Closing

 I closed tonight.  I hadn't closed in a long time.  I got the trash.  For the registers and the back office too.  That is not all though.  A small fire started in the smoke pit.  Ms. Shalen gave me a bottle of water, and I put it out.  All of a sudden my Navy training took over, and I made sure to check on the smoke pit again.  To make sure the fire is out.  I smoke, so whew what a relief that the fire was out.

4th of July Display

I really liked that display for some reason.  It made me think of the carts they use on the airlines.  It had flags on it.  I thought it looked interesting, I just had to take a picture.  The flags gave it a patriotic look.  So, it seemed festive to me.  I posted it on Instagram.  Everybody liked it.  So, I thought I would share the image here.

That makes two posts in one day.

The Battery Died

The Rodeo battery died.  I left the lights on while I was at work.  So, when I went to leave work I tried to start the Rodeo.  The Rodeo didn't start.  I checked the lights.  Yep, I had left the lights on.  So, the battery of the Rodeo had died.  I called my Dad, and he said his car, the hybrid, could not jump the Rodeo.  So, Dad and William came in Williams car and helped jump the Rodeo.  After that I had to let the Rodeo run for twenty minutes.  

I am always worried that I will leave the lights of my vehicle on.  That the battery will die.  With the gas it isn't as difficult, I just fill it up before it runs out.  But once the battery is out, I cannot start my vehicle.  Nothing beats the feeling of being stranded.  But William drove right to the spot I was parked at.  I never told Dad where I was parked at.  It is almost like me and William have some kind of connection.  I guess he must be my brother.

The Government is beginning to make a big deal out of the January 6, 2021 riot.  The capital was stormed.  Some people said the government caused its own problems by allowing riots to go unchecked throughout the country.  The Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, was trying to push through some kind of legislation on the matter.  But Republicans filibustered.  She was upset about this.  Instead, the Republicans want to fire Dr. Fauci.  I suppose all this could have just been in an e-mail.  But I decided to write on my blog while World of Warcraft updates.

Thank You!

 Thank you for reading my blog.  I have had it up for a while.  But have not made many posts.  This is because it is a newer blog.  Yesterday, not much happened at work.  My schedule is back to the routine, 3:30 to 10 PM.  Except that tonight I work 6 PM to 10 PM.  

Yesterday, into this morning I played Eve.  I also recorded several short videos of game play.  I put them on Youtube.  I was in a frenzy to do it.  Along with blogging, I've always wanted to make Youtube videos.  I first discovered Youtube for myself, in 2007.  I used to just watch random videos because I didn't have an account yet.  I played the Ballad of the Alamo theme countless times that year.

I began working at Albertsons in March 2020.  But I met Scott in February.  Scott helped me apply to work at Albertsons.  He ended up having surgery, so not long after I began working, he left Albertsons.  I sure miss Scott at work.  Scott is very uplifting and positive to be around.  I met him right before the lockdown.  I used to walk to Albertsons and Chick-fil-a.  Then, I would go meet up with Scott while I waited to hear back from Albertsons.  It has been over a year since I first met Scott.  I am glad I did.  I meant to post about him yesterday.  Perhaps it is better that I post about him today.  That away he can know he is important to me.  Thank you, Scott for being my friend.

Here is a sample of my video.  I am delighted to share it.  There I am, running around New Eden.  I hope to record more game play like this.  I do not play e-sports.  I enjoy a lot of singleplayer games.  But Eve, like Warcraft, is special.  I am not against multiplayer, I just use computer games to relax is all.  So, I enjoy certain parts of each game, some of which have nothing to do with multiplayer.  But I understand the desire to connect, which is why esports is so big now days.

With COVID-19 that was a good time for playing computer games.  Being shutdown can have its advantages.  Now that things are open again, I have to divide my time between work, life and games.  Ultimately, I hope to be able to blog and Youtube more in the future.  I always think God made me for these things.  I connect well with people online.  Much better than in real life.  That is the way it has always been for me.

Today is Billy's birthday.  He lives in Michigan, so I do not get to see him.  But Billy is another friend I connected well with.  Sometimes, I meet someone and I just connect well with them.  So, some of my friendships are few, but I feel like they are strong connections which survive overtime.  Thank you, Billy for being my friend.  I wish you a Happy Birthday!  

 

CERN live on Facebook for CMS Experiment

 Here is the link for the live video announcement.  For CERN tomorrow.  https://fb.watch/6pR15loOQJ/.  Enjoy.

Maxwell's Laws

I wanted to share this Youtube video on Maxwell's laws.  CERN is going to be live tomorrow.  This is the purpose in sharing this video, which was shared to me by Jennifer Siagian from EntertheStars, from Facebook.  I am learning so much listening and watching the video.  Such as that the magnetic field does not like to change.  With COVID going on still, this should be interesting, watching CERN live.

Today, not much is going on.  But Yesterday, I cleaned up a nasty mess in one of the restrooms.  Not sure what happened there.  I ended up using bathroom cleaner, and scrubbing with paper towels, so it came up fairly easily.  No complaints there.  I just thought I would note it on my blog.  I started as a Courtesy Clerk, but finished as Sanitation.  I worked from about 9 AM, to 7 PM.  

The work is not hard, I clean carts for now.  Before, when the lockdown started, we were wiping down cash registers, cleaning the bathroom every hour.  Sanitation was very fast passed because I was always doing something.  

Max continues to do ok.  Max, or Abraham Lincoln I should say, is resting on his doggie bed.  I always wonder about his doggie thoughts.  Or, what do dogs think of things.  Like COVID-19 for instance.  Maybe dogs think more about these things than we think.  

I am just doing my best to document the History of COVID-19.  I deleted all of my older blogs.  Which did contain some History. 

The first case was in December.  When I was working at Fedex one night, I swear I heard the trumpet sound.  Or a  trumpet anyways.  This was in about November though, at 2 or 3 AM in the morning. 

The date I remember most, is March 13, 2020.  That was the day many states shutdown, whether because the government forced them, or because they wanted to shutdown was unclear.  Trump claimed he wanted to keep them open.  When Trump set Easter as the day to re-open, the states simply extended the lockdown.  But even before the lockdown.  Many places were closed.  McDonald's for instance closed its dining room and its digital system for ordering meals.  Most restaurants here were closed.  The effect was that even Wal-Mart began closing early.  But did not shutdown.  They also routed traffic through certain entrances and exits.  That was in April.  In April Texas instituted wearing masks by executive order of the governor.  many counties followed suit and also.

Along the way personal History took over as well.  I began working at Albertsons, right before the lockdown, so in March.  But by then, we were already wearing masks.  Then, for her birthday, a friend, Melissa Romero, came out despite the still locked down conditions.  I was really impressed how she managed to get herself, and her sons here.  

Meanwhile, on May 28, 2020 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) wrote: 

Today the number of people in the United States who have died from COVID-19 surpassed 100,000. Families, friends, coworkers, loved ones and community members are grieving for each person who has been lost to this disease.  The United States Surpasses 100,000 Deaths 

 I included the this date because, most of the country was still in a lockdown during this time.  Most restuarants remained open, in that you could order through the drive-throu but you could not eat inside.  So, many people adapted by eating in there vehicles.  I remember eating with Mom and Joey at lake Arlington.  While Dad and me would order a meal, and bring it home.

At first Albertsons would close at about 8 or 9 PM like Wal-Mart.  But after a while, shortly after i began working, Albertsons began to remain open until 11 PM.  So, people would come in at 10 PM to do there grocery shopping.  Wal-Mart was still closed at 8 PM.  By that time I had begun working as Sanitation, while occasionally working as a Courtesy Clerk.  

Meanwhile, I was also drilling with the Navy.  Our last in person drilling was right before the lockdown.  Even the VA shutdown, and in-person appointments were discouraged. Most of my interactions with the VA were over the phone.  Right before the lockdown, at the last in person drill I turned in my documentation of the medicine I was taking.  About August I was supposed to have received notification of an MMR for my readiness due to my medication.  I received the notification, but everytime I went to pick up my certified mail the post office kept re-directing me to a different post office.  So in short, I never picked up my certified mail.  It was returned, and I was given the notification later. For about a year, the navy Reserves drilled through telework.  First through Zoom, but then later through Microsoft Team Speak.  

A selfie of me at work.  Wearing my mask.

Here is what my schedule at Albertsons looks like: 

My work schedule at Albertsons

At work we had to have a temperature check.  This was in theory to check for COVID-19.  After a temperature check, we received a sticker with a different color for each different day.  A mess of confusion began at the start of the lockdown.  Stimulus checks were issued because so many people lost there jobs.  A reported twenty-two million people lost there jobs, just as I was hired by Albertsons on 301 Southwest Plaza, Arlington Texas, 76016.

I began World of Warcraft during the lockdown.  Because of drill, and working, I could save money and I was able to afford to play World of Warcraft.  Now, I am a non-drilling reservist.  I still have a CAC but I am unable to drill with my unit.  Supposedly, I was going to be sent on an AT in August, I have not heard any details of this.  My plan was to go active duty from the reserves.  Maybe, by going on this Annual Training I can go active duty.  Maybe not.  

that is all for now folks.  I hope you enjoyed reading my rendition of the shutdown, which ended on April 30, but was extended to May 15 in some places.  Oh, California's governor was actually recalled.  there were enough signatures for the recall to stand.  This will be an interesting development.  Another development during 2020, an election year, was that mail-in ballots came up as a possible solution to being stuck in line during COVID-19.  Some, including Trump, however, thought that this might be a faulty solution.  Sometimes people floated rumors that the election might be suspended.  On November 3rd, 2020, the election was held and Biden and Harris won the election.  Some say Trump is still contesting the election.  but it just seems to be a claim.  However, Trump recently held a rally in Ohio. Others say Trump might re-appear in August.  But with his rally in June, it seems he has already re-appeared.  

Eventually, Texas Governor Abbott removed the mask mandate.  So currently, at the state level there is not a mask mandate in Texas.  I will need to get the dates on that one.  Well, please enjoy reading my blog.  Also watch the video, and pay attention to where it discusses the opposites of the magnetic field.  

Here are the links used in this post: 

• https://youtu.be/9Tm2c6NJH4Y
• https://www.paho.org/en/news/27-1-2021-americas-surpasses-one-million-deaths-covid-19
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_United_States_presidential_election
• 
  

 

Mom and Joey

A couple of years ago, my Mom and stepfather Joey, moved to Arlington.  This is them both, sitting in there house.  They moved to Prestonwood Estates.  The house sits on a hill.  It is small, but cozy.  I do wish it had a bigger yard.  But I am just so happy to have my Mom back.  Ever since before I left the Navy, my Mom had been living in Alexandria, Louisiana.  That started in 2013, after her and Joey had married.  You can see Joey's guitar, he really plays that too.  mom has her laptop too.  

 

Powergrid Management

 Today I worked Sanitation.  Tomorrow, I work Courtesy clerk.  Oh, but there is an asterisk next to it.  Maybe I am still sanitation?  Today mostly involved getting carts out of the lot.  I was surprised because when I went in, no one was standing sanitation.  Well, you can give me those hours to then.  Last November I got sick, and had issues working.  Maybe that is all behind me now.  

In Eve I finished Drones V.  Now, I train Powergrid Management V.  This is part of the Magic 14 of skills designed to help with flying the ship.  The capsuleer can learn a variety of other skills too.  Other skills are for diplomacy, science, even archeology, which helps with running anomalies.  

Supposedly, even though someone has the virus, according to CNBC, you can still get COVID.  Over fourteen hundred deaths were reported due to this.  I always try and point people to the cdc website.  Even if it is not the most up to date information, it provides a good starting point. 

Max is well.  He is sitting behind me.  Idling on the bed.  Oh, that reminds me.  Max got out once.  Somebody was kind enough to take him to the Arlington Animal Services.  My Dad and me went to go pick max up on Green Oaks, and Matlock.  While we were at the Arlington Animal Services, we found out his actual name is Abraham Lincoln.  Here I have been calling him the wrong name the whole time.  But he seems to take to it.  I am not sure whether to call him Abraham Lincoln, which is a better name, or Max, the one I have been calling him.  Will He get confused?  I am left wondering.

 

Putting Max Outside

 I let my dog Max out into my Dad's back yard.  Just as I did so, the wind began to blow.  It is not to hot outside.  I put Max outside so he will not be stuck in the house later, when it does get hot.  Usually, I leave him inside when I go to work.  Then, my Dad lets Max outside.  Before work, I make sure he has food and water.

At Albertsons today,  I am sanitation.  On my profile at the Albertsons website it has me listed as sanitation for a job title.     Albertsons gave me more hours.  This is a relief, because I need to work more.  The director of this Albertsons changed a while back to Kyle.  Before it was Ms. Sharon.

Well, i am going to go play some Eve.  I am training the skill Drones V.  Next up is Powergrid Management V.  I have an Alpha Clone, so I cannot train everything to V.  I am running skills through which are called the "Magic 14" because these skills will help me fly my ship better.  I still took one detour though with Drones V, so that I can use the max number of drones to run sites, missions, and "rating".  

I have been listening to Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End, by Manel Loureiro.  This book reminded me to update my blog.  I do not like the way the curse words are used in the story.  But other than that, the story is pretty good.

Another Day, Another Dollar

 Today, I worked sanitation again.  Although this time, I did get to do a sweep.  A sweep is where we take the large broom, and sweep the grocery isles.  Meanwhile, I continue to wear a mask and Social Distance.  After that I came home, and played some Eve.  I got me and my Dad each a box of Cheez-Its.  Now, I am just listening to Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End on Youtube.

While I was playing Eve, I found a  Sansha Refuge.  I cleared it.  Then looted a 9 million isk item.  I warped to the station and sold it immediately.  I regret it, I should have stayed and looted the entire area.  It was the toughest Sansha Refuge I had run.  The bounties were over 100k isk in some cases.  As you can see, it would have been worth it to salvage as well.  But someone popped into my map right at the last minute.  I was surprised, because I knew I was on the last wave.  A Sansha Cannibal. 

Image Courtesy of Steam and CCP

Claims That Trump Won, or that He Said He Won

I found an article that claims Trump won the election.  This is not the first one, either.  I keep seeing these.  Or, in this case an article claiming that Trump said he won.  It sounds to me like the U.S. Government needs to move on.  Who cares if Trump claims he won?  Who is the one in power?  So, Trump is in West Palm Beach.  That is where he lives now.

Claims That Trump Won 

The author, Steven A. Crockett Jr.,

wrote this:

"

A podcast from the former Trump advisor Steve Bannon has amplified the conspiracy theory," from Business Insider.

What podcast?  Why not play the podcast so we can hear it for his own words.  Crockett's libel against the President Trump is just plain ridiculous.  Better watch out, or what goes around, comes around.  Every time.  

COVID 19 Pandemic

 The Pandemic started earlier than people realize.  Although the lockdown began on March 13, 2019.  The Pandemic began in December 2019.  Hence the name, COVID-19.  The pandemic is still going on.  Here in Texas, the Governor has removed the mask requirement at the state level.  But at the local level some mask mandates are still on going. 

Image provided by dshs.texas.gov

At Albertsons where I work.  They still require a mask.  Unless someone is vaccinated.  We are required to test for COVID prior to work at a kiosk.  Once we have the test from the kiosk, the kiosk prints off a picture of the person.  Then, you are required to wear a mask. 

    

PSALM 39

 Occasionally, I like to write out one of the Psalms.  

Psalm 39

For the choir director; for Jeduthun; a psalm by David

1 I said,

"I will watch my ways so that I do not sin with my tongue.

I will bridle my mouth while wicked people are in my

presence."

2 I remained totally speechless.

I kept silent, although it did me no good.

While I was deep in thought, my pain grew worse.

3 My heart burned like a fire flaring up within me.

Then I spoke with my tongue:

4 "Teach me, O LORD, about the end of my life.

Teach me about the number of days I have left

so that I may know how temporary my life is.

5 Indeed, you have made the length of my days only a few inches.

My life span is nothing compared to yours.

Certainly, everyone alive is like a whisper in the wind.  Selah

6 Each person who walks around is like a shadow.

They are busy for no reason.

They accumulate riches without knowing who will get

them."

7 And now, Lord, what am I waiting for?

My hope is in you!

8 Rescue me from my rebellious acts.

Do not disgrace me in front of godless fools.

9 I remained speechless.

I did not open my mouth

because you are the one who has done this.

10 Remove the sickness you laid upon me.

My life is over because you struck me with your hand.

11 With stern warnings you discipline people for their crimes.

Like a moth you wat away at what is dear to them.

Certainly, everyone is like a whisper in the wind.  Selah

12 Listen to my prayer, O LORD.

Open your ear to my cry for help.

Do not be deaf to my tears,

for I am a foreign resident with you,

a stranger like all my ancestors.

13 Look away from me so that I may smile again 

before I go away and am no more.

It makes me feel good to write out a psalm.  I feel like this one really reaches into my own life.  How I feel about it and things going on in it.  There are just days that go by, where I miss the Navy.  I miss my friends in the Navy.  Also, I miss San Diego.  I wish I could have stayed there longer.  There I had friends who loved Jesus Christ, who were in the Navy too.