List Day

• Counted 10 cars at the gym today
• For some reason, I’m really sleepy
• I have a dental appointment today, and it’s going to mess with my afternoon
• Laughing at your request doesn’t inspire confidence, but it is honest
• Please tell me more about your Korean drama, it’s enthralling
• I need to swing by the store and pick up cat treats on the way home, or there might be an open rebellion
• I did warn you, so it’s really hard not to say I told you so
• Have a good night

Choices

​I’ve got way to many project’s. Grilltech’s sock. A dishcloth. And a cross stitch pattern. They’re all trying to get my attention and I’m reading instead. 

Maybe reading is what I need to do. 

Time

​

Eventually my new dish cloth will look like the old one. 

Second

​

Second pot of tea. Second sock. Second workout of the day. 

I’m sensing a theme. 

List Day

• Counted 11 cars at the gym this morning
• Fucking Karin
• Saw one hawk on the drive home
• Yoga was breathing. It did help
• I would work from home tomorrow, but I've already paid for lunch
• Stay safe

Farewell

​

Grilltech wore these socks to death. I’d noticed worn spots, really bad in the heels. When he noticed them, I knew it was time. 

Easy?

​

My special talent, appears to be messing up cables. No one will see it but me. 

Dishcloth

​

First dishcloth of the year. I started it on game night, finished it this afternoon. I love this pattern. Can do it with my eyes closed. Meows 

First

​

First sock of the year done. The XO pattern seems to be one I knitting quite a bit. Mostly I do it so Grilltech will know he’s loved. 

The Queen is Dead

​

My old knitting bag was badly frayed. You can’t see it real well in the picture but she is worn. She’s gone on lots of adventures with me. Many documented here, others not. 

I knew it was time to pick up a new bag. phoenix yarn has bags I’ve been lusting after. I got Perky a bag from her shop and really liked the quality. 

The rest will be history. Long live the Queen!

Zero Day

Ravelry Link Post #8053 Day 1. Journey you are guided to take: draw card. Day 2. Something major to know about journey (draw major arcana). Day 3. Something minor to know about journey (draw minor arcana). Day 4. Draw animal card/select animal you would like to work with. Day 5. How does the animal feel about the journey? draw card. Day 6. The two set out to: draw a card. Day 7. To make good progress, spent the next few days: draw card. Day 8. Animal companion’s words of wisdom: draw card. Day 9. New Moon starts soon, but with Mercury in retrograde you should wait with: draw card Day 10. Lionharts New Moon in Gemini Spread (see @lionharts) Day 11. Greeted by a would-be companion: draw card. Day 12. Companion teaches you to: draw card. Day 13. Parting ways: companion tells you to (draw a card); it will help you on your journey Day 14. At a crossroads; pick two cards and decide which path to take. Day 15. Path chosen; what could this potentially lead to? draw card. Day 16. What would you have to face/overcome? draw card. Day 17. How can you best move forth from here? Draw card. Day 18. Takes advice to heart; today they work on: draw card. Day 19. After the last few days’ work; opt in for downtime by: draw card. Day 20. Full moon near; decide to spend time near water to meditate on: draw card. Day 21. After meditation, see a bottle floating in water. Message in bottle is “the answer to what’s on your mind is: draw card. Day 22. Animal guide says Mercury is direct; it would be wise to pick up on (draw card).\ Day 23: Honoring the words of day 22, pick up on previous plans by (draw card). Day 24: Lionharts Full Moon in Sagittarius spread (see@lionharts). Day 25. You ask animal what they think of Full Moon cards (draw card). Day 26. The end of the journey is close; you can be proud that you: draw card. Day 27. The journey ended, you understood the big lesson was: draw card. Day 28. Check your backpack for things that might drag them down and choose one to let go of: draw card. Day 29. Animal guide says it’s time to part ways and tells you to know that: draw card. Day 30. Journey ended; the next journey begins with: draw card.

Floorining

List Day

• Gas is at $2.41 per gallon
• Did see the one armed man today
• I hate it when I forget to change the email address of who I'm sending from
• And so it begins... :(
• It's a simple direction, have your leader do X. Don't bleeping respond to me saying you want to do Y
• Temperature is 97.0 today
• Have a great weekend!

Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut Cream Pie

List Day

• Gas is at $2.44 a gallon
• I haven't seen the one armed man walking in the mornings for quite some time
• My temparture was 97.2 today
• One of the things that will earn me points is taking a pregnancy class. I'm way past the point of being pregnant
• I walked yesterday and the watch actually recorded it
• Trying to blow on glasses while wearing a mask, doesn't work. Who knew?
• Well, that's a bit of a set back
• Plans change, I wish it would have waited until Tuesday
• Have a good weekend and stay safe

In the Plaza

DB was busking in the crowed plaza. Tricks of juggling fireballs or phantom dragons flying out of his hat made people gasp. Some even flipped him a credit or two. A bike messenger burst into the empty space where DB was doing tricks and ran into him. They both tumbled to the ground. The guy was up and moving again, before DB even realized what had happened. He got to his feet slowly brushing dirt from his jacket.

 A couple of nano seconds later, two men hurdled their way after the messenger. Tires could be heard screeching and a sickening thud could be heard. The group of people who had been around him, disappeared. DB watched as the two chasers, moved the messenger into the back of the SUV that struck him and took off. The crowd's mood changed with the action. DB figured it was time to leave. He picked up the few props he had and started to his car parked in the garage several blocks away.

DB checked his pocket for the FOB.  Instead he pulled out a thumb drive that wasn't his.  It was going to be one of those types of days.  What was on it that people would be willing to kill for?

Another!

Four week course

Alphabet

Alphabet

Catch Up

I keep thinking we're going to get rain, because it's so dark out there. Then I realize, no, not rain. Those aren't clouds, but smoke from all the fires. The sun is a lovely shade of orangey pink. Which I look at way to much. I've taken my two socks at a time, and moved one over to an empty needle. It's going a bit faster now. Course working on the sock at all, is faster than watching them sit. Since it is summer, working with wool is hard to deal with. I've been making dishclothes. Twenty seven of them since the first of the year.

Broken

Drug Grilltech to the doctor yesterday because he’s been limping around for a week or so. He’s got tendonitis on his left foot, plus a bone spur. He’s in a walking cast, which helps. Today I’ll be picking up his medications.

I’m a bit frustrated with him. He wants to lose weight but will only do a fasting diet. He’s lost five pounds, which is good because I know what a struggle it can be. I think he needs to move more. Sure, he’s hurt right now, so I get it. When he’s feeling better, he does nothing. He works two jobs, so he has limited time. People make time for what's important.

His life, his choices. But his choices will be impacting me. I’ve told him in the past, he’s going to leave me. He thinks I’m talking about divorce. I really mean if he doesn’t make some changes, he’s going to die long before me. And that’s what scares me the most.

I Need A Title

I go to bed about 1900 (7:00 PM) at night, because I get up at o’dark thirty. Last night, I jerked awake because of a nightmare. I was awake for about twenty minutes before I was able to go back to sleep. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a nightmare bad enough to wake me.

On the knitting front, I’m working on Grilltech’s socks. They’re too fiddly to work on them during the morning staff meeting. I’ve started working on a washcloth instead. Turns out I can do a whole row during that time.

I’ve been fighting with the company that handles our house payment. They’ve been doing things like taking payment out for the wrong week and putting us in the hole. Today I’m going to send them bank statements to get paid back for all those bounced check fees, because those really add up.

Take care, the world is a dangerous place. More dangerous then it should be.

Grumpy

The tools are conspiring to make me crazy. The new one insisting on putting my login credentials in anything and everything that requires an input box. It’s very frustrating for when I’m trying to add someone else’s name. Then SQL server keeps timing out. I’m unable to get logged in, *right this second* to do some updating. Nothing must be done *right this second*, but I want to get it done and over with to move on to the next task.

I reset my password this morning. And two logins later, my account is locked. Not having fun. I end up on the phone to the help desk. Turns out they changed the requirement of how many characters that are needed to have in a password. Which explains why my password wasn’t working any more. I’m leaving work early today. I’m annoyed and don’t want to be here anymore.

The Eldest is creating drama. Thankfully, I’m in another state, so I don’t have to deal with it face-to-face. It’s hard because I’m only hearing bits and pieces. Sometimes it’s only the shocking parts to make us feel sorry for her. I’m torn between feeling sorry and the need to fix it. Breathe in and out. This too shall pass. She’ll get it figured out. I don’t really need to do anything.

Dinner

One of the bloggers (FluildMotion) I read, talked about how she made some Stuffed Buns (Pirozhki)

We had nothing planned for dinner, so I thought why not. Pretty good for my first attempt. Totally made them our way. Instead of hamburger, we used pulled pork. Added peppers and onions, with lots of garlic. I'm pretty sure we'd make them again.

Hello

They’re talking about lifting some of the restrictions on May first. It will be nice to be able to do things, not that I’ve been restricted much. But Grilltech might be able to go to the office instead of working from home. He’s starting to go a bit stir crazy.

He’s doing things like buying a new two new printers. One is new to him, which works fine. The second one is a resin print to do mini’s on. He set that one up in the garage, because there are fumes. The type of fumes to where a face mask is needed. I’ve gotta admit, the mini’s are looking pretty amazing. No errant little strings one gets when printing on the plastic printer.

I haven’t been knitting. Only doing a little during the morning staff meeting. I hope it comes back, I kinda miss it.

I’m thinking about getting a haircut. Something dramatic. It will be shorter than my collar blades.

Stay safe out there.

List Day

• Gas is at $1.88. Let me repeat that: $1.88. There are places it’s even cheaper
• The drive into work had the very strong smell of skunk
• There is a nurse taking temperatures to be allowed in the building
• Today is my Friday!
• Thinking about getting the series five, but will wait until September to see what the six looks like
• Someone was sent home
• Grilltech’s sourdough starter turned
• We ordered a 4 terabyte hard drive, all the space we’ll ever need. Funny, we said the same thing about the 200 megabyte once
• The mask I’m wearing needs to be shrunk a bit
• Don’t be mad at me, because I’m following policy
• Vending machine ate my two bucks and I can’t figure out where to open a ticket
• Have a great weekend!

It's Here!

Today I get to go pick up the material I had order to make masks. I'm really looking forward to it. Dragonflies and skulls & crossbones, quite the interesting mix. Can you tell I'm making some for guys?

If anyone is interested the pattern I'm using is A.B. Mask. Course I've made some modifications: make sure the schematics are the right size and I make the ties longer.

Sleep is Over Rated

Last night was a bad night of sleep. It started out okay. Went to bed about 1830, woke up about 2030 when Grilltech came to bad. Woke up again about 2330 and couldn’t get back to sleep at all. I think I drifted off about 0130. Today is going to be a long day.

Worked on a dish cloth, while playing Civ. It’s almost done. My normal Garterlac Dishcloth. It’s to the point, I can do them in my sleep or lack thereof.

Hope everyone’s day is good. Stay safe out there.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter, everyone. Hope your day is lovely.

I'm sitting here drinking a Chai and enjoying the quiet. Well, it would be quiet, but the dog is snoring and Grillech is listing to something in the bedroom that I can hear.

I'm going to spend the day knitting. Yesterday I spent the day making masks. Sending four of them to my parents. I wish Joann's would hurry and tell me to pick up my material so I can make more. Speaking of masks, it helps to look at the size of the schematics, instead of just cutting out the one that is displayed. Now they're proper size, they fit better, and are much bigger. I don't know what we're going to do with this masks once the pandemic is over. Keep them for the next one?

All Ready?

Oh man. It’s April and I haven’t posted yet.

Things that have happened since my last post:

• I’ve finished my shopping bags; I need to buy more cotton to make more
• I’ve made masks that we only wear half the time when we go out. I should wear mine at work, but I drink quite a bit and would have to undo it. Put it back on. Undo it. This is why I’m going to be infected
• I’ve ordered more fabric to make more masks. I’ve also added cord stops, so it will make securing the straps easier
• I’ve been stress eating. It doesn’t help that Perky is making cookies
• With the kids home, we’re eating all the nights dinner. So, the leftovers I planned to use aren’t there. It really messes with the menu

Be safe out there.

List Day

• Gas is at $2.43
• My neighbor is really panicking about the pandemic. Me? Not so much
• They have said all non-essential jobs are be closed. My job is considered essential. I have a piece of paper to prove it
• Grilltech has the luxury of working from home
• Perky and Kommandant are considered non-essential
• I've been waking up earlier and earlier each day, it really sucks. Today was 0130, I need more sleep
• 90 minutes of my day left, I wish it would speed up
• Be safe out there*

* It's funny how it's changed from bye to be safe

Another New Bag

I'm trying to make enough market bags, so I won't have to use the store's plastic bags. I'm about two or three short at this point.

I've started another one, this one is mint green. The pattern used is called English Lace. It's work every row. I'm at the point where I stop and count after each half of the row. It's really easy to make a mistake. Nothing like frogging back four rows. I learned my lesson.

Hope you're day is pleasant.

1000 Words

Down the street on a rainy Saturday.



My finished market bag. I like this one. I'm trying to picture this stitch pattern in a blues and white. Bet it would like look an ocean wave, or I'd hope it did.

Another!

When we left off, I was talking about the issue of not getting the right stitch count on row two? Figured it out, it was an extra three stitches on the first row. Once that was figured out, I made it to the sixteen row. I stopped and counted. How can I be 29 on one side and 31 on the other. o.O

Its for a shopping bag, so it won't matter it's not right. I fudged the numbers and it's back to 31 on both sides.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm fudging my way through life. A bit off here. A bit off there. Then I've got to figure out how to add another two stitches.

Repeat

I feel like I've done this before. Think I do the math right, (9*3 = 27) only to realize I'm wrong. It's really: (9*3)+4 which makes it 31. Guess which one I cast on for: yip, 27. Ripping back to nothing and starting again. Plus the pattern I picked Mermaid Mesh counts aren't working. I've gotta double check and see if I charted it out wrong. It has something to do with row 2. I'll ask for help on Ravelry, if I can't make it work.

So the math is 62+44 = 108. I think that's right.

1000 Words

Down the street on a cloudy winter day.


Finished the shopping bag I started. It only took a couple of days. A little more satisfying then a washcloth.


I'm ready to start another one. I'm going to chart up the pattern I'm using. (Page 267|268 of A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, it's called Mermaids Mesh.) I'll be using a blue to make this one. So I thought a sea lace would be good for it.

Progress

I ripped back on the market bag I was making. It was coming out very small. Size six needles will do that. I swung by the yarn store on the way home. They didn't have the eights in 24 inches that I wanted. Instead I bought the size nines at 24 inches. Went home and started the bag over again. Much better. It's an added bonus of doing seed stitch instead of the K2, P2. I looked at the previous bags I had made, turns out I have a profile. Seed stitch. I'll post a picture when I finish. It's going pretty fast. (Heck ya, size nine needles!)

Have a good day.

List Day

• Gas is at $2.42 per gallon
• I felt a crushing weight of disappointment when I realized today is Thursday
• I have a four-day weekend coming up
• I'm going to see Korn on Monday, it will be a lot of fun
• I've got an injury which means I've got to slow down on exercising. Lots of yoga it is!
• MIL is in the hospital, hopefully she'll be released today or tomorrow
• I started a project last night, using the wrong needles (a six instead of an eight), I’ll be ripping it back, I also didn’t like the (k2, p2) (p2, k2) pattern
• I’ve gotta swing by the store and pick up stuff for tonight’s dinner. We’re having BLT’s
• Have a good night

Happy VD

I went back to karate last night. We modified some of the moves to help prevent damage to my knee. I practice the kata in the bathroom, which has a totally different floor then Sensei’s house. I’ve got to move slower at work, because I don’t want to get hurt again. Physical therapy is $$.

Socks are coming along, working on the decrease site of the pattern. The pattern is diamond shaped. I hope to kick them out quickly. I’ll need to work on them more at home, if I’m serious.

I meant to leave some presents out for Grilltech today, but I forgot. I can put them out for when he comes home, but it’s not the same. Not sure why it’s not the same, maybe because I’m there and it’s not such a surprise. I did remember to grab a check for the DMV today. Nothing says I love you like next year’s registration for the car.

List Day

• Gas is at $2.42 per gallon
• Paid bills yesterday, we have enough to get the cars registration done
• I'm out early today!!
• We have the house to ourselves this weekend
• I got back a pair of fingerless mitts I gave to my cubemate, not sure who to try and give them to now
• I don't think I'm going to close all rings today. Feeling like a sloth
• Have a good evening

I Got Nothing

It's hard to post almost every day. One of my traits is I don't talk much. Couple that with, nothing going on. It means I have nothing to talk about. Shrug

The only excitement I have is I've started the pattern on Grilltech's sock. I'ts one I've done before, so hopefully the memory of it will come back and I won't need to look at the pattern every row.

That's it. Now you see why I say, I've got nothing.

Oops

Sometimes I screw up. This time it was quite spectacular. I have a routine for paying bills. Small bills on my paycheck, because rent comes out on my paydays. Big bills on his. This week big bills are coming out on mine. Not a problem, things will be a bit tight, but we'll live. I went into autopilot mode and paid the small bills. Oops. We'll be in the hole for a couple of days until his check comes in. Back when everything was paid by check we could have skated things, but not now.

Live and learn. And turn off autopilot.

Frog Pond

I've been working on Grilltech's socks. Still at the cuff stage, but ten rounds into it. I picked a pattern to knit Diagon-Ally, but didn't have the pattern when I started so there was too many stitches and the wrong kind of ribbing. (K2, P2) instead of a K1, P1 (K2, P1), P1, K1 ribbing. I was just going to fudge the numbers and make it work. In my heart I knew it was going to be wrong, but I didn't want to rib back.

I've decided instead, I'm going to make another set of Paragon Socks for him. Which means, I'm going to have to rip back. I'm pretty fickle at times. I still want to knit Diagon Ally socks, but not at this time.

Breathe

I’m busy having a bit of a freak out. The company I work for lost its prolific contract. The contract I work on. Not sure what the future holds and that scares me to no end. When I was younger, I wouldn’t worry about that. Now? Older or wiser, I’m not sure what to do. Leadership hasn’t even had time to talk to us yet, so I might be doing the what if’s for nothing.

It’s time to breathe, just breathe. No sense in worrying about anything right now. This too will pass. I’ve been lucky so far, no reason why that luck won’t be there in the future.

Today I'm...

It was a bad night of sleep. I went to bed about 1930, pretty close the usual time. Woke up around 2330 and could not get back to sleep. Tossed and turned, until I finally got up for 10 minutes then I was able to go back to sleep. This morning I woke up with a headache. Right now I'm wishing I'd stayed home. But I'm a responsible adult and went to work. I've got three days off later this month, so I'm working until then. A day off during the month really cuts down on the sick call outs.

I'm still on the cuff of Grilltech's sock. I'm about half way through the usual 20 rounds I do. I'm trying to figure out what pattern I'm going to use. I've seen some pretty spiffy items on Ravelry, but I cast on too few stitches to use them. Yea, yea, I could rip back, but I'm not. I think I'll use a cabled braid. It's been a while since I've used it.

Drive safe, it's snowing out there.

Already?

Superbowl Sunday marks the 31st anniversary of our first date. It's really hard to think we've been together that long. To me, it seems like it was yesterday. I really hope we have another 31 or more years.

Done!

Down the street on a cloudy day.



I finished up my mitts. I like how they fit. Too bad, the lace pattern doesn't show up real well. They are warm and I really like them.



I started a pair of socks for Grilltech. They'll be a bright spring shade of green. I'm still on the cuff, so I have some time to decide what pattern I want to use. I'm debating about using Porthos or simple cables or Jedi Mind Tricks. I have choices, but I've already cast on and I'm not sure how many stitches are needed on the patterns.

Go Me!

I've been doing some physical therapy for the past month or two. My right knee was weak and I needed to strengthen it. I've done the exercises, plus my walking and yoga. Today, I was able to hold side plank for a full minute when before I was only about 30 seconds or less. My hard work is paying off. Eventually I hit my goal of being able to run. Might be several years away, but it's a goal.

... and then I got pissed

I got a letter saying my mortgage company was changing from X to Y. We use one of those company's that take out payment every two weeks then send it to our provider. No stress, it's done.

I call the company and that company has changed. Oh no. They ask for my information. I supply it. Can't find you. I give them the loan number. Can't find you. Give them my husband's information. Hey, found him. We're sorry, we can't talk to you, because you're not on the loan. Mind you, I'm the person who handles this stuff, so I know I'm on there. Nope, you don't exist. I swore some, then hung up on them. Called Grilltech and told him to get me added so I can take care of this issue. (He was able to use the loan number with no problem. GAH!)

Two minutes later I'm on the phone with them. Still can't find anything with the loan number. Can't find it with the phone number. So I have to give them his information. Hey, there you are. So far I'm not impressed with them.

I work at a call center. I know how frustrating it can be dealing with the public. I should know better then to swear at the poor employee. But I also know I'm human with little tolerance for stupidity. This needs to be something I can work on.

Oh No!

Ever have one of those days? The kind that you forget your glasses and phone? That was me yesterday. I could totally live without the phone. I can't live without my glasses. I'd be squinting at the screen. I went home and stayed there to work. Because I'm that type of person. Drive home, then back to work? Not something I desire. I think if it happens again, I'll need to to drive back. Accountability. Sometimes being an adult sucks.

On the knitting news, I've got about ten more rounds before I finish the hands. I'm really looking forward to finishing.

Have a good one.

Something Snappy

Yesterday I had an eye exam. It wasn't at my usual eye doctor and change is hard. Why do they have me fill out paperwork if they're going to ask the same fragging questions as the paperwork? Making me repeat answers, makes me very short tempered. Anyway, the doctor was saying he's concerned about the nerves in my eye, which can be a precursor to glaucoma. Again, new doctor who may be worried about nothing. He wants me to come back and do some sort of scan to double check. I'm thinking, I'm not even going to be here next year, so that isn't going to happen. Overall, I'm not impressed with their office.

Perky and I are using Dualingo to learn Spanish. Now she's saying she wants to learn Gaelic. Not sure if that's something I want to do. Wonder if I can do both. Will need to check into that.

How was your weekend?

Hurry Up Already!

I'm impatient today. Everything is taking way to long to complete. Grilltech isn't responding fast enough. (He's working, so that does come first.) The report is slow. (It's taking the same amount of time as last week.) YouTube is repeating the same songs over and over. (Different play lists, but the same songs.) Maybe it's not everything else, but me. (Of course it's me, I mean who else would take responsibility for me?)

It doesn't help that last night, I thought it was Wednesday. I was very unhappy to discover it wasn't and today was. That means I have another day of work before my day off on Friday. It's looking like I'll have to work half a day on Friday. Course I could work from home on Thursday to cover Friday's hours. It's a tough choice.

More Snow

Last night when Grilltech got home, he told me there was three inches of snow on the driveway. I got up a bit early today and shoveled most of it before work. I was only ten minutes late. When I get home tonight, I'll get the other side*. It's a good workout. Too bad, I forgot to start my timer. :|

* Grilltech's truck is in the way.

Baby Steps

Today I put to use my new mantra: I'm allowed to make mistakes. Was questioned about something that I showed as happening back in July. It actually happened on the fourth. I said, in that case, there is nothing to defend. It's been less than a week and even if I had started working on it on the sixth, it still would be three weeks before anything happened.

I think therapy is helping.

It seems I'm having a day. A supervisor came by asking about something I should have done on the 10th. Oops, that's totally on me. I forgot. Totally not a normal day to do that report. Not going to kick myself over it, even tho I was wrong about it.

Snow Day?

Woke up to snow today. I thought it was still snowing when I got up, but turns out that wasn't the case. I wear glasses, so looking out the window is a bit of a challenge. Especially when there isn't any light out side.

We've only had a handful of days with snow. Will it stick around? Most likely not or I hope it won't.

What time is it?

Yesterday was a time warp type of day. I kept thinking it was Tuesday, but it wasn't. Plus, I thought it was an hour or two ahead of what it actually was. I hate time dilation days. It messes with my sense of, well, time. I'm sure everyone else has similar days. I wish it would hurry up and be Friday, but that would be messing with time. I don't let people at work time warp, so I should have the same restrictions. Stupid morals.

New Year, New You

Perky and I have been going to the gym. Not only using the treadmills, but the TXR equipment also. Yesterday we tried some new exercises. I think she's trying to kill me. My abs are sore. Her legs are sore. I think that's a fair exchange. We can do this.

The Importance of Instructions

I've got a corn on my pinky toe. I've been using a padded remover to get rid of it. For six days I've faithfully been using it. Yesterday I discovered the medicated disks, I should have been using.

D'oh.

Burning Hands

I really need to start working on my mitts again. I think the main reason why I don't is because I need my glasses to see the pattern, but I need the glasses off to knit. It's a bit frustrating. They're almost done, well almost being the key word. The increases for the thumb are about two or three away from being finished. Then I'll need to do the gusset for the other side, then BAM! Done with everything but the thumbs.

Happy New Years

I'm temping fate today. How you ask? I'm simply doing laundry. See, laundry days are on Wednesday and Saturday's. Today is Wednesday, so I've got clothes that need to be done. But superstitions says, not today. It took me all over three minutes to decide to forge ahead. I've got a one in four chance of being washed away. Wait, do pets count? Make that one in nine chance.

Reflections

2019 is coming to a close. It is the time of year to reflect on the past and make adjustments to the up coming New Year.

Things I've done in 2019:

• Lost about 25-30 pounds*
• Taken up yoga
• Got back into knitting**
• Put into writing some ideas for stories

Things I'd like to do or continue in 2020:

• Lose another 25-30 pounds
• Become more flexible (yoga)
• Finish up some projects that has been floating around for a while
• Get my knee up to running performance
• Blog more
• Get to work on those story ideas

* -- Over the past two-three years, I lose about 25-30 pounds then maintain during the year. I like that trend.
** -- I lost my knitting mojo. I wasn't knitting as much during 2019.

New Project - Burning Hands

I'm starting a new knitting project. A pair of finger-less mitts. The current pair I have, I'm not in love with.

What don't I like about them? Not enough ribbing, it feels sloppy.

What I want: I want the pattern to be mirrored. The picture showed it in the middle. Not so keen on that.

The yarn color reminds me of dancing flames, short repeats. Or it might be autumn leaves. I'm not seeing much of a pattern yet, and it's only been six rows. Need at least 20 or more before I'll have a good read on it. I'm not sure if it should be a cable, which won't stand out, or it might blur with the lace. I keep having flashes of lace.

Stories

I need to practice telling stories. I'm not very good at it, yet. Yet implies I need to practice. So, stories it is.

List Day

• Gas is at $2.86 per gallon
• As much as I like my mitts, there is an enough about them I hate. Good thing I'm a knitter
• New Guy, you're thanking me for me doing my job?
• Maybe it's the universe saying he doesn't need to read that email
• If you haven't gotten an email, then no, it has approved
• Seriously, you know there is a meeting today. Why are you not here?
• Have a good night

List Day

• Gas is at $2.67 per gallon
• The gym door was open today. To be honest, it's open most days
• I'm feeling much lighter emotionally
• Pulled the wrong needle, lost about six stitches
• Had to stand over Gnome to make it happen
• Have a good night

I'm amazed

Holy Shit!!

I've had these belly dance DVDs forever. I didn't do them much because I couldn't do some of the later things. (Side plank!!!) Today, after three months of doing yoga I dug it out because I wanted something different.

I did the whole thing with very little effort. All moves I couldn't do before? No problem. (Side plank I'm looking at you.)

Yoga works.

Seaming Knitting with the Bickford method

List Day

• Gas is at $2.71 a gallon
• I'm really fighting the urge to get a hair cut
• 423934
• I decided I was never going to finish the gloves I started for Kommandant, so I just brought him a pair
• Great, cow-orker is calling in sick tomorrow
• The gym has more then treadmills: I can still work out
• Somebody tried to social engineer my bay-mate
• Not my problem. Not my problem. Not my problem
• Turns out Excel won't open if a cell is active
• Have a good night

List Day

• Gas is at $2.74 per gallon
• Stop bitching I'm not doing my job right, when it was one of your cow-orkers who messed up
• Made it through the basic class, barely
• It's a child free weekend!
• Have a good night

Rain

It's been a warm couple of weeks. Not as hot as some places, but warm. The kind when you walk outside for a mile, then come in and drink water. Your clothes start sticking to you. That kind of warm. Days I should be going to the gym, instead of walking outside. But I love walking out in the fresh air. Noticing the changes to the neighborhood.

Anyway, it's been warm. Today? Cool and cloudy. I walked around the block and was rained on. Not a drenching rain, but just enough water to know your wet. It was awesome.

20.49 mile

Shh

Don’t tell him, but I think they’re ugly.

Still at the Bar

(This is something that should have been posted ages ago.)


Sipping his drink DB watches Bunny.

"You say that if I sell this, my world crashes down around me. So that is the Con selling the coin. You are also insinuating that keeping the coin will give me some sort of precog abilities. My question is what are you getting out of this? Will I have you around all the time? We have quite a history and perhaps the fact that I put a bullet in your former bodies brain-pan, may have you playing some sort of long con on me. What guaranties do I have that you aren’t playing me for some long con?”

"Maybe that's the problem, there is no con." She looked down. "Maybe I get the satisfaction of doing some good in the world. Take my advice." She shrugged. "Don't take my advice. In the end it's all on you."

"Yea, about the spirit." She flicks you a card. "Good luck with that." She gets up and leaves.

You watch her go and realize she's stopping and talking to Lara Croft.

DB leans against the bar and switches his view of the world. The bar was busy, lots of bleed over of emotions, but from the two women talking he picked up resentment. Not sure which one of them. Both of them are magically active. Great, just his luck. He switched his view back to normal and watched Lara approach in the mirror.

She was wearing a Little Black Dress TM from the Armonty collection. The matching clutch was armored as well. She had well defined muscles that spoke of someone working out often.

Lara sat at the empty spot and ordered a drink. She turned to him and said, “The table will be ready in 15 minutes.”

"Gotta love these fancy restaurants, when they schedule you for a specific time, they are precise." DB answered.

"Precision is good."

He noticed Lara was looking anywhere but at him.

"Look, we may be counterparts but that doesn't mean we can't be civil to each other." DB said.

"I am being civil. We're having drinks, we're making small talk. What more do you want?"

DB suppressed a sigh. She was going to be tough. He quickly did a media search on her and started a datafile. Lara Croft, professional bodyguard. Employed for the past three years by the Countess. Working on her PHD in ancient history. Proficient with the Gladius. Youngest of four children, three older brothers. Mother died when she was six. Confirmed Physical Adept. Joined the military at 17.

“So how is it working for a countess? Being in our line of work it must be nice to have a steady employer.” He asked.

She looks at you with a raised eyebrow. "She's pretty easy. Lots of travel."

"Travel is a nice perk."

"Yes, it's nice. Do you travel often?"

"Not nearly as often as I would like." He paused for a sip. "The biggest issue is that I never get to enjoy the location when I get there. It tends to be get in and then get out quickly, type of trip.”

She laughs. Goes back to searching the mirror and says, "Seen one museum. You've seen them all."

DB watched her for a second and realized she was searching the mirror for signs of danger. He doubted she would find anything.

"Same with Cathedrals. Although there is something to said, about a leisurely stroll through a museum just to take in the sights and expand ones knowledge of the world".

"They tend to blur together after a while. Working currently?" Lara asked.

“Being self-employed means you are almost always working.” He answered easily.

A couple of times, she opens her mouth to say something but stops.

"Although I am off the clock for the next, glances at time 10 minutes.” He said, leaning into her space. She didn’t move.

"What are you offering me for 10 minutes of my time?"

"Just to sit, relax and chat. Some time away from business." He replied.

"Isn't that what we're doing now?"

"Exactly. So when you aren't traveling to exotic locations and acquiring relics for the Contessa what do you like to do?"

"I read books. Old ones." She said, taking another sip. "What do you do for fun?"

"Well, to be honest, it is kind of embarrassing. I like to go out and perform street magic for donations. Don't really need the Yen it brings in but I enjoy doing it.” He said. "I've never really been much of a reader, what have your books taught you?"

"I've learned in the past 300 years, the world has really changed. If you go back even further, 400 years ago. Those people can't even begin to marvel at the world today. Deep down, we're all the same, just trying to get by until tomorrow. So tell me Mr. Benedict, do you believe in time travel?"

"Do I believe in time travel? A month ago, I would have said 'no it is not possible'. Due to some recent events I'm not so sure." He paused. "Have you ever had an experience with Deja Vu and were able to change an outcome?"

She shook her head. “Events? Like what?” Lara tilted her head quizzically.

"Lets just say I've had some pretty serious moments of Deja Vu recently." He replied.

“How many would you say? One? Two?” She asked, turning towards him.

“Two or three.”

“That many?” She looks up and to the left. "Any headaches?"

"None that I've noticed."

"Any dreams that seemed real? But you woke up in bed?"

"Never woke up in bed after a dream like that. Dozed off once though."

"Do you have it with you?" She asked.

Before he can answer, she looks up and to the left. "Your table is ready. They're waiting for you."

DB smiled. "I hope I don't look that stupid.”

She looked him in the eyes. "It means there is hope for you."

She looks at the doorway.

"Perhaps we should schedule another dinner or coffee for just the 2 of us and continue this conversation?"

She keeps her eyes on the doorway, but nods. She flicks you her commlink number.

DB finishes his drink, stands and heads through the door.

Declaration of War

Drift wanted to reach out and throttle Miguel. He was refusing to see the big picture. The woman before them was a threat. No matter where they ran, so far only Aztland was the only country ejecting head cases. Going home to Aztland wasn’t an option, they’re not friendly to either of us. And besides it wasn’t enough, eventually nowhere would be safe. Machines would take over, and the world will burn.

Wind

I'm glad I walked today. The wind was amazing. It was cool enough I didn't overheat. I even got the joy of chasing after my hat.

1000 Words

Down the street on a sunny winter's day.

I made these socks for my dad. They are cursed. I had such bad thoughts knitting them up. I cleansed them and gave them to him anyway. Hope he loves them.

How much do I love my husband? Enough to cut the toe off my favorite pair I've made him.

Rip back several rows of pattern and thin worn yarn.

Hunted thru the left over socks yarns to find the right green.

So I can make that sock, match this sock.


It's a good thing he makes good BBQ.

Hello...

It's January 17th. How did it get to be so late? Considering the last time I posted was in November, time does fly.

So New Year, new me? Not so much. I'm back to the gym and trying to eat less. It's worked in the past, so it stands to reason it should work now. Just gotta remember the whole, eat less part.

Christmas and New Years was good. I think on the whole, everyone got pretty much what they wanted. Not sure on what they needed, but wants was a thing.

I would say: I'll be better about posting, but that's a promise I can't quite bring myself to make. So, I'll be here, just not on a schedule.

Before Dinner Drinks

Not sure what was going on, DB watched bad trideo until it was time to get ready for his dinner meet. The hotel and text was disturbing, but they could wait.

He arrived at Le Pier about 30 minutes early. Sometimes it was good to scope out the location beforehand. The bar was full of waiting people. DB didn’t even bother to try and look at the dining floor, instead he went to the bar. Lucky for him, someone walked away from the counter leaving him a space. Next to a pretty woman. This was his day.

He said down and ordered his vodka drink.

“Would you like to hear a story?” A familiar voice asked.

DB froze. Bunny. But how? She was dead and her spirit was haunting him. “Sure, let’s hear this story.”

“You sell the coin. And two weeks later, your world crashes down around you.” She took a sip of her drink.

The bartender brought his drink over and left.

DB took a large swallow. “How much?”

Bunny blinked and leaned into him. “An obscene amount.”

Usually he’d enjoy a beautiful woman hanging on him, but with her? They had too much bad history for any of that.

“That’s pretty cryptic. Care to share any details?” He asked.

"Care to tell me how I died?" She replied.

DB narrowed his eyes, thinking of the last time he saw her in person, then he shook his head.

“No. That would be giving you something for nothing.”

World crashing? It sounds like she was just trying to stir up trouble. “Yea, I’ll take my chances.”

She laughed. “You don’t believe me. Fine.” She shrugged. “Give me a number.”

“Three.”

She shook her head. “Too easy.”

“17” He swallowed half his drink.

“The man behind you will get a call and have to leave.” She pointed towards a table a couple meters away. “The woman in green will excuse herself and not come back. The man with the red tie will order a martini. A woman in a large fur coat will demand to be seated right away. The couple three tables over, will be engaged.” She leaned in and touched his arm. “He was going to wait until dessert, but he can’t wait to ask her. The bartender will ask if you want a refill.”

Things started happening like she said it would. He plucked the small bug she had planted on him from his sleeve and tucked it in her cleavage.

He let her drone on. There was merits to keeping the coin. Course, the same could be said for selling it. It was done and gone. The bartender brought him another drink.

List Day

• Gas is at $2.85 per gallon
• There was no one at the coffee shop, it wasn't open yet
• I need to rake the back yard. The leaves are piling up
• Dreamed about snow last night
• What do you mean, you're going to send me more?
• The clock on the wall is still an hour ahead. I keep looking at it and thinking, that much closer to going home. Not
• I've already done that, if you'd checked your email you'd know
• Dude, I don't know, I don't deal with that
• Have a good evening

1000 Words

Down the street on a fall day. The calendar says fall. But the weather is leaning towards winter. Its time to bring out the winter coats. Which means I need to get Pink Bird and I new coats. I'll drag Grilltech along to see if he can find a new one he likes more the one he has.

I've been knitting, I swear. It just seems to be dishcloths. A total of five. When?

Newest member of the family. Her name is Zharr. It's Dwarven for fire. When you look up her name on google, you get Chaos Dwarves for 40K. Apparently, Zharr is a follower of Nurgle: the Chaos God of plague, despair, disease and death. (Because when she came to us, she had an eye infection and ear mites.)

Wards

DB woke about his normal time of 1000. Instead of heading out to the plaza to do some busking, he went to BC's place. There was more room for him to work there. He altered his features and drove over.

The workroom was large; he put the coin in the middle of the room. An hour and a half it took him part way to finishing his ward. He was careful to get the sigils just right. At some point, he realized Lilith – his mentor – was leaning against the wall watching him.

“What do you think of Bunny? Can I trust her?” BC asked.

“I wouldn’t.” She seemed bored.

“Do you think the coin and Bunny are evil?” He asked trying to get more insight.

“I don’t think they’re evil, just used for bad intentions.” She didn’t point out he was asking the wrong question. Lilith would leave him to figure that out on his own. Sometimes fate was a harsh teacher.

Once he finished the ward, she looked it over. “I’d add a time element.”

Lilith drew a sigil he’d never seen before. It hung in the air while he copied it.

“Should I just sell this coin?”

Lilith smiled, her delicate fangs showing. “Think of all the things you could do it with. Think of power. Think of the danger.” She never did give him a solid answer.

Another hour and he the wards were completed. The sigils glowed with magic. His magic.

“Are you sure you should be doing this?” Lilith asked. “It’s dangerous, messing with time.” She stopped.

“I need to know.” He said.

“How many times have you done this?”

“Once.” He paused. “I think. I don’t know I’ve been getting some strange things.”

Lilith shook her head, but said nothing.

He stepped over the chalked sigils, careful not to disturb them. His world changed.

He was at the party meeting the Countess again. Time was flowing slowly. He felt a hand on his shoulder and a voice whispering in his ear. “She’s judging you. She doesn’t think much of you. You barely have a high school education. I can make you amazing negotiator. All you have to do is grab the coin.”

BC’s hand started sliding towards the coin, but he didn’t touch it. Shaking his head, he stepped out scuffing the ward.

“How long was I gone?” BC asked.

Lilith shrugged. “Not long at all, less than a minute.”

“How can I thank you for the help?” BC said with a sly smile.

She reached out and ran her hand over his chest. “I’m sure you’ll figure something out.”

An hour later, BC broke the ward down completely. He altered his features, and left to go back to DB’s house. Sometimes it was a pain in the ass to maintain two houses. However, the benefits made it worth it.

DB checked the time. He had about five hours before his dinner. Checking his email, he found an attachment from BC. A floor plan for a hotel. Odd, he didn’t remember sending it.

Two hours later, he got a text from Miz Johnson. “I’ve got the hotel security. I’m ready when you are.”

What was going on?

At the Party

DB took a long hot shower. He shaved and pulled out one of his black silk suit. He spent the rest of his afternoon watching bad trideo.

At 18:55, the limo showed up. The driver, James, got out and opened the door for him. As usual, Mrs. Latham was not there. He rode in silence to her house.

“Darling, you look amazing.” He said kissing her cheek.

“Thank you.” She smiled.

They made small talk on the drive to the Seattle Art Museum. Tonight’s opening show was on ancient Rome. DB smiled. More information for him.

Columns and vines decorated the room. The wait staff was dressed in togas, carrying trays of champagne and finger foods. Crowds of rich people looking at the display before the public even got the chance.

People came and went, chatting with Mrs. Latham about business. DB kept half an ear on the conversation, while letting his mind wander. She excused herself and left him alone.

“Quite the display, isn’t it?” A man in his mid-thirties approached DB.

DB looked around the room. “Yes. Nice to meet you. Dirk Benedict.” He held out his hand, while quickly doing a social media check on the man before him.

“Anthony Keddis.” He shook DB’s hand. “Call me, we should do lunch sometime soon.”

DB smiled. Information started filling his commlink. Anthony Keddis, president of Widgets Inc. More information about Keddis’ company filled his feed. Married. Two kids. Boring wage slave. He nodded. “I’ll do that.” Keddis sent him a digital card and left before Mrs. Latham came back.

Together they walked the display, coins, jewelry, textiles, and scrolls. One of the scrolls caught DB’s attention. Janus.

DB stared at the scroll, wishing desperately he could read it. The HUD said the scroll talked about the day of the life of an acolyte. How long he stood at the scroll, he couldn’t say.

“It’s not the one you want.” A woman’s voice cut into his thoughts.

DB stiffened, it was her the woman from the house. He turned and smiled.

“And where would be the one I wanted?” He asked. Quickly he did a social media check on her.

“Safely tucked away.” She answered.

Information started pouring in. Lara Croft. Aid De Camp to Countess Isabel Santora. “Maybe I can find it.”

“Maybe I should kill you and take the coin from you cold dead body, but the Countess doesn’t like that idea.” She replied.

DB swallowed. “I don’t like that idea either; maybe I should be talking to your boss.”

Lara pursed her lips and nodded. “Come with me.”

She put her arm through his and led him to another room. She spoke in rapid Italian to an older woman. She released his arm and stepped back.

“Hello. I am Countess Isabel Santora.” She looked him up and down. “You’re the one that has been vexing Lara. Keep up the good work.” She took his arm and strolled up the aisle. “We should do dinner. Tomorrow night?”

DB nodded.

They continued up the aisle for several more meters. Lara joined them. Her smile was brittle. “Dinner at Le Pier at 2000.” She sent DB a reminder. “Anything else?”

The Countess shook her head. “Thank you.” She smiled broadly at DB. “Until tomorrow.” She then took her leave.

DB went in search of a drink. The line at the open bar was a bit long. DB found himself next to Joel Winestead. Joel obviously had a few too many drinks. It took a few seconds, but DB recognized him. Misti Davenhert’s consort.

“Quite the night isn’t it?” DB said.

Joel nodded. “I’ll be glad when it’s over, so I can take this monkey suit off.”

“How is Misti doing?” DB changing the subject.

“Pretty good, she has a meeting with NeoNet tomorrow.” Joel hiccupped.

DB smiled. “Hope things go good.” He filed that piece of information. He ordered a Vodka drink for himself and a slow Gin for Mrs. Latham.

He found her chatting with other board members. They stopped once he showed up, which was somewhat annoying, but understandable.

The end of the evening found them both in the limo. DB ran his hand over her knee, pushing a bit of magic into the caress. He was very pleased when she shuddered. They made out like teenagers until her house.

James opened the door, and offered his hand to Mrs. Latham. She got out of the car, but her hand out to stop him from getting out. “James will take you home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Confused DB stayed in the car.

The Run - Part 2

He went back to bed and slept until 1000. He showered and got ready to go spend the morning busking in the plaza. At 1230, he headed up to the coffee shop. Again, Miz Johnson was waiting for him. She was dressed in khakis and a polo shirt with NeoNet embroidered on it. She handed him a shirt just like hers. BC changed his shirt in the middle of the shop. She also handed him a commlink.

He thumbed the ID. It came up as Roger Kennedy. A picture of his alter ego linked. The PAN was linked to hers, listing her as Pamela Martin.

“Now we wait for the trigger to happen.” She told him.

He nodded. Waiting was the longest part.

20 minutes later, she looked at him. “The drives was blown. We’re on.”

Together they went to his car. She punched in a downtown address not far from where they were into the navigation unit.

They leave the car carrying tool kits. They head up to the sixth floor. Glass doors with Fast Date on them.

As they enter, the receptionist looks at them. She looks slightly nervous. “Hi, can I help you?”

“Hardware support, we’re here to replace the faulty drive.”

She looks relived. “Good, one minute while I call Paul.”

A couple of minutes later a smartly dressed man comes out. “Glad you’re here. It just suddenly stopped working.” He directed them to a palm reader. All the while keeping up a conversation.

Pamela palmed in, then turned and winked at him. BC stepped up and palmed in. Paul led them down the hall to another door. This time only he palmed in.

They stepped into a cold room, with bright overhead lights. The room was huge. It must have taken up half the floor. He led them to a rack towards the middle of the room. “Here it is.”

Pamela starts working on the server, while Paul hovered. BC herded him back from her. He started asking questions. “I need more information on the event that caused this.” Paul looked at him. “Can you let me know if there was any data spikes or abnormal activity?”

Paul’s eyes went distant. “There was a spike in activity, but it was within normal parameters. Do you think that was the cause?”

“Anything is possible, it could have been hackers.” He replied.

“Roger, I misplaced my 12 pin connector. Do you have one?” Miz Johnson asked.

He made a show of looking in his kit. “No, but I think have one in the car.” He turned to Paul. “Can you escort me back out so I can grab it?”

Paul looked between the two of them. He seemed to be debating something in his head.

“Relax Paul, I understand you are here for security. I don't want you to get into any trouble for letting me run around on my own. Quick trip to the door and then we'll be right back". DB said soothingly. "I know you don't want to have people running around the premises on their own."

Paul looked at him and nodded. “It will be only a few minutes right?”

BC smiled reassuringly. “Quick as a bunny.”

They left the room. Once BC was out of the offices, by the elevator, he turned himself invisible and watched the room. Paul stood by the receptionist desk, chatting with her. After several minutes, he started getting agitated. He started towards the server room.

BC knew he waited long enough. He dropped the spell and came running up to the door. He hoped he gave Miz Johnson enough time. Yanking the door open. “I got it.”

“Great, let’s get back.”

“I need a drink first.” BC said still stalling.

Paul sighed but said nothing while waiting. BC made a show of drinking two glasses of water, and then he nodded.

The trip back was slightly faster.

BC’s small talk kept Paul busy while the replacement of the hard drive went on.

“We’re at the longest part, transfer of data.” Miz Johnson announced.

After what seemed to be forever, Miz Johnson said they was up and running. Paul looked distant again and then smiled.

BC turned to Paul. “I need your thumb print on this form showing you witnessed custody of the hard drive for the forensic report.”

Paul gave it willing. “Do you know how long it will take?”

BC looked at Miz Johnson. She shrugged and said “About 48 hours for a complete turnaround.”

Paul started herding them out while complaining about how his night was ruined.

BC drove them back to the coffee shop. Miz Johnson gave him a certified cred stick. BC gave back the commlink and they parted company.

The Run - Part 1

BC stepped out the car. He pulled the bag with him and stumbled into the house. A thumbprint later, and he was falling into bed.

His alarm went off an hour later. The short nap reduced the pounding in his head from a roar to a dull thud. BC opened the bag and looked at the coin. He itched to grab it, but the memory of its force kept him from doing it. Instead, he closed the bag and put in a safe location, under his mattress.

A quick shower later, he headed out to the coffee shop. Pulling into the parking lot, he spotted Miz Johnson’s motorbike. She was early, but then so was he. BC ordered his typical and went to her table.

“Miz Johnson?” He asked making it sound like he didn’t know who she was.

She looked up at him. “BC?”

He nodded. “Nice to meet you. What can I do for you?”

She smiled. “I’m looking for someone to be charming. Are you charming?”

“I’m as charming as can be darlin’.” He drawled. Then it hit him. She was a spitting image of Misti Davenhert. Frag, his might complicate things with Ms. Latham.

She nodded. “The pay is 5K. Still interested?”

BC thought about it for a nano-second and then nodded. “Work is work.”

“Good.” She took a sip of her cup. “The target is a company called Fast Date. I need you to provide a distraction.”

“Sounds easy enough. Anything else?”

“We’re going in as a repair team, so know your stuff.”

BC frowned and shook his head. “I don’t know drek about computers.” Sure he used one every day, but knowledge? That was for the techs, not him.

She sighed. “You’ll need to know a couple of basic lines. Things like ‘we’ll know more once we get it back to the labs’, and ‘hackers’, and ‘anything is possible with technology’.” She took another sip. “I’ll also need picture of you.”

BC smiled. His features changed to dark hair, silverish eyes, and more tanned skin. “I’ll use this face.”

Miz Johnson looked surprised. “That’s pretty wiz!” She looked at him for a second, and then said she was done.

BC’s features when back to his normal ones. “Anything else?”

“Figure we’ll meet up here again at 1300, until the actual run time.”

“It’s a date.” He laughed.

He went back to his place and pulled up some data on Fast Date. It seems it was the premier dating site of Seattle’s elite. Five thousand a month for dues. He logged into dark net to see what the decker community had to say about Fast Date. Rumor has it there is a lot more data traffic for a "dating site” and they have about half a floor of servers. BC shrugged anything more than one was a lot for him. More reading showed there was debate as to who really owned the data. Some say it is Mituhoma, while others think it a data store for NeoNet. Great, upset the yaks or Villiers. Maybe he should have asked for more nuyen.

Just for kicks, he tried to pull up any data on Miz Johnson. Ten minutes later, he found quite a bit of information. Her real name was Hailey Davenhert. She graduated high school at 11, and went to University of Seattle, graduating at 15. Rumor has it the triple AAA corps all want her, but she seems to be content living at home with her mother. She seems really, really good with computers. Mutters of her being a techomancer have been bandied about, but nothing has been proven. He checked dark net and found a couple of posts to the anti-GOD boards. He wasn’t sure what or who GOD was, so he searched on it, and found it was the Grid Overwatch Division. He could live with that. A little anarchy was good.

He checked his chronometer. 1930. Even with the pounding headache, he changed into his party clothes and headed out the club.

He crawled into bed about 0230. Sleep came right away. Dreams came and faded away, except for one. He was at a party. Only this one was different, the clothes were old. Toga party type of old. The room was large and made of stone. Light was from oil lamps and doors? Not something, he could see. He found himself walking down a stone corridor. He ran his hands along the rough stone. Something was calling him. He could feel it in his chest. After walking what seemed to be forever, he came into a bedroom.

An old woman lay propped up on the bed. Old was an understatement. Her wrinkles had wrinkles. “I knew someone would come.”

“What can I do for you?” BC asked.

“Water.” Her voice was a whisper.

BC found a basin with a stone cup. He poured her a glass.

She spilled more than she drank, and handed him the cup back. “Are you here to take it?”

“Do you want me to take it?” He countered. “I’m not a thief here to take things that aren’t mine.”

“Have you done the rites?”

“I apologize but I haven't been taught the proper rites, perhaps you can teach me.”

She gestured towards the side of the room. Suddenly a table appeared in a pool of light. DC moved to the table and started studying the scroll. The lines of text. A test of Might – prove yourself worthy in battle. A test of Wits – prove your skill. Purification Rite – you must bath in the ‘blood of the lion’. Three tests.

He woke with an overwhelming urge to pee. Grabbing his commlink he did a voice memo with as many details as he could remember.

Am I Late?

It's the middle of October? How did it get to be so late? What have I been up to? Playing computer games. Knitting with friends. Working on a story. Sums up my life in three simple sentences.

Here is a cowl I've made for the Eldest. It's angora and wool. Only took a couple of days to make. It's unblocked here.

Here it is blocked. To me, it looks the same.

I don't know how he does it, but he puts holes in his socks. Couldn't tell you how long ago it happened.

Found this pair today. Good thing the pair of socks I have on the needles is his.

Research

DB opened the car door for Miz Johnson. She got in and pulled out her haul, three cred sticks and the coin.

DB took the cred sticks and thumbed them. 20K on the sticks, he slotted 10K for himself and gave the rest to Miz Johnson. Pulling out a driving glove DB took the coin from her.

“What happened?” Miz Johnson asked.

“We kicked ass. It went pretty smooth.”

She turned towards him. “Dude, you're bleeding. I don't think that was smooth.”

DB smiled. “Magic has it's cost and no one died. I consider that smooth. Before you go, when did I contact you?”

Miz Johnson pulled up her texts on her commlink. “Looks like three hours ago.”

DB nodded. “Great. I’ll contact you if I have any more work.”

She got out of the car and walked away. DB barely noticed as he grabbed BC’s commlink. It was almost an exact match of the one he was wearing, but slightly more banged up. He checked the time. Three hours ago, BC texted her asking for a meet. Frag! What was going on?

DB punched in the address to his other place. The coin was warm even through the leather.

His commlink buzzed. Incoming call from Mrs. Latham.

“Hello Beautiful.”

She was not looking at him, but something off screen. "DB, darling, I'm sorry for the short notice. But the..." as she looks at you she stops. "You look horrible. Are you alright?"

"Magic ritual went bad, it looks worse than it actually is. A few hours of sleep and I'll perfectly fine.” DB said smoothly.

“Good.” She nodded. “Anyway, I have a black tie gala tomorrow night at the museum. Care to escort me?”

"It would be my pleasure, what time and where should we meet". DB asked.

"I'll have the car pick you up at 7."

"I will be well rested and ready." DB replied. "Hope you have a lovely day." He reached up and turned off his commlink.

He pulled an RFID blocking bag out of the glove compartment and shoved the coin and glove into it. He punched go and closed his eyes for the trip.

BC stepped out the car. He pulled the bag with him and stumbled into the house. A thumbprint later, and he was falling into bed.

How it Went Down

Bunny is pointing at the wall, it's in here.

DB is opening the safe. (lock picking three successes)

Bunny looks beyond DB and hisses, "Stay out of this bitch."

DB opens the safe, when a female voice behind him says, "I wouldn't do that if I was you. I don't know what it promised you, but I can tell you how it will end. With a bullet to your head."

DB paused for a breath, and then grabs the coin. Bunny explodes. (Resist 12 Stun magic and willpower (takes 5 stun)) Where there was, Bunny was a copy of you.

"You shouldn't have done that."

DB turns invisible and runs from the house. Makes it back to the car.

DB woke up in the car before going into the store. Last thing he remember was a warrior woman dressed in blue and red, saying it was too early for him to be awake. She then motioned and he was here.

He goes astral again, and goes back to the house. He could tell what house he needed to go to before he got close. A bright ruddy red light glowed brightly. Next to the red is just as bright, is a blue/white woman. DB paused on the stairs, about half way up. He listened.

“You’re not going to get away this time.” DB recognized the voice from a podcast he had listened to a couple of days ago. Who was it? Gwen Anderson. A self-reported Gatekeeper.

Staying low, DB crept up closer. Gwen was standing in the doorway, pacing towards the middle of the room. “According to you, I can’t stop it. Wanna tell me what you’re planning on doing?”

Bunny just glared at Gwen.

Gwen turned and looked back to the doorway. “He might surprise you.”

Below, DB heard the front door open. “Frag!” He hugged the stairs. Seconds ticked by and nothing happened.

Backing down slowly, DB looked around the living room. A teenage girl stood at the open door. She looks around the room. She seemed to be moving slowly. Or maybe he was moving faster.

DB watched as she closed the door. A purple dragonfly, buzzed close to him, then went back to her and perched on her shoulder.

“Boss?” she said softly. “Why am I here? This is crazy.”

The dog who had been asleep on the couch starts barking his head off at the girl. She holds up her hands and grabs the dog. He growls and she shoves him into the closet.

“Well that isn’t nice.” DB said. Pain flared through his right hand as he remembered. Her name was Miz Johnson. He was supposed to be meeting her in three hours.

Her head snapped up at the sound of his voice. “Okay, this isn’t freaky at all.” She glanced at the wall and swore. The alarm was counting down.

She pulled out a box and held it next to the alarm. He could see white sparks jumping from the box to the alarm. A couple of moments later, the alarm shut itself off.

Miz Johnson looked around the room again. Still not seeing him.

“Nice toy, now what are you doing here?” DB asked while manifesting at the base of the stairs.

“Oh God.” Miz Johnson took a step back and bumped into the wall. “Yo…” She cleared her throat and tried again. “You told me to be here at 13:13 and not to be late.”

“I told you to be here?” DB questioned.

“Yea, pretty sure it was you.” She kept looking to her left. She opened a window and scroll appeared. Calligraphy writing said to be at 18228 Oak Drive. Pay 10,000 Nuyen. “Look, I don’t mean to pry, but I’m not sure what you want me to do.”

"Intriguing, I don't remember having sent that. Funny thing is that I'm not even supposed to be meeting you for another 3 hours. And you’re supposed to be proposing a job for me." DB sized her up. She was young, and appeared to be frightened out of her wits. However, she stayed. "Can you open a safe?”

“A safe? Depends on the model.”

DB sighed. “Follow me; let’s see if this meets your skill set.” He started up the stairs.

A bright light flowed down the stairs and washed out DB. A loud buzzing started burning his ears. Each step he took felt like pins were being driven into his skin. Looking over his shoulder, DB called back. “This can be interesting.”

Miz Johnson nodded her head, but followed him.

DB approached the doorway. The purple dragonfly is buzzing in his face. Waving hand up, he pushed the dragonfly away. It came back and tried to buzz his face again.

Frustrated, DB turned to Miz Johnson. “What is your buddy trying to tell me?”

Miz Johnson seemed to be dazed. “It doesn’t like it here. There is magic here, old magic.” He could see why he picked her. One foot in the future, one in the past.

“Behind that painting is a safe. I want you to open it.” DB ordered.

Miz Johnson nodded, and she entered the room. DB watched. When Miz Johnson stepped into the room. Gwen stopped talking. Bunny screamed, either in frustration or pain, DB wasn’t sure. She went to the wall, opened the hinged painting and stood at the safe. She held up the black box to the safe and a second later, the door popped open about two centimeters.

Miz Johnson starts turning, her dragonfly is buzzing at her.

DB casts a spell at Gwen, causing her to lose concentration. Sweat popped up on Gwen’s brow. Her posture went from rigid to relaxed. Gwen groans and the spear falls to the ground.

“"Hey, Miz J, we kinda need to get going. Gwen here is gonna be seriously pissed. And strangely really satisfied." DB yelled.

Miz Johnson, looked at Gwen, and then turned back to the safe. She grabbed everything she could. She starts to back out the room, down the stairs, and out the door.

DB stayed behind to keep an eye on Gwen. Bunny was still screaming the shrill high-pitched sound. When he heard the door, DB popped down to the front yard. Miz Johnson was running to a bike parked on the street. He appeared before her and told her to meet him at the Stuffer Shack.

Gwen comes pounding out of the house. She jumped the fence and reaches out to grab Miz Johnson.

DB appears before Gwen and says, “You must have really liked that. Do you want more?”

Gwen glares at him. She takes a deep breath to clear her head. She silently watched Miz Johnson pull away. “It’s not what you think it is.”

“Then perhaps we should meet somewhere and talk about this like rational adults.” DB offered.

“I don’t think there will be any reasoning with you after this point.” Gwen touched a control on arm, and the suit she wearing changed to a jogging outfit and she took off down street going the other direction.

DB followed Miz Johnson to the Stuffer Shack. He went back to his body. He sat up and groaned. His body hurt. Blood oozed from his nose. He was cleaning himself up when Miz Johnson knocked on his passenger window. Each blow was a spike to his head.

“That was pretty wiz.” She said while pulling out three cred sticks and your coin.

The buzzing grew louder while she held the coin out to him.