Yes, there is a missing 10 weeks back thre, and yes, we're in the middle of a new set of 10, which will conclude our third volume of 10 week cycles. It's been a ride, and for those who know what I've been up to, you can understand why I haven't been as diligent in the past couple of months as I should have/could have in keeping this project currently posted.
Here's the bottom line:
PeaceCorps has removed my last legal hold and has been trying to place me for the past two weeks.
I am once again living without home, as I have moved out of my second ex-wife's apartment and will be moving from offices to guest homes over the month of May.
I have about four weeks to raise the last $2000 I'll need to settle my last account. That's how much I'm short after my paychecks come in. Windfalls, loans, tax rebates, and general answers to prayer are much being looked forward to. This debt must be settled, by agreement with the creditor, by the end of May. Also, PeaceCorps needs proof of the settlement before they let me leave the country.
For those who are interested, I am sharing an apartment with Uncle until the end of the week. I'm teaching him how to use the computer to get BBC News broadcasts in Urdu so he can follow current events in Pakistan. He's very cute, in a lethal, I hope he doesn't snap any minute kind of way.
Everything else worth talking about is something of a roadside attraction to where I'm at right now, and worth going back as amusing anecdotes warrant, but you won't need to go there to know where I'm at, and it's only incidental to know where I've been.
With that said, I'm likely to be cleaning this blog out in the near future and restyling it to be a little more flexible to meet the needs of my writing, thinking, and lifestyle.
Thank you all for your support on the journey this far. Stay tuned for more to come.
Gargh
=:]
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Goat Statement #5
- Starting Debt: $22,000
- Total Real Debt: $9,900
- (As of 1/5/8)
- - Settlement of Real Debt: $2,400
- = $7,500
- (As of 1/20/8)
- Adjustment with current interest owed:
- =$10,000 (aprox.)
- Settlment at 50%: 5,000ish
- - $ put aside to settle: $800
(As of 2/3/8) - -------------------------------
$4,200 Left to raise
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
The Big Update Part 1
I have become impressed with how things move and then, when momentum and velocity stabilize, fast seems normal.
I haven't posted for several weeks- and I am, of course, well into the next 10 weeks that I'm counting. I owe it to myself and whatever loyal readers are lurking out there in internetland to fill you in with the ups and downs of the wacky wonderful rollercoaster of my life. The Big Update will be a serial that will hopefully bring all items up-to-date in the various categories I've been writing under for the past several weeks. Unfortunately, we're looking at a synopsis as it seemed to came and went too quickly and with such ferocity for me to recognize the significance of many events untill context was established a month or more later.
What this means is- I didn't actually have a grasp on what I was dealing with until after it was over, for much of the last several weeks. I've coasted into my new 10 Weeks, and only now do I find myself in a position to put all this in writing to chronicle my most recent adventures, opportunities, and life-on-pause moments of the near past.
Finally, Thank You all for your support over the First 10 Weeks of 10 Weeks and Counting (Read: My Life). You prayers and comments have all been greatly appreciated.
To begin: The criticals:
Every Troll Needs A Cave- I am currently living with friends and about to move. I moved from my studio apartment in late December, stayed two weeks in California, and returned to Tucson at the beginning of the semester. I am reluctant to sign a lease until I hear from PeaceCorps with a Time Line for my life. I will explain more in near-future posts.
Every Troll Needs a Bridge- Bridge Update!
My bridges:
The old apartment job: 24/7 when I'm not doing anything else. (Finally replaced) I still stay in contact with many of the participants of that program and am happy to report that they are all doing well.
Full Time Teaching: Full-Time, three weeks a month. Three Weeks into the second semester. My students seem happy I'm still there, but the mid-terms are next week, so let's see how long that lasts.
Consult- Gas Station: 10-40 hours a week. This one's complicated, and continues to grow in complexity. It's not just a Gas Station, it's also a cab company, auto shop, auto rental/sales, and office management.
Consult- Crematorium: Still a cooky situation.
Consult: FAA Certified Repair Station- What fun! I've been studyingthe regs on how to operate (legally) a FAA certified aircraft repair station. On the side, I'm reading part 400 of CFR Title 14 (FAA), which regulates comercial space flight. I'm thinking about applying for my operator's license for a reusable launch vehicle, which seems to be a one-page application to a minor office in DC. Which me luck on completing my dream of becoming a licenced Astronaut.
AAABVI: Statewide recreation program for the blind in Arizona. I'm in the process of handing it over to new leadership. There's a saga in and of itself. Good news- first events are this weekend. Check it out at www.aaabvi.org
PROJECT TENTMAKER- A web-based consulting service (free) for Christian Entrepreneurs who want help starting a viable business so they can set aside time and money for ministry and service. This will be kicking into high-gear in the next two weeks. Look for the site-launch sometime next week.
Every Troll Needs a Goat To Chase-
I have met my financial goal for what I intended to raise myself in debt-reduction. I currently still owe about $4000, which is great, because I'm owed about $4000 by a friend/client. Still waiting for the money.... I'll explain this one in some more detail in a near-future post.
Bottom Line: Once I drop that debt to $0, I am free and clear to go into the PeaceCorps. Very tense. Very tense.
Every Troll Has A Story To Tell-
Over the Christmas Break I wrote a poem (posted below under the title, "Old Year's Day", and dictate 2 hours of material to be transcribed. I'm 1/3 of the way through it, and when done, will be able to complete the story "Around Eleven" very shortly. That is my writing priority for the next week, in my free time (yeah right).
***
And that's where I'm at. There are other projects firmenting, which I'll try to include as I bring everything up to speed. Look for more info soon.
Take care,
and,
gargh =;]
I haven't posted for several weeks- and I am, of course, well into the next 10 weeks that I'm counting. I owe it to myself and whatever loyal readers are lurking out there in internetland to fill you in with the ups and downs of the wacky wonderful rollercoaster of my life. The Big Update will be a serial that will hopefully bring all items up-to-date in the various categories I've been writing under for the past several weeks. Unfortunately, we're looking at a synopsis as it seemed to came and went too quickly and with such ferocity for me to recognize the significance of many events untill context was established a month or more later.
What this means is- I didn't actually have a grasp on what I was dealing with until after it was over, for much of the last several weeks. I've coasted into my new 10 Weeks, and only now do I find myself in a position to put all this in writing to chronicle my most recent adventures, opportunities, and life-on-pause moments of the near past.
Finally, Thank You all for your support over the First 10 Weeks of 10 Weeks and Counting (Read: My Life). You prayers and comments have all been greatly appreciated.
To begin: The criticals:
Every Troll Needs A Cave- I am currently living with friends and about to move. I moved from my studio apartment in late December, stayed two weeks in California, and returned to Tucson at the beginning of the semester. I am reluctant to sign a lease until I hear from PeaceCorps with a Time Line for my life. I will explain more in near-future posts.
Every Troll Needs a Bridge- Bridge Update!
My bridges:
The old apartment job: 24/7 when I'm not doing anything else. (Finally replaced) I still stay in contact with many of the participants of that program and am happy to report that they are all doing well.
Full Time Teaching: Full-Time, three weeks a month. Three Weeks into the second semester. My students seem happy I'm still there, but the mid-terms are next week, so let's see how long that lasts.
Consult- Gas Station: 10-40 hours a week. This one's complicated, and continues to grow in complexity. It's not just a Gas Station, it's also a cab company, auto shop, auto rental/sales, and office management.
Consult- Crematorium: Still a cooky situation.
Consult: FAA Certified Repair Station- What fun! I've been studyingthe regs on how to operate (legally) a FAA certified aircraft repair station. On the side, I'm reading part 400 of CFR Title 14 (FAA), which regulates comercial space flight. I'm thinking about applying for my operator's license for a reusable launch vehicle, which seems to be a one-page application to a minor office in DC. Which me luck on completing my dream of becoming a licenced Astronaut.
AAABVI: Statewide recreation program for the blind in Arizona. I'm in the process of handing it over to new leadership. There's a saga in and of itself. Good news- first events are this weekend. Check it out at www.aaabvi.org
PROJECT TENTMAKER- A web-based consulting service (free) for Christian Entrepreneurs who want help starting a viable business so they can set aside time and money for ministry and service. This will be kicking into high-gear in the next two weeks. Look for the site-launch sometime next week.
Every Troll Needs a Goat To Chase-
I have met my financial goal for what I intended to raise myself in debt-reduction. I currently still owe about $4000, which is great, because I'm owed about $4000 by a friend/client. Still waiting for the money.... I'll explain this one in some more detail in a near-future post.
Bottom Line: Once I drop that debt to $0, I am free and clear to go into the PeaceCorps. Very tense. Very tense.
Every Troll Has A Story To Tell-
Over the Christmas Break I wrote a poem (posted below under the title, "Old Year's Day", and dictate 2 hours of material to be transcribed. I'm 1/3 of the way through it, and when done, will be able to complete the story "Around Eleven" very shortly. That is my writing priority for the next week, in my free time (yeah right).
***
And that's where I'm at. There are other projects firmenting, which I'll try to include as I bring everything up to speed. Look for more info soon.
Take care,
and,
gargh =;]
Friday, January 4, 2008
The List
The New 10 Weeks has begun. And, coincidentally, it's the New Year. It seems like it's time to reassert those goals that are driving my life, and see how we're doing with taking stuff off of THE LIST.
Everybody has a list- though most people haven't thought to make a long one, or write their's down. THE LIST is simply the batch of things you really want to do in your life. What follows ins't excusive, or exhaustive, or even organized to a great deal. Some items on THE LIST are always going to be in the category of "Target of Opportunity", meaning I'll do it if I happen to be in the neighborhood. Some things may never get done, but may lead to other things going up and then off THE LIST.
I'm sure you all have the idea by now.
One sidebar: If there's a number next to the item it's because it's been borrowed from "50 Things Everyone Must Do (At Least) Once In A Lifetime", a Card Deck that can be purchased at most games stores in your average mall. The ones I'm listing are the ones I haven't done yet. Some I may want to do again, but that may have to wait for another list. ;) On occassion, I may indicate the year I intend to get these things done- if I have a clue.
THE LIST
PEACE CORPS (2008)
Be Out of Debt (2008)
Buy everyone in the bar a drink #1
Swim with wild dolphins #2
Climb a mountain #3 (Kilamanjaro- by 2010)
Take a Ferrari for a test drive #4
See the pyramids by night #5
Hold a tarantula #6
Visit Paris #12
See the Norther Light #17
Create a masterpiece #19
Grow and eat your own vegatables #20
Take a hot air balloon ride #26
Bet on a winning horse #34
Hold a lamb #41
Ride in a supersonic jet #45
See a total eclipse (of the sun) #48
Go to the Olympics
Visit the MoMA
Go to an uninhabited island
Write a screenplay (by 2010)
Publish Fiction or Poetry (by 2010)
Run with the bulls (by 2012)
Scuba Dive
Take my parents on a vacation
Go to the Na'adam Festival in Mongolia
Visit the Gobi Desert
Ride horses on every continent
Horseback riding in Mongolia
Horseback riding in the Himalayas
Horseback riding in Turkey
Visit Iceland
Read Moby Dick (by 2008)
Read the works of Robert Louis Stevenson
Swim in all 5 oceans
Attend Mardis Gras
Ride on the Orient Express
Visit the Taj Mahal
See Angel Falls
Own only the clothes on my back
More to come. The list may very well become it's own page in the near future. Look for this posted somewhere soon in an editable and commentable format with updates as they happen.
Now, get to your own List.
gargh =;]
Everybody has a list- though most people haven't thought to make a long one, or write their's down. THE LIST is simply the batch of things you really want to do in your life. What follows ins't excusive, or exhaustive, or even organized to a great deal. Some items on THE LIST are always going to be in the category of "Target of Opportunity", meaning I'll do it if I happen to be in the neighborhood. Some things may never get done, but may lead to other things going up and then off THE LIST.
I'm sure you all have the idea by now.
One sidebar: If there's a number next to the item it's because it's been borrowed from "50 Things Everyone Must Do (At Least) Once In A Lifetime", a Card Deck that can be purchased at most games stores in your average mall. The ones I'm listing are the ones I haven't done yet. Some I may want to do again, but that may have to wait for another list. ;) On occassion, I may indicate the year I intend to get these things done- if I have a clue.
THE LIST
PEACE CORPS (2008)
Be Out of Debt (2008)
Buy everyone in the bar a drink #1
Swim with wild dolphins #2
Climb a mountain #3 (Kilamanjaro- by 2010)
Take a Ferrari for a test drive #4
See the pyramids by night #5
Hold a tarantula #6
Visit Paris #12
See the Norther Light #17
Create a masterpiece #19
Grow and eat your own vegatables #20
Take a hot air balloon ride #26
Bet on a winning horse #34
Hold a lamb #41
Ride in a supersonic jet #45
See a total eclipse (of the sun) #48
Go to the Olympics
Visit the MoMA
Go to an uninhabited island
Write a screenplay (by 2010)
Publish Fiction or Poetry (by 2010)
Run with the bulls (by 2012)
Scuba Dive
Take my parents on a vacation
Go to the Na'adam Festival in Mongolia
Visit the Gobi Desert
Ride horses on every continent
Horseback riding in Mongolia
Horseback riding in the Himalayas
Horseback riding in Turkey
Visit Iceland
Read Moby Dick (by 2008)
Read the works of Robert Louis Stevenson
Swim in all 5 oceans
Attend Mardis Gras
Ride on the Orient Express
Visit the Taj Mahal
See Angel Falls
Own only the clothes on my back
More to come. The list may very well become it's own page in the near future. Look for this posted somewhere soon in an editable and commentable format with updates as they happen.
Now, get to your own List.
gargh =;]
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Old Year's Day
Old Year’s Day
Waves roll in…
Waves roll out…
That’s what I see from this bench
Overlooking the water, in a strange city
I came here to say goodbye to an Old Year
It was an old year; I’d grown to know it well
It had come around enough times
Like some people I’d knew
Old like an old coat
Comfortable, and ready to fall apart
This year, this old year had wrinkles
That were ugly, not wise
They showed time, not experience
It smiled with bleeding gums
And its hair was blown by the wind
It was an old bastard of an uncle
The kind that borrowed money
Its neck was bent with sleep and guilt
It was sometimes forgetful, occasionally cruel
It smelled like pee, and medicine
I had grown used to the halitosis
The stories it told over and over
Gave comfort, over and over
Because I never had to think about them
I always appreciated how
It would demand so little from me
Usually only my company
And the most passing of attentions
It’s hard to accept that it’s time to say
Goodbye, because
I’ve grown used to it visiting
So often, recently. But,
This old year has grown weary
And is dieing, from its own disease
So now it’s time
To honor, and grieve and remember
As much as this old year deserves
And maybe to learn
Everyone’s life is a story to tell.
Everyone’s time is a lesson.
And, just like saying goodbye
To a dear friend, or a bad relative,
Most of its memory fades
With its absence
I hope, Oh I hope, Oh I pray
That I’ll be that better friend
That I’ll be that better son
That I’ll be that better man
Because of the lessons that I’ve learned
From that crazy, decrepit, derelict, old year
Come 'round too many times before its passing.
I can see the New Year coming
I was supposed to meet it here
And I’ve never felt quite ready
For first impressions
Never shamed, always shy
And knowing that’s not quite right
But all there is to do is rise
A seagull flies overhead
A boat cuts towards the horizon
The wind pulls at my scarf
And the clouds will bring their rain
… waves roll out,
… waves roll in.
Waves roll in…
Waves roll out…
That’s what I see from this bench
Overlooking the water, in a strange city
I came here to say goodbye to an Old Year
It was an old year; I’d grown to know it well
It had come around enough times
Like some people I’d knew
Old like an old coat
Comfortable, and ready to fall apart
This year, this old year had wrinkles
That were ugly, not wise
They showed time, not experience
It smiled with bleeding gums
And its hair was blown by the wind
It was an old bastard of an uncle
The kind that borrowed money
Its neck was bent with sleep and guilt
It was sometimes forgetful, occasionally cruel
It smelled like pee, and medicine
I had grown used to the halitosis
The stories it told over and over
Gave comfort, over and over
Because I never had to think about them
I always appreciated how
It would demand so little from me
Usually only my company
And the most passing of attentions
It’s hard to accept that it’s time to say
Goodbye, because
I’ve grown used to it visiting
So often, recently. But,
This old year has grown weary
And is dieing, from its own disease
So now it’s time
To honor, and grieve and remember
As much as this old year deserves
And maybe to learn
Everyone’s life is a story to tell.
Everyone’s time is a lesson.
And, just like saying goodbye
To a dear friend, or a bad relative,
Most of its memory fades
With its absence
I hope, Oh I hope, Oh I pray
That I’ll be that better friend
That I’ll be that better son
That I’ll be that better man
Because of the lessons that I’ve learned
From that crazy, decrepit, derelict, old year
Come 'round too many times before its passing.
I can see the New Year coming
I was supposed to meet it here
And I’ve never felt quite ready
For first impressions
Never shamed, always shy
And knowing that’s not quite right
But all there is to do is rise
A seagull flies overhead
A boat cuts towards the horizon
The wind pulls at my scarf
And the clouds will bring their rain
… waves roll out,
… waves roll in.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
I know that I haven't been keeping up with this blog like I should- probably the most said thing by any blogger throughout history.
I haven't been able to post progress on my barious short stories and other progress because I left my master disc in Tucson when I came to see my folks for the holidays in California.
I have just posted my most recent financial progress. It's slowly coming along.
I have moved out of my apartment, but don't have one to move into when I return. I will be staying short-term with friends until finances and PeaceCorps allign like a mythical constellation- or, more likely, for about a week or so.
As for PeaceCorpse, they contacted me last Thursday (December 19th) and asked if there was any way possible that I would have the holds on my application cleared by January 7th. I mentally glanced at my balance sheet, frowned, and said, no, there was no way. They thanked me for my honesty and informed me that they had had a posting in Eastern Europe come up at the last minute and that I could have gone to that. Oh well, back in the hopper for the Pacific Region, with the cautionary statement from PeaceCorps that postings may not be available again in the near future. *sigh*
But, Everything else is good. I will write more in the near future, like tomorrow, to provide more details. It has been a roller coaster of a couple of weeks, but we keep moving right along.
Take care, friends and loved ones,
And Merry Christmas,
Gargh =;]
I haven't been able to post progress on my barious short stories and other progress because I left my master disc in Tucson when I came to see my folks for the holidays in California.
I have just posted my most recent financial progress. It's slowly coming along.
I have moved out of my apartment, but don't have one to move into when I return. I will be staying short-term with friends until finances and PeaceCorps allign like a mythical constellation- or, more likely, for about a week or so.
As for PeaceCorpse, they contacted me last Thursday (December 19th) and asked if there was any way possible that I would have the holds on my application cleared by January 7th. I mentally glanced at my balance sheet, frowned, and said, no, there was no way. They thanked me for my honesty and informed me that they had had a posting in Eastern Europe come up at the last minute and that I could have gone to that. Oh well, back in the hopper for the Pacific Region, with the cautionary statement from PeaceCorps that postings may not be available again in the near future. *sigh*
But, Everything else is good. I will write more in the near future, like tomorrow, to provide more details. It has been a roller coaster of a couple of weeks, but we keep moving right along.
Take care, friends and loved ones,
And Merry Christmas,
Gargh =;]
Goat Statement #4
- Starting Debt: $22,000
- Total Real Debt: $11,400
- (As of 12/5/7)
- - Settlement of Real Debt: $1,500
- = $9,900
- (As of 12/19/7)
- Settlment at 50%: 4,950ish
- - $ put aside to settle: $500
(As of 1/5/8) - -------------------------------
$4,400 Left to raise
Sometimes it seems like I'm taking two steps forward and one step back. I withheld my payment for December in anticiopation of the holidays. I'll have a fair cash cushion going into the new year, but made minimal progress on raising towards the debt. The $1,500 of real debt settled was settled at only 66%, which also slowed down progress based on a 50% settlement.
But, we are moving ahead, slowly but surely. The ace in the hole is a client that owes me $4,000. If that comes through, then I'm golden. If not, then we just keep plugging away.
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