MARCH JOURNAL ENTRIES
March 27, 2001 - Well, I'm in picturesque Pacific, Missouri on my vacation with Lori and her family. It's been a great time, but extremely BUSY! I got here Friday around 6:15pm CST. Lori's sister Lindy and the kids picked me up. They all had great big smiles on their faces when I stepped off the plane, and I'm sure I did too. :) We walked down to the baggage claim and after looking around awhile, found my baggage. We then drove back to where Lori works at Wal-mart in Eureka. The kids were talking a mile a minute and full of energy excited to see me. I was really happy. We went in and found Lori and had a bunch of hugs! Then I went to the toy dept. with the kids and let them pick out a little toy. (I meant to bring them a little surprise, but FORGOT! DOH!) Jessie got a Sno-cone maker, and Joe got some Pokemon cards and a rubber ball. We went out to Lori's car and Joe opened his cards. When Lori got off work, we went to Steak-n-Shake and had supper. Then we went back to Lori's mom's house and I was asleep in no time!
Saturday, we got up and went to the St. Louis galleria mall. We looked around some, then went and had lunch at Sbarro (italian food YUM!). Afterwards, we went to an arcade and played a bunch of games. We all had a great time! After the mall, we went bowling. We all bowled really well (considering). I won both games HA! bowling a 141 first game, featuring 3 strikes in a row at one point, and then a 126, second game, as I got tired. Everyone broke a hundred first game, so it was a good experience for all. After that, we went to Wal-mart and got fishing licenses and a couple of poles. Then went over to Lori's aunt and uncle's place. We went over to Sonic for food, and brought it back to her aunt and uncle's. They have a Sony Playstation, and we played games for a long time. Then we went back to Lori's mom's and the kids went to bed. Then me and Lori went to Blockbuster and got a few videos. (Black Sheep, The Jerk, and a Benny Hill video :))I fell asleep while watching Black Sheep. Oh well.
I'll pick up on the trip next journal entry. It's a great time so far. My digital camera is acting up, so I have no pics for now. I'm taking pics on a disposable camera, and when I get them developed, I'll have some great pics to show off! :)
March 22, 2001 - Hey! A consecutive journal entry! How bout that? Here is the link for the Montauk State Park, where I am going this weekend. Montauk State Park It looks like a fun place. I never imagined before I met Lori ever going to the state of Missouri for the rest of my life. But since I met Lori and have been going out there to visit, it's actually a pretty cool state.
I was thinking of dandelions today. I love warm weather. Usually, when I have mowed my yard in the springtime, I look across my yard the next day and my yard is full of tall dandelions. I normally say, "ARGGGHHHHH", and wish my yard could have a fresh clean look about it longer. Can you imagine the warm temperature, the smell of fresh cut grass, daylight at 8:30pm, and newly grown dandelions all over your yard? I can't wait til Spring and Summer. MAN! I miss dandelions!
I'm going out to eat tonight at Blue Bay Seafood restaurant with Mom & Dad, Pop & Mamaw, and Janice. I sure wish Lori & the kids, and Mike and Jessica could be here to go too. We're celebrating Dad's upcoming birthday, which will be March 26. Lori's birthday is March 29. Someday, we'll have a big joint party for them both. Sound good?
I just wanted to tell everyone to slow down and become aware of what's around you. The other day I was riding with Pop in his truck. He was driving (YIKES!!!!!!!) and I was looking around. We were going to his house from my folk's house on Hwy. 49. I grew up there and have traveled that road all my life. But I was really looking. I saw houses up in the woods or far off that I never saw before. Wow! It's amazing how short-sited we can be. Pay attention to the little things, and you'll be amazed too.
I have a real hankering to go to an amusement park. I want to go to Six-Flags with Lori and the kids really bad! I really enjoy the whole amusement park experience. You know, life ain't too bad. The Good Lord really makes the world pleasant for us. Look for the good. The bad is there, but let's sweep it under the rug and enjoy the good! :-D
March 21, 2001 - I got my evaluation yesterday here at work and my boss Ray told me I was doing good work. I got an "Above-Standard" rating. The only thing Ray told me to watch was getting here on time, as I have a habit of coming in 10 to 15 minutes late each morning. It's sooooo hard to get out of bed in the mornings. The bed is so warm and comfortable and I can't open my eyes! zzzzzzzzz I have a plan I'm going to put into effect when I return from Missouri. I'm going to get up at 5 am every morning and take my shower first thing, right off the bat. Come out of the bathroom, and get dressed. Then, I'm going to go take care of the Banjee boy. Hopefully, I'll have everything done by 5:30...in time to watch a very, very important program. If I watch this program every day, I can face my day with vigor and enthusiasm! What show is it? GILLIGAN'S ISLAND man!
I bought a basketball last night at Wal-mart. I'm going to start jogging down to the basketball court at Woodrun most days, shoot some hoops, then jog/walk back home. I need to get into shape very badly. I'm a big, fat, lazy, Beverly Hills 90210-watching fast food junkie right now. I've been working hard and getting organized, but my eating habits still leave a whole lot to be desired! I just love food so much.
2 more days and I leave to see Lori and the kids! I'm so excited. I heard Jessica on the phone this morning saying, "2 more days!!" It makes my heart happy to know they love me and look forward to seeing me that much. They are so wonderful, and I sure must have done something right to have Lori Ann and the children to come into my life. I can't wait until we're a family! Lori said it's supposed to be in the 70�s next week, and I get to spend more time than ever, so it's got all the makings of a GREAT week! We're going to Montauk State Park Sunday for some trout fishing, hiking, and anything else you might associate with nature. I'll put up a link for the place later so anyone that wants to can go read up on where I'm going! Lots of pictures will be taken too, so stay tuned at "The Adventures of Ken" link.
Remember, to use my forum. Post topics and let's use it to stay in touch with each other. Access it from my home page. It's the Bravenet forum. We're having fun with it so far, but I'd like to see more activity on there. Mikey has asked me to add a bluegrass music section to my site, so look for it soon! :)
March 16, 2001 - My brother Mike read what I put on my journal about wanting to go to the race Saturday and not really being able to afford it, and he called me yesterday and offered to pay my way. See what kind of brother I've got?? That gives me a good feeling!
It's 4 in the AM as I write this. I got here around 2:30 am, as we are running around the clock here while rebuilding the units. Things are going amazingly well. It feels funny though having so many people around here working. You know, I've worked here so long, that this feels like my home away from home. It feels like all these people are tinkering around my house! Isn't that sad? HaHa! When we get this place up to speed, I'm going to create a Mt. Pleasant Water Plant website, with lots of pictures and information. If it turns out like I hope, I'm going to give the URL in the town's water bills. That should be cool. I love the internet, and I really have a good time working on website stuff. I think I could make a career out of web design. It's like art.
My girlfriend really loves me. That makes me feel so great! I was thinking last night about some of the things I remember the most about being with her. I remember when she first came here to NC to visit. We were going to Galax VA to a fiddler's convention. Lori had never met my parents, and I remember she was putting on makeup and trying her best to make a good impression. For me. Unfortunately, we couldn't find my parents there. DOH! But we had a great time and I'll always remember that first time she came here. Another time, we went to church with Pop, and Lori was the prettiest girl in church! She wore the dress I got her, and her smile lit up the place. I remember her singing the hymns and holding my hand. Man, I was happy! I'm so proud of her! She's a great girl and I am SO lucky.
Look for the link on my homepage called "My Family". I have a great family, and I'm really happy and excited to tell about them.
Just one more thing...I stopped and got gas yesterday at CITGO in Albemarle. When I was going back to the car after paying, there was a little black girl sitting in a pickup truck watching me. She was probably about 5 or 6. I gave her a little wave, and she smiled at me. A lot of times when you talk to or wave to a little kid, they look at you like you are an alien! So when I waved at that kid, and that attention I gave her brought a smile to her face, it put a BIG smile on my face! :-D
March 15, 2001 - My foot is a lot better today. I'm convinced it's merely a bruise. The guys brought me a cinnamon biscuit from Hardee's. Said, "We brought you a cinnamon biscuit to make friends." That was nice, but before they did that, I was not as bitter today. Accidents happen. They didn't intentionally do it. Just carelessness and a lack of communication, which can happen.
It's been a drag of a week. A lot going on at the same time. I know when this is all done, things will go a lot better for us here, as far as what we do. We're on the right track toward making things more efficient. I'm delighted at what the Water & Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County allows us to do here at MPWTP.
There is a Busch Series race at Darlington SC on Saturday. I have been thinking of going. For myself. I used to go to MANY MANY Busch Series races. Lori told me I should go and have a good time. I can't really afford it now, and I have a lot to do around the house this weekend. But, maybe it's good to take a day for yourself every once in a while to experience something that you thoroughly enjoy. On Saturday, I will have worked 24 days out of 26. But I'm in a mode right now of wanting to get organized and out of debt. I'm working hard and I have goals. Perhaps for the first time ever.
March 14, 2001 - I got hurt today. I was helping these guys at work unload something VERY heavy and they just let it drop, with no thought whatsoever that it might land on my foot or feet. Well, it landed directly on my left foot, and right toe. I was worried at first that my foot was broken. The pain was severe, and still is tonight. I don't think it's broken...just very badly bruised. It's the foot I've had pain from before when the big toe joint becomes inflamed with gouty arthritis. I know those guys didn't mean for me to get hurt, but if there's even a remote chance, don't you think they should think not to do it? It kind of bothers me. I had been taking special care all day to look out for everyone, so no one would get hurt if I could help it. And then, when I'm in danger, I felt like I wasn't looked out for, and tonight I'm feeling somewhat bitter. It got me to thinking about something that I shouldn't be forced to confront. DO nice guys truly finish last? Is it a lack of common sense, or just a genuine apathy? I guess I'll never know. But, one thing is for sure...the general lack of common sense in the general population-at-large is disturbing me. There is no courtesy or even decency anymore in a great many people. Another thing that I like to think I have, but I see missing in so many people...NO ATTENTION TO DETAIL. Maybe it's nitpicky. Maybe not. Gee whiz my foot hurts.
I finally found a booty of songs by A.L. Wood and the Smoky Ridge Boys on Napster tonight. I started to download "Mountain Man", when POOF!!...my connection to Napster disconnected. I could not reconnect. I hope Napster didn't shut down tonight. I used to have a tape by AL Wood, but somebody walked off with it (Are you reading this Mikey??!). I can't find AL Wood tapes or cds anywhere! I really like them, and hope Napster gets back up and running and maybe I can find user "Utusteve" again! :)
Sorry just one Banje pic tonight. I have some more, but I still can't figure out how to downsize digital pics. If anyone reads this that knows how to make a digital picture smaller in appearance for the web, please post the solution on my FORUM, from the front page of this site. Thanks! I have a few of myself too, that I'd like to post...I've got me and my brother doing impersonations of Stone Cold Steve Austin that I'd like to show off to give everyone a laugh! Also, I plan to take some pics at work of what we are doing with our filters. If I can figure out how to downsize, I'll be ready to go with that. I went to Image Properties and reduced the size and increased the resolution. The result? The pic was still HUGE! I'm missing the boat somewhere. Hmmmmm.
March 13, 2001 - It's a beautiful day. I put Banjo-matic in his kennel this morning. It was MUD-DEE! It rained last night, but it's clear and sunny today. Supposed to be 72�. I might should have left him in the crate today, due to the mud, but he is so huge, I hate to leave him cramped up in there all day. I took some pics of him last night. I'll put one on this journal page tonight, and some more on his Banjo link page. Check em out!
I talked to my friend Kathleen Dixon yesterday. She is one of the Security Guards where I live. She was married a long, long time, but her husband passed away a couple of years ago. Now, she has a boyfriend, and she always complains that he gets drunk and verbally abuses her about every week. I don't think that's right. She's about the only one who can leave the guy and put him out of her life. She wants to, but she's afraid of being alone. She deserves better I think, because she's a very nice lady. When Lori comes here next time to visit, I think we'll take her to Morrow Mountain and have a picnic. She needs to have some fun. I asked her yesterday if she had a good weekend, and she looked so tired. She said, "Yeah, it was alright, well, no, not really." I know it was because of her jerk boyfriend. Oh well, like I said, she's the only one who can do anything about that. I told her that when Lori comes back, we'll take her for a picnic, and she really brightened up then. She said when Lori comes back, she's going to chain her to the post so she won't be able to leave!! :D
I want to write something about my parents really soon. Don't know if I'll do it on this page, or make a page for them from the homepage. Look for it. I have special parents, and I want to brag on em.
Well, keep looking for updates, because I have some grandiose ideas for my website. Check out my brother and sis-in-law's site too! Mike and Jessica's Web Gateway
March 11, 2001 - Sorry no updates for the last several days. Things have been pretty busy lately. Unfortunately, my friend William Green Hill, passed away on Tuesday March 6. He was in bad shape. The cancer ravaged him. I will miss him very much. He was a good man. He and his wife Alma were married over 50 years, and he was really proud of his kids and grandkids. A family man all the way. I knew of Will for many years before I actually knew him. I remember sitting behind him in church on Sundays. I thought he was pretty old then, but he must have only been around 50 or so at that time. I got lucky that Will came to work with me for a few years and we got to know each other and become friends. Man, I'm going to miss him.
Thursday, I went to see my uncle Tom at the VA hospital in Salisbury with my mom and aunt Gertie. He has had pneumonia, and it hit him pretty hard. He looked pretty good and seemed in good spirits despite everything. He came home Friday, which will be a LOT easier on Gertie. The VA hospital really makes you think and be thankful. I saw some guys with no legs, and guys that didn't seem coherent...didn't seem to know exactly where they were. There was a couple of guys in Tom's room. One guy was a retired officer and he had a tube in his throat that he was breathing through. He had to clear it out every few minutes and he seemed miserable. Another guy, named David, had a broken leg. He was a friendly fellow, who told me a LOT about himself in just the half hour or so that we were there. I know the VA hospital is a good place for the veterans that don't have the money to go to a regular hospital, but what a sad place. Everything seemed so substandard. I think when I donate money....it will be to the VA hospital program.
Thursday night, my dad and I went to the funeral home to offer condolences to Will's family. We got in and got out pretty quick. I really don't feel comfortable in these situations. I wanted to show support to the family though. When I pass away, I do not care to have a family night. I just want a small funeral with close family only. The family night is right for some people. I'm sure Alma Hill got a lot of comfort from the flows of people that came by. Will looked so peaceful. I'm glad he suffers no more.
I sure am ready for spring. Aren't you?
March 5, 2001 - Well, I'm back to work today. You know those times when you have a lot of junk to do? But you want all your time to yourself? That's kind of the boat I'm in this week. I want to go home and sit down and eat fast food and watch Beverly Hills 90210 reruns on FX. BUT...many things are working against me. One, I have a ton of stuff to do...yard, house, and work work. Two, I'm trying to cut down on fast food consumption. I need to lose some of the weight I've put on. I get these cravings. KFC gravy one day...Taco Bell mexican pizza the next...Wendy's Double with cheese the next...McDonald's Big-n-Tasty the next...etc etc...you get the picture. And finally, I have to go do some visiting this week. I want to go visit my friend Will Hill after work today. He is fighting cancer and the prognosis does not look too good. His wife Alma told me that he only has 2 months. I saw him Friday, and he looked very weak. Poor guy has worked all his life, and I sure wish he could have some good years to enjoy his retirement. But the Good Lord wants to call him Home, and Heaven is a much better place than this earth. We get sad and grieve when we lose our loved ones...but we're only sad because we miss them. But we should be happy for the time we had together, and look forward to seeing them again when we go to Heaven. I believe in Heaven. I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I know I'm not perfect and have sinned more than I should, knowing better most of the time. I can feel that God wants me with Him and He knows I have good in my heart. I mean well, and I intend to be the best man I can be. It's not easy living on this evil earth, and I can't undo some of the things I've done that go against God's commandments. But I fully intend to make anything I'm involved in, something that God would approve of and be happy with. I want to go to Heaven. I want to see my family and friends who have gone before me. If I should die for whatever reason, then I want my family and friends to know I am in a better place, and that I will see them someday that's not as far away as you might think. The bottom line is...none of us are perfect, even though we want to be. God bless Will Hill.
March 4, 2001 - Hi! What a dreary weekend. It's been raining all weekend. :( I had such big plans to work outside too most of yesterday. Funny how it can be so sunny and warm all week, and then when we get to the weekend, it has to turn off so crappy. I had worked 12 days in a row, too. And I have to work 12 days in a row again starting tomorrow. What a bummer!
Some of what I plan for my yard (what I've been building up to!) adds up to quite a bit! First off, I'm going to take the wheelchair ramp off the front porch and build steps and have a cement walkway back to the driveway. I'm going to put landscaping timbers along the walk, and plant flowers. I'm going to pull up the landscaping timbers around the house and replace them (as money allows) with a little rock wall. The kind you build out of those pieces...it should cost a fortune for that, but it'll be an investment that should last quite a few years. I'm currently cleaning up the edge of my property, along the woods, of brush and leaves to give an all-over "clean" look hopefully. I'm going to burn all the brush and spread the potash on my garden. In the garden, I'm going to plant: Some cucumbers, tomato plants, and corn this year. No more vines of watermelon or cantelope. Too much trouble, and they just sit there and rot! Vines are messy. And finally, in my yard, I'm going to go get dirt from the woods and fill holes and uneven places in the yard, and then sow grass on those places. I have my work cut out for myself, but when you are a homeowner, you have to do these things. Besides, when you are working out in your yard, you are doing something for yourself, and it's actually quite relaxing.
I watched "What Lies Beneath" starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfieffer last night. I was on the phone with Lori and we really enjoyed it! It was the closest to a date we can have right now. WOW! What a movie! It was great! I recommend it highly. It's a chilling movie with a surprise ending that'll blow you away!!
Well, that's all for now. I'm going to work on a Jeff Burton section to my site today so you can keep up with "The Man". Have a good one!
March 1, 2001 - How goes it? I was talking to Lori Ann last night and we had a great talk. We are ALWAYS discussing how difficult the long-distance relationship is. Well, last night we found the good in it. We both realize how incredibly happy we are with each other. I mean, it's RARE to find the kind of Love we have. I would carry on this relationship even if I was in China for that gal! Anyway, I pondered to her, how many people at that very moment within my little neighborhood of Woodrun on Tillery that were able to be TOGETHER, but were really dissatisfied and generally unhappy? Or in her little town of Pacific, Missouri? There are tons of people out there who are together every day. But they aren't happy. You just have to wonder...how many people out there are wondering how they ever got in their situation. So the way Lori and I figure it...we are already ahead of the game. And someday soon, when we are together, we will undoubtedly appreciate each other a heck of a lot more. This difficult time of separation has it's good side. When Lori and I are together, we will know just how good we truly have it, and all these times of loneliness will be a memory.
Well, I got my supplies at Lowes yesterday. Now, I have 16 tons in the back of the plant in my way so I can't clean! No, there are 16 large boxes of tube settler units for our unit rebuilds. But believe you me, when I handtrucked them into the building and had to stack them, I thought it WAS 16 tons! HaHa! The truck driver was a particularly friendly fellow who was a great help. His name was Dwight with Dixie Trucking. I gave him 4 bucks afterwards to put toward his lunch for all his great help (cause he didn't have to do it). He then asked if he could pray for me. He prayed and thanked God for the seed I had sown in his life and was thankful to the Lord that I felt moved to give to him from my heart. He asked the Lord to open up Heaven and pour a blessing upon myself and my family. Thanks to my new friend Dwight. And thanks God. Ya'll made my day yesterday! :-D
No yard plans again today! I just keep having stuff I'd rather write about...it'll come soon I promise! Til next time...:-D