Satyrn

The Return II

2005-11-21T05:59:00.000-05:00

It's been forever since I last posted on here! Alot has happend since then. My Green machine died. Finally got some new wheels, A soccer mom van! Which I love by the way. My liondance venture has taken off and I'm only days away from my first paid gig though I'm stressin trying to get the finishing touches done. I started a little "sumptin sumptin on da side" Got a shot at going to HongKong for this big event in Feb but I gotta get my fat ass back in shape. I've gained so much weight in the last few months.

Very Strange day

2005-08-08T03:03:00.000-04:00

2nd night on started out fair enough for a Saturday. The issue with my car and my current martial arts distractions I'll address later. While sipping my coffee and hanging out in front of the convenience store, I observe a bicyclist roll up and secure his bike to the rack before heading into the store. No big deal I thought. He looks me up and down and says. "You look like you need to get on your bike and do some more biking'' I'm going "What?" he responds "You look like you can't catch anybody as big you are!" I go, "I bet I can catch you, you dumb fuck!" "Sheeeeet!" he replies and goes inside to get what he came for, ciggarettes I figure . A security officer happend to hear this going on ans askes me what was that all about? I wasn''t sure but I could only guess that this jerk must have had a recent bad encounter with some cop somewhere and naturally that means all police are now his enemy and he's venting his frustrations on the next available cop he thinks he can dump on. Which is ofcourse me. He then comes out yammering on about how the police think they're all above the law and hassled him when he was riding his bike on the walkway and was ordered to dismount but watch the bike officer rideoff mounting a bicycle. He then name drops a notorious City Councilwoman that has butt heads with our police dept on a few occaisions. Just like I figured and I told him just that. He's just whining because some other cop gave him a hard time and he probably deserved it and taking it out on the first cop he sees who had nothing to do with it. I said. "And if I catch you doing something stupid I'll give you hell too so grow up!" to end our pleasent encounter "Bye Bye Asshole!" then I rode off. He just stood there with his mouth wide open.
the rest of the shift went by peacefully until the very last minute before I was ready to call it a day. I was back at the same store enjoying another cup of coffee, I came out to the sidewalk and noticed this car blocking the handicap access. I was about to tell him to move his car when the passenger returned to the car that he dropped off. I noticed her inside earliar calmly fixing her coffee and bagging her donuts then waiting inline at the checkout. We made eyecontact back then. She walks up to me and asks "Are you a police officer?" Being in uniform, I checked to see if my gun was still where it was supposed to be, as well as my badges and Identifying patches on myself as well as my bicycle. I responded 'Well....last time I checked I was" I'm not sure is she knew how to take that response but she replied "well we just drove by the bridge and noticed a man laying in the middle of the street!" Was he hurt or sleeping? I asked. "I dont know but I thought I should tell you" "How long ago?" "Oh about 2 minutes ago" "Well she was in the store about 5 mintues and she took her time to make coffee and fetch donuts and said nothing to me when we were in the store not to mention that she had a cellphone and could have called 911 when she first saw him. She was wearing nurse's scrubs. I was afraid to ask if she was a nurse. I told her I'd check it out. Next time call 911 its not hard to remember the number. She said nothing and got in her car and drove off. I got to the location, Naturally noone was there laying on the ground. I got home and slept as much as I could. C got me up extra early to go with her to make the drive up to her moms house to borrow the car I needed when mine died Friday night. It was nearly an hour drive and I was operating on 2 1/2 hrs sleep. I tried to sleep on the way up as well but you never really sleep. Was chatted with her folks for a 1/2 hr, pick up the car and made our way back. About 20 mins before making it back fraffic stops in front of me so someone could make a left turn. Annoyed I signal and move to the right lane around them. A driver behind me does the same thing but seems that I prevented him from getting ahead and he flips me off. I return the kind gesture and he drives on the shoulder a good distance to overtake me, cuts in front then slams to a stop in front of me as if to have me ram him in the rear. We exchange fuck yous when we get side by side of each other, he flicks a lit ciggarette onto me, it settles behind me. I can feel the fire burning my seat and my back. He dares me to get out of the car. But in this traffic I think otherwise. He ends up behind me again and I keep him in my sights for another 10 mns. C has observed this from her car. He had cut her off a few times during this period. He pulls in front for the remaining 3 miles approaching the ramps for the multilane highway. At the last minute he pulls off to a gas station. I keep going noticing the time that I was getting late to teach. Then I think "Fuck this shit" "Thou Shalt Not get away with it!" I hit a U turn and I burst into the same gas station. Exit my car and walk up to this jerk. His eyes got real big. C's friends lost her son in a situation like this, runover by a road rager he contronted. We just locked up a housekeeper who shot someone who cut him off in traffic. 3 weeks ago. These events were in the back of my mind. My weapon was at home. His vehicle was parked an my angle was no danger to me. I kept an eye for any furtive movement for a weapon. I felt my own rage building. It was all I could do to keep from snatching him out by the throat and pulling him through the side window of his car. I let him exit. he kept daring me to strike him first. To give him my best shot if only he knew. I told him all of my shots were my best. he shut up a moment. He was disappointingly short. I'm thinking Napoleonic complex cause he sure was talking tough. He said the cops were on their way. I smiled. He wished his brother was here. I told well he's not, its just you and me. He said well we're on videotape. I chuckeled to myself. He tried to pump gas into his car but the cap ws on the wrong side and the pump would not reach. He got into his car to pull it over to the other side. I told him not to go too far. He kept on about how we were being videotaped and how the cops were still on their way. Uh huh. I let him go inside and observed how he tried to get his story out to the attendant and others wanting to pay for gas and they all looked at me from inside. I waved. I could only imagine what he must be telling them. They didnt seem too concerned. I kept a quiet demeanor, he was the excited one. He came back out to his car. Still no cops. hmm. Awkward moment for him I guess. He noticed the Kungfu shirt I was wearing. You should go practice your Kung fu! I responded Maybe I should practice it on you. He gets in his car. I allow him to leave. He'll probably take his frustrations out on his wife or girlfriend I think probably kick the dog too when he gets home. What a day.

P II

2005-08-07T04:24:00.000-04:00

I came back the next day, J opted to dine elsewhere perhaps to give me some privacy. Sure enough P was working again and happy to see me. Again she had to always look behind her to see if customers were coming or she was being observed my management. With a little coaxing I got her to show me her tatoo. I made it a habit over the continuing year to stop in for lunch when I could just to see her. I guess I became obvious when she told me that the others asked her about me and that when I come in I always ask for her. Then one day I discovered she quit. I hadn't heard from her except for a few brief emails of suggestions of meeting for coffee sometime. Finally last week I followed up and we met. Almost a disaster because of places constantly opening then going out of bussiness in a short time. Oddly enough at an open air cafe I spotted another girl I was supposed to have lunch with but never could get connected. Someone I used to train in fitness kickboxing who happned to work in the same area I did. We would occasionally see each other in passing in the mornings. She waved me over and we chatted briefly. I apologized for not following through with our lunchdate. She smiled. I asked if she was dining with someone she seemed alittle evasive but then this gentleman walks up to us a little curious. I figured it out all by myself. Serves me right for not following up. I nearly give up my search but it worked out though. She also waved me over, She gave me a hug and as I sat down she could see I was tired from working the entire night prior. She offered me an Iced coffee (Shame it wasn't Thai syle) We chatted and caught up with each other's lives over the last year or two. But then she dropped a bomb on me. She showed me her wedding ring. Wondered if this bit of news would affect our friendship. I told her no it wouldn't. I have to admit I was alittle disappointed but thats me being selfish. she related her wedding was a bit on the impuslsive side. A Vegas wedding while she and her "Husband" were out there on vacation. She plans to take her marriage seriously though. Shot down twice in the same day. *Sigh*

P

2005-08-04T05:57:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I get an email out of the blue from P. Havn't seen or heard from her in about a year. She was my favorite waitress at one of my favorite Thai Restaurants near where I work. Being a midnight guy I only get to eat in there on rare occasions that require my presence at work during day hours such as special training. We definately had a connection. I was dining with one of my Lts when we first met. I ordered my favorite meal with Thai chicken coconut soup and Thai Iced coffee was my appetizer. When she came to collect the soup bowls I was still drinking down the broth well after I ate the rest. She softly commented "He can't let go!" and subtley rested her hand on the back of my shoulder. This was the first time I ever laid eyes on her and the Lt eyes widened and we looked at each other as she left our area. I immediately locked in on the peek-a-boo tribal tatoo on her tailbone, just barely visible from the rise of her pants and where her babydoll blouse ended. I made J (The LT) aware of it and he winced. P was different than the other Thai girls who worked the restaurant. P made a point to stop and talk to you. I started up a conversation with her when she cameback with our main courses about what do I need to make this wonderful Thai Iced tea at home? and I also learned she's been in the US about 2 years pursuing her degree in graphic art and she loved to play billiards, "Snooker" was her favorite. J smiled. I was impressed about how much she opened up for conversation, constantly looking over her shoulder to she if she' being observed by her supvisors to get back to work. She'd occaisonally dash off to tend to other customers but made a point to come right back at the first oppritunity. J's smiles widend with mine. Our time ran out however and we had to make our way quickly back to HQ for the 2nd half of our days' training. J and I talked about P on our birsk walk back. I had two days of training and decided where I would spend lunch tomorrow.

The Return

2005-08-03T03:25:00.000-04:00

I can't or actually I can say I believe how long I've neglected this blog. July was a hell of a month workwise with 2 felony arrests which I'm expected to be decorated for. The notoriety of the 1st job which started the month off with a bang, being that the "Badguy" was caught by me when he was hiding and nearly was missed but the cellphone he took off one of the victims kept ringing and gave away his hiding spot. It's been pretty busy here and I'm not the only cop that has noticed that this summer is unusal with the level of crime going on. Is it the heat? The economy? This month I did attend the LIVE8 concert a day after my first arrest. I met my EX and our son there. Operating on about 3 hours sleep max. Not being a big fan of crowded places especially in this day and age. I wanted to skip the whole thing altogether but how many times do events like these crop up? I forgot to mention that besides being dead on my feet. I was also wounded from2nd degree burns recieved when I accidently spilled hot water on myself a few days earliar. I thought I could get away treating it myself but things got worse. I was beginning to worry of infection when the blisters ruptured and I was in pain. The exerience of the concert was cool. The weather very hot. Hanging out with the EX was interesting and I loved being with my son. After the concert we went our separate ways. Things being as they were it made more sense to me to go directly back up to work rather then drive home then deal with the traffice coming right back. Being early I took my Ex's suggestion and stopped in to the ER to have the burn looked at. Things turned out OK and the gave me some ointments and dressings to care for it. THe very next day again on minmal sleep was the 4th of July family reunion and parade with the Kungfu school. I can't take too many more weekends like this thats for sure. Thought I could nap alittle at my sisters house which was just 10 mins from the school but that didn't happen ofcourse. The dressings for my burn I was having problems with. Luckily my sister is a registered nurse and had supplies at the house. It was cool to see everyone at the reunion by the way. Amazing how these things help you realize just how old you really are when you see children and even grandchildren that could potentially be yours by age range. By 5pm I had to take my leave to head on to the school for the township parade. THings got off to a slow start. We just mulled around and waited until it was our turn to join in. Once it got going however it was amazingly fun if not exhausting. Our original plan was to stop at certain locations then perform but that plan went south and it turned into a nonstop 3 mile demo. It was definately a test of will and endurance to finish but we kept getting our energy renewed every 1/4 mile with a fresh audience. We started out alittle sloppy and unsure what to do but by theend of the parade we were well polished performing machines.We ended just in time for the fireworks. Traffic was blocked or i would have made my way back to my sister's. I ended up laying on the hood of my car and watching the show. afterwards I went back and crahsed on her couch till the next morning which I slept in quite late by the way. Thank God I happend to be off that night.

Thurs...Movie excellant

2005-06-27T05:41:00.000-04:00

Well right afer work I decided to go ahead and catch the earliest matinee at 10am and I was not dissapointed. An excellant film. As soon as I could I flew home to get some Z's cause I had a testing to attend to and had to cancel my own class. N0 time to warn everyone I figured C and T would handle it.

Wens...Batman Begins/Kickboxing revisited

2005-06-27T05:31:00.000-04:00

The movie opens today but I got sucked into working the bank detail due to mymoney issue. Maybe tom0rrow?
The schedule went through an unexpected upheaval. Coach shortened the language class by a half hour to introduce his new kickboxing program. Lots were there and I kinda got sucked up into it. I used to teach this years ago and got out of it. I filled in when a prospect walked in. Took a minute to get used to cueing and remembering my old routine. It was fun. Will showed for the later class havn
't seen him in awhile, I see I've forgotten alot of the Mantis routine. SH and G havn't been in class for 2 weeks.

Tues...Kung fool

2005-06-19T03:45:00.000-04:00

After sleeping all day. C came home and we decided kinda at the last minute to go checkout that other school in our area. I used to teach my own class on these nights but since that is no more we have it open. I wasnt too sure what to expect but it was a good time. C was alittle heissitant at first because of the hot weather but I knew it was a new facility and most likely had AC. Still it took some getting used to their way of doing things. Had the oppritunity to show off alittle. They seemed appreciative. Not sure if we'll make this a regular thing but it was a good time. Had to fly into work afterwards.

Mon...OT/Afternoon Delight

2005-06-19T03:37:00.000-04:00

At the last minute I volunteered to work the OT detail. I normally prefer not to but I got expeneses coming up and Mondays work best for me. If I'm gonna do it at all it might as well be while I'm already there and awake. THing is I also had a little "sumptin sumptin" set up for the afternoon. I decided to work the detail til noon then fly outta there. Well it worked out both ways. Its been awhile since I've been bad. Overdue actually. But thats okay too. Made for a more appreciative time for the both of us I think.

Sun... Class

2005-06-19T03:31:00.000-04:00

Picked up the kids for class but atleast M participated more this time. I even got her to spar which was a first in about 5 years. Ever since last march, she has expressed a renewed interest in training. Though K will be away for camp, M will join me in Maryland for the big tournament. It will still be way too soon for her to start competing again but I think she will enjoy the outing. I was alittle disappointed that the new girl L didn't show up today. I've learned a long time ago however not to place stock in anyone staying around unless theyve trained more than 10 classes. Hopefully we'll see what happens next week.

Sat..Kids

2005-06-16T06:15:00.000-04:00

Since I went to coach's Fri, I called out of class Saturday. I needed to recover. Picked the kids up later for our usual McD's for lunch. Pizza for dinner. After I dropped them off I stopped by Blockbuster and bought some used DVDs. THe Incredibles, The Forgotten, Blade Trinty, Anchorman, Exorcist: The Beginning and Taking Lives with Anjolina Jolie. Wooohoo baby!

Fri..Range/Class/Rangers

2005-06-16T05:59:00.000-04:00

I misjudged how long it would take to drive down to the shooting range from the route I took. Missed my turn a couple times and ended up about 20 mins late. Supv on location gave me a hard time and wants a memo when I return to work. Jerk! THis put me in a bad mood for shooting. My scores were lower than usual. It was also hot as hell outside today. My score finally climbed back up for the final shoot. The the rains came just as I got on the road back , the intensiity was incredible I guess proportioned to the heat we had. Instead of going home I committed to coming to coach's for his kickboxing class but I was already spent from today. Fortunately I came prepared with soap, towel and several changes of clothes, so I was able to take a refreshing shower at the school. It was the only way I would survive today. During the class a customer came in and I ended up leading the class for about 10 mins. They all got a taste of my routine. Then afterwards coach had me and the kids group drive out to the township park to show off our skills in the hope of drumming up bussiness. It seemed like a good idea but there was some kind of Township event going on, showing kids movies in the park. We started out on a good note, crowds gathered to watch us move, I even met this babe that was very interested but some jerk official ordered the park rangers to have us removed. We were a "Liablilty" Rather than argue we left. We were already late anyway. When we finally got back I was mentally fried. Noone showed for the 8pm class which was fine by me. I ended up talking to coach in his office for another marathon hr and half. I nearly passed out in his office. On the drive home I pulled into Denny's for some food. Hopefully fueling up would keep me alert for the long drive back. It did the trick and when I got home I slept lke a champ.

Thurs...Class/night off for range..

2005-06-16T05:51:00.000-04:00

I normally would be working but I have my yearly requals with firearms in the morning so I get to thave the night off tonight. Taught class. C, J and T were there. C made up copies of the registarton forms for our favorite tournament in Maryland. This one, we usually stay overnight at a hotel which is always fun. J's father seems quite interested in having his daughtor compete. THis will be ground breaking for her since she'll go head to head wtih other kids her age in her style as opposed to karate trained kids. She'll also get to see other cool stuff such as Chinese Lion dancing and what not. K will be away but I may have M come along for the ride which will be different and cool.

Wens...Class

2005-06-15T06:24:00.000-04:00

Had a good class at coach's, got to work with S again. I think there might be alittle something between us. She's telling me how much she loves me teaching her. She's fun to work with though I do realize she isn't a natural or supergifted. I noticed G missed class tonight. Coach and I had a marathon discussion in his office about the future of the school. He has some big plans about getting the school resturctured. Guess he has to so he can keep it. Atleast I made it to work early for a change, Coming from coach's school I avaiod all the contruction I normally run into when I drive in from home.

Tues. Run II

2005-06-15T06:15:00.000-04:00

Wasn't too sore I decided to keep up the momentum and run again today only this time the temps were cooler beacause I ran much earliar in the morning and it made a hell of a difference. After I got up to make a salad I noticed bathtowels laid out but it didn't register in my brain what that meant. I was in the kitchen naked having a good ol time fixing a salad for myself. I finally put on a pair of tighty whiteys, had the music going on load so I didn't hear the door open and then R walks in. I screamed! Hahahaha. She plaid it off and pretended not to notice. When she walked by and didn't look behind and scurried upstairs to get some closthes on. I came back down and we both laughed our asses off. C came home later and we all decided to go out for a bite at this nice place on the river they scouted out on R's lat visit up from FLA. It was a good time. I borke my diet and had meat. A strip steak on a kaiser.

Mon...Credit union

2005-06-15T06:08:00.000-04:00

After my shift I had to hang over and wait for the creditUnion to open and transfer some cash to cover the cheks I wrote for the new car insurance policy I had to get rewritten when I stupidly let the old one expire. I had walking into that guys office, looking like an idiot. I must have been driving aroud atleast a month with no insurance, I done it before and much longer but who needs the stress?and what the fuck does he care? Just more money for him right? When I got home I was still feeling energized from FIrday that I found it in me to attempt a mile run which I thought was better than killing myself with a 2 mile run. Boy was it ugly? BUt atleast I did it.

Sun..Class/Energy/ L!

2005-06-13T02:59:00.000-04:00

The way everything went I decided to not pick the kids up for class since when I called they were still sleeping and I wasnt getting on the road too well. When C and I got to the club I was surprised to see L waiting for me. I met her last Thurs when I filled in for N's class. J, JS and T showed up later. L was fun to work with. Cute and eager to learn. I hope she becomes a regular. My Kids mom calls to let me know that K was upset that he missed me coming by to bring him to class so i decided to come over afterwards for pizza and watch a dvd movie with them. I birng the lightsber over as well for everyone to check out which is quite impressive. We had a great time and watched Empire Strikes Back. I got home and went straight to bed, glad I was off tonight.

Sat..Demo in Clayton

2005-06-13T02:50:00.000-04:00

Well as soon as I got home I managed about 3 more hours before I was up again to attend the demo in Clayton NJ. Never hear of it beofre but I soon realized it wasn't too far from where my baby sister lives. Still I had trouble finding the damned place and I wasnt too crazy about driving aroun d in my car the way it is. I finally found the location but I was about 45 mins late and missed the main demo but it seemed to be an ongoing thing quite differnet from Wold TaiChi day. It was a carnival atomosphere and we couldnt keep an audience. People just passed by , stopped to look for a bit then kept moving. A very different kind of energy than before. It was also hot as hell outside. I had to park in the mud and was afraid the rain would come and Id never get my car out. We finally changed locations to where a live band was getting ready top play and we weasled are way onto there location and performed again before the band got going and the crowd was much more responsive. MY legs were terribly sore from Friday but under pressure of performing I managed through and evern suprised myself at how long I held a posture. I wonder how J and N are feeling I bet if I'm sore those guys must be in agony!

Fri...DDay in AC!

2005-06-13T02:36:00.001-04:00

Well as luck would have it, we were way too busy for me to even consider getting off a little early to catch a few Z's before attend this workshop. I decided to meet J right at the gym where I teach and leave my car there. Then rest up as much as I could on the drive down which was pretty much a worthless hope as well. I also realized on this rainy foggy morning tht J isn't the best driver in the world either. His plan of taking the back roads to AC didn't do us any good, we were atleast a ahlf hour late, but of no consequence cause nothing really got going until about another half hour after we settled in. I look around the room an N who set all this up was nowhere to be found to my surprise. Good think I didin't ride down with her either. She finally shows up a ha;f hor after I did. Turns out she and her group over slept and what not. The Instructor Scott Cole was intersting and kept things light hearted. He spotted me right away as a formally trained intructor and used me quite a few times to demonstrate with which was cool. I truly enjoyed myself and made some cool acquiantences. I would have passed with a perfect score but I skipped two questions just out of my eyes being so tired. Scott was kind oenough to front me on the DVD I bought which I'll get back to him with. Hehehe. I slept as best as I could on the drive back. Managed almost 2 hrs before going into work. Needless to say I kept things on the DL as best as I could when there and slept like a champion when I got the hell home. But being Sat there was also coach's demo to attend. Damn I'm killing myself this weekend.

Fri...DDay in AC!

2005-06-13T02:36:00.000-04:00

Well as luck would have it, we were way too busy for me to even consider getting off a little early to catch a few Z's before attend this workshop. I decided to meet J right at the gym where I teach and leave my car there. Then rest up as much as I could on the drive down which was pretty much a worthless hope as well. I also realized on this rainy foggy morning tht J isn't the best driver in the world either. His plan of taking the back roads to AC didn't do us any good, we were atleast a ahlf hour late, but of no consequence cause nothing really got going until about another half hour after we settled in. I look around the room an N who set all this up was nowhere to be found to my surprise. Good think I didin't ride down with her either. She finally shows up a ha;f hor after I did. Turns out she and her group over slept and what not. The Instructor Scott Cole was intersting and kept things light hearted. He spotted me right away as a formally trained intructor and used me quite a few times to demonstrate with which was cool. I truly enjoyed myself and made some cool acqauintences. I would have passed with a perfect score but I skipped two questions just out of my eyes being so tired. Scott was kind oenough to front me on the DVD I bought which I'll get back to him with. Hehehe. I slept as best as I could on the drive back. Managed almost 2 hrs before going into work. Needless to say I kept things on the DL as best as I could when there and slept like a champion when I got the hell home. But being Sat there was also coach's demo to attend. Damn I'm killing myself this weekend.

Thurs...Frisbee Dog

2005-06-12T00:46:00.000-04:00

This Friday morning is the Fitness Trainer Convention in Atlantic city. Myself, J and N are attending to get certified in TaiChi. Not that I particularly need it but it's nice. More crendentials certainly can't hurt my cause but somehow it doesn't register how quickly the date comes up and I realize I will be on a serious sleep defecit going into the workshop practically straight from work and only getting a few hours of sleep afterwards. Atleast JIm is driving and maybe I can snooze during the trip. I also agree to help teach N's Chi Gong class while she tends to a few things.She takes an interesting apprach by leading the class by candle light and incense. I get there alittle late naturally and she already starts. It's kinda hard to see and I've never really run a chi gong class before but its nt out of my realm just an isolated element of what I already teach in taichi. So I basically just run the two girls into taichi exercises and it goes well. Its very dark but I do notice something vaguely familiar with one of the girls but I let it go. Class is over and the lights go on. The girls introduce themselves and I realize one of the girls is a former student of mine, whom I havn't seen in atleast 5 years. She lightend her hair color and has all these tattoos on her arm and back. She gain some pounds also but she is still so gorgeous. I had nicknamed her "frisbee dog" 5 years ago because of her her ablilty to jump so high. Tonight though she says I made her realize just how out of shape she had gotten. Her legs were terribly fatigued but she was very impressed with what I showed her and desparately wants to rejoin my class. I admire her tatoos. I get her to show me her backpiece. She lifts her shirt. Her back is adorned in a Dragon of the Japanese Yakuza style. Its amazing. I also notice she isnt wearing underwear and I admire her marvelous bare ass. I give her a "Wahoo" of approval and she laughs. Hopefully she'll make it to my class soon. The other girl L is a sweety. A former student of another local teacher I know which is interesting. She has the Chuck Taylor wearing alternative look to her. My regular went ok with C and J. I finalize my arrangements with meeting up with him in the morning and pray I have a quiet night at work, maybe I can get off alittle early or something.

Wens...Class

2005-06-12T00:39:00.000-04:00

Language class was good. Wushu class is getting better. looking forwrd to pushing my knee harder but Coach pulled me off to work with the new student Sh. Gr stayed in with the group. Sh isn't a natural but is pleasent to work with andreally tries. I give her credit giving this a shot after such a late start in life. Gr atleast has prior experience. Work was pretty much routine.

Tues... Ace of Bass II

2005-06-02T02:54:00.000-04:00

I seem to be on a roll with the Bass. I broke out the other tapes that were buried in a box upstairs since overe the past 4 years I've been concentrating on DVD movies and such, I havn't spent much time at all with VHS, a big reason why I got away from the Bass as well as other things that depended on my VCR to study with. I did consdier giving the local kungfu school a visit but I got caught up with my own agenda at home.

Mon..Ace of Bass!

2005-06-01T04:22:00.000-04:00

This is one day where it hurts to be a Veggie. I can smell the neighbors barb que grill smoke waffting over here. I seriously consider running out and buying some steaks to cook up but decided to gorge on Veggie Chik Patties and Portabello burgers, hopefully if I fill my belly fast enough it will stave off the urges. My trick works. Yay! Now that I have the VCR set up where I like it. I dust off my Bass, amp and Intructional tapes and put in some much over due attention to "Sue" THe guitar lessons paid off in that I better understand the information on the tapes and get more out of the lessons. Now I'm actually playing my bass! Understanding arpeggios, now I have to train my fingers for the runs. I'll stick with it for the rest of this week atleast then start working guitar again. Hopefully I'll alternate back and forth between the two and get both of them up to par. After my brain is fried is switch back to some more spear training. C tried to go to the state park for sometime in the pool since it opens today but could not get a parking space due to everyone there cooking out and what not and came home quite early. She settled for sunning herself on Macadam beach, while I practiced. I later crashed for work.

Sun... Class

2005-06-01T04:05:00.000-04:00

The kids are still away for the holiday weekend and C has plans to see the Willowgrove airshow whith her brother. I had the offer to come but opted to stay home and sleep since I'm the only that has to work this whole weekend pretty much. When I get up I work out alittle more of the new spear routine which is quite complicated and prepare to teach. Not expecting anyone to show due to the holiday weekend so I play it by ear. Happily JS shows up and later JR. I begin to show them the opening sequence of the new routine and drill them on other skills as well. JS is such a talent though, she has alot going for her with athletic attributes and youth on her side. She really could be something if she focussed soley on the training and not the other activities she's involved in. THe Cheerleaders are a no show so we have the room an additional hr and half so I work her other skills that we've gotten away from. JR hasn't bee too consistant in making it to class so he has to rest up alot which is just fine. Just glad he can make it in at all. I'm happy to find out that he'll be going to the workshop with me Fri for the certification. That makes things easiar for me with transportation. I'd like to get together with JS and NB to go over some pratice to the taichi workshop but I think it will all work out. I birng my new lightsaber to class just for fun and JS eyes pop out of her head, she's definately impressed by it. Her Dad is interested in getting one for his son who turns out to be a StarWars freak. After class I come home and C is still away. I snooze until she comes home. I spend my only night off watching movies and dvds.

Sat...THE FORCE is with me

2005-05-30T12:34:00.000-04:00

I forgot the kids are away with their mom this holiday weekend at a time share. I also know that being a holiday weekend and all there will be minimal attendance at coach's school and driving would be nightmare anyway since he happens to be located on one of the busiest routes to the shore which is never fun.I call ahead and tell him that I won't be coming which was cool with him. Now I don't have much to do today but I'd like to pick up my prescription tha has been sitting at the Pharmacy for a good while. C has some gift certificates she wanted to finally do something with so I opt to ride out with her and during our travels pick up my stuff and also buy some Powerball tickets ($220million jackpot!) We stop in Kmart first and I browse in the Electonics section and I eye up this most gorgeous Strawberry Blonde looking over DVD players with her roomate who was fairly cute. It was hard to keep my eyes off of "Sister Strawberry" who was undecided as to what model she should get. "I think we should get this one but I don't like the color! It looks too Ghetto!" I laugh to myself and she notices. She asks me "Do you think this looks too ghetto?" I smile and shke me head, then walk off thinking "They can make em beautiful but it don't mean smart! Like she would know what "Ghetto" looks like"..Later on we move to another shopping plaza and this time I wander over to the Collectibles shop where the comic books and stuff are and the first thing to smack me in the face as I walk in was this StarWars Lightsaber on display. THe store was empty and the employees were outside enjoying the air until I showed up. Then one guy comes up to me and says "Go ahead, pick it up! Y'know it's the last one!" "This is the 2nd and last shipment, both shipments sold out within days of delivery and we won't be getting anymore" I pick it up and activate the electronics. THis was a highend quality piece, remarkably detailed replica from the movies and it work so well with the different sound effects and "Blade" powering up and down. "Only $120.00!" They should have a special place in hell for salesmen pushing shit like this to weak willed saps like me I thought. I rememberd the overdue cellphone bill and my car insurance payment I'm sure isn't paid up, not to mention the things that need to be addressed on the car itself such as tires, then I can get it inspected which is a year and 3 months expired! After about 45 mins of mentally diliberating back and forth I buy the fucking thing! I hate myself sometimes! Work was alittel more of the same as it was last night except when I was hanging out at the local convenience store BH stops in with an entourage including the gorgeous sexy K! BH happens to be probably the most succesful, winningist sport karate fighter to emerge from the Philly area bar none. It happens to be his birthday and everyone was out to celebrate down at the shore and they stopped in to pick up some snakes for the drive. K and this other girl I never met before were amazing looking, especially the friend who was wearng this top which made every heterosexual male make a double take to make sure her breasts did not fall out! In the karate community I'm somewhat celebrated so I showoff to coworkers happening by, having my arms around both both girls and stealing kisses! Hahahaha Man I sure didn't want to be working right now, they teased me by saying jump in with us! I sighed as I watched them continue their journey to the shore.

Fri..Relief/Spear

2005-05-30T12:17:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to say I woke up with my knee feeling dramatically better than it did when I went to bed last night! I was beginning to think I made a terrible mistake opting for the needle. I guess what happend was the knee just swelled reacting to the invasion of the needle itself and took all this time for me to feel any benefit from the procedure. I spent the rest of the day doing much of nothing. Just my online interests and relaxing before working my shift tonight. I finally got around to moving the VCR from upstairs to the ground floor TV and getting it to work then dug out the Advanced spear form tape and began working with that finally after sitting for atleast 3 years! It's weird how time will pass you by without you thinking about it if you let it. I managed to tackle alittle better than half of the 1st section of the 4 sectioned routiine which I'm happy with. Later on I crashed to prepare myself for tonight especially since Saturdays are usually tough for me with running aournd with the kids as well as teaching class for coach. They were certainly happy to see me in at work. We were 3 cops short and busy. I forgot this is the memorial day weekend. Nothing too dramatic just the usual annoying shit. Customers running out on their dinner tabs and stuff.

Thurs...Cortizone Kid

2005-05-29T02:52:00.000-04:00

I keep kicking myself in the ass wondering why I schedule doctor's appointments during times I just want to sleep? The curse of working last out I guess? Last night at work was real peachy by the way. I guess I pushed a bit too hard cause my knee wasnt up for the rigors of the bike last night neither were my hips for that matter, we were also busy as shit so I didn't get the downtime I was hoping for which addded to my exhaustion . Well I suck it up and get to my appointment. I was wonderfully surprised how fast they got me in to see me. I get interviewed by the leggy blonde I eyed up a few weeks prior on my initial visit. I fessed up that I never made it to take my rehab explaning my crazy work schedule, being tired I let slip the word Ass as in Crazy assed and caught myself. She could tell I was embarassed for speaking that way in front of her, she thought it was cute as she looked back at me from the corner of her eye and smiled saying "thats okay" then giggled as a blushed. Well the Doc came in and gave me my options. I decided on the cortizone shot to the knee. I was surprised how large the needle was but I was relieved how painless it was when properly administered. I drove home, then to bed. I had trouble sleeping however. I just tossed and turned despite my sleep deprivation. Within a few hours I was up and about. Only thing my knee was feeling worse, not better as I hoped the shot would make it. I was beginning to think I may have made a mistake. That night I taught my class. T came in with a wonderful gift for all of us. Bright red dyed human hair from the salon used in hair weaves for our spears! Heheheh. THe "Horse hair" that came with our spears get awfully tangled and frizzy but this new hair was fantastic looking, we couldn't wait to get all of our spears done. I decided if the knee wasn't feeling better by the time class was close to ending I'd call out from work which I did. I just couldnt see myself peddling in that condition. I half considered maybe I was having a bad reaction to the cortizone itself? Maybe I should be going to the ER or something? I get home and call out, then go to bed.

Wens...Class

2005-05-29T02:30:00.000-04:00

I get a call from the coach to pick up some martal arts supplies before driving in to class since I live so close to the warehouse. It an occaisional favor which I don't mind doing and it's always fun going there anyway. I get to class with no real problems except that I have to constantly lift the hood and adjust the battery cables cause the hold down doesnt seem to keep the batt from shifting and disconnecting. I'll have to work on that when I get the chance. Sparring class was ok. Been quite awhile though, neeed to get everyone back into the swing of things again. Lamguage is alwys fun thugh i'm quite a bit behind due to all the classses I've missed. My knee is feeling pretty fair so I venture to do alittle more in my wushu class. G is in tonight which is a always a treat as well as a new student Sn, an older woman, closer to my age, quite attractive and friendly. I notice the coach is spending almost exclusive time on Sn and has me work with G one on one as well as have me running more of the class. I find out why later. the knee still isn't even back to 90% but I've done more than Ive ever had since the injury which is good I guess. G is fun to work with and a cute girl. I also know it wouldn't go over well in the least with the coach, if I tried to start something with her either. Though it doesn' stop me from being my charming self. hehehe.I get dressed for work and everyone else leaves except for J. He and I sit in the office and talk with Coach who fills me in on the latest going ons with the school. Seems things are getting alittle tight financially and things have to be on the upswing as far as recruiting and customer service which explains why coach is spending so much time on the new woman and making sure G was taken care of as well . He's also pushing this new summer camp thing for kids to bring in more money. Makes sense I guess and I sure as hell would hate to see the school fold up. If he can't make it, what chance would I have in opening up and maintaining a bussiness?

Tues...Kung fu school found!

2005-05-27T15:27:00.000-04:00

I dropped C off at work again and came to see say Hi to her coworkers. I hoped to chat alittle with Cindy a relatively new hire secretary who speaks fluent Spanish which they needed for their accounts in North Jersey. Gorgeous naturally, I stay on my best behavior but my horns still go up as I pour on the Charm. hehehe. Afterwards I go home and crash for a bit. I get the tire situation taken care of then decided to get a haircut, pick up a few odds and ends at the market. Then while I still have C's car and can drive around the township without worry of being pulled over for Inspection stickers (Hehehe) I decide to finally hunt down the location for that KungFu school that has eluded me for months. I remmber when I happend onto that instructor while seeing StarWars last week told me to look for the RedCross building which I finally find. Still I think I'm in the wrong place, there is no sign on the building. I peek in the window and I see furniture that looks more like someon's living room, so I beat feet before someone calls the cops on me. Before I make it back to the car Joe calls my name and startles me. He motions me in to come inside to admire his new school which is a wonderful place. We hav a great conversation and he bends my ear about possibly teaching a few classes out of his location as an alternative to what I'm already doing. Definately an interesting proposition. I beat feet out of there. I didn't want to pick C up from work late two days in a row so I get to her early but I still got alot of teasing from her bosses for picking her up late theother day. Having to return to work that night I go back to bed for a nap.

Mon...Kingdom of Heaven/Weapons Store

2005-05-27T15:02:00.000-04:00

I offer to drive C to work in her car then take it to the tire store to see what can be done about her new tire. After I drop her off I get to the place and as we figured, it was unfixable and not covered under warranty for that type of damage, so I gotta fork over another $80.00. even though its her car, I owe her alteast that much. THey didn't have her tire in stock so they put a loaner on and I'll return tomorrow for the I paid for. I go home and nap alittle. When I got up I decided to go catch a matinee and settled on Kingdom of Heaven, a Ridley Scott (Gladiator) film set during the Crusades in Jerusalem, Excellant. It ran longer than I expected so I was late picking up C from work. I made it up to her by 1st stopping by the Martial arts weapons store, which is always an adventure. John Lee the woner was recently back from mainlnad China, while there he apprenticed at the Dragon Well forge, who are the makers of the finest sword blades in China, John showed us some funny footage of him there getting yelled at by the senior sword maker and his shoes catching on fire form all the heat and sparks. He then showed me a weapon he helped make and brought back. A KwanDao but authentic in every detail including wieght. Named after a legendary Chinese General who was reputed to be the only man who could lift it, let alone able to fight with it. It's a combination lance and long handled curved sword. It was incledubly heavy. John said it was 37 pounds but it felt closer to 45 or 50. He had me take it out of the shop into the parking lot and move around with it. I nearly caused a few traffic accidents when driver's passing by were staring at me instead of looking where they were going. We decided to bring it back inside before the cops come. After we bought a few things, we left then went out to dinner at Hong Kong Pearl for Chinese food and ate in. Incidently I've failed to mention for the past week and half I've been off my meat restricted diet and swallowing down chicken, tuna and tonight pork spareribs. I'll jump back on very soon I think now that I remember what meat tastes like and that it hasn't changed since I stopped eating it..

SUN...MakTub& Matisyahu/BT&BO The Return

2005-05-26T11:57:00.000-04:00

After K's Party and dropping off everyone. I came home to crash to prepare myself for my next shift. I noticed C had a donut tire on her backwheel. WhileI was away at the party she had plans to do various odd and ends but she never made it out of the housing complex. She just bought that tire 8 months ago. I find out she did try to take it to get repaired and it was unfixable due to sidewall damage. Kiss $80.00 goodbye. THe tire store was closed for the weekend and this situation will make for a difficult time in the morning with picking up the kids for class being down to one car, My piece of crap ' 78 junker which oddly enough is defying the odds and is still holding together. Must be all the bird droppings I accumulate when I park under their favorite tree.
Work has been interestng in that we've been having a rash of robberies in an area that traditionally over the years that I've been working for the dept. is considered generally a "safezone" so I've deployed to this area these last few weeks. It's also the area of the new World Cafe Live night spot were many musical acts come to perform. This weekend I've been advised that there is a conference being held by Alternative Music Insiders and some performers will be onstage including Maktub, which by chance I happened to have bought their CD 2 years ago when browsing for music and a clerk was playing it for your browsing pleasure sort of and early Lenny Kravitz/Urban funk/rock mixture and Mathisyahu who is this reggae phenom taking the world by storm when as an unkown performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live, he happens to be a devote Hesidic Jew and wears all the traditional garb and headware while performing. Some people mistaken his attire as a gimmick to gain attention but he is actually a scincere Reggae performer and can rock the house with his band. Maybe the next phenom may be an Amish metal head or something. I make it down just intime when Matisyahu takes the stage though I miss Maktub when a last minute job came up with a nutcase "squatter" living in one of the dorms when everyone is suppose to have moved out. After the show I'm hanging out making sure there is no trouble for the patrons walking home when a conference attendee stikes up a conversation and gets me to pull a gag on a friend of his by pretending to arrest him and his freind tried to talk me out of it. Thing is, my supv had just pulled up and thought this was a real arrest too. I used my toy cuffs I took off another nutcase a week ago! It went over well and we all got a laugh!

Tried to mkae a point to get home as soon as possible cause it looks like I'll have to figure something out with transportation now that were basically down to one car.Atleast I unloaded the car already so we'd have room for everybody. I catch a break when I call to see if the kids were ready. Seems everybody got a belly ache from all the pizza and what not so I didn't have to make the trip. Course I still missed being with them but this made things alot easiar. During class I got a surprise. BT and BO showed. Late as usual but still I didn't relish the thought that today I may have to bring up the unpleasentries of the past tournament and BT's indulgences. It was a very slow day and C just practiced Spear. BT and BO just sat with me and chatted while I tried to think up a way of bringing up the subject. I really wanted to just forget the whole thing but that would have been the weak way out. BT did it for me when he brought up the last time he came to a competition drunk with me over 20 years ago. A very embarassing time when for our group when we had to wake him up for his match after he passed out from drinking and then nearly got me expelled from the tournament when he shouted "Fuck him up!" directed at my opponant during my match. SOmehow we never discussed that incident way back then nor a few other ones. But I'd like to think I'm a better person than I was then. Well he brought it up then I brought up last April and he basically denied most of it and only admitted to a few beers during lunch, tried to move the focus to someone else then just up and left the room for a "cigarette" hindsight I think we should have followed him outside. BT was too out of it to workout. Being sick from a cold thats been going around which I do believe after seeing C go through it. The up side of his being sick and on medication kept him from drinking during the last 2 weeks or so and he actually looked better for it if you can believe that. Though the Meds had him too drowsey to do anything else. BO settled for some light training and intruction from me on TaiChi which he did a good job shockingly. Afterwards we all went our separate ways C and I went to UNOs then I went straight to bed!

Sat..K's Party/MILF

2005-05-22T03:46:00.000-04:00

Today was K's bday party. We ate pizza at one location and adjourned to another for fun and games. A popular place with an arcade and billiard tables as well as a high end restaurant on the waterfront. I'm running on a sleep deficit and cancelled teaching a class to make this party. One of K's freind's mom is here with us. "S" Distracting. My horns go up. But she's also a good friend of my ex's not to mention so has things going real good for her with a nice home and what not, I bring nothing to the table so I know this would have no chance in Hell so I wouldn't even bother. But still it's nice to dream. Hehehe. She has a knitting bag with her. Knitting seems to be all the rage. I'm told Russell Crowe (The actor) knits and everyone is getting into it. She has even started a knitting club in the grade school she and my ex work at as teachers and my son attends, which is very popular. She pulls out her knitting stuff while the kids are playing. I say "So what are you knitting now?" "A tanktop" She replies. I look at it, then her and respond "Oooh yeahh!" I think she had to mentally regroup from that. There was an awkward silence from her as well as K's mom. *LOL*

Fri...Rain/Work

2005-05-22T03:39:00.000-04:00

The rain really came down hard, bringing the temps down with it. I slept like a champion! Before I knew it I was up and dressing for work again. Road construction as been a mother. Had to detour twice and ended up a few mins late. There's a housekeeper I've gotten to know whom I'm getting a vibe from. Her last night on for 2 days. I wonder if I push the issue if it would lead to something? I think I'll just let things slide as they are atleast for now.

Thurs..Revenge of the Sith!

2005-05-20T12:44:00.000-04:00

Among other things besides being the offical debut of this movie For us normal geeks that did get an Insiders pass or being dilligent enough to find out where the midnight showing would be playing, I also remembered in the back of my mind that I had a doctor's followup appointment for my knee. I normally don't think 2 days ahead of me let alone 3 weeks when this appointment was setup or I would have picked another date. I normally avoid big movie debuts like this if possible but this was special. I was in conflict. The appointment was 9am and the 1st showing of the movie was 10am. I know I'd never get out of the office in time and I didnt know what I might be dealing with at the theator. The 10am showing could either be very good or bad and assuredly worse as the day progressed. I seriously considered blowing the appointment off altogether. As I parked the car and walked up to the nurses window I heard the lady ahead of me obviously upset that her appointment was cancelled and she wasn't notified by phone, that she drove quite a ways to get there. We had the same doctor. I had a smile on my face. Yes! I remembered that I also did not recieve a call that mine was cancelled too but I didn't care. I quickly rescheduled and got the fuck outta there and on my way to the show. I was happy to see that parking wasn't a hassle which was a good sign that it wasn't crowded yet and I might get a good seat. Which was the case. As I sat down I noticed this guy passing by and he recognized me. A kungfu teacher whos school I've been trying to locate for the longest time which opened just a few miles down from where I teach but Ive had trouble finding it. We laughed and exchanged greetings and information. We quickly found our seats again. I looked over and the woman sitting next to me smiled and said "Good morning!" "This is a nice way to start the morning, watching Revenge of the Sith!" We shook hands, her name was C, I laughed and pretended to scold her as I shook my finger at her in feigned disapproval ! "Now, why aren't you at work?" she responded by feigning a cough! "Well I called in sick" I laughed. She digs in her backbpack and hands me a hardback journal with Darth Maul's faced embossed on the cover. She wanted me to write a passage in it to commemorate the event. She's done so for the last two StarWars movies in this series. Clever and creative I thought. I impressed her with the length of time and space I took to write. she remarked that most people just write a few lines if anything worth while at all. One guy just wrote in it "I'm so drunk!" She also pulled out a box of kleenex.Hmmm. Well the movie was quite enjoyable, the best of the 3 prequels and possible the best of the entire 6 episodes with the possible exception of The Empire Strikes Back. As the lights came on I noticed C wiping her tears. Well that explains the tissues. C is a curious woman to me and naturally my horns went up. C asked what I thought of the film and I told her just so. Somehow I think she expected me to rant and rave about it although I thoroughly enjoyed it my reaction was less than she hoped. Like me she stayed until the end of the final credits and the ushers were cleaning up. They called her by name. She must go to alot of movies I thought. They asked was she ready for the next showing. she said she has her tickets ready but she'll need to grab some food real quick. I asked her how many times she plans to see the movie? She replied that she has tickets for 6 shows today running back to back. Damn! She didnt look like she was budging either. I considered taking her to lunch and seeing what happens next but I nixed the idea and left though somewhat reluctantly. I left the theator and noticed all the Jedis as well as a few Sith lords milling about in various sizes and ages. A few lightsaber duels here and there. I smiled to myself. Even Sithlords need to eat so I wwent to the food court in the mall. Ive been such a good boy with my diet I decided to give myself a break and treat myself to a Wendy's double classic with Cheese w/works combo. God forgive me. Afterwards I browed FYE for some music and setled for a movie DVD. Team America World Police. I heard alot about this film. From the makers of South Park. this should be quite a treat! I got home then to bed to have C get me up and ready for class. THis was my first night back to work also. Bummer! I was glad to see J in class. She brought K's spear and we worked the routine since she's missed a few classes I got her caught up and to speed. Never takes her long , she's a prodigy. A dream student actually. If I had 10 of her and a few K's to boot. I'd rule! N came by the room and remarked about how much weight I lost. Great after I pigged out today!

Wens...Recital

2005-05-20T12:10:00.000-04:00

I was reminded by my exwife that today was K's Spring musical recital at his school, he'll be performing the trumpet for the first time with a school band. An instrument I once took up when I was his age, oddly enough though I never was serious with it. His birthday though being last Friday, the party will be this Saturday. Both events clash with my teaching class. My first reaction was that I couldn't make it. I know I shouldn't miss his birthday party but she kind of was late with the recital info thing. I've also missed teaching so many classes already due to pressures at work. I hated the thought of cancelling yet another class. But when time came around to get on the road I made the decision that there will be other classes. Years down the line K will remember that I fuckin showed up to his first recital. I was there goddammit. I didn't know this at the time but his mom being staff at the school was backstage helping with the kids performing and had no idea I showed. I kept an eye out for her in the audience when we were finding seats. I told K over the phone that I would be there but being the way he is. Naturally it went in one ear and out the other. Weird seeing these little kids around me. Hard to believe I was ever that small and young. I laughed to myself watching the parents waving frantically as soon as they spotted their kid onstange even if they performed the minimalist thing as if their kid could actually see them under those stage lights. As soon as K appeared I was waving with the best of them. I wonder if someone was laughing at me as well? He was in two numbers. with 4 other trumpeteers and atleast 10 other brass instruments. He could have been faking every note and noone would know but I loved every second of it seeing him up there. He gave his fellow trumpet player a high five after they finished their pieces. I could have left after that and maybe even made it to the last class of the evening but I decided to stay for the entire show and catch him leaving for home. His mom was surprised to see me. As I figured out K totally forgot to mention to her that I was coming. We adjourned back to their house. I got to play with their dog and partake of some left over pizza. J (My ex) mentions that M (My daughtor) Lost her cellphone on the subway train into town a few days ago and someone found it and called for her to claim it. Funny, The exact same thing happend exactly a week ago when I found a cellphone on the way to teach class in Jersey. J was a bit worried for M trying to meetup with this unkonwn guy to get her phone back. I did the "daddy thing" and made arrangements using my authortive voice I set it up to meet that night. I had to drive all the way across town not very far from work as a matter of fact. Still the operation took over 2 hrs to complete and get back home to bed. Turns out this guy over the phone and I know each other! When we finally meet up I catch this look a recognition from him which also triggered something in me. He related to my other sister's former husband. We seen each other at karate tournaments and even talked before. Of all the thousands upon thousands of people in the city to find that phone. Hehehe.

MON...Lucky Break..Tues Diversty

2005-05-20T11:49:00.000-04:00

We were originally intended to be held over graduation ceremonies by about 4 hrs. Which would have delayed the start of my time off. Seems management took a chance and let the other shifts handle the situation. I could have used the xtra OT but I value my time off more. Besides my days off have also been put on hold for a day of "Diversity" training dealing with ethnic and socially sensitive issues in the workplace etc. It was ok. Its a nice chance to schedule and atleast I get to see some of my coworkers in something other than unflattering uniforms. I had to make a double take when UJ walked in, Hair down, contacts on, wearing an attractive pants suit and open toed shoes, sporting a fresh pedicure with delightful pink nail polish. She usually over compensates with this Overly "Butch" demeanor but gave me her feminine side today. She cleans up well, it helped pass the time. As soon as we let out I shot out of there as soon as I could because of rush hour. I got to bed just as LR was up again from Fla. for a quick 2 days for her bookeeping duties then its back down to Fla. She's planning on opening her own bussiness and that has most her attention that she can no longer stay the usual week. C came home and woke me up around 7ish. We talked about seeing Jet Li's movie Unleashed together and this would be the best time for the both of us. I guess my crazy work schedule caught up to me cause I just couldn't shake the fog I was in. When we got back from the movie. It wasn't long before I was back to bed. Howver by 5am I was up again. Online and checking my messages. LR would be up soon so I fix some coffee for the both of us and later some breakfast for C.

Sun...Class/Aliens meet and greet.

2005-05-19T06:47:00.000-04:00

Work was fairly busy considering commencement will be in less than 10hrs for a 3rd the rest will have their ceremeny Monday morning. It got pretty hectic with a job over at the movie theator/bar with a minor stabbing and someone caught a broken leg. When the dust settled I hung around awhile making sure traffic kept flowing and keeping those nuicense cabs moving or making them park closer to the curb when picking up a fare. I was about the move this car along when I heard my sister's voice! Her and her husband came out all the way from Jersey to see a movie and was wondering if they would run into me. This was a first! Seems they were unaware of the goings on while they wre watching their film. It was cool to see them and talk. Its been awhile. I got home just in time to catch a few hours before picking up K for class. This routine really gets me though. Gotta find a better system. RT. C and JR was there but but no JS. I was hoping she'd show with K's spear. K showed his resourcefulness be fashioning a spear out of a broom handle and a tassle from a bright red elastic band so he could tell one end from the other. Clever! Class went pretty smoothly. We went over timing with teh spear routine for future use in the upcoming demo in Sept. After calss I brought K home. We were gonna eat first but somehow C accidently took my wallet home with her in her bag. K liked the Aliens. They were taller than he was. After we grabbed a bite I ran him home as soon as possible due to an anticpated 12 hr shift for the big ceremony in the morning. The last 15 years I've work here they held us over our normal 8 hr shift or if it fell on our day off. We came in and work the actual ceremony at the stadium. I find an message on my cell. It's my sister whom I just saw the night before. I find out her husband is in the hospital from a motorcycle accident! Damned near killed himself. I was just speaking to them the other night.

Sat...Cancelled Class/Relax for work

2005-05-18T08:32:00.000-04:00

When I got up I decided not to take a chance with running the car over to Jersey. Caoch undeerstood the situation. These past few weeks just suck as a whole as far as free time and getting over to train April and May though June I just don't have much of a life. Don't have to pick up the kids cause it's my Ex's graduation for her Master's degree in teaching and also the big Chess tournament for K so I'll relax today and catch up with them tomorrow.

Fri..Work/Unleashed/K's Bday

2005-05-18T08:25:00.000-04:00

First night back. Students expected to be partying hard since it's graduation this weekend.K's Bday, wanted to get those Aliens over to his house but exhausted from working last night. My car is too full as is and too much of a wildcard right now. I sleep in a bit late anyway. Jet Li's movie debuts today. Wanted to go see it but I know the lines would be long and I have to work afterwards. Decided to wait until Tues and catch it with L again. Work was pretty much routine. Kept under the radar as best as I could. Conserve myself for Sats class.

Thurs... Car trouble/Class

2005-05-17T03:07:00.000-04:00

I forgot to mention that my drive to class Wensday was not without incident. It seems that I also have some sort of problem with the gas peddle, possibly linked to the carborator. After diving about 20 mins. The peddle got stuck to where I couldn't press down for more gas to accelerate. Atleast it wasn't where I was getting too much gas and possibly crashing into something. I kinda figured a way around it until I could pull into an auto supply store and look it over and perhaps buy somethng to remedy the problem. When I finally pulled in I heard a telephone ringing. I spotted a cool looking Motarola Nextel laying in the parking lot! I picked it up and answered. It was the owner trying to find his phone. I let him know where he left it. Relieved and grateful, he wouold return for it within an hour. I left it with the casheir, a gorgeous, young possibly Italian Brunette named Shannon. I bought some lubrican't spray , thinking the problem may be just linkage sticking. And sprayed where I could. The problem seemed to ease up. I later learned it seems to be more heat related and also related to a prior carb problem. Thurs morn and day I spent sleeping in until C came home. I was crashed on the couch and got up intime to go teach class. Again we worked spear. T and J were also there as well as RT. BO and BT were again NO shows. Though BT called me on the phone. Afterwerds I zipped on home then off to work.

Wens..Alien invasion/Class finally

2005-05-16T21:22:00.000-04:00

Seems like I've been away a month but it's only been a few weeks. Last time I tried to get to class the car broke down but I made the attempt today. On the way out to the car a package arrived for me. It was the inflatable aliens I ordered for K's birthday, only it wasn't the size I intended. I wanted the little 16 inch ones and these are nearly as tall as I am! . Class was good. I finally got another copy of the language guide I lost. I also took another active Wushu class. The time off definately took away from my conditioning. The knee is still a bit tender and I'm cautious about certain movements. Still it was nice moving around. Been noticing KPB. My goodness she is becoming such a looker. I could hardly concentrate on my class. Came straight home. Since I've been on this Veggie kick I try not to stop and eat out when I know I have everything at home and can make it the way I want fast and cheaper. I inflated one of the aliens. Had a little trouble at first but figured out the one way air valve. Still it took alot of time and trouble to do I noticed I'm in a bit of a conundrum.Once inflated how the hell to do get all of them to his house? There are 4 of them. they would take up the whole car!

Tues..Relaxing/ more of the same

2005-05-16T21:11:00.000-04:00

Working such strange hours my days off are spent sleeping away. I read somewhere that by working the hours I do that I cut my life span down by something close to 10 years or so. Humans are just not meant to be totally nocturnal. Working midnights, people are prone to disorders such as Diabetes etc. I know its hard to find anything healthy to eat, Even more so for cops cause free food is thrown at us if not for a great discount Such as McD's and the other local food places open 24 hours wanting cops to hang around to discourage robberies. I've finally taken to bringing my own food in after 15 years of eating junk. I'm proud to say I actually lost about 15 pounds in month or so just from that!.

Mon...Relaxing.

2005-05-16T21:07:00.000-04:00

After a routine shift. I went straight home. If I decided to stay to work the much needed OT it would be Monday and Tues mornings but this morning I drove C's car in due to my own acting up. So I need to get back home so she can get to work on time. The rest of the day I just relaxed being on the two nights off.

Sun...Aftermath/Class

2005-05-13T18:55:00.000-04:00

I got into work nearly 2 hr late. But I got off light with just being charged against my vacation time. Shift ran fairly routinely for a Sat night but I was mentally in a fog regardless since I wasnt prepared for an entire shift. Got home and to bed as quickly as I could for I knew I'd only have a few hours of sleep before I'd have to be up yet again to pickup K and run my Sunday class. I knew M would be still busy with her school project. I forgot it was Mother's day so the kids were not available. Just as well I could rest longer bvefore class. Class turned into a Spear intensive. Since I acquired 2 new spears, I brought a handsaw with me to cut down the shaft to K's size and RT saw everyone working spear, naturally she wanted in on the act. She even bought the spare off of me so I cut that one down for her as well. J learned the entire routine in one class and I let her take the Spear intended for K home. Looks like I'll make another trip over to the shop.

Sat..Kids/THe big goof!

2005-05-11T01:52:00.000-04:00

GOt up early to try to get a few things out of the way. Picked up K and M but M had to be back home to finish up a project for school. We did the usual lunch thing and stopped at two karate stores. I picked up a DVD with tournament fighting highlights. Figure something useful to glean training ideas from. Came back home with K to relax. I dozed off on the couch for a bit then played some Godzilla games with him before running him home. I took my time and again stopped by Blockbuster to pick up some more classics, got Shaun of the Dead, Ghost in the Shell2 . I finally get home. Make me a nice midnight snack, plop down in front of the TV to pop in a DVD then I see a msg on the answering machine. It's from work. I'm on the schedule tonight and where the fuck am I? Dammit! What the fuck was I thinking?

Fri...Night off

2005-05-11T01:38:00.000-04:00

Just spent the day relaxing. I usually have the best intentions of using the time constructively to either workout or practice guitar and I managed to do neither. I'm so lazy anymore. I did however manage to get over to the sword shop and pick up two spears. One for K and the other to either sell or for someone else to use. I also placed an order for some sneakers but ws put on hold until I mailed in the discount coupon. Kinda defeats the purpose of ordering Online I think. Later I went to the market to buy some groceries and stopped by Blockbuster video and picked up some classics. Bubba Ho Tep, The Bourne Supremecy, and the original La Femme Nikita in French. Went to bed earliar then intended. Getting old *lol*

Thurs...CSI Day2

2005-05-10T02:52:00.000-04:00

I forgot to mention that I had to cancel teaching my class due to training for both days. Which I'm never happy about. C decided to go ahead and run Thurs class for me. Hopefully I'd get out of training early enough to catch anyone before the time slot ended. CSI was interesting that we actually had some hands on stuff, lifting prints etc. The finale was a bit disturbing however. We veiwed actually footage from crime scenes in our area and they pulled no punches on what they showed. It's incredible what horrible acts people will do to each other and themselves. Anyone contemplating suicide should view what I've seen however. It may change their minds. We all have this "Hollywood" notion of what a dead body looks like. Leaving behind a beautiful corpse with neat little bullet holes or stab wounds. NOT!!! Moving on. We got out early but not early enough for my tastes. I managed to get to the workout about a half hour before ending. Only C and T were there. C and I went to the diner afterwards needless to say I skipped on Lasagna after what I saw tonight.

Wens..CSI Day 1

2005-05-09T02:42:00.000-04:00

After C was off to work. I did my usual routine to checking messages and what not. But now I had a dillemma. How to get to the Police academy? I could drive my car but I happen to still have expired inspection stickers. I just can't bear the embarassment to getting hassled for them if they get spotted. Was thinking public transit? I settled for driving as close as possible and parking off grounds. Which is still risky cause I think I also have some outstanding parking tickets as well and may also risk getting booted and towed. (God I'm such a mess!) I luck out and find a spot not too far from the academy about 10 mins walk. I was actually still a half hour early! Class was fairly interesting. The first day was more or less lecture about the history of finger prints and photography as well as do and don'ts. THe hands on stuff is saved for tomorrow. There were atleast 4 women in class that were interesting. Definately Do-able. (I know I need help) Hehehe. Broke for a long lunch 1 1/2 hrs when I only live 20 mins away. Was gonna drive home but some cop felt sorry for me and picked me up walking. I went to luch with him instead. Put my veggie thing on hold and had chicken at Boston Market. Worried about my car when we were done I made an excuse to drive by my Friend's car that was broke down, to check on it. (Pathetic) My new firend O and I seems to have alot in common with martial arts. Always a good thing. Rest of class was more of the same. Coudn't wait to get home and bed.

Tues...Kungfu Hustle/L

2005-05-09T02:20:00.000-04:00

After the ceremony I got a pretty cool schedule ahead of me. Not only do I get the night off twice in a row for evening training at the academy but it goes back to back with my regular 2 nights off! TOday I give L a call. SHe wanted to go see the movie Kung Fu Hustle last week but I had to cancel and I figure today would make up for it. Now a little background on L. L can be a bit of an enigma, alittle tough to figure out. Gorgeous but not without issues. The curse of the gorgeous perhaps? She definately not average thats for sure. She's admitted her flirtation/attraction to other women though she still prefers men for the most part. I first met her in my fitness kickboxing class that I taught. She later crossed over to my fullblown martial arts class. A good student. I devleoped "a thing" for her which can be bad as far as conducting class goes. That sort of arrangement seldom works out for the better. She seems to have trust issues with men. Perhaps some bad experiences in the past?Also performance anxieties which I stumbled onto when I tried to get her to perform with us in a demo and she brokedown in tears, explaining a childhood trauma that haunts her to this day. She seems to adores me however, confides in me on personal things but still maintains this distance. It's a strange relationship we have that isn't easily explained. I want her but then again I want alot of women. As I confided in her. With her I want to try something different. Like really being a friend and seeing just how good I could make her as a student. I've had gorgeous girls as students before but I crossed that line and things went south. I didn't want that with her. She's amazing to look at in class. The things she wears. She makes it hard to concentrate. Fun to be with. Quite affectionate as well. We've snuck off to movies, lunch and dinner dates on many occaisions. Share a love for gothic movies like old as well as new skool Vampire flicks. Unfortunately she withdrew from attending my classes due to a career change which has her flying in and out of town at a moments notice. I miss her in that way. Now I'm lucky to see her once a month.

MON..Carzy shift/ Awards/night off

2005-05-06T00:21:00.000-04:00

I expected the night shift to go smoothly being Sunday and all. I figure I can coast and charge my batteries. WRONG. I should have known better. Whenever a new supv starts the shift on the first night, all hell breaks loose! Wierd but true. Rollcall was bare over and there were two strongarms. Resulting in a foot chase and apprehension. The badguy was the robber in both jobs! THen less than an hour later a brazen burglary at the popular Urban clothing store. Badguys break through a glass sote front and snatch 8 grand worth of goods. I had to hold the scene til detectives arrive an hour later then help dust for prints. A preview of what lies ahead next week when I go to CSI school. Cant wait til the shift ends to get some sleep and prepare for the awards. I remember the clean pants in my locker, I get home lay out a few things and crash.I get up a few hours later and discover I have no dress hat. I must have throw it out when I cleaned out the car and forgot to take it out of the bag. Had to drive to the uniform store and cough up another 27 bucks for a hat. I finally get everything together. C comes home and we're off to pick the kids up and go to the ceremony. It was cool seeing everybody in dress uniforms.I so rarae need to be in mine since I've only been awarded once. If I got one for everyone I should have there would be atleast 5 times. I find out my award was for helping out a coed freaking out on a drinking binge I showed patience and understanding which impressed an embarassed roomate. Every little bit helps my position in the Dept. Afterwards I drop the kids off at home. C and I go out to a Mexican dinner. I go home and crash. Tose 2 beers did me in. I'm such a light weight!

Sun.Class

2005-05-06T00:08:00.000-04:00

Work was fairly busy, typical for Sat night. Still sluggish from today. Still feeling good though from the demo and the fun we had. Went to pick up the kids. M stayed home to finish a school project. C ws away to see her dad for his birthday. SO it was just me and K. T showed later. Got everyone on spear. Looks real good. K picked up fast. Need to get him a spear of his own and keep him on that for awhile. Should use it in the Sept demo. Afterwards, K and I had supper at the diner. Played some skilcrane and he won a stuffed duck. I cherish my time with him. Last night on. Looking forward to the awards ceremony tomorrow.

Sat Demo!

2005-05-04T01:38:00.000-04:00

The rains were coming down pretty hard. I was also given a surprise by the LT. Seems I was nominated for an award at the next commendation ceremony MOnday by the Undergraduate Assembly for reason unknown. Guess I'll find out then. I lucked out in that my shift ended at 4 am so I got a few hours more sleep than I originally thought I'd get. Still we had to be up early and figure out what to wear. The demo was a huge success! The wushu kids were amazing with their routines set to music. We were a hit definately and to think that the promoter was resistant at first now he was raaving about us! I was surpised to see that coach himself showed up.The excitement of the day kept me up. I called to let the kids know that I couldnt pick them up today cause I had yet another 12 hr shfit to endure but would see them Sunday for class.

Fri 12 hr shift

2005-05-04T01:25:00.000-04:00

Not really looking forward to this. We were pretty busy. Gridlock eveerywhere so I got alot of calls being on bike but eventually they slowed.Lots of eyecandy everywhere.Eased the sting a bit. But my mind was on getting some possble rest. Sat is the big demo and I will have about less than 2 hrs of sleep. T and C went to coach's to get in a final practice before the big show.

Thurs Sparring/More OT

2005-05-04T01:14:00.000-04:00

Got home and slept as soon as I could. Got up early in hopes of fixing the car but as usual it's never easy even when its suppsed to be. I ended up buying a new battery as well as changing the solenoid. Taught class very fun except for Roberta being an ass of herself even more than ususal.I nearly snatched out of her chair and threw her out of the room for the stupid comments she made. Good thing Jeana and her mom were there or I would have done it. T, C, Jim worked the new spear routine. BO brought in a surprise. 2 new guys to spar with that are acquaintences of BT. Korean stylists. Good kickers but young and inexperienced. Amusing but we made short work of them. Perhaps we can groom them to standards. Had to zip to work. OT at the stadium with Julia Ghoulia. Cold and long shift. For 8 hrs is passed slowly I didnt ge the chance to hit the ATM so food was limited so was places to get comfortable.Couldn't wait to get home and to bed.Got some 12 hr shifts ahead of me.

Wens..Work..Stranded/Relays OT

2005-05-04T01:06:00.000-04:00

I was enroute to coach's when the unthinkable happend! My car brokedown on the highhway. I was running late already but it stalled and the battery shorted out for some reason. I called AAA. Atfirst they wernt gonna tow me when they driver saw my stickers were expeired. But policy forbids him to leave me stranded on the highway so he had to take me. I paid 57 bucks to get towed home. I hoped I could figure out the problem but not in time. Wanted to sleep badly and did what I could. FIgure I could finish when I get back home in the morning. Took C's car in to work. Assigned on bike to west end and South. Was late to work and got docked. The most interesting thing was meeting Paula. After a job chasing some idiots which resulted in taking one in. I noticed her walking by with arms full carrying groceries. I Istruck up a conversation which she was very receptive to. I walked her home. She was from my area of Jersey and going to Med school. I gave her my cards after helping her into her building. The rest of the night was hectic but passed quickly.

Tues..Work OT

2005-05-03T13:24:00.000-04:00

After work Instead of going home as I planned I ended up getting roped into working the bank detail yet again. I made sure to keep it down to 5 hours. This upcoming week is gonna be hectic as hell with everything going on. Just gotta brace myself, this period comes about 0nce a year so I shouldn't complain I guess.I DO need the money.

Mon..Conflict/Decisions

2005-04-27T02:54:00.000-04:00

While online checking messages, BO calls me up and brings something to my attention already addressed by "C" concerning BT and Sat night. Seems BT wasn't in the "Right state of mind" which accounts for his strange behavior and sluggish performance. Seems he "indulged" quite a bit before his match, during the course of the day. Also he made some questionable comments on the drive home that made BO and Todd uncomfortable. The sad thing is I can actually believe it considering his history and the shit he has went through, many of it he brought on himself, so sorry to say. The bottom line is what to do? Ben brought up a valid point. Do we want to risk a bussiness venture dealing with the public and him representing us? I love him like a crazy brother and he's proving to be just that! God knows he needs a break! We all do! This venture could be the ticket out for all of us if it works but It will definately fail if things don't change with him. We plan to be working with children and a certain clientele that may need to initially "Warm" to us already. We have enough against us that is beyond our control. We don't need negative influences that we CAN control. I fear BT has been down so long he may not be able to rise above it or even sense he has a problem. Seems that people already have a bad perception of him, They can smell it on him. BO tells me. I wonder what Jeana's mom has been thinking? I'm afraid to even ask.If anyone can address it directly to him it will have to be me. The shame is, being out with us as a team last weekend as well as in March was probably the most fun he's had in 20 years. Seeing him running to go get dressed in the uniform I bought for him and finding out he was wearing it the next day for his kid really touched me. I hate the thought of that suddenly coming to an end because of this issue.

Sun..Class/1st night back

2005-04-26T05:08:00.000-04:00

Was able to pick up the kids ontime for class for a change. made sure BO and Todd got their asses in gear also. I really want us to tighten up our act if this team thing is gonna work. Not to mention a go at having a real school. "C" mentions something that made me pause a bit about BT. Last night he dissappeared and we were waiting for him to surface before the drive home. We joked about him getting arrested, he did mention about getting into an arguement with security over drinking on the prem. She did meention before about him not looking too good. What I'm getting at is that he has some issues that need addressing. BO and Todd show up on time. Even John is there, havn't seen ihm in over a week and half, thought he quit. Jeana has a track meet so she's absent and so is BT. Seems BO went to pick him up but his son didn't want him to leave. He was wearing the new REKsuit and sneakers. Which is amusing to me. We had a pretty big class for a Sundy. T and Jim show up as well. Ran some sparring drills and some wushu before theCheerleaders came in. Bummer! Brought the kids home for PIzza..Again?!?!?! Before running them home then napping before work. "R"Flight was late. I could smell the cigarette smoke wafting upstairs after her arrival.

SAT...Goofs!/The Finals/REK suits/Reflections.

2005-04-24T08:32:00.000-04:00

They say the road to hell starts with good intentions. I inetended to get a few things done and they just didn't work out the way I wanted to. I slept in later than I wanted. It got unusally cooler from what we were used to which always makes me sleep later. I know I have to get the kids today but being Passover they needed to be back home around 5 pm. At the same time "C" and I wanted to be back at the Convention Ctr to see the last days events and perhaps the nighttime finals. We goofed on the schedule and missed the eliminations. It's been drizzling on and off all night which accounts for the cool temps and doesn't make me raring to get out there and work on the car. "R" is due back in the morning for her Bimonthy trip up from FLA. So "C" is in her cleaning frenzy once again but it works for me because I accidently sheared off the nut of my batt terminal which sets my time table back picking up the kids and taking them with me to practice. "M" wants to compete again and this would be a good OP to train with some other kids. "K" needs the work also. I fly to the car parts store to pick up what I need not knowing for sure if I can use "C"s car. That also uses up more time than I have. While there I get a call on the cellie from BO, he wants to know where I'm at? He and Todd (Up from DC) were NOSHOWs last night at the tournament. We were all supposd to meet there and obseve the competition, hopefully draw some inspiration and light a fire under their asses as to what they ned to do if they hope to hang with the "Big Boys". Half annoyed I asked him what happend? He gives me some halfassed excuse. But drops the bomb on me that himself, Todd and BT are competing and are due start. They want me there! I'm more than happy for them but I can't drop everything now! I've missed too many classes for coach!. Noone called me about this change of plans! And what the Hell happend to BT's plan of being in Va. today? Though that part really would have been remotely successful being without a car and few funds now that I think of it. Well I'm too late to pick up my kids. My mind is now totally scattered. I call up coach's, he's too busy to answer but a mom picks up and it seems there are lots of kids there probably waiting for me to run the sparring class. So I drive in hoping for the best. At this point I'm damned lucky to get there in time for even that! Well even this trip was basically for nothing as well. They decide to skip sparring to concentrate on the upcoming demo next Sat. and coach discusses plans for combining my team with his. We could have done this over the phone and would have same on time, gas and toll money but hey! I can atleast pick the kids up earliar, spend more time with them before dropping them off. They are growing up so fast and I feel bad enough about not being with them and the things I'm missing. Time I cannot get back. Next stop, their house. The rains coming down pretty hard now so that rules out the local carnival my Ex suggested. Due to the time constraints we settle for Pizza Hut and eat in. I check my bank account. Well atleast working all that OT has shown some Benefits.Its nice to have some extra cash in the account!. Afterwards buying a few things for "M" I drop them off and get home getting tired I grab a quick nap before her and I go to the finals. BT had made it to the nighttime show to face an old nemisis, who happend to have eliminated BO and Todd during the day. He defeated me about 4 years ago as well and we never had a rematch. It seems time is catching up to him as well. For BO and Todd were narrowly defeated while I was convincedly defeated back then. Those two just need alittle more refinement. BT had been out of the game for more than 6 years and never in National Elite level competition. I worry for him but I don't want to sound defeatest and negative about whom he's about to face. Besides this was something special he's never had in the 35 years in karate, fighting in the nighttime show with an audience. Being 51 he's an anomoly. Not too many people are still competing so it's a bit easiar for him to make it in and that this new League (WSPKF) will feature older fighters whereas the old league (NBL) fighters our age were kicked to the curb. WE meet the guys in the lobby. Todd bought a REK suit and already rocked it in the eliminations. It's gorgeous! They are the hottest must have item in sport karate competition. All the top fighters and the wannabes for the matter, wear them. A modern update on the karate gi (Uniform) cool, comfortable, never needs ironing. custom colors, very light, made of tracksuit material, whereas the heavy canvas of trad uniforms bind up with sweat and are heavy. I've been pushing for us to go with the REK suits but Ben was the only holdout. I was going to get one for myself even before we started this "Comeback" bussiness. I know the founder, Jerry Fontanez. He's been getting me to buy one for the longest and now I just can't wait any longer, so I go get the same one Todd has, keeping with a "Team" mentality. But it's Boxie's night, I'm feeling good. I got the money, and God knows he doesn't. He hasn't seen to good time in so damned long, I get him one too! He can pay me back later. Team Supreme is born! BO can pick one up later I figure. Since BT, Todd and myself now have one in the same pattern, the issue is now put to bed! Damned if we don't look good! *LOL* For not customizing our own pattern it's fortunate noone else is "Rockin" this pattern. Jerry says it's brand new, designed for a British team, I'm sure they wont mind! Hehehee. The nighttime show is entertaining but it's now B to fight. Its been 5 years since I was up on stage. It's nice to be back! I'm rockin my new suit as BT's coach. I also have the priviledge to go up on stage with him and be announced. BT's opponant is no less than Gerald "Awesome" Dawson. A giant at 6'2" and I'd say 300+lbs. decepetively fast as he is big. Softspoken and a nice guy.He's wearing a Rek uti also. I think Jerry lost money on this uniform cause he could have made two or three with the material for this one! A former John Paul Mitchel teammember (The finest sport karateTeam in history) for atleast 15 years. The match goes as I expected. NO fairytale ending here, Sorry! BT got in some good hits in as well. When he followed my advice he scored but he couldn't keep with it! Still I give him alot of credit considering all of the circumstances. He's dissapointed at the outcome, understandable but I look at it as something to work on. We needed this. We get off the stage, buy some beers, lick our wounds and check the hotties! Hahaha. I see Kristen, havn't seen her for 3 years, we've been tight since my first year on the circuit. Funny, she looks like a teenager but she happends to be an ADA prosecutor. I bet she catches hell in court but I bet she puts em away. She still has plenty of Love for me ! *LOL* Broke my heart that she got married. I just find out she had a baby last year so she's been inactive competing and misses it. She looks amazing. A classmate of mine, 5time world champ is onstage. Ashley has plenty of hugs and kisses for me as well. In 3 short years she's taken the circuit by storm. Must be nice. *sigh* Well the night was inspiring indeed. The promotor Mark meets me at the door as I'm leaving;. Pleased to see me and thanks me for coming out and bringing my team to support him. My Team? I guess so huh? Mark and I have a history. When we first met. He was this eager teen who looked at me as if I was this amazing martial artist/competitor that "knew everything". I was made an offer to run a school and I balked. It wasn't the right time for me with a baby on the way I thought. Mark stepped in and took the chance I couldn't. It was hard work for him no doubt. I bet it helped living at home with mom, instead of supporting a family. He made the school work and now he is a successful bussiness man, tournament promotor and I suspect close to making his first million if not already. Atleast he was kind enough to offer me a spot on his team 7 years ago when other more "gifted" people we killing themselves to try to get on the team. They were wondering how the fuck I was so lucky? For 3 short but sweet years I was part of the Elite. I finally got to taste what it was like in the bigtime. My name and pics in magazines. The recognition was great. But I fell short of the goal. Funds ran low, I was unsponsored. Never got that coveted gold ring of the world champion I wanted so badly. I held down a fulltime job unrelated to Martial arts while others didn't have those distractions, infact were born into it. Having parents that owned a school! I felt kind of miffed when our team was disbanded in 2000. Then nearly all of the members were picked up by a sponsor and combined two teams into one new team. I was left out. I wasn't even informed until I showed up at a tournament and someone told me there was nomore team luckily I had an unmarked uniform to wear that I bought on the spot. That hurt alittle. I was told by Mark " No room for "Seniors" on the team. Hell I should have retired a long time ago as is I figure so I eventually got over it. I guess I did okay during my shot. I thought I put all this behind me finally being "Retired" Now I see it's starting up all over again. But this time I'm more or less a leader/coach of a team. Wierd but something I dreamt about as well. Yes, I think Mark was pleased to see me "back". Perhaps I'm reading more into into it than I should? But maybe I'm living up to more of my potential of what I was supposed to have done back when I was on the circuit? Or maybe he's just pleased to see more $ coming in by my team paying the entry fees? Cynical? I hope not.

Fri...Freedom/reunion

2005-04-23T07:35:00.000-04:00

As traditional on the last night I get to go home a few hrs early but I know I have a few things I must tend to. Namely getting my own car running. When I get home I try jump starting it with "C"s car but the batt is too far gone for that. So I pull my batt out and put it on the slow charger for the day. The plan being for it to charge while I sleep then I'll get up, put it back in then meet "C" at the train station and we'll ride into town for the big tournament in the Convention Ctr. Saving money on parking and avoiding the late traffic.I'm still too tired to put the batt back in. When "C" comes home we also scrub the idea of the train and drive there to park in the lots hoping to see more and waste less time for the train ride. Plus we don't know how long we're gonna be there. Getting down there works out well. Its been quite a long time since I've been to this level of competition and this group of people. Atleast 2 1/2 years for several reasons. Namely my "retirement" from the national scene, the costs of competing at this "Elite" level, some of the best of the best come here, and the political falling out with them and my current teacher. What made this day irresisable coming was this event has moved from a 90 minute drive to NJ my backyard of 30 mins into the city. It was nice to get "comped" at the door. Atleast I get some kind of return for all of my years of support to the cause. Everyone was shocked and happy to see me after all this time, curious if I was going to compete. I was surprised to see Matt Bowles here and he remembered me, told me he used to watch my fights. Thats so funny to me. He was one of THE top competitors around but it's hard to remember I was in the "Elite" class as well. Sadly the shelf life of his age group and his div is about 3 years, though he'll still be able to amazing shit I could never hope to accomplish, there will always be some new 15 year old taking things to the "Next level" Also being a shock was seeing Laura Russo. It's been atleast 6 years. Such a cutie. Seems she relocated to the Philly area after graduation from Drexal and has been recruited by an old rival of mine. She is so affectionate too. I could get used to her hugs. We were tight back in the day. Hehehe. There were too many hotties here that I missed from the old days. I finally got roped into judging a sparring event something new to boot. Extreme Sparring. I was hesistant at first but I learned alot. I also got the op to see a "Legend" fight. Mike Pombero, and he was no worse for wear. Very impiring. Ben has a long way to go if he doesn't want to get shut down by the likes of Mike. The div had its share of controversy. Tempers flared, $1000.00 prize money with a $100.00 entry fee on the line, nuances of the rules were vague and new and the div ran too long. We had to shut the div down and will be continued in the morning. "C" and I drove home. Stopped at the diner for a late dinner before bed. I dreamt of what used to be and what could have been.

Thurs..class/ATM Card/Dead Batt/lost prop

2005-04-23T02:16:00.000-04:00

Coming home for work through the damnd contruction detour is about a pain in the ass! NO telling when the work will be done. Seems this new law about must having the headlights on is more trouble than it's worth is you work the hours I do. At the end of the shift I was asked to fill in 5 xtra hours at the bank detail which reluctantly I did. Anyone with my debt would know why. So I'm driving home already out of it mentally. When I get home I go to bed I go into a DEEP sleep. I didnt even hear "C" come in from work as I usually do. Wake up in a fog. A cup of coffee hardly does a thing for me. We go to class in her car as usual. The whole gang is there which is a treat except for "RET" who seems to be there to be a pain in the ass. A 42 year old woman with the mind of a bad 10 year old. Got one half learning the new spear routine while I work with Jeana on her needs. Ben and Box come in later, with them is Ben's grilffriend whom I met at the last competition. Pretty stunning actually though not interested in what we're doing. Shame. Ben and Box spar. I stay out of it due to the lateness in time and babying my knee. I'm impressed at Box, he's 50 years old, 145 lbs soaking wet, not in the best of health but pound for pound he holds his own and explodes into Bens world! Loaning him the bunggee cord belt was a good thing. His take off was amazing and overwhelming. If he fights this way in Va this weekend he should clean up. I'm sorry I could not go with him to Va. Bad planning on my part.I get home and try to fly to work only to find I have a dead battery! Once again I left the headlights on in the car when I went in the house. For those of you reading this and wondering how can I do that. Here's the thing. They didn't make those convenient "idiot" buzzers on most domestic cars before '78. I heist "C"s car for work. Not only that but guess what? I can't seem to find my $1000.00 Motorola police radio I was issued! I'm searching for it, causing me to be running atleast 2 mins late. It's nowhere to be found! Desparate I call the Supv's office and ask about it. Annoyed , they confirmed it was turned in! I asked where it was found, (Stupidly ofcourse) The Sgt chose not to reveal the source over the taped phone line for my sake.Technically I could be hung for this offense, being that I'm still on probation for something else. The run of bad luck is ususally typical of Tuesdays and runs the course of about 3 days.Atleast my fucking atm card finally comes in the mail! Which is the only good thing to happen in awhile.

Wens Fiasco!

2005-04-21T05:12:00.000-04:00

I went to work and forgot my damned Cellphone! Well I survivied without it thank goodness. Work was pretty much w/o incident. Before I went home I went into the HQ gym and got in a quick superset of Bi's and Tri's Got home and slept some more. Got up and flew out the house to make coach's class by 5:20 pm but it wasnt happening. Damned if I didn't leave the phone again not to mention other stuff. I just bagged it and returned home to phone in some lame ass excuse why I missed yet another class. luckily someone else picked up the phone for him that made it easiar. I was depressed enough though I just layed there on the couch and sulked. I managed to play alittle guitar though. They are right about, even practicing a few minutes is of benefit.

Tues.. Meeting

2005-04-21T05:05:00.000-04:00

Another smooth night at work. Just got the word that we;ll be doing the 12 hr thing all over again next weekend for the relays. wonderful. But alteast this weekend will be untouched. Friday night is the tournament at the convention center that I plan to spectate. Got home and slept all day. Got up and checked the messages and the doc's left a message results fro the MRI: I DO have a tear in the knee and to call for an appointment but it was too late in the day so I'll make it in the morning. Was supposed to hookup with Ben and Boxie for our meeting over this proposed venture but just couldnt get out of the house. We conferenced on phone. We'll propbably do something next week more concrete. Just relaxed and napped again before work.

Mon

2005-04-20T04:20:00.000-04:00

Got to work 25 mins late even though I left for work relatively early! Unforseen construction on the highway. The shift went by smoothly however. Decent temps. Even got assigned a car. My own car is running rough again. Have to look into it. Perhaps the cooling system? Plenty of pretty girls running around tonight. That always helps the night go by. Back on the wagon dietwise though I had a few slices of pizza and some chips. Hehehehe!

SUN Class

2005-04-19T04:53:00.000-04:00

I went to bed relatively early to catch up on the sleep I muchly needed. It was the most gorgeous day to pick up the kids for class. Days like this it was no suprise that we were most likely the only ones to show up. "C" worked on her new spear form and I got the kids on Broadsword. It was a trip to see the both of them moving in unison and sharply I might add. Also got "M" working on the compuls Longfist. For her fistform while "K" polished his Nanquan. Ben and Boxie showed later about 2:45. We got lucky that the cheerleaders didn't show so we had the room til 5pm. Showed them the Quickhand/fast feet belt. Now they want their own naturally. Ben surprised me how good he looks with the TaiChi 24 form almost better than Boxie. Showed them the 1st 2 sections up to "catching swallows tail" "C"'c back tightened up from all the spearwork. We ran the kids straight home then back home for us as well. I went straight to bed for my regular shift.

SAT MRI last day OT

2005-04-19T04:44:00.000-04:00

Got home and slept only an hr and half then I had to be up again for the MRI. Feel like a zombie. It went well. I was in and out of there and back to bed. No time to pick up the kids or teach class. I was in no shape to be driving. Today is my one day off which I chose to work. Have the carnival detail and was the best day weatherwise as well as the easiest detail. Just had to tell a fwe idiots to get off of te roof of their frathouse. Last thing we need is for one of them to take a walk off of it. The cooleset thing was I finally got the opprituntiy to see the groups perform. Namely the SportDance team and the ASCAB Capoeira club. I probably would have been members of both teams had that existed back in my youth had I went to school here. The detail was only 5 hrs and I wasn't held over so I got home surprisingly early. Another pleasent surprise was seeing Mary Christ again. A rather cute Pinay girl I met during and assault case she witinessed. I had to talk her into going in and giving a statement to the detectives. We hit it off well on a personal level and meant to "hookup" but it never happend. Now she's leaving for Cali within days. I gave her my card with my personal info and left it in her court to contact me. Her eyes were alittle teary about making the goodbyes. Sweet girl. I stopped by Ful guu and picked up an order of Gen Tso's chicken. I know it's not Veggetarian but the stresses of working these last 4 days I gave myself a break from the regimen.

Fri Day2

2005-04-19T04:36:00.000-04:00

Got home all I had time to do was sleep, get up and do it all over again. I made sure to stop in the bank first to write out a check to pick up my prescripts and have some cash to carry me for the weekend until my new ATM card finally comes. Took out $100.00 and it barely lasted me 24 hrs. I swear I must have lost some money falling out of my pocket. I can't account for it all. I was alittle late getting in as well due to the Income Tax deadline. THe last minute fucks dropping off their returns to the Postoffice create such a gridlock everyyear. Well the post office will be gone in the near future and will bring that to an end. Was chilly again but milder than the night before. I stopped in to see Dana again. She's much younger than I thought! Still in Highschool. I bet she doesn't realize how old I really am. She was happy to see me stop in. THe partying was at an alltime frenzy. There is also something to be said about this Spring weather and the COeds that attend here. THis Univ has a reputation for some of the hottest looking girls here and they never dissapppoint. Spent hours monitoring block parties then shutting them down eventually. Feet were killing me. Glad to finally get to bed.

Thurs..Forced OT/Class cancellation

2005-04-16T03:51:00.000-04:00

It's that time once again. SpringFling on campus. I volunteer for Fri but looks like thye took it out of our hands. I had the news broken to me that we will be required to come in on our shift 4 hrs early which means I can't teach my class I call and let Jeana know but "C" decides to go on in for me and hold clas for those that show. Interestingly she tells me Ben, ROberta and Tammy make it in. THough Ben arrives alone without his gear and leaves right away. Seems he came to talk. Was pretty chilly out, the temp dropped a bit when the sun went down. Got stuck on bike in a sector with few hiding spots on the S/W side. Met a sweet girl named Dana working the pizza shop which is usually closed when I'm at work on my normal shift. She went out of her way to get my attention which is just too funny to me. I'll try to stop in tomorrow. The rest of the shift was pretty busy with parties which spilled out to the streets. Just trying to keep a lid on it.

Wens DIscovery

2005-04-16T03:48:00.000-04:00

While searching the car for my fucking ATM card I find the Goddamned Doc's note in my workout bag! All that stress for nothing! Later at coach's I tell "C" on the phone. But now I have to stress and seriously budget what little money I have on me for gas on toll, not to mention food.

Tues

2005-04-16T03:44:00.000-04:00

Went through the shift pretty smoothly. The LT never mentioned about the doc's note and was satisfied that I turned in the benfit time sheet in a timely manner. All that stress over the Doc's note was basically for nothing. Still no word from Boxie or Bewn and their phones are still out of service. Just relaxed and napped before work.

MON..Stress/Ranting and Raving

2005-04-13T02:06:00.000-04:00

Got up early again to make breakfast for "C" and start my day. I know I have to return to work tonight so as I was taking the trash out to be picked up I realize that I havn't seen my doctor's note for being out for the last 3 days. Knowing "C"s history naturally I bring the trash back into the house and go through it about 3 times. No luck. I tear the kitchen area apart were I left it atleast 5 times. No luck! How the fuck does this keep happening to me? I find everything BUT the one piece of paper I need. "C" insists by email that she did not thow it out and since we're the only two that live in the house and I know I don't throw anything out I naturally blame her! I scream, curse, rant and rave! I take matters into my own hands and take a nop. Hours later I get up and start my search for that damned note over again with no luck. Frantic I call up the doctor's office and get the run around over the phone and thinking the office closes about 5pm I go down there and wait. It seems it's a big deal just to take a sec to write a note. They send me home telling me they'll call me when its ready. They never call. I scream, curse, rant and rave. Than then take matters into my own hands. Later "C" comes home. She senses that I'm upset but I keep a lid on it. Blowing up on her will not get that note back. But she knows that I know it's her. I finally take my pre shift nap and she comes in and gives me a an unsolicited backrub. A-HA! That must mean she's guilty and she's sorry! I wake early and prepare my own lunch, a rather healthy one at that! Frosted miniwheats for a snack, bananna, broccolli/spinach leaf/onion/plum tomatoe salad, boca burger with 12 grain bread. I also make a snak bag of veggies with baby carrots, and finally a package of plain instant outmeal. What do I actually eat at work? Well I snack on the bag of veggies. But since someone had free pizza that I hate seeing go to waste I take a slice. So I save the salad, boca burger, shredded wheat and I have the oatmeal for my last snack at the end of the shift. Besides writing what I did for the day I should also write about hwo I feel. During the stressful portion of the day over that fucking doctor's note up until my nap I've been feeling rather down especially this time of year during Income Tax time my mood especially sucks. I'm prone to depression anyway and have been prescribed
meds in the past which I now realize was I wrong to stop taking. I hate when I'm in my depressed state. I find it hard to even get out of bed let alone get anything done. When I got up however my sprirts were much better, after making my lunch and being so proud of myself for being so healthy about it, I ws even motivated enough to throw in a qucik set of pushups and situps before showering. I even got to work a few mins early!

Sun..Class/No shows

2005-04-13T01:56:00.000-04:00

My last night off, went way too quickly. Always does. "C" giving me static about her car and picking up the kids. "M" stayed home. The dog broke in to her room and ate her music CDs, so she was having a bad morning. "K" came with me. He did well with sword and hand forms. Oddly Jeana as well as Ben and Boxie were no shows yet again. I'm wondering about that. Atleast Jim made it in. "C" brought her new spear in to work on. I demo's a few old moves I used to use. looks like there is interest in spear now. We got a little routine together. Maybe something we can use in the Sept demo we perform at every year? Cheerleaders came in at 3pm so we left and came home for a light snack and some playstation. When I dropped "K" home I stayed awhile and ended up making some repairs on "M"s door so now she shouldnt worry about the dog breaking in anymore. It felt good being Daddy coming to the rescue.

Sat/fix attempt/Class/kids

2005-04-11T00:42:00.000-04:00

Got out of bed alittle early in hopes to get that part on the car after yesterdays run in with the locals. It defianatley was for the opposite side than what I needed. I always run into walls like that. Never fails. I was gonna cancel coach's yet again but "C" was kind enough to drive me in. Steph plans on competing in Pittsburg and wanted special attention on competition sparring. I whipped out my bunggee apparatus which Lucinda was also thoroughly impressed with in her rare appearance at the school. It was a hit with everyone. later we picked up "M" in the city on the way home, then got "K". We had the usual pizza and Pepsi and they were on the Playstation. Ran them home, I realized I spent alot of money this weekend and Im pretty well broke already! Gotta figure something out! Hope shit don't start bouncing Monday. "T" came by with her hubby's cordless drill and helped me install the new part not a perfect fit but close enough for Govenment work. Later she brought Hubby by to fix the brake lights we had trouble with. I ran the kids home afterwards. Talked to "V" in Tacoma, been quite awhile since I last heard from her.

Fri..Tail light/cops/ ITG/Thai restaurant

2005-04-11T00:18:00.000-04:00

When I finally got up, made phone calls all over looking for that damned car part. went though the entire phone listing and only had one lead. Was a good drive but I located the wreckage yard for the part. Actually it was for the opposite side that I needed. I came to find out but I took it anyway and made due. On the way home wouldn't you know it? I get pulled over by the locals after all these months! I show em my ID but they let me sweat it alittle before cutting me loose. They were al;ittle annoyed that I went so long with the bad stickers. I understood and promised I'd get it taken care of now that I finally got that friggin part. I alsp stopped in and got my hair cut and bought some needed supplies. Went with "C" to ITG to thank John for the kind gift for "C" Bday. He added some real peally rls to the sword tassle "T" bought. Also been meaning to stop in and see if he has any healing remedies that might be helpful while I wait for the MRI Sat. He was nice enugh to rub in some special oil from Beijing and add a heat patch. "C" picked up a spear and I bought 2 Tai Chi DVDs *42Yang comp and 42 yang striaghtsword)with companion books. Afterwards "C" and I went to this Thai Restaurant, it was ok, the food was good but I thought the portions were small for what I paid. I broke my veggie vow for the night and had my fav Chicken coconut soup and Fried Calamari. Came home and checked out the new DVDs which were of impressive quality.

Thurs..Moment of truth..Time off

2005-04-10T00:22:00.000-04:00

After a crazy ass night topped off with a goofy arrest of a trespasser at the Hospital I finally goes in for the verdict. Was supposed to see him early but this arrest dragged things on and when I was done, He was in a meeting. I also realized that my appointment was today as well so I'm SO not getting sleep today. Well they let me have it with a Written! This is sooo wrong. 10 days over the time limit. I don't even get to hear the tape. Most of all I really didn't do anything wrong! Seems "The Powers that be" pushed for suspension. They settled for a written. Well its done, time to move on. Got home with about an hour before my appointment. Decided it was best not to sleep or I won't get back up intime. I get to the docs and the good thing is..My self imposed diet has been effective. My blood pressure was actually good! I havn't heard that in years! The last time they made it sound like I'll be on blood pressure meds.for sure.THey were more concerned with my blood pressure than the injury which brought me to their attention. That was enough to convince me that I need to take this seriously or else! I've been on them before as a matter of fact. I foolishly took myself off them mainly out of laziness. Now I don't need them provided I keep up the good work. I feel I spent my prime years being out of shape and unattractive, atleast to my satisfaction. I've got 15 years left to be a hottie! *LOL* THe bad news or atleast potential bad news is that he also thinks the knee is a possible maniscus tear as well. I'm scheduled for an MRI on the 16th to find out for sure, hopefully. We'll take it from there. Until then He gave me 4 nights off and a script for cataflam for pain and swelling..I wasn't complaining. Ben and Boxie were a no show for class but Young John and Jeana were. Ran them through basics. Jeana pulled off unassisted arials! I can teach anything! *LOL*

Wends Gretchen

2005-04-09T01:35:00.000-04:00

Got sent home early to make up for what was owed my last Fri and consolation I'm thinking for seeing the Capt despit the contract agrrement which technically is in violation since the 30 day time limit is up. Went to the market and picked up a few things. Made phone calls and set appointments for the doc for Thurs. Got in alittle guitar practice. Then off for coach's. Knee still not up to doing more than teaching class, and helping out. Sparring class was good. As well as Language. I go out to my car and a discover my taillight asmbly that I had duct taped fell off somewhere between home and here. Lovely! Like I need this right now! I get Jose to drive me to PeP Boys for some of that Emergency tailight film since the part dept told me they don't carry parts for a car as old as mine. My 8oclock rolls around but I'm late starting cause I'm still taping up my tail.It was nice to see Gretchen has returned. First time I've seen her since we first met weeks ago. I assumed she quit. Seems she ws just ill. Should be no surprise everyone else has been with this YoYo weather. She was surprised I remembered her name. Why should that be a surprise? Kung fu girls always get my attention. As luck would have it coach appointed me her tutor for Longfist. We covered nearly all of the routine. I think we get along well. Going into work early, anticpatiing the meeting in the morning, how it will go.

Tues Birthday

2005-04-09T00:54:00.000-04:00

Got home from work just slept my ass off all day. Atleast I had "C"s gift in the car. Hoped to get up intime to perhaps get a card but she got home before I could do that. Knee still isn't much better. Have other things on my mind as well. Namely finally facing the Capt about this bussiness. At the very least that will be over and I can get on with my life. Was thinking about taking "C" put for dinner since theres' no class on Tues nights anymore but she's still in a bad way. We ended up watching the Metallica DVD I bought her and it was surprisngly good. Got me inspired to play some more guitar.Work as was busy.

Mon Errands/Shopping

2005-04-06T02:30:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is "C" birthday, 51! I get up early to make breakfast for her she heads into work, she's still pretty bad with her coughing. I worry. Too much like my own close call with pnumonia back in 2001. Will have to keep an eye on her. "TCM" swings by needing a ride back from the car dealer's after dropping off the Mustang she rented for the weekend. We have an hour to kill. I don't miss the futon at all. After I drop her off. I have to run to atleast 3 banks to get the necessary funds together and get that deposit in for the cellphone bill! Atleast everything is covered. I stop at Walmart to browse for a gift and I pick up a decent knee brace for myself. I settle for the Metallica DVD documentary Some kind of Monster, I know she's a big fan. I buy the classic TheWind and the Lion for myself, a fav movie from when I was a kid. I stop into my fav store next door. Miss Vicky is working which means her fiance Will is there and Cocoa the Rottweiller is there as well. Vicky is amazing. A Yoga instructor who just has a way about her. It's hard to keep my eyes off of her. I hope I don't make her feel too uncomfortable, She caught me staring atleast once. I finally get
home and check my messages. "L" IMs me. She just broke up with her "Boyfriend" for good and her divorce is finalized tomorrow. It also seems she may be in the Philly area sometime in the near future and may be up for much needed "distraction". This peaks my interest in that she pretty much decided that her "curiosity" was satisified and that chapter in her life was done. We'll see what happens. I watch my DVD, eat alittle then crash on the couch for a bit. I like that I can prop my leg up which is more comfortable for me. "C" comes home sounding terrible. I fix her a hot cup of tea. She' goes to bed early and I don't stay up much later myself.

Sunday..Hate and dissent

2005-04-04T18:49:00.000-04:00

Not sure if the knee is getting better or worse. Thinking worse. The crappy rain continued well into shift. Being Sat night into Sun Morn. It was party central so it was prety busy. We were out of cars so I was forced to take the bike out. Tentative to peddle at first I was suprised that it wasn't too bad at all. That is until I tried a steep grade. I think that was a mistake. Not sure but I think I felt a slight something or other give in the knee and I knew to back off. I went inside to hide for a bit and get warm. Also the brace slid down a bit and was cutting off the circulation. It needed adjustment.I just looked forward to going on my RDOs. Afterwards I got home and slept. Only to rise again to pick the kids up for class. This was special cause "M" specifically intends to return to competition and I made a point to get some gear for her. They were alittle slow getting ready. I was beginning to stress. but I could see they made a genuine effort for me so I let it slide. The new kid john was there and he brought his dad who turned out to be a blackbelt from someone I met before. I was pretty impressed with him and it made for more interesting training. Jeana showed a little later that I expected but jumped in seamlessly. The big thing was Ben. I called ahead to let Boxie know the Cheerleaders were back this Sunday which meant our fortune had run out as far as staying in the room til 5pm as we did the last 2 Sundays classes. So we were done by 3pm. Would you believe Ben walks into class with Boxie and the girls at 2:45? What the Fuck is the point of that? A total waste of everyones time. Well more Boxie, the girls and Ben's. Thing is this is nothing new with Ben. I've been dealing with him for a number of years and this really doesn't surprise me, actually it classic Ben. The shame is what it's doing to Boxie and the girls. He's cheating them. Boxie definately wasnt' happy he later over the phone related other strains in the relationship with Ben.. Seems Ben is only really interested in sparring, for his personal gain as a tournament fighter. I guess he kinda wants what I had when I was his age. Don't blame him really. I did have alot of fun. But I knew then as I do now there is a hell of alot more to martial arts skill than winning trophies at a tournament as fun as that can be. I learned it loses alot of luster when you are pressured to consistantly win, to enhance your ratings and your percieved status on the team.. It gets old quickly. So does living out of a suitcase, hotel rooms, airfares, food, taxi's and paying for everything out of your own pocket. Atleast I can say I did it and I gave it a hell of a shot too. Ben claims he also wants to start a serious school but what can he teach them? He's a semi talented fighter but can he articulate what he does and pass it on to a student? Is there a serious draw for tournament fighting that it will support the salaries of 4 adult blackbelts? Ben hasn't learned a really new skill in as far as I can tell..8 years. In the last 8 years I've learned atleast 14 new hand forms and weapons routines, earned another Blackbelt rank in another art. With a working knowledge at an instructing level of 3 more. The point I'm trying to make is NOT that I know more than Ben knows. My point is that Ben has failed to grow in 8 years. He is one dimenional, that he fails to see his limitations. That he thinks he can build a school based on solely that at the expense of the others. Even the marginally talented "Belt Factory" types that are so rampant yet seem to maintain a degree financial success are atleast multi dimensional and seem to offer more that just "sparring" for their curriculum. Ben is counting on me to provide the knowlege he does not have but I'm only one man. Something happens to me or I'm unavailable to teach for a period of time what happens? I just hope he learns from this misstep of dragging his feet to class 15 mins before it's all over. So far thats been atleast 3 times in about 6 weeks. The other drama came in the form of the Cheerleading class that chases us out. About 8 or some odd girls walk in during our last 15 mins. Sat down and watched us while they waited for their intructor to arrive. That in itself didn't bother me. I felt perhaps we might be of interest and maybe pickup a student. It seems that Jeana saw them do something in a "mocking way" of us which upset her. Jeana's father also brought up the issue that any other class would not be allowed to walk into the room until the other class has finished. Something that I personally wasn't aware of. While we were discussing this the Cheerleader coach interjected into our discussion "You don't need to talk behind our backs!" "I wasn't here so I'm not to blame for the girls coming in" Etc etc. It was getting ugly quick so I nipped it in the bud. We didn't need a shouting match between adults with children there looking on. So I made sure she understood that it would not happen again and we all can get on with out lives and the we all left. The rain was coming and when we all cleared out. We ordered another pizza and I gave "M" another driving lesson.

Sat.. Deluge/Rest/ Driver training

2005-04-04T10:46:00.000-04:00

Was a crazy night at work. Raining like all getout. You'd think that would calm everyone down? It didn't. Came home and slept. Coach let me know It was cool just to stay home and rest.I got up to call ahead to confirm. Due to the continued heavy rains he told me there was hardly anyone there anyway. It was a good day to stay home and save the gas as well as my knee. "R" was just gathering up her stuff to leave for the airport. About 4pm I picked up the kids and brought them back. "M" had been hinting for the longest about learning to drive. The fact that she's making and expressed an interest in training again has gone a long way with me so I finally decide this is as good a time as any. It also killed some time while the pizza was getting made. The big lot was empty so I give her a big surprise and pull in, then tell her to get on the otherside. OMG. So we've finally come to this? Scary. We do about 8 laps around the complex. THe first few times my heart was up in my throat. I remember when my dad tried to teach my mom first, then myself, then my sisters. He failed miserably each and every time. He drove for a living and expected perfection by osmosis.*LOL* My voiced peaked a few times on some mistakes she made but being an experienced teacher of 20 years I think I did pretty well in the patience dept."M" wasn't too shabby either. "C" has relapsed into an upper respiratory thing she went through a few weeks ago and is on the ropes. Perhaps the stress with her dad and stuff really brought down her resistance. She's been out of it for 2 days now. I crash on the couch to ty to catch some Z's before going in to wrok for my last night while the kids are on the Playstation. I get up and check the time and freak. Ive got 15 mins to make a 45 min trip! I'm just about to dial work and let them know I'll be late yet again! When I realize "C" changed the clocks on me ahead of time! WHew!

Fri: CellPhone bill/ Home training

2005-04-02T15:01:00.000-05:00

Got up this morning to a lovely message from "C" about the Cellphone threatening to be disconnected for past due charges! So I had to dash out and mail a check in that I know won't have enough cash unless I make a trip to the credit union first thing Monday and deposit some additional funds which hopefully wont be a problem. I may need "C"s help temporarily until the next pay check. We'll see. I finally dusted off the "Total Gym" and did some resistance work. Training Back, Chest and arms. "R" will be leaving for Fla. in the morning and "C" was away for a hospital visit. "R" was in need of some spinal adjustment which I obligued. Being alone in the house with her, a fellow could get some notions. But I guess some lines we best know not to cross. So I scurried to bed for my nap before my midnight but not before taking matters into my own hands.

Thurs..Poltace/ Right on! Right On! Fo' OverDrawn!

2005-04-02T14:40:00.000-05:00

Was online today and saw my friend "K" told her about my knee and she passed on a secret Chinese remedy known as a "poltace"that she made me keep secret. I had to run out to the store to buy the ingredients and "Cook up" on the stove then apply hot as I could stand on the affected area. I was pleasently impressed with the results. It's still not 100% but I think its now up to about 65%. Class was interesting in that a new boy started who's parents happend to be good friends with one of my Sgts. and his dad also happends to have once taught some form of martial arts, though the kid was fuzzy about the details. Boxie and Ben showed , they brought Briseana with them too. She could be a real talent if she stays consisitant. Ran the class more like sparring mode for tonight. Got to use the harness and bungee cord gear for Ben and Boxie. My knee is still too sore to do much else. Rushed in to work. Tried to time some purchases including a knee brace, for when my pay is electronically deposited and came up Denied! Arrg! It finally went through about 1am or so.

Wens/ "Lunchdate"

2005-03-31T08:52:00.000-05:00

After "C" left for work and I cleaned up altittle, I logged on and did my usual routine of checking messages and what not. I was suprised to get a phonecall from "TCM", she had a little time on her hands before going into work and wanted to know if I was interested in "Lunch" over her place? Its been a good while for the both of us but I felt more comfortable meeting here. She agreed, but I thought she cancelled cause she took so long to get here. She finally rolls around. I learned the bed is much better than the futon. After she leaves I plop down infront of the TV to try out a bit of advice she gave me about the the DVD player. To my surprise it seems to be working fine. I noticed everything was totally turned off and that seemed to due the trick. I guess it really needed to "rest" I watched XMEN2 United and the tournament DVD from last years Capitol Classics from DC. I think I gleaned some useful information that I can use as drills for the upcoming sparring classes to better prepare us for future competitions. I missed the oppritunity to go to Mr. Lee and see if he can do something with my knee. I barely made it to Coach's in time for the sparring. I know he wouldn't be happy to see me injured. He was shocked to see me limping in. Taught class implementing some drills I figured out and it seems to have went over well. Damned I'm good! *LOL* The language class was fun as usual. I sat out my 8oclock and ended up tutoring a student who's been away to Japan for the last 2 months. Thought about picking up Boxie again but decided come straight home afterwards. I had a Stallone protien shake, did my messages and went to bed. Probably wouldn't have been as tired had I not rushed out the house without taking the afternoon dose of my Stallone stims. Hahaha. Too late at night to take, I'd just lie awake staring at the ceiling. Might as well wait til morning and get the most out of the day.

Tues/ Inspiration..Boys night out..Sort of

2005-03-30T23:02:00.000-05:00

When I was at the market I bought the premier issue of SLY magazine by Sylvester Stallone. WHich caters to my very fears. I think he sensed a growing untapped market of 40 and 50somethings who dread what lies ahead in life. So he launches a magazine and a line of health products devoted to fighting Father time. He'll be a gazillionare I bet. His mag is actually quite good. is useful information from fashion, exercise, nutrition and food suppliments and written in a humorous manner which I really enjoy. I went right out to the GNC to pick up some of his stuff. The sticker shock gave me pause But I plucked down my "hard earned" anyway, to hell with overdue cell phone bills this is MORE important dammit! **LOL** I'm 45 years old and the average life expectancy ends at 75! I've got about 20 years left, plus or minus 5 to really have a good time and the rest to prepare my funeral arrangements. Pathectic or what? Considering that I don't have tons of money to enjoy a nice retirement. I'll probably not live to retire! I know my dad didn't..He worked his ass off only to die at age 52 without every really enjoying the payoff he worked so hard for. Sorry if my whining is killing everyones mood. But I think that has alot to do with why I make some of the questionable decisions I do. Well anyways, Some of Sly's (He likes it when I call him that!) stuff was effective enough to motivate me to clean up the damned computor room, or atleast get a start on it. I also put in 3 loads of laundry. The frustrating part was now I'm amped to workout but my sore knee is preventing me from doing anything substantial so I work on the computor room instead hoping to locate that old knee brace I had. Hate to buy a new one cause those arent' cheap! Also since the tournament I want to dust of the training gear I want to use to improve our sparring. Tues night used to be a night I taught which was for the last 15 years atleast. Now nothing. Also my night off I'm totally bored. I go cruising around and decided to pickup Boxie. I know he'd appreciate getting out of the house and I never had him over to check out my stuff like my magazines and DVD collection.He was like a kid in a candy store when he saw all of my gear.He was also amped from the last tournament. It's been nearly 7 years since he last competed and now I got him all excited again. Guess we feed off of each other. We lost alot of time in the near 12years since the divorce so it was nice to hang out. He's 50 years old, heavy smoker and drinker, no car, no driver's license and share a house with 2 other guys not much better off than he is. Compared to me, I got it real good. All relative I guess.

MON/ Change of Plans

2005-03-30T08:45:00.000-05:00

I ended up going into what I thought would be my last night before my 2 days off. Thinking I'll get by. I get called into the Supv office for a favor and was asked to work an additional night then my 2 nights off would commence then plus alittle "Slide" time to boot to cover a shortage on the shift.Which worked fine. Afterwards I came home and babied my leg as best I could. Just sleeping the most of the day away I could before returning to work that night for more of the same. Pretty much and uneventful shift.I was cut loose early to my delight. "R" was up from Florida for her BiMonthly tour so I stopped by the market and picked up some much needed supplies. Made coffee for her before she ran out the door. Then my customary Breakfast sandwich for "C" then alittle guitar practice, getting better at "Sao Paolo" which is cool, then sleep, more rest for the knee which isn't really improving all that much I'm sorry to say. Perhaps recovery may take more time than I first thought which doesn't bode well.

Sun Stresses

2005-03-28T02:35:00.000-05:00

Got up this morning. The knee was still alittle sore but I think I got lucky with it. Just need to baby it for awhile. Luckily I really don't have anything pending such as classes for a few days. Today was Easter, Mondays aren't a thing and I recently cancelled my Tuesday night class. "C" drove back up to Bethlahem Pa to visit her dad in the hosp so I have the house to myself pretty much. Havn't decided what I'll do as far as the kids are concerned. Rose is supposed to come up for the week. Looks like another one bit the dust as far as my side distractions are concerned. I seem to be in a bad trend these last few weeks. Everyone is turning on me. Now it's "S" who flew up from Nebraska during the week of my Bday. She stayed in a hotel near the airport and I spent 3 nights with her. We had a great time. Drove her around a bit. But it looks like she was looking for more attention than I could give her given the circumstances. This morning she was just fed up and gave me both barrels via email. She called me last night, granted I told her I'd call her back but I was on the phone longer than I planned with Boxie. I was exhausted and injured from the tournament. THis morning She mistakened my signing off AOL as ignoring her when my comp froze up as usual and I booted. 10mins later I signed on again and I got a hatemail from her. She must have been online when my comp froze. I let her know if she's gonna be like that then we dont need to be associated anymore. I discovered the DVD player I got for "C" is on the skitz. I finally gave up on it and just crashed for the day. I decided I'll probably go in for work tonight and just take it easy with the knee. "C" comes home all tense. Havning lot to do with the shitty weather and the holiday traffic. Seems her dad is in a bad way, not only with just the surgery but his heart is giving him Hell as well. I think we all know he's not long in this world, But "C" acts out stressing over the house not being clean and "R" is due to arrive, who is kinda missing in action, we think it's holiday traffic related. I finally lose my temper and we're screaming at each other. fianlly I get my head together and patch things up. She's sorry too. Then I fly to work. The LT let me know of some concerns with some pending action and I gotta deal with that stress as well. Just gotta hang on til the morning.

Sat D-Day! Competition

2005-03-27T00:49:00.000-05:00

Brought "K" and "M" home to sleepover and make the trip in the morning to the event easiar. We had pizza and watched movies etc. I got up early to get thing going. Making breakfast and getting the green bomb emptied out since "C" wasn't up to getting up to the event after the long day she's had with her dad in the hosp. Despite everything I still was behind schedule getting out on the road. It all worked out however because these things never run ontime. This was a new location and actually an improvement in my opinion in ease of direction etc. Jeana was already there, Boxie,Ben and Todd were on the way. Late naturally because of Ben. But again of no consequence. Jeana was up first in weapons using her new sword routine and took first. This tournament was more accomodating with granting her room to perform. Her stances were way too high, perhaps nervousness with the new routine but it was sufficient for first which was a beautiful statuette of General Kwan on horseback, not the typical plastic trophies common at these events. Brandon from coach's school was up next with the same routine but only better because he got lower and and can perform the aerial cartwheel! I thought a worthy performance of atleast 2nd place. The trouble though was #1 he was only 3rd up in a huge division, so the scores from lesser abled performers naturally crept up higher over time. #2 I thought the scores were still lower than he deserved From the Kung fu judges. You'd think we get better scores from fellow Chinese styliest kungfu brothers but it actually works against us because #1 we're a threat to them since our routines are more dramatic compared to theirs also they feel we're just imitators and not true kungfu martial artsits, more like dancers. We actually tend to get better scores from karate judges. #2 Two out of those 3 judges were from the same kungfu school with their students in that ring. So Brandon got nothing for his efforts. "K" was up in the same ring for forms with Nanquan. To my embarassment and fault, I forgot to iron his uniform and it was terribly wrinkled, he also had the same judges Brandon had and he too had nothing to show for his efforts. Jeana was up for handforms and took another `1st place and up for girls grands. Kent fought and lost a heartbreaker in his first match and was done for the day. My heart goes out to my little one. He was a trooper though. I know he was disappointed as I was but I give him al the crediti in the world. Jeana didn't win grands but I think I know what to work on with her. "M" hillarisously and quickly sketched Jeana performing a jumpkick to a judges head knocking him out to air her disapproval. I had to admit I thought Jeana should have won it too. Brandon did win a first in sparring. Not bad for a first timer! Jeana won her first match and pulled off some impressive kicks. Her 2nd match. She pulled the hugest girl with some long legs and great kicks. I think she was a bit intimidated and settled for 2nd. I see what I need to work on with her there also. I got roped into judging and nearly missed my weapons div. luckily I spotted the ring going on and weaseled my way in, pulling off a 2nd place. Oddly enough the 2nd place trophy is actually nicer in apperance than the 1st place trophy. Everyone else said the same thing. I suspect there was some kind of mixup when they were glueing on the plates *LOL*. Next up was forms and Boxie and I were in the same div. Box performed a respectible Bassai and I, Nanquan. We both finished out of the top 3 but atleast they gave us the nice statuettes. I was shocked at how low on fuel I was running! I wisely ended my routine early. Finally it was time for battle. Ben was up first and easily won. I wanted him to milk out the match a little to get a better warm up. Then Ben pulled a tough match next with the guy that knocked him out 2 years ago in the continuous div. To Ben's credit, he followed my advice and was winning. But the time ran out before Ben could finish him off and he settled for 2nd. Todd was up and fought a great fight. I think this was the best match I seen him perform but had to settle for 3rd when he ran out of gas. Atleast Boxie, Ben and I have each other to train with. Unfortunatley Todd is alone in DC. We'll have to figure something out for him. Then it was mine and Boxie's turn in Executives. Fortunately they divided us up into light and Heavywieghts. I won my match faily easily which pisses me off all the more, because I unecessarily injured myself trying to be entertaining, by throwing a cartwheel kick that missed but hit from the ground. I injured myself by landing and jarring the side of my right kee. Dangerously straining the ligament. It knocked me out of fighting for the grands which included the Belt and the prize money. Bobby Harris walked away with it unchallenged. I just thought it wasn't worth further damaging my knee for a match I would not likely win due to my inactivity in competition. There was one last thing that happened. We all were roped into judging the weapons grands and Ben who has never judged before, gave a score that was a bit out of the park from the rest of us. It made for an ugly moment when therewere protests. I fault myself for making the spread a bit wide for having only 3 competitors so it was a learning experience for us all. Ironically the competitior that had the issue was the judge that cost Brandon and "K" placings in their forms divs. Perhaps a little justice was served? All in all is was a great showing for our TEAM despite how the placings fell. It even inspired "M" to say to my delight and surprise that she want to compete again! I thought I'd never live to hear those words from her lips. This is more than I could have hoped for. I only hope she means it. Ben originally planned for the guys to go out later that night. I didn't count on getting injured however. The last thing I need is a serious knee injury. I just got over the elbow from a fall from the bike last December. As my body cooled, the knee swelled and was sore. I played it safe and stayed home to ice it down and wrap it. By pure instinct and past experience. I think I just strained it and there really isn't much that can be done for it short of surgery and if its THAT bad I would already KNOW THAT.. I'll just call out of work tonight which will take me into my next 2 RDOs and I'll just rest it up then we'll see from there.

FRI..Sorry for Confusion/Overslept/ Sunrise Tavern

2005-03-25T04:21:00.000-05:00

I decided to change the name of my Blog for personal reasons. I hope this doesn't throw off the vast multitudes of Loyal fans. I promise to remain true to the spirit of the original blog I started of "Edge of your seat" Excitment in journalism. THe rest of the shift went smoothly. Got home and played alittle guitar then went to bed. I figured it was early enough that I didnt need to set the clock for 4pm...WRONG! I should have known by the way my dreams were going that I was over sleeping. The weirder and more vivid they are that I can remember them the later I've been sleeping. I finally woke up and it was 6:30 pm and I was way too late to even try to get to coach's. I was supposed to run a testing for him. They started without me and luckily Robert was there to pitch in although he's only 16 max. I was afraid to talk to coach on the phone but he took it pretty well. I also got on the phone with Ben who turns out has strained his back alittle from last night. Tood was just arriving from DC and I hooked up with Boxie to retrieve ""C"s book. While there we decided to blow off some steam and hung out at the Sunrise Tavern for a spell. It was nice to get out for a few brews and chat a bit. Afterwards I dropped him off I picked up "K" and "M" to save me the trouble in the morning.

Thurs Cramming

2005-03-25T03:08:00.000-05:00

Made a new contact, Daphne from the site, a Dom, interesting, but we get cutoff. THen from out of the blue Steph from Tenn rises from the dead and sends me a letter, we'll see what happens from there. Got up early and fixed some breakfast for "C" Then checked my mail. Daphne explains that there a prob with Chat so hopefully we can get reacquainted soon. I sleep in for most of the day knowing I have to work tonight but only for one night sicne I took Fri and Sat night off for the tournament. Got an intersting call from Mike Cappi's karate school wanting my email addy to send infor of his upcoming tournament in May. We'll see what happens. Not sure if I want tocome back or not but probably will f nothing better is happening. I don't think Jeana want to return but I might bring "K" if he's not too busy. Tonight is practically the last real night to prepare. I get to the club alittle late due to the Electrician coming out to the house for yet a third time to nail down the lighting problem. "C" stays behind while I go in. Jeana is the only one there but atleast I get to work with here withou interuptions. Boxie and Ben finally show around 9. I'm not very happy buts I know it aint Boxie's fault since I know what Ben's like. No real time for me to gear up and Boxie andI need to go over his kata for Sat. Its been years since I did a karate kata. Had to refer to "C"s book but it finally came back to us. I also put Boxie, Ben, and Jeana through some good sparring drills. I was shocked to see Ben get so winded on the simple drills, also had the annoying habit of taking off all of his gear when resting making us wait for him to get it back on. I told everybody that I took off Fri night and we may get in one last workout but I forgot Coach is having a testing so I'll be busy with that. I still need to hookup with Boxie and get "C"s book back. She wasn't happy that I loaned it out. Seems "TCM" is having some major drama at home between her son and husband. So we'll see what happns there as well. Just one night on duty then off again for two. Wonder why I just didn't took 3 nights off?

Wends A door closes, another opens?

2005-03-24T02:05:00.000-05:00

Stayed up all night trying to get my mind off of "D". Watched White Chicks on DVD drank Beer coolers and watched some MTV until dawn before getting to bed. Didn't get up til late in the afternoon. Woke up thinking about her and took matters into my own hands once again. Checked my cell and found a missed call from her. Called her back and she later returned. Last night we parted as freinds with the door open for possibly more but I guess overnight she thought about things and decided she should be angry and dumped me today for good. Defensive mechanism working I guess. I don't blame her really. Though I didn't care for her reasons. Saying I "Duped her" all of a sudden. That "I knew her intentions were to start a relationship" Well if it makes her feel better by making me the bad guy..Oh well then. A door closes. Got to class late with the crappy weather, just in time for the language class which went ok but I didn't get the chance to stop by work before hand to pick up my notes I left there but I made it through I guess. "TC" stopped in and we chatted. Seems there's alittle discontent in the school. Coach has raised his rates and some have quit. Figures why I havn't seen Doris and Michele around and especially Dominic and family. Wushu class was good however despite everything. He kept it basic with forms and weapons. Nothing new with Mantis. What we went over was quite enough actually. Oddly enough Will Cellphoned me earliar but never made it in to class. Perhaps the weather kept him back too? I think the trailmix before class was a good idea. kept my energy levels up and I felt good during the run. On the way home stopped in at work to take my name off of the OT list for Fri. Didn't think things through when I put my name on. The LT was there wondering what I was doing in on my night off. He sort of slipped up when he asked me about a document he thought I already recieved about this ongoing investigation. He then realized he jumped the gun, so I guess I can expect something in the near future. joy. I then went to the market near home for some needed supplies. I seem to be doing well with this new selfimposed diet. Staying veggie or meatless I should say, is so much easiar with the BOCA and Morningstar line of products. Except for nastalgia purposes there really is no need to go back to meat. Who'd beleive I'd ever say that? I do plan to enjoy a real steak to celebrate my dad's birthday (Aug 3rd) however, with fresh plain strawberrys for dessert. It was his favorite. I feed my dead.
It was my fondest memory of him. When I took him out to dinner to a very fancy restaurant to celebrate his upcoming wedding to his 2nd wife. I learned some things about him that night. Little things like strawberries and a good steak. We were two men out together.

Tues..Confession!

2005-03-22T23:53:00.000-05:00

The rest of the shift passed smoothly. Even got sent home early as custom on my last night on. Now I just had to stay up for the Electrician. I didn't like the tone of how "D" signed off. She texted and I chose not to respond and that hurt to do that. During the shift she called about 2am or so. Just as a job went down. I didn't answer either. When that was done I returned the call but she already turned her phone off for the night. Fine. PErhaps we needed this to happen. If she's this pushy about getting into my private life then maybe I need to know this before hand. Might make things easiar to tell her about my situation. Still coming home I kept finding myself checking for her messages. After the Electirician left I found myself tossing and turning throughout the day. Ended up staying in bed until 9:30 PM. I get that way when I'm in a Depression. "C" came home and advised me that she'll be spending the night at her parents. Her father goes into surgery at 6:30am and it will be better if she starts out now as opposed to getting up and making the drive in the morning. makes sense. When she leaves I log on Victoria IMs me. I beat her to it and let her know that I know she's back in NC. That suprised her alittle.Even more that I actually came out to the shop, she thought I found out over the phone. I let her know I was upset over the news but I understood. She had to signoff. On her way to a job interview in the LE field. Then I spot "D" online. We touch base and clear the air about yesterday. One things leads to another and I let her know that my private life is a bit complicated. She hints that I might be dumping her or that I may be telling her that "I'm already seeing someone" I tell her perhaps this conversation should wait until I can see her face to face but she insisted that she can handle it over the phone, that it would be worse to wait until Friday night as I suggested, having to "stew" until then thinking the worst. Makes sense to me. God knows I hate "stewing" I call her up and tell her everything. In the long run I know its the best thing all the way around but despite her saying she was ready..she wasnt' and she was hurt. She did take it better (or so she lets on) than I expected.

Mon Dogs and "D"

2005-03-22T03:26:00.000-05:00

The shift started out ok enough. Night air was pleasent. On Bike, I just settled in and on the cell with "D". Sat on a bench talking when out the corner of my eye I caught the flash of a camera. Some photo jerk snapped my pic. By the looks of his equip he probably was with the campus rag. Totally pissed me off. Like I need to see my pic in the mornings edition with me on the bench chatting away on the phone. Had the good mind to throttle his ass and take the film out of his camera. I let it go ofcourse but ruined my mood for the night. Again "D" hinted at coming out to the event and I gave her the usual evasive manuever. This is getting to be a problem. She could tell I was no longer in a chatty mood anyway so we ended. Got a call about a woman in a blg who locked herself out of her office with all of her stuff inside including her damned dog! We don't have interior keys and nor did Facilities. If she couldn't get a hold of a colleige with keys she was SOL. She was locked out for nearly 2 hrs and desparate. I decided give it a shot and tried the credit card "Jimmy" trick you see in Movies and such. Damned if it didn't work! Hahahahaa! Well that changed my mood for the better and the rest of the shift went well afterwards. I even got approved for taking off for the weekend event. After the shift I waited on the Electirician to showup and hopefully finally fix this prob with the lights. He calls late then finally reschedules for Tues which messes up my plans for scoping out this TaiChi program up on campus. "TCM" calls me up in the afternoon. Probing for a possible "lunch date" sometime soon. Its been quite awhile. My first impulse is to end it but I know me and when its available like that I have no scruples. "D" catches me online and IMs me. Again hinting about this weekend then outright asking me. I think I hurt her feelings. This is just something I'm not ready to address atleast not before seeing her in person. She finally sighns off and the tone was not good. THis is going South quickly.

Sunday/Class crunch time, Sleep Depriv

2005-03-21T03:02:00.000-05:00

Coming off a pretty busy shift. Got home to only 3 hrs sleep then up again to pickup "K" for class. Probably his last op before Sats upcoming comp. Luckily his mom decided to work with me on this and did me a big "Solid" and met me half way to save some time. It was nice to see Jim in class again and also cool was "T"s Husband who is the prior owner of the Green bomb felt compelled to come out and tune up the car out of sheer boredom. Plus it settled up on what they owed me for selling them a uniform. Funny he found some serious problems with the carb which was just hanging on by a thread. Seems the vibrations shoot the screws loose and tightened them up. This could have meant some serious shit for me later if left undiscovered. Man, if he only knew? Todd showed up from DC which was cool got in some good sparring time with him. Always good to work with him. "k" and Jeana also benefitted. Good to get "K" working on his form and Jeana oddly enough had some trouble which I'm glad we found out now as oppsed to Sat. I think we ironed out some stuff. "D" however has been dropping hint that she wanted to come out to the comp and see me. That would have been problematic to say the least. This issue definately has to be addressed. I can tell she was disappointed that I avoided saying yes. I think she got the hint. We all went to dinner at the American again. Laura greeted me at the door but I goofed and didn't insist to be seated at her tables which sucked. I thought the Hostess would have caught on. Oh well.
Barely got "K" home before I collpased. Only to sleep just another 3 hrs before I was up again for another shift.

Sat Disappointment/Anger/Victoria

2005-03-20T05:12:00.000-05:00

The day started out pretty ok. Claud was away for her brothers Bday. So I had the house to myself. Got up in time to go to class. Barely. Just Brandon and whacky Jacky. I impressed coach with some newly learned phrases which got a big smile out of him. I immediatley went to pick up "K". Then decided to finally give it another shot and scope out Victoria's workplace. She's been kinda expecting me to stop in. But with the latest drama and subsequent need to work more hours just made things too hard. Well I finally find the place. It seems I quit too early the last time I tried to find the place. Luckily this time "K" spotted a work truck with the company logo on it and foud the place. I had him wait in the car while I got up the nerve to go up to the door. I seriously considered waiting until I was better dressed and a better time in the day where she wouldn't have clients or other workers. She said if she didn't make a sale by the end of the month she would pack it in and return to NC. I hoped something would happen for her. I thought I spotted her walking by and I guess I drew some attention. I finally got up the nerve and walked in. The receptionist and an agent I thought was her at first asked me if I needed help and I asked for her. My heart sank when she told me the news that Victoria quit and left for NC Wensday. She didn't even finish out the month. Nor did she say goodbye in anyway by phone or email. I guess the woman could tell by the look on my face what I was feeling. Maybe Vicky told her about me? I didnt know what to make of all this and it preoccupied my mind for the remainder of the day. The best I could come up with is that perhaps she felt it would be easiar for the both of us that she left ubuptly,perhaps she deliberatley told me "he end of the month"to ensure I didn't come out before then. Still it wasn't easy to take. The thought that she's been in the area since the summer and now is gone and we never the chance to see each other. We were supposed to have lunch atleast. At frst she felt she wasnt' ready to see me yet then when she said she was ready I wasn't. and Now it's too late. I hope she doesn't return to NC feeling defeated. She's been through Hell. Left to fend for herself as a child, raped as a teen, forced to beat a man to death in the line of duty, and most recently shoot another to death after herself being shot and now is returning the place of all that pain.. Philly was supposed to be a new lease on life for her. It just didn't workout it seems. Any of it. I feel I failed her too. Not coming out soon enough. Not being able to take her in or even provide any leads for a sale. The day started out happy and turned to this. Later I went to the Karate store and chatted with Will for awhile. "K" played with Cocoa the Rottweilller. I bought shin pads for him and a DVD for myself. I brought "K" home and tried to take my mind off of it but found it too hard to sleep. I finally got up. Got a pizza for him. then dressed for work. Atleast "K" game me some comfort.

Friday

2005-03-20T05:09:00.000-05:00

Things went pretty well with the Bank detail. Been awhile since I worked it. Hardly anyone still there that I knew. No biggy. Brought my magazine and my Mandarin texts and notes. GOt in some much needed practice. Finally got home about 3:00 and not to bed until 4:30. Hated getting up and going in but we all do what we must. SHift went fairly smoothly. But came home tired from working two shifts.

Thurs

2005-03-20T05:05:00.000-05:00

Got another Electircian in and thought we solved the problem but it has c0meback. Last night off before going in early for some much needed OT at the Bank Went to the American Diner after sparring with Boxie and Ben. My fav waitress Karen served us again. Guessed I tepped my hand by letting her know that I remembered her name. She's just too damned adorable.

Wens Class, Gretchen no show, New guy

2005-03-18T04:38:00.000-05:00

After getting up and making calls to get an electician over, I heard from Lori who sadly told me that she cancelled her flight out to Florida with her final destination being in Africa for missionary work. She was to have a layover her for a few hours and I would meet up with her for lunch until her flight left. This would have been the first time we've seen each other in person since last June and before her GBypass operation. She has indeed lost incredible amounts of weight. A whole new world has opened up for her. Driving to coach's I give "D" a call. Man I am definately in a situation here with her. We are getting Deep into each other but I know I need to tell her about my situation before we can proceed. She drops hints about driving down to be with me. That would be a mistake until we clear things up. Telling her over the phone or text msgs just wont do either. It has to be in person. I'm thinking I'll try to cool things down but once we get to talking the conversation quickly gets hot. I get to coach's okay and sparring class is pretty good. I find out Brandon is interested in competing on the 26th so I gear the class for competition mode. Language class is good as well. But I really need to start boning up before hand and really look over my notes. Fortunately last week nearly everyone else didn't make it in so this was pretty much a repeat which worked in my favor. Wushu class was interesting that we had a new guy in but I was disappointed that Gretchen didn't show tonight. Class was run much like a Monday night conditioning class and we were pretty much worn into the ground but atleast Will went over the last moves of the Mantis form with me hopefully I'll retain most if not all of the movements. I came striaght home and went to bed early to prepare for the contractors to come over..

Tues

2005-03-16T23:52:00.000-05:00

AFter the shift, I got back to the shop to pay my bill. The owner joked about the brakes and bust my stones about now I can concentrate on getting the rest of the car street legal again. Got home and crashed for a bit. Felt good that another source of stress was behind me. Slept in a bit before it was time to teach class in what would be my last Tues night after 17 years! Just me and "C" for the most part until Boxie and Ben showed. "C" got to try out her new straightsword while the 3 of us sparred then I dashed off to work for my last night before my RDOs.

Monday

2005-03-15T02:48:00.000-05:00

Finally broke down and dropped the "green demon" off to the shop for brake work. After my shift ended and finished being interviewed over that drama. I left there in a semi depressed state yet again over this garbage. I just want to get on with my life ya know? Winning the lottery and starting my own bussiness never looked so good. I blew the op to get the cat to the vet but atleast I got Deanett's gift sent off to the mail. I got back home and did what I always do in a depression. EAT, DRINK and TAKE MATTERS INTO MY OWN HANDS. I had "C"s car so I got up in time to visit that new Chinese arts store I've heard so much about from Boxie and Tammy. It was a good time. THe store owner and I hit it off well. His knowledge and quality of wares are quite impressive. A goldmine actually. I joined his list of preferred customers and we bought stuff at incredible discounts. I have my eye on this Damascus steel "LiveBlade" straightsword
It would be the finest piece I've owned. I bought a Training wushu DVD and "C" bought a fine striaghtsword of her own. Tammy bought a couple of fans. We all left there happy. On drive back I picked up the Green demon and drove it to work. Nice to have brakes! *LOL* I'll return in the morning to pay for the service.