A mowing ordeal

I agreed to mow for my dad, but WOW!

The easy part, I put on a bandanna, wore my sunglasses, put on a mask, and ear protection. Then, I mowed the driveway area.

However, the next task was the lagoon area. Which, he had casually mentioned also needed to be mowed, but the hill would require the blade raised to it's highest setting. After, the STEEP hill, I figured the area around the lagoon wouldn't be that bad.

Then, halfway around the lagoon, trouble. Now, before I forget, the lagoon itself is surround by a fence, and therefore, no danger of waste matter.

The ground was loosely held together on the Southeastern edge of the lagoon, and the lawnmower lost traction. Then slide off into the non-mowed area, and wouldn't budge.

I had to go get the four-wheeler, and the tow straps from my car. While I did arrive at noon, and get inside to shower about one, I know the majority of the time was spent getting the lawnmower unstuck by myself. I had to hop from 4-wheeler to lawnmower, and back, moving slightly forward each time. Towards the end I used a bungee cord to keep the lawnmower wheels slowly turning forward to help move it easier.

I was very glad to get inside, drink some water, and shower. Since I ended up being out during the most direct sunlight of the day in at least 91 degree heat out here.

Whew! Now, just another hour or so, and my dad will be home, and off to Texas we go. So, it looks like review post 1,500 will have to wait until I return, or if I get free time down there I am taking the laptop with me.

More done today

I made many phone calls including:
-Small Business Association - closed that Monday, July 5
-Long CPA - set up a meeting with former students' Dad for Wednesday, July 7 10am
-SCORE - free help offshoot of the SBA can schedule a meeting, but I wanted to consult with my super helper first
-Church in Topeka - will get back to me next week or so about open slots in time for sanctuary
-Parent A from Topeka - property manager with available home and store front if so chose
-Parent B from Topeka - left a message, but have been communicating through email anyway
-Adam - he will asks Cherie to forward the thumbnails that she has been diligently working on for me
-Brother - Hadn't checked email, but could easily get a hold of Los
-Los - T-shirts ain't no thang, and he will start work on designs
-Parent from Lawrence - Suggested churches or Fairgrounds, which has 2 air conditioned buildings

I think that's it...

I emailed a contact from the SCORE site that has worked a career in the insurance field and should be able to point me in the right direction on that.

I printed out 2 good references, one was 40 pages, and the other I thought was 20 turned out to be 168. I looked at the wrong page count screen.

I found T-shirt distributors, and the old YCOA images so Los would have an idea of what they had before.

I called Blue Collar Distro about T-shirts and left a message.

Then, I cooked lunch for Rachel. Afterward, two of the downstairs ladies offered to buy me a Sonic cherry limeade, which was nice, but too sweet nowadays. I went to the grocery store and got cheese, on sale, and some fruit for Rachel.

Then drove home, and figured out the movie I had been talking about over lunch.

Well, still didn't get too much reading done, and Rhonda is supposed to head over tomorrow, but I don't know when. I am tired, but I can't decide if I want to try and start reading some things now or not.

To India?

Apparently, Yahoo! is trying to get me to fly to India. I get so many ads for India air fare, matchmaking with Indian women, etc. I mean, I would love to go. However, which part of my emailing habits make Yahoo! think it?

Also, today I got a few things done. Went in to DeVry, where they are redoing the parking lot over break, and made my Hardship letter. I then got it faxed downstairs for free. However, the girl was down there and we ended up going to lunch together. Then, the library closed at 3, when I thought it was until 4. So, I went downstairs and hung out for awhile.

Saw my friend Ruth, and her boyfriend. Met Deb's son, and he wanted to play ping pong. We did, and surprisingly I won. Granted he's only 16, but still, I was surprised. Then we played air hockey, and pool. I kept sinking the 8 ball in pool. All three games in fact, but it was fun and kept him busy while Deb was working. Then, I chopped it up with Rachel some more, and headed out.

Stopped by the Chevy dealership up there, and scheduled my newest recall for Friday early in the A.M. So, I'll be back in KC for sure on Friday. Probably going to have to go some more. I had planned on getting more done, but didn't get out until 10 or so.

I did get recyclables dropped off though. Which is always good. Before I left this morning I had to sort through some papers to get the ones that Citi wanted, and I found something I wrote on testing week:

4 questions:
Are you prone to battles to hold back tears?
Is your anger increasingly hard to hold back?
Do you worry incessantly about that which is beyond your control?
With the future unknown, how do you proceed?

Then this question:
What type of person are you?
Person of Words
Person of Principles
Person of Actions
Person of Deeds
Person of Values

and that's about all that happened today. Not what I planned, but still all to the good.

Desktop Too!

Well, I got Netbeans installed on the desktop, though I had to upgrade my JAVA Development Kit from when I installed eclipse. After most of last night and some of this morning, I'm installing the Visual Studio 2010 Ultimate on it as well.

So, the desktop will have more powerful software, but it has more powerful settings anyways.

I emailed Sensei Judy, and hopefully soon we will get together about a combined curriculum.

Think I'm going to head up to the school today, and study, use their phone to make some calls, and fax some things. I meant to get up at 8, but I just didn't get out of bed.

I was enjoying the book

Then I noticed that I was asleep. I am interested in the book, but apparently, my body was more interested in sleeping. I didn't even notice when I fell asleep, only that I woke up.

Well, hopefully I don't fall asleep during my free 30 minutes massage coming up in an hour.

I do want to plan some things to do this upcoming week, but I'm waiting to hear back from a couple of people. Also, I did get to send Hilary, from the New Year's show, the new DGRE album on black, the old UFB/the Stereo album, and the Keep Away's album I got at North v. South a few years back. Though, the guy at White Dillon's seemed very unknowledgeable about the mailing process for the three albums. I did have to buy the $1.50 padded envelope though, and shipping based on weight was $7+. Not a big deal though to send the albums to someone who will enjoy them all just outside of Philly!

Well, now that I've stated awake for a good 5 minutes, I set an alarm in case I doze back off before I'm supposed to head to the massage.

What an awesome search

I searched my blog for the word "change," and the results were better than expected.

I wanted to pass along the typed out essay I had to a friend of mine going through some large changes in her life. Good changes, but hectic nonetheless.

I found many great quotes, writings, and musings on the word. Including my favorite teacher story about the student who goes off-track.

I can see that in another 6 posts or so, when it's time for my 500 review, it will be enjoyable even though I will have many angry posts to peruse through too.

I had a great text message before I went on the search too: "I was so lucky to meet u"

Then, I had a great email from a student about their great desire to start taking classes from me again.

Hopefully, I can get a hold of Los soon about getting transitional T-shirts made. I will use the "registration" fee for T-Shirts and not charge registration. Then, I will be able to send off for a large Gi order and everyone will have some uniformity until then.

New toys for the new semester

Well, I downloaded my free copy of Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2005 for my laptop, as well as Eclipse (just in case) and Net Beans. This works for my C# class and the later 2 for JAVA, hopefully we will be working with NetBeans for the GUI's.

Then I downloaded another 17 updates for the Microsoft Studio, and installed them today.

Plus, went to the usual Sunday visit with my Dad, and had tacos... mmm... tacos.

Simplified

Well, the art girl made it on her way to Florida for at least 6 weeks.

My mom headed back to MN, even though I completely passed out after sending her a message this morning about being able to help, and was asleep until noon.

The girl that works at DeVry is taking a break from classes and trying to find a better paying job. So, I more than likely won't see her at school, but maybe a few times outside of it for her concerts.

So, just the one now really to have to deal with, and that makes things easier, but still I have the thoughts that really... I didn't want any of it to begin with. Therefore, do I want it now?

I've said it a lot in the last few days, but going with the flow can get me into a lot of trouble, don't cha know!

New Edition

Well, I finally went out and got a laptop.

Have to go back though and take the packaged items to return. It wasn't really a package come to find out. Then the case didn't fit, and I wasn't really fond of the mouse design anyway. So, I'll just get refunded the money to my card, and maybe pick up a mouse I like.

Does pretty well too. It has Windows 7, and I uninstalled all the trial software, plus all the Norton, and other useless software. Downloaded a good anti-virus program, and then started to download the free Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 that I get through DeVry so when I start my next class I can do it all on the laptop instead of having to use multiple computers.

Packed it up

Well, after "school" yesterday, I went and helped out the art girl by getting all her things into a U-haul, and this morning we put it into a U-haul storage unit. Which, was pretty nice in downtown KCMO. the freight elevator would have fit everything at once, had we so chosen. Everything was inside, and they have carts to help for free (usually U-haul charges for EVERYTHING).

Had a good meal at Patron's (a Mexican restaurant off Southwest), and almost had a juice for breakfast, but the place had really high prices for any non-coffee item.

My speech final was earlier yesterday. I gave faux wedding vows with my friend Tiffany. I wore my all black suit (minus the shoes I don't have anymore). Then, I went, still in the suit, to Lowe's with Gary and picked up a 12' x 12" x 1" piece of pine, and had it cut. The guy didn't listen, and cut them too long by 1.5" so now they're 13.5" x 12" x 1" boards. So, in the parking lot I tested one on my rising knee, and they'll still work. Gary was SUPER STOKED. He bought the boards, so my friend Kim, at DeVry, and I can do a demonstration for the "Talent Show" that he is putting on in July.

I did get called both a Man in Black, and Neo a lot yesterday, as I also wore my sunglasses inside for most of the time.

Brother Called the Gvoice

My brother called up the Google Voice today, and he LOVED his special message.

It's:

"You've reached the Pimp Hotline. I'm currently out pimpin' some ho's. Until I get back, Pimp On!"

His 15 second voice mail was 13 secs of laughter, then letting me know Treen put more minutes on her phone again.

The best part is what Google thought he said:
"HIV 5th and site except that at the evidence actually Wells. I got you give me a let me know. Open it. The"

MN and back

Well, Google voice is preferred for all the texters out there apparently.

I went to help my mom on Friday, but then we went to get the truck, and I reminded her that she would want a tow dolly instead of following behind in the car. Unfortunately, they were out of the cheap tow dolly and she got an auto transport trailer, but it worked just as well.

Then, we I got back to the apt, my cousins bailed out, and made the tallest box one of the heaviest, because they packed all the pots and pans in it.

However, without them, I couldn't load all the furniture into the truck. So, I spent about an hour seeing if any of my friends were in town. I woke 2 up (night shift workers), 4 were out of town (2 in CA), and the rest were at work already.

Then, my mom's small car repair last 2 hours instead of 20 minutes. Then, she luckily got 2 friends, plus one 13 year old, to come help and we got it done.

Then, my partial driving of the truck to MN, ended up being the entire time. We left at 10:30 or so, and I had to take a 3 hour nap at one rest stop. We made it early enough to have a terrible breakfast at Cracker Barrel (everything was cold). Then we unloaded. Turned out, she was on the 3rd floor of a key only entry building. So, that took most of the day.

Then, Sunday, hopped on a bus to KC, but didn't want to bother the girl, who at last communication had to work all day. So, I didn't call before I hopped on, and then waited until 8 to call her (though the bus got in at 6). She had been worried, of course, and then there was a concert her friend had gotten her into.

When she came and got me, we got back in to the MGMT show at the Upland. Watched the tail-end of that (all ages show, over at 10:30). Went to briefly hang out with some cats at their place right off the downtown KC library. Then drove, her car, through the storm of joy (sarcasm), to get back to Lawrence that night with her and her dog sleeping most of the way.

Of course, I had to stop midway and get gas....

Today, went and taught the first German lesson, got some drinks at Hy-Vee, paid my mom's Cable/Internet bill, and dropped off her stuff for the Cable company.

Now, to prepare for the "group discussion" at speech tomorrow.

Little bit done

Well, I have done a little today.

Did laundry, dishes, and even made my bed.

Of course, I took a shower. Had to meet up with my lawyer for a quick bit.

I got an email from Hilary, UFB new year's show, and it was probably the sweetest email about why I should stay in country.

I'm going to mail her the UFB/The Stereo Vinyl that I have lying around.

My other friend Chrissy is going to get "married" soon. A non-traditional, by American standards, wedding.

Hanging out with Tito tonight. Tomorrow, have my special "toot" to help at school in addition to other things.

Got my freaking gas bill, they want to charge me a $180, just to turn the bloody gas on, and now I have to call them tomorrow at school. I also got my google voice account invite, so I have to set that up at school tomorrow too(it needs one phone number for sure).

Tomorrow, I'm also juggling another invitation after I get done at DeVry to hang out with the art girl. I know tomorrow though I'm supposed to be doing something with my mom maybe... Then, I should also see the backup singer at school, as she should be working until 4, and I can tell her what a great job she did on Saturday as well.

So much to juggle, but yet I don't have a J.O.B. how did this happen?

Google Voice

I finally got my invite to Google Voice!!!!

Downside... I need at least one number for them to call and verify, which means I have to wait until tomorrow at work to finish setting it up in order to get the call.

However, now I'll be able to get text messages at the Google voice number, in addition to voice mail. Plus, they will transcribe voice-mails into text if I want them too.

The best part is the number will be:
(702) Karate 1

Woot!

Passport is In!

Alright, got my Passport today!

They do return the old one, but put a hole in it?

So, I at least have my proof of visiting Tokyo inside the old one.

Updated the class website today, apparently the photos page I re-uploaded an old one once on accident, but now it's back. Plus, adjusted some of the opening page.

LL Cool J

However, these two songs are how I'm feeling today:

Tom Petty - Free Fallin'

She's a good girl, loves her mama
Loves Jesus and America too
She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis
Loves horses and her boyfriend too

It's a long day livin' in Reseda
There's a freeway runnin' through the yard
And I'm a bad boy, 'cause I don't even miss her
I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

All the vampires walkin' through the valley
Move west down Ventura Blvd
And all the bad boys are standing in the shadows
All the good girls are home with broken hearts

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'

I wanna glide down over Mulholland
I wanna write her name in the sky
I wanna free fall out into nothin'
Gonna leave this world for awhile

And I'm free, I'm free fallin'




Henry Rollins - Liar

You think you're gonna to live your life alone
In darkness
And seclusion
Yeah I know
You've been out there
Tried to mix with those animals
And it just left you full of humiliated confusion
So you stagger back home
And wait for nothing
But the solitary refinement of your room spits you back out onto the street
And now you're desperate
And in need of human contact
And then
You meet me
And you whole world changes
Because everything I say is everything you've ever wanted to hear
So you drop all your defenses and you drop all your fears
And you trust me completely
I'm perfect
In every way
Cause I make you feel so strong and so powerful inside
You feel so lucky
But your ego obscures reality
And you never bother to wonder why
Things are going so well
You wanna know why?
Cause I'm a liar
Yeah I'm a liar
I'll tear your mind out
I'll burn your soul
I'll turn you into me
I'll turn you into me
Cause I'm a liar, a liar
A liar, a liar

I'll hide behind a smile
And understanding eyes
And I'll tell you things that you already know
So you can say
I really identify with you, so much
And all the time that you're needing me
Is just the time that I'm bleeding you
Don't you get it yet?
I'll come to you like an affliction
And I'll leave you like an addiction
You'll never forget me
You wanna know why?
Cause I'm a liar
Yeah I'm a liar
I'll rip your mind out
I'll burn your soul
I'll turn you into me
I'll turn you into me
Cause I'm a liar, a liar
Liar, liar, liar, liar

I don't know why I feel the need to lie
And cause you so much pain
Maybe it's something inside
Maybe it's something I can't explain
Cause all I do
Is mess you up and lie to you
I'm a liar
Oh, I am a liar

If you'll give me one more chance
I swear that I will never lie to you again
Because now I see the destructive power of a lie
They're stronger than truth
I can't believe I ever hurt you
I swear
I will never to you lie again, please
Just give me one more chance
I will never lie to you again
I swear
That I will never tell a lie
I will never tell a lie
No, no
Ha ha ha ha ha hah haa haa haa haaa
Sucker
Sucker!
Oh, sucker
I am a liar
Yeah, I am a liar
Yeah I like it
I feel good
Ohh I am a liar
Yeah
I lie
I lie
I lie
Oh, I lie
Oh I lie
I lie
Yeah
Ohhh I'm a liar
I lie
Yeah
I like it
I feel good
I'll lie again
And again
I'll lie again and again
And I'll keep lying
I promise


It's crazy... Art kids, old school kids, and Afro-Beat singers... Glasses or not... wow...

Good Show

Went to the Hearts of Darkness show last night, one of the ladies at DeVry is a singer in the group. It's Afro-beat and GREAT!

I ended up dancing most of the set with a girl named Jessica.

Turns out she wasn't a lesbian! She was just dancing on her roommate for "motivation."

Though, if she hadn't asked me to dance, this gay guy was about to. Which, of course, would have been a high compliment with a turn down, because gay guys are picky.

Made it home this morning just before 11. Good thing I agreed to dinner with my dad instead of lunch, and great I had a place to sleep in KC instead of having to drive back to Lawrence after the show.

Hooray! Pyramid Schemes...

Theoretically, all businesses could be pyramid schemes, because you tend to make more than those you're "over." However, a cat at work today was all about World Ventures. Which granted has some good deals, but a steep price if you don't get 4 people below you. That price is up to $60/month depending on which "package" you get.

Good kid, and perhaps what has benefited him is true, but I just can't see it. Travel sales, that do rival travelocity, priceline, and the like, but still a form of a pyramid scheme. Not as outright as most, but even more complicated.

http://www.jessemack.worldventures.biz/
or
http://www.jessemack.worldventures.com/
to see their prices.

Motivation

While I always have felt a problem motivating others, I currently am experiencing the lack of an ability to motivate myself.

There is much I can do, but I would rely on others to help, extensively.

I can do more school things, but I am simply content to do nothing, and have no really desire to do anything.

Previously, the only motivating factor in life was teaching. However, now I am not doing that either professionally or as a student worker. Teaching is the only reason I went back to school.