Hurry and wait, being out of the service does not change that, if it happens far less often.

I will not tell you I jumped out of bed, sprinted through a detailed grooming and dressing, then pushed my way to the college. Well, I did, but not as early as I had hoped. It was probably 14:30 by the time I parked downtown. I first checked to see if the rehabilitation officer for the U. of Iowa was in his office and available. It just so happened that he was. He could not recall my name, but he recognized me to some degree. As with my particular rehabilitation officer, I had waist length hair the last time this man saw me. As well, though I cannot see a great deal of change from my short workout regimen, between that and my much more active lifestyle together really must make me appear far different. I probably also seem more awake and cogent especially since when I last visited, the high blood pressure medicine had devastated me in those last ways.

Rather than feeling as if I am being dealt with, handled because it is people’s jobs, I am now feeling as if people are pleased to see me and happy to be helping me. I feel as if I am being treated like a prince, not a supplicant (or worse). I even had it suggested that I am young enough to become famous by a man who has dealt with so many people like me for so many years, even when he attempted to then make light of his statement… well, he does not cover well. This from someone who knows I plan on being an engineer! I cannot tell you what that means, nor what it means to me, but I do see it as a very good thing.

I arranged things as well as I could with him. He then advised me as to my next steps. It seemed there would be time to make the next step for sure. So, I did that. There was little to actually do, other than to pick up a form which will indicate that I am still a state citizen so as to gain in-state tuition. I cannot return the form until I am registered, or during that process. With plenty of office hour time remaining, I decided to attempt the final step. I hiked over to the last place, the engineering school proper. I found the main office easily, more so since it is the same room I remembered.

I asked to speak with a woman whose name had been written for me. She was busy with a student and her schedule was full. I suggested I had spoken with another woman this last spring, and I wondered if that might help jump-start the process. I could not remember her name, but the receptionist suggested the right name and I let her know. This other adviser was also with a student and her schedule was likewise full. I asked if the receptionist or either of these woman could at least let me know what paperwork or other action I needed to take next. This was not possible, so my phone number was asked for then added to a note, with my name, and my query.

Remembering how difficult the last two efforts at this went, I believe I will need to attempt to make contact on a daily basis or I will be completely forgotten about. I do not know if they are overworked or if the office is not well coordinated. Then again, it is not their problem. I have to look at everything from a different view to get through things. If I want it, I am going have to go for it and push, pull, or call as often as necessary. I might even have to see some of this in adversarial terms, whether or not “they” are against me, they certainly are not “for me”, or at least it cannot be construed that they are. As I have said, I understand that. If I can do well, very well, I am hoping much of this will change. The truth is, though, some of it will never change. There will always, for many reasons, be those who are against any one of us.

Oh, yes, the second to the last group of gear arrived today. One more order is coming, though I have not heard when I should expect it. Some of this needs to be sorted and tried on then that which does not fit needs to be returned. A little financial work needs to be completed, a bill partially paid, and a final plan needs to be checked on. I cannot believe how well and how close this thing is getting! I am very excited, ready, and pleased. Oh, yes, I would also like to make it to the post office tomorrow and set up a hold on my mail until sometime past the first week into July.

Oh, my friend ended up not arriving the last time she called and suggested bok choy and bacon dinner. It was all good, I did get the kitchen clean (and have kept it that way). She called Monday to see if I could do the same products, but for lunch. As you know, I was meeting with my rehabilitation officer, so that was out. She will be leaving the 14th for a week-long canoe river clean-up vacation. Although, that might not happen. We are having so much rain we are expected to have the highest water statewide that we have ever had. The high water marks in 1993, here in Iowa anyway, was not the record. It was only the second highest water marks. Our nearby dam’s spillway will begin dumping water tomorrow. While we would be happy for some drying out, the South-east and South-west US are just salivating at our loss, in some odd way. So, whether she goes is rather up in the air (actually, it is very dubious).