First day of 2005

It is Saturday, January First, 2005.

It’s quiet out there- not much traffic at all.

The papers came out exceptionally early today.  I left the apartment at 7:40 and came home at 11.  This might be the earliest I’ve ever finished my Saturday deliveries.

I deliver papers six mornings a week – five of those are at 0 dark thirty and traffic is non-existant at that time.  Saturdays are the only day I deliver during daylight hours, but it looked like another night out there – no traffic.  Some of my stores were not open, so their papers went into the lock boxes for them to get out later.  This shortens my workday significantly.

I said “Happy New Year!” to everyone at my stops – well, not at Safeway (but I did to the chic at Starbucks in Safeway cuz she seems to like me…)  even though there were a lot fewer people than normal.  My favorite clerk, the Korean college girl whom I gave a Valentine’s card lo these many moons ago was not working – yet.  I was that early on my route.

A line from one of my favorite pieces of music has been going through my head all morning.  It’s from Blue Oyster Cult’s “Godzilla”: 

“History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of man”.

Specifcally in regards to the tsunami and the great loss of life.

The events on the other side of the world have influenced things here in Portland.  Mercy Corps Intl. was one of the first aid agencies to respond to the disaster – they are based here in Portland.  I have no specific skills to offer or that are in demand, but I wish I could go there and do something to help out.  Sure I can donate some cash, and that little bit will help that little bit, but I want to go there too.  I know about and have experienced the aftermath of disaster – I was in the Kobe quake in 95 and did what I could then. 

I’ll just keep going here and hope that little bit contributes to the over-all wellness of the world.

Last night I had a (nearly) full fifth of Old Grand Dad Bourbon – good bourbon made with corn and rye.  Dark, strong (100 proof) and tasty.  This morning I have a nearly full fifth still.  I don’t feel like drinking as much as i used to, and I knew I had to get up early and do my job.  I also know from experience that working through a hangover sucks and is to be avoided.  I am pleased to report no sign of hangover at all.

So here I am at home, on the computer.  My cat is sitting in the window looking out and down (we’re on the 8th floor).  The buses are on a holiday schedule, so I’ll have to get out the schedules so I can go visit A & J and wish them a happy new year.  And get some catnip.

Life goes on in it’s accustomed routine.  This is a good thing.  I used to want adventure and excitment – now I want a regular routine and as little excitment as I can live with/without.

Work is done for the day.  Coffee is made, music is playing (BOC’s Godzilla- been hearing it in my mind so I might as well really hear it) and things are good.

It’s a “special” day – so let’s have a shot and reflect on how good we’ve got it!

It SO much could be worse.

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current tunes- Simply Red’s “Holding back the years”.