Shedding Protective Gear

The happiness continues! One of the emails I missed while out on Friday announced our locality and cost-of-living increases for the year. See, another fabulous benefit to my government job is the COLA raises in addition to the normal raise. So whereas most people get 4-6% on average, we get the 4-6% plus a cost adjustment, which this year is 3.25%. Yay for more money! (Especially since I have $11 in my checking account currently...)

Today I am happy because Travis is a landowner! He went out yesterday and bought nearly four acres of property in the middle of Nowhere, Lake County. His uncle and his dad both bought property in the same area - that is the tightest-knit family I think I know of - everyone in his family lives in a 100-mile radius and now they appear to be putting together a family compound. Meanwhile, I officially have ZERO family in this state now. I hadn't given it a whole lot of thought, but at dinner last night, Travis commented that he would think that would be very difficult and it must take a lot of strength to live here with only my friends to support me. But with friends like I have, I don't feel like I'm missing all that much (other than my folks, obviously). So, thank you, Substitute Family!!!

I attempted to drive the dirt bike last night. I SUCK!!! Can't steer, can't drive straight, can't brake...this is going to take some time, but I will get better. I did take some pictures, though, and got about three that were worthwhile, but I'm pretty proud of some of the zippier shots.

Apparently Club Paris is pretty interesting - Adrienne had to practically be carried out, but other reports here at work are that it's not a bad joint, and not any more expensive than most other clubs around here.

Ah, and Bay Street looks to have a season all lined up! We got something accomplished, huzzah! Nothing's official, but we have made our recommendations. I'm pretty happy with it, myself.

Back to rehearsal tonight - I continue to slam Zithromax and Throat Coat in an attempt to clear up all the crud in my system.

Speaking of clearing up crud, here's a funny little ditty for you. My Yogi Fasting Tea (red clover and other herbals for diuretic effect and energy boost) is wonderful stuff, and the outer packaging reads proper, but the actual tea bag wrapper instructs that for best results, drink one or two cups 15 to 20 minutes before eating. Fasting tea. Before eating. Now why on earth...?