Monday, Monday. Don't like that day.

Of course it wouldn't matter, they could re-arrange the days of the week and whatever replaced Monday would be equally bad.

The old adage "short nights make for long days" looks like it will be in play today. I can't believe I am up already. Oh well. Maybe I could get a job at IHOP. Actually I think I had another one of those sleep episodes. I was short of breath and my heart beating ninety to nothing. After tossing and turning for a brief time I decided to roll out of bed. Maple Syrple was right with me. She wanted to hit the food and water dishes. It didn't take her long 'til she was ready to go back to bed! As for me, I figure about morning I'll be ready.

The first part of my day was spent in the office. I'm still trying to get used to the new reporting requirements. Actually, I was the victim of my own ingenuity. With the reporting requirements becoming bi-weekly instead of monthly I figured the simplest thing out of season, when there are only three employees, was to go to once a month pay. Yikes! I don't know if I am going to like this, and it was my recommendation. From a reporting stand point it is O.K., from an employee stand point I am hoping it gets better after the transitional month. I was beginning to get change out of the consoles and cup holders!

Later in the day I had one of those projects that is usually good therapy. A little physical labor. Recently I had been using Blacksheep 2, the truck that I usually drive when needed, and I was making mental notes of what was wrong with it. The very most noticeable thing is the radio. It seems that every year for the last three years the AM/FM/CD player has had to be replaced. Usually it was a problem with the internal power circuit. It may have started with that, but then it was accelerated. When "the midget's" truck was in the shop at the jobsite, he drove Blacksheep some. I feel the radio malfunction is probably the result of his music selection. Anyhow, he began working on the radio's detachable face and now the radio is faceless. This isn't a cheap radio, some sort of middle of the road Pioneer stereo. Luck had been on my side and the unit had been a recent introduction and each time it was replaced it was pretty simple. The model is no longer available, which may be a good thing. Best part is I'm a heck of a singer so I can take my time in selecting a new unit.

The most pressing issue with the truck was a malfunctioning air conditioner, heater, defroster. I originally thought it was a problem with some of the air controlled valves that trip and direct the air different directions, but that wasn't the case. Turned out after dismantling the dash it was a ground/connection problem with one of the fan motors. Not a major problem, just time consuming.

I try my best to do preventative maintenance and during last weeks cold, snowy spell, I would almost cringe each time the phone rang because I knew all it would take was a call and Blacksheep could need to roll out of the yard. Once again we are at the ready. Go ahead, make my day. Call.

While I was researching the radio situation I began measuring to see if I could build or purchase some sort of console to put between the seats. It would be handy to have and it would also allow me to do a little more with the stereo speakers.

Late afternoon I returned to the house to get an insurance card and take my primary vehicle to get an inspections sticker. It ran out in May of last year. I did a quick walk around, checked turn signals, high and low beams, tail lights, license plate light. Everything checked out. I wasn't sure where to take it. Sometimes I get inspections where they do the regular service, but they have gotten where they want to rotate the light bulbs and check the power supply voltage and charge for all of these useless tasks. Last inspection came from Kali's place of employment and it was very low key. Problem is she doesn't work there any more. I decided to go to a friends shop and ask where he would recommend going. My friends shop was closed so I continued on and stopped in at the first shop I came to. They were very accommodating and quickly got the pickup in the shop. Just as scripted, they went down the list. Everything worked and the lady was doing the paperwork. As the technician was walking away he visited briefly and then almost as an after thought asked if the "third brake light" (the one of the top rear of the cab) worked when he was testing the lights. To be honest I hadn't noticed and I had over looked it during my own quick inspection. The technician returned and stepped on the brakes and ......... no light. Of course being a Monday and knowing my luck, it was not going to be a simple thing. And it wasn't. After replacing the brake light switch (it appeared that one side of it would not power up. There are two circuits, one to the rear of the vehicle and the other to the third light) under the dash there was still no third brake light. Circuitry schematics revealed a relay under the hood on the firewall, but it tested good. When we were finally going to remove the light (it removes by accessing through the interior dome light, a ground wire problem was discovered). By now it was a quarter to six. Surprisingly, the shop removed the new brake light switch and returned it to inventory.

Yep, it was a Monday.

I spent a little time watching the Super Bowl Ads on the computer. One I didn't mention yesterday was the two gorillas who were going to do the Bud Light heist, but one of the partners in crime got distracted by the tourist's camera.

I suppose for all their originality and "cuteness" the real measuring stick will be if the ads increase sales. I was surprised to learn that Miller Lite had suspended their "Man Rules" ad series. Even though they were extremely popular, they didn't do anything for sales. I was shocked to see the segment on the CBS morning show where they had the contest winner for the college student's Super Bowl ad contest. The marketing director for Chevrolet was there and said the production of that one ad cost one and a half million dollars! Add to that five million for the air time and it had better increase sales.

I had heard that there wouldn't be an MVP interview where they said they were going to Disney World so I was surprised and pleased to see the advertisement with Tony Dungy and Dominic Rhodes making this declaration. I figure if Peyton wants to go he can buy his own ticket. He won't mind.

I guess today will be a split day again. Part time in the office part time out. I really don't care, I would just like to be able to plan.

Looks like we will have a few really nice days. Yesterday was gorgeous weather. Today is supposed to be even better. Seventy degrees. We had moved some of Krl's plants outside during the day and back in last night. I guess we will do the same program today. This doesn't involve too many plants, just the overflow that won't fit in the entry way atrium. Time to begin thinking about spring.

But I have an 8 and a 2 on my inspection sticker. I'm no longer a fugitive from justice. Shoot, I may even sing in the choir.

And with that I'll leave you to have a day! Make it a good one!

FATHER, thank YOU for the beautiful day YOU blessed us with yesterday. Thank YOU for Spring, for it's newness and freshness. Thank YOU for hope.