31.3.12

Saturday - 3/31/12 - Work Another Event

Saturday - 3/31/12

Shoot!  I remembered last night, before I left, then forgot!  I told Karen I'd check out the park-and-ride I'd found, to make sure it was a good place to meet (easy in and out and looks safe) and email her last night.  I was going to check it on the way home from last night's event.  I guess I need to throw on clothes and run over there!  I hope I'll get the information to her in time!  So much for having time at home to prepare for today!

I'd researched park and rides.  I was tempted to have her meet me at the one at the 91 and the 5.  I know where that is.  No research needed.  My bus stops there all the time.  The entrance seems confusing though.  There's also a lot of space.  It might not be easy to find someone there.  I don't think she's happy about picking me up.  She wanted to meet at Evelynn's place, but that's 40 minutes south of me and doesn't make since when we're going North.  I want to make picking me up easy.  I'm grateful to not be driving up to Simi Valley in the truck.  The company's paying for her gas too.  How cool is that?!  I searched on the computer and found a park and ride at Lakewood blvd.  On Google it looks perfect.  Now, I'm going to check it in person.  I'd been planning to do that on the way home last night.

It's perfect! The instructions to get here and to find me will be easy!  I'll email her the second I get home!

I'm glad I checked it out in person.  The trip cut way into my day though.  I'm supposed to go to Prakriti's and help her with her computer before I head off to meet them for the event.  I don't think I'll have time to come home between.  I'll have to bring clothes and change at Prakriti's before I leave.

It's getting later and later.  I'm having trouble getting around, moving slowly.  I just called Prakriti and told her I'd be late.

At Prakriti's, there isn't much time.  I'm not sure why I came.  There's too little time to do much of anything.  I guess I wanted to make sure she's doing OK with the transcription and she is.  She's not sure why I came either!

We talk for a bit, then I answer a few questions.  Time to change!  Now off to the park and ride to meet Karen and Evelynn.  I'm getting hungry.  I'm glad I grabbed yesterday's leftovers!  I'll be able to eat in the truck while I wait.

The traffic on the 5 is horrible.  I wish I could tell them to go a different way and have us meet somewhere else.  There's no way I can change the meeting place now though.  So, I just keep going.  Finally at the park and ride, I park the truck, sit back and eat.

It seems like it's been forever.  I didn't get a confirmation back that she'd gotten my email.  I know the traffic was bad, but it seems like they should have been here by now.  I hope they're coming.  I wonder what I should do if they don't come?  Should I try and find the event on my own, or go home, or?  I decide to have faith that they're coming, stay here and wait.

I don't remember what her car looks like.  I can see the freeway off ramp from here.  I'm watching every car that comes off of the ramp.  That's not them, it's a man and woman.  The next car that pulls up pulls over next to the couple, they get in, then they all drive off.

Maybe that's it!  I think it looks like her car....  no, it just turned into the gas station.

There they are!  Cool!  They got my email and I get to go work!

We're at the Ronald Reagan library in Simi Valley.  I've never been here before.  The building we're in has one wall that's all windows, looking out into the valley.  Air Force One is sitting here, inside the building.  I'm sitting at a long table, protected, under it's wing.  They're letting people tour Air Force One, a few at a time.  If I get a break later, I'd love to go inside!

This is my first event where there isn't anything for me to eat.  The event's providing spaghetti with meatballs to the help.  Eileen handed me an extra salad last night for tonight and I forgot to bring it.  So, it's my own fault!  I did bring a snack with me, that will have to do!

Wow.  Tonight feels like the opposite of last night.  Last night's event went so smoothly.  So well.  I had a lot of fun there too.  Tonight's event hasn't gone smoothly.  They didn't get us the names for registration until after registration was to have started.  We had to send people into the silent auction without bidder numbers and tell them to come back later.  Then, one of our charge machines didn't sync with the computer.  It's OK.  The information's still stored, but I had to do a lot of work to create temporary print outs.  Then, I forgot they needed a second print out.  So had to do it all over again.  The whole night's gone that way.  I feel like I screwed up a lot.  I hope I didn't screw up as much as I feel like I did!

It's the end of the night.  I'm tired.  I think we made everything look easy even though there were glitches.  I'm glad.  That's what I like to do, make things look seamless and easy.  I'm tired.  I'm glad I'm not the one driving home.  Going home, Evelynn and Karen are talking in the front seat of the car.  I'm sitting in the back, occasionally inputting, occasionally nodding off for a bit.

Finally we're to the park and ride.  I'm almost home.  I get to sleep as late tomorrow as I can!  I've scheduled tomorrow as a day of rest!

30.3.12

Friday Evening - 3/30/12 - Men's Poker Night!

Friday Evening - 3/30/12

I'm at the event.  I'm all dressed.  Some of the Women came dressed casual and are going to change here, after setup's done.  I didn't think about doing that!  Oh well, this way I got to take my time getting ready, and got to make an entrance.  Eileen says I look great!

Eileen told me at last year's event one (or more) of the men got drunk and said something inappropriate to one of the women.  When I told her about the cocktail dress she told me that, just in case.  I plan to take it all as boys playing.  They'll be at poker tables most of the night too.  If you don't like someone you can avoid them.

Erin tells me that someone was touched inappropriately last year, which is why she's wearing pants this year.  All the cocktail staff are wearing pants too.  I hope I made the right decision wearing the dress!

The event's starting.  It's at a place called Erocar.  They have some gorgeous cars here!  I hope I get a chance to check them out later!  It's a men's poker night, that's benefiting the school their children go to.  I'm working the desk, helping register people and giving them their table assignments.  One of the men is wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans.  He doesn't look out of place or anything, just different.  No one else here is wearing a leather jacket or jeans.  For the most part everyone's business casual, with some being more casual than others.  Leather jacket Guy comes back a few times, asking to switch tables.  I don't know if he's looking to sit with friends, or good poker players (or bad poker players) or certain dealers.  It'd be interesting to know what he's looking for.  The table he wants is already full.  He has to settle for a different table.

After most of the people are registered, several of us get up to sell chips.  I pick a spot on the other side of the room.  When someone wants chips, they're supposed to raise their bid number into the air.  Then they tell us how much they want to buy and sign a paper, committing to paying for the chips.  It's really easy.  No money exchanges hands.  The guys have a fun night, and the school gets the funds it needs.

Leather jacket guy is sitting near where I'm standing.  He hasn't called for chips, but he has called for drinks and is flirting with the waitresses when they come over.

Oh!  He just bought chips for the whole room!  That's a good donation for their school!  Eileen #2 is handling it.  I'm helping pass out the chips.

Eileen #2's worried about Leather Jacket Guy buying the round of chips.  He's been drinking.  She's worried he won't remember doing it, or may not want to honor it.  One of his friends takes her aside and tells her that he's the founder of an internet company and has the money, and that even if he doesn't remember spending it, he'll honor the pledges.

Back at my spot now.  Leather Jacket guy signals me over.  He asks me if I'd have a drink with him.  I tell him I'm working and can't drink alcohol while I'm working, but if he want's I'll have a cranberry juice with him.  He then points to a guy on the other side of the table and tells me to bring him two shots of cranberry juice.  I laugh at him, give him a little hug and tell him that guy isn't even looking at us and doesn't want cranberry juice.  He insists.  I refuse.  I tell him I'll bring him a shot of cranberry juice if he wants.  He goes back to playing poker and I go back to my spot.

It's later in the evening, one of the guys at Leather Jacket's table has said that Leather jacket is going to buy chips for the whole room again.  They announced it to everyone.  I'm not sure he wants to, maybe this other guy just said that.  I can't get him to give me a clear yes.  I go ahead and fill out the line and ask him to sign it.  He says he'll sign *if* I tongue kiss "that guy" and points to someone at the other side of the table (no, not the same one he wanted to give cranberry juice shots to.)  I tell him that guy doesn't know me and certainly doesn't want to tongue kiss me and ask him to sign the paper.  He does and I go back to my post waiting for others to buy chips.

They're nearing the end of the finishing rounds now.  They've shut the players off from buying more chips so we have a  break.  Eileen #2 and I go off to look at the cars.  I like several of them, but am most in love with an Aston Martin Convertible.  Eileen #2 is in love with a 1966 Packard with red leather interior.                    I go back, get my camera and have her take my photo with some of the cars.  Here's me with the Aston Martin.  Don't we look good together?




I'm watching the final tables play.  A cocktail waitress comes to serve Leather Jacket.  He goes to give her a tip.  The money falls on the floor.  He doesn't bother picking it up.  She picks it up.  I can't see how much it is, but there were definitely some 20s in there.  I find it interesting that I've never worked at a job where I got tips.  Even now, selling poker chips, if I was doing this at anything other than a charity event there would be the possibility of tips.  It's been a fun evening though.  I'm not complaining.

They're shutting down the tables.  The final players are moving over to the last table.  The other men will play blackjack and roulette.  Leather Jacket and I happen to both be in the hall type area between the main tables and the final table.  He grabs the mic, announces "now we're all going to strip starting with you" and points to me.  One of his buddies grabs the mic from him.  I walk up to him and ask if he's going to strip for me.  He undoes his belt buckle, then looks at me and tells me it's my turn.  I tell him I'm working and I'd get fired if I stripped.  Then I turn and go back to our table area.  I'm laughing now.  I should have known better than to ask someone who's been drinking if he was going to strip!  How funny!

I'm getting ready to leave, putting on my coat, Leather Jacket Guy's playing an unofficial game of poker with some others.  He sees me and signals me over.  Erin follows me.  I think she's ready to protect me, if I need it.  He asks me where I'm going.  I tell him it's late and I'm going home.  He asks me if I have any children.  I tell him I have two daughters, who are both grown.  He tells me that my Daughter has a good looking Mom and that he wants to give me a tip.  He makes a point of giving me all the cash he has in his wallet.  He's making a special point of pulling out the last crumpled dollar bill and handing it all to me.  I thank him.  He goes back to playing.  I put the bills in my pocket and go straight to Eileen and ask if it's OK to take tips.  She says "yes."  I think this is the first time in my life I've gotten a tip!  How cool!  I tell myself I'm not going to see how much money I was given until I get home.  I want to, but I'm tired and it's late and it makes sense to go home first.

As we walk out, Erin tells me that Leather Jacket Guy was right about one thing.  She said I looked like a princess all evening and that I should dress up more often.  I tell her I love dressing up, I wish there were more times when I could.

At home, I pull the cash out of my pocket and count it.  It's $123!!  Two more dollars and it would have doubled my income for the night!  I'm flying!  This is so great!!  I like tips!!  The money may not have meant anything to him, but it means a lot to me!  I'm so grateful!

Friday - 3/30/12 - Free Lunch!

Friday - 3/30/12

I didn't sleep well last night.  I was too wired from installing Prakriti's computer.  So, it was nice to have a little extra sleep this morning.  It's really nice having the convenience of a vehicle when you're tired.

I'm packing everything I need for today.  Last night, before I went to sleep, while I was waiting for my food to cook, I tried on different outfits.  The event I'm working tonight isn't requiring our normal "black and white business" clothes.  It's a Men's poker night.  Eileen said we could have fun with our outfits.  When I think of Men playing poker I think of Women in short outfits with kind of poofy skirts waiting on them, the classic cocktail waitress dress.  I've got a dress I always thought looked like a cocktail waitress dress, except for the fact that it's black velvet.  I'm planning on wearing that.  I'm not sure they want to see a grandma all dressed up though.  I'm just getting used to the fact that others don't think of me / see me as 20 any more.  So, I acknowledge they might prefer to see a 20 year old wearing the dress.  I've got really good legs though and a good body and I like to dress up.  So, why not grab the chance and show off a little?!  I'm taking a couple of other options for outfits just in case my outfit looks out of place or anyone objects.  I really want to wear this dress though.  I hope it works out!

I've got my laptop too.  Whenever I have  a vehicle it's hard for me to leave my laptop behind.  I like to take it with me "just in case" I need it.  I doubt if I'll need it today, but I might want to use it in-between yoga class and Avalon.  So, here it is, coming with me.

A couple of my regular early morning students had told me they might not be here today.  So, I wasn't expecting much turn out.  I had 7 students in the first class and 4 in the second.  I'm thrilled!

Yoga class is over and I'm checking email.  I have an email from Groupon saying they'll give me $10 toward any Groupon Now, but I have to use it before the end of the month, which is tomorrow.  I wonder if they have any food coupons?  I'm hungry.

While I'm checking the Groupon Now page, Eileen calls.  She had a question about food for tonight.  She's going to bring a salad for me from Trader Joe's and wanted to make sure I could eat it.  She's so great about making sure I get fed!  While I have her on the phone I ask her about the cocktail waitress dress, and the fact that I'm a grandma and maybe guys don't want to see a grandma dressed that way.  She says to go for it, that we're just having fun tonight.  I'm thrilled!  I get to dress up!

I've found a Groupon Now for China Wok.  I know I like them.  I've never been to their restaurant, but I've gotten delivery from them and the food's good.  The Groupon is $10 for $20 of food.  I'll get it for free!  How cool!  A free lunch!  I purchase it, print it and head off!

Now the question is: should I recycle, or eat first?  I'm afraid if I take the recycling first I might not have time to eat.  I'm also afraid if I eat first I might not have time to recycle, and I'm very tired of carting all this recycling around with me!  It's been in the truck since last Friday!

I've decided to do the recycling and goodwill drop first.

I rearrange things in the truck so I can get the goodwill things out easily, then go drop them off and head over to the recycling center.

The recycling place is busy, but they take me quickly.  I love this one (on the Orange Coast College Campus) for just that reason.  They're always helpful and always quick.  I've never had to wait long.  Here at the recycling center they have some book shelves set up with books for borrowing / trading.  I pick up a couple.  This one is about open gardens.  I'd love to go around visiting people's gardens.  That would be terrific!  I definitely want to read this!

The Groupon had said you had to eat at the restaurant, but they're pretty full.  The Lady is telling me I can have the food to go if I want.  That's great!  I'll definitely make it to Avalon on time!  She wants me to order something else to bring the total up.  I haven't spent the full $20 with my order.  She says the egg rolls are vegetarian and don't have egg in them.  So, I order those.  I ended up spending $7, between tip and the little bit that went over $20.  It's well worth it!  I have enough food for at least two meals!

My plan for this evening is to work a short day at Avalon, make sure everything is taken care of, then change and head over to the event.  Thank goodness it isn't far from Avalon.  That makes every thing easier!

29.3.12

Thursday - 3/29/12 - Prakriti Gets A New Computer!

Thursday - 3/29/12

Last night I set my alarm for my bus wake up time rather than my normal babysitting wake up time.  I wanted the extra time to work on the computer.  Now I'm up, working on it.  I'll still need to work on it some while I'm babysitting, but I'm hoping to minimize that.

Wow!  Tracye texted me that she decided to stay home today.  I'll miss seeing the kids, and it's less income, but it couldn't have happened at a better time!  Now I can use the day to prepare!  I don't think I have that much left to do.  If Prakirti's available earlier I might be able to go over earlier.  That would be great!  I've been worried about doing this on a Thursday evening since I get up so early on Friday mornings.  A girl needs some sleep!

It's 1pm.  I'm not done with the computer.  I'm trying to make sure all the programs she needs are pre-loaded on it.  Right now I'm looking for a free anti-virus to load.  I'm tired.  The early morning wake-up is catching up with me.  I think I'll take a nap, since I have some extra time.

I'm going to need a splitter plug for the sound coming out of the computer.  That way she can either listen on the speakers or on her earbuds without unplugging anything.  I've called the local Staples.  They say they have it.  I'll stop there on the way over.

I just figured out I hadn't finished creating the files for Prakriti to transcribe.  I'm doing that now.  The transcription program (Express Scribe) doesn't deal well with our Yoga Center cds.  We have many tracks on each CD, but it's all one sound file to be transcribed.  It thinks each track is a seperate transcription file.  I'm having to create one large file out of the many small ones.  That'll make Express Scribe work the way we want it to.

I've finished creating the transcription files, and am trying to write them out to CD.  The first one went fine, but the second keeps getting an error message.  I'm getting frustrated!  I don't know what I'm doing wrong or what it doesn't like.  It's time I should be leaving, but I need to bring these files with me and there are more to write!  I'm going to give up on writing them out to CD and write them out to a memory stick instead, for this time.  I'll have to show her how to load them from CDs another time.  At least she'll have the files she needs!

Driving over, I'm going through everything in my head.  I haven't been looking forward to this part, installing the computer at her place and showing her how to use it.  She's seemed so upset or afraid about it when we've talked in the past.  I've tried to think of (and do) everything I can to minimize the trauma for her.  I've made sure all the icons and words are very readable (larger print), and made sure all the programs we'll need are installed.  I've pre-installed her printer software on the computer.  I've even installed NetZero so she can have free internet access through her phone line.  I picked up the part from Staples so she won't need to bend over to plug and unplug anything.  I'm bringing a keyboard, mouse, monitor, foot pedal and speakers for the new computer.  I'm going to try and set things up so she can have both computers available for awhile.  So, she isn't just torn away from the old one.  Still, I'm sure the change will be traumatic and I'm not looking forward to that.

At Prakriti's.  She's happy about how big the new monitor is.  Her old one is tiny.  I get the computer set up and turn it on.  There's a flower as the background picture on the monitor.  When I turn it on, her first words are a joyous "It's so lovely!"  She's thrilled too at how big the words and icons are.  She's had trouble seeing things on her old computer.  I'm amazed!  I was expecting trauma and all she's had is joy.  This is terrific!

I told Prakriti that I'd need to leave by 10pm.  It's 10 now.  We're not to the point I wanted to be at yet.  I don't want to leave until I know she can start using the computer for transcribing. I decide to stay for a while longer.  I want that accomplishment point.

She's thrilled when she hears our teacher's voice through the computer for the first time.  She didn't have speakers set up on her old computer so this is totally new.

We've got it!  Everything is set up, the first few transcription files are loaded.  We've gone through all the steps she needs to do to transcribe the files.  There's more to show her, but those things can wait.  I'll be coming back Saturday.  I can leave now knowing we've accomplished what needed accomplished.  She's ready to start transcribing again.  She's thrilled!  She says she never thought it would be up and working on the first night.  I love that she's happy!

I hope I can decompress enough to sleep tonight!

28.3.12

Wednesday 3/28/12 - Greg Drops Off Things To Sell

Wednesday - 3/28/12

This is one of those days when I'm trying to do everything.  It's 4am.  I meant to sleep later.  I can't sleep though.  My mind keeps going over everything I have to do.  I might as well get up!

I've got a few people coming over this morning to look at the vacant apartment.  Also, Greg's coming over to talk about having me sell some things of his Mom's on eBay.

I think the most important thing right now is to have rental packets ready for the vacant apartment.  Off to work on those!

Now, I'm doing the dishes and working on picking up the place.  With being gone longer each day I've had trouble keeping the place clean and picked up.  It seems like I'm generally home long enough to mess it up, then I fall asleep or have to leave again.  Greg knows me so I suppose it's not a big deal, but I want the place to look nice when people come over.

The first set of people are here to look at the vacant apartment.  It's a lovely, sunny day out.  I'm enjoying the break and the sunshine while I walk them around.

Greg's here.  His arms are full.  One of the prospective tenants is here too.  I give Greg a quick hello, and let him into the apartment.  He says he has more things to bring in.  He'll do that while I show the vacant apartment to these people.

Back at my apartment.  Greg's there on the couch, doing something on his phone.  There's a pile of clothes in dry-cleaner's bags on the arm of the couch, right where I'd just picked a pile of eBay clothes up from!  How funny!  He's got a box of fine china with him too.  He shows me the china and some of the clothes and tells me the stories behind them, how his father bought them for his Mother.  Now, she's in an assisted living facility and they are selling the things to help with finances.  I'll get a percentage when the things sell, which will help.  Internally, I'm questioning his judgement bringing them to me.  I've been blogging about the fact that I've had trouble doing eBay with this new schedule, and being gone so much.  On the other hand, I'm glad he trusts me to do a good job and I think this will give me the push forward to get my eBay store moving again!

He asks me if I want to go to lunch.  I tell him I'm on a tight budget and can only go if he buys.  So, I'll understand if he doesn't want to.  I also offer any of the coupons from the entertainment book.  He says that's fine.  He'll buy as long as we don't go someplace expensive.

We're going to go to Ashoka in Artesia.  They have a coupon in the book.  He's driving us there in his convertible with the top down.  This feels like luxury!

Greg dropped me off at my place.  It's time for me to leave for Avalon.  I'm glad I have the truck!  It's great to have to save less time for the commute!  I grab my laptop.  I'm taking it with me so I can finish some reports while I'm there.  Off to work!

I'm home now, working on the computer for Prakriti.  I'm taking it to her tomorrow evening.  I want it totally set up before I take it to her.  I know she'll have an easier time with the changes if everything's set up and perfect before she gets it.   There's still so much to do!  There won't be time to work on it in the morning before I go.  I have to leave for babysitting at 5:30am.   My plan was to go straight from there to Prakriti's.  I'm so tired.  I'm going to have to go to bed.  I try not to take work with me when I'm watching the kids.  That's their time.  I may have to make an exception tomorrow and work on the computer while I'm there.

27.3.12

Tuesday - 3/27/12 - A Day With The Kids

Tuesday - 3/27/12

Wow.  It really is like old times in a way, putting things in the truck to take over for babysitting.  The main thing is that I'm taking a little bit of laundry.  I haven't done laundry while babysitting in ages!  I've got two loads with me.

I'm running a little late.  I'm not happy with that.  I need to learn how to leave on time.

I'm here, at Tracye's.  It's 5 minutes after.  I was supposed to be here at 6.  Christian's not ready yet.  So, it's OK, but I'm not happy with myself.  I'll have to start walking out the door earlier next time.  That's how you do it.  Just keep backing up the starting time until you have a time that always gets you there at the time you want.

Logan and I walked Christina to school.  I love doing that and so do the kids.  There are some things you just can't do from a car, like look at pill bugs or race or walk together holding hands.  Now Logan and I are walking back from Christina's school.  Logan goes off to look at a crack in the sidewalk and has me come over to look at it too.  It's a very interesting crack.  It has ants in it.  We move on and he holds my hand.  I can't describe how much I melt each time he reaches and takes my hand when he doesn't need to.  My heart is a happy, warm puddle.

Logan and I are shopping at Mother's Market in Santa Ana.  It's my favorite grocery.  I don't get here often any more, it's not on my normal route.  I'm picking up vegetables to steam for my lunch, along with some groceries for home.  I can do that since I have the truck to take them home in.  Logan's having great fun with my reusable bags.  They're bags that smoosh down into a little bag that you can hang on something like a belt or a purse, or a backpack.  I carry them all the time these days, just in case I want to buy something.  Logan's having fun pulling the big bags out of the little bags, then having me put them back in so he can do it again.  We're doing three at a time.

Tracye's home.  The kids are outside playing.  She reminds me that we're at peak traffic time and says I should stay for awhile.  I need to go to Frys though and they aren't far away.  I hug everyone goodbye and head off.

I'm at Frys.  I'm frustrated.  I can't find the things I need and can't get any sales person's attention.  I've walked the whole computer section a couple of times.  I did find a regular mouse, though the selection of wired computer mice was very, very slim.  I can't find the audio extension cord or wireless headsets.  It doesn't look like they have them, that's silly though.  I'm sure they do.

I've given up on a salesman finding me and am waiting in line at a kiosk to talk to someone.  Instead of helping me, he points me to a different section and tells me to find the kiosk over there.  That turns out to be the audio section. OK.  I'd been looking in the wrong section.  All the people at the kiosk are busy.  I walk around looking on my own.  I finally found one audio extension cord, and only one.  So, it'd better be the right size.  There are a couple of different types of wireless headsets.  I'd like to ask a salesperson about the differences and also make sure I have the right extension cord for her to use with her earbuds.  I stand in line at the kiosk.  I need to leave soon.  Scott's coming over tonight.  I've taken way too long here!  They ignore me and go to someone else who got to the kiosk after I did.   Frustrated, I go back and look at the wireless headsets again.  I don't know the differences and don't know if she'll like using one or not.  So, I pick up the cheapest one.  They could easily have up-sold me, if anyone had bothered to talk to me!  How funny!

I'm finally out of Frys and heading home!  I was in there so long the traffic's clear now!

I'm home!  Scott will be here any minute.  I have the computer parts, but no time to test them.  I guess I'll have to do that tomorrow somehow.

26.3.12

Monday - 3/26/12 - An Almost Normal Day!

Monday - 3/26/12

I don't like doing my weekly reports on Monday morning.  It makes the morning easier if I've done them on Sunday.  A lot was going on this weekend, though.  I understand why I didn't do the reports early.  I'm glad I have the truck and can take the extra time to do them!

I used to drag so much stuff down to Costa Mesa with me when I went for work.  I seem to be falling into that old routine.  I've just put my laptop into the truck, along with library books to return and some work for Jamboree.  It's a lot to bring with me, but there's room for it and Mondays are the days when I have extra time between yoga and work.  If I can get some things done during that time, it would be great!

All the recycling is still in the truck cab too.  It's looking really full!  I had to squish my laptop and backpack bags in!

With packing everything into the truck I'm leaving later than I wanted to, but still in my "good" time range.

I'm at the Yoga Center right at 7am, right when I wanted to arrive!  Maybe I'm learning how to do schedules better!

After class, I went to my chiropractor appointment, then came back.  This time I brought my laptop in with me.  My plan is to man the Yoga Center desk and work on audio editing until it's time to go to Avalon.  I often used do this on Mondays.  It's giving me a warm, fuzzy glow to know I'm doing it again.  It's comfortable.

I make tea and start to unpack my laptop.  I can't find my power cord anywhere!  I must have forgotten to pack it!  I go out to the truck and search the other bags I brought, but no luck.  My laptop won't run long on battery power!  I won't be able to use it today.  How frustrating!  I decide to stay and hang out at the Yoga Center anyway.  I've missed doing that.  I'll leave early and do the recycling right before work.

Ak! How did it get to be that time?!  I need to leave!  It's time to go to Avalon!  No recycling today!

I had this whole list of things I wanted to get done at Avalon and I've done them all.  It's an hour after my quitting time though.  I'm just leaving.  This is my habit from before this year.  I'm happy I got things done, but I wonder why it's so easy to stay late.  I need to drop the deposit off at the bank and then home!

I was going to go to Frys to pick up parts for Prakriti's computer, but I'm tired and I don't like the Fountain Valley Frys.  I've decided to wait and stop at the Anaheim Hills Frys tomorrow.  It'll give me less time to work on the computer.  I don't know how much I would have worked on it tonight anyway, I want to go home and sleep!

25.3.12

Sunday - 3/25/12 - Last Talk Of the Series

Sunday - 3/25/12

Today is my last talk in the series.  I'd been planning on spending all day refreshing the material in my mind, and creating class notes.  Now, I also need to work on the computer for Prakriti!  Yesterday I told her I'd call today, and let her know about the transcription program.  I know her, she'll worry until I call.

I've been running around all morning, torn between trying to do notes for the class, and working on the computer.  I've finally settled on re-listening to this part of the original class, while working on the computer.  I'll feel better once I've been able to call and tell her how the program works.

I was going to return Charles' truck today.  I've decided that's silly.  I'm trying to do too much!  To top it off, it's raining!  With so much going on, I could use the extra time I get from driving.  I'll wait and return it Wednesday morning.  He'll be OK with that.

I text Tracye and let her know I'll have the truck on Tuesday so won't be doing a sleep-over Monday night.  That'll buy me some extra time today and time both Monday and Tuesday nights if I need it.

I know Prakriti needs the computer as soon as possible.   I'm still toying with the idea of trying to get it to her today.  I don't think it's possible.  There's too much to do.  Tuesday night would be better, if she's available.

The transcription program is loaded and tested!  I think it'll work for her!  I called her and we went over how it works and how she normally uses the transcriber.  I think it relieved some of her worries.  We were on the phone for two hours!  Once we'd been on the phone for so long, I crossed off the idea of delivering it today.  There wouldn't be enough time.  Prakriti wasn't available Monday or Tuesday night.  We set up a time for me to deliver it Thursday night after babysitting, and we have a second time set up for Saturday before I go to work.  I'm hoping Charles will let me borrow the truck for the rest of the week.

I call him and explain the situation.  He says he is OK with me keeping the truck through next weekend!  I'm breathing a sigh of relief!  That makes everything a lot more doable!

I text Tracye and let her know I'll have the truck on Thursday too so won't do a sleep over Wednesday night either.

Now, finally, back to reviewing the material for my talk!

Class is over.  I think it went well.  I'm home.  It's so nice to be able to drive home!

I'm exhausted and want to sleep.  I still have weekly reports to do.  The big thing in my mind is making sure I know everything I need to buy for Prakriti's computer.  My week is totally booked.  Any trip to the store needs to be tomorrow.

Shopping list complete.  I need a computer mouse, a longer cord for her to use with her earbuds, and I'd like to look into wireless headphones for her too.  I'm too tired to do the reports tonight.  I'll do them in the morning before I go to yoga.  Time for sleep!

24.3.12

Saturday - 3/24/12 - Work Is On Again!

Saturday - 3/24/12

I've decided it's OK today's work was canceled.  It's nice laying here in bed, knowing I have a free day.  I've been wanting to spend time at home.  I get that now!  I'm thinking of all the things I could do.  I could take the truck and pick up garden supplies, or work on my talk for tomorrow, or post things on eBay.  Heck, I could even have some down time!  Mary's coming up tonight too.

I just checked email.  Eileen emailed me!  A different client has decided to add people at the last minute.  She emailed last night to ask if I could work today!   Apparently she tried calling too, but I turned my ringer off when I went to DDs and didn't check the phone after that!   I email her back to say I'm available.  I'm worried she won't see the email in time.  She could easily have gotten someone else last night, when she didn't reach me.  I catch myself pacing, waiting for a response so I decide to call.  I hope I still have the job!  That would be awesome!

I do have the job!  I'm so glad I have the truck!  I didn't have any question about how to get there or back.  This job starts earlier in the day.   I just went from having all day at home to having no time!  I need to figure out what to wear!

The job is at Disneyland's Grand Californian.  I'm debating taking the truck.  It makes sense to take it.  I'd borrowed it so I could work this weekend, but the job is close to the Disneyland bus stop and it's supposed to let out around 10, much earlier than the others have.   I'd only have to take the one bus down and then back.  It'd be later than my normal commute, but doable.

Eileen just called and asked if I could pick up some things at Staples.  That made up my mind!  If I was taking the bus, I would have had to say no, and I want to help in any way I can.  I'm driving the truck!  It'll be good to go home at the end of the evening without having to wait in the cold for a bus!

I emailed Mary and also left a message on her phone.  She hasn't responded to either.  I'm worried.  I don't want her to go all the up to my place and not have me there.  I'm at work now.  I'm keeping my phone close to me, hoping I'll hear it if it rings.  Normally she calls before she heads up to my place.

My phone is ringing, maybe it's Mary!  It's not, it's Prakriti.  She's upset!  She does transcription for the Yoga Center.  She says her transcriber machine died a few days ago.  She hasn't been able to find another one to buy, that will use regular cassettes, and is hoping to get the old one fixed.  Darn!  Why did this happen this week?!  It's a blessing, but why on one of my busiest weeks?!  I've been trying to get her off the transcriber machine and onto a computer transcription program for probably two years.  I even have a computer a friend of mine donated for her that's sitting in a corner of my living room.  I'd started fixing it up.  The idea seemed to scare her though, so I never finished.  Now is the perfect time!  Now, she's open to the idea because it seems to be the only good option.  I'll have to push to somehow get it done and to her, it'll be worth it!  She's anxious and wants to know the transcription program will work for her.  I haven't loaded it yet, let alone tested it.  I tell her I'll test it and call her back tomorrow with the results.  Tomorrow just got a whole lot busier!

This time it's Mary calling.  She hadn't gotten any of my messages and was on her way up, but understands and will turn around and go back home.  Now I can put the phone away for the evening and focus on work!

The woman running our side of the event this evening is vegan too!  She brought food for everyone and salads for both of us.  It looks terrific!  I can't get over how well I've been cared for at all of the Event Solutions jobs!  It's been such a blessing in so many ways!

I ask one of the hotel staff for three forks for our salads.  I expect him to lead me to a place to get them, instead he asks where I'll be.  I show him and off he goes.  A few minutes later he comes in carrying a silver tray.  The silver tray has a white cloth napkin carefully arranged on it, with four silver forks carefully arranged on top of that.  He comes over and bows, as he offers me the forks.  I feel like I'm Cinderella and have just been offered a crown!  It happened so quickly and so perfectly!  Then he was gone, off to take care of other things.  He probably didn't know how wonderfully special it was, but I think I'll hold the memory of being offered those forks for a long time.  It was absolutely perfect!

The Disney staff brought out tea and coffee for everyone.  They have it set up outside the hotel door so that guests waiting for their cars can have something to warm them.  The woman who moved the tea outside made a point of telling me that all our staff was welcome to all the beverages and that they will keep it replenished for the rest of the evening.  I'm very impressed by her and all of the staff.  Disney does a good job of making people feel special!

I'm outside getting tea when we hear the fireworks.  I look for them, but can't see them.  One of the other people said something about it.  Immediately, one of the Disney employees told us that if we went over across the drive to the grass, we could watch the fireworks there.  I love fireworks!  Right now, we're at a slow point in our work.  I go inside and ask if it's ok to watch the fireworks for a bit.  She said yes!

I get a refresher on the plum tea (which is awesome!) and head across the drive.  The Disney employee I'd talked to earlier came over and pointed out the best place for me to stand to watch the fireworks, and made sure I crossed the drive safely (even though no cars in sight.)

Standing here, having been presented earlier with the forks, drinking the wonderful plum tea and watching the fireworks over the top of the building, I'm totally happy.  What a wonderful evening it's been! 

I'm even getting paid!  How awesome is that?!

23.3.12

Friday - 3/23/12 - Enjoying My Old Routine!

Friday  - 3/23/12

I don't have a financial reason to drive the truck today.  I've been missing spending Friday nights with my friend D.D..  I feel like she got the raw end of the deal.  We often used to spend Friday nights having dinner and watching shows at her place.  I can't do that any more.  I'd be leaving there too late to be comfortable taking the bus home.

I feel guilty about taking the truck today.  My job for tomorrow night was canceled.  That job was how I had justified (in my mind) spending the gas money today.  I keep going back and forth about what to do.  I've already made arrangements with D.D., though.  It definitely doesn't seem fair to cancel, and I want to go.  So, I'm just going to eat the gas money!  I need to do recycling too, and take things to goodwill.  Those things have been stacking up.  If I can get everything loaded into the truck before I leave, I should manage that.  So, that's a plus!

I don't have experience tying things down in the truck bed, and I haven't left myself much time to load the recycling, goodwill items and dead batteries.  Instead of putting everything in the truck bed, where it belongs, I'm putting everything into the cab to try and save time, except for the large bucket of dead batteries.  I'm sure that won't blow away!  I'm even bringing my laptop, just in case I have time to work on things!  I've missed being able to take my laptop everywhere!

The cab looks totally full with bags of empty water bottles.  I move everything around so I can see out of all the windows.  It's still not comfortable.  A few of the bags came open when I moved things.  I'm going to have to gather up plastic bottles when I get to the recycling center!

Yoga was great!  All I want to do now is what I used to do, bring my laptop into the Yoga Center, plug it in and use it here, at the desk, in the comfort and lovely energy of the center.  I decide to do that for awhile and then I'll leave early so I can do the recycling and drop off the goodwill items.

Oops!  How did that happen!  It's time to go to Avalon!  I missed my window to do recycling!  There isn't anything to do now, except pack up and go to work!

Loading my laptop back into the truck cab, I wish I'd gotten myself to do the recycling.  I don't want to unload everything out of the truck.  That seems silly!  My next chance to do recycling down here won't be until Monday and that would be extra driving and extra gas money and extra driving with all this stuff in the cab!  Maybe I'll look for a recycling center in Norwalk and go there on Saturday.

At D.D.'s I'm enjoying sitting in my normal place on the floor, being fed a lovely meal which includes this really large, wonderful green salad.  We're watching Foyle's War tonight.  I love that series!  They do a great job of conveying the mixed emotions and situations that were going on at that time in the war.

At home, I'm happy and comfortable.  It was nice to have a day of my old routine.  I really enjoyed it.  Time for bed and happy dreams now.

22.3.12

Picking Up The Truck - 3/22/12

Thursday 3/22/12

I had a sleep over with Christina (my Granddaughter) last night.  She woke me up this morning by telling me that it's time to get up.  It made my heart sing.  I love both of the kids so much!  I had a great day babysitting them.  We had a play-date with Claire and her kids.  That was fun too!

Charles called me to verify I'm picking up the truck tonight.  It'll get a ticket if it says where it is.  I almost told him I don't need it.  My job this weekend was canceled.  It seems silly to borrow it.  It's a gas expense with no extra income.  But, it's supposed to rain this weekend and I'll be teaching Sunday night class.  I decide to go ahead and borrow the truck anyway.  I've needed a break.

I had the directions to get from here to Charles' printed out.  I was sure I packed them when I packed for today.  I can't find them.  Fortunately, I checked early.  I'll print them out again from here.

Leaving the kids is always so hard for me to do.  They're involved in making a pizza with Dad.  They've already moved on, but my heart wants to stay.  I've said my goodbyes though and need to leave.

I'm to the bus stop on time!  Maybe I'm getting better at this!

Now that I'm on the bus, I'm using the GPS on my phone to show where we are now, and to look for the street I need to get off on.  I don't know that stop and I can't find the street on the map.  When we get to a stoplight I go ask the driver about it.  He doesn't know that street name either!  He says something about there being a lot of streets on this route.  He seems grouchy and not helpful.  One of the passengers says he thinks the street I need becomes Katella.  He doesn't seem sure though.  I'm now searching frantically for the piece of paper that has the instructions on it.  I can't find it.  Maybe it fell out of my pocket when I got on the bus.

Finally I found the directions!  They were in my pants pocket!  The traffic here is really bad, which is probably why the driver's grouchy.  We're stopped at a stop light again.  I go back and tell the bus driver I need the number 50 bus and ask if he knows where to get off for that.  He says I need Katella.  It's verified!  Katella it is!

The bus took a  long time getting to Katella because of the traffic.  I might have missed the 50 and might have to take a later one.  I'm texting OCTA to see when the next bus arrives, when the 50 shows up!  I wonder if it was late or on time?

On the bus, I look it up and the 50 was 5 minutes late, probably because of the same traffic we got stuck in.  If it would have been on time, I would have missed it.  Thank goodness we were all stuck in the same traffic!  I'm not worried about where to get off this bus, even though I haven't taken it before.  I'm going all the way to the VA Hospital in Long Beach.  That has to be their last stop.  There's a hub there between Long Beach, LA and Orange County.  That's the start and end of several bus routes.  I'm not even worried about catching the next bus, since Long Beach has four buses that run the route between the VA Hospital and Charles' place.  When it's time, I just have to find the right stop and wait for the first one of those four buses!

It was a long ride and I dozed a bit.  Now we're at the stop.  I ask the driver where to catch the Long Beach bus.  He doesn't know, but said it would be "back there somewhere", pointing to 7th street.  I head off that way and realize everyone who got off the bus is going the same way.  I hadn't needed to ask, I could have just followed the crowd!

What a beautiful bus stop!  This is the best one I've seen!  The bench is long and curvy and white, with an artistic white canopy overhead.  There are several seat segments.  It's both functional and pretty!  I think they must be able to seat 20 people!  There's even an electronic readout to tell you what buses are coming and when they will arrive!  How nice!

I've got long johns and a jacket on.  I'm still cold.  There's a woman here in shorts and a bright pink top.  All I can think of is that she has to be cold.  One of the other people waiting, is shivering, and asks her about it.  She says she's not, that she's just used to it.  Somehow, we all get into a discussion about monthly bus passes and the price of the passes on the different systems.  Orange County costs $55, Long Beach is $65 and LA is $75.  We all ride multiple systems and really wish there would be one pass to cover everything.  I always have to make sure I have change when I'm going to ride a Long Beach or LA bus.  I'd love to have a pass that included it all!  Less to think about before I leave is always better!

The truck is right there where Charles said it would be.
When I go in to pick up the key, one of his roommates asks for my bread recipe (I often send bread over.)  That's cool!  It's nice to know that people like it!

I'm in the truck and getting ready to drive home.  I knew I was tired of riding the bus, but I don't think I understood how much.  A part of me wants to sleep in the truck or something.  I'm so grateful to have it for the weekend!

21.3.12

Rushing To The Transfer - 3/21/12

Wednesday - 3/21/12

I'm asleep.  My cell phone is ringing.  It's loud, demanding attention.  It's not in this room.  Is someone calling because I'm late?!  Through my brain fog and panic I finally realize that can't be.  I'm not due anywhere till later.  I struggle out of bed and go search for the phone.  It's in the bathroom, charging.  I didn't get to it in time.  It was a wrong number, a drugstore.  They left a message for someone else.  It's good the phone woke me up.  I'm late!  Why didn't my alarm go off?!   I checked last night and made sure it was set.  Did I put pm instead of am?

I'm at the Disneyland bus stop.  I forgot to bring the printout of my route.  It's still at home somewhere.  I think the first bus got us here late.  I don't know what that means as far as catching the right transfers.  I'm checking Google Maps to find out what I need to do.  I know it had me getting on the 43 next, but I don't remember the stop after that, or the next bus.  I need to be at Tracye's by 11, but I want to (and have been planning to) get there early.  I don't want her worrying.  Google maps is saying I can't get there until 11 now.  It says I'll get there at 11, but not earlier.  That's frustrating!  If the bus is late, it could make me late!

I'm still trying to find a different route when the 43 comes.  I make a judgement call and get on.  It's harder to find a route while in a moving bus, but at least I'm moving and this is the bus I was originally supposed to take!  Maybe there's a point this bus goes to that I could scooter to Tracye's from.  I use my phone to look at the bus route and it doesn't go close enough to Tracye's.  I'm back to looking for a bus transfer that will get me there.  I finally tell Google Maps that I'm at the transfer point (rather than on the bus to it.)  It tells me there's a bus leaving in just a few minutes.  I'm practically holding my breath as we come up to the bus stop, staring at the display at the front of the bus, watching the minutes tick off.  The 54 is the bus I want.  It will leave in approximately 2 minutes.  I have to wait for a light and cross a busy street to get to that stop.  I'm unfolding the scooter as I'm getting off of the bus.  I can get across the street faster with it.  Several other people are rushing across the street to the 54 bus.  We all manage to make it!  I breathe a sigh of relief!  I'll be at Tracye's about 1/2 hour before she needs to leave.  Nice!

When I get to Tracye's the kids and I go for a walk.  Tracye is up for promotion.  She's going for an interview.  I'll watch them while she's gone.

When Tracye gets back she loans me her car.  I go to Avalon for work.  After Avalon, I stop at Ralph's and buy a bus pass.  I've been reminding and reminding myself that I need to buy another bus pass today.  It's a landmark.  This will be my third bus pass.

I'm doing a sleep-over at Tracye's again tonight.  This time, though, I have her car.  It's great!  I'm enjoying a small car!  I'm normally either driving Charles' truck or the SUV that has the car seats in.  Small cars are more fun in the city!  When I take the bus, I get to Tracye's later and come in at the end of whatever show the kids are watching.  I'm looking forward to getting to watch a whole show with them!

20.3.12

Going to Home Depot - 3/20/2012

Tuesday - 3/20/2012

Today's my day home.  I'm so glad to be here!

My garbage disposal broke a few days ago.  I'm having one of our maintenance people over to fix it.
I'm looking forward to it working again!

I'm cleaning out the area underneath the sink.  The maintenance person will want access.  The disposal was leaking underneath and I hadn't known it!  Just by accident there was a bucket sitting right under the disposal.  It has about 4 inches of water in it.  Unfortunately, it also has some cleaning supplies and rags in it.  I don't know how long it's been leaking.  The things in the bucket are moldy!  I'm so glad I found it!  I don't like mold anywhere!  Off to lay everything out to dry!

George is here working on the disposal.  It needs replaced.  He brought a replacement with him, but one of the pipes is bad.  He needs to go to Home Depot.  He doesn't have an expense account with the company yet, as he's our newest maintenance person, but I do.  I need to go with him to make the purchase.  So, much for staying home the whole day!

We've done this before with George driving me to Home Depot.  He doesn't know that my car isn't working, it just makes sense to ride together.

On the way, we pass a farmer's market.  I'd thought it was a lot farther down Alondra than it is!  It's a little past where I catch the 62 bus!  I've never been to this one.  I've been wanting to check it out, and hesitant to go because of the distance.  Now, I'm thinking I might go after George leaves!  It'd be nice to go, just to check out what's there and see if they have any organics!

Wow!  It's around 12:30 and George is finally done and leaving!  That took hours!

I found out this morning that my friend, Toni died.  She's been doing badly for a while.  This was a blessing.  It's still hard for me, though.  Earlier, when George showed up I was glad to have his company, someone to talk to.  Now, I want time alone.  I'm so glad he's leaving!  I want to be alone for awhile.

19.3.12

Doing Errands - 3/19/12

Monday - 3/19/12

It's hard to get a lot of sleep on Sunday nights, especially when I teach class.  I get home and I'm wired, not ready to sleep.  I watch TV for a bit, maybe have something to eat and then finally around midnight or so I'm tired enough to fall asleep.  Then, the alarm goes off at 3:15 in the morning.

This morning it's especially difficult.  Mondays I have reports due.  I try to do them on Sundays.  I was so focused yesterday on studying that I didn't do the reports.  I have to do them and send them off before I leave.  It's getting later and later and I'm still not done!

I'm finally off to the bus, but it's late.  I'm not sure I'll make it.  I always thought by this point in the process I'd be better at catching the bus.  It's depressing that I'm not.

I've been sitting here for awhile.  I must have missed the bus.  I'm glad the 2nd bus can also get me there in time.  Though, I'd prefer to be early.

I'm on the way between the number 43 bus and the Yoga Center.  There's a lady with her bike waiting to cross Newport Blvd..  I go wait with her.  She laughs at me riding the scooter.  She says I ought to be on "America's Funniest Videos."  She meant it kindly so I don't say anything.  I think it's weird though.  I know it is a different thing, seeing someone who isn't a teenager riding a scooter, but I don't think it's something that would be funny if you watched a video of it.

After Yoga, I go see Dr. Brad, my chiropractor, then on to Avalon.  I want to drop my backpack off there.

I have several places I need to go and on Mondays I have some extra time.  I've decided to go ahead and try running errands without a vehicle.  I drop my backpack off at Avalon and head out the door, then I remember that I have a new hat!  I unlock the door, go back in and pull my hat out.  This will be a good test for it!  The first stop will be the post office!  It's less than a mile from Avalon.  I had a package I sent out to an eBay buyer returned, and I need to find out why!

I'm wearing my new shoes.  I've worn them for at least a week and I've been fine with them.  Today, though, my legs and feet are hurting.  I think I'll be OK to run errands.

I love that my new hat has an adjustable cord to make it tighter.  It was feeling like it might blow off while I was crossing the overpass.  I stopped and tightened it.  It's doing fine now!

At the post office, it turns out the buyer is in jail and the package was refused by the jailers (there's apparently a limit to how many comics he can get.)  That's funny!  I was so upset at the postal service and it wasn't them at all!

Next stop is Home Depot!  I've needed some light bulbs for my floor lamps, and it's just down the street.

After Home Depot is the bank, to deposit a check.  I bank at Chase.  There's a chase bank in the same shopping center with Home Depot.

Next, I need to go to the library.  I have videos to return.  There's a bus stop for the 55 right near here, on Harbor Blvd..  It's where I make the connection for the 55 in the mornings.  The bus will take me to 17th and Irvine, which is only a few blocks away from the library.  I cross the street and join the people waiting at the bus stop.  It's a while before the 55 comes.  When it does come, I realize that it comes down Wilson first, before it turns onto Harbor!  I could have caught it on Wilson and saved myself having to cross Harbor!  Oh well!  At least this worked!

Now that I'm done at the library I'm going to use the scooter to go back to Newport Blvd and see if I can catch either the 71 or the 173 from there.  It's probably about a mile to Newport Blvd..  My feet are hurting more and more as the day goes on.  I hadn't expected that.  At least it's a beautifully sunny day and I'll be traveling through a pretty residential area!

The timing is wrong.  I can't catch either bus and make it to Avalon on time.  I'll just have to use the scooter to get there...  another mile of scootering with sore legs.  I wonder how many miles I've done today?  I'm proud of myself for doing all this!

It's finally time to go home.  I've had my shoes off the whole time I've been here at Avalon.  I bundle up for the cold that's already starting to creep up, put on my shoes and backpack and head off.  The time without my shoes didn't help.  My legs are really hurting.  I'm moving slower because of it.  I hope I make it to the bus in time!

I did!  I caught the bus!  Hopefully, the rest is easy.  I'm so tired.  I just want to go home, take off my shoes and go to bed!

18.3.12

Stranded? - 3/18/12

Sunday  - 3/18/12

I'm debating what to do about tonight.  I don't want to borrow Charles' truck.  I don't have other things I need a vehicle for.  It seems silly to go through all the time (it's a 2 1/2 hour bus ride to his place!) and expense (the truck does eat gas!) of borrowing the truck just so I can get home tonight.  On the other hand, I don't want to try riding the bus home.  I'd get home too late for a night when I have to get up early in the morning.  I emailed Jaitri last night, asking if she could take me home.  She doesn't live close, but has said she can take me home when she's there.  I haven't heard back from her.  I'm not sure she checks her email on the weekend.  I'm not sure she will be in class.  I remember hearing her talking about going to visit relatives and don't remember when that was.

It's noon.  I've been studying.  I'm teaching the class tonight.  I have to decide if I'm going to Charles' or not.  Now would be the time to go.  I want to stay home.  I don't want to go.  I call Charles and tell him I'm not going to borrow the truck.  He tries to talk me into borrowing it.  It's nice to have a friend like that.  I tell him I'm almost certain of having a ride home, but ask him to be on standby just in case something goes wrong and I get stranded somewhere.

Now to check Google Maps to see when I need to leave!  Google says I can take a different way down, starting out on the same bus as normal, the 460, then the 290 and then the 1!  I really like riding the 1!  It goes along highway 1.  You get to watch the ocean as you ride.  I'm going to do that route!  Cool!  Something new!

When I'm taking a new route, I always worry about finding the right place to get off.  Not all the stops are announced and you need to pull the cord in advance or the driver won't stop.  The two things together always give me worries.  I'm, sitting on the 460, worrying and trying to watch the little GPS on my phone to see if I can tell when the stop is coming up.  I could just ride this bus to the end and catch the 43, but I don't want to!  I want to try the new route!  That was easy!  They announced the stop!  I get off and wait.

I'm getting worried.  It seems like I've been here, at this stop, too long.  No buses have come.

I've been here at least 15 minutes.  That's long enough that even if the 290 does come, I'll miss the transfer to the 1.  I'm trying to text the OCTA system to see when they think the next bus is coming.  Their system must be down.  I keep getting a message back saying they didn't understand my text.

I'm getting more and more worried.  I don't even think I can get on the next 460 and take that down, I think that would make me late.

I call the OCTA to find out what they suggest.  They put me on hold.

I've been on hold for a good 10 minutes now.  There's the 290 bus!  I don't know what to do!  Should I get on?  The transfer to the 1 won't work any more.  Maybe it would be better to wait for the 460?  I'm still on hold on the call to OCTA.

I decide a moving bus is better than sitting stranded at a bus stop.  I stick my phone in my pocket, grab my things and get on the bus.  I hear the OCTA person answer the phone just as I'm walking on the bus.  She hangs up before I can get to my seat and answer it.  I guess I'm on my own!

Jaitri calls and tells me that she will take me home tonight.  I call Charles and tell him that I have a confirmed ride home.  Now, back to figuring out what to do about getting there!

One of the things you aren't able to do from any of the transit planning systems is tell it you are on a certain bus and need to get somewhere.   You can't even tell it you are where you are, or at the next stop, because they all figure in some time for you to find the bus stop.  It won't ever give you a route for the bus you're on.  It will give you a route for the next bus going by.

I'm trying to figure out if I should ride down to the transfer point for the 1, or if I missed it, and what to do if I missed it.  I can't get either Google Maps or Metro.net to default to a route that uses the 290 (the bus I'm on.)  This is getting frustrating!

I finally figure out how to use my phone to view the schedules for both the 290 and the 1.  The 1 will leave at least 5 minutes before I'm going to get there and is only running once an hour.  It wouldn't get me to the Yoga Center in time.

Now, I'm trying to trick Google Maps into giving me a route.  I look at the GPS on my phone, pick out a major cross street that's coming up and tell Google Maps I'm there and need to get to the Yoga Center.  So far, it's not coming up with options that will get me there in time.  The third try is a charm!  The next major cross street is Beach Blvd and Westminster.  It says I can catch a bus there that will take me to a place to catch the 43 and I'll get to the Yoga Center in plenty of time!  Great!

I get off and am trying to figure out where the bus stop is.  This guy in his late 30s with a large, fake diamond stud in his ear is trying to flirt with me.  I'm flattered, I think.  Mostly I'm just cold.  The stop I need is across the street.  Once the light changes I tell him I have to go and walk to the bus stop.  Everyone here is bundled up and hiding from the wind as much as they can.  We're not used to cold weather here.  The bus comes early.  We all get on.  This must be one of the buses timing stops.  It sits here for awhile.  We're all just happy to be in out of the cold!

This bus driver is really nice.  At a few stops he's asked people if they need to get off on this side of the street, before he crosses the street to the official bus stop.  At my stop, I choose that option.  Several of us get off and walk to the stop for the 43, which is around the corner.  I think it's funny that with all that's happened, I'm ending up on the bus I always take!  There's a young woman with a baby carriage here.  The carriage is totally covered, to protect from the wind and the cold.  When the bus stops, one of the gentlemen helps carry the carriage into the bus.

I'm thrilled!  The rest is easy.  I'll have to use the scooter for the mile from the 43 to the Yoga Center, but that's fine!  I'll get there in time! (early in fact)  That's all that matters!

17.3.12

Went To The Home Show - 3/17/12

Saturday - 3/17/12

Why am I going to the home show?  Why am I going on a bus again?  Why am I riding a bus on Saturday?  With rain coming?!  Right now, I'm not thrilled with going.  Last night was pretty traumatic for me.  Plus, I just got up and it's time to leave again.  I miss being home.

I know I'll enjoy the show when I get there, and I do like spending time with Mary.  I guess the timing is just bad.

It's not raining here yet, but it's supposed to rain.  I was going to meet Mary at the little park opposite the OC fair grounds.  I was looking forward to scootering down fair drive again.  That was a lovely trip.  Yesterday I changed it to having her meet me at Avalon.  I didn't want to chance waiting outside in the rain.

I'm debating wearing my rain clothes or packing them and taking them with me.  I guess I'm going to wear them.  That way if I get caught in the rain anywhere I'm already covered.  I put on my heavy duty rain pants, my regular jacket and my light duty rain jacket over that.  I even grab my winter gloves.  They're the only gloves I have that are rain proof.  It's way overkill as they were made for snow, but they keep my hands warm and dry!  I decided against my rain boots and am putting on my new tennis shoes.  I might regret that later, but we'll be walking around inside the home show and tennis shoes are better for that.  The one thing I'm missing is my rain hat.  I still haven't found it!  At this rate, I'll find it right as I'm done with the year of riding the bus!  It's frustrating!

I've finally gotten myself out of the apartment and to the bus stop.  I think I might have missed the bus.  I'm not going to worry about it.  I'm going to sit here and meditate until the bus comes and it will come when it comes!

I had missed the first bus.  I'm on the 2nd bus.  I'm debating texting Mary to tell her I'm running late.  I decide to wait until I'm on the next bus.  Sometimes I can catch an earlier bus than Google Maps is showing.  If so, I could still get to Avalon right on time.  I don't want to text her until I know I'm late.

We just drove through this little patch of rain.  If that's all the rain there is, it might have been silly for me to wear my rain gear.  At least I can strip all of it off when I get to Avalon.

I'm on the 43 now.  There wasn't an earlier one and there is lots of rain.  I text Mary that I'm running late and ask her to meet me at the 99 cent store instead.  That's right across the street from the bus stop.  It will save me the trip to Avalon in the rain and will get us off on our adventures sooner!

It's pouring at the bus stop.  I see Mary's car pull into the parking lot as I'm scootering across the street in the rain.  She was surprised to see me knocking on her car window!  She didn't see me come up. She must have been looking the other way.  My rain jacket is a very visible bright yellow!

It's raining so much I've decided not to take off my rain clothes until we got into the home show.  I'm going to carry a bag in with me, put the wet rain clothes in the bag and walk around dry as can be!

It's a smaller show than we expected.  Most of the vendors are frustrated with it being a small show and with it being on St. Patrick's day.  With all that and the rain, I feel sorry for them.  I like talking to people about the new products, but I'm not looking for anything.  Mary's researching things for the new house she might get.

There are some people selling hats here.  We visit them last.  I've had my eye on them while we've visited the other booths.  I'm tired of living without a sun or rain hat.  We recognize the couple running the booth.  They sell at the OC fair.  The husband is very, very pushy.  He almost drives me away.  The wife is nice though.  I tell him he's too pushy and I want him to go away.  He had to push a couple more times before he went away.  He obviously isn't in tune with what this customer wants!  He finally walked away to focus on other ladies.  Thank goodness!  Mary and I get on to the business of trying on hats.  I'm determined not to buy a hat like the one I already have.  I still think I'll find it.

The hat I pick is a sun hat.  It will easily fold up into the backpack, has an adjustable band so it will stay on while scootering and looks decent on me.  It's dark, forest green underneath, a color that goes well with my skin tone.  It's more money than I want to spend ($30.)  I go back and try on all the hats again.  This is the only one I like that's practical for scootering.  I guess I'll bite the bullet and get it.  I do need a sun hat.  Here are pictures of it.




After the home show Mary drives us to Avalon.  We're going to dinner after this, then she's going to drive me home.  I've had some groceries and things stored at Avalon to take home when I could.  That's all going home with us today!  I've got the orange county entertainment book here too.  I want to try out some place new for dinner and having a coupon is always a good thing!

We end up going to a place called Big Chopsticks.  We had to drive around a lot to find it.  It's a little shop with poor signage.  The place is empty.  We're wondering if this was a good choice.  We sit and order.  All the time we're waiting for our meal, people are coming in to pick up take out orders.  It's a very busy place!  The food is excellent!  Yay!  Another good choice!  Since I provided the 1/2 off coupon, Mary buys the meal.  That's nice of her!

At my place now, we're playing cribbage.  Mary taught me how to play last year.  She still has to remind me about the rules.  She doesn't seem to mind though.  It's been a nice day.

16.3.12

The Bus Never Moved - 3/16/12

Friday Evening - 3/16/12

It's finally time to go home.  I'm so glad!  I'm exhausted.

At the bus stop, the guy is here again.  The one who would normally be rubbing the shoulders of the lady in the wheelchair.  Today, she isn't there.  His mouth is running on and on.  Loudly talking about how he wouldn't have sex with her (not his exact wording) because she has so many sexual diseases.  Everyone here at the bus stop is uncomfortable.  No one's saying anything.  Occasionally he gets quiet for a minute or two, then starts up again.  The bus is taking forever to get here.  What a day for it to be late!

Thank goodness he didn't get on the bus.  One of the women who had been there tries to report him to the driver.  The driver says we should have called the bus company and reported it.  I'm not sure what the bus company could have done.  I guess we should have called the police.  I'm not sure.  I'm wondering what Marshall Rosenberg would have done.  I suppose he would have tried to engage him in conversation and tried to find out what was alive in him and what needs of his were getting met by his actions.  I'm not sure I want to try that, it would probably bring more vulgarity to start with.  He has to be hurting though, to want to lash out like that.  I hope something happens to help him.  For now, I'm just tired and glad we're on the bus where he's not.

I almost missed my stop!  I've been having a hard time staying awake.  This is it!  This is my stop!  Thank goodness I noticed!

I know our bus was running late.  I wonder if I'm still on time for the 460?  I hope so!  I just want to go home!   Going across the street to the bus stop, I'm looking at every bus that goes by.  None of them are the 460, thank goodness!.

Yay!   The 460 is parked over at the Disneyland employee entrance, where it goes for the driver's break.  I've made it!  There aren't any seats left here at the stop.  I stand to wait for the bus, watching it, so I'll be ready when it comes out.  It's lights are on.  It might be coming out soon!  I hope so!  It's cold out here!

Normally, when the 460 driver goes for a break, the bus goes to the Disneyland employee entrance and all the lights go off.  Then, after awhile, the bus lights come back on, there are a few minutes with it sitting like that, and the bus comes out.  Tonight, things are different.  I've been waiting here, freezing, at the stop for a long time.  The bus lights come on, then go off, then part of the lights come on, then go off.  We're all standing, watching the display, wondering what's going on.

The next 460 bus is here, down from LA.  Everyone lines up to get on.  Sometimes, when the bus is running late, the driver will skip his break and turn around for the next cycle.  Not this time, this driver refuses to let anyone on.  He's going for his break.  One of the people waiting tries to explain what's going on.  Maybe at least he'll get the other driver to come out.

Now there are two 460 buses parked at the Disneyland employee entrance.  There's even a moment when the whole area is packed with all kinds of buses.  No bus is moving.

An ambulance comes.  It's not strange to have an ambulance come to the Disney Employee entrance, it happens.  Maybe that explains what's going on.  I hope the original 460 driver is OK.  Buses start moving out of that area.  The two 460 buses stay there and stay dark.  We all stay standing and freezing.

Finally, the second 460 bus turns on it's lights and comes out.  We're all lined up where it normally stops.  It doesn't stop there, it goes down farther.  We all rush over.  No more lines now, just a crowd, a lot of people standing, freezing, in the dark, outside the bus, waiting for it to open it's door.

Once the bus opens it's door people start getting on.  There's normally more order than this.  Some men wait for women to get on.   This isn't happening tonight.  Everyone's been waiting in the cold for too long.  Everyone wants to be on the bus right now!  A man's trying to feed a dollar bill into the toll machine.  It's too worn.  The machine isn't taking it.  He keeps trying.  We're all standing out here in the dark, waiting, watching, wanting our turn getting on.  There's a lady yelling for the bus driver from somewhere in the crowd, yelling that she has a handicapped person with her.  Handicapped people are supposed to get on first.  The bus driver yells back that if she wanted on first she should have been waiting at the bus stop.  She yells back that she had been waiting at the bus stop, but he didn't stop where they normally do.  He yells that this is where they are supposed to stop.

We're all stopped.  No one can get on while they're fighting.  He grudgingly lets the handicapped lady and her angry companion on, but they (the bus driver and the companion) keep fighting, trading insults and arguing with each other.  We all just want to get on the bus and out of the cold.  I hear someone muttering "just shut up lady."

I say something about the fact the driver must be having a bad day.  The person standing next to me says this driver is always like that, always grouchy.  

I'm not sure what she said, but the bus driver is saying he's going to call the police.  I can't believe it!  How long will that take?  All of us will be waiting here in the cold for another bus to hopefully show up!  I'm exhausted!  I just want to go home and get warm.

We're talking in the crowd, about the original bus not coming.  A woman says they saw the bus at the employee entrance, didn't know any better and went there to the bus.  She says the bus driver was fine and walking around (so he isn't who the ambulance came for), and told them to come out here and wait.

Finally, the fight between the driver and the angry lady dies down and he starts letting people on the bus.  We fill up the bus, all of us who were standing in the dark waiting for it.

The companion person is still complaining to the driver.  She says he didn't tie down her friend in the wheelchair well enough, that they'll sue him if anything happens to her.  He says something about her fat ass.  I know the companion person is causing problems and she could definitely have handled things better, but the bus driver shouldn't be using the language he has, or acting the way he has, even with an upset rider.  I'm wondering if I should file a complaint.  Though when you think about it, the real complaint should be against the driver who never came off break.

I got to sit.  Not everyone did.  I'm having trouble staying awake.  The exhaustion is taking over.  The gentleman sitting next to me offers to switch seats with me so that I can lean my head against the window.  I thank him, but refuse.  I don't want to fall asleep and miss my stop!

In an attempt to stay awake I join in conversation with the people sitting in front of us.  They aren't sure where to get off.  They're supposed to be going to a show at Medieval times, and are worried that they'll be late.  What a day to be riding this bus system for the first time!  My seat mate and I help them get off at the right stop.  I think they're just barely on time.  How cool!

Finally, we're to my stop.  I had hoped to ask this driver about the other driver as I was getting off.  But the bus is standing room only.  I have to get off at the middle door, no way to get to the front.  No talking to the driver today!  Well, and, with this driver in the mood he's in, it might be a good thing not to talk to him.

Thank God!  Just a cold scooter trip home and then I have a bed and warmth!   I can't believe I'm going to be riding the bus again tomorrow.
















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vulger guy at bus stop going home - victoria and harbor
bus never came out of disneyland
bus driver and handicapped passenger fighting

Watched THREE Buses Pull Off Without Me! - 3/16/12

Friday Morning - 3/16/12

I'm awake.  Why am I awake?  It's an hour before I need to get up.  Rolling over and going back to sleep.

The clock says it's almost time to get up.  Wait, it seems too sunny outside.  That can't be right!  Something's wrong!  Shoot!  I just got up and checked the clock on my laptop and it's an hour later than I thought!  I must not have changed the clock next to my bed after the time change!  I'm supposed to be leaving right now!  Arrrgggg!!

I frantically rush around putting on clothes and grabbing what I can.  I'm leaving most things behind, including my lunch.  I need to start pre-packing things the night before.  It would have really helped if I'd done that last night.

Which bus stop do I go to?  The bus comes first to my regular one.  Then, there's the alternate stop.  It's farther away, with part of the way not having sidewalks.  That stop is later on the route, though.  I may have a better chance of catching the bus if I go there.  I did have success going there earlier this week.  I guess I'll try for it.

I'm rushing as fast as I can.  I'm a block away, too far to flag it down, when I see the bus pull up to the stop.  I guess I can stop rushing now.  Thank goodness I can still make it to the Yoga Center using the next bus.  I don't like to get there that late, but on time is better than not showing up!

This second bus is always fuller, more packed than the first one.  I have to ride standing for awhile, until someone who's sitting gets off.

I just got off at the Disneyland transfer point.  The 43, the next bus I need to take is parked in front of us.  What a blessing!  I'm walking up to the front of the bus to get on.  It closes it's doors and starts to leave!  I try banging on the side of the bus.  Sometimes they will let you on if they notice you, but it doesn't stop.  It just keeps going.

I sit down for the long wait for the next bus.  I'm still "on time," but I wish I would have caught that bus.  I always have to skip the last bus of the trip when I'm taking the later route.  I can get to the Yoga Center faster (and thus just barely on time) by riding the 43 to Newport Blvd and then using the scooter for the mile from there to the Yoga Center.  I'm not looking forward to rushing that mile, though.

I'm off the bus now and heading toward the Yoga Center.  I've got a plan / thought / debate going on in my head.  I can go to the first stop I pass on 17th street and text OCTA to see when the 55 is scheduled to come.  If there's a bus going by soon, it could get me to the Yoga Center faster.

That ends the debate.  I'm waiting to cross the street to the bus stop when the bus pulls up lets people on and off and drives on.  Scooter is the only way to go now!

With all that's gone on today, waking up an hour late and watching three buses pull away without me, I'm still on time for class!  Just barely, but on time!  How wonderful!  God definitely watches out for me!

After class, Toni's husband drops by with some yoga things of hers he didn't know what to do with.  Toni is dying of alzheimers.  It tears my heart up.  I tell him I'll find homes for everything.  After he leaves, when I look through the box, there's a small version of the Bhagavad Gita.  I've been wanting to read that and to have a small copy I could read on the bus.  Funny that part of saying goodbye to Toni is getting this present from her.

15.3.12

I Accidentally Had A Date - 3/15/12

Thursday - 3/15/12

We had a sleepover last night so I could watch my grand kids today.  I miss being at home.  At the same time, I enjoy spending that extra time with the family.  I slept in Christina's bed.  She slept on an air mattress on the floor.  She likes having me over for the night (I hope that never changes!)  She also likes sleeping on the air mattress (it's special.)  As an added bonus she doesn't have to make her bed in the morning.  Lots of pluses for having me over!

Last night Christina didn't sleep well, she kept coughing.  This morning I woke to her calling my name.  Then, she tells me "it's time to get up!"  I check my phone for the time.  Yep, she's right!  It is time to get up!  She seems to be in great spirits.  The cough medicine must have done the trick.  She's up running around.  You wouldn't know she'd had problems sleeping!

Logan and I just picked Christina up from school.  We're going to have a play-date with Claire and her kids.  We're all going to the Santa Ana Zoo.  I'm torn about zoos. I don't believe it's right to cage the animals.  I wouldn't want caged!  Sometimes, at this zoo you can feel the animal's boredom and frustration.  That's horrible.  I don't take the kids to the zoo often because of my feelings about that.

The other side is that it's been a blessing to have the kids see what this or that animal is like, without a TV in-between.  My daughter's family and Claire's family both have annual passes, which makes it a free thing to do, and a bit more enticing for me.  They also have a terrific kid's play area.

We're here at the zoo, having a picnic on the grass.  The kids finished eating first.  They're running around on the grass, enjoying the sunny day while Claire and I finish (or actually start) our meals.

Now we're in the bird aviary.  I'd like to come here and sketch sometime.  It's beautiful.  Logan especially likes the turtles.  Christina likes all the brightly colored birds.  I told them earlier that we were going to go on a unicorn hunt.  We're occasionally looking for unicorns.

Sometimes it feels strange to have the use of the SUV for the whole day, while watching the kids, and then put my backpack on and scoot off to catch the bus in the evening.  Today, I have a different plan!  I had to get in touch with one of my ex-Avalon tenants.  When I did, he offered to take me out for the meal he'd always promised.  He was supposed to come up to Norwalk on Tuesday and take me out for lunch, but had to cancel.  The next time we could work out was tonight.  He's going to pick me up from here, take me to dinner, then drop me off at my home.  I'm not counting on it.  He's a flake when it comes to schedules, but it would be nice to see him and catch up, and heck, I'd get home at the same time I'd get home by riding the bus!  No down side!

I've texted him, trying to make sure he's coming.  I don't want to miss the bus waiting for someone who's flaking.  He calls and says he is on his way, but will be 20 minutes late.  That's nothing!  Christina will love having that extra time with me.  I'm excited!  I haven't been out for dinner in awhile!  This will be fun!

My ex-tenant is a tall, thin black man with short dreads.  He's due any minute and I'm just starting to wonder how my son-in-law will handle that.  I don't want him to read anything into it either.  We're not dating, it's just an ex-tenant catching up on news and saying "thank you."

He comes to the door while Logan and Daddy are in the bathroom.  Logan's potty training.  This sometimes takes awhile.  I can't leave now, not without saying goodbye.  I tell him I need five more minutes.  He says OK and goes out to his car to make phone calls.  Now there isn't a chance to introduce him to Christian.  In a way, I'm relieved, but I also feel weird about it.  If it was a date, I'd have made a point of introducing him, but dinner with an ex-tenant doesn't have the same feeling.

I say my goodbyes and take off.  Christian jokingly tells me to have a good date.  I laugh at him and remind him that it's not a date.

My ex-tenant wants to go to the Filling-station in Orange.  He was supposed to check their menu to see if there was anything there for vegans.  He hasn't.  He tells me if I can't eat there, we can go somewhere else.

We're sitting at an outside table next to a space heater.  It's still very cold!  I'm quizzing the waitress.  They only have one vegetarian item on the menu and she doesn't know if it's vegan or not.  I'm not willing to take the chance.  I ask to leave.  

We walk down the street to Rutabegorz.  I know I can eat there.  He's disappointed, both because he isn't getting the meal he wanted from the Filling-station and because he isn't introducing me to any place new.  I've been to Rutabegorz before.

Dinner is fun.  He's an entertaining person.  Easy to be with and talk to.  Halfway through the dinner he says something about this being our first date!  Oops!  I hadn't known I was on a date!  I wish someone would warn me about this stuff!  I'll have to think about how I'd feel about dating him.  In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy the evening!

He left for the bathroom.  I texted my friend Mary that I'm accidentally on a date.  That should give her a laugh!

We're outside my apartment complex now.  It's been a nice evening.  He asked to come in, I don't think he expected it.  I said "no."  He's going to call me tomorrow.  I'll figure out what I want to say by then.  I like him.  He's fun to hang out with, but I'm not interested in him.  It was a nice evening though.