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TUESDAY - JULY 1, 2008
–   – 
Taline-iga  – Guyequoni Saquu
ᎠᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏌᏊ

4:22a – I am getting my July page set up. I should be going to bed, but here I am again, caught up in web design and personal interests...

1:26a – I'm off to work now. Day 4 of 4 at last. As usual, I am really tired. I nearly overslept this morning.

I spent all day in floor support, much to my surprise. It was rough, but I don't mind working hard in floor support. The phones are thankless though.

WEDNESDAY - JULY 2, 2008
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Tsoine-iga  – Guyequoni Tali
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵ
Happy Birthday to my Nephew - Scott!

My nephew, Scott, and his son, my great-nephew

4:00a – I should go to bed, but... no work tomorrow! So ... what ev'! ...

5:44a – Okay ... it's daylight and I am just off to bed.

11:50a – I got up much earlier than expected. I will probably take another nap later. I have the monthly Ko-Ro to go to this evening.

I went back to bed about 12:30p and got up around 2:00p. I finally fixed a bite to eat, pork-veg-noodle stew. I got the video "Jumper" today. I have been anxious to watch it. I started it this afternoon, then went to pick up Skip from Hwy 157. We stopped at Q-Mart (which is getting less and less of our business), then at the Dollar Store (mainly for trash bags), and then Schuck's.

I cancelled on the KoRo. The car has too many problems and gas is too expensive. I could not justify the trip.

I finished watching the "Jumper" movie. It was great, but seemed to be lacking "meat" (as Skip called it). It could have been so much better. It would make a great series!

10:25p – I just finished fixing supper for the both of us. Fried chicken strips, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and gravy.

THURSDAY - JULY 3, 2008
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Nvgine-iga  – Guyequoni Tsoi
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏦᎢ

4:54p – I got the lawn mowed earlier, and have a second load of laundry washing. I took a shower and I just finished watching the "My Favorite Martian" DVD entitled "Time Travelers." I thought it was a more modern movie based on the series, but it turned out to be four select episodes.

Skip just called. I will be picking him up shortly.

8:21p – We went by Wal-Mart on the the way back. I picked up some "glue removed" (Elmer's 'Sticky Out') which I just applied to a section of my camera. I am trying to

My camera with the grip removed. I have to clean all the encrusted glue away.
I will try gluing it back again with "Rhino Ultra Glue."

10:25p – I have supper cooking. I am making a backed sweet potato for Skip and mashed potatoes for myself; and fresh green beans & onion for the both of us. Skip is going to grill some chicken breasts. We both bought a package of breasts today ($2.39/lb). I have laid out two apiece and put the rest in ziplocks for freezing.

10:47p – All the food is cooked, except for the meat. Skip is going to cook that. I hear fireworks going off outside. We won't be doing the fireworks thing this year. I have to work for one reason. And this marks one year since my niece, Tammy, age 29, died.

11:48p – Skip is cooking the chicken now. I just emptied all the trash cans. The camera is looking good! This time it does not seem to be slipping loose again. There are some "glue blotches" around the edge, but ... that's minor.

FRIDAY - JULY 4, 2008
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Tsunagilosdi  – Guyequoni Nvgi
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏅᎩ

12:51a – I am jus about to go and each my supper. I think I will watch my DVD movie "Under Dog" ...

2:28a – I am watching the "Underdog" movie. So far, so cute...

Meanwhile, I've put Skip's "cat pee" clothes in the washer, and took my stuff out of the dryer. I have clothes washed for at least another month. I am also cooking more food. I was still hungry. I made too much, but I will just eat part of it and save the rest for first meal in the morning.

2:52a – I am off to bed now. I have to work tomorrow, but ... it's double pay. That's good.

1:07p – I had lots of wild dreams last night. I had another of those dream, in a dream, in a dream dreams.

I finished watching "Underdog" before going to work.

"There's no need to hurry, 'cause Underdog is furry!" ... nope. Wrong line...

SATURDAY - JULY 5, 2008
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Unadodaquidena  – Guyequoni Hisgi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᎯᏍᎩ

11:37p – Catching up on the day. I woke up at precisely 10:59 and climbed out of bed ad 11:01. I stumbled, bleary-eyed to the kitchen and put on a pot of tea. Skip wanted to "go" out to eat right away, but I was still trying to wake up. I spent about 90 minutes getting woke up, drank my Earl Gray, and managed my email.

Once awake, I showered and was ready to go, by about 12:30p. We decided to check out the "Great Wall" in Granite City. Zach (from work) said they have sushi on their buffet, so we went to check it out. The car is smoking REALLY bad though. I am very worried about that.

We found the Great Wall Chinese Buffet Restaurant with almost no problem at all. They had decent food for a reasonable price... but, now sushi. That was what we went there for, so we were very disappointed.

THE GREAT WALL .. in Granite City ...

We left the Great Wall, and headed off to Collinsville to the Wal-Mart Super Center. I got a few groceries; chicken, hamburger, and sausage. Skip bought a game which I might play with too.

Skip walked over to the Home Depot and I went to wait for him in the car. It was very hot. I waited, but he did not all me. So, I headed over to Home Depot and went inside (the AC) to look for him. I did not get far before he called me. I met him outside and we left. We stopped at Star Bucks, as Skip is a coffee addict. This time (first time ever) I got an "iced coffee caramel macchiato" ... (I think). Well, it was toally DE-LISH-US! And it did not last me long.

I ran Skip by Q-Mart and the hardware store. Meanwhile, I called Travis about the car. This smoking problem MUST be fixed! I am hoping he can do something. We have a tentative meeting tomorrow.

We got home and I put the groceries away while Skip set up his new toy (the sander).

Skip's new toy.

SUNDAY - JULY 6, 2008
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Unadodaquasgv  – Guyequoni Sudali
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏑᏓᎵ

1:48p – Off to bed!

I got up early this morning at about 8:00a. I stayed up for a couple of hours, then went back to bed and did not get up until about noon. After I got up, I gave Travis a call about doing repairs on the car. I drove over to his house, which is in walking distance, although I drove all over trying to find the street he lives on. I walked back home, but he called me right away. He thinks its the oil pan gasket. With parts and labor, this may cost me about $80 ...  I am hoping.

I got four days of my Cherokee "word of he day" graphics caught up. I had to reboot my computer and went out to water the garden while that was in progress. I spray repellent on my legs. Yet I still got eaten up by mosquitoes. I got about 5 bites. Mostly on my legs (where I sprayed the repellent). I hate them bugs!!

I chatted with Scott tonight. He is divorcing Helen. I am sorry to hear that.

I chatted with Jack. He does not like my new Java Album for my Cherokee "word of the day" graphics. I personally am thrilled with it. I just sent out an email to the list to see how the Cherokee community likes it. We will see.

Skip wanted me to make some cornbread. I went into the kitchen with the intent of do so, but I could not stand the MESS. I began cleaning up. It looks MUCH better now... but I have made NO "selu gadu" so far.

MONDAY - JULY 7, 2008
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Unadodaquonvhi  – Guyequoni Galiquogi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᎦᎵᏉᎩ

12:24a – I am still up. I do not know what I am going to do for supper. Skip wanted me to make some selu gadu. I did not make any so far.

1:26a – I just made a very festive pan of selu gadu. With bacon and fresh jalapeños.

2:12a – I am watching an episode of LOST IN SPACE on my computers. I have put in a 25 watt bulb in my old lamp, and have subdued lighting. The cornbread is cooked, and I have my grilled ribs simmering in a pot on the stove. I need to to go bed soon!

3:11a – The cornbread came out great. I ate some with some ribs & collards and am stuffed now.  Time for bed!

12:56p – I slept badly. Lots of chaotic dreams. Got up kind of late for a work day. I took the remaining grilled chicken breast and ground it up and made a chicken salad. I put it on a couple of hamburger buns with mayo, lettuce and onion. Now I need to get in the shower and get dressed. I am procrastinating though.

I spent another day all in floor support. I could never take another phone call again and I would be happy. I did make one supervisor escalation call for Tom. That went well.

TUESDAY - JULY 8, 2008
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Taline-iga  – Guyequoni Tsunela
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏧᏁᎳ

4:02a – Email is all caught up, including one long email tot he MUSEUM of the CHEROKEE INDIAN in North Carolina.

4:42a – I've been watching more Lost in Space. I watched the end of "The Raft" and am now watching "The Sky is Falling."

I am full of my cornbread from last night combined with Skip's meat and beans from today. I am stuffed.

1:25p – I woke up vomiting this morning... had to run for the bathroom. I had to swallow the vileness down before I made it, but at least I didn't make a mess in my bed. That left me shaking and my throat raw. I went back to sleep, but slept fitfully, with disturbing dreams. In one dream, I had a growth inside of my lower lip. It kept getting bigger. Eventually it started to break apart and I was spitting out pieces of it. Weird, gross and disturbing. And as a result, I over slept. I was actually awake; or maybe "conscious" is a better word. I just could not get up and function. I will have to call in late today. (5774355).

2:14p – I just took my shower and had another attack of heaves while I was in the shower. It was pretty awful. I think I am over it now. I am going to eat a bite. That will either make be better, or worse.

I checked the garden before I left for work. My tobacco is budding! I am so proud! I will take pictures tomorrow.

I had to go out in the rain, the dark and mosquitoes, to take some pictures...

Tobacco buds! Yay!!

WEDNESDAY - JULY 9, 2008
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Tsoine-iga  – Guyequoni Sonela
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏐᏁᎳ

I woke up and forced myself to get up at 10:49a. I felt pretty rough, but I called Travis and before noon I had the car over to him. Later, around 1:30p or so, we went to Al's Auto Parts and I bought the gasket, which was only about $25.00.

Back at home, I watched the rest of my old "Animorphs" video. I took some more garden pictures. I fixed a bit to eat consisting mostly of pork & broccoli. I chatted with Jack for quite a while online.

The Sacred Tobacco is budding... YAY! I am so thrilled. It's good to have something
"positive" happen in life. This may seem minor, but I have spent months working toward
achieving this simple goal!

8:15p – I am still waiting on Travis to get the car done. He was waiting on some tool from AutoZone when I last spoke to him, and waiting for it to cool down some. It is taking a lot longer than I was expecting, but then again, I am not paying exorbitant costs of a dealership.

9:19p – I've still not heard anything on the car. This is taking a lot longer than I had hoped. I am putting some serious trust in Travis. I hope it is not misplaced.

9:24p – I just put on a pot of peanuts to boil. I have not cooked peanuts in a while.

11:16p – It's getting later and later. I am starting to get worried about the car...

11:35p – Okay...I am a bit tipsy... and a bit worried. I am going to take a little walk over to Travis' house. I will hope to see him working on the car in the front yard. We will see. If the car is not running tomorrow and I cannot go to work. tat will cost me over $100. I can't afford that!

THURSDAY - JULY 10, 2008
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Nvgine-iga  – Guyequoni Sgohi
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏍᎪᎯ

12:12a – I just got back from my stroll over to Travis's place. A cop car passed me on Armand. Then an ambulance. Then I went around to corner and there was another police vehicle sitting in front of his house. That did not bode well.

Okay... it seems that Travis has Asperger's syndrome, and tonight was his night to have an "episode." He has been carted off to some medical facility. My car is sitting up on blocks in front of his house. I have no clue what I am going to do. If I miss work tomorrow, I am not paying him anything. His friend, Sean, is going to try to get the car fixed, but he was the "assistant." So now I am stuck. I will probably miss work. I am so ... SO ... disgusted. I just can't seem to make a good choice on ANYTHING anymore. It's so depressing. I am sick of it.

12:24a – I am still sort of sitting here in shock. Not sure what to do. I should call in absent for tomorrow... but no, maybe I should wait. I don't know what to do. Travis' household offered to take me to work, or to the MetroLink... but when they learned that I worked in Hazelwood, they backed down; since their car is not is adequate shape. I can't rely on MetroLink, since it is so far away. I think I will not be able to get to work, unless Sean can finish the repairs. This sucks...

1:05a – I am still totally bumming out on the car situation. I could have understood if there were more problems with the car, and more money was required. But having my mechanic get carted off in an ambulance... jeez... I am not sure how to even think about that.

1:18a – I have just been just sitting here... staring at my computer screen. I am feeling so "at a loss" as to what to do. Skip is going to criticize me and make me feel like an ass I suspect; yet he was the one who pushed me to call Travis and try to get something going with the car repair. I think he was right, but who could have foreseen this? It totally sucks.

2:30a – I am still bummed and struggling to figure out what I am going to do. I am trying to cook something. I've managed to shell about half of the peanuts I cooked tonight and mixed them in with a pot of rice. I ate the rest.

3:00a – I just finished stir-frying a pan of Jasmine rice & peanuts. (Personally cooked, seasoned and shelled, of course). I stirred in fresh broccoli, onion and seasonings. It's all good... I will ignore it all.

3:27a – I am off to bed. I expect I will be missing work tomorrow. I am a bit pissed off about this, but what can one do?

5:57p – I got up about 12:30p and called over to Travis' shortly there after. Apparently they had been trying to reach me. They needed to get money from me to buy a tool to work on the car. I handed over a twenty. I can't believe I am having to buy tools to have my car fixed. Around 4:30p I tried calling to see what the status of the car was, but go no answer. So I walked over. No one was home. I really don't like the fact that all the windows are down, the hood is wide open, and no one is home. This just keeps getting worse. Oh, and it looks like Travis is going to be locked up for at least a month, or 90 days. So my deal with him is off and now I have to make a new deal with Sean (I think that's his name).

6:04p – Still no news on the car. I am going to walk to the store. It's 87°f at the moment.

7:03p – The walk to the store was not too bad. It's hot out, but bearable. Still no word on the car. We're going on 32 hours now. I am so worried and depressed, I can't focus.

8:23p – I just tried calling them again ... no answer. I am getting very, very concerned.

10:06p – Skip and I just walked over to see what's going on with the car. The hood was still up, the windows down, and the gasket I bought was just sitting in the front seat. The girl (whose name I forget) tried to assure me that she leaves her car unlocked all the time and its fine. (Well, she has an old clunker, and I have a Taurus SHO! Hello!?). We put the hood down, but Travis had the keys, and they don't know where they are. I have a spare. Of course, anyone can just pop the trunk open and steal my hydraulic jack, my jack stands, and/or anything else I may have of value in the car.

You would think I could not be more thoroughly disgusted... but, I got eaten up by mosquitoes too. Insult to injury.

10:45p – I've been working on my Cherokee Arts page a lot tonight. Trying to keep my mind off the car problem... with very limited success.

Car Problems

FRIDAY - JULY 11, 2008
–   – 
Tsunagilosdi  – Guyequoni Sadu
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏌᏚ

1:30a – I am rendering down some vegetable broth.

3:36p – I am still waiting on the car. I can't believe how long this is taking. It has got to be ready for work tomorrow.

8:59p – I walked over to the Travis house about 6:30p. They are still trying to get one final resistant bolt off. They say they will give me a ride to/from work tomorrow if the car is not ready (and it probably will not be). I was very annoyed to find that the $25 gasket kit I bought was laying out on the ground, in the dirt, open to the elements. I picked them up and put them in the car. They found my keys (thank the Gods!), and we got the battery in the car and put  up the windows and closed the sun roof. Just as a storm was approaching! Their mechanic lady friend gave me a ride to Q-Mart, where I was originally headed. As luck would have it, her car would not start when we started to leave! Should I laugh or cry? Well, it took us about 20 minutes, but she finally jiggled the ignition just right (or something) and the security light stopped blinking, and the car started. When will the drama end?

SATURDAY - JULY 12, 2008
–   – 
Unadodaquidena – Guyequoni Talidu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏚ

2:28p – I am about ready for work. Carol is going to give me a ride. I will have to pay for the gas, but I would have had to pay for gas anyway.

Before leaving for work, I took some pictures in the gardens. My tobacco blooms give me some feeling of satisfaction.

Bugs and all!

I put $20 in the tank to take me to work. I spent all day in Floor Support, which was fine with me. And it was a slow day, thankfully. Carol and Kristy were there to pick me up after work. They were there early, so I did not have to wait. However, I ended up putting another $20 in the tank. That's $40 for two rides! I suppose a taxi would cost more, but still... I need my car.

SUNDAY - JULY 13, 2008
–   – 
Unadodaquasgv – Guyequoni Tsogadu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏦᎦᏚ

3:19a – Catching up journal, thawing some chicken, and getting my 'word of the day' done.

5:19a – Supper was ...MMMMmmmm yummy! I am re-watching "Johnny Mnemonic" now. I think Nikki and I went to see this together. Brings back memories... and a bit of sorrow...

12:16p – I am up. The car isn't done yet. Apparently they disconnected the starter, the A/C coil and who knows what else. I just hope it ever runs again.

Skip got the pump working and we now have FREE water for gardening!! WAY COOL!

I was picked up by Carol and her (boy friend?) Gary, and Ruth (Travis' mother). Again, they were real prompt and I did not have to wait. Got to give them credit there! They told me the car was ready. Good news! On the way home we discussed the financial details. Here is what I think my expenses all boiled down to...

They drove us home. Again, they had to take a long way to get home. They stopped for gas in downtown St. Louis. If I had known, I could have directed them to the convenient and cheapest QT where I buy gas in MO. Then Ruth, in her Sponge Bob Square Pants pajamas had to pee, so she goes around to the side of the building. I felt like I was with the Beverly Hillbillies! lol.... but they don't have as many teeth between them. (sorry... I am being mean... but true). Carol started to feel queasy for some reason, just as we turned on to Queeney, to go the back way home through Cahokia, and turned the driving over to Gary. He did not know his way. I told him to turn on Paris, but he passed it. Ruth told him to turn some another street, but he passed it too. We ended up going all the way to the far side of Cahokia and came in from the South. What 'ev!

We got to their house and I got to start up the car. It faltered and the battery seemed to choke up... but on the second try, it started. I drove home, got the $50 payment for Ruth, and drove back. She talked my ear off for about 30 minutes, and then I drove home. The car is still/already smoking. However, this may just be residual oil which needs to burn off. I would think that 2 or 3 days of typical driving should burn it all off.

I got home and did not get settled down for quite some time. I found and started watching the "Batteries Not Included" video. Haven't seen it in ages.

Did not get to bed until about 5:15.

MONDAY - JULY 14, 2008
–   – 
Unadodaquonvhi – Guyequoni Nigadu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏂᎦᏚ

I was basically non-functional this morning. I was having all kinds of weird dreams. I only remember one snippet in which I was some kind of superhero. I was flying over some police officers, and they were convinced (by 'the bad guy') that I was bad. They were going to shoot at me, but I focused my energy and flew away at some kind of supersonic speed. That is a very vogue synopsis.

Again today, for about the 3rd day in a row, I was able to stay in Floor Support all day long. I am sure I will need to be taking calls some day soon! (After "Angelique" gets back from her vacation... ).

I was able to drive myself to work in my own car for the first time in a few days. That was wonderful! I got to work and there were emergency vehicles all over. I never found out just what happened, but I got a good photo from my cell phone...

In front of Convergys at Hazelwood. Some kind of emergency...

TUESDAY - JULY 15, 2008
–   – 
Taline-iga – Guyequoni Sgigadu
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏍᎩᎦᏚ

500a – I am trying so hard to get everything caught up and off to bed, but I should have been in bed 1 hours ago. Supper (3rd meal) is nearly done. I am exhausted. I can't call in late tomorrow, so I will have to bite the bullet. At least I have Wed-Thur off.

5:29a – Off to bed... way too late, but ... here I go.

12:12p – Up again. It's day 4 of 4 finally. Will have the next 2 days off.

I got home tonight and the moon was making a very interesting display against a splattering of clouds. I stepped out and took a quick snapshot ... and it looks like I caught a UFO in the process!

WEDNESDAY - JULY 16, 2008
–   – 
Tsoine-iga – Guyequoni Daladu
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏓᎳᏚ

I was right. I made two pans of arrina enchiladas. Uno con pollo, y la otra con carne. Los ambos sofocaron con queso. También incluí jalapeño, la cebolla y el ajo frescos. I have not had any of it yet, but I am hoping it will be as good as it looks!

I was so upset tonight. My computer was acting strange, so I decided it was time to reboot it. To my horror, it would not come back up! My life, as pathetic as it may seem, mostly revolves around my computer. I was so depressed.

THURSDAY - JULY 17, 2008
–   – 
Nvgine-iga – Guyequoni Galiquadu
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᎦᎵᏆᏚ

5:57p – I got up around 4:00a to go to the bathroom. Before going back to bed, I decided to check the computer again and see if anything had changed. To my great relief, it booted up normally! I don't know what the problem was. Maybe it got too hot. I hope this is not a precursor to a major system failure.

I lay in bed after this for 2½ hours before finally dozing off. I was hen beset by some wild dreams, taking place in the future. There were space ships, and "Kanners" (or something like that), and people who could morph into animals, except there was a major downside to having this ability (some kind of addiction, I think). I was staying with the Kanners who were unable to gain the animorphing ability, but were in turn immune to the addiction problem (or what ever it was). However, they were also not too bright. They live in the country away from civilization, in or near the ruins of a great city. There were old road on great columns, no longer used by anyone. I was standing near some of these when a battle of flying ships took place. I yelled to those with me to take cover. They were not attacking use (we were irrelevant to them), but there were crashing ships, and flying debris. This is just a snippet of what I remember. There was also a band of hi-tech people in a hodgepodge of different ships. Two of them seemed to be made of out cardboard! The smaller of them managed to crash near us, and the other landed to assist. I remember speaking to (or being spoken to by) the occupants. They were not unfriendly, but they seemed to want nothing to do with us "primitives."

10:47p – I just spent some time cleaning up in the kitchen. Mostly cleaning up dishes from last night's cooking adventure. I still do not know what I will be fixing for supper tonight.

Well... supper was really good. I used evaporated milk for a cream sauce which was every so tasty! Off to bed now. Work tomorrow, and all.

More depressing things have happened. I am trying to get my head around it all and will explain more soon. It's hard sometimes to post one's personal problems. Not because people can read all about it... but because you have to put it all in word and *think" about every painful aspect of a screwed up situation. This is one of those times. I will try to catch up and tell it like it is (or as I see it), as soon as I can deal with it.

Well, I heard my phone chime as it received a message, so I checked and it was a bank alert. I checked my account and... DirectTV has wiped out both my checking and savings! They over drafted my account even. I know it has to be for the equipment, which is ridiculous, since I just spoke to them on yesterday to get some issues with the labels straightened out and I was assured I had plenty of time! Tonight, with Skip's help, I finished getting the packages wrapped up and now I just need to get them to Fed-Ex. There was no need for them to take my money! I WILL be disputing this.

FRIDAY - JULY 18, 2008
–   – 
Nvgine-iga – Guyequoni Neladu
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏁᎳᏚ

I tried to call DirectTV this morning, but they keep looping me back into the queue and finally the dumped me into a voice mail system and I left a message. This is just terrible. I am already having problems trying to pay the bills and now its even worse.

I was slightly late getting out on time for on time, since I sat on hold for so long. Then I got to the Poplar Street Bridge and traffic was bad due to a vehicle that was on fire on the other side of the bride. I slowed down and took a quick shot with my cell phone. I still can't tell just exactly what is on fire. Meanwhile, this drechne in big black truck speeds around me on the right, yelling at me. I don't know if it was because I pulled in front of him to merge into the lane; or because I slowed down to let a semi truck in front of me (who then declined to change lanes); or because I took a picture of the fire.

In any case, I continue at my normal rate to work, and passed him on I-70. There are so many assholes in the world, so why is everything always so full of shit?

SATURDAY - JULY 19, 2008
–   – 
Unadodaquidena – Guyequoni Soneladu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏐᏁᎳᏚ

5:34a – I just finished re-watching "Babe: Pig in the City." I had forgotten the entire move, and ... what a wonderful movie it was! I really enjoyed watching it again. Of course, I am severely depressed, so go figure!

12:46p – I got up at noon. Skip was on me like a hobo on a ham sandwich about going to South County. I am still having my tea and trying to wake up.

10:47p – Okay! Busy day. Let's see.... first we drove to Grand Avenue, to Jay International. I picked up another 25lb bag of Lady Brand Jasmine rice. That will last me for a while. The price has really gone up, as expected. I bought several items and ... well, I have the receipt, so I will just post it here for posterity. I remember that the same bag of rice used to go for about $11.00. It has really gone up.

SUNDAY - JULY 20, 2008
–   – 
Unadodaquasgv – Guyequoni Talisgohi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏆᏍᎬ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪᎯ

1:22a – I am off to bed now. That Blueberry soda was AWFUL! It tasted like cheap carbonated margarine. I poured the remainder of it out.

I got up right about 10:00a on my own with no problem. Skip was to wake me if needed, but it was not necessary. We went to Schnuck's where there is a bank outlet for Skip's new banking account and much to my surprise (for a Sunday) the bank was open. So he was able to pull out the money. Then we went over to "Bob's" house and picked up his new table saw. It's a nice saw.

Skip's new table saw

We were going to stop by Popeye's Chicken on the way back, but Skip remembered he needed to get his hair cut, so we just went straight home. I change into a better shirt, and we headed to Collinsville to have lunch at Ramon's. I screwed up and got off on the wrong exit and we ended up having to drive to Fairview Heights and cut over on Hwy 159 to get to Collinsville. That was a was of time and gas. We had our usual, the "Mexican Plate" then headed to Super Cuts. The hair cut went quickly. Then to Wal-Mart where I spent another $25 of my limited funds. After a stop by Starbuck's for an iced Caramel Macchiato (Skip's treat), we finally headed home. Skip finished setting his table saw up while I got my worked schedules all done through the end of the year. I helped Skip move his yard furniture so he could mow.

5:49p – Skip finished mowing the back yard, and now it is my turn to mow the front yard. However, it is 96°f out there. Skip was sopping wet with sweat when came in. I suppose I will be the same soon.

11:05p – I got the lawn mowed, then took a nice cool shower. I worked on my "word of the day" graphics for a while after that. I got two of them done before Skip recruited me into cooking supper... again. I had to cut up my huge beef 'eye of round' that I bought yesterday. I put several Ziplocs of steaks in the freezer. I used the blood from it all, some cream, an egg, a dash of beer, and other seasonings, to make a batter for the beef strips. I also put on a pot of black rice. While all that was cooking I put on a pot of peas & carrots, with some fresh onion and cooked it up in a white sauce.

11:13p – Skip has eaten and was gave his thumbs-up on the food. I will eat a bit later, as is my wont. (Actually ... I've been 'nibbling' as I went).

11:23p – I am tired, and had too many beers. I am going to go fix something to eat from my night's cooking.

11:51p – I watched a bit more of "Antz" ... and now I am off to bed. Back to work tomorrow. Of course... I dread and hate it. I despise and hate this job so badly. I've never hated a job so. And I am off to bed now.

MONDAY - JULY 21, 2008
–   – 
Unadodaquonvhi – Guyequoni Talisgo-saquu
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏌᏊ

11:37a – I am up again early this morning, getting up at 10:08a. I called FedEx and have them scheduled to pick up these boxes of DirectTV equipment. I was going to call the bank to have the charges they made disputed, but its still in pending status.

Today was very HOT. I got in the car and the temperature read 105°f. I dropped down to 100°f once I was out on the road. Work was the usual bore. I went on phones and took a couple of calls before switching to Floor Support. I had to retake the "Smart Zone training test" which I did while doing chats. It was easy. Everyone knows the answers are "A-C-B-B-A-C-B-B" ... lol... but I did read each one and think about them before choose. I don't think I cheated. I just confirmed that the answers I had been given were indeed correct.

Chats were hellish today. I spent 3-5 hours in a constant deluge of 5 chats deep. Tomorrow I expect to be on phones until about 7:00p before going on chat. Unless they need me. I like doing chats, even though it is hard and thankless. I am kind of good at it.

TUESDAY - JULY 22, 2008
–   – 
Taline-iga – Guyequoni Talisgo-tali
ᏔᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏔᎵ

12:57p – I got up around 11:20a. I have to wait for FedEx to pick up my boxes for DirectTV. It looks like I will end up being late for work since he hasn't shown yet and I don't want to get in the shower until he's come and gone.

I was late for work as expected. I spent all day on floor support, except for one phone call. Chris had to do a weekly evaluation on me. I had a simple lunch today of just plain Jasmine rice and kim chee.

WEDNESDAY - JULY 23, 2008
–   – 
Tsoine-iga – Guyequoni Talisgo-tsoi
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏦᎢ

10:11p – I got up around noon. Spent some time chatting with Jack, which is always wonderful and refreshing. Then I got on the phone and dealt with the DirectTV problem. I think I should be getting my money ($275.02) refunded to my account in 5-8 days. They wanted to send me a check, but that would be 6-8 weeks! I am broke... they have placed me in a hardship, I cannot do that. We will see if this works out.

I fixed a steak for lunch (eye of round), with rice. I also sat out in the yard getting some sun for a short spell today. Trying to get some color. I would like to have a nice dark complexion for Powwow this fall, but I will probably look like a grub worm.

11:39p – I tried to copy some video from VHS to the computer tonight, but  ... apparently the connection is not right. I will have to jump through some hoops and see if I can get it working again.

Supper, consisting of Hamburger Helper and lots of my own "additives" was okay. A bit bland, but edible. Skip seemed to like it.

I picked Skip up at about 4:45p over on Falling Springs Road. I dropped him off and Schnuck's and I went to Wal-Mart. I got beer and soda, but I was looking for engine cleaner. I could not find any. I picked Skip up, ran by Q-Mart, and home again.

11:43p – I don't want to go to bed, but I guess I will. Then I get up again tomorrow, and go back to the job I hate. And the cycle continues. I hate it.

THURSDAY - JULY 24, 2008
–   – 
Nvgine-iga – Guyequoni Talisgo-nvgi
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏅᎩ

I got in about 11 hours of sleep. I needed that.

I took my camera to work and took some pictures of Steve's truck today. He is going to be doing some body work and wants to have a photo record.

Steve's truck...

I took a lot of calls today. All from New Jersey where they were about 48 hours into a major outage cause by a storm yesterday.

FRIDAY - JULY 25, 2008
–   – 
Tsunagilosdi – Guyequoni Talisgo-hisgi
ᏧᎾᎩᎶᏍᏗ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᎯᏍᎩ

5:06a – I am cooking 3rd meal. Skip has already got up and left for work. I am making some lean pork, Chinese noodles, broccoli, onion, bamboo, fried in olive oil, walnut oil and bacon grease; seasoned with white & black pepper, fresh garlic, chipotle peppers; as well as a few splashes of beer and a light sauce made with pineapple juice. We will see how it turns out!

5:30a – I just finished watching one of my downloaded copies of Animorphs. And my pork & noodle dish has been very good, although the 'lean' pork is very dry.

5:33a – The sun is coming up. Time for me to crawl back into my crèche!

I got up at noon. Worked with email for a while. I got my bank statements sent to Dameion. I warmed up some leftovers from last night and ate a bite while continuing to watch "Gladiator." I went out to the garden and took some pictures. The garden is doing very well and has been a lot of fun.

I had my 3:00p meeting with Dameion on time today. I am not sure we really accomplished much, but... we will see.

Bethany Place in Belleville

10:30p – I can't believe how Skip can be so nasty and cruel sometimes. He just went on a rampage about how there were dirty dishes in the sink. Like he ever does any housework. He says asks, "Is is to much to ask that I have one side of the sink clean to work with?" Okay... he has a valid lament. I asked, "Is is too much to ask that we have a living room I am not ashamed to invite someone into?" And he says, "Do you know anyone you can invite who won't rob us?" That was just mean an unfair. Especially after Steve mentioned coming over to visit a few days ago, and I had to say, with such embarrassment, that our place was not decent to receive guests. I won't mention the smell of the cat box. I love Skip dearly, I really do, but sometimes he can be heartless, and correspondingly stupid.

I have been trying to work on my "word of the day" graphics, but now I am further depressed by Skip's nasty slurs and commentary. I should just call all the utilities and discontinue service. I should discontinue rent payments on the basis that I am living in a hovel with leaking ceilings, sloppy tile, poor insulation and practically no maintenance. My room stinks from the rain yesterday, since the rain poured in through the leak. I am really getting disgusted with it all. I have a quarter of a century of computer support and customer service expertise, over 20 years of government work, (state, federal/military, county, municipal...), proven dedication, loyalty, yada yada...

And I find myself struggling to survive. I can't get a good job, I can't get good medical coverage, my pension plans are all gone, I work in a "sweat shop" and have to struggle to seek public assistance. I have given up going anywhere, gave up TV, I have only basic utilities plus phone an DSL. I can't keep up . It is so stupid! So ignorant! ... and Skip chides me for not trying harder. WHAT?! I did well for years! I supported his unemployed ass for many of those years. Now I am getting old and my health  is declining. So now the system is, as I see it, tossing me aside. I see it very clearly. It is very sad. I still have so much I can do and contribute. Oh well. I may eventually die and not attain any notable goal... I expect that will be my fate... but it was not for lack of trying. I could have done so much... its still in me to do so. Too bad I guess.

11:06p – Okay... to make matters worse. I went into the kitchen and was cleaning up some things, including the stove-element covers which, I am not going to use any more since the just get dirty and no one seems to clean them. So, I set the covers aside on the stove as I cleaned them. However, Skip had (again!) left the burner on and the stainless steel burners became VERY hot. I grabbed one to put it away and it burned me. I threw it, and the other covers, into the drawer in the bottom of the stove. Skip had to make a snide comment ... something like, "I didn't hear that last one!" ... I guess he thought I was being silly and upset and throwing things. He had no clue that his leaving a burner on, yet again, caused me to burn my fingers. I have not told him about all the times I come home from work and find a burner on and him in bed. Twice this past month I've gotten up and found the front door open. Not just "unlocked" ... but OPEN! I've kept this to myself, not wanting to be "a bitch" ... but I am really getting tired of it. I need to get serious about moving out and getting my OWN life back.

SATURDAY - JULY 26, 2008
–   – 
Unadodaquidena – Guyequoni Talisgo-galiquogi
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᎦᎵᏉᎩ

12:02 – I am watching an early episode of "Heroes" on the computer. I have a pot of collards cooked for supper. I am frying up some beef strips; and I have a pot of Jasmine rice cooking. Outside, I hear thunder, the drizzle of rain, and now and then I see a flash of lightning through the window. I love this kind of weather!

12:56a – I have eaten. Stuffed. Off to bed. Tomorrow (today) begins day 1 of 4. The 'long stretch.'

I did floor support, then 194 queue. The calls were light until I got put (without warning) into the 140 queue. My last call of the night was a frustrated old man who would not listen to me and finally asked for a supervisor. I gave him over to James sitting next to me who had been listening to my entire call. The stupid old fool should have shut up and listened to me. James turned him over to another agent who probably had less skill than me ... lol... oh well. You win some and lose some. This one was his loss I suspect.

SUNDAY - JULY 27, 2008
–   – 
Unadodaquasgv – Guyequoni Talisgo-sudali
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏈᏕᎾ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏑᏓᎵ

3:50a – I just finished getting 3 days of my Cherokee graphic "word of the day" completed and sent out. I have not fix anything for 3rd meal. I am still full from eating today. I am fat anyway, so I don't  need to eat. I really need to get over my depression and make myself lose this weight. I know I can do it if I just get serious about it.

12:14p – I am out of bed, but really dragging. I have some soup started. Dreams were really crazy last night. In one dream there was a truck with a huge tank of something flammable. There was a man doing something near to the tanker truck. I was in a vehicle driving by. (I think Daddy was driving the vehicle I was in). We pulled into a side road just a few yards ahead of the man. About this time I saw some kind of burning orange liquid coming down from above. It seemed to be coming from the trees, but it was pouring down right over the truck. I was going to yell at the man to run, but he saw the flaming liquid pour down over the tanker and began running. Then the tank exploded. I ducked down behind the dash board with just a momentary glimpse of pieces flying toward us. I heard the debris from the explosion smacking against our vehicle, and then I felt a thud against my left shoulder. It did not hurt. It was more numb. I commented, "I've been hit, but I don't know if it's bad or not..." I reached inside my shirt and felt where the shrapnel hit. There was a wound, with a shard of glass or metal in the front of my shoulder. I pulled my arm through the top of my shirt (a green pullover with a collar). The wound did not hurt much. Then I woke up.

I had to reboot my computer this morning, and again it failed to boot up. I fixed a bite to eat, watched some more of the movie "Gladiator," and checked it again later. It seems to boot up okay once it has cooled down some. I gave Skip a ride to Q-Mart and home, then I ran by BP and put $10 of gas in the tank. There was a bit of a fiasco with some black guy who was screaming at the attendant the telling him to "come out here" and ... I guess he wanted to fight. Apparently the guy did not pay and seemed to think it was their fault. Who knows.

QuickCom and TKS were not working, so my time is messed up today, and I had to spend about an hour roaming. Then the time that I should have spent in floor support covering Rodney was spent on the phones while Michelle did all the floor support from the mod desk. I was annoyed, but whatever. The calls are really easier to do that floor support anyway.

MONDAY - JULY 28, 2008
–   – 
Unadodaquonvhi – Guyequoni Talisgo-tsunela
ᎤᎾᏙᏓᏉᏅᎯ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏧᏁᎳ

For supper tonight, I thawed out some chicken and fried it up in strips with pepper, salt and cayenne. I made a pot of Jasmine rice, and mixed in some fresh, diced onion and tomato (from the garden).  It was very good!

I watched more of "Heroes" from my files saved on the computer.

I got up a few minutes before noon, with the usual and expected reluctance. I have a bit of "onion breath" from my earlier meal. It was delicious, but the raw onion is not very civil!

Driving home tonight, there was a train crossing Route 3 by the convenience story, which is very rare. I turned, as did a few others, to go around the back way. (I've been learning some of the back-routes here in Cahokia of late. To all of our dismay, the train was so long, it blocked that route also! Then the train just stopped. We all sat for 15-20 minutes until the train finally started up again and moved on. Meanwhile, we were parked next to a large, swampy body of water. Apparently mosquitoes slipped into the car and feasted mightily on my ankles! I did not realize it until about the time we pulled out. By the time I got home, I was in agony. I am lucky I did not have a wreck trying to scratch me inflamed ankles and drive at the same time!

TUESDAY - JULY 29, 2008
–   – 
Taline-iga – Guyequoni Talisgo-sonela
ᎠᎵᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏐᏁᎳ

5:02a – I am up too late again. I just realized it is past 5am!! I am just now cooking something. I should go to bed, but I need to fix a bite to eat. I think I will be late tomorrow. I wish they would allow UTO. This job really sucks when it comes to time off. I've never worked in such dismal conditions.

5:07a – Back to watching Heroes...

5:40a – Still cooking... the sun is coming up... I am watching Heroes chapter V.

6:09a – Skip has already gone to work and I am fixing 3rd meal still. I am trying to hurry, but ...

6:22a – This is ridiculous. I am just sitting down to eat! It is daylight out. I should have already been in bed and sleeping for 2 hours.

I got up very late at about 12:45. I showered, checked email, and managed to get out more or less on time. I ran by Rally's and got a burger and fries on the way to work. I was a few minutes late, but nothing major. I spent the entire day in floor support. I was pretty tired today. Not enough sleep.

Steve had called and left voice mail asking me to bring in my camera. I did so. I parked by his  and took pictures it before coming in to the office. (That made me a little later too).

WEDNESDAY - JULY 30, 2008
–   – 
Tsoine-iga – Guyequoni Talisgo-tsosgohi
ᏦᎢᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ-ᏦᏍᎪᎯ

3:24a – It was about 1:20a as I came down Route 3 and AGAIN the way was blocked by another train! I decided to go the back way again, fully expecting to be blocked as before, but this time I would put the windows up (and suffocate) rather than get eaten up by mosquitoes. However, this time the way was clear. I made it home in much better time. I did not get mosquito bitten, but last night's bites are still causing me quite a bit of discomfort.

I got home and put in the DVD "Teeth." I am not sure if I want to watch this movie or not. The first DVD did not play. This one did. I will watch more later.

6:36p – I got up about 9:30a ... amazing! I was starving since I went to bed without eating last night. I fixed myself some rice noodles with some diced chicken fried with cucumber, bamboo, baby corn, and Chinese chili sauce. I watched the remainder of "Teeth" while while eating. What a strange movie!

I needed to call the insurance company today, but I got distracted and now its too late. I must call them tomorrow. I did get one job application out from the list that Skip sent me. I also got 3 more people signed up on my "Cherokee Graphic Word of the Day" list. All from the St. Louis Pagans group.

7:35p – I picked Skip up at Schnuck's around 4:15p. I is tired, and has to get up early for a special event at work tomorrow. He got another raise. A good one, though I am not sure of the details (and won't post that in my blog anyway). He wants me to fix something for supper. He's buying, I am cooking. So, I've already got a huge pot of meat sauce made with hamburger and Italian sausage. I've cooked a pot of linguini and it is setting now in garlic and butter.

7:39p – Meanwhile, I am uploading LOTS of my garden photos to my MySpace site.

9:38p – Supper is long finished. Meat sauce, linguini, and garlic bread. I think Skip just dished up some food. He is watching "Harold and Kumar." I saw pieces of it. I will have to watch it. It look like it will be hilarious.

Meanwhile, I have, with the help of Dr. Yatskievych of Missouri Botanical Gardens and Dr. Carl Masthay, identified the plant in the back yard that Skip was calling his "giant dandelion."

It appears that this is sample of the species of Lactuca Virosa (aka "Lactuca Serriola").

10:39p – Finally off to eat. I will watch the remainder of "Water Horse." So far, it's a decent movie.

11:11p – The "Water Horse" movie was not the movie I thought it was. I really enjoyed it. Off to bed now. VERY early for me!

11:27p – Well, I chatted with Jack for a bit, but now I am off to crash. Will I get up by 9:00a? We will see!

THURSDAY - JULY 31, 2008
–   – 
Nvgine-iga – Guyequoni Talisgo tsosgo-saquu
ᏅᎩᏁ-ᎢᎦ – ᎫᏰᏉᏂ ᏔᎵᏍᎪ ᏧᏍᎪ-ᏌᏊ

6:22p – I did not make it up by 9:00a ... not even close. I slept until 11:00a. I had some acid reflux incidents during the night, so I did not sleep too well. I forced myself to get up at 11:00a anyway, and fix a pot of English Breakfast tea. I have been working on my MySpace much of today and yesterday. Change the format and uploading photos.

I got the front yard mowed tonight. I also helped the neighbors get their lawn mowed. I got a couple more mosquito bites in the process. They had some huge mushrooms in their yard which they kicked over. I saved some pieces to share with friends to see if I can learn more about botany.

11:02p – I am getting concerned about the bills in more ways than one. I am starting to think that Skip might want me to "move away" ... since I am not making enough money to "carry my weight." He has not said this. I may be paranoid, but I am feeling so guilty, and so helpless. Sometimes I think... well... never mind about that.