Another day in the life of a cartoon.

Hot. I said “Hot.”. Once again, Hot, it’s hot out there. Which is cool. Although I had better drink a bit more water if I’m going to try and mobilize in this weather. When it’s too hot to stay cool at any speed and too humid for sweat to cool, water and moisture soaking cotton, a shower and change should the cotton get too full, and that should do the trick. My eyes feel like they must be dilated, other than that I am fine.

Well, I got my hair cut. I think I’m going to have to look around. It’s not as bad as the last one, but after telling him I wanted it feathered back with a layering affect, but cut to summer lengths, I got a high and tight, with only the high-top featherable. Oh yeah, I feel as pretty as Herman Munster. Hmm, short hair is new to me though so maybe this will work out. It is cooler and I feel much more clean and kempt, and it is sure easier to wash and get dry.

Dang, I think I will be making it to church today! It’s been a while since I have kept the Sabbath holy in an official manner, though I always remember it and keep it as holy as I have been able. Until recently, maybe even now, getting someplace at a regular time has been quite the trick. As well, I know so few there that I am always a stranger. A stranger among families even, as many of those who attend my church have known each other in the area all of their lives and generations back. I am a blip, if even that, to them. Beyond that, I have never known anyone but my Mom and my brother for more than five years. We have some cultural differences. Still, when I am not too weak or confused from exhaustion, I go in without a trouble or toil. I wish I knew the service better, but that will just take time.

My reward, should I be on time and in fashion, is to join the shooting club in a neighboring city tomorrow (the twin cities I live in are too liberal to even contemplate a citizen with a gun (except for the city council and the police, that is, perhaps judges too)) to allow anything so awful as a place for such… peasants… to shoot. I think they have an archery place, but the club you have to join is so communist I couldn’t get through the door. They know it and I know it. Besides, why would I, essentially, throw a stick at something when I could kill it a little farther out. If I was interested in a close contest and a determined hunt, I’d use my bowie knife. Still, at least there is club nearby, indoors for winter and some days when it is too hot, and several outdoor places. No rifles, for the moment, some neighbor of the range passed on and his son or son-in-law moved in from some communist place or other and found a technicality from a 50 year old contract and overcame status quo to remove rifles. I guess the good thing is he wasn’t able to null the whole contract.

Oh, I got groceries. Last night, after eating my last can of tomato soup, prepared with water even (I don’t recommend it if you usually use whole milk), got me to thinking. Yep, yes, yea, I am hungry! So, mostly good to my word, I got a lot of canned (in water, 50% less sodium even) tuna, whole wheat bread, and the other good things. Then I slid a bit. I guess I don’t care if snickers is vegan, a pack of regular bars lasts a couple months and just absolutely hits the spot when life stinks, I’m fed but still missing something, or I just need to wolf some fats. A packet of peanut M&M’s got in my cart, probably put there by Evel Squirrel or Killy Kat on one of their secret missions or something. I hear they are tricky.

Another day, but where is the dollar?

Well, ok, today didn’t go off as planned. It was raining, so the lawn didn’t get mowed. No, no, I actually feel bad. Not because I didn’t have to mow but because it’s at least eight inches high and wet, which means it’ll be a bear when it finally dries! I also didn’t get my hair cut. The Fussy One, or Q.O.D. (queen of darkness) as I (not so) secretly call her stopped by today. She always ruffles my hair, sometimes my feathers, uses my levorotary, whatever other facilities she needs or wants, and leaves. Today she was broke, therefore she had plans for my money. So, off to Shrek III we went. I used to be a Shrek fan, but Shrek used to be funny. Now, it’s a politically correct wreck, mirroring Hollywood’s darknesses with only spots that could be called OK at best. Still, I had the pleasure of paying for and being in the presence of the dread Q.O.D. She is the one who didn’t like my view of air-conditioning on an 80+ F high humidity day, by the way. Maybe the Obfussticator might be a better nickname, she is difficult to define.

I did start on my apartment. Some is done, some is left, some more will be done this day. I also tracked down the last bits of information about my potential trip to Colorado, and with all in hand, reviewed my finances. Sadly, I had to pass this time. I will just have to figure it out for next year, though I will be in all-around better shape and know how to plan much more quickly. Too, there will be a little more money in the pot for a more leisurely trip. I might even be able to visit one of my mothers, hmmm, maybe two of them, while I am out that way. The two I don’t get to see quarterly. I don’t keep track of the 35-40 siblings, but I do track my various mothers. The one father I claim died when I was in my teens.

Oh, I’ve been finding some fine female bloggers and have been leaving my little gifts. I am no poet or great writer, but some women come across as so beautiful that I can’t help but try. I can but hope that their response might be akin to the woman teacher who receives a rose of whatever color from a boy student, or at least how it was played out when I used to do that.

I think I’ll take a nap, then get up and get at it. I should stop by a store too. I think I’m about to change my diet a great deal. Much more canned tuna, wheat(ish) bread, beans, rice, and a thinning of my typical beef fare. Whole milk stays, that’s mine, same with butter, but I think I’m going for lighter, easier to prepare, faster energy foods. I don’t know, but I’m working on this. The meds are doing what they can, now I’m freed a bit to do what I can. So, I am… trying…

Time Stamps are off.

I just noticed, I was up and writing my first blog an hour before I was up writing this blog OR the time stamp is off. Nope, checked with this last blog. Checked that I had the time set to Central, yep. Their machine is wrong! It's infecting other machines with it's wrongness! On the other hand, whatever. Just thought you ought to know, in case you thought you were doing something when you weren't. Trust me, you weren't. Anyone else's blog times off?

As the world turns.

A great day. I didn’t get everything completed, but then I ended up doing some things that weren’t on my list. The grooming was a great start for today, in, out, done. I called AVA and they said no problem on their part, my size and shape are sufficient. I called the U of Iowa rock wall climbing gym, they are closed until the 5th, but they filled me in on the schedules, required training and when to take it, what to wear, that they rent shoes, and costs. I have decided to skip buying my own wet suit immediately after talking to AVA, though it’s on a short list. As well, I thought about buying a farmer john, as that is what really would be needed for the trip since arms and shoulders need to be more mobile than a regular suit would allow but I want a one piece full suit for snorkeling, and scuba if I get that far. I had a friend who needed a lift after leaving her vehicle at the shop, and so had a captive breakfast mate. Later, she asked me to drive her to the doctor, but she didn’t like air conditioning in 80 F high humidity weather and rolled down the window. Now, I don’t mind doing a favor, but I’m a little prickly about ingratitude while doing that favor. She decided she would drive herself. Which worked as I was able to go on to Mass which I would otherwise have missed. Yes, I see the potential conflict there, seemingly not being giving and so getting to go the church, but it really was her choice, and she gets grumpy like this often. I made it to Mass and it was good. I visited with several friends who just happened to be there today, one seemed happy to see me but the other seemed a little unsure, I have an idea of why but no way to fix it, so I’ll leave it in God’s hands. I didn’t have time for the barber. As well, I plumb ran out of gas (personal umph type gas) so I didn’t go out shooting. But, The things I missed will just be for tomorrow.

I’m still not sure I will make it out to Colorado, but I am doing as much planning as I can to try and decide. I haven’t figured out who to contact for camping options, so my lodging out that way is questionable. With money being a factor, I will just have to crack down and dig a little more and a little deeper. A campsite with shower facilities is what I am seeking. Even if I use it two of the three or four nights I will be there, it should shave quite a bit off of my expenses.

All in all, even if I get not a single thing more completed, I am pleased with this day. Yet, I believe I will tack down camping information and call yet today or tomorrow, I’ll find out which men’s barbershop I wish to use, I’ll take a nap, have a little supper, and then get to straightening this apartment up. It’s not bad, but it’s not as I would keep it if I had been doing well. Now that I’m doing well, it’s time to dig in and put a little sparkle in the place. Besides, I rest better and am more comfortable in a straightened apartment.

I’ll probably have to mow the lawn tomorrow too. But, we’ll discuss that another time perhaps. That’s one job I think should go the way of crank started cars. Let it grow! Sheesh. Snow removal I understand, grass cutting… not so much. Have mice? Get a cat. Have hay fever or allergies? Like anything but meds help anyway. Like things perfect? Your on the wrong planet, control freak. I guess we won’t have to discuss it later. In my final analysis of mowing the lawn, I have this to say: BAH! Oh, and one more thing; BAH x 2, maybe 3. Bah!

Another day, a good one.

Sleep makes a world of difference. As does waking up rested. Nothing is quite normal yet, but it is much better. Beyond that, I have some reason to believe my health issues are about to be cared for, initially via medication but enhanced and perhaps even taken care of completely with a change in lifestyle made possible by these medications and my natural interests. Today, for example, is a busy day for busy reasons!

I will, shortly, get in and shower, brush, shave (quickly becoming a daily endeavor). Then I will dress, find something for my belly (though breakfast out doesn’t sound bad either), make a few calls including AVA whitewater rafting company, the U. of I. wall climbing desk, a few local diving shops, perhaps Diver Joes if those don’t work, then look for a barber and then get a trim, head to church from there, and then make a run to the range and see if I can hit anything today. And, I’ll probably stop somewhere to pick up a cooler. I might research coolers a bit first to see if a plane jane will work or whether the techy ones are truly worth it. Sometimes a nickel saved is a nickel lost, in the end.

My blood pressure is fantastic. I woke up before the alarm. And, without breakfast or coffee (which I rarely drink these days), I’m pretty much ready to go. I’ve run out of Coca Cola with splenda, and I believe I am going with bottled water here on out. Though a weekly tip to my favorite beverage company or even using it when driving long trips won’t be skin off my nose, it just doesn’t need to be daily. Now, if I could just get to the point where I quit chewing, I’d be all set! Life is good.

I’ve been thinking about politics and politicians recently. Though I have an elaborate set of who is who and what is what, I have decided it isn’t a valuable asset to proffer here. It is offered every other place one looks it seems, so I will try to maintain this one place free from that sin. This is for the thoughts and life of one humble, foolish, curious, intelligent, believing, faithful mortal a bit past middle life on his way to a hole, and as I believe it, the next step.

I guess any pet can have a chewing problem.

What is up with crayfish? You heard me right. A few years ago, my cousin moved in as a housemate after his divorce. While living here, he though pet fish would be fun so he bought a tank, rocks, etc. Finally, when it was all set up, he bought some fish and a small frog. When he was looking at the bag of creatures pulled from the tank, while still at the store, he noticed a crayfish. He asked the guy helping him about it and the guy told him they don’t even sell crayfish so it would be free, if he wanted it. It was in bad shape, was missing a pincer and most of it’s antennae and didn’t look like it would make it. He took it anyway.

The thing was maybe an inch long when he brought it home and put it in his 10 gallon tank with his other fish. Well, it got bigger. And then it got bigger. And then it ate a fish then another, we initially suspected the other fish. That is, until he caught the crayfish feasting on his favored and expensive (to him) frog’s leg. He was mad! He was going to flush it. Well, I felt for the little hard-case. I bought a 10 gallon tank just for him. He has molted (?) a dozen times since then, he now has blue tint on some of his pincer shell and is seven inches long.

The thing is feeding him was, at first, difficult. I could find nothing in the stores which seemed to fit, so fed him beta fish food. Then, I started to get gold fish for him to try and make sure he was getting something he had shown an interest in eating. He was grateful, they were not. However, everything I have tried to plant in his tank has been chewed and killed, the “seeds” of which, he shreds. So, I recently found food, if not for him, for other types like him (hermit crabs) which he LOVES. Just to see, I also purchased some more goldfish and in his tank they went. They remain, after a month, alive, much bigger, if a little skittish. So, I was thinking to add plants again, which I indeed did to. First morning, today, after doing so, and guess what. They have been dug up and chewed up. Dranged Nabbit anyway. I am going to leave the “seed” remains and see if something will develop anyway.

Meanwhile, on Xenophic 3...

Take your pick.

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	Your super-secret codename is: Doomed.
	Your mission is... Jump from a boat onto a convertible then onto a train for no apparent reason
'What is your codename and mission?' at QuizGalaxy.com

	Your super-secret codename is: DOOM
	Your mission is... Set each teletubby on fire and bury their carcasses in the abandoned salt mines
'What is your codename and mission?' at QuizGalaxy.com

	Your super-secret codename is: JAM
	Your mission is... Impose freedom in scary ways
'What is your codename and mission?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Where do these thoughts come from?

Some days and some times I don’t understand anything. The universe, go figure. I never understand that but there are times when I am more or less aware of my ignorance. It’s understanding can be tantalizingly close at hand, yet never quite within reach. At other times, it’s a cold hard implacable system that just will not yield to my will or understanding, nor leave me alone with it’s persistent insistent realities. I’m not a physics based scientist, tending to be more akin to the ancient Greek scientists, theorize and leave it at that or if needs must try to use the theory and revert to trial and error like the rest of the successful fools when time has run out for sitting on haunches. Though from what I am gathering, many of the physicists are more advanced mathematicians and theorists than reality scientists these days, who knows. As for you, well, you don’t even know yourself. Just look at yourself sitting there reading this wondering nothing and then realizing I’m in your head. I bet you can hear my words as you read this. Sheesh, how am I supposed to figure you out when you are so open while reading and so closed when in person? Don’t mind me, I’m funnin’ ya. As for myself, some days I’m spot on with personal interprolation of where I was, where I am, and where I am going, give or take. I do what I intend, I don’t fuss with uncertainties, I have strength and will, and my body is my own. On others, like just now, I would be hard pressed to make a plan and see it through over the course of the next few hours, maybe days. My body isn’t quite a prison, but it’s not exactly mine either.

I wonder how many hide this from themselves though, and just do what they must, staying so busy or being required by the circumstances they have chosen to be thusly indisposed for the stated reason. Given my circumstances, how long would it take to become like me? Would most people become like me, sink completely into their psyche, or find some way out? As for me, I’m looking for the door in the house in my mind, in this “thought” my mind is “me”, the door is the “way”, and the house is “my body”. I see the sun shining and the green grass through the windows, yet I know it is winter outside and that there is snow on the ground and clouds blocking the sun. How do I know, you may ask? Because I have gone through that door before. I have been stuck on both sides of the door. And honestly, I am not sure which is worse nor which is better. Warm and safe and comfortable and becoming weaker by the second compared to surviving, thriving, and enjoying life with the risk of failure and a quick or slow, painless or painful death.

I sometimes wonder if I have not already died. I wonder if I am not in purgatory. I wonder how I would know. I wonder what I should do. Then, I know. If this is indeed purgatory, then my only way is to go toward God, follow his words, and never look back. If I am alive, great! Then I won’t have to go through this “again” if I follow my own advice. *laughs* And, in this seeming eternity that has been my life, I only have a few more real time decades or so before I can leave, graduate, or go home. I must say however, that to me, it feels like I have been alive for centuries, millennium, to be honest, even longer. I am no longer too little butter over too much toast, but more a drop of oil stretched over all things somehow. The word “thin” doesn’t quite define my sense of this, I don’t think any word does, none that would mean anything as no one understands infinite.

All I know right now is that I know nothing. Which to my way of thinking, is almost too much to know or understand for one man.

Know it all?

I don’t know how to do much. I suppose I never did. And, there for a while, I wondered if I could do anything based on my knowledge. Then I remembered something. Everything I did in the past was done, if only initially, in nearly total ignorance. So, why this sudden need to be knowledgeable BEFORE beginning a project or new thing? Is it experience catching up to me, that sinking feeling you get after doing something new and doing it expensively or dangerously wrong? Is it being surrounded by people who just say, “You can’t do that.”, as much because they don’t want you to or can’t do it themselves? I don’t know, but I am slowly turning that around.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to go out and jump in a fighter jet and just start pushing buttons or something. However, I won’t continue to sit in my apartment and wonder. Take, for example, tree climbing of the rope and knot variety. I just purchased a book and I have been reading it. Money is too tight for a month or two to actually buy the minimal gear, but once that is in play, I am going to go out, find a tree, and see what I can do. I may also head out on white water, take an off-road trip, and begin to reload my own boolets, as they seem to be referred to by the insiders. Yes, I will read, yes, I will use a fair amount of caution, no, I’m not going to just sit and wonder.

As I was writing this, I was fixing up some French press coffee. I am out of milk and not interested in a morning run to the store. I thought a bit and realized I had vanilla ice cream. You know what, you really don’t need to know it all to do it right! Mmmmm, mmmmm.

How is the water?

Plans, plans, and more plans. A fellow blogger and crew are planning a trip white water rafting. After initially thinking I couldn’t do it this year, I have reconsidered after a family reunion fell through. As well, in the same area, is a group of Xterra off-roaders, a club actually, with whom I have been conversing. I could also meet some of them while there. Driving would cost $350 plus in gas. Lodging would cost at least $350 if I stay only in hotels, though I could mix in camping for some of the nights take that cost down by half or more. I don’t have much gear at the moment, but my tent (or even sleeping in my Xterra), a sleeping bag, and picking up a cooler might be enough if there are fire pits. The rafting is about $100. As always, there is food, with the cooler and local grocery stores I could bring that down a lot too. I would just grab some jugs of water here at home, so no real liquid requirements. But there are always other costs which just aren’t, maybe can’t be, forseen. So, $600-$800 planned, less if I do it carefully. Could be a trip is in the making. The fourteen hour drive, though not fun, is not even a major concern.

Of course, there is a little more I need to think about. And, there are a few oddities which bring rafting into question, among them my size. It is fun making legitimate plans, even if it comes to naught I will have a better idea of what trip planning is going to be like. I will be calling the rafting place tomorrow if I don’t get a “No” from the other blogger. This might be the time for me to finally get off my butt and go. Urhm, or not, but if not this time, the time is coming.

The government has you covered, almost.

They will make slaves of us all. If some of the most well educated can be forced to not do their job or if they try, to be forced out of their employment, what will happen to you? I hope you do not vote for free medical care, simply because that is precisely the value of care you will receive, but it won’t be free. Expect a one third or more increase in your taxes. To you who are retired and don’t care what the kids are paying in taxes, this is your future.