Homeless - 49

Hello there,


Yes, I know I've been away for longer that I intended. It seems that where I'm working at has a significant turnover of personnel. At the onset, I specified around a 25 hour work week but I also volunteered that I would be available if there were a manpower shortage, which seems to be the norm. Three of the people that have departed did share with me their reasons for leaving which happened to be the same - the assistant manager's lack of social technique. Ahhh well, I certainly can use the additional legal tender but the job, and it's irregular shift hours, are reducing the amount of time that I can devote to the writing projects.


I've been getting more rest over the past couple of weeks because I haven't been getting up at the usual time for hygiene processing. And, no, that stench you may be detecting in the North Dallas area is not from me. I located a public facility, a recreational center within my range, that an individual can join for $15 a year that has a basketball court, weight room, etc. as well as a shower...with hot water! I know! This hygiene option has allowed a greater flexibility in addressing the cleaniness factor of my young suppleness. Let's see...assume three showers a week times 52 weeks divided by...yep...pure bliss for only 9 cents per occurrence! The past couple of times, I took an hour and shot some hoops, the first time since 1989 which was the last time I could dunk a basketball. And the shower stall is a one person affair only, which suits me well. I never was entirely comfortable being in a communal shower with a bunch of guys; bend over to pick up some dropped soap or luffda and you might discover a boyfriend. Of course, I would be uncomfortable with a shower full of women, too. I guess I never was the orgying type of guy. After the first shower, I sat in BT with the windows down enjoyiing the experience of a pleasant breeze and reeking of Ivory soap and shampoo. When I shower at a benefactor's place, I'm cognizant of the power requirements from the onsite reactor for hot water and proceed expeditiously but not now...no rush...a thorough luffda scrub. There may be a couple of other people in the facility but it is mostly deserted. I just hope that I don't contract some flesh-eating disease that has no cure...or one that causes extra limbs to grow. That would put a damper on things.


It seems that that evilness that manifested itself as a sinus infection that has been plaguing me has gone back to wherever hell it came from. See...I told you that saying Satan, get thy ass hence...BITCH! really works. I don't know if it would work on a recession though.


I had to replace the water pump in BT. A benefactor was gracious enough to allow use of one his finance options. I checked the price, parts and labor, at a couple of places and the cost was around $500. I used a shop that he has confidence in and the cost was around $300...and that was with a new pump, not a rebuilt one. So always check around if you can. The situation was kind of stressing me out. I discovered the leak when I had the oil changed and for several days she was leaving a wet spot wherever she paused. Now, I not saying a wet spot is a bad thing; in some situations, a wet spot can be a good thing depending on what was occurring at those at time/space coordinates previously but there are times...never mind. Anyway, no more wet spots consisting of vital juices.


Speaking of which, Happy Valentines Day. If you guys have been doing things right all along, this day should be a slam dunk. If not, you need to read something like Relationships for Dummies or bail. Do they have a book like that? Anyway, everyday should be Valentine's Day and it doesn't have to be flowers and candy or assuming debt equal to some third world countries. It can be a cleaned place when she gets home, her favorite meal cooked, you being freshly shaved/showered (for once!), watching her favorite movie with her and talking. Don't forget about talking with her and listening to her hopes, wishes, accomplishemnts, fears, viewpoints, etc. After all, she should be your best friend and you should be celebrating her victories with her and being supportive for the defeats as well. Of course, the preceding elements are in addition to other...ahem, 'domestic responsibilities'. But what do I know? I'm living out of my truck, unmarried and childless...which could be a good thing.


For the first time in many years, I visited a public laundrymat and boy, have they changed. TV sets, arcade games, soap and fabric softner dispensers and people speaking languages I don't know. People seem nice though. I usually do a crossword while waiting. The past couple of times I went on a Sunday morning after spending time in the hot tub and steam room. For a load of clothes to wash and dry costs a princely sum of $3.75. Quite different when I was a small human. I would spread a sheet on the floor, throw all the dirty clothes in it, tie up the four corners and throw it on my back and trapse gleefully to the laundry mat armed with 3 or 4 bucks with half-brother in tow. These days I drive to one...by myself.


I held open the door at work for an elderly gentleman last week and he said 'Thanks, young fella'. Now, I haven't been referred to in that manner since I was...a young fella. This guy was a half-a-head taller than I, probably in his mid to late 70's judging from his facial features. He had a broad chest, not fat, a head of white hair, strong voice and he had a healthy walk, not one that you see with old people as if they are having to fight a heavier gravity. I meant to re-engage him within the store but I was sidetracked by other customer demands. Young fella...hmmmm....


Take care,


David


aka 'The Young Fella'