Updates...

The plumber hasn't been here yet. I heard from Habitat and checked in late Friday, so I'm sure I'll hear back from them on Monday, if not actually see a plumber this week...

One of my neighbors used the weed eater on the front around the culvert. That at least lets the rain and runoff have a way to get to the drain system. I'm not sure which one did it, but I'll be nice to both, and check around, just to be sure...

It was a dead end on the tape of mom's voice. That's a shame, really. When she died, my sis and I checked into finding her ASCAP holdings, and copyrights, and the search was more $$ than we could afford. I'll just have to keep my memory of her singing alive the best I can.

I've made another of those items I made and sent to my sis. I mailed the package last week, so as soon as I hear she's received it, I'll post the photos of the crocheted items and the pattern I've used.

The room is ready! I've posted photos and the ad for a tenant. I still have to get a real bed, but I can do that when it's rented, before they move in. I had 2 responses, and I'll call tonight.

Work is still elusive. I'm pursuing Title V this coming week.

I should get my Food Stamp allotment in the next couple of days, but that won't cover cat food. The Unemployment Office is supposed to give me a $25 gas voucher in the morning on my way out.

I don't know how to cover the car insurance or my med refills, but I'm sure something will present itself. If nothing else, I will go to day labor to get the money I need by doing whatever they present to me. It may take 2 days to get the amount I need, but if I can do 2 days this week, then God can help me with the physical pain in the evenings.

I'm turning my weight issue over to God. I can't do it alone. Now it's time for Step 4. "Embrace the process to learn about my motives" will have to be my mantra for the next couple of weeks, while I do all this....

Sleep??? Work???

What sleep??? What work???

I've been doing all the same things I've done for years to promote a good night's sleep, but it ain't happenin'....

I might sleep 2 hours (last night) or 4 (the night before) or, if I'm really lucky, 6 hours (Sunday night).

I wake up in the middle of the night - either to relieve myself or just to turn over, and can never get back to sleep. Last night, it was a dream that woke me. A dream about my mom. OK, really it was a memory. I heard her singing.

My mom could SING! She really had a nice voice. There were other things she didn't have - like a famous name or a great head-shot. But she had the voice.

I e-mailed a friend of mine to see if there was any way to track down a tape of mom's voice, and it seemed to be a dead end.

But, of course, it was 5am before I got done and went back to bed. I'd spent the time sifting through the job ads, because one of my worries is that projection I have of me: homeless, jobless, and on the streets. Hey - it's happened before, so it isn't that far-fetched! And that kind of worry can keep a body awake no matter what.

Well, I went back to bed, and was nearly defeated by cold feet. Finally, I got to sleep, only to be woken by the alarm. I re-set it for another hour, and then got up. I have stuff to do today - like follow up on those job leads.

Besides, I arranged to get a word processor today. Free, of course! If it works as well as I hope, maybe I can access the files of my dad's sermons, or at least write some more of my stories down.

I picked up a typewriter about a week ago. I need to get a new ribbon for it, but that's all. It works fine. If I can find some ink for the ribbon that's on it already, that will be a "greener" solution. The unit can also use one of those red/black ribbons, if I can find one.

I've been waiting for the plumber since Monday. I have sewer gasses coming from both toilets, and Habitat referred me to a plumber last week who said he'd come by on Monday, but he hasn't shown up. I've called him to follow up, and reported the non-response and no-show to Habitat.

Well, I have to get moving so I can get to the employment office. The temp services don't have anything, so maybe one of the 5 I found there will work out.