"You gotta pay attention to these things."

That's what I say quite often. There's a lot of detail that is overlooked by most people because the source may not apply to their lives, or something. For instance, tonight at a restaurant I saw this couple that seemed like they were from the past, maybe thirty or forty years ago, and were in the present time, wearing modern clothes, trying to pass themselves off at modern Americans. My mom said there was nothing unusual about them, though. Other people didn't give them a second glance; they were outside their lives, their night plans.

I always say "you have to pay attention to these things" because, if not you, then who? I'm sure another person may notice, but there's no way for you to know that. So take in the human condition and maybe write a little about it, just action for action, through your lens.
*****
Last night I went out with Jonathan and Kayla. We went to this 24hour foodspot. Jonathan and Kayla wanted to sit outside because it was too cold inside, so I had to sacrifice atmosphere. They even had live music inside!
I got cactus! I believe the dish is called nopales and it came with black beans and eggs. The other two got some sort of french toast deal. A guy sat alone at the table next to ours, I think listening to our childish banter about theatre and life. I wonder about the people that come out late at night and sit alone drinking coffee. Where are they coming from and going to? Is it a matter of sleep trouble? I guess I might be one someday, but I hope I can do it with a friend.
*****
Today was the bbq to finish the AmeriCorps period. I turned in my last time sheet and I'm done! This girl, Hannah, whom I haven't seen since the initial training, and Chris were my buddies from 8:30-1:15. Then we parted.

There were many veggie burgers, which was good - I'm glad they took note from last time. They also had this bag of mixed snacks and on the back it had an ingredient list for all five different things in it. Of course I showed this to the interns I worked with and we all had a good laugh about how ridiculous I am. I was feeling very loose at the bbq and Hannah said she didn't know anyone quite like me. That's probably a good thing.

Last Day of Work

Currently reading:
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (pt.1)
Jules Verne

Today was the last day of the internship. It was mostly a hangout day until the other interns and supervisors returned. Then us AmeriCorps people gave out presentations. The supervisor was very sneaky about it, I don't think any of us realized that the others had projects and that we were building toward a day of presentations. I was right when I said our going away party was a final bout of work. The pizza and coffee cake were good, though.

The whole deal was like my sister's graduation, we went up one at a time and something was said about each of us. Mine was that I take pride in what I work on and put in a full effort and was a strong leader in projects. Then we all got goodies: patch, hat, mug, a copy of Last Child in the Woods (which is a good book I've been waiting to get). The supervisor was tearing up by the end of it. I guess it's kind of like having children grow up and go off to college, not having their soft footfalls on the floor - except all those years go by in a ten week period.

Before I left, I jumped in the electric go-cart with two of the younger interns who know how to drive very fast, drift, and not go off a cliff. A couple times, young trees or tall grass was run down which caused some disagreement amongst us. Then we got to a gated off area and quickly turned into a wild area very overgrown. Large branches jumped up at us and giant ragweed were mowed down in a way very reminiscent of running over people in video games. At one point, a big ripe bur plant was hiding behind some vegetation we drove over and it exploded over the front of the cart, covering each of us in the seeds. I'm glad I got out shortly after that.
*****
Something I've noticed with many of the girls I try to hangout with is their claim of indecision. Someone can leave the day up to them and they say "whatever you want to do" or "I'm not picky" or any variation. I really do not believe there's nothing they care a great deal to do. Maybe it's some sort of gender deal, following along with the male figure's point of direction. I'm not sure. I always wait for a decision on the girls' part, and if they don't make one we sit where we are and talk. Then again, if I'm always waiting for them to make a decision perhaps I'm the indecisive one.
Nah, I can come up with what I like to do.

Dawn to Dusk

Today for work we went out to this big event where many groups came together to maintain this community center. I'm not sure which neighborhood it is, the zip code is 75212.
I got pizza for lunch and lots of gatorade. My fellow interns were amazed that I was eating pizza and teased me about high fructose corn syrup and all that jazz. Silly kids. Then my ring sent a piece of metal into the base of my finger while I was shoveling, so I moseyed around for a while.

Here is me at home after the event:


Theeeen, I went to the doctor and found out I won't need a shot for the next eight years, probably. Yes! After that I went for a haircut; a little late given that the summer season is winding down, but whatever. It will last through the Fall semester.

Leaving conversation:
Old lady: You look great!
Me: Thanks! You're not half bad yourself!
(at the register, OL walks up)
OL: Lookin' good, you're a changed man!
Me: Quick, somebody give me a job!

I say that every time I clean myself up slightly.

"I've got to get out of here"

That's what I think every time I'm in math class around break.

As a night class, I think it puts me in a peculiar position where I learn at a faster rate because I hope to get out early. Of course, everyone else needs many examples (and I admit some are useful variations for me), but it makes me stuck. I wish it could get out earlier; the extra time bothers me, but the X building does more so: it smells like a mix of hospitals and cheap motels.

I suppose if I don't have anywhere better to be (AKA, have little hope of something happening that night), I'll stay in class. It keeps me off the streets.
*****
At work the river cooter had some intestine looking thing hanging out its rear, so we all packed up and went to the vet. I pet a friendly cat which looked like a smokey mountain during a fading sunset while the vet assistant said our turtle's penis had extended and couldn't return to the sheath. Not sure what will happen with that turtle, or that cat.

We went to the Dogwood Canyon which is going to be the newest Audubon center in the area. I was digging up privet when the shovel popped up and cast the handle into my groin. It didn't hurt until I got home, and now I'm sore and my poison ivy itches. At least my kayaking wounds are healing.

For lunch we all went to Chik-fil-a. I brought my organic lunch. There were a ton of people there, supposedly because it's the suburbs so many of the families live out in the Cedar Hill area. It's a shame mothers submit their children to that food; but, after that, I submitted myself to some Braum's iced cream! I contradict like that. The Braum's we went to didn't have any entirely absurd photographs on the wall, which was too bad.
*****
I utilized my texting ability to chat with Dandelion throughout the day. She said she didn't think I really understand her, though I may know her. I told her I will likely never know or understand her as she truly is, because we really can't know other people outside of ourselves. This is very different from my claims of wanting to figure her out when we first met. I'm not sure why the perspective changed. I've been feeling much more plateaued about our relationship, more calm and "hippie-ish" she might say. Of course, the waters may change, but I hope this feeling sticks around a bit - I think she prefers this mood.

"Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes." -Whitman

Another Good Day at Work

Currently listening to:
Sparrow
Simon and Garfunkel

Today Ford Motor Company came to TRAC for some company retreat and after they left, they paid for all other visitors and hired a snow cone car to give out free refreshments.

Different sort of job during all of this; I was a model. All the interns dragged canoes and kayaks to the visible pond and paddled around from 10:30 to 1. I guess I can say I have "atmosphere" experience now. I didn't get sunburned and didn't get tipped into the pond by the young interns. I must have paddled incorrectly because the joint between my thumb and fingers got raw.

Then was lunch. Ford took over our kitchen and closets (they shoved chefs in the closet and had them chopping things), and once they were done eating we descended like locust. There was tons of vegetarian food this time, and we all got many boxes to take home. This turned out to be a good thing because I locked my car keys in the car. While I was emptying my pockets of things the pond might ruin, I set the keys on the driver seat and forgot them.
So, my mom and sister came and I showed them around and gave my mom a dinner she wouldn't have to cook. She gave me her key so I could have one in each pocket, in case it happens again.

Came home and showered at five. Something about the water on my raw thumb spots made them hurt very much. Sort of a stinging pain and a feeling that my skin was expanding and contracting again and again. It hurt, but I thought it was actually an exquisite hurting, an artful pain; stinging without actually being serious. I don't know. I'll recognize it more in the future.

It's raining so I'm not going to class. I tagged Dandelion when I started writing, but I can't remember why; If I remember I'll comment it. She's just preoccupied lately. I hope we play tennis or watch my movie which came in.

Safe as a Cootie Wootie With You

Currently listening to:
Hey, Bulldog
Beatles

I was allowed to hang out with Dandelion last night, partly because I had to give her bread before it molded and learned to talk, if you know what I mean. She cleaned cameras and I maintained plants (she has one labeled "Johnny jump up" and I thought it was named after our mutualish friend; funny), and we discussed matters of the utmost importance, like paper globes and nursery rhymes. It was a good, quiet, tired hang out.

I thought about going to this street parallel to mine where Smokey Mountain was to take this abstract painting that's leaning against a tree in front of a mansion. Dandelion seemed to think it was still wanted, though it was left in the front yard, in the open. I ended up not getting it. I might try in a couple more days.
It would have been an interesting solo adventure which Dandelion says I should invest more time in. I need to figure out how to get in that mindset of childish action; I've got the imagination down. It's just more fun with another person, though.

I'm kind of silly sometimes and I forget and wonder if things are still the way they were a second ago. I swear I feel a change in the water occasionally, but maybe it's just my mind over-evaluating some little detail never before noticed. The mixtape is a good reminder of how things stand, so maybe if I get worked up I could listen to one or both together to put everything back in its place.
I just keep learning! I feel like Algernon.
*****
I've been bitten up by chiggers from all the trail maintenance work. Supposedly they try to get you where you are hottest, so I've got some in my leg joints and through my socks and, of course, the groin. Mom said it would look weird if I went around scratching my groin all day, so I'm fighting the itch. Maybe I'll drive home in the nude again so I can scratch all the bites. Haha!
*****
"'I am no king, and I am no lord,
And I am no soldier at arms,' said he.
'I'm none but a harper, and a very poor harper,
That am come hither to wed with ye.'

'If you were a lord, you should be my lord,
And the same if you were a thief,' said she.
'And if you are a harper, you shall be my harper,
For it makes no matter to me, to me,
For it makes no matter to me.'

'But what if it prove that I am no harper?
That I lied for your love most monstrously?'
'Why, then I'll teach you to play and sing,
For I dearly love a good harp,' said she."
THE END

Strangers in the Night

Currently listening to:
Strangers in the Night
Frank Sinatra

Slow day at work.

Strangers in the night exchanging glances
Wond'ring in the night
What were the chances we'd be sharing love
Before the night was through.

Something in your eyes was so inviting,
Something in you smile was so exciting,
Something in my heart,
Told me I must have you.

Strangers in the night, two lonely people
We were strangers in the night
Up to the moment
When we said our first hello.
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away,
A warm embracing dance away and -

Ever since that night we've been together.
Lovers at first sight, in love forever.
It turned out so right,
For strangers in the night.

Summer Camps are Over!

Currently listening to:
More Than This
Roxy Music

"Like a dream in the night
Who can say where we're going
No care in the world
Maybe I'm learning"
*****
What a day at work. By the end of the day even the Education Coordinators, Z and Genna, were beat. I bet it's tough being a teacher and not getting a summer break. At least the week-long camps are done for.

Since it was Friday, morning food was brought in: doughnuts and breakfast tacos. I swear this job is tempting food-wise. Junk food was not in the job description! We probably need it, though, to put up with the children - the lesser of two evils - and I probably need it because I've stayed awake from 8AM to 1AM every day. Got to have 'me' time.Once the internship is complete I'll go back to my healthier bland diet.

We went canoeing today and either it was hotter than normal or the water reflected the light and gave me a double dose, or both. Luckily no one tipped their canoe, probably because we let them go swimming after a time.

My face was burning off my head! Out of the seven weeks I've been working at the center I've never had to use sunscreen before. I did today, but after I had gotten burned so it wasn't as effective. Genna was probably worried I would faint or something, so I was allowed to go inside the rest of the time.

During the break I got the chance to talk to Rebekah on Facebook chat; important only because she and I are rarely on at the same time. She wants me to write her another letter, only when I ask for one from her she refuses. I think it's weird to send two letters without having one from the other person between, only when the letters are asked for. I told her I'd think about it and I probably will write one. She said I was something along the lines of "soft," but I can't remember exactly what she said. I'm still going to wait a bit and maybe call her to see if I can get a letter out of her.

After that I gave a one-on-one hike to enthusiastic Olivia from my group. We saw an egret about twenty feet away. After that was the long draw toward traffic home. Now for night math. :[

Waiting on a call/text from Dandelion. Probably won't happen in time.... Yes! Got the call!

Can I Sleep Now?

Currently listening to:
Gray or Blue
Jaymay

In the center of this song is a stanza sung in vocals I can't understand and I hadn't thought to actually look it up until now:

Charming
Crazy eyes have you
Are they gray or blue?
I won't make the move
You must make the move
If you make the move
I will then approve
If you do not move
We will surely lose...

Interesting. It's like finding a secret track on a CD.
*****

This other intern at work, named Andy, said he never feels hungry. If he eats some cereal for breakfast, he's good for the day; but when people around him say it's time for lunch or dinner, he goes along to eat because he likes food. However, if he doesn't eat breakfast he gets hungry around lunch or dinner time. Maybe if he didn't need to eat along with not feeling hungry, I might be jealous. As is, it's kind of scary to not be hungry: you never know when it is you need to eat or how much to eat. Yikes.

At lunch the children were very rowdy; it's getting harder to control them. I'm glad tomorrow is their last day.

All the good food has disappeared. I don't know where all that Panera and doughnuts and snack bars have gone, but all we have are the gallons and gallons of orange juice.. What I have noticed a lot of in both refrigerators is alcohol. There are bottles of vodka lying around, some without lids, and beer and stuff left over from whatever business meetings are booked at the center. On days like this where the units have been pilfered of everything good, all that's really left are old leftovers and the alcohol. I think it's quite a funny sight, sort of like saying, "see what the educators need to get through the day?"
*****

I've noticed a lot more larger cars since I've been driving Aethon. This is probably because I've been so low to the ground all this time and only recognizable SUVs stand out, like Hummers (grr). Anyway, now that I'm at a higher viewpoint, the shapes are suddenly revealed to be neighbor large cars; and I have become another shape to the smaller cars. I bet the bigger cars think the smaller cars look up to and admire them, but it's really not true.

-Friends in places so high they can't be seen-

At the Trinity River Audubon Center

Currently listening to:
1234
Feist

Today at work, I spent the first half of the day being a volunteer coordinator of a section of Bank of America volunteers. Apparently they have to do it and are paid for their time. I don't know who's running the banks while all these people are trimming grass and mulching. It also felt weird telling these older workplace people what to do; in fact, it was also weird seeing them outside of a bank - I think people can sometimes forget that those they get services from are people too. Maybe this is due to the short exposure we have of them.

Of course, corporate volunteers means a quality lunch. More lunches were delivered than the expected number of volunteers, and fewer volunteers arrived than were expected. So out of eight Panera Bread Co. vegetarian lunches, seven were left over. Yes! But the one I got had no chips, so I sneaked a nectarine and several donuts and bar foods away. Today was a cut-loose junk food sort of day. Also, they left about twenty gallons of orange juice at the center.

Later in the day, we took the children birding and one of the girls found a hummingbird (probably a ruby-throated hummingbird) sitting totally still on a branch almost at the top of a giant cottonwood. First of all, I don't know how she spotted something so small on a tree. Second, the find made me wonder about suggestion. She said "hummingbird" and I saw it instantly.
The same could go for puzzles or anything else, where a word or phrase suddenly brings everything into focus, or changes the focus.

The other question is if the hummingbird is even there, or anything else seen after someone points something out. We know a great many forms and those we don't know can be made by mixing the basic forms we do know. Seems to me anything is anywhere and everywhere under the right light, in the right situation.