The Inability to Make It rain

Life as a Creative can be challenging when the Well Spring of Creativity runs dry.  Lately, I have been unable to fold or write or do much of anything!   It would appear that the only thing I HAVE been able to do is eat lots of Boston Creme Donuts and watch endless videos on YouTube as I wait for the inspiration to rain down upon me. 

 

 

However,  watching endless YouTube videos seem to only give me a serious case of “Bad World Syndrome!”   I’m now convinced that the world has only two types of people:   Serial Killers and Rogue Cops!

 

  

I guess I could add in “Bad Drivers”;  However, most of those are  (Thankfully) in Russia.  

  How YouTube manages to “custom tailor” my viewing suggestions  by looking at my past viewing history,  I will never know.   However,   I somehow continue to watch the suggested videos and thus;  I’m caught in an endless cycle of guilt and paranoia.

It’s like an addiction!   Perhaps there is some signal piggybacking on the electron wave or flickering pictures that each video sends.   This signal  ( obviously placed there by either the shadow government…or space aliens…Or BOTH) was meant to exert a basic mind control on the unsuspecting masses. A form of Mind Control…if you will.  The signal travels to the inner reaches of the Cerebral Cortex, causing us to veg out and become zombies.  We lose all motivation and creativity.

I would like to have a better outlook on humanity than all the dark stuff.   Humans can’t be all that bad….right?   We do so many cool things like write music and cook food.  Everyone loves those cat videos and “future gadgets” infomercials.  Why must I gravitate towards the Dark side?  

Truth be told,  I sort of like the “dark side”…in moderation!  Of coarse!  Viewing into corners and alleys where I would NEVER tread in real life is something of a curiosity for me.   I drive the speed limit..Do not use drugs…Avoid Fights….Obey Traffic signs and signals.  Basically,  I’m a wimp…..or upstanding citizen.  ( which ever one sounds best)  And isn’t that what the Government wants? ( or the Alien Race that is planning on taking over the Earth!)  Perhaps this conspiracy theory is another layer of the governments plan….or a hidden message from the future resistance fighters who have managed to send a signal back in time.   Man!  I really have to stop watching  YouTube….

 

 

On a brighter note,  Cheryl has given up ( temporarily anyway) on the job search;  opting to make some key rings for the Iowa Shop instead.    At least she is Doing something!  ( Unlike myself!) Then again, I should probably cut myself a little slack since I just finished a project 5 days ago and have another one lined up in two weeks.  She has informed me that she will eventually require some embroidery for the “Iowa Key chains”.   Perhaps that will trigger something inside me to actually become productive again.  

Other than that,  guess things are nice and boring around here.  The weather seems nice ( though a little too hot for my taste) and the Landlords are still ( Three days now!) trying to fix the leaky ceiling in the bathroom.   We currently have a VERY large hole in the ceiling.   At least they now know what is causing the leak and have formulated a plan on how to fix it.   I have ( almost) every faith that they will fix it by the end of the week….end….hopefully.   We shall see.

In the mean time,  I had best avoid You Tube and instead focus on finding another really great Anime to watch.  It’s a better substitute.   They almost always have a positive moral message and try to shape humanity for the better.  Plus the Japanese seem to have a serious fear of “big Government”  taking over the populous. 

Finding new animes are challenging.   There are thousands of the out there, but finding a “good” one is the hard part.  Ah well,  the search continues……as well as the hope that my creativity will return in a timely manner.   Hope for the best!

DISCLAIMER:   I feel weird putting these after every post lately,  but I’m JOKING!   I’m really not a conspiracy nut.  (Though it is fun to “pretend” from time to time) These ramblings are because I’m currently BORED and have nothing to write about in the real world….And since no one reads this blog…. I should be safe from the Men In Black taking me too seriously or even finding me out.   Hmmm…. Maybe next time I’ll write about my alien abduction experience….( with out all the “probing”)

And Now????? What are our Options?

Today marks our first “official “ day without a job….I could remark that I think this is “freedom” whereas Cheryl thinks it is our opportunity to find a REAL job.  By “real”, I mean one that offers a  decent wage, leaves you to your own duties…alone, “benefits”, One we could possibly do together,  One with a decent wage…..( did I mention that yet?)  and one that allows Cheryl to run in the various races that she has lined up….as well as train in the morning hours.   It also must not be too boring.   It would also be a plus if she felt no shame in going to it, or if it would challenge her in ways that utilize her special talents and skills.  ( She has a Masters degree after all!)  It would also be cool if it allowed for a change of scenery, but that is optional.

In short,  there are very few jobs that fit this bill.   So Cheryl has spent the majority of her time looking on the web trying to find “the perfect” job.   And thus….since perfection does not exist in this world, she has hit a wall…( a marathon reference that should make runners chuckle.)

However,   a frequent reader of this blog has offered several ideas on how to make money without having to do much of anything. ( Thanks Barb!)

    First one:  Dog walker!   I like this one.   I like dogs!  Ok,  I LOVE dogs….with their waggly widdle tails and floppy ears!   They can easily be bribed with treats. They Listen, ( at least they LOOK like they listen)    Are almost always happy.   They can be taught  to do cool tricks, rarely talk (bark)  back,  and publicly  show affection that is not illegal.  ( in most states) And, best of all,   They allow Cheryl to get her exercise “on the JOB!”   How great is that?   Paid to walk/ run/ be dragged!   We could BOTH do it…we could double ( or triple!) up on the number of dogs and triple or quadruple our income!   ( This keeps sounding better and BETTER!)  There is only one small problem….Cheryl is scared of dogs.  

Not All dogs, mind you….just the big ones.   And by “big” I mean anything larger than her…..which is everything…. except the Chihuahua.  (And even those guys are vicious when it comes to ankles!)   So, even though there is a Multi-level marketing scheme buried in here somewhere….Looks like this one will have to be put on hold until Cheryl overcomes her “Phobias.”

The second one:   Cleaning!   Everyone hates to clean…except Cheryl.   I told her she would be perfect for this!   She does an AWESOME job at home…..and that is really saying something.   I mean…Between me and the cat, we’re Slobs!    Add in that we have a dilapidated apartment that always brews up a mess for us randomly several times each season and you will see what a champ she really is!  

And that is only the beginning!   She cleans up dishes and laundry too!   She is like a GENIUS with a sponge and a broom!   There is only one problem here….I can’t join her.   That might sound insignificant to some people, but Cheryl and I are a team…..And since I only know how to Make messes and never actually clean them up.    Well,…you see the problem. 

I know, I know.   “Eth,  Can’t you learn how to clean up a little?”   You must be asking.   Well,  Cheryl tells me that all the time and we have been married 19 years now and I still have made no progress.  I guess I’m hopeless….and it has taken me a long time to admit that to myself.  Acceptance is part of the ten step program…so I have read.  so at least I’m making a little progress…

The Third one:    Donating plasma!  This one has potential.  But apparently,  Cheryl NEEDS her plasma to run on very hot days.  ( She is such a non-team player!)  A little anemia never killed anyone too much….But that got me thinking…..why stop there?    The whole world opens up once you break through that squeamishness and the social taboos.   Why does it have to be plasma?   Heck, I didn’t even know that people bought that stuff!   There are so many other bodily excretions that might have market potential.      I’ve been thinking too “outside the box” and should have been thinking “inside the body!”   Did you know that you have two kidneys?  You only need one and I hear that  they fetch a really good price on the Chinese Market!   The same goes for Eyes!   You could make a years wages in two simple  slightly illegal  medical operations!   And I guess we continue to produce blood and Plasma after a few weeks….so that is a continuous money maker! 

Looking further,  I know we have 10 fingers….but those come in handy for folding origami and typing up my blog….But what about toes?   Who really needs 10 toes anyway?   I guess the big toe is useful for running, but that leaves 8 little piggy's that could go to the market..if you know what I mean.   I’m not sure what the going price is for the smaller toes, but if they are as much as a kidney, perhaps I’ll consider one of those before diving into the torso.

Now, personally,  I find that last one a little  over the top and gross.   I mean,  I pass out over the sight of blood….especially my own.  The good part of that Idea is that it drums up a lot of cash in a very short time.   But in the long run….when you are low on body parts….what then?   See where I’m going?    I have to think about the future!    Maybe selling your soul to a soul crushing job is a wiser investment.  Best to weigh the alternatives before making any rash moves.    

I guess there is always scientific experiments.   Nothing to painful.   I’m thinking make-up tester, food taster,  case studies, mental research.   You know,  the stuff that is meant to be “ethical”.   We live in a college town after all.   I’m sure some grad student is trying to get their thesis published using desperate human guinea pigs for research. 

Other than that,  this is only the first day…..I’m sure it is a little early to sell ourselves to science just yet.  I’m personally enjoying my free time and I do have a Pearson gig coming up.   Hopefully Cheryl will not be driven any more insane with the job hunt.    It’s kind of like choosing your own means of execution……I’m not in a big hurry to decide the best way to die just yet…..and if I take long enough,  It will all happen on its own naturally. 

DISCLAIMER:   Upon reading this to Cheryl,  she has informed me that these views are mine and mine alone…not hers!  I guess I might have went a little overboard on this one……I hope most people realize I was joking…..it’s funny..hahah.    Hello! Ghost Busters Opening Scene with Bill Murray!  And the Set up to the “little piggy's punch line” took  a long time.   Maybe I should not pursue that Comedian career after all.…..

The “Real” Big Finish!

  The Field test scoring finally finished up yesterday.   Well,  for me anyway.   Cheryl, being such an “Awesome”  scorer was drafted ( kidnapped?) into staying an additional day or two.   Too bad for her she refused to follow my plan on being “Just Good Enough” to finish the project but not be asked to do anything additional.  It is all very strategic and purposeful on my part.  I try to plan for everything.

So…with my new found time today,  ( while she drudges away with QC and “other” duties)  I have already been super productive….I fixed my bike,  ( another broken spoke)  brought in and fixed a book shelf from the shed, and helped Hiro catch a Vole.   Add to that that I’m able to write up a blog post without being totally exhausted, and you will see that my “Just Enough”  work ethic is paying off handsomely.     I have not even begun to contemplate my next move…..should I take a ride on the fixed tire to make sure things are good?  Perhaps fold an Origami?  Maybe simply take a mid afternoon nap to recharge my Mind and Body… Oh, the Options….

I’m not sure why I keep breaking spokes on the bike.   My first guess is that I’ve been gaining weight and my poor back tire buckles under the strain.  That is from the “self loathing” side of my brain…..however.    The more “practical”  ( or delusional…depending on how you look at it) puts the blame on the rocky gravel roads that I travel during the evening bike rides through the country.   Add in the fact that I “occasionally” go “Off Road” into the fields and trails where long grass and foliage await in silence.  The long grass tends to wrap around the chain and spokes and pulls on them.  It is probably a combination of both: The spokes,already being pushed to their limits trying to support my “Extra Chunky” bulk, while at the same time being pulled from the sides by the long tangled fibers and debris of nature.  I should try to be more careful. ( and lose some a little chub!)

As for the cat:  Hiro managed to catch a vole today.   I happen to know that there are more in the yard, as he almost caught another one mere moments ago. I actually thought he was simply playing with Crickets in the yard.   ( he does play with insects when nothing else is around)  I was surprised when his head popped up and he had a small rodent in his mouth.  And I just happened to have the camera!   He was very excited!  ( well, so was I actually)  Now I love all God’s creatures, and I would wish no harm on any small mammal intentionally.  But Cats and Mice have had this “thing” going on for years now.   It must be programmed into their DNA.  I’m sure the little guy hardly knew what hit him.     Hiro was jumping up and down like a Fox in deep snow.  The Vole was thoroughly dead by the time I could take it away from the cat.     So…..I may as well let Hiro have a little fun with his prize before he gets bored with it.  It was not like the Vole was going to feel anything.   (They are so fragile, after all)

 

 

  So, with the project over now, and Cheryl confiscating the car….I’m left home….alone with my thoughts and problems……what ever shall I do?    As mentioned before…I’m so super productive when I’m doing things for myself.  Jobs that normally take hours are done in mere minutes whenever I’m in charge.   It’s actually quite the problem!  But…I’m sure I’ll soldier through some how.  

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend….and if you are like me,  your new found time.    Cheryl’s long run is coming up and I’m looking forward to the fun.

More Pics of Hiro’s Vole Hunt!

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Almost There!

The Project is almost complete!  We finished with the initial scoring today and sent the rest of the regular scorers home.   ( Lucky them!)  Unfortunately ( or fortunately…depending on how you look at it.)  Cheryl and I are holdovers on clean up duty along with the rest of the table leaders.  It is not so bad….there are few distractions with fewer people in the room.  However, along with that there are some really long hours in silence. 

The good news is that last year, it went by pretty fast.  With everyone on QC, the work seemed to run by smoothly.  Cheryl is hoping for a full weeks worth of work left, while also hoping to be done wit everything.   I’m in the  “hurry up and get it done!” camp.   I guess I have scored just one too many essays and the “magic” is over…..they are just drudgery now.

I am looking forward to a full week of recovery after this project….and I may just get it. Cheryl and I are at a bit of a loss as to what to do after the project has wrapped up.   Cheryl wants to find another job….one with a little more “permanence” while still paying a decent wage/salary.  Good luck there!  

 

As for me,  I just got another scoring gig offer from Pearson.   Me!   The guy who is done with scoring!   It only figures….  Try to get out and they Keep pulling you back in……

And I was so looking forward to working at the apple orchard making hard cider on weekends for $9 an hour!   Well,  the Pearson gig pays more….and it is at home during the hours of my choosing.    Guess I will have to learn “Home Brew” some other time!

 

 

 

As for now,  I just got back form a bike ride and was swarmed with kittens!   on the corner of the neighborhood, there is the “”Kitten House” were a bunch ( about 9 of them so far) kittens of black and tiger gray color frolic in the yard.  I’m sure if I wanted to replace Rash,  it would be as simple as grabbing one of these guys and running home.   ( I don’t think the owners of the house care much for the cats…other than feeding them.)  Ah but we still have one cat and we are not sure if we are going to move in the future to a place where two cats are not welcome.   It’s all so ….complicated.  

In the mean time,  I’ll continue to feed the dogs treats on the rides and pet and play with the kittens on my way home.   It’s a sweet deal with no strings attached…so far.         

Hope everyone is having a great weeks so far.   I wonder if Hard Apple Cider is like brewing Beer?

Cheryl’s Blue Moon Run!

  15 miles today!  In the early morning.   Like 5 A.M.!  We beat the Chickens on this one.   By the way…Chickens are VERY fast!   I managed to snap this blurry pic of the rooster ( they are also VERY noisy in the morning) before he ran away.

 

 

They said it was supposed to be a blue moon last night/this morning.   Well, the moon certainly was bright and available for viewing.  I’m not really sure if it was as Blue as the name suggests.  However,  I snapped a few pics of it anyway, just to make a note.

Most of the early pic of Cheryl running looked like an impressionist painting through someone else’s prescription glasses!  A blurry running of colors and shapes.     The lighting…for all it’s beauty and early morning glory…did not translate into an awesomely artistic picture of Cheryl running.  Add into the mix my shaky bike camera and only about 20 pictures out of 300 made the cut!    But that is ok, since we live in a digital world and being able to take dozens of shots to capture that one “good” one is economically possible…..it just requires time to weed out the bad ones.

So, with all that said,  we simply ran another 15 miles…dodging rabbits and chasing hawks as we trotted ( or ..in my case, pedaled.) down the path.   Several times I thought Cheryl was going to step on a rabbit.  She almost tripped over a Vole!  ( think: small mouse with a short tail that looks like a Mole)

The temp was good for the morning.   They must have done some maintenance on the trail with some Roundup Herbicide.  The bugs were not bad and overall it was a pleasant run.  The highlight of the run was probably the hawk that graced us with his persistent presence.   He would fly down the trail and roost just up ahead of us. Each time we got close, he would jump out again and fly down the path a little further.   He must have stayed just ahead of us for several miles, swooping down low almost touching the trail each time.   There simply was no way to capture him with the “shaky cam”.   I thought, with all the rabbits and rodents running around previously, that we would see him actually catch something for breakfast.   He DID make the black birds and sparrows angry though.   It was a scene out of the old WWII films where the fighters dive down after the slow lumbering B17s. 

Cheryl enjoyed the run so much, she is thinking about running another long run tomorrow.  I guess I could be talked into getting up early again, as long as I get another nap  in the afternoon like today.    We shall see.   This will be good practice for the I35 Challenge.  ( A 13.1 back to back race in two different cities) We shall see how things go before we sign up for that craziness.  Enjoy the rest of the Pics

 

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