Blood Money & Moon

Shortly after getting out of bed and heading downstairs, I stepped outside on the deck to sniff some morning air and to check out the sky. It was completely clear. I remembered almost instantly that there was a lunar eclipse taking place. I hurried out the front door to see if I could see it unfold.

Yep, and it was awesome. In the NW sky at about 4 o’clock there sat the ‘blood moon” almost completely engulfed in the Earth’s umbra. Excitedly, I headed back into the house to grab my camera and alert the kids. At that very second Bella was on her way back upstairs and refused to come see it, which surprised me a little. She’s usually one who enjoys such things. Jacob, on the other hand, surprised me too, in that he was interested and followed me back outside to see it. I asked if he knew what caused such a thing, and he didn’t. I quickly explained. When Jacob headed back inside, I stayed out marveling at the view. I only wish I would’ve been in an area clear of artificial light to further enhance its beauty.

Inside I went about the task of completing calisthenics, including sit-ups, windmills, and push-ups. I did the push-ups from the deck. After exercises, I leashed up the pug and headed out for a walk. The kids were still at the bus stops and it looked as if some of them were stretching their heads in an effort to see the eclipse which was quickly falling out of our view simply because it was setting below the neighborhood trees and roof tops. It was still red and covered in the Earth’s umbra.

It was shortly after I sat down at my PC that I checked my phone and noticed right away that I had a rather lengthy text from Charles from 5amish, which I found extremely odd. It's not like he and I talk much. Anyway, it was a plea to get daughter Lindsey to stop blowing up his phone with texts asking for money. My emotional response ran the full gamut. I felt frustrated, angry, sad, and even somewhat hopeless. None of this directed at Charles, of course, but instead at Lindsey. I sent two responses, one right away and then another after having a couple minutes to process the data.

The bus pulled up and collected the kids just as EIknarf and I were making our way back up the driveway. Inside, I enjoyed more coffee, internet and a little work before Mindy headed out near 715am. After she left, I played around for another 15 minutes or so before doing meditation, stretching, and finally dressing for a run. As for my recurring headache, it wasn’t bothering me, and to help keep it away, I’d been practicing holding my nose and holding pressure against my ears and sinuses for an extended period of time – like 5-8 seconds. Seems to make a difference.

Headed out for a run near 8am. Wore a thin long sleeved wicking shirt along with a jacket. It was in the mid 40’s so while I was comfy for the first couple miles, I was a tad warm for the duration. Like most occasions, I used the zipper as a regulator. Ran the full 4.1 miles and was home after 35-36 minutes. Good pace.

Made breakfast and packed my lunch. Normally would've showered and left for the office near 930am but I had two calls I needed to join, one at 930 and the other at 10am. Figured it made more sense to join both from home and head into work after. Before the 930am, I did manage to shower so I'd be ready to leave for work immediately after the calls.

Calls wrapped up around 1035am and perhaps 10 minutes later I was out the door, on my way across town. Arrived near 11am. It was a nice, sunny morning with temps near 50 and expected to climb into the mid 60s by afternoon, one of the few nice days so far this October. In fact, sans Wednesday, it's rained everyday since Oct 2. And looking ahead, which I realize is sketchy at best, it's doesn't appear that the trend will be ending anytime soon.

Quiet but busy day at the customer's campus. And since I got there so late in the morning, I opted to plow straight through my work day. Shortly after I was settled, I sent Lindsey a text asking for the back story to her pleas for financial help, even though doing so left me uncomfortable and bracing for what she might share. Essentially short funds to cover rent for a host of reasons.

I sent Mindy a text near noon asking her to call me. I wanted to discuss the Lindsey dilemma and get her opinion. Bottom line, we decided to help. Forgetting the past, if this is a onetime thing then we wanted to help. In the same breath, I can't help but think how must waste is there. For one, let's cut out smokes, fast food, and convenience store purchases. But we've been down this road so many times past. Ugh! I also know it's not fun living on a shoe string budget when one minor setback throws your entire world in chaos. That's definitely no way to live. But there's only one person who can change that -one's self. The power of the universe resides in everyone, though dormant in many. Instead of harnessing this incredible gift, they unknowingly relinquish their power to false idols and institutions of religious dogma.

Via texting, I made arrangements to give Lindsey enough money to cover the dent in her rent (about half). I left for home around 430pm. I called Mindy on the drive home. She was on her way home too. I asked that she write a check for Lindsey and send her a text letting her know she could come get it. Lindsey and the boys were still at the house when I got home but just about to leave.

One last point ...so the age old struggle is help without enablement. Where does one find the incentive to climb out of the hole they've dug for themselves? I don't have all the answers, but I know for me, back when I was 21, I had this ever-present, gnawing voice in the my brain constantly telling me that I was better, smarter than the way I was living. It was time to buckle up and take the reins from Dr despair. Like many, I always knew better but didn't always listen to the voice. Nevertheless, the voice was constant, and I knew I was only letting myself down. The road to a better life, a successful life looked long and difficult. However, I knew that not taking action meant giving in and giving in. And those that know me know that I don't give up easily. I wasn't about to give my power away. I knew I had to take charge. because no one else was going to do it for me. I did just that. It started out small, but each small step towards success was more proof that I could do it. Setbacks? On yeah, there were many, but those will happen to everyone. Still have setbacks. Next goal, next target. Batter up!

Our plan was to visit Barley's for food and a beer or two. We left around 545pm. Not much of a crowd. And it's undeniable, Barley's is losing market share. Just a couple tables and bar stools occupied. Daniel was tending bar. I ordered pale ale. Mindy hemmed and hawed, eventually settling on a Punkt, their imperial pumpkin porter. They have it both on nitro and the tower. She opted for nitro.

Daniel pointed out that today was the unveiling of their new menu. While pursuing the menu, noticed an old familiar face walk by, Mark of Mark & Trudy. Haven't seen Mark but maybe one other time this year. We chatted for a few before he grabbed a beer and headed back out to the patio to rejoin his compadres.

Soon order food. Despite the new menu items, I went with the tried and true, Pile it on Texas burger. Mindy chose the meatloaf and greens. They haven't had greens on the menu for 3 or 4 years. I ordered a 2nd pale ale too. My burger was terrific. It might be my favorite burger anywhere. Settled up and left for home near 745pm. The kids called asking where we might be. Mindy debated ordering the kids carryout but decided not. After all, Jimaken is supposed to feed them dinner on Wednesday's.

Home near 8pm, it was long before I was stretched out on the living room floor and napping. Felt incredible good to drift off like that. I got up after maybe 30 minutes or so and headed immediately for bed.