The Nekkid Monkey Strikes Again

And again, and again....

2012-01-20T13:29:00.000-06:00

Still catching up on laundry...so much piles up when you don't stay on top of things...when you'll "get to it tomorrow." I'm especially intent on catching up with all the hang-to-dry articles that have been put aside because the sun hasn't been out, or it's been threatening rain, and we've very limited space on the hang-rack in the house.

I'm almost there though. Just a few more itty-bitty-loads and 'specials' should be caught up. And with the load I *just* put in the washer, both bins of 'lights' and 'darks' are empty.

To celebrate this benchmark, I'm headed off into the woods for a bike ride. Upon my return, a shower will be taken, then vacuuming and a bit of dusting.

Ahhhhhh......

Ok...so maybe not daily.

2012-01-16T23:14:00.000-06:00

So, my first week of being house-guru has passed. While I didn't get quite as much accomplished around the house as I had originally planned, I did get a lot taken care of. Over the course of 5 days, I only worked around the house maybe a day and a half. With what was I filling the rest of the time, you may ask? Naps? Facebook? Netflix? More naps? As nice as all that would've been, I was out running errands: DMV line for a license, shopping for food-stuff, helping a friend move some furniture, yada-yada-yada. It's absolutely astounding how much time driving can take up (not to mention the hour and a half just standing around in line).

All the work was made all the more bearable by the freedom of options. I have the option to sleep in, to listen to music or have movies run in the background, to snack and drink whenever. Along with being busy, I took time to relax and enjoy my time. Ran with a friend and upon our return drank a few beers by a warm fire in the pit on the patio. Took a short little bike ride through the woods, stopping by a friends on the way back to endure some football while everyone talked trash to each other. Of course I took some time for Facebook and Netflix.

I'm looking forward to the week ahead. Hopefully a few less errands, and more productive house cleaning. Slowly but surely the laundry bins are getting emptier and the closet is getting fuller. I look forward to possible hula-hooping and stick juggling, as well as more bike riding and getting my tai chi forms memorized.

Life is feeling pretty good at the moment. Everything is slowly finding balance.

Occupational changes

2012-01-12T11:18:00.001-06:00

All around I'm in an interesting place right now. There will be a lot of details spared at the moment, especially at this public venue. In short (and also poorly put) I've achieved my "dream".

I'm a bum.

Ok. Ok. Let me 'splain to you a little bit before anyone starts wrinkling their nose in judgement.

Years ago, I used to joke about wanting to be a bum. Lounging on the beach all day, enjoying the sunlight. Camping in the woods, basking in the beauty of the trees. Wandering through the city, in awe of the progress of mankind. All in good fun I would say this. I am quite aware that there is plenty, plenty and plenty or reasons to not want to be homeless. There is the harsh cold, the soaking rain, biting hunger, etc. So, I kept plugging away at finding paying work and supporting myself, either in full or in part. I'm not that interested in getting rich, but surviving is nice, and surviving comfortably is better.

What I found was that my occupational attention wanes after about a year or so. Either the job wasn't physical enough, didn't let me express my creativity at all, or was too harsh on the body (either weather or actions). Balance wasn't being achieved, and that is very important to me.

Here I am with my girlfriend of 8 years now, and we've talked about her supporting me while I just run around all day enjoying myself. I don't think I'd quite be happy with that for long. However, now that she has a position that she likes at a company that likes her and appreciates her abilities and is also paying her pretty darn well, we reevaluated this plan of her supporting me. I wouldn't just run around willy nilly of course. The balance of her earning and supporting the house financially, would be that I stay home and take care of the house physically. Cleaning, maintenance, and upgrades would keep me busy physically. As I organize each area, I'd be exercising my mental abilities. Creativity would be expressed with my crafts, be it sewing, art, crochet, or digitally as web design or graphics. Added bonus is that I can market my crafts online and possibly contribute to the finances and not feel pressure to "rake it in". And to balance off all this productivity (all activities that I like to do anyway), I've got time to go on bike rides and wander the woods at my leisure. And maybe even keep up with a blog that gets neglected far too often. All the while, I can have good music echoing through the house.

As of last Friday, I left my job at Sears. No longer will I be donning shoes every morning to travel 2 miles through whatever weather to a job that, although I enjoyed, payed little and involved too much corporate politics. No more mandatory dress code. No more pushing credit card applications and protection agreements.

I am hoping to set up a well balanced schedule of sorts, even though I don't do well with schedules and plans. If all goes well, there is now time to get everything done that I need and want to accomplish.

**raises steaming little coffee cup**

Here's to my new position.

May it bring balance. May it bring peace. May it be long lasting.

House Guru

Whatta weekend!

2011-05-15T21:57:00.000-05:00

Friday:

After work, after a shower, and after some food, I threw on a good shirt, snazzy vest, my tux pants (still fit from high school), and my heels. I packed my camera and went to my church. Two fantastic and hardworking gals there had organized and set up a fabulous alternative prom for local students that were unable to attend their school's prom due to their sexual preference. One local school expressly banned gay, lesbian, or bi students from attending. Our attendance was over 100 teens. The comments expressed by both the kids at attending the prom, the parents as they picked up their children and their dates, as well the coordinators and chaperones could not have made those at our church feel any better for helping such a great event take place. And it was all cleaned up and ready for service again by midnight.....excepting of course for a bit of glitter and residual confetti as a reminder of the nights festivities.

Saturday:

Slept in. It may not seem like a big deal, but I haven't been able to sleep in all semester. Silly 8am classes. But the semester is over, and I've completed all the classes I need for my Web Design degree. After a tasty breakfast, and a little bit of waking up slowly, the rest of the day was spent lounging about and reveling in the good feelings. In the evening, D and I went to a quiet little singer/songwriter performance. Again the venue was at our church. a few hours of music, and for new CDs later, we headed up to Conroe and spent the evening in a hot tub with with a couple of friends of ours. A good soak in some hot water, along with a few beers, and good friends. All the way til 3am. Needless to say, waking up for Sunday was a little rough.

Sunday:

This Sunday was our Teen Service! The teens of our church get together once a year, and take over the service. The music, the children's story and the sermon. Every year they perform their duties beautifully with the twist of humour they give every year. This year they talked of the struggles of being one's self versus the pressure to fit in. The sermon was titled "Waterskiing to the Beat of Your Own Accordian." While D went on a little trip with a friend, I stayed home and enjoyed some good food from Freebirds and a few movies on Netflix.

And now: D is home, my cup of hot tea is empty, and my lids are starting to get heavy. Time for what I hope is a good night sleep. Hope everyone made it through their weekend safely and had a good time. Talk at ya'll next time!

Grand times and a little rain!

2011-05-11T20:53:00.000-05:00

So things are going pretty well!

Since the long ago ages since I've updated, I've had a few rough times, but all in all things have worked out well. In fact, there was one week that was very extraordinarily fantastic!

I was rambling to a friend (as I am wont to do) and she gifted me a camera. And not just any camera, but a digital SLR with a lens and a battery - generally about 500 dollars or so retail value. **shock!** In return the only thing she asks for is a simple skirt be sewn. She'll provide the pattern and the material. Super!

THEN! I was at work and gushing about my newfound treasure (the camera - in case anyone was confused) and an older coworker of mine asked if I'd be interested in a canoe. Yes! A canoe! 15ft fiberglass canoe to take a look at and see if I wanted it. Nothing in return. Zip, zero, zilch. As we were loading it onto the car - of course, I chose to take it - I agreed to take him along if I was ever short a rowing buddy. He's almost 3/4 of a century old and said it was too ungainly for him to load lonesome. So far it's been on the water twice, and so far loading it atop the car is the toughest part. Very nice once on the water though.....ahhhh.....water.

And I must mention briefly that I'm purchasing an electric bicycle ($2500 value) for $400. Nice.

-------------

On the flipside of luck, my wallet was stolen...or at least found after it fell out of my pocket at work. After work I returned to calls from the security office and picked up: my driver's' license, all 3 debit cards, college ID, sears discount cards, and several business cards. Not returned to the office, however, was my wallet (which I *really* liked) and my bank account information card. So, 10 minutes later, i'm in the bank closing my accounts. Damn, damn, and, and double damn - the day prior was when my education benefits paycheck was sent for direct deposit. Yup - to the just now closed account. (It did actually go through, and I did get the money *whew*)

Then about a week ago, I after changing from dinner clothes to hula-hooping-and-juggling-in-the-park clothes, I locked both Darbi's and my keys in the Element. I ended up busting a window and got the keys. Proceeded to have an awesome time juggling and hula hooping to some awesome music in the park. Just today, I got some plexiglass and fashioned a makeshift window. It took me about twenty to thirty minutes, apparently the amount of time it takes for a few raindrops to fall and then dry up and the sun to shine again. Seriously. I began the making of the window because it started raining. As I finished, so did the sprinkles. Great.

And that's where I'm at now.

Of course there was lots of small things happening in between. Free concerts in the park, rum, started running again, stopped running again (at least for a while), hula-hoops, naked wandering through the woods (almost naked anyway), a couple of trips to 2 different renaissance festivals, rum, lots of love and hugs, spring semester is over with passing grades, and more rum.

And now that I have passed this semester, I've all the credits I need for my Associates degree in Visual Communication, specializing in Web Design. It sounds neat saying all those words just to say I can make web pages.

As of tonight, I'm almost out of rum....which tends to make me sleepy - drinking the rum - not being out of rum. So I believe I'll head to bed soon. It's been a long rough day, and it ended with rum. Tired body + tired mind = zzzzzzzz.

I'm hoping to jabber at ya'll again soon enough, and more regularly at that.

Love, love, and hugs, all!
Chris, the monkey!

I'm still alive and kicking!

2011-05-08T22:57:00.000-05:00

Yes, I know it's been quiet from my end of the line. I got busy/distracted and fell out of the habit I was trying to pick up of spewing out some words and opinions every so often.

I'm still here. Things are absolutely fabulous, and I hope they just keep getting better :)

ATT&T fun, pt.3

2010-09-15T10:50:00.004-05:00

Finally, at long last, our high speed internet connection is *actually* high speed.

Slight apologies for making this into multiple posts. For some reason it made sense at the time, as if people were keeping up with this blog in real time. I was treating it a little like Twitter, but without the character limit.

Til next time! See ya!

more ATT fun

2010-09-15T10:22:00.002-05:00

Sooo.....apparently the solution is to wait a few more days while the system optimizes.

Once again, online with a different department of tech support.

And to provide some reference of how slow our speeds are, we should be getting around 1.5 to 3 Mbs downloading. Tests are showing 0.3 to 0.6 Mbs. Not even half of what we ought to be getting.

Broadband tech associate has (hopefully) found a probable cause and is contacting the responsible department. She informed me that our upgrade was recorded in one system, but the ISP was still listing us at our old speed. Sounds like the billing and accounts department was getting theirs.

Thank you AT&T for your wonderful customer service.

'Net issues

2010-09-15T09:25:00.002-05:00

Although most people I've talked to have made mention of the fantastic *ahem* customer service they've had with AT&T, I've not yet had the personal pleasure of interacting with their automated menu system, minutes upon minutes of cheesy hold muzak, the looping track telling me I can get support online, or the CSA's wanting to "ensure that I am extremely satisfied."

40 minutes has passed so far (on hold now) and I've only talked to one actual person for a total of about 5 minutes. The last bout of holding has lasted 20 minutes.

At last a very profession lady has answered and is going to try to help me.

Updates in a little bit! Wish me luck!

Long day off!

2010-06-23T10:43:00.002-05:00

All day today, baby! Was up early for some unfathomable reason, and finally almost 4 hours later, I think my brain and body have sync'd up and are up to full speed.

I've been intending on biking out to a local biking trail that I've heard was pretty good, even if a little on the short side.

Then, after either a dip in the local pool or a shower back at the house, I shall continue with some cleaning around the house, and some artsy work that I'm taking to long to complete.

Not planning on spending much more time on the computer this morning. It's so anti-productive and addicting.

Zoooooom! I'm off!

Birthdays and workdays

2010-06-01T15:20:00.002-05:00

Over the past few weeks, several of my friends have had birthdays and decided to celebrate with a gathering of friends. Both parties were fun even though there were several differences.

First was the picnic party which started at the park down the road. In the middle of the seek we gathered at a picnic table in the shade, splaying out around us, food, sodas aplenty, some card/board games, and a hula hoop. Everyone had shown up by 6pm and after the food and drink and been consumed ( to include a delicious cake) the games started. We started with Crainium, and moved to Apples to Apples. The sun had started to set partway through Apples to Apples so we moved the game to our house. The party continued until just after midnight before the multitude of attendees decided to call it quits. Mainly because most of us had to work int he morning. Only after arriving at the house was alcohol consumed, and not overly much. Speaking for myself, a great time was had and the next day I woke up in good health and spirits.

This past weekend was the celebration of another birthday. Before the actual party a grew of us had convened at our house, watch a bit of a movie and started of with some wine we'd purchased on the way home. Not a necessity of our shopping trip, but seriously, how can you go wrong with boxed wine (four bottles worth) for only ten dollars? A few hours later, the winebox and some leftover watermelon was taken to my friend's apartment where hot wings were cooking on the stove and a cake waiting on the table. Throughout the night the wings were consumed heartily, half of a couple of movies were watched, cake was devoured, Lemon Drop shots were served, music was danced to, and the box of wine was finished off. Although not related, at least I don't think, the party ended shortly after the last of the wine had been drunk. The bulk of people still standing at the party left our friends' apartment approximately midnight. A great time was had and i was home and in bed within half hour, after preparing clothes for the next day and setting alarms. Although I would not have considered myself drunk by any means, the next morning, I dragged myself out of bed, took 3 naps before work, and definitely was not in the best of spirits for most of the day.

Getting older sucks, mainly because it sneaks up on you. Just the other day (read a few years ago) I was closing out the bar at two and getting up at five or six, feeling good and cheery all day, and repeating for three nights running.

*sigh* I don't like being snuck up on...

2010-05-28T17:51:00.003-05:00

Out on Lake Woodlands today for the second time in my li'l boat. It doesn't move fast, but it keeps me above the water.

As I was cruising my bicycle along the sidewalk at the park, I was espied by a teenage boy and his friend, both named Eric. They approached and asked simply, "Are you Hippie Chris?" I said yes, as I've been called versions of that by many for years. Kid told me he'd met me a few years ago when he was around 13; maybe I remembered his friend Dave with the long hair? I think he may have been one of the kids that used to cheer when they saw me drive by in my VW bus.

Strange little world we wander.

Then, while packing up after my boat ride I get sucked into conversation with some gal about religion and such, inspired by a question about my tattoo. Eventually it gets too hot sitting in the sun and I'm eager to get home and shower off, so we draw the conversation to a close and I enjoy the short ride home.

Upon the ride home, thanks to my backpack, I notice my upper arms are a little tender from the sun. Life is wonderful now that summer is here. I've missed it over the many cold snaps we had this past winter/spring.

Out tonight to get-together over dinner with a few oldish friends, and meeting some newish ones possibly. Then, who knows? Maybe a late night out; maybe a late night in. Either way life is good.

I love life.

To the boat!

2010-05-28T06:50:00.002-05:00

After work today , I'm riding my bike out to the Lake again with my boat in a bag for an afternoon of sun and laziness. Exactly how lazy biking out to a lake and inflating a boat to paddle around in is, I'm not sure but that's how my mind works it out. Later this evening theres a dinner get-together in the plans so I'll probably be either too tired or too busy to get back here before tomorrow morning and post anything else.

I'm short on time at the moment. Still have to pack the boat and oars.

See ya!

Chris

Good morning....

2010-05-27T07:07:00.002-05:00

A discussion was held last night, trying to figure out exactly which night I took my last shower. The running joke is "once a week whether I need it or not" but it actually tends to hold pretty true. We thought back over the week, tying events to days, and landed on Friday. 5 days since my last washing. I went on a boat trip out on the lake and sweated a storm up on the rubber raft. As I took my shower that night, I remembered I had gone boating on Thursday. Up that count to 6. Although I can say it's been a busy week, I don't think that really makes a difference. I just don't sweat that profusely. I wasn't reeking; I didn't feel grimy; I wasn't all covered in paint/ink stains.

The annoying thing is *now* that I've showered, my head and face itch like mad.

To digress, the hole in the kitchen wall is no longer a hole. It is a reinforced patch with 3 coats of drywall mud waiting on primer and paint. Thought s had passed through my mind about sanding it before painting it, however, even though it doesn't match the rest of the wall, I like the texture the patched area has at the moment.

I'm not a fan of textured walls. Nor of drywall in particular, even though I'm sure it has it's many benefits. I miss wood and paneling. Why? Just because.

Once again, off to work I go. It's "truck day" up at Sears. Ugh. My one guaranteed long day, and by long I mean a full 8 hours.

See ya when I see ya!

Chris

Untitled, but on purpose...

2010-05-26T13:12:00.002-05:00

Once again, I say that I am going to try to update more often. My new resolution (of sorts) is to post nearly daily - even if it isn't actually eventful or relevant; mainly just want to get into the routine of it.

So, it's Wednesday and I've a morning off - although the morning is behind me and afternoon i has started.

Overslept, sort of. The only thing I had going on early in the morning was fresh coffee. The extra hours I missed out on means I didn't go on a mike/boat trip, however I did get some laundry done. It feels good hanging clothes out on the line to dry again and not worrying so much about rain.

Also, found out that a hole in our kitchen drywall wasn't caused by any leaks. Seems to be a patch job from years gone by that could have been done a little better. We were hanging a hook set up, and the pressure of pushing in the screw anchors caved in a bit o' the wall. I was worried of a leak as the water heater and the washer are behind that wall, although nowhere near the hole. Thank goodness it was just a hole.

Hmm...laundry on the line, holes soon to be not holes, and reheated coffee...I think that about does it for now. I'm off to finish tasks before biking to work (4-9). Tonight, while at work, I'll be missing Darbi and a couple of friends practicing Tool's "Schism" for church service in a couple of weeks. There are other songs included to be practiced, as well, but I'm super stoked about "Schism." Should be fun!

'Til life brings me this way again (hopefully tomorrow), "Toodles and oodles of smiles!"

~Chris

2010-02-02T07:20:00.004-06:00

At last, I'm back on Blogger for a few minutes. It's been a little longer than the week I expected it to take me to update here.

A year later, after leaving Greek Tony's delivering pizzas, and filling the majority of the year renovating properties with my landlord, I am currently working at Sears Hardware as their "Receiving Associate." Mainly, my job is to sit/stand in the back and count the products that get delivered to our store. January is apparently slow each year and employee hours are limited. Being one of the part-time employees, I was only scheduled one day last week, and two days this week. It's the way it goes, I guess.

Darbi and I are still living up in the Woodlands north of Houston. Still renting the same house, too, although we've collected another roommate since Hurricane Ike blew through. He spends most of is time in his room, or at his parents down the road, so it's almost like not having a roommate, sort-of.

Although I know there's plenty that's happened that I should be saying on here to keep everyone informed, I can't think of anything to say.

I do, however, look forward to consistently warmer weather. These 30-40 degree days every couple of weeks is really annoying....

I've got to go finish laundry and call a friend about installing some security lights. Take care everyone, and until next time...big hugs to all.

Chris

Just a heads up....

2010-01-25T11:34:00.003-06:00

...that I'll be posting later this week. Tomorrow we're getting DSL hooked up instead of using a mobile PC adapter thingy. I'll be home all day probably, and all week, seeing as I was only scheduled for one day of work up at Sears. Yay retail.

Til next time...**hugs** !!

2009-11-24T10:27:00.001-06:00

Lots of testing going this morning

Dying music

2009-08-28T07:29:00.005-05:00

Sad news about the roadside piano. Hopes of possibly getting it home and restoring are dashed to pieces, because the piano itself was dashed to pieces. The day after I stopped to take photos and admire this piece of beauty, I went to retake some shots (I foolishly neglected to remove a big plastic cup from a few shots).

Driving up I noticed the piano wasn't there, and thought someone had beat me to the punch and taken it already. As I got closer I saw pieces of the old upright spread about. The hamer assembly over here, the keyboard there, and the soundboard (string-loom as I call it) was just laying there face up to the elements. Pieces of darkly stained wood that used to be the body lay broken and strewn about the area.

I took my pictures and went home, a little sad.

After showing Darbi the photos I had taken, she urged to go grab the pieces stamped with the maker and date. I found a friend with a trailer and brought the whole soundboard, keyboard, and what was left of the hammer assembly. All sitting in my driveway.

Hmmm...now to find what to do with it all......

Bikes and running with dogs

2009-08-26T07:41:00.004-05:00

Well, one dog really. He's a smallish sort; kind of a lab/terrier mix. Drove down to the end of the road, parked the car/truck/van thing (an Element), and proceeded to attemp to run through the woods with Dozer. Through the entire length of the cearing of grass before the wood, Dozer stopped every 15 feet to do his thing and mark this spot, and mark that spot, and smell this, and mark another spot. Not a lot of running accomplished.

Once we got across the creek and into the woods however, apparently he didn't want to claim any of that rubbish and was much more agreeable to just whizzing through the woods, ears and tail flapping in the wind. He'd sniff about and take some time when I stopped or changed direction, and when we reached the abandoned house foundation with 5 new bags of Quickrete next to the cinderblock skate ramp, Dozer and I took a small respite from the running. Shortly thereafter I let the little guy take the lead back towards the car.

Dozer was definitely more eager to get home than to get to the woods. Running full tilt and not stopping for directions he sped along the rugged path. At one point the trail split and I heard a "YIPE !,"stopped and turned to see our poor little dog's front end spun around as he took the left fork and I, the right. Short leash. Damn. Next time I'll take the long one again. He was more along the right path than I was, so we took off and got back to the car in no time flat.

As I took the long route home along the back roads looking for scrap wood, I was surprised to see an old upright piano discarded. 1903 it was dated. Very sad to see a piano in that state of affairs, even more so as it's on a raodside exposed to the elements.

"Part 2"

A couple of hours after the run, after both Dozer and I had recovered our breathe and refilled with water, I decided to take a bike ride to a meeting sceduled that night. After all, it's only about 7 miles. "Only" *sheesh*

Usually I deal pretty well with the heat and the humidity. Also, usually I deal well with distances. I used to ride 6-15 miles regularly in high school (especially in summer), At least 10-20 miles a weekend (one way) in Japan, and met my current girlfriend while resting in the middle of a 40 mile ride across Houston (up on Wed, back again on Mon for about 4 weeks).

Yesterday, however, I must have forgotten it had been a while since my last bike ride, and that the heat was insane combined with ludicrous humidity. Although it took me about the same amount of time to ride the distance, I was beat when I got to the restaurant, and absolutely done after the ride home.

Seriously need to work a few more bike rides into my schedule and work back up to being comfortable after what I consider a short ride....

"Part3"

Job Interview at Sears today! See ya~!

and with a thunderous roll of applause ..... ! !

2009-08-06T13:08:00.004-05:00

Ok ok...so it's not really that exciting.

I've had the summer off from school, which typically means lots of free time for me, but much less income. However, this summer I've been working renovating Ike damaged properties and getting by with a decent amount of monies in our pocket. I've enven had most evenings off because of my reprieve from working at Greek Tony's as a delivery driver. As a home propertiy repair and renovation technition type fella' I've taken all the skills I picked up growing up with my dad and actually applied them somewhere besides just puttering around the house. My landlord/neighbor/boss has also taught me a few tips a tricks of doing (and not doing) things the right/wrong way.

However, we just finished up the last repairs of the last house. Although I'm still working for him I'm not sure what I'm going to be doing for him other than minor repairs on his properties and some organization/moving of his supplies and tools. So I have been out seeking steady employment elsewhere. However, I work well once I have the job, but am not fond of the actual looking. A bit of a problem due to cause and effect....pretty much equals no job without looking.

Furthermore, contrary to expectations, I will not be going to school this fall. I misread the statement on payment deadlines and have been disenrolled from the classes I signed up for. I'd try to reenroll and rush in at the last minute, but wouldn't be able to pay at the moment anyway. So another semester off. Damn.

Well I'm off to be productive elsewhere than the computer. Hope everyone's days are fantastic!

Christopher

And !

2009-08-04T16:10:00.003-05:00

.....and one of these days I'll actually update it properly with information to astound and tales of wonderment to fill you with knowledge. Life, death, skilling feats of dare, and adventure-raising hairs await you.

(( It's probably not all that exciting, but maybe if I drag the story jsut right, and just the fact that I'm actually updating....))

**grins and giggles**

Chris

Oh My Goodness!

2009-07-21T12:02:00.001-05:00

I have a blog! .....

Completely slipped my mind.... *whoops!*

April 23

2009-04-23T14:42:00.003-05:00

So today's my birthday, and I'm spending the day home alone...Doing homework...Projecting in the yard a bit....Listening to pretty good music loudly. Nothing special.

...and lovin' it.

This weekend I plan on taking Darbi to a coffeshop to chill at for a bit and just sit and enjoy a drink with my girlfriend.

Maybe some friends might show up, maybe not. I'm thinking about posting a message on facebook.

My gift is my life. Hard or easy, I have it to make of it what I will. Just thinking about it like that brings tears to my eyes because of all the possibilities, all the sorrow, and all the joy that lies within.

I have survived another year of choices. I look forward to another year of choices.

Choices, variety, and emotions.

Ahhhhhhh......very nice. . .

. . . and some rum. Also, very nice.

Lost and Found

2009-03-31T11:12:00.001-05:00

So I went for a bike ride the other day with almost no obligation to back at any certain time. Took of into the woods with a bike, a bedroll, a camera, and little else. No worries or responsibility.

Very nice :)

So I wandered down some 4-wheeler tracks that narrowed into a walking trail which decreased more to a wildlife path and then disappeared altogether. By this time I had been wandering for nearly 2 hours or so. At this point I was not very far from where I had begun the trip, although I only found this out later.

As the sun set and the light faded I was still neck deep in woods, and although I was prepared to sleep out there, I was not eager to do so. No paths around and surrounded by woods, I heard the music of an ice-cream truck across the creek....and saw some 4-wheeler tracks in the sand on the beach opposite of my side of the creek. Not knowing how deep the water was, nor what state the creek bottom was in (mud, trash, or whatnot) and very few trees fallen completely across, getting to the other side would be interesting. I did find a tree (see above, middle photo) and proceded to walk my bike across, carefully, my feet between the tires as I inched along beside the bicycle.

On the other side, I know had tracks to follow again, however, I had no clue which direction. Hoping for the best, in the woods of fading light, I headed, with hope, out towards a paved road again. With minimal backtracking and "oopsies" I made it past and oil derrick, storage tanks, and found a gate, outside of which was road with blacktop! Woot!

Climbed over the fence and traveled, what google says is almost 2 miles, to the street sign in the above-last photo . *sigh* I was way off from where I hoped I'd be. **double sigh** Onto the bike and down the road I go......

All around google says I traveled just under 20 miles, although I've my doubts on the accuracy of a couple of parts. But after 2 hours of woods, and 2 hours of road, I arrived at a friend's house worn out and dirty. One shower later, I felt cleaner but still worn out.

Totally awesomely worn out. Death in the woods was unlikely, and I was fairly confident I would survive the roads and traffic, but after that much time and distance and not knowing where I was for the most part, it felt really good to be alive. Safe in the knowledge that I was alive to hurt so badly, and feel so good about it.

Below is a map with an approximate path of my trip marked in.

Any time anyone wants to be a little insane on a hike/bike ride, let me know. Alive is a good feeling.

Chris J

no news is good news right?

2009-02-24T11:40:00.003-06:00

So apparently I've been nudged by one who knows my life isn't as eventless as it appears from the sporadic posting I do here.

February, the month of love. Ahhhh....Through this month I've officially been a in a relationship with Darbi for 4 years as of the 13th. For our anniversary/V-day we got her a djembe (hand drum) and I got some tye-dye shirts, and a new computer monitor. Life seems to be going pretty well :)

I'm starting to try to spend more time relaxing. I've been busy going and going lately, and have kind of forgotten about myself a little. Theis past Sunday I broke out a huge canvas (and little one, too) and started painting. I've also been sewing a bit more as well. It feels good to make things and actually finish them. I'll try to plst pics of those later, if I remember. Also, if I actually finish the paintings....lol.

Just a quick update for now. Homework is supposed to be getting done, and I'm leaving for work in a little while, too.

Thank you for the nudge :) I forget about this space everynow and then.

Why were there no names...

2009-01-29T08:47:00.005-06:00

So I woke up last night kind of moaning/screaming and not at all happy.

I'm not at all sure what it meant, if anything, but I had a crazy dream.

It was based on the premise that many, many years ago there was a fairie that distilled magic into everything. One object that stands out in my mind even now, was a group of 3 books, with a single yellow face on the spine of the center book. the book was a burgundy color. It gets revealed through other characters that they somehow resent her for it and have been hatching a plan over the past million years of so. It is my belief they wanted to kill her.

Somewhere there is a wedding taking place and the focus is on a couple of red headed children that are possibly related to a boy and girl hanging out with an older woman. She happens to have a very nice fancy hat on. Wide brim, and dressed in white. This lady is the one relating the history of the Great Fairie Mother, and the history of magic, and the plans that are unfolding. As the wedding party is doing its thing, Lady, Girl, and Boy pause outside of an house in a field. For some reason the boy had shot an arrow, piercing the mailbox by the road. As they are looking through the envelops in the mailbox, they come across one envelope from an insurance company. It strikes their interest for some reason. Girl hands it to the older gal and as Lady is studying this item, Girl examines the arrow, sees that it punctured the side of the mailbox, and notices a side pocket containing mail. The first item in the pocket indicated the house was for sale.

Girl showed Lady and asked, "Why would anyone want to sell that house?" Before she could inquire further, Lady shushed her, and sent some kind of spell toward the house, possibly a field of silence so the Fairie Queen (who I assume lived there) would not hear. As the spell hit the house and activated, a wispy white form appears at the sliding patio door - wathcing - listening. Lady sees, oens her mouth to relase a small thick puff of dark grey smoke.

As the smoke rises into the air, numerous wisps of mist rise from the ground and coalesce into small fairie children with butterfly wings. As these winged children float upward, Lady, Girl, and Boy have also sprouted wings and are spiraling upward with the rest. Once the crowd had reached the atmosphere, the group disappeared.

Next we see the boy floating an inch or two above the ground as he makes his way between the rows of metal folding chairs at the wedding. Lady and Girl are walking behind him, keeping him under control. Lady is apparently the mother or some other guardian of the redheaded children at the wedding mentioned earlier. She is concerned they might have been unruly. Possible displaying magic abilities and pranking others, although she did not voice it just so.

Scene change to a small comfy house. We are in the den area. Me and my friend, who is a strange combination reminiscent of two friends of mine from high school. She is currently (in the dream) about 25-30, and I'm closer to 12. Strange as there are only actually maybe 5 years difference in life. The purpose of this scene is kind of a mystery as we are talking but I cannot hear what. The doorbell rings. Some guy enters and sits on the recliner in the den with us.

Dreams never really have any smooth, logical scene transitions. *sigh* In the bedroom now, Darbi and I are laying under the covers, both our current age, and it is in the night hours of the morning. She wakes up to a tapping, as of someone gently tapping out an odd disjointed rythm on the front door. We discount it to pesky kids, as it is only a few days past Halloween. a small time later, again she wakes, and rises to investigate.The side of the bed is against the wall separating the den, and the headboard is pushed up against the window. The window is covered with a thin lacy veil, as well as venetian blinds, which are open to allow the moonlight through. Very pretty, but also spooky.

As Darbi exits the door just beyond the foot of the bed and is making her way to the front door, I feel a shift in presences. Laying on my belly facing the window, I'm looking through half-lidded eyes, watching for the Fairie Queen. She is not happy, and I beleieve is after me. To what end I know not, but I am nervous. I do not know how well whe sees in the dark, but I know I don't want her knowing that I'm aware of coming. As I peer into the moonlit window, I see not quite a silhouette through the veiled window, but more of a shifting of air (remember Predator when he was invisible? Yeah, like that.) She is outside the window, and I feel something pattering about on the bed, similar to a kitten bouncing around, but a *big* one. I am now decidedly scared, and starting to get a little panicky.

I know it is Fairie Queen doing this, and she knows I know. Now my vision is obscured by images of the shoulders and head of a cat silhouette with little X's for eyes. The cat silhouetes look similar to the afterimages you would see if looking at a light for a time and then closing your eyes. Whether my lids or open or closed I cannot see anything through these cat "afterimages." I am telling to stop and leave and starting to yell a little. Still Darbi is not back.

I can feel the air around me start to compress and tighten around me. Even before I start to scream I know no voice will escape my throat. I am am sitting on the crumpled comforter near the foot of the bed, a malevolent presence slowly increasing her embrace around me, and I struggled sceam escapes my open mouth.

My eyes pop open as I am laying in our room and a strange muted scream has woken both Darbi and I. I am breathing heavily, a little scraed, and it is nearly 5 am.

Such is the story as I remember it, a little over 5 hours later. There were more details and bits, but they don't take or add much.

A New Year

2009-01-13T10:54:00.002-06:00

"I've been very excited to have recieved a Wacom brand graphics tablet over the holidays and am absolutly in love with it. --Chris Jones"

For those that don't know a graphics tablet is like pen and paper instead of a mouse for your computer. It can be used as your mouse for navigation, but more importantly makes drawing and editing photos much easier. I've been wanting one for a while and now have one. Thank you, Darbi :)

Life in general is going pretty well. I'm enjoying evenings at home now, and it is very nice to be able to make plans and spend time with Darbi, as well as with other friends instead of constantly working all the time. My landlord now has control of me for a full work day, and school will only be taking up a few hours out of 2 evenings a week. Not bad at all.

New Years passed with plenty of smiles and no dismemebered appendages. *whew* Darbi and I visited a friend out in the middle of nowhere, and we all had a good time around a li'l bonfire, some drinks and what I heard was 5000 dollars worth of fireworks. Not sure if that included the handmade ones, which weren't much to look at, but had plenty of BOOM! The day next was spent lounging around at another couple of friends' house as a gathering commenced and we all had lunch/dinner together.

Darbi and I are doing well again together, and although only a month or so has passed since our recent vows I am feeling really good about things this time. And before anyone asks, by vows I do not mean marriage vows. We simply needed some reaffirming of a few things and clearing up of a few issues.

She has started a new job yesterday, and is utilizing the crappy bus system Houston has in order to get downtown to work. Yesterday was awash with calls complaining about the system of public transport, both going to, and coming from work. Today I recieved only one text: "Woo hoo! Made it here with plenty of time for breakfast with no problems this morning! :)" I was greatly relieved, especially with the cold temperatures we've been having over the past few days.

40 degrees. Plus wind. Ugh.

40 degrees, plus wind in addition to his kids visiting from out of state prompted my boss/landlord to deem this morning unfit for work and said come back after lunch. Which it almost is. So, after a productive morning of getting nothing done, I am off to possibly get something done. Ahhh....what a plan.

Til next time! See ya!

Hope...a small, shining light of it....

2008-12-04T10:23:00.002-06:00

There is hope yet....even if a small little bit of it. I have been working on controlling myself, and offering information, rather than waiting to be asked. I know my window of opportunity is running short, and I hope I'm using what time I have left wisely.

I had a short burst of not having a phone. I was awestruck by the feeling of lost I had. I remember when I got my first cell phone, and only took it with me on bikeing trips, or long walk-abouts in case I got lost or hurt. Now it rarely leaves my side. Sometimes I put in my pocket (if I have one) before I go to the bath room. It's become scary now that I actually think about it.

Somehow, I've become connected. When I was young and growing up, I enjoyed just taking off and going. Not to get anywhere, but just to go - to be somewhere - to exist off on my own. I rarelly asked anyone along, although I might tell someone I was going. Maybe not where, because I might not actually go where planned. Or because it was such a large area of destination that they'd never find me. It felt good to not be connected. There are times when I miss that feeling of self. It is reassuring to have "the network" behind you if you need them, but it's good to know that they are an option, you know, in case of emergency.

When you're being cradled by so many comfortable, loving arms, it's really difficult to stand on your own. I miss the feeling of being one of the cradling arms. Someone worries about me now. A lot. And I worry about her, too....

-----

I'm going to go track down something to eat. Maybe a wildebeast, or an albatross....maybe even some pasta in a bowl. Hmmmm......

phone update

2008-12-03T12:23:00.001-06:00

Yes I know it was quick and I should have waited to send the other email out. I've already got my phone working again. I'm pretty sure all my contacts were saved on the phone and not the card, and my number is still the same number 713 478 9701.

**hugs** and **more hugs**

I'm glad I'm still able to keep in touch ((even if I don't exersize the priveledge)

Chris J

stolen phone

2008-12-02T23:40:00.001-06:00

For those of you that need to contact me, don't do it by phone. My phone was stolen earlier this evening. Although the phone itself was recovered, the SIM card was removed and has not been found.

Until I update everyone with a new number or let you know that the old one is still good, reach me through email, myspace, facebook. However....just not by phone. Blah.

Hop you all had a great holiday break and have a blast on the ones coming up.

Hugs and kisses all,
Chris

Less than perfect...

2008-11-24T10:34:00.003-06:00

I've never been good at being introspective. Its just something I can't concentrate on. I can sit around and enjoy the quiet of the moment, and can even find the quick quiet spaces within a crowded room of tumultuous conversations cascading around me. It's not that I haven't tried. I just have such a hard time keeping my mind inside me and not stretching out to experience.

I've led most of life just being me. Off by myself, watching others, content. If I went out, I went, not really bothering to invite others. If invited I would join in. Either way I was just as happy, but I don't think I really was *part* of the group. Just with them. And as open as I am, and sharing with so many people, I don't think I've ever been part of someone or at least had someone else be a part of me.

It's not that I don't want to share, and be shared. But I know how foolish I can be, and clumsy, and wildly wandering, and I think that I don't want someone worrying over or about me. If I'm okay, or if I'm leaving and where, of if I'm coming back and when. Because I know I'll be okay. I will. This I know. I've made up my mind, and I have the ability. I will be okay.

When I leave, I'm not looking to get away from where I am or who I'm with exactly. Just to get out. Around. Not looking to be constrained by time or distance. Somewhere to let my mind float and just enjoy what's around without pressure to talk about it or be concerned about the state of being of those near me.

I will come back. I will always come back. As many times as you let me.

Gobbledygoo....

2008-11-03T22:52:00.002-06:00

That's pretty much how I'm feeling at the moment. Not only am I drinking rum (straight) and not pulling a face each time, but I'm also freshly single. While not delving into details, the dissolution of the intimate relationship was a result of me being a dumbass. As the vague story goes, I was not totally forthcoming about details of an encounter that transpired one afternoon over lunch. This omission of fact was the last straw (3rd strike) of my dumbassedness.

I cannot say why I wasn't completely honest. I don't internalize well, nor as often as I should. As most as I can say it's like there's a wall that I want/need to get over/through. There's a gate, but no handle or latch on my side, and I can't get through to the other side until someone opens the gate. She's done being the gatekeeper, and I don't blame her.

Damn. I like rum.

Freedom has it's good points/feeling too, so I try to concentrate on those so that I don't feel so bad about the price I'm paying for it. I'm not happy about what I did or the way things transpired, but I am glad that we are at least still on amicable terms.

Shit, shit, shit.

Early comes too soon. Tomorrow is voting day and it'll be my first time. Yes, I know, Subject change, but hello....drinking. I hope the line isn't too long. While I don't particularly mind waitning in lines, I've planning on being at work at 830 or so and don't particularly like to be late.

Blah. The sleepy suddenly hit me. I'm going to bed. I will talk to you all next time, and hopefully I won't be so drinky or rambley at the time.

G'nite all!

Keep on smiling and stay as bright as the future.

**Wow the backspaced key got used a LOT for this post....**

Damn.

2008-10-30T10:22:00.002-05:00

I know this is cryptic to mostly everyone out there, but, "Damn." Depending on how the fates lay out the days ahead, the obscurity may be explained. For the moment however, I'll just let the reader's imagination fill a story around that short li'l word. If you wish, assume that I just ate a great meal, or possibly stubbed my toe on a desk. Heck, maybe I even sliced a knuckle on a veggie slicer at work (true story) but not the one pertaining to the moment.

Internet after Ike

2008-10-16T14:43:00.000-05:00

So we are once again connected to the internet. Still a month after Ike devastated our neighborhood, and our cable provider still is not back up to full capacity. There is no TV to watch, which I am not so disappointed about. Others disagree about the necessity of cable for the TV.

Cable internet is also out, so I went to Tmobile and asked them if they could help. As I figured, they had such as a device as I was requiring for the computer. Our friends with Sprint have one as well. There's seems to move data a little faster, but at least we're on again, and don't have to feel like I'm inhibiting our friends' usage.

Lovely loverly luvrly....

Out in the woods

2008-08-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

Found a few little pieces of sand near where I live. Galveston being about an hour and a half away, is much further than the 5 minute bicycle ride to get here; some sandy patches are probably a little closer. Rain or shine they woods surrounding this little creek is a great place to wander through and relax.

There is a downside, though. It sits right behind our entire neighborhood. Everyone has access to it, which while I'm not saying I want to close it off to public access, one tends to experience interesting encounters. While out I've seen various animals, ATVs, dirtbikes, campfires, and a van with a strange guy holding a shovel.

Wait, what? A van in the woods? Next to a guy with a shovel....that's right.

So I stand there a bit watching as he stands next to a puddle (huge puddle) and eventually he starts looking around and sees me. We say hey and talk a bit, and while I still haven't decided if he really is creepy or not, he seemed okay for the moment. He did say he doesn't see many out in the woods not on a 4-wheeler or dirtbike though. Apparently he drives around the woods pretty often and has for years. Interesting.

I'm pretty sure we both weirded each other out a little bit though. While he looked about like I would figure a man who drove out in the woods to dig with a shovel woould look, this is what he saw walking through the woods. Across my back was my bag holding my juggling sticks, tripod, umbrella, and at the time the hoop was collapsed and in the bag as well. I'm just extremely glad he wasn't crazy, nor walked up on me while I was on the beach.

Well...things happen....

2008-07-04T00:52:00.002-05:00

Well. There you go. I got let go from my job today. Not for anything I did wrong exactly. It's just that I wasn't as up to speed with the skills as they had hoped me to be. Blah. Oh, well. These things happen.

It is at least a little experience under the belt, and a few weeks of learning that I'm not as lost as I thought I was, but I've still got some learning to do.

So this evening, I went and chilled out at the pool for a bit and then went out drinking at a couple of bars. Not to get sh*tfaced, but because there was a social gathering going on with a bunch that I haven't seen in a looooong while.

I like music and watching people as I drink. Kinda relaxing.

Now to bed, and then up to go relax over the weekend at Darbi's parents. I'm going to bring some paint, and a couple of canvases, drawing stuff, and the laptop. Hopefully get a lot stuff done that isn't important in the least. Maybe even bike ride a little down some old country roads.

**grin**

If I remember when I get back, I'll let you know how it goes.

G'nite, all. Take care. Have a happy 4th of July tomorrow....

**hugs**
Chris

time and how to fill it....

2008-06-23T11:42:00.002-05:00

I was at a memorial for a dear friend that recently passed, and although the speech was a little preachy for my taste, one section stood out and I had to fight back laughter and comments.

And God knows and loves everything about you down to the hairs on your head. Counting the hairs on a head is near impossible, but not for God. He knows and counts them because he loves you.

This may not be exactly how it went but it's close. I think it may not necessarily be cause he loves you that he knows the count of all the hairs on everyone's head.

He's got infinite time.

Really, what else is he going to do.

Rewards for kindness

2008-06-15T00:09:00.002-05:00

It happened a few nights ago. I was out delivering an order at some apartments that had kind of a screwy numbering system that made it difficult to find a certain number apartment. In addition, the plaques displaying each buildings apartment numbers were poorly positioned or poorly lit.

So, I drive around a bit looking here and there for apartment #91. No luck.

In one of the parking lot divisions were a couple of kids, roughly 9 years of age, just hanging out around some of the landscaping. I pull up and stop to look for another numbers plaque and possibly ask the kids for directions.

As I'm looking at the buildings, I hear a li'l squeaky voice, "I like your car!"

"Thanks," says I, "I like it, too. Maybe ya'll can help me out." That's right. I say ya'll. "I'm looking for apartment 91. Do you know which building it might be in?"

The boy looks about and points. "I think it might be in that building there."

"Cool, thanks." And as I'm pulling closer, I hear the girl say, "He told you the wrong answer! I know where it is!" Turns out the boy was just visiting, and pulling a wild guess out of his ass.

After asking if she was sure she knew, and getting an enthusiastic confirmation, I follow her as she hops on her (or the boy's) bike. Sure enough, I was way off and she leads me right to it.

I take the food to the door and on the way back to my car I pocket $2.00 of my tip, drive back to where the kids are hanging about, and pull up to them again.

I feel a little creepy as I ask what the girl's name was. "E***" she tells me.

"Well, thank you, E***," I tell her and hand her the two dollars. "Ya'll have a good night."

As I'm driving off I hear her squealing and giggling. Both yell a thank you as I pull out of the parking lot. Hearing her excitement over the dollars kind of made my night. I definitely think kindness should be rewarded, especially when no reward is expected.

My biggest hope is that she kept both dollars and did not share with the boy.

Seriously!

2008-06-03T15:44:00.006-05:00

If you're too daft to realize you almost merge into another car and then honk and frown at them, get out of your car and stay out.

I'm driving home today and, after looking for a turn signal that wasn't there, start to pass a truck going 30 in a 40 mph zone. As I'm passing him, he seems to be either weaving, or slowly edging over. As our vehicles are lined up, he honks at me, again! What? Once I'm pretty much past him, he honks again! So reach out the window and waggle my pointer finger in the air as if to say, "Hey you! Be careful, someone could get hurt."

Reaching the (red) light not far up the road, he stops next to me and as I look at him he's scowling and shaking his head at me, like I was the one in the wrong. WTF? Seriously.

Honking and scowling is not something you have the right to do at someone you nearly merge into with your car. By age 75 or so, this is something you should realize.

Not trying to be rude, but his head reminded me of an imploded lump of lumpy mashed potatoes wearing huge glasses and a trucker cap. I'm just saying.

Update...

2008-06-02T12:08:00.004-05:00

Yay for a new job! It feels good to be productive again, and doubly so because I'm doing something I really like to do. I'm working as a web designer for a small business that designs sites and logos for small (and large) businesses. So far there's only three people working here. Me, the boss, and her husband.

Downside to the job..hmm..my hands hurt a little more than normal, but that's just because I'm not used to typing so much at one time.

Upsides: I'm indoors in an office, at a desk with a computer. I've got steady hours and pretty good pay. I get to practice and enhance my web designing skills.

Woo!

The relationship with Darbi is back to a normal status at the moment....hopefully for the long run this time. We keep looking and talking about moving out of the Woodlands and either further out into the country or into a downtown-ish place. The Woodlands area is nice but we both think we'd rather have either woods, or city - not so much of the blend we find here.We'll see.

Lunch is almost over....back to the designing board...

Chris

Oops!

2008-05-01T12:16:00.001-05:00

Oh MAN! I take much too long to update any of my online projects. I'm just sayin'.

Things are going good by the way. MUCH better than a little while back.

Hopefully it won't be another month or however long before I remember blogger, and actually log in.

... ... ... ...

2008-03-28T14:45:00.003-05:00

Things have definitely taken a turn. I had thought things were getting better and on a steady rise. Suspicion however dies hard, and misunderstanding of levels of disclosure have taken it's toll. It has been said that there are things to say to fix things, however, most of what I would say has ben repeated many times, and although the meaning is deep, the words are hollow. I've hurt a very special someone badly several times, and although try not to, and will keep trying not to, I can't help but feel that it will happen again. As much as I try to listen to what she says and follow the guidelines set, things end up going badly. Quite possibly a misunderstanding of sorts, even if I she nods her head when I repeat back how I understood it.

I am packing my belongings up. At her request I am looking for other living arrangements. I'd fight to stay, to belong, and be accepted back, but I don't know how to fight for what I want. Too often I let too many emotions and thoughts cloud my view of what I want. This time is no different.

I thought things were getting better. Now, who knows?

Tears of joy and sadness...

2008-03-18T16:46:00.002-05:00

I am no longer the proud owner of Molly, the wonderful 1973 VW microbus. It now belongs to a local church. I'm extremely happy that went to an owner that should have funds enough to keep her alive and hopefully well.

Later this week I should be driving around in my new Honda Element. Oooooh.....ahhhhh.... Maybe not a NEW Element, but new to me, and definitely newer than Molly. Hopefully no later than Friday, and possibly as soon as tomorrow.

Wow.

10:03 p.m. This 15th Night of March, 2008.

2008-03-15T01:43:00.003-05:00

I'm sitting here awake now at almost 2am unable to get to sleep. I am awake! and aware!, more now than I have been in a long while. I'm remembering more of who I used to be. Feeling more of the youth that I was and what I had.

A many of my friends I know have waited for me to remember myself like this. I have been waiting for a while as well. Today is the day I stop waiting (I know, I know - technically it's night) and take a firm hold on my life and the direction I want it to go in.

Possibly, a haircut.

"Oh, noo!!" I hear in shrieks of protest, "Not your beautiful curls!"

Yes. The beautiful curls. Gone but not forgotten. The spirit will remain alive and burn ever so brightly and with as much music as before. But as everything develops, the exterior becomes sleeker and more efficient. Think Ipod compared to the 8-track. Same groovin tunes inside, new sleek exterior that you don't have to carry around in suitcase.

Wardrobe may need some cleaning out.

It's high time I weed out some of the old Tshirts and bring in some new pocket T's and button-ups with cool collars. Maybe. Get me into some slacks now and again for no reason and find some jeans that aren't covered in VW grease and paint. I'm not stopping with the skirts though. Those are damn comfy. I plan on investing on some new ones of those as well.

This list ought've been more than two bullets long.

Now it is. AND! I got to use "ought" and in a contraction, even!

**raises his arm to the night air, drink in hand, and says a toast**

To the past, ever fading and living forever;
To the present, formed by our past and ever changing;
To the future, we know not what it holds but we bear it together.

To this I sign my name:

Christopher Cory Jones
15 MAR 2008

WTF!

2008-03-07T16:04:00.002-06:00

Seriously. WTF?

Spring break comes along, so I've got plenty of time to work on the website I haven't touched almost 4 years, catch up on some homework I was lagging on, and just waste a lot of time in general. Nope. So much for those plans. My computer has always had a few li'l glitches and hangups, but recently has been a bit slow. I go to restart and it won't boot up. Not only is it not booting up, it's not detecting hard drives, or RAM. Also the CD drives aren't getting power, and I've no idea if the hard drives are as well or not. And now that my monitor is in power-save mode I can't see what's going on at all, unless I activate it using the keyboard. Oh yeah...computer won't boot up far enough to let me. Son of a gun. Seriously.

Also, no one is buying my van. Sad as I am to be selling it, I'm really eager to have her off my hands and get some cash for a down payment on a newer car. I even called the pick-a-part junkyard, and they said they wouldn't take it because apparently it's "too big for the crusher" after no one wants it and they are done with it. Seriously. A little hippie van too big for their crusher.

So, I called Carmax (because "we'll buy anythng") and they actually said they'd buy it. Drove it in for an appraisal, and after about half an hour or so they came back with an amount that my van was worth to them. $50.00. That's right. Five-zero. Granted all they were going to do is send it to an auction block and can't guarantee any return on their part, but I was at least hoping for maybe 500. Ouch. However, the guy that was helping me out, told me about a program called AirCheckTexas sponsored by the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Meeting the requirements of the program, I am eligible to receive a voucher to take to the dealer with my vehicle and get 3000 off a trade in. Pretty sweet, no?

Hopefully in about 2-3 weeks, I'll be driving around in a newer and more reliable, although substantially less stylish, vehicle.

Also, the heater broke in the house again. Same night the temperature dropped to the mid-thirties (wtf?) It is once again fixed though. Not as major as last time we had no heat.

School is going well. Passed my Tai Chi midterm, doing reasonably well in my Programming class, multimedia class, and web design class.

I think that recaps pretty well for now. Mainly I wanted to gripe about my PC being crappy and deciding to hate me.

Til next time,
Stay warm and stay smilin' !
CJ

$ Money $

2008-02-22T09:06:00.001-06:00

First, we have heat again! I finally got off my lazy bum and walked across the street to tell our landlord the heater was out. That same day, he sent someone over and it was fixed. Woo! No more space heater being the only source of heat for a room!

And today, Darbi checked the bank account and told me that we've got money! How rich are we?, I ask. Well my tax rebate came in as well as the VA's payment for my January schooling. A little surprise to me was an extra few hundred in the reimbursement deposit from the VA. Very nice.

So, I am currently about to start paying bills off. Nearly all of them will get money. It's such a weight off the chest to not be so behind again.

And as soon as Darbi gets paid, and my other deposit of school money comes in, I'll be well on my way to trying to get a new car. I still wish someone would contact me about buying Molly though. THAT would make a healthy down payment.

Til next time!

Update

2008-02-18T14:16:00.000-06:00

So we've got gas now, but still no heat. Apparently the thermocoupler on the furnace is bad and the pilot won't stay lit. BUT! The water heater is good, and the stove is operable again....yay!

I can deal with a cold house as long as I can have a hot shower!

Hard Times, Good Times

2008-02-18T09:18:00.002-06:00

Last night was kind of neat and a little tedious. We had the microwave heating up bowls of water in 4 minute intervals, the coffee pot was busy with several rounds of 12 cups of water, and we had a huge pot sitting on the propane burner several times. Eventually there was a few inches of hot water in the tub. Enough to mix with some cold water so that it was temperate enough for Darbi to sit in. I know that back and forth from the pump with buckets used to be a regular thing back in the day just for a cold bath, and heating it required a little more effort. Wow. A whole new appreciation for modern plumbing and water heaters.

Hopefully today should be the end of this. Because of some money issues, our gas was turned off last Tuesday, but should be getting restored today. Sadly, and I really am disappointed about this, I have to miss a day of school so that someone is at the house for them to restore service. Bah. I really don't like missing school. There was no estimate of arrival either, so that I might make my morning class if he comes in the afternoon, or vice versa, just a window between 7am and 8pm. Humbug!

Also, on the upside, if people are doing their paperwork in a timely manner, then about 850 dollars should be processed into our bank account; I'm hoping this week. Then, because of some notification issues and not getting reimbursed for my schooling in January, I should get that check and the check for February's attendance at the beginning of March, totalling a little over 2000. and if anyone decides to buy Miss Molly the van, that'll be another 5000.

On top of all that coming in, Darbi started her new job today. Technically it's not really a "new" job, since she worked for this company before. She is now getting paid more though, as well as getting benefits. Yay for insurance! She tells me that we should be able to afford another car payment without selling Molly, which would be great. However I'm keeping the van on the market, and will accept payment to take her off my hands. Maybe one day in the future I can get my hands on another, but currently I'm tired of struggling to keep her on the road. We'll see how that goes.

As far as new cars go, I'm thinking about a Honda Element. From what I've seen online and a couple some strangers have let me look at, it looks like it has lots of storage and room. I'm all about storage. I'll have a stronger opinion one way or the other after I test drive one or two different vehicles. None will be the same as my Molly, but times change, and things move on.

Now....back to homework. And of course, the ever so agonizing wait for the gas man.

Sadness of the moment

2008-02-07T09:09:00.000-06:00

In case I haven't mentioned it to you, or you haven't heard it from where ever, I am selling Molly the most awesomest van on the planet. It's not exactly something that I want to do. However I feel it's something I need to do. I'm tired of all the major repairs that have needed to be done about once a year, and need something that is a little better on gas and much easier on the wallet. Molly has driven my bank account much too close to zero too many times. With any luck I can sell her for enough to buy a much newer and hopefully more reliable vehicle.

If anyone knows of anyone interested please direct them to the following

Ad at Craigslist

Ad at the Samba.com

$9,000 is the asking price. However, I 'm not firm on this and am willing to negotiate.

The plague

2008-02-01T11:00:00.000-06:00

Sunday the plague took a strong hold of my darlin Darbi and kept her in bed for about 3 days. High fever, painful chills and horrible cough. After finally admitting that she was dying, we went to the HEB readiclinic and she was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection, given some antibiotics and sent on our way.

That was Monday after I got back from school. I did not go to school the rest of the week. The plague had nestled itself comfortably in my system and hit me about midnight that night. Between burning up if I stayed still, and painfull chills if I moved, I may have gotten 30 minutes of sleep at a time the rest of the night. In the morning (about 1130am) I drag my carcass over to the couch. I am forced to take some medicine. I know it's for my own good so I don't put up too much of a fight.

Three days of suffering. Fever remained over a hundred. I was sweaty but if I moved even the slightest bit, chill bumps and pain, cough up nasty lung crud.....Three days. The only things I had eaten were 2 sips of some broth the first day, leftover pasta and grill cheese sandwich for day two, and on the third I managed half a PB&J sandwich. While I was on one couch, Darbi was covered up on the other with the same ailments as I.

On that third night, I took a shower. The best shower I've ever had in a while. It felt so good to feel clean. A few more hours on the couch and I was actually feeling pretty good. I felt I would sleep well, I wasn't overly hot, and wasn't coughing so much anymore.

Indeed, I slept well. A full 6 hours when Darbi's alarm went off. And then a few more after she went to work. I am feeling really well. The sunshine is once again shining in my life. Darbi says she is feeling better, but she thought that a few days ago too and was mistaken.

I hope for the both of our sakes, we're really over it for good.

*hugs*

Molly's alive again!

2007-12-04T18:42:00.000-06:00

So after much too long, Molly the VW is once again running. There is a bit of an oil leak and it's a hassle trouble shooting, because in order to get to where it's leaking half the engine has to be taken of and to start up the engine, most of it has to be put back on. A lot of back and forth. However, I started her this afternoon, drove her to the end of the driveway (about 10 feet) and reversed her back over the oil puddle. So, she does actually work. Tomorrow I plan on adjusting the valve clearances, unless I drive her to school....hmmm.....

ok...

2007-12-02T20:12:00.000-06:00

Apparently the photo part of it doesn't work. Blah. If anyone can tell me how to blog with photos from my phone, that's be super cool. I'll look around a little but probably not get anywhere with it.

Bummer.

Testing

2007-12-02T20:06:00.001-06:00


Testing to see he i can blog from my phone. The pic is me on my way to school...it was a little chilly on the bike. That should be over soon.

Boy, THAT was dumb !

2007-11-21T07:40:00.000-06:00

I'm not going to go into details here. Most people I know I've already told. A few weeks ago I was dumb, knew I was being dumb and was dumb anyway. Suffice it to say that the events surrounding my actions opened my eyes a bit and spurred some inner-thinking, and I was not ecactly happy with what I found. I am planning on makng some changes in my life, hopefully all turn out for the better. We shall see.

I was thinking this post was going to be a little longer. Hmm....not so much.

Cleaning out the fridge

2007-11-09T07:25:00.000-06:00

Although not proud of it, some time has passed between cleaning out the fridge of old leftovers and sauces. However, there are some interesting things to be seen sometimes. One time in a forgotten pot of coffee ( on the counter, not in the fridge) I observed 5 distinctly different colonies of mold growing.

More recently I found a container of some spaghetti sauce in a ricotta cheese tub. Looked gross to see but it had an interesting looking texture was neat the way it had folded itself.

2007-11-07T16:25:00.000-06:00

Riding my bike to school along the bike path alongside Gosling Rd, I saw this in front of me

Usually I have a camera with me, and today is no exception. I stop, hop off my bike, and grab my camera hopefully before the li'l critter slithered back into the grass. I got to take about 3 pics, although the other wasn't any good. I was zoomed way in and my aim was off, so only caught a tiny section of his body. Wondered the whole way to school whether or not this was a coral or a king snake. Once in class asked around and hopped on a computer to double check and sure enough, it was the poisonous one...go figure.

Than makes two deadly snakes I've snapped pictures of from only a few feet away.

Frustration!

2007-10-25T15:22:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I'm trying to get my VW back on the road. I've been reeealy close for the past few days or so. The engine in up and in place, but not quite seating in. The situation has given me a new understanding of the female mind. I've never know that an inch could mean so much difference between satisfaction and disappointment. That's how much I lack before I can bolt everything down and see if she cranks up. An inch.

Also, all of a sudden (sort of) I want to see naked people. Lots of em. A big naked get-together just to have have drinks, dinner, watch movies, whatever would be just about right. Who thinks that'd be a good idea and would come over to visit?

Maybe if the van is still immobile, we can all give a go at shoving the engine into place...

Happy dancing!

2007-10-15T13:56:00.000-05:00

So after a few irate stompings about the house, I'm about to send a pretty pissed off email over to GEX in complaint about the timeliness of the wervice I've had...or rather, not had to be more precise, and a big brown truck pulls up in front of the drive. A man steps out and proceeds to bring forth a big huge box! Woo! Quickly I put on some pants, and run out the door, but stop myself before I grab the delivery driver with the biggest hug imagined. I did however express my thanks to him and wish him a grand day!

My parts are in! Now I've just got to get everything put back together correctly and hope for the best.

Racoon !

2007-10-11T20:45:00.000-05:00

Look what tried to crawl into our open window, and stuck around long enough for me to take a few photos !

creek overpass graffiti

2007-10-11T20:21:00.000-05:00

Was out riding home from class the other day and decided to follow a random creek and see where it wandered from. Still don't know, but I did find out it runs underneath to raods that intersect each other. Thought that was a little interesting. Also, while poking about the underpass on the far side of my mini-trek I found the above grafitti. It made me smile a little *grin* Similer to a wall Darbi found last year or so. See a little more of the creek here.

VW Parts and Nerves

2007-10-11T14:22:00.000-05:00

I try not to work myself up so much about certain things that depend on others. Say for instance a set of piston, cylinders and heads that have been on order for about 3 weeks which I was told would have shipped this past Tuesday with an approximate 2 day shipping estimate, but still are not sitting on my porch nor do I have a package pick up slip. I feel like a schoolboy who is expecting a box-top prize in the mail! Except this is a lot more important, and also more expensive than box tops.

Hopefully tomorrow....just one more day to wait, and one less day to work on putting my engine together when the parts come in.

Joy.

Christopher

GEX

2007-10-08T16:39:00.000-05:00

So I've been waiting 2 and a half weeks for parts for my engine. All contact has been made by myself, not them. A week after ordering the parts I call to see why I don't have them. They're not shipped. Ah. Okay. So I'm told I can get a tracking number emailed to me when they leave within the week. One more week passes and I call again with a hint of frustration rising. Yet again, no parts shipped. Apparently one of the parts departments is behind. They apologize and the parts should be shipped by Monday. And no, they can not foot the bill for overnight shipping in recompense for my distress and waiting. Damn. Also informed that ground shipping has a 2 day estimate.

Parts should be here late this week. Gr.

On a more positive note, TRF started this past week. I love it out there. Even when the weather is unbearably hot and muggy, it's awesome. And yes for reasons other than the great mounds of jiggly titties wandering everywhere in corsets and bodices. I get to see many of my friends that I do not get a chance to see except for these few months when faire is happening. Also, I don't feel nearly out of place in some of my more out of the ordinary outfits (ie: sarongs, skirts, and other articles which scream colour.) Found out this weekend also that a big tent is way more comfortable and spacious than Molly the van, although Molly the van is better for transporting said tent and other supplies than Oren Hatchback the Mini. Hopefully Molly will be ready for this weekend (damn you GEX.)

I'm off now to do loaundry and a few other necessaries around the house. Maybe even a little homework. Ta-ta!

Chris

Distractions....

2007-09-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

So I've been waiting about a week for the parts to my VW engine to come in, but no luck. So I give a call, and I find out why I've not recieved them. They haven't been shipped. That's right. Not shipped. Apparently the company didn't have any on hand and told me they were being prepared in the machine shop (closed at the time). Told them to email me a tracking number or something when they finally left their hands. Damn. So I'm borrowing Darbi's Mini to deliver pizzas so at least I'm pulling in some income weekly.

I WANT MY VAN TO DRIVE AGAIN !!!

So, I'm here now doing homework....obviously on task. Supposed to be answering questions over communication in the film Joe Somebody with Tim Allen. Even though I've got most of the answers written out, or at least the idea sketched down, I can't quite comcentrate on typing up the answers. For whatever reason I've got boobies on the brain. That and it just rained so I want get outside and dance around a bit. I've got to email it by tomorrow. It'll get done.

I'm about to take off to work soon. I'm going to finish a few more and head out.

Talk at ya'll later. Hope you've enjoyed my li'l ramble of nothingnessssssssssssssssssssssssssss......ssss.

Chris

1 week 2 days til TRF starts again ! ! ! ! Woo ! And I've got a new shadow suit!

2007-09-21T16:58:00.000-05:00

I'd like to apologize to everyone who actually keep up with this blog and actually expects something intellectually stimulating or thought provoking. That's not what I 'm here for. If you are my friend and actually know me, you are disappointed by what I post. LoL.

Lately the posts have ahd a little less thought put into them than ub the past, which I still don't think was much. There's no big reason. Just as I said toward the biginning of it all, maybe I'll keep up with this. We'll just see how it goes. And so it has. Some posts have been more insightful others not. That's about it.

Not sure if I had a point to all this or not. I jsut woke up from a pretty long nap. I was laying outside, barely in a sarong, Started out in the hammock, but the sunlight forced me to move to a cot in the shade on the porch. Awoke to the ringing of a phone and decided I better get up and get ready to go see DAVE MATTHEWS !!!! Woo! We bought the tickets about 3 months ago to see him tonight. For a bit I was thinking it was supposed to be tomorrow then part of me clicked when I saw the date today.

Friggin' sweet.

Yeah!

Progress.....

2007-09-20T17:51:00.000-05:00

Both forwards and backwards. Maybe not in that order but at some point progrss has been made in each direction.

Woke up this morning with a stuffy nose, and could barely breathe. I've been battling with nose run-off all day. ALL day. Ugh. Had lunch with a girl in my Design class who is from Armenia and I discovered today was only 17. I would have thought at least 22. Heh. Cool gal though.

After dropping her back off at school for her next class I went and completed the transaction of the sale of my car. Got a ride back home (and to the bank) and reimbursed slightly for the full tank of gas I had put in the car yesterday. Cool, says I. So I am currently restricted to bicycle travel and sharing the car with Darbi when she doesn't have use for it, so mainly I'm stuck with the bike. I've got the week off work, since I don't have a car, so I don't have to worry about that in the evenings. Blah. No income for this week from Greek Tony's. Damn.

Proceeded to place the order for the neccessary engine parts to get my van, Molly back on the road in a mobile condition. Hopefully the parts can be here by Monday or Tuesday. Further, hopefully I can put the engine together and back in the engine compartment of the van by Wednesday or Thursday and head back to work. I'm happy I'm closer to getting the van fixed...just nervous about complications that will arise. I say "will" because it's how it'll probably be.

Ok. Back to homework. Silly assignment of copying a resume and cover letter out of the book and applying the correct formatting and whatnot. Hmph.

Talk at ya'll later!
Toodles!

Crap. Crap. Crap!

2007-09-17T15:58:00.000-05:00

So. I thought I had a van to buy with an engine I could use. I posted online and have someone coming tomorrow to buy my car. That money I would have bought the van with. However, I called today to make sure there was still a van to buy - there is not. As of about two days ago. Crap. He wasn't kidding. Scramling to buy parts and strugling to not call and reneg on the deal I had made. I may however call and see if I can postpone for a day or two, until I can track down parts.

Crap.

The weekend that just passed was good though.

Today=crap.

No baby.

2007-08-31T13:06:00.000-05:00

Apparently I missed a memo, or misunderstood something she said. Turns out the the "I'm pregnant" hormone dropped over 75% in the week between her ER visit and her OBGYN visit. We were pretty excited for a while there, but I guess it's all works out the way it does for a reason. This gives us some more time to get our finances and everything under more control and whatnot.

Thaere's not a lot more to say about it just yet. So. I'm going to get back to schoolwork. And food.

CJ

News of the moment

2007-08-30T14:03:00.000-05:00

Sorry to keep you guys on edge, those that I didn't contact sooner.

The waiting was for results from the doctor. A few weeks ago Darbi went to the ER for some pain she was having and, among other things, found out she was positive for a baby (approximately one month)! High risk for miscarriage, however, but we were hoping for the best. More recent tests are looking not so hopeful. Certain hormones in her blood test aren't showing as high as they should.

More news when we get news...

tasered!

2007-08-28T11:03:00.000-05:00

Also, for those that care to see me get tasered.... click here

Hmmm..some more.

2007-08-28T10:33:00.000-05:00

Still waiting, and will probably be waiting for a while. Things are still a little unsure. I'm sorry for being vague, but I've my reasons.

In other news, however, I can say that I've nearly got my hands on another engine for my van and that she may be running on the road again pretty soon. Along with the engine come some additional accessories and whatnots, but the important part is the engine! Woo!

Also I am back in school, once again. I started the fall semester Monday. I've two classes M-W-F, one class T-TH and one online - mostly all in the morning and afternoon. I'm still driving pizzas at the moment but my knee is starting to pain me a little so I'm trying to change jobs. It's nothing into a big business or technical field, but I won't be pushing a clutch and getting out on the same leg every five minutes all evening. My interview with Hollywood Video is today at 4. I may put in at Blockbuster, and Petsmart...maybe a few other places. That seems a lot easier than finding a buying an automatic shift car I can afford - which isn't a lot.

Ok...off to schoolwork. After lunch, though. I'm HUNGRY! My stomach says"Rawr!" and I've little choice but to listen and appease the beast that lies within. Pasta will be his soon. Then, we shall enjoy the brief slumber that my appetite takes.

hmmmm.....

2007-08-22T12:12:00.000-05:00

Waiting.....just a little more to go....

Finally, a bike ride!

2007-08-06T09:35:00.000-05:00

So I've had a few days off over the past month, and been trying to go on a bike ride. Something has always seemed to come up or distract me. There have been other jobs, helping friends, or housework....I understand certain things take priority over my wants, but I mean damn! you gotta look for you, too.

With that said, I'm going to get by nekkid self up and away from the computer, go put on some shorts sandals, pack a shirt other supplies, and roll on down the street, not to return for who knows how long.

Off to enjoy myself,
Chris

Random photos...

2007-06-29T21:40:00.000-05:00

Here are some random photos....I'll let you make up stories and captions if you wish.

Deadlines!!! Oh no!!

2007-06-29T21:23:00.000-05:00

Oh no! I've only got til Monday to pick out topics and throw together two assignments that are due for my online digital imaging class!! I've got to get busy....and fast.

This is what I was saying to myself yesterday evening and most of today...and then went to submit the first one that I finished and saw the date it was due. Not til next week. Oooohh. And it was the last one I turned in that was due on the 2nd, which is Monday. Ahhhhhh.

So. Now the impending doom is for my Drawing II class. It's actually probably not that bad once I start.

Just though I'd share my oopsie with everyone.

Talk to ya'll later.

Forgetful Jones....and a bicycle ride

2007-06-26T14:28:00.000-05:00

.....anybody else remember that character from Sesame Street??

I had thought of something to throw here earlier today (or late yesterday) and have forgotten what it was. It might have been about the bike ride I took yesterday. Probably was.

So.

I went on a bike ride yesterday. Kind of needed some alone time where I wasn't working on homework or housework and didn't have anything around that felt like it could have been worked on, cleaned up, started, or finished. Just me, and some music and no responsibilities. I think everyone needs some time to themselves where they feel no pressure of anything.

A lot of times, that's when my bike is to me...freedom from the pressure of life. I'm not saying my life is bad, or that I don't want it - only that a periodic time away is nice.

My ride last evening, took me around my li'l neighborhood, down the road through some after work traffic (ugh) and finally out to a road that heads out to who knows where and eventually back again. Google maps says it was 10.6 miles out to where I rode. Sound about right. The road I took ended up not going anywhere really...a couple of housing communities and then the pavement ended, and a little more up the road were a set of gates and fences at an intersection.

I stood around and caught my breath - I had been riding against the wind - and took a few photos of the blahness around and tried to find some interesting perspectives.

After a short rest, I hopped back on my bike and headed home. Much easier now traveling with the wind, but still had to deal with a little traffic, although not as much.

About two and a half hours later I arrive back home, worn out, sweaty, and feeling nasty. And absolutely wonderful at the same time. The best feeling of nasty and hurt I ever feel is on or after a bike ride. I mean it this time when I say I am going to make this a regular thing. It is one part of my growing up that I miss dearly, and can readily reclaim and keep alive. I just have to find the space for it in a growing world of cars and communities.

Good times

2007-06-17T13:26:00.000-05:00

I just have to say that I love life sometimes. Rain is nice, and good tippers are great! I was out driving pizzas last night and for tips got 10 dollars from one lady, 7 from another guy, and averaged about 5 or 4 from everyone else. 10 dollars! and the house wasn't even that far away and it wasn't even raining during my trip to her house. And because of something she said I'm sure she meant to give 10.

However, even though I love the rain, delivering pizzas in it....not so good. I dislike driving with my windows up. ugh. Oh well.

Also an update on the transportation issue...The VW is still sitting in the driveway, and the Ford Escort I am now driving is running great. Although she slides a bit more than the microbus did when the roads are slippery...but I'm learning to control that.

And one more thing to whom it applies: Any news on the title? Have you found the original or gotten anywhere on a lost title application?

Wow-ness of life and parents

2007-05-26T14:48:00.000-05:00

So I made a call to my mom recently to make sure she got my message about Mother's Day and a happy anniversary (which happened to land on the weekend this year). She had. In the course of conversation I told her I wasn't really working on getting my van running again and was considering selling her (the van) for money to go to school, buy a new car, pay bills, etc., since I had recently gotten laid off from my job and life our monetary situation had hit a downward slope and we were resting at the bottom for a bit.

She asked me how much I was lacking going to school for. Her reaction after I told her: "You're not going to school for 500 dollars?! That's it?." Mouth agape, I said yes, thinking "That's it? 500 is not just 'that's it?' - especially when you're down to half you're income and bills are still full scale." After I confirmed my "meager" shortage, she said she could wire me some money so I could attend and not put off school for another semester, like I had last semester due to similar circumstances. Yay Mom! Tears were shed a little, and yes I was at work, and no, I didn't care who saw. I was happy dammit, and I love my mother.

A couple of hours later, mom called me back, life's took another little turn upslope. Her boyfriend had recently purchased a new truck (with payments for the next forever included...blah), and no longer needed his old car. It would be another six years older before he could give it to one of his own little ones to drive around, and the car is already a decade old. Well, mom and he agreed to donate it to my cause. So next weekend I'm going to travel home and pick up my new car! New-ish, at least, and I'm totally good with that!

Also, Darbi's parent should be coming down home with us, and finally our parents will meet. At least that's the plan. We've been trying to arrange a meeting for them a long time running, and now the time draws nigh.

Life should be back on track pretty soon. I'll be driving to school in my new car, and then after class, off to drive pizzas around at a job I actually love, and pays pretty decent (if I can save my tip money and not spend it right away).

And, it's raining today! YES!

Life is good. I love you, mom.

The gods hate me.

2007-05-14T17:30:00.000-05:00

Never fails....everytime there's something that needs fixing on my van that requires ample time out side under the sky to complete, it rains. Not just a little sprinkle today either, but downpour. It may only last a little while (hopefully), but my point is that it ALWAYS does this when I need to do some work on the van. And I don't have enough room to really get my van in the garage.

AAARRRRGGHHH !! ! !! ! !!

Grumbles and gripes...

2007-05-14T14:48:00.000-05:00

.....All the way from Arlington, TX

After installing the correct starter, and travelling all the way up towards Dallas for Scarborough Ren Faire, I started running into a few more problems. Started out seeming like a fuel system issue, and ended up believing the engine to be siezed. Either way, Molly doesn't start, more over her engine doesn't even turn by hand. Ugh.

So.....after I finish dusting the house and spraying the yard for fleas (yet another problem we have) I'm going to start dismantling, removing and rebuilding one poor engine for a tired ol' Volkswagen microbus named Molly. Poor thing...and poor me.

I'll be taking pictures throughout, and hopefully get around to relating the story and possible problems I run across. Hopefully all goes well, instead.

Wish me luck !

Always...
Nekkid Monkey Boy

Random snippet from my past:

2007-05-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

When I was growing up, my dad's form of discipline was his belt - which he always wore. I was a pretty good kid for two reasons *ONE* I didn't want to disappoint my parents and more importantly *TWO* fear of the belt. I'm sure some of you out there understand that last reason.

Here's an embarrassing story about just how much these fears were seated within my head.

****************

So I was hanging out with my dad while he was talking with a friend of his out by the fence one day. I can't remember what the issue was, but for some reason I started to throw a little hissy fit about something. My dad told me to stop whining or go in the house.

Well, I kept pouting and sniveling and being a little bastard. My dad reached up and took a leaf from our sycamore tree. Not a branch...not a twig...not even a few leaves. Just one, big, soft, floppy leaf. And then proceeded to beat my little tiny butt with it. You wouldn't believe how hard I was crying, and screaming about how it hurt...

After about 4 or 5 swats with the leaf of deadly terror, he stopped, grabbed me by the arm, and told me to stop crying, and look at him. Which of course I did with only minimal sniffling and wiping of snot from my nose. Dad then proceeded to show me what he was beating me with and asked me if it really hurt or not. I thought about saying yes, but I would have felt dumber than I already did.

Looking back I laugh at how silly I was, and how deep the fear of disappointing my parents ran. It would be nice if kids nowadays had that fear and respect.

I miss my dad, Jimmy.
Pete "Blind-dog" Jones (1939 - 1999)

Bueno y mal

2007-05-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

So the week is about half over. Life is a little less shit.

I found out on Monday that temporarily I am not needed at work. Although I did not much like the job (or in particular my management), it also means no paycheck for a while. And now that I have plenty of time to investigate my van's malfunction, I think I know what the problem is; however I am currently lacking sufficient funds to buy the right part.

Also means I have time to do yard work...ugh. Necessary evil. And I must get back to it. Hmph.

Seriously!

2007-05-07T14:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, life just deals you shit. I hate that.

Nothing major....

2007-04-27T13:20:00.000-05:00

Just popping in to say hey to everyone....

Darbi has been at her new job for about a month, and things seem to be pretty good there...a few issue with their payroll system, but we think it may have been dealt with...

Molly the van is once again broken down...something to do with the starter or flywheel I think. Could be wiring. Who know's....the starter turns and solenoid works...but somehow isn't catching the flywheel when it's in position. Shims are a slim possibility of a fix...I'm stumped on how to progress with the engine still in the car....

Only about a month to go before I quit my current job to go back to school...I'm pretty excited about it...woo hoo!

I'm going to get back out and poke at the van some more...take care til next time...!

Chris

update

2007-03-31T17:55:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine commented about Darbi's job loss and reminded me...I haven't posted that she has recently gotten hired on to another company, with better pay and a better benefit package. Yay!

Also, everyone wish a certain someone luck. Luci put a bid down on a house for her and Bean...hope ya'll get it!

Okay...I'm getting back to sewing...another season of Ren Faire is upon us and all the sewing projects I've said I was going to do for the past six months kind of didn't get done....well here I go!

Talk to all ya'll later

Chris

Molly makeover

2007-03-18T16:30:00.000-05:00

Slowly but surely I'm fixing Molly up and adding more little pieces of me to it. This is my latest modification. I made a new base for the backseat from some wood I pilfered from work, added a hole to hear the speaker under the seat, and a couple of access doors for tools and storage. This is also my first venture into the world of painting. I've drawn with several different mediums and dabble in digital creation, but was always curious about painting. I like it. I'm going to try to paint a few other pieces of the van and actually use the canvas I bought more than a few months ago. I'm very pleased with the results...I hope you all think so, too. If not, phooey to you - get your own van to paint. *wink*

Talk at ya'll some other time ! Take care !

2007-03-14T16:50:00.000-05:00

All in all I think I matched the colours pretty well...These are the other two that match up to the one from the last post. It feels so good to fiddle around with photos and such. Love it!

Just because....

2007-03-12T19:02:00.000-05:00

We went out to a newly discovered park the other day and met our friends WrenchBender and RealYankee as they took one of their many dogs out to socialize and enjoy some outdoors. Of course, I brought my camera, and laying in the grass spied this endearing shot. Took it home and applied a little digital processing and thought it turned out quite nice. Who knows - RealYankee might even like this shot of her. I've got on of WrenchBender as well I've got to spend a little time on.

I think I'll try to post more in the future, but then again, I think I've said that in the past. Look how long it took me to get another up on the net.

Til next time....happy days and happy nights to everyone !

Hello!

2007-02-25T13:03:00.000-06:00

It's Sunday. Hope you all had a great Saturday. Woo!

Nevermind....

2007-02-21T12:18:00.000-06:00

That last post about us catching up again...nevermind. Not only did Darbi lose her job, but her whole office got cleaned out - to include the front desk gal that had only been there a week and had nothing to do with the inner workings of the office. Total crap. Darbi's distraught and upset and pissed; I'm just pissed and in shock with curiousity. We're all wondering what the hell is going on that everyone in the office lost their jobs. At least that's one conforting point - something big is screwy not the individuals.

So that's it for now. Updates later...or much, much later depending on how things go.

Chris

Back in the world again....sorta

2007-02-17T13:51:00.000-06:00

So over the past month and a half we've had to prioritize bills and stuff, and cable/internet fell to the bottom. Not a total excuse for not being around the 'net because there are other options besides my home computer, but I've also been super busy at work.

New job of building desks and cabinets and such has kept me busy usually between 40 and 80 hours a week, even though the boss says "we're not going to work over 40 hours from now on" and then a few weeks later after 40+ hours reiterates his statement saying we're going to work 10 hour days Monday through Thursday with a 3 day weekend. Needless to say I don't hold my breath. Good thing too because guess what happened the same week he issued that statement. Yup. Friday all the boys are up at work. I don't know if it was a ful day or not because I was sitting at home waiting for the cable guy to come hook the cables back up so we can watch TV and play on the internet again. Woo! I do understand that the buyers needs decide our hours and that everything is subject to change at any time, but still, it's a pain in the ass.

Bad news on the school issue...as usual. A series of bad tires tand the subsequent replacing of said tires cause us to be short tuition by the deadline. It was a busy end of the year, as I was thinking about going to another school (applied, submitted portfolio and go t accepted) but decided not to go there at the last minute therefore puttin a rush on applying at the college near the house here. March 7th starts summer registration for classes in June. I'm going to be there attending. It'll feel good to be in school again.

Anyway. I'm back off to finish intalling video and mp3 support for the Linux version I'm running. It's being a real pain so I needed this break. Hope you all out there are enjoying the winter and for the fellow Texans around here freezing our asses off, I hope you are finding some way of staying warm...

Take care, everyone!
Chris

What's that sound? Is it the old man snoring?

2006-10-18T16:03:00.000-05:00

I think it is. It's definitely raining, and pouring, so that must be the old man snoring....Who all remembers that one from growing up?

Rain just hit hard while I was cleaning-ish up a storage room where I'm working. It's great to look out the windows and see it storming like this. BUT, it is not so great to know that within 15 minutes or so I'll have to run to my van in this storm, as well as drive around all evening delivering food, and praying for no accidents along the roads.

Hope you all enjoy the rain, now that we're getting it, and don't have to be out in it unless by choice.

Take care and be safe !

Chris

Gotta say "Woo!"

2006-10-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

Just feeling good that the week is almost over. Being Wednesday, I get paid today. Secondly, there is only two more days til the weekend and we get to go to the faire again. Additionally, it means only 4 days til I finally have a morning off again and can catch up on sleep and house chores. I plan on cleaning a few counters, and maybe a floor or two. I doubt I'll be able to mow the yard with the weather being gloriously rainy like it is.

Until then I'm moseying around here with heavy lidded eyes. Yay for honey-buns and Mountain Dew!

Talk to ya'll later!

Chris

I'll have the rain, with a side order of rain, srinkled with some rain, please

2006-10-16T06:36:00.000-05:00

So even though I had Friday afternoon off, Darbi and I still got kind of a lte start out to Faire. Good news, we still go there before midnight ! Woo! What did we do? Did we party? Did we find friends and have a relaxing night drinking? Nope. We slept. And it was gooood.

Saturday wasn't that bad of a day. Kind of cool, and overcast; not too bad of a crowd, but little energy from anyone. Blah. Sunday was a completely different story.

Sunday, there was barely a crowd. No energy at all. It rained on and off all day. Infact it is still raining now this morning. On top of it being a bad day for fair, Darbi was having a bad day as well, which brought me down. I'm not going into details of her bad day it was her day to tell and not mine. Faire shut down early at 615. Afterward we went out to eat at a local Mexican restaurant, and it ended up a lot of our friends had the same idea, so instead of dinner for two it ended up dinner for almost 30 or so - some we new others we didn't - but there were a lot of laughs a lot of hugs and a lot of smiling.

Even though the weekend was so-so, it ended on a good note. Now it's Monday morning, and back to the grind. Another week of 7am-10pm for me and then my daytime temp job is ending, so I'll have more time, but less money. Hopefully I can work on my photography and make some money off of that, even though all I have is a digital point and shoot.

I've got to go finish getting dressed and get off to work.

As always, take care, and take it easy,

Chris, the-naked-hippy-monkey-shaman

Boo! chilly weather....Yay, beer !

2006-10-13T10:18:00.000-05:00

It's that time again.

We had a few cool nights in the past few weeks, but it's almost noon (sort of) and it's still good bit nippley out there. I've got a mixed feeling about cold weather. I like the way it feels, all crisp and clean and clear; it's absolutely wonderful.

However, I've not a lot of insulation on my body, so even though I generate a decent amount of heat, it doesn't stay with me. I don't like being cold. Which is a problem, because I also don't like wearing clothes, which happen to be the main way I can keep warm.

In the office today, and yesterday afternoon, it's been a bit chilly. Today it's made worse by it being only 62 outside at the moment. It's only suppsed to get up to 72...brrrr.....

At least it's not going to be the hot muggy weekends out at the Ren Faire that it has been so far.

Well I'm off to move about and warm up a little. Take care and stay warm, everyone!

Chris

two jobs and no sleep

2006-10-12T10:13:00.000-05:00

....well, I guess it's technically three jobs, since I'm made a commitment to be at TRF to carry the banner for the Mark's blacksmith booth.

So. I've got this one I'm currently at, which I started 10/2 (last week) and will end 10/20 (next week), working 715 to 415. It's not a difficult job, just a lot of walking sometimes. Then directly over to Greek Tony's afterwards to deliver pizzas from 5-10. Except for last night. There was a huge order that came in a little while before we closed. I didn't leave until after 10 and didn't get back until 11:15. The good news is I left that night with a little over 40 dollars, went and put plenty of gas in the van for a day or two. Bad news is by the time I got home and got ready for this morning, it was a bit past midnight.

I know lots of people run this schedule, but I just haven't gotten used to it yet. Yesterday I was to rushed an busy to be tired. Today, I'm not so busy. I'm finding things to do, but I'm still kind of tired.

And I have to pee. Too much apple juice this morning. Talk at ya'll all later

Chris, the naked monkey boy!

...and again.

2006-10-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

Just an addendum to my previous post. This is Sarah, my way-much hyperactive awesome friend on the left with the blazing red locks. She happens to be a smart chicky who works as I biochemist ((or somthing along those lines - I'm probably wrong))

On the right is - note the HUGE top hat and cane and obvious lack of shirt - the random guy who donated a ticket to our cause.

Just thought I'd throw this up in gratitude of his generosity, and as a proclaimation of the awesomeness of Sarah and her bouncy giggles !

Love and hugs to all my faire friends and much more to those those friends I hold dear.

It's that time again !

2006-10-04T21:33:00.000-05:00

Well it's been a pretty good while since I've been here, and I just wanted to get a short-ish update up here.

I've gone through a couple of jobs, and am now delivering pizzas and subs in the evening, working temp jobs during the day, and when time allows, learning from a photographer about photography and Photoshop.

The pic seen here was taken while camping out at the Texas Renaissance Festival. This was out the passenger side. The driver side looked out upon many, many tents, and people getting dressed in assorted outfits and costumes to head into the fairgrounds. As I was sitting watching the traffic, both cars and people, a shirtless guy with a cane and HUGE top hat saunters/limps up and after a story basically asking for spare bucks, he ends up offering and handing over a valid ticket to enter the faire. Definitely nice. It was great to wander and see old friends and be on grounds again. By the end of the day, some friends of ours who work each year at the fair offer us passes to carry their advertisement banners in the parade each weekend day. Sweet !

So now we no longer have to worry about coming up with money to get into TRF. We were hoping to go to maybe three weekends and go in one day each trip, but luck has shined ! Now all we have to fret about is coming up with enough money for bills and whatnot. Budgets always work a lot better down on paper. I'm sure everyone knows how that goes.

So. This is gotten to be not so short-ish as I had planned so I'm going to get outta here and shower and sleep and all that good jazz.

Talk at you all later !

Chris the Naked Monkey Boy!

Woo !

2006-03-07T17:53:00.000-06:00

I can't wait for constant warm weather to get here. Darbi and I went down to Galveston Mardi Gras to hear Blue October play *woo !* and spent the night on the beach versus driving all the way back up here that night. Was a cool and windy ride across the Galveston ferry and once we got to the beach it was nice and warm in the van. Mainly because we were out of the wind, but the blankets were a nice big help as well. Can't wait to go down to the beach again when the weather is warm ((shouldn't be long)) and maybe spend another night on the beach. Seeing the sights down in Galveston would be pretty cool too.

Arg !! !! I'm hungry...haven't eaten since 230....*insert sad face here* I'll talk at all ya'll later on. Time to go round up some grub. Woo food ! !

Good morning, Starshine...The Earth says. "Hello!"

2006-02-20T11:29:00.000-06:00

Hey there everyone...it's been a while since my last posting and a bit has happened since then.

Never got around to telling the story of how the big sliding door fell off my van, but the short story is that the rear rolling hinge assembly broke. When the door fell off (yes, I was parked) the bottom front roller assembly broke as well. I finally got around to ordering the parts I needed for it a few fridays ago. and got them this past Thursday. 30 minutes or so after getting off my lazy butt, my VW was in one piece again - woo!

The weekend before that, my and Darbi went down to Victoria to see my mom and let mom's bf meet my gf. It was good to see mom again. We hung around the house for a bit and then went shopping for some dishes my mom wanted. I know exciting, but trips back home aren't neccessarily meant for loads of excitement....just being back home around friends and enjoying each other's company. Also visited a super awesome friend from high school. I love you Charlene ! ! We left my mom's house late to go there (after a dinner of beans and rice with Mom and G, her bf) and got to Char's about 10:30. Kids were in bed, so the three of us sat up til about 5am talking, drinking and playing dominoes. Through route of conversation I mentioned about wanting a wheelchair for cheap, and *pop* Charlene appears at the computer, ebay on the screen. Next day we've won one for $35 and 40 for shipping. Not too bad *wink* "Happy early birthday," she tells me. What a goofball, but so sweet. So I'm typing and surfing the net now from my new "computer chair" and don't have to actually get up to go get snacks from the kitchen.

Darbi's car was put into the shop and is out now as good as new. I'm glad I don't own a new car sometimes and can do most of the repairs on mine myself and not have to pay extrvagant prices for parts....such as 1051.81 for a bumper - parts only - and then have to pay for labor to install it. Rediculous. But is a fun car to drive if the conditions are right.

Still working the job as a cagewasher at the sci. lab. Not exactly what I thought I was getting into. It's more of being part of an assembly line. Either stacking items, or offloading items from a conveyor, and then stacking them, or filling bottles with a machine and then stacking them. LOTS of bending over so my back hurts a good bit just underneath my left shoulderblade, and not just at work. For a while it hurt when ever I did anything; f rom making sandwiches for lunch to just sitting up. Laying on my back was about the only non hurting position I could maintain. The pain has mostly subsided though, and I like the job. It's not too difficult (by any means), the pay is nice, and if I get hired on full time, the benefits are sweet !

Hmm...I don't think very much else has been happening by way of my life here in Houston. There is the part of my life going on out east, but I don't know much about what's going on with Luci or Bean. I haven't made much effort to contact them. I just read her livejournal posts and hope that they are happy and doing well.

That's all for now. I'm going to go enjoy my day off, being naked, rolling around in my wheelchair and perhaps reorganizing and cleaning a little.

Til next time...take care and have fun, everyone !