The Adventures of Being Me

Someone gave me a brilliant idea: let AI write a book for me and finish it faster so I can put out more books to sell. Problem: AI-generated material cannot be copyrighted. They call it public domain, so anyone can use it. Sure, I can generate an AI-written book and sell it, but so can everyone else, and not pay me royalties, since I don't have copyright law to stop them. I am allowed a copyright if I use AI for editing/proofreading, like changing verb tenses and correcting spelling, or even rearranging a sentence, but the plot, characters, and storyline are my ideas. Besides, AI suggestions are often concise, choppy, and flat. I write better stuff. AI way: A red ball bounces downstairs while Gilda sews a gown to wear for next week's ball. My way: A red ball started bouncing down the stairs as Gilda embroidered spring flowers onto her new gown, interrupting her daydream of the ball next week

Bumped into a group of children on our walk today. And of course, the children asked to pet the dogs. Anna jumped up on everyone and then rolled on her back to receive belly rubs. Rufus sniffed everyone making sure they knew he was there. Most people go crazy over the Corgi and completely ignore the Terrier/Chihuahua mix who barks when jealous. The kids were ready to take them home cause they are so cute and sweet. Then they got bored and walked away and we finished our walk. Dogs were so happy the rest of the way home.

Why is hiring professionals so difficult? You tell them what you want done and they give you a quote. Select the best deal and workers show up asking me what they are suppose to do. They do the job and it is not what you discussed with sales rep. It's what they feel like giving you in a cheap ass, unprofessional DIY project way. Then they are bewildered I am upset. What did they expect when you don't give the customer what they asked for? The finished work is not we discussed. Hopefully, they will come back to finish covering my gutters with new toppers, as I asked the sales rep who came back for the check on the roof repair. At least they did an excellent job on that. The water dripping in the basement decreased a lot.

Well, did another short practice teacher session with 3 instructors and they still won't let me assistant teach classes. I need more practice giving cues. Great. Wonder if I ever will get certified. I need 10 assistant teacher hours to apply for apprentice teacher job that pays as an employee to complete my practice teaching hours then complete certification test. Now the fridge is leaking water. Pretty sure it is not dropped ice melting cause it is too much water. Need to call repair person. Does my life not suck enough? Water still dripping in the basement. Have to wait for the water to finish descending from the walls. Flashing replaced and waiting for gutter tops. Took the dogs to local park lake, river still high but getting lower. The boat ramp was still flooded and part of of parking lot, better getting better.

Finished another story. Now to edit. It's about World War II and the Holocaust. Gripping. Took dogs to the groomer today. Took a walk around the neighborhood as soon as we returned and Anna had to roll around in the grass, dirt, and on concrete. Ran into kids who wanted to pet them as we walked passed a daycare. Another lady doing yardwork stop to pet the pooches.

Took the dogs to local park lake today. River flowing by it was mighty high and almost touching the new bridge they are building. Boat ramp area at entrance parking was overflowing into the parking lot and had barriers up. Anna tried to drink the lake water. Yikes, bacteria. Pulled her away. Very nice day for a walk.

Finally quit raining so roofer fixed the flashing, no more drips. Next, wait for gutter tops tomorrow. Hopefully the basement ceiling will stop dripping soon. The kitchen ceiling stopped dripping.

Nice. Wake up and electricity is out. Hope the ice cream doesn't melt all over the freezer. Found a news artciel on my smartphone that 19,000 people electricity was out this morning and schools delayed school a couple hours. There were several accidents as people went to work today and forgot how to treat a traffic light that doens't work. Dirver's are supposed to treat a broken traffic light like a 4-way stop sign, but people don't and run through them like freaking car race track. My goodness the rain stopped, my yard is swamp when I was putting out some birdseed.

Odd. I received a new voter registration card in the mail. I didn't ask for one. Maybe the polling place changed. I vote absentee ballot so I don't even know where my polling place is. I think it used to be a church and now it's the high school. Had workmen working on my roof today. Earlier in the day, I think they were at my neighbor's house 2 houses down. Someone was working on their roof too. Now to wait for them to cover the gutters and replace a section where shingles stick out over the gutter. They actually asked me what they were supposed to do at my house. That doesn't give me much confidence. Had my audition for Assistant Teaching. Did better, but I need to remember to add the spring changes to my notes. I create exercise plans at home, but I don't have a reformer at home to test the spring settings. Will do my routine again for 2 instructors, then the lead instructor will set up a plan for me to assistant teach.

Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!! Now my roof is leaking in the kitchen. I am using every bucket and waste basket to catch the water. STOP RAINING! Some relief today. The roofer dropped off the supplies today. Now, to wait for the rain to stop so the roofer can fix the flashing. Roommate thought it was a bad idea leaving the shingles and flashing outside. That is what roofers do. They leave shingles and flashing in the yard the day before they work on it. News is announcing flood warnings of the nearby river. Great I have to go to a Pilates session with a fellow classmate and Physical Therapy tomorrow. If the river floods, if will be very difficult to go to that side of town. Praying the bridges stay okay. Great, wonderful, my microwave is dead. And my spare microwave went dead months ago. And the Raccoon River is expected to flood tomorrow, when I need to get to West Des Moines for appointments. I swear I'm cursed.

I'm so tired of being strong all the time. I'm literally so stressed out waiting for this rain to stop so roofers can fix the flashing that I can barely function. Water damage is spreading on my walls dripping water over more places in the basement, finding places to put more buckets on the floor is getting difficult. Half my basement floor is soaking wet, with towels directing the water to the floor drain. Plus, mold is exploding everywhere, so I had to get a dehumidifier. I can tell when my roommate cleans with bleach. Got a message that the roofer will come by for a shingle piece to match and to get supplies to work on the roof this week. It's raining until Friday. Sigh. Heaven help me. I'm tired of people telling me to get homeowner's insurance to pay for my water damage. OK, first off, homeowners does not pay for water damage without a storm event and they don't pay for a flood in the basement when a floor drain is clogged and I have a crappy waterproof...

Getting air ducts cleaned. Never had them cleaned before so certain they are disgusting. They showed me photos of my ducts. Yep, very dirty. Then they tell me they forgot the dryer vent so coming back tomorrow. They made me sign up for a subscription for furnace/AC servicing so I guess next time will be contactign them instead of the person I normally call for AC/Furnce issues.

Had to get a dehumidifier for the basement from mold taking over with all water damage from the leaking roof. I'm sorry it won't stop raining so the roofer can fix the flashing. Hopefully he can get here this week. I'm getting new gutter tops so need to take the Christmas lights down. Then roommate complains how hot the basement is. Yeah, that happens when you run a dehumidifer nonstop.

Had a rep to give estimate on duct cleaning. Haven't had them cleaned since I moved in. I'm certain they are disgusting by now. Roommate complained about the smell when I turned the heat on the 1st time.

Nice. Roommate asked me to get a puppy for his girlfriend for her emotions. I said that if they can afford to care for a puppy, then they can find a new home. There are vet visits, licenses, picking up poop, food, water, grooming, leashes, and treats. Oh, he isn't talking about finances. Girlfriend needs an emotional support pet. I have 2 cats and 2 dogs, and she needs an emotional support pet. Again, no. Oh, her family had dogs and never took them to a vet or licensed them. Excuse me? I'm sorry; that offends me: not taking a pet to the vet, no vaccinations, and no license (what if it escapes and goes to the pound? That's why shelters do microchips). I know who is feeding this dog, and it isn't them. Naturally, he doesn't like my offended tone when he is asking nicely to go off how I'm a horrible person without friends. Ok, how about a guinea pig? Sure, a small rodent that stays in a cage, or Rufus will shake it to kill it. Doesn't require vaccinations or li...

Well, a new washer came yesterday, and the top isn't sealed, so steam is leaking into the basement causing further water damage. Have to switch to cold-water detergent cause regular detergent needs warm water to dissolve. The delivery men ran the washer to test it and left paper in it, so the inside was full of wet paper to remove. Thanks.

Nice. Put Goldie in the carrier for the vet. House feels hot. A/C not turning on. Check the furnace for the on/off switch wasn't bumped when I changed the filter. Wait a few minutes and thermostat up another degree and not turning on. Call heating and cooling people. And suddenly it turns on. Ducts need cleaned so still want someone to come. I want to make sure everything is good when room was 2 degrees above set temperature to turn on. Winter is coming so want to make sure everything is okay so don't get the furnace suddenly going out in the middle of the night when nobody would come. Everything went well at the vet. Just vaccinations for Goldie. Repair guy said nothing was wrong, there is a five minute delay before A/C turned on. This company does not do duct work so gave a referral. Now to contact these people and still waiting for estimate from 2nd roofer. When people design appliances and furniture, they really need to consider steps and doorways. 2 doors weren't...

Roofer #2 here and this one is sealing the gaps with caulking to stop the leaking. He says flashing was redone by roofers wrong and I need new gutters. Shingles are over the roof edge and pouring water off over the house instead of instead of into the gutter. Which means water is going down the siding and destroying the paint on the siding. Sigh. City took away a hug tree branch in the front yard. I was going to rent a gas chainsaw to cut it up. Thanks.

Verdict from the 1st roofer was the original flashing was installed well, but when they replaced the shingles they replaced what I had and should have put the shingles on top of the flashing. They put the shingles under the flashing creating a gap where water is coming in and down the wall to the basement where it is dripping from the door frame of the closet. He also said my gutters are garbage. The people replacing the shingles broke mine cause they were plastic. I would consider replacing those. 2nd roofer comes tomorrow so will see what they say.

Sigh. Washer repair guy looked my washer that will not start. The timer wire circuit connection is broken and can't get parts to replace it. At least I know it wasn't the ankle deep water that hurt it. Now to shop for a new washer. Fun shopping for a washer and then check declines. OK, have to return tomorrow with cash cause my debit card has a $500 per day limit. I can't get their store card because of my bankruptcy. Clerk says to just try the debit card to see if it works. I did and it approved. I was shocked and happy to set up a time to deliver the washing machine. It has to be delivered to take away the old one and my trunk will not fit a washing machine.

Interesting. I have been asked if I go to church every Sunday and read the Bible every day because I believe those actions will get me into heaven. I said, No. I do those actions to be closer to God. I lost a job and stressed out over finances so yes, I turn to God to get me through my time of trauma. Jesus said works alone don't get people into heaven. You must have faith, plus God's love, grace, and forgiveness. When you have faith, it spills out into your actions, like being kind to those who don't always deserve it, reading the Bible, praying, wearing a cross, going to church, decorating the house for Christmas and Easter, etc. I'm not trying to buy my way into heaven by reading the Bible and attending church services. Ultimately, it's God's decision where my soul goes.

Let the dogs out for pee. Rufus returned covered in burs stuck to his right side, even his collar. Then Anna gets jealous of my attention to him as I pick off burs from his fur and my furniture. Both dogs received a full body rub down checking for burs.

Great. Get woken up at 1 AM cause my basement is flooding. My basement drain is clogged so my waterproofing system that directs water to it is flooding the basement. 2 sump pumps are working to direct water away from the house. Nobody is going come at 1 AM to unclog a basement drain in the middle of a thunderstorm. I did call someone and they answered, but technician can't come until 8 AM. My roommate is busy using a vacuum to suck up the water rushing in and dumping it in the bathtub. Long night ahead. Well, all my holiday decorations and everything stored in the is getting soaked. Water coming in too fast for them to keep up. They have to sleep upstairs now. I did rescue my decorations in cardboard boxes. The rest are on top of plastic bins so should be okay for time being. Well the water went down probably not a clog in our end. Probably a backed sewer system from all the rain. And more rain coming. My yard is mushy swamp covered in pine cones and tree branches. Wai...

Wild storm tonight. 4 times so far the electricity blinked. Then the sirens go off. And I just started the dishwasher. Luckily it came back on. Great. Install security updates on laptop and now my web browser won't connect to internet. Made appointment to get it fixed. I think my firewall is blocking the internet. I fixed it twice. Then did security updates and can't find it like I did before. Can't update my shared Pilates file without internet connection.

Great, just as my life doesn't suck enough, I have a water leak under my basement stairs. Roommate will clear out the water damaged stuff and check for the source of the leak. I need to clear out my basement cause we can barely walk around in it. Have to call the foundation guy to check for leaks.

Rosie jumps up onto the back of my patio seat cushion. It's not strong enough to hold her so it and her fall onto the bottom seat cushion. Then she jumps off the chair.

Oh my, I saw a monarch butterfly in my yard. It landed on a plant by the fence near where I planted milkweed last fall. Then it flew across the yard to have the dogs chase it until it went above the roof to disappear. Hope it got a snack on its migration to Mexico.

Does it seem weird to put up Autumn decorations when it's over 90 degrees outside?

Had a wonderful dinner family to celebrate my birthday the night before. Roommates were still asleep so went to see "The Odessey" by myself and enjoyed myself. Movie was good too. I got an ice cream cake since my family forgot to get one the day before.

RIP Dolly Parton and Tim Curry Loved Dolly Parton's music and movies. "Cooat of Many Colors" was my favorite. Loved her in 9 to 5, Steel Magnolias, and her childhood story Coat of Many Colors. I was impressed when she donated a million to Covid research to find a vaccine. She saved so many people. She was quite a lady. Loved Tim Curry as Dr. Frank N. Furter (Rocky Horror), Rooster Hannigan (Annie), Darkness (Legend), Wadsworth (Clue), Dr. Yevgeniy Petrov (Hunt for Red October), Mr. Hector (Home Alone 2), Cardinal Richelieu (Three Musketeers), Long John Silver (Muppet Treasure Island), Pennywise (It), Simon Doonan (Titanic TV movie), Billy Flynn (Criminal Minds), and Roger (Roseanne). He was an amazing actor.

RIP Shelley Fabares. I was too young for the Donna Reed Show, but remember as Christine in Coach.

Went to the State Fair with my sisters then my niece joined us later. We explored the displays and watched the fireworks after a concert. Actually found a pay phone that still works along with a phone books (I didn't check the year of the phone book). Then got disoriented while returnignt o my car and needed my sister to help me find it. How embarrassing. She was all the home when I called her that I can't find my car and she came back for me. My legs were so tired to walk anymore and I figured out where my car was parked. Made it home at 1 AM.

Physical therapist ran some xrays and test to determine bone health. Thus far, bone density is good. Recommended supplements to keep them that way. I remember my grandma had osteoporosis to slip on ice to break her hip (oddly enough in front of a hospital where she was having tests done). Surgeon said her bones were like cheese. Word to wise: Take care of your bones. Exercise stimulates your bones and supplements help too.

Since roommate took my first copies for the eviction notice yesterday, I printed them again and signed them to make them legal. Let cats outside and waited for them to get tired of the rain. Girlfriend came upstairs to make coffee. I'm sure she saw the eviction notice on the table next to me. Roommate comes upstairs asking what's this. His girlfriend tells him everything I say and do. I explain, My emergency savings is depleted, I'm about to run out of money (yes, I do have retirement savings so I am okay). I have to ask him to leave. After lying to me about girlfirend having a job when she didn't (she had an interview yesterday) and promising rent money that ain't coming. Oh, they are applying for jobs. I give up. I can't take this anymore. I reached my breaking point. I have to do this. At least, he has 30 days to get prepared (and make me change my mind). They can do their food delivery and save their money. Roommate did not take it well. 1st Rage what a ...

I don't believe this. Cat vomits on my couch cushion and Anna jumps up to eat her cat food vomit. And I thought them eating cat poop was bad. Funny. I keep hearing a music box playing and look around to find where the sound is coming from. Then my phone beeps, and I realize I have a dozen notifications to delete.

Interesting. The girlfriend announced she has an interview at her new job today. I thought she got the job and would start tomorrow. She thought they did hire her after her phone interview, and they gave her a bunch of onboarding PDFs in her email to send back. She thought her first day tomorrow was watching videos. Then roommate has to go to the chiropractor and wants me to drive him cause he can't drive. Then, hours later takes the car to go buy things, and I respond that he can drive and is able to take himself to the chiropractor and his girlfriend's interview. He enters the room where the tool box has been moved to where the cats have theor litterboxes. I am unloading the dishwasher and hear cat screaming. I hollered out what is he doing my cats. Apparently, they hissed at him when he entered the room. He got upset and shouted not to hiss at him when he has been giving them treats lately to gain their favor. He puts one cat in a carrier and the other ran down to the bas...

Well Rufus killed a bird. Grabbed the bird off the grass and placed it on the patio table to rest. It was breathing hard. Then it rolled onto its back and stop breathing. I set it in the tiger lilies.

Went to the beach on this beautiful, hot day. Water was great. Heard a family nearby cry they were bit by a fish. Yeah, it happens when swimming in lakes with fish stocked. Had quite an experience at the snack stand. Had group of kids preparing to leave stare at me while I was eating. Unsure if they were admiring my chicken strips or the SpongeBob kick board I had next to me. Yes, I have SpongeBob kick board though seen few episodes because I bought it when I took niece and nephew to the beach when they were kids. Shame they grow up so fast.

Had an audition to Assistant Teach with the lead instructor at the Pilates studio that is required to be a certified instructor (have to complete 34 hours). I gave a 20-minute private session with the lead instructor. I failed. I gave the directions for the exercise plan I created, but forgot about the spring changes, and then I failed to explain why we are doing these exercises (work the abs, squeeze those glutes). They concluded I need more practice teaching with people without any Pilates experience. Don't I have friends or family to ask? I explained I have asked everyone I know. Had 3 people lined up to do a session, and all 3 backed out on me. I need to start practice teaching classes as an apprentice instructor to complete the certification because nobody will be my practice client to complete my 70 hours of practice teaching. I can't be an apprentice instructor until I complete 10 hours of assistant teaching. Can't be an assistant teacher because nobody will let me p...

Celebrated nephew's brithday at a restaurant. Had a lovely dinner and ice cream cake at a reataurant. Being of age, he ordered a beer while everyone else had soda pop. He wasn't driving home like the rest of us.

Brought dogs home from the groomer. They gave Rufus a tie. Last time he came home with a bandana. This time Anna came home with a bow tie. So cute.

Well, roommate had some Mormons here to bless the house. He plans to attend temple service tomorrow morning. I asked if he was joining the Mormon Church and he said he was visiting. Sure. I said once he would a great conspiracy theory cult leader. But hey, he said he plans to leave soon so I will not stop him. It would be amusing if they did join the Mormon church since Mormons don't drink alcohol, coffee, or tea, don't use tobacco, don't use illegal drugs, and don't have sex before marriage. All dealbreakers for him. PS. I'm laughing. Roommate told the missionaries he would attend temple tomorrow at 9 AM. I asked when he wanted to leave cause he asked to drop them off earlier before I go to my church. Oh, he didn't say he was going to their temple service tomorrow, he is researching their religion. He will visit the temple later in the week. Yeah, sure he will.

Goldie brought a bird inside. Heard it squawking in the kitchen. Picked it up off the floor and set it on the patio table. A little sparrow. It sat frozen staring at door. Checked later and it was gone. Must have flown away.

Well, girlfriend starts work at a fast food place soon. Roommate's car repair: replacing the battery and alternator is taking the rest of my emergency savings. I plan to audition for their internship and aim to pass the interview and teach a 50-minute class audition. Apprentice Instructor earns less than a Certified Instructor. But it's money if I get it. Roommate wants me to look for a job because I won't make money teaching Pilates, since nobody is willing to be a client for my practice teaching, especially since my candle business couldn't sell anything. The plan was to teach at the Pilates Studio, not self-employment. Anyway, after telling him I don't have the cash in my account to pay for his car repair. I have to sell stocks to empty my emergency savings. So, I have to dip into retirement savings to buy groceries at the end of the month, hoping to be hired soon. Then, they are hungry for chicken wings and want to use my food delivery account to order them. I ...

I was asked how I find the strength to keep trying and never give up.My dogs and cats are my reason why I never I give up. I give up all hope that life can get better and they end up in a shelter. Welcome to Adulthood.

My aunt and cousin live outside Spokane. I think my other cousin is in Seattle. I pray they are safe. They are the kind of relatives who don't communicate, so I have no idea if they are okay or not. PS. I found an online map and their address is not in an evacuation area. Relief.

Apparently my Amazon packages upset my roommate. I'm spending too much money on Amazon. I have a subscription for Prime, so of course I want to use it for free shipping. He says it's a big waste of money when I can go to a store and get the same things. Yes, but often it's cheaper on Amazon. Then today, he brings in one of my packages and tells me he is jealous of all the packages I got from Amazon cause he doesn't get much mail. Yeah, today's package was cat kibble food and teeth cleaner for pet's water that saved me a trip to Petsmart. Big spender.

Wow, roommate had one of his temper tantrums over an open door when I let cats out in early morning. Won't go into all details of his complaints (which I replied, If I'm so unbearable then leave). But he is still very upset about my Mom's eulogy (she died last year) cause I said nice things about her like I loved her, when she was a manipulative and violent bipolar control freak during my childhood. Now he refuses to believe me that she was abusive when I don't hate her. Well a lot things happened since my childhood. And we got along much better when I was on my own and put up boundaries so she eventually let go trying to control every aspect of my life. It greatly upset her that nobody needed her anymore. It took many years for me to forgive her (around my 30's I let go of the anger and healed). Then I got into financial trouble and she gave me money to keep me from from being homeless. Not from kindness, but from unwilling to explain to people that her daughter w...

My sister is watching her granddaughters for a week and broguht them over for a day trip the science center. We had lunch with my brother, his wife, and my other sister before going over. Girls had so much fun. We split in teams following one great-niece as they played around with the science experiments. Made a paper rocket. I enjoyed the planterium shows. They enjoyed watching a snapping turtle get fed. Bought souviniers and snacks in the gift shop. Wonderful day.

RIP Sam Neill. I remember him playing Cardinal Wolsey in The Tudors, Merlin in Merlin, and Vasily in Hunt for Red October.

Went to the beach today at a city park lake. The water was warm and sun was hot. Got bit by a fish. Ate some ice cream (refreshment stand sells soft serve).

Celebrated my aunts' birthday today. We had dinner at a restaurant and then went an aunt's church for cake and ice cream.

RIP Bonnie Tyler. I loved her music. My favorite was "Total Eclipse of the Heart".

Happy 250th Birthday America. I enjoyed a local parade and visited my sister's home. Skipped the fireworks since saw them last night. I set off fireworks with my roommates in the driveway. Sparklers remind me of my childhood at my aunt's yard that was across the street from the ball field they set off the fireworks. Then years later they changed the location and lost prime real estate. Just as well since they moved to their lake cabin in another state. Brought the dogs along. I brought a picnic blanket for them to relax on and they preferred the wet grass.

1st time going to City Symphony followed by fireworks. Prelude guitar and violin sang country songs. Nice big crowd at the capitol building where the concert takes place. It was broadcasted on public TV.

The water department called off the lawn watering ban from too many nitrates. Guess all the rain chnaged the nitrate levels. I opened the door for dogs to pee while raining outside. They refused to go out, in fact ready to rush out the door cats stayed inside. Got the umbrella and called them outside to pee. They were afraid of the umbrella. Hopefully they won't go on the floor, but I am sure they will. I took them out later when not raining so hard. They did their pee.

Had another chipmunk in the house, thanks to the cats. Woke up my roommate with my screams while watching a small furry animal run across the floor. Finally trapped it between 2 boxes, and my roommate took it outside. Put things back that were moved, searching for the varmint in the living room to discover the tail of the chipmunk. Poor dear was scared to death. Always fun to watch TV when the dogs bark every time the doorbell rings on the TV. Nobody at the door.

Visited my Dad at the cemetery. He was Air National Guard so I stand by his grave and play "Taps" on my smartphone. I told my Mom once of my tradition and she thought it was sweet. Now I visit her on Mother's Day buried next to Dad.

Why do I have argue what my yard should look with people? Then I get compared to my neighbors' yard and how pretty their yards look. Because I don't want a f---ing golf course for a yard and pretty flower beds surrounded by pretty bricks or stones. I want a natural yard with flowers and plants where pollinators, butterflies, birds, etc. are welcome. I purposely spread seeds to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators and your ideas of my incorrect yard are destroying all my work. No weed killers and no pesticides, espcecially around my pets.

Funny how some people complain about weed killer causing cancer. Yeah, so does the air we breathe, full of pollution and the cigarettes they suck on. Once a year, spraying in patio and driveway cracks won't trigger cancer. If it did, why is it being sold if so dangerous? They also said Extra Virgin Olive Oil causes cancer, too. I checked on that, and it protects you from cancer and is a healthy vegetable oil.

Interesting. Someone called, and my roommate answered. He said they were calling about the bathroom wall. I haven't contacted anyone about the bathroom wall. I've Googled and asked for recommendations, but not contacted anyone yet. He gave me the phone, and they hung up. Odd. I asked if they said bathroom or basement wall. He assured me they said the bathroom wall. Bet it was a scam from my Google search. I once searched for a private loan and was bombarded with emails and phone calls offering loans before I contacted any bank about a loan. Technology today.

Read an interesting question while Googling. Do we touch the same water as the dinosaurs? Had to check the answer. Yes, due to the water cycle we in fact touch the same water as the dinosaurs. We also view the same sun and moon. Though, we don't walk on the same dirt and plants because the dirt is now sedimentary rock and plants disintegrated into fossils.

Rosie found trouble today. She got stuck between our fence and neighbor's shed by their dog guarding the opening to the neighbor's yard. I climbed up the slope covered in elderberry branches to reach the fence. Gave her a pet and she climbed the fence. She jumped into my yard and took her inside.

An old classmate has died. Saw the obituary on social media. Haven't seen him in years. Last time was at a class reunion. He apparently was engaged and his kids grown up. One about to join the Armed Forces and the other graduated high school early to look forward to joining a trade union. He was a good guy and single father. He will be missed.

Was told they added more videos to the training modules of the online courses. Turned out, they redid all the videos of the exercises. Have to watch extra videos. Goldie catches a chipmunk in the tiger lilies. I quickly shut the door so that no wild animals would be allowed into the house. Goldie sets it down and plays around with it. Rufus races up to grab it, then starts shaking his head. I scream "No!" and he drops the chipmunk after just turning his head once. Chipmunk races into the tiger lilies. Relief.

Goldberry turned 1 year old today. Gave her a can of tuna and took her picture with her cake. I ate the cake with the dogs. I realized I forgot Rosie's 1st Birthday last month, but I was distracted by her ligament tear to celebrate. Tomorrow cats will get Delectables instead of tuna. Dogs and I ate some more cake.

Celebrated my Brother's 60th Birthday tonight with cake and ice cream at his house. Family came by. One didn't come so call them. They forgot and visiting grandkids. Such as life. Had an interesting morning. Let the cats outside, and later on, one carries a garter snake towards the house. I shut the door, saying, "No snakes in the house." Don't know if alive or dead, but didn't want it in the house. See Rufus rolling around the grass near the snake. I checked the grass near him to no longer view the snake, so maybe slithered away. Then, after both cats are inside, I decide outdoor time is over and shut the door. Next, I hear a thumping against the sliding door. Cats rushed to the door. Behind the curtain is a bird, red head woodpecker. I grab the bird to take it outside, and it flies around the house. Finally, Rosie caught the bird and I picked it up again, covering its wings to proceed to take it outside. Once outside, the bird flew up into my tree.

Just watched a Father’s Day gift suggestions on TV. It may seem outrageous and sad, but the best gift a man can give his family is to take care of themself. Many men won't eat healthy or exercise at all until forced to by a doctor telling them they have diabetes, or high blood pressure, or worse need heart surgery. Please don't wait that long. Your family wants you around as long as possible. Trust me.

Well, Des Moines has a lawn watering ban again, like last year, due to nitrates. After all this rain and mushrooms popping out, my yard doesn't need any water for a while. When I left Pilates class tonight after driving through a thunderstorm to get there, the instructor pointed out a rainbow.

Another chipmunk in the house. This one was a baby. I fed the pets and heard a squeak by the door. Rosie was pawing at a funnel by the back door. I looked in it and found a tail curled up. Took it outside and forced it out of the funnel. It was a baby chipmunk. It wobbled around at first and ran off. Go find your home, little chipmunk. Cats had been inside for hours by this time, so I don't know which one caught it.

I got my 1st Pilates Board. I even got cards to describe exercises to do with it. The cards actually encourage to make videos to promote their product (the exercise cards not the Pilates Board). Maybe someday, but for now I'm doing the 28 day challenge of 15 minute routines. They also have 30 minute routines for Strength, Flexibility, Core, etc. I tried it out right away. Wow, my roommate's guardian angel protected my roommate driving today. Almost got hit by a car zooming high speeds, but got out of way in time. The car rear ended another car to make its hood pop up and hit another car. Then took off. He said it was at a traffic light so hopefully the cameras got the license plate. He said it was a blonde lady. Wonder if that will be on the news today. (Probably not since it's Primary Voting Today)

Let pets outside. Goldie comes back with ball of fur in her mouth. I try to see what she has. She dodges me and runs into the house. She releases the chipmunk in the house to start chasing it. Rufus dives into the chase. Chipmunk gets to the glass sliding door and crashes into it trying to get out. I open the door, hold Rufus back, and move the curtains to guide it out. It finds the opening and jumps outside. Rufus follows behind and I call him back so chipmunk gets away. Good dog. Roasted my very first pot roast with potatoes and carrots, like my mom made her roast beef dish. Had plenty to feed some to the dogs instead of their kibble. Waiting for the verdict from the roommates. Hope they like it, I certainly enjoy it.

Drove home today. Pets so happy to see me. I heard from roommate that Rufus refused to eat and Anna had high anxiety. I texted my sister asking if in the future to watch my dogs for me. She agreed. Cats are more manageable and less needy for my roommate.

Attended the graveside service. Priest said a prayer and that was it. Uncle Jim was happy to see several people came. I introduced myself as Janet's niece. I gather most people there were from their church. Visited Uncle Jim in his apartment after the service. He has a cat and dog, Cookie and Poppy. He said he spends most of his time in the assisted living place. We had a good talk catching up to what we were doing. I showed him photos of my pets. This cemetery is huge so I don't know if could find their tombstone again if I came back to leave flowers for Janet. Her coffin had no flowers and I thought that was sad.

Drove to Aunt Janet's town and checked into my hotel. Too bad nobody wanted to join me. 2 beds was the cheapest option. Ready to hit the bar downstairs. I've been driving 10 hours including lunch break, potty break, and get gas. My hands are sore from holding the steering wheel. I need nourishment. I wonder what food they serve. Lunch was Dairy Queen. They have an outdoor pool, but it's raining all 3 days of my visit. Aunt Judy finally text messaged the name of the cemetery to attend to burial service. Took her long enough. She upset my roommate by leaving a vociemail asking if I left yet and instructing not to visit my Uncle Jim cause he doesn't feel like entratining me being deep in grief. Excuse me? Deep grief is the time to visit someone. He doens't need to entertain me. I'm there to comfort him. Geesh people. Enjoyed my dinner. Roasted chicken, buttered rice, and vegetables. My drink was called Candied Apple that tasted like cinnamon apple candles they s...

Had another murder. Goldie caught a chipmunk in the bushes and brought it out in the grass. She set it down, and the chipmunk scampered around. I tried to hold back Rufus and Goldie so the chipmunk could get away. Well, Rufus grabbed it and shook it vigorously to drop it. I picked it up to see if the poor dear was okay. I set it on the patio table. I stroked it and pressed on its chest. It vibrated its foot, so let it rest a bit. I couldn't see any chest movement, so I think Rufus broke bones in the shaking to kill it. Poor chipmunk. Since nobody wrote an obituary for her hometown paper, I wrote an obit for my local paper since my Aunt Janet was born here. I realized I barely knew her. I had no idea where she worked or what she did. I didn't know when she married either. Would have been nice if someone closer to her wrote this. She had Alzheimer's and was in a coma for a couple days before she died. My Aunt Judy keeps telling me not to visit my Uncle Jim mourning the lo...

Visited cemeteries by my self today. Nobody called wanting to make plans to visit them. Yikes. Stopped at McDonald's while returning home and they told me they are out of ketchup. I said I will survive. They were out of toilet paper in the restroom too. Caught Rosie playing with a garter snake. She was not happy being taken inside the house.

Saw Rosie and Rufus chasing down something in the grass. Rufus grabbed and viciously shook his head to drop it. I heard chirps so thought it was cricket. It was gray shrew. Has a red nose now. Another animal to toss away. Made my plans to attend my aunt's funeral on Thursday. I gather people are still deciding whether to go or stay home. I am going even if I am the only family member there. Yes, she meant that much to me. And I plan to visit my uncle in his senior living place. I sent an Easter card, so I have his address.

The world today. Read a small business page of a woman who makes crafted items announce she is engaged to a woman. She says she hesitated announcing this to business followers unsure of the reaction. Shameful she has to worry about her business sales being impacted by her announcement. Engagements are supposed to be joyous occasions. It reminded of her videos of customers complaining about her grandma's inspirational notes in their packages violated their Christian principles telling them "You are magic". As if a business owner telepathically knows the religious beliefs of their customers who are total strangers.

RIP Aunt Janet. Received the news she passed away. My grandparents took my cousin and I to visit her every summer as kids. Wanted to visit as an adult, but I kept losing jobs and too broke to go visit her. We kept in touch regularly. I had a dream of her the other night. She came to me in white nightgown, told me she knew I wanted to come and that I was forgiven cause it's the thought that counts, then kissed my forehead to disappear. Aunt Judy called me to tell relay the news to my siblings. Called my sisters and brother. No funeral plans yet cause it just happened this morning. Judy will inform me of the funeral plans when she hears them from Uncle Jim (Janet's husband).

I walked 1.2 miles to see Cheap Trick and Styx in concert at a local park amphetheater. Missed the first 15 minutes standing in line to get in the gate. Walked home in the dark. Exhausted by time I got home.

Took Rosie to the vet for her follow-up. Explained the tear in her ligament 2 weeks ago, the splint that was removed last week, and just wanted to make sure that everything was okay. Her paw seemed to have swollen up again. Vet spread out her toes and agreed it appeared swollen, but no pain reaction, so he thought she just needed more time to recover and in 2 weeks should be back to normal. No charge to my relief.

Well, a thunderstorm came in and took out my TV reception (Sorry, I can't afford cable or dish). I have work to do, and my internet still works. PS. No major damage from last night's storm viewed the next day. Just a few branches on the ground. Lights flickered once, but otherwise no trauma other my digital antenna failed to work for a while, but later got reception again.

Since fridge is low on food and not planning to grocery shop until tomorrow, I went on the food delivery app to order food. Well, my account has been de-activated since no longer do food delivery so sign up for app under a different email. First choice was Dairy Queen, but all they had on the app was ice cream. I wanted their chicken strips. Since we are out of pizza, I ordered pizza from roommate's job. Got 50% off deal being a new member. Realized, it would not be delivered by roommate or his coworkers so ordered another pizza through their website. Maybe he would deliver it, maybe he wouldn't. Roommate comes home raging I am to never order pizza delivery at his job again. He doens't want his coworkers hanging around our home. Well, ok, I'll go through the food delivery app if I want pizza again. He threw a fit when I ordered pizza from another restaurant. Then, the real reason he is angry. He was about to clock off when manager offered my pizza delivery (the reas...

Had my first therapy session with the physical therapist. Thinks it could take a few months to make sure the progress doesn't regress and get worse. Did the dry needles thing, and the foot is a little tender, so keeping pressure off. Dogs are depressed that I haven't walked them since Friday. I do walk around the yard with Rufus, but Anna doesn't follow me.

Went to the physical therapist for heel pain, and he thinks it's plantar fasciitis from increased dog walking in the pleasant weather. I've been preparing the dogs for Gray's Lake, and I am now unsure I can handle it. Wish me luck.

Went to church to have my brother and sister-in-law not come because my brother was sick. Visited my Mom and Grandma at the cemetery on this blessed Mother's Day. Left a red rose with black ribbon for Mom and yellow carnation for Grandma. Sister said she got the bill for putting Mom's death date on the tombstone so it was the first time viewing it. Then went to Dairy Queen. Rosie was walking funny, and it appeared that her splint dressing was falling off, so we hopped it to the vet to have her dressing changed. Well, they thought she was mostly healed, not needing her splint, so they gave her back without it. Low exercise so she doesn't reinjure herself. Took cats outside. Rosie got into the birdbath. Then checked email. Nice. The online education website that was recently compromised by scammers included my Pilates education account along with other nearby schools. Now I have to change my password. Received an email that my email, name, etc., may have been compromi...

Had 6 people at my CPR class, all women. Then come home to have Anna bring me a dead bird missing it's head and organs exposed so sure my pets didn't kill it. They would chomp like a toy, not rip the the head off. Probably raccoons or possums.

Roommate is whining about doctor fees when he lost his Medicaid and has no insurance. Has some spot on his jaw that hurts and goes to Urgent Care cause he thinks it's cancer to have it checked. Returned without seeing the doctor because they want $115 just to be seen. Yeah, that is how visiting doctors work. They charge for office visits to take your temperature and blood pressure. He thinks that is unfair. Maybe, but doctors can charge whatever they want so to be treated by them you pay their prices or don't be seen by them. He complains I am arguing with him when he needs help and complains my deescalation skills suck. What does expect me to say? That's life whether he likes it or not.

Well, I finally got another call to set up an interview. The problem is that the job is selling insurance. I'm done with unemployment and am not interested in a part-time insurance agent job that pays commission only. No, thank you.

Had a loud fight with roommate. I took the dogs out for a walk a couple of hours ago. Roommate wants to take the dogs out for a walk, too. OK, the girlfriend returns with Anna cause they took off the leashes across the street, but Rufus takes off down the street while Anna returns to the house. Roommate runs down the street to get Rufus. Almost gets hit by 2 cars and when roommate picks up Rufus, he bites him. They return, and roommate is furious that he had to chase Rufus down and stop him from getting hit. He grabs Rufus to take him to the basement room. He declares he will take him for another walk to bond with him. I tell him no. He is too upset, and Rufus doesn't need another bonding walk to learn to obey roommate. I knocked on the door and demanded that Rufus leave his room. He was in a cardboard box, shaking and fur wet with pee. Roommate refuses, screaming at me how I don't train my dogs. Funny, dogs obey me, and I release the leashes after we are back in the house. I ...

Rosie's paw is really swollen today. She is walking on it so wonder if stuck by bee or what. Update: Going to vet, her leg is swollen now. I found a spider by the cat tower so maybe spider bite. Update after waiting for nearly an hour in the exam room with my cat in the back room: Doing Xrays. They think it's a fracture not a spider bite or bee sting. Update after sitting at home for 2 hours: Vet called. They didn't find fracture, but found a ligament tear so splint, pain meds, and no exercise. Have to make an appointment in 2 weeks to reexamine her and change her splint dressing.

Happy Gotcha Day and Happy Birthday Rufus. Last fall was Birthday and his actual Gotcha Day was yesterday.

Well, we had another repair done. We got brake fluid flushed and replaced. The warning light said it was low. Then replaced the brake pads, rotors, and calipers replaced. I asked roommate if he had trouble stopping and wouldn't answer me. Asked girlfriend and yes, he has trouble stopping the car. Told him brakes need fixed if he has stopping. So fixed the brakes. All is left is the oil change and filter changes That can wait. With his car problems they don't have him on the schedule until next week. He is looking for a 2nd job. He yelled at his girlfriend to look for a job and stop following him around. Guessing she is not getting disability. They do the food delivery app too, but don't make much plus use up gas now over $3 a gallon. Working on ny Pilates and hope to start teaching by the end of June. Looking forward to the location new my home opening. I gather this company is new looking at the new equipment at the 2 locations I saw. They have 4 locations in the suburbs...

Apparently, roommate found a new mechanic in the suburbs and says not to return to my mechanic cause when they fix something, something else goes wrong, so they are incompetent. He also accused them of upselling unnecessary repairs. Well, this new mechanic did a diagnostic and came up with $2000 worth of needed repairs. I am paying my mortgage and state income taxes this week don't have any extra money to pay for all that. Roommate is terrified to drive this car, calling it a safety hazard. He is afraid the brakes will give out and crash the car. Ok, I asked if he had trouble braking and stopping. No. He would know if the brakes were going bad. He wants to tow it to another used car lot and sell it. He can quit his job and drive my car working a food service app when I don't need it. I want to get it in working order to drive it to a new used car lot to sell it. And BTW, how do I know this new guy isn't upselling unnecessary repairs? I try to explain that this is what cheap...

Troubling Day. Late to a Pilates class to observe it, and 5 minutes late because of an accident on the interstate, then all other roads were packed with rush hour and schools letting out. Sigh. I need to observe earlier or later classes. Ran into 2 classmates. One took the class I was observing, and the other was there to do practice teaching with a friend. I feel that I am falling behind. Then, to add to my stress, this is the last week for unemployment checks, and someone's car was leaking antifreeze to start smoking, taking my last check to pay a mechanic to fix it. Plus paying my state income taxes and mortgage, putting pressure on my bank account, with limited resources. Next, it is almost May 1, the day a museum I applied to volunteer at opens, and no word about my volunteering. Just ghosted me after the interview. Seriously, somebody is not interested in me volunteering. I'm sorry, I'm not chasing down the volunteer coordinator. I've got too much on my plate. I n...

The weirdest thing happened today. This morning at 4 AM an old coworker sent a message through social media asking me to start dating him. I told him I'm dealing with a lot stress right now and no energy left to date him. My roommate is mad I blew him off so quickly. You know I'm so lonely and desperate. I wasn't interested in him then and not interested him now. I'm shocked he even asked when known each other for 25 years and he got divorced 2 years ago. We never had a conversation when we worked together and not since connecting through social media. Why, after all this time is he suddenly interested in dating me. I thought it was weird.

Sat through a sermon today about forgiveness, and the pastor told a story about shopping in a store. The clerk asked if he was Christian, and he was wearing regular clothes, so he was dumbfounded at the question. The clerk asked because the pastor was putting everything back in its place (instead of leaving where it didn't belong). He discovered after a brief conversation this clerk kept a list of dislikes of churches they had been to. At one church, he wore sweatpants to the worship service, and they were criticized so disliked that church. Went to another church, and they did something someone criticized, so they didn't like that church. Apparently, this clerk doesn't handle criticism well. Not good for a customer service job. Well, the pastor continued, when we make lists of dislikes, we create walls, and he spent many hours breaking down those walls. And walls are bad for a church, as well as in marriages. The pastor suggested forgiveness and not making lists of what we...

Had a wicked thunderstorm blow in tonight. Glued to the TV. Tornado in suburbs to west and east. Dipping clouds above downtown area freaked out weatherman whose TV station was underneath them. Tornadoes reported all over the state. We are safe.

Rosie this morning killed 4 baby rabbits. They found a nest in the yard and I thought it was a toy the dogs drag outside. At first I thought dead creature was a mouse then the legs resemble a rabbit and I think they were newborn rabbit babies. I'm sorry I didn't save you, your cries for help sounded like a toy. Found 1 on the cat tower by the food bowls and another on the floor by the cat tower. Poor babies. PS. I found a 5th baby rabbit under the bird seed and a spider.

Took Rufus to the vet to have tooth removed and now looks like 3 will be removed. They called to ask permission to do Xrays on his teeth. Poor pup. Before I got him he had a tooth removed by the animal shelter. PS. Only 2 teeth removed. The 3rd was already removed. 2 days he gets soft food and no excitement. I give pain meds twice a day. Vet called this morning to check on Rufus. I said he was fine, eating soft food, and getting his meds.

Great. Miss another Pilates class. Wake up before dawn and can't get back to sleep. Get up and eat breakfast. Plenty of time until need to leave for class. Lay on the couch and overslept. They lock students out if they are late so won't bother going. Completed an online class. Definately need to work on strength and flexible to do the advanced class moves.

Did an observation of a Pilates class today. Forgot about how long the dog grooming appointment was going to be so missed the first class I intended to observe. Then the 2nd class, I arrived on time but the class already started so sat in a corner to observe. At least I wasn't locked out. Toward the end, a classmate arrived. She is teaching a class. Oh, trainer mentioned doing assistant teaching since our studio classes were completed. No, she's an apprentice teacher now and teaching a class by herself. Oh. I was hoping to join their internship program when I got enough required work done. Now I wonder if they will let me intern if they already have one. There are 12 in my class and unsure if they let all of us intern. I need to some work done.

PO'ed Roommate pretty good. Received an email for a special at a pizza restaurant, Every item $7 each so ordered a pizza and cheesy sticks. Roommmate working for another pizza restaurnt saw the box and screamed at his girlfriend "Who ordered Pizza!" I entered the room to claim I ordered the pizza caused emailed a special deal. I can order a pizza from his shop someday though unsure if he will be the driver or someone else. He is unsure about the place cause he is the new guy so few people talk to him. Funny, the guy who trained him at another restaurant's is working with him now.

Well that was fun. Took dogs out for a walk before storm hits. Then started to sprinkle. Then rained harder. Then started to hail about size of a pea. Thunder booming. Made the dogs move instead rolling in the grass smelling the flowers. Then we get home and the sun comes out. Hair is soaked but clothing not bad. Making chicken and noodles.

Received another rejection from the publisher because the author's name is not on the cover page. The cover page photo does in fact have the title and author on it. I sent them a message about it being rejected when it is for sale on a book store website, and what needs to change to receive approval. PS. Heard back from publisher and approved. They said to wait 12 weeks for my account to show my book as approved.

Well, roommate hit a pothole during his job, and one of the lights fell out, so he had to call roadside assistance again. Insurance only gives 3 tows for free in a year. He did have a spare, but the light needs repaired. Great. I get to pick him up at work tonight. Well, roadside assistance helped put on the spare donut so he drove the car home and I came home. He contacted a tire shop to change the tire the next day. Found out that Roommate did try to change the tire last night so he could drive home, but he was on a hill, and the car rocked back to collapse on the jack. It almost fell on his hand, he said. With the fall, the bumper below the light came off near the tire. So he was nervous about changing the new tire and had the roadside guy help him get the spare tire on and removed the tiny jack provided under the car. So he paid a nearby tire shop to replace his damaged tire and wheel. He has duct tape holding the bumper in place. Then he got upset that they used a drill to ...

Let the pets out this morning into the backyard. Had to chase Goldie the cat inside when I saw her panting under a bush. It's warm out here, baby. A/C running. Had to go sign the title for my roommate's car and then grocery shopped. We needed pet food and toilet paper.

Resting today. Working on a story.