:: Ray's Periodic Rantings ::

:: Thursday, August 22, 2002 ::

More rain. Lots of it. This morning I watched the water rise in my sump. The new pump I put in last year at about this time hasn't needed to kick in yet, but I sure hope it works when it is time. Just in case, I will be making certain anything not waterproof is off the basement floor. Ack.

It has been a while since I got political. I am too distracted to have much to rant about today, but I have to point you to today's Tom the Dancing Bug on Salon, titled Our C.E.O. President. Enjoy.
:: Ray 1:14 PM [+] ::
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Rain. I woke up to a steady, gentle downpour this morning. Looking out my window at work (16th floor), I see thick clouds hanging low over the city. It has stopped raining, but everything is still wet, and wonderfully so. We have had a dry summer, with little rain since April. My lawn is brown and crispy, except for a few hearty weeds that I have been too lazy to pull. On Saturday I mowed it, literally for the first time in almost two months, more to get the weeds than because it needed it. The rain is refreshing and welcome.

I had a relatively productive weekend, finally coming up with a list on paper of things I need to get done for the Burning Man trip, and doing a few of them. These included fabricating 8 curvy blue neon sections for the installation Mike and I are planning. I also gave Betty a sorely needed bath. She is beaming -- sparkling clean and giddy with excitement about her first trip in over a year and her first major camping trip in several years. It will also be her first date with Bam Bam, the new (to me) 1995 Ford Bronco. I am keeping my fingers crossed that they take a liking to each other, particularly at 60 mph. Black Rock City, here we come!
:: Ray 10:40 AM [+] ::
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Many thanks to J-Roam and B for a great lead on a tow vehicle...I am going tonight to look at a 1995 Ford Bronco with a 5.8 liter engine and tow package. Broncos seem to go for about half the price of comparable Suburbans and Tahoes. Broncos have a shorter wheel base which isn't entirely ideal for towing, but they have solid engines and transmissions for it. With my weight-distributing hitch and anti-sway bar, I should be OK. The one I am going to see is listed at a fair price. If looks good, I plan to make an offer. Wheeee!
:: Ray 4:33 PM [+] ::
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Ack! Ack! Ack! I am so hosed! I just talked with my mechanic, who informed me that Barney the Suburban is toast, not worth it to repair. I am supposed to leave for Burning Man with Betty in tow in two and a half weeks, and I need to come up with a truck capable of towing her across the continent before then! Ack!

Don't get me wrong...it isn't that I don't have resources I can fall back on. I just can't believe I am right in the same position I was in two years ago, having to scramble at the last minute. The hardliner in me says I did this to myself, which is true, but under my current circumstances at least I have something of an excuse. In any case I am going to need help, both divine and human, to make this happen.
:: Ray 5:47 PM [+] ::
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It is a beautiful day in Chicago today. The sky is a deep blue, laced with white whisp and little fluffy clouds. The sun is brilliant, but not oppressive. A refreshing breeze is blowing, not overly humid. People are out and about, clearly enjoying themselves. I'll take it.

This morning, a panhandler, clearly inebriated with a fifth of cheap booze in his hand, asked me to help the homeless. I may whine about my life, but I am thankful for it -- every aspect of it.
:: Ray 12:05 PM [+] ::
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Ahhhh, summer lust in Chicago...the quickening of the heartbeat at the sight of the beauty on the train with large hair and large breasts, poured into lowrise jeans and a cropped top...cute, tanned tourists gawking at the sights in their short shorts and string tank tops...professional women with places to go in heels and miniskirted suits...runners bouncing in sports bras with ponytails dangling...Wicker Park hipsters in wacky retro garb and Fluevogs...bike messenger babes pedalling in baggy shorts that can't hide their powerful legs...well-groomed Lincoln Park Trixies in sundresses at the outdoor cafes...the list goes on. As much as it sucks to be me at the moment, I am a red blooded male and summer in the city isn't all bad.
:: Ray 5:48 PM [+] ::
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