"What an asshole."

I just found this on Dave Winer's site.  I also found out this evening that I can download Bushisms as ringtones for my phone.  I don't really want him on my phone.

Do you remember what Sunday was like?
 
So what should I do today?  Joe says to take the bike up Rt. 2 and over the Cascades to Leavenworth to see the Icicle Creek fire.  I could use another run today, and the apartment needs an overhaul.  My modest deck needs more potted flowers too.
 
The Captain saga is over.  Lee had been gone for more than a week so her cat, Captain, thought he'd find another neighborhood to hang out in.  I went out looking for him after someone called saying they had him but that he had then gotten away.  He did the same thing to another neighbor the following day.  Lee found him the day after she returned.  He looks a little bedraggled and he might not be happy about now being kept in.  Lee now has two new friends in Captain's adopted neighborhood. 

Do you remember the picture of the flag draped caskets on the plane coming back from Iraq?

"Before this, I had blind faith about my government,' she said. 'But I don't believe in this war. I believe in our troops, but I don't believe in the reasons for being there."

I got a B+ in the biology course. I went over to assessment and they need a transcript with the name of the college on it. UMass didn't put their name on it. I also picked up a practice test in math. I think I can remember all that stuff. For radiation therapy, the courses have to be done by spring term but I have to apply to the program by a certain date in February. That gives me another term to get anything else done I might need.

When I was ready to leave the school my bike was not. I had to push the heavy thing up a hill and jump start it. After a few minutes it was normal...until I came to the end of 520 near Avondale Road. There it quit. I had to leave it, walk back to the apartment to get my car and trailer and then haul it home. It started when I needed to get it into the trailer, so I'm hoping it is only a loose battery cable. If it starts tomorrow morning will it get me all the way to the shop?

I finished Ben Sherman's book, Medic!. I used to read these sorts of Vietnam books and I enjoyed this one immensely. The only problem was that it wasn't long enough. It reads fast. It puts you as well as any other book I've read -boots on the ground- within his story. I'm glad I never had my boots on the ground there. I was 5 when my brother went there and then returned and 10 when the U.S. pulled out. If you like this sort of story, go and read it.

I spoke with Elissa on the phone today and she filled me in on Evan's condition. His kidney began working again, so now he has two . His liver was damaged but they are hopeful that it will be able to mend itself. And to my surprise the doctors aren't 100% sure he will be paralyzed. He has a 10% chance of walking. They don't know yet and he is still sleeping. I'll just be glad to hear his voice again.

I got a phone call this morning from Edju and he told me that the night before my nephew on the Cape was in a bad motorcycle accident. I learned later in the day that he has lost a kidney and that he is paralyzed from the waist down. The doctors induced a coma to keep him still and he'll probably be kept sleeping for a couple more days. After hearing this I rode my bike to work anyways. I tried to be extra careful. God speed Evan. I can't express how much this sucks.

To all you motorcyclists out there, be careful.

After work today I went to The University Bookstore in the U-district for a book reading. Ben Sherman didn't do a reading but he did something better. He gave us the story behind his story. It has taken him over twenty years to present us with his book, "Medic!". You'll have to wonder how he got the picture on his book, how many editors he went through and all of the serendipity and strange chance that went into the whole long process. I love writers' stories. The only Steven King book I've read is his on writing, aptly titled, "On Writing". I mentioned to Mr. Sherman that I would too like to write something someday. He urged me to not throw anything out and to keep at the task. The perseverence he showed in working on his book was tremendous. And the story behind the story was much better than just a reading. He was concerned that we were there for just a reading. Not to worry. You had the "crowd" in your hands.

I need some sleep now. It is my turn to deliver Lee to the airport, and I have to get going wicked early, hey.

One week of work after my trip. Needless to say I am tired. I need to shop for groceries, go to the bank, swing by Tully's for some coffee and also make my way to the Wooden Boats Festival down on Lake Union when the weather clears. We're socked in right now. I had perfect weather at home so I can't complain about a little drizzle and fog here. Joey Jo Jo says it is the onshore flow.

What I can comment on is how much I appreciate all those at home and here who made my little vacation so pleasant. Thank you Lee for tending my plant and providing the important drop-off and pick-up at the airport. Thank you Becca and Abby for your generous hospitality that went beyond family ties. Mark, Annie and Clara came through in a big way with the use of Clara's car. Thank you Tracy for your company and your use of transportation to Boothbay Harbor. I knew you'd like the resort. And Ron and Jess, thank you for your generous hospitality at the resort. You went above and beyond what I hadn't even expected. It was great to see the rest of you, of course. Please don't feel slighted if I don't acknowledge you in this entry. Time now to figure out the school thing and to join the running club. I still need new shoes. I'm still searching for a girl too...