my life that I never thought I would bear witness to. The fall of the Berlin Wall. The release and subsequent presidency of Nelson Mandela. Yesterdays was not quite as earth shattering but amazing nonetheless - Quentin Crisp in the children's page of the comics! He was featured, with large pic, in "You Can Do It with Beakman and Jax." I have searched the web and been unable to embed it, but I will try to scan it for those who are not Sunday paper comics readers. Life is good!
current mood:  amused
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| Saturday, September 6th, 2008
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5:42 pm
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Comment and I'll give you a letter; then you have to list ten things you LOVE that begin with that letter. Afterward, post this in your journal and give out some letters of your own.
From beatnikside, I was given the letter G:
Gyro - tzatziki smothered Greek goodness.
Ganesha - 'cause who doesn't love an elephant god?
Gargoyles - rain spouts with attitude,especially the ones at the National Cathedral
Gandy Dancers - because I want to use one of those hand powered rail cars too!
Gymnopedies - Satie is the original mellow out music.
Grover - one of my favorite Muppets, because we share similar phobias and superpowers.
Glo sticks - cheap thrills, though the purported ability to freeze and reuse them has simply led to a freezer full of dead glo sticks.
Guinness - because Guinness is good for you.
Peter Gabriel - it takes talent to write a hit song about your penis.
Google - portal to vast knowledge and misinformation.
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| Monday, September 1st, 2008
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1:19 pm
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Today, many of us are resting and spending time with our families and friends for Labor Day. Unfortunately, for many of the lower rung of the economic ladder, Labor Day brings no respite. So in the spirit of Joe Hill, I wish for a Labor Day that will someday bring more opportunities and equity to those who do the thankless jobs. Thank you to the waitress at the diner working for less than minimum and spending her hours on her feet hoping for a decent tip. Thank you to the janitorial staff who come in day after day to clean up our debris. Thank you to the retail clerk who works every Labor Day since it's a big "sale" day. Thank you to the emergency services workers - police, fire and rescue - who put their lives on the line and are there regardless of which holiday it is. Thank you to the small business owners struggling to stay afloat as the economy withers. Thank you to the day care workers caring for our children despite no health benefits and low pay. A special aside for those who are unemployed this Labor Day - my prayers are with you.
It can go on and on. Everyone is feeling the pain now, but those who had little to spare to start with are sinking further each day. For all of you, I give you Joe Hill's will:
My will is easy to decide
For there is nothing to divide
My kin don't need to fuss and moan
"Moss does not cling to a rolling stone."
My body? - Oh. - If I could choose
I would to ashes it reduce
And let the merry breezes blow
My dust to where some flowers grow
Perhaps some fading flower then
Would come to life and bloom again
This is my Last and final Will
Good Luck to All of you
Joe Hill
current mood: contemplative
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| Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
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9:28 am - Number One with a Bullet
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This date in history, number one songs:
1959 - A Big Hunk O'Love by Elvis Presley
1963 - Fingertips (Part II) by Little Stevie Wonder
Happy Birthday that Big Hunk O'Love gurdonark! Everybody say YEAH!
current mood:  chipper
current music: Little Stevie's harmonica
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| Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
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11:46 am
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You know your week is off to an auspicious start when your boss's first request of the day is to call funeral homes and find out if they have contacts for companies that clean up after accidental deaths and suicides....
I'd say today has to be less weird, but that's not really guaranteed here.
current mood:  weird
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| Friday, June 27th, 2008
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8:42 am - Baby you can drive my car
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Well, my car dilemma is on its way to resolution - I am the newly minted owner of a '97 Nissan Maxima. The car has an abundance of bells and whistles, so I have the owners manual here at my desk to try to figure out what all the buttons are. It's got a Bose stereo - with CD player - and a moon roof. Why I should be watching the moon while I'm driving is another question. It's white with a cream colored leather interior, so I'm taking bets on how long till I manage to put my personal touch on that.
It's been an interesting trip the past couple weeks. The death of a friend close to my age made my mortality seem ever closer, and I responded to a family emergency that was immensely sad to see. Having my dad die suddenly was awful, but my uncle's descent into dementia is like losing him and being saddled with a look alike toddler. Unfortunately he still has the strength of a healthy adult and a temper to go with it. Strange days indeed.
current mood: contemplative
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| Sunday, June 1st, 2008
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2:29 pm
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After a generally crappy week at work,I was pleasantly surprised by happydog's inclusion of a Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band song, Hunting Tigers Out in India. This of course led to You Tube surfing, thus I give to you one of my favorites:
For the locals amongst you, this will always remind me of the long lost WGTB.
current mood: amused
current music: Adolph Hitler on vibes
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| Sunday, May 18th, 2008
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7:53 pm - The Usual
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Instead of pretending that I will someday write extensive, well thought out posts, I have here what amounts to the norm for me - snippets of the past few weeks.
* My mom, aka ultrajane, turned 70 on May 8th. May has always been the birthday month in my family, except of course for me, the Leonine freak. We had a chance to gather family & friends the Sunday before, and we had a great time. Rainey got together all of the music and did a fine job. Will, Pam and Little Cleve were in town, and Joe made his way through despite a grueling schedule. Mom has hit her 7th decade with remarkable grace, especially considering she is surrounded by the wild bunch she brought into this world.
* At one, Cleveland is a delight and a reminder of why I'll never do that again. He is funny, curious and has the Wall sense of humor (weird & often scatological). Babies are hard work, and Will and Pam are doing a great job.
* Rain played Main St. Festival with her band, Broken Streetlights. Her fan base was there cheering her on, and she actually looked relaxed and seemed to have fun. Bass players are said to never lack for gigs, so she is carving her own niche.
* My little brother fabulist turned forty on Friday. As my public gift to him, I will renounce all prior claims and declare that he DID NOT ruin the family. I lucked into him as he and some pals went out Friday, so I had a super oniony burger at Red Robin, then went to a drag show in Laurel. I was ill prepared, not having a wad of ones with me. Joe, however, provided the Trident for my onion breath.
* Cora and Rainey both auditioned for and are in the local production of Cats. I may become unhinged after several months of Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats.
* After being cleared by the PG County Board of Education to chaperone a field trip - they seem to think I'm NOT an axe murderer - I got to take charge of Cora and several pals on a rainy day at 6 Flags. I managed to get sunburned despite the less than 1/2 hour appearance of the sun that day.
* Cora finished up her first season of lacrosse with aplomb. I made it through my first season of sports parenthood reasonably unscathed.
* Months after it's expected completion, we will be moving into the new Grassroots building. This week will be the chaos of moving, next week will be the chaos of finding everything.
current mood: busy
current music: Been Caught Stealing - Jane's Addiction
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| Thursday, May 1st, 2008
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10:39 pm - World of Oddity
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OK, when I came across this, I went for the freak show quality. It's not bad, just a wild pairing.
current mood: surprised
current music: This is a Man's World
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| Saturday, April 26th, 2008
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3:41 pm - Lumination
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It's time. The Lumina needs to go. I've gotten used to the blood clot interior, the car has overall held up it's end of the low rent bargain, but it's time. I pulled into work yesterday and the car started to make a tremendous racket, albeit without loss of function. After opening the hood, I found the serpentine belt had started to fray, loose end rapidly whapping the hood and generally scaring the crap out of me.
Call 1 - Bucky. Some crusty advice, trim the edge, can't get to it till Monday. Might make it home, no guarantees. Can I replace it myself? Maybe....though I got the "I'll be towing it" vibe from that line of questioning.
Call 2 - Bill. Of course you can replace it, but if it goes before you get here, all bets are off. Must have a socket set. We could do it together tonight. Has an optimistic view of my talents.
Call 3 - Pal D - Uh, yeah you might be able to do it, but it's a crapshoot (has known me the longest). Plus I'm at work, dressed for such and have only my leatherman to assist.
Call 4 - Meinecke. Yeah, we can take care of that, around $100. Quick, close and easy.
So I trimmed it, worked fine, but my paranoia drew me to Meinecke. Towing costs offset savings, or so I thought. Even figured I'd do the oil change to round it out.
Oh folly, thy name is Jenny. $220 later, I had a new serpentine, a six page list of "urgent" repairs that I refused, an oil change, and a car that stalls at every stop sign and traffic light (and no, it didn't do that before). A trip back to Meinecke brought no results, stopping at Bucky's on the way home just made me wish all the more that I just took it there. He's looking for a replacement, but I will have to be proactive and start my own search. Hopefully smaller, stick and more reliable. If you are local, clue me in if you see a bargain.
current mood:  aggravated
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| Friday, April 4th, 2008
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11:25 am - Change for the day....
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After hearing a couple pops under the hood, I lost power steering and smoke started pouring out from under the hood. !*&%^@#$ing car!
UPDATE: For under $100, the ever lovin' Bucky towed and fixed the car. 'Twas only a belt, though for the bulk of the morning I was convinced the lovely Lumina was done for.
current mood: aggravated
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| Sunday, March 23rd, 2008
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7:40 pm - Scattershot
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I'm at work, the only place I have internet access til (Verizon willing) the 31st. My fit of pique seemed like a good idea at the time, but I have had some withdrawal pain. So if I'm more absent than usual, I have a note from my ISP. In the meantime, some random notes:
* I went to 3 Easter services, starting last night, largely because the girls were singing. I did not, however, have my usual sunrise service. The number of services amounted to cruel and unusual punishment for Sheila solo, so something had to give. Ah well...
* I am as tired as I may have been had I eaten a large family dinner - which I did not - but have to stay awake till at least 12:30am (midnight plus drive time). I did however however have a wondrous sour beef dinner last Sunday. Perhaps the effects were delayed.
* I had dinner with an old friend and her family last week. It's odd how we change and stay the same. We tormented our children with tales of yore. I wonder what my girls will tell as "the good old days."
* My knee is stuttering forward. I overdid it shopping on Friday and Saturday, but I am still standing. I am donating my crutches to a coworker who is sending them to an Ivory Coast orphanage. I hope they can make better use of them than I can. If any of you local LJ'rs have some crutches kicking around he's looking for more.
* Our move in date for the new shelter is pushed back yet again. Now we are looking at May. It seems like each step forward comes with two steps back.
* I feel like I am on the cusp of something. What it is, I can't tell you, but something will be changing soon. Hopefully for the better.
current mood: tired
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excited
