Dale Miller

Yesterday I started off seriously depressed but managed to improve during the day to the point I was feeling fairly good by evening. So far today the opposite is occurring. I came in to work a bit tired, but in a reasonable mood. two and a half hours later and I feel like closing the door, putting my head down on the desk and crying. Nothing particular is happening at work to cause this. I’m beginning to wonder if there is something physically wrong with me. The thought that I could take some nice SSRI and feel better is somewhat appealing. However, it runs counter to my general philosophy of life.

After watching the battle at Wolf 359 and the subsequent destruction of the Borg ship and reading about the impending disaster of hurricane Katrina, it’s nice to watch three cats running around the house trying to catch a large moth.

Jamie and Sarah from work decided to have a party, and I offered my house as a venue. The party was last night, and it was interesting. Several of the party-goers brought tents and slept in the yard rather than have to make their way back into the city late at night. I stayed up far too late, had too much to eat, and attempted to enjoy myself. There was a brief Trivial Pursuit game which unfortunately was made less enjoyable by a somewhat loquacious drunk who shouted out answers to every question regardless of who was supposed to be answering. I ended up the night somewhat depressed, but within normal variance. Unfortunately, there were no single females attending who found me attractive. I didn’t really expect there to be, but I always have hope. The cats were somewhat startled by the influx of people. They aren’t sure what to do when they seen anyone other than me. Oscar quickly adjusted, and received more petting than he usually does. Oreo and Cinderella made themselves scarce and only stuck their heads out occasionally. I haven’t seen Ashley since early last evening — I’m a bit worried about her, but I expect she will show up when she is sure everyone else is gone. After the excellent location and layout of my previous residence, it’s hard to think of my present house as a good party house, but it seemed to be well-received. I suppose I should try to have people over more often. That makes the third party I have hosted in the 2.5 years I’ve lived here, and there have been maybe ten other times than individuals have shown up at my door. That has a bit to do with living well out from town, and more to do with a lack of social skills.

On a completely separate note, I got all choked up reading the National Weather Service release for southern Louisiana. The NWS usually says things like “may be damaging”, possibly severe”, etc., not bald-faced statements that the damage will be severe, buildings will be destroyed, and livestock will be killed. That’s just scary. I have a friend (Sara) who is presently living in Houma. I haven’t been able to get in touch with her, and I only hope she and her family have already evacuated.

Choir was good last night, but I’m sleepy today. That was a problem in the spring, and it’s going to continue to be a problem. Maybe I should schedule vacation for Friday mornings the rest of the year. :)

I stayed up too late last night, and got up at my usual time. The result: I’m seriously sleepy this afternoon.

The dance class was fun this morning. The instructor started using terms that I don’t know, but I was assured that I’ll “pick them up”. I think I will go do a bit of reading on basic dance terminology. Even though this is supposed to be an intro “never done this before in your life” course, I think I may be the only one in the with no previous dance experience. I also need to schedule a shower afterwards. She made us work! It’s good for me, though. I need the exercise.

Little Rock had a nice rain today, and things cooled off quite a bit. When I arrived home, I decided it would be a good idea to mow the yard, since I’ve been putting it off. I mowed most of the back before breaking my new mower. :( I don’t think I bent the shaft this time, but it won’t start. I think the problem is that new mowers are too powerful. Back when I had a 3.5HP mower, I would hit a stump, the blade would stop, the engine would stop, and I would restart it and keep going. With a 6.5HP engine, I hit a stump, the blade stops, and the far greater torque of the engine causes damage to the engine. I’m getting tired of this. It’s too expensive. I would be better off finding some local youth and hiring him/her to mow my yard a few times each year. I may stick a sign out on the street seeking such.

Today was the first day of classes, with all that entails. The campus was covered with lost people, overly-loud music in the courtyard, and the rest of the hustle and bustle that accompanies the start of the term.

My own class is interesting in a couple of ways. Apparently I’m the token male in jazz dance. That’s not a bad thing at all in my opinion. My instructor, however has at least one rather disturbing item in the syllabus. We will have to do several reports during the semester, and they must all be hand-written! I don’t think I’ve written more than a couple of sentences at a time in the last 20 years. Given my carpal tunnel syndrome, I’m wondering if I can claim a medical disability and bring a computer and printer to class. In any case, it should be more fun than sitting in the office.

Baby it’s hot outside
Originally uploaded by Dale Miller.

I realize that the thermometer on my front porch can be a bit off at certain times of the day, but rarely more than a couple of degrees. I’ve never seen it register this hot.

Star Trek – Next Generation
Originally uploaded by Dale Miller.

After watching most of the first season of Star Trek – The Next Generation, I have become used to seeing the occasional crew woman in a short dress passing across the scene. However, in one episode (Conspiracy), I was somewhat surprised to see a male crewmember in a dress. I’m glad to know that things will be somewhat more enlightened in the future. :)

I have almost become used to scaring deer when I walk out of the house, but I have yet to exhaust the creatures nearby. I walked out on the deck and startled a fox that was walking across my back yard. I wonder what else lives nearby.