The Civil Service is trying my patience. I'm applying to take the test for the Deputy Director of Telecommunications. Twice now, I've received vaguely worded requests for more information for on monitoring cable systems. They don't really specify what further information they are looking for, so I'm left to my own devices as towhat they are looking for. You ever ask a question? The civil service office is a lot like social security, they really don't want to see you. I have a good vibe about it as I pulled my car behind the credit union behind City Hall and found a space with 25 minutes left on the meter, so hopefully that is an omen of something good.

Course, the slow change of lights nearly had our light rail car slam into my slow roller if it wasn't for my quick brake foot. That could be an omen as well.

Pretty sure, somebody got fired today and I think I had something to do with it. I blew her in for blowing off a customer while the boss was away. I think my blowing her in was the cherry on the top of a bitter cake. She wasn't an especially nice woman and could be harsh when talking to people, so I shouldn't miss her. I don't really, but I have a little guilt pang that I pushed her off.

Went to a staff meeting where the supervisors basically outlined these sheets that we have to fill out, accounting for all your time and then launched into a look at all the other opportunities currently available -- There are good omens and these are not among them. Something is going on.

Couple of strange conversations of late. My ex asked her partner to leave the house. Both were stressing over work and school and something had to give. They are together yet separate. My eight year old told me about it. He took it kind of hard as the partner is a good soul. I found myself in the unusual position of letting him know that she isn't gone, she's just next door, will still be around, and it will be okay. My daughters went the other way. They're strong will folks and were often shocked that I was often in agreement with the partner is terms of house rules. They were of the opinion that something was going to change. I was compelled to tell them that things keep on keepin' on. I think my son was worried that I moved up the street and the partner moved next door, nobody was staying put. We talked for a little while and he seemed to be okay with me always being as close as I am and the partner just an open window shout away.

As a divorced guy, I guess I'm lucky in one sense. The friendship I had with my wife before we were a couple has reemerged. It's good, not only for the kids, but for each other as well. Some many people I know just flat out implode when the "relationship" goes south. I'm feeling fortunate that we didn't meet that fate. While we're never going to be couple, we salvaged being friends, which is pretty good. So, I told her I'm in her corner for whatever she needs, "you know, strong back, weak mind, empty wallet..."

Strange days......