Apparently, even though over the last few years I've made a solid habit of locking the back of my camper when my bike is in it, last night somehow I failed to do so. To soften the blow, however, my sister was kind enough to lend me hers temporarily. This is hilariously bizarre and ironic, as my sister's bike originally belonged to me, and it was the same one that was stolen 2 summers ago, prompting me to buy the second one which has now also has been stolen... however, both thefts occurred under totally different circumstances. I plan on filling out a police report tomorrow, as I'm obsessive-compulsive and still have the original receipt and serial number. I've been playing my new Richard Wagner CD set to try and help myself chill out, and it's working.
In other news, I cut the backing board and a 5th shelf for the bookcase I'm working on in my shop class. Now I just need to get the trim for the 5th shelf, drill all the pin holes, attach the back, and put on a couple coats of clear lacquer. Gloss or semi gloss? You choose.
German word of the day: Gewalt (f) - Violence
Today was a considerably busy day. I fulfilled my final promise to my folks and vacuumed all the carpeting and baseboards of my old room, then helped set up their office furniture, fax, and computer in there. They didn't wait long to lay claim to the room, and I don't blame them. They're turning it into an at-home office, should be nice...
German word of the day: Meider (n) - Bodice
In other news, I found and relocated my 3rd Ÿber spider since I started moving my stuff into the new place. It was apparently making a home for itself in a box I've had in storage for about 4 years, mostly containing surplus batteries and emergency supplies. I guess he/she is a survivalist?
I generally consider television to be pretty worthy of abhorrence most of the time, commercials in particular. That belief, combined with the outrageousness of local monthly cable fees here, left me with only one option... to put my money where my mouth is and forego getting cable in my new place. I actually think it'll be an excellent idea, as I'll be forced to read more, listen to the radio, and actually go outside and do social things. Now, to spread my message to those who can be easily swayed or are generally of the same mindset...
German word of the day: Abscheu (m) - Disgust
This has been an eventful week, but there's one last thing I want to mention. Tonight I gave my ancient, half-broken bike back to the paths that have given me so much. After a brief ceremony at midnight, I set it free. I got my $90 worth... and the world.
German word of the day: Droschke (f) - Carriage
I had a few 'new apartment firsts' today. I found my first dead fly in one of my sliding window gutters, and I relocated my first spider. It is happier now.
German word of the day: Spider (f) - Spinne
In preparation of moving into my new place, I went out and bought ridiculous amounts of 'stuff' today. Specifically, kitchen stuff. I rid myself of all my hand-me-down dishes, glasses, pots, and pans years ago, so now I have an excellent opportunity to get some quality wares.
Amid the usually bizarre interactions with my family, tonight I built my mom a ramp going from the door to the garage down to the concrete floor. It will help my mom get into her car a lot easier in the morning, as it will be some time before she gets her cast off.
German word of the day: Zeug (n) - Stuff, trinkets
Today also marked a couple other noteworthy beginnings. The first being, this afternoon was my first day at the new job. I helped a couple kids with factoring and geometry, and after a couple hours of work I was driving home feeling pretty energized. It was a hell of a lot easier than my old job, where I worked twice as long and usually went home around 10 pm feeling drained and brain-dead. The second noteworthy event today was that my application for a new apartment was approved. If all goes well, I may be signing the agreement on Wednesday and getting my keys later this week. Should be an interesting experiment in life...
German word of the day: Held (m) - Hero
German word of the day: Etage (f) - Floor, story
I woke up this morning to the sad news that both Johnny Cash and John Ritter had died. I unfortunately was unable to gain a full appreciation of Johnny Cash until recent years, and all I can say is that his ability to be honest and forthright touched a lot of folks, including myself. The world has lost a universal son and a pillar of self-definition. Salute.
Additionally... with everyone else that grew up and/or watched tv in the early 80's, I remember Three's Company. John Ritter was as talented as he was funny, and will be sorely missed as well.
I spent most of the day attempting to make rallying speeches to high school classrooms, trying to get kids interested in the after-school tutoring program I'll be working in starting next Monday. On the drive back, the thermometer hanging from my rear-view mirror peaked at 120 and didn't budge the whole way. Needless to say, the weather's been a bit warm lately.
On a side note, my luck with women doesn't appear to be improving. Too bad for them... I'm stubborn.
"Love, is a burning thing..."
German word of the day: Knapp - scarce, meager
I know it's a little late, but Charles Bronson died a week ago today... sucks. RIP, mate.
Well this is interesting...
German word of the day: Gleis (n) - track, platform number, gate