October 4 2026

Long time no speak.  So much to say, won't get all of it in this post.

Still at same retired guy job, for now.  It's the easiest job on the planet.  I work at a local gym. Doesn't involve much. The gym has been sold. New owner hasn't mentioned anything as far as changes so I didn't ask. I'll save him the trouble of lying about keeping me on, if in fact he has other plans.  I'm not sweating it. 

I'm still commuting via bicycle to work. I've added miles and time to the direct route of 4 miles.  I get up an hour early just to log a complete 60 minute ride in. That's a wake up of 220 am. Pure insanity folks. Then I do another full 60 minutes on way home that afternoon.  Not sure I'll do this routine when weather gets cold.  Actually,  I'm certain I won't.  On the days I ride bicycle my mood is great. I have anxiety like a M.F.er .  The longer rides keeps me from committing a felony on some stupid ass persons face with my knuckles. 

I filed VA disability claims last April. I had my decision on July 30th 2026 . Denied on all but one claimed condition. It's an egregious error by rhe rater. I have filed a HLR . Should be re rated best case scenario early 2027.  It's a bureaucracy,  it's what they do best.  

I bought a 2024 Honda adv 160 back in May 2026. A great little motorcycle/scooter that get 100mpg . I ride it to work a few days a week. That's why I started adding miles to my bicycle commuting days to male up for the 2 days a week I ride motorcycle.  So I get avg. 5 to 6 hours a week on bicycle.  A 50lb bicycle.  

The Honda is a great motorcycle all around.  It's perfect for local rides, it's easy and convenient.  It's an automatic transmission,  just twist and go. It's under 300 lbs so easy to handle. I researched extensively before buying it.  I bought this off F.B. mkt. place . Two years old with only 700 miles, so basically brand new. I saved enough compared to cost of new to make it worthwhile.  Im what's called a returning rider.  That's a rider that was an active motorcycle rider but hadn't ridden in years. In my case,  about 36 years.  So I wasn't completely certain I'd want to be a motorcycle rider again. The idea sounded good but in reality it was jist a guess. So for that reason I didn't want to spend full retail on a new bike or buy a full size high power motorcycle.  Also this motorcycle can be hauled easily on a hitch carrier,  one of which came included in purchase. I'm glad I researched and bout the Honda adv 160, it's a smart move. I plan on touring western Md next season.  The Honda adv only has top speed of 70 mph in the perfect conditions.  Usually real life top speed of 63 to 67 mph. So staying off interstate is essential.  That's not a problem,  I want to cruise the scenic routes. I didn't plan. on riding high speeds.  This little motorcycle is small enough to hop on and just roll thru the neighborhood and big enough to ride on all the two lane roads and the main highway around here, which traffic when not in rush hour mode is about 50 to 60 mph. 

I just purchased a crash bar for the bike in case I drop it. I've been doing slow speed maneuver drills. I'm a lot better then when I first started this skill training.  I can do a very tight full circle for reps. Not quite full bar lock yet, but close.  Tight U turns aren't even a challenge anymore.  When I approach a stop sign,  I rarely ever put my feet down. I do a brief track stand while completely stopped then proceed. * I need to find out the police policy that defines a legal full stop .  So the crash bars aren't installed yet, but after I do install them the bike will be protected fairly well in the event I drop it doing these tight maneuvers,  plus they look cool.  

So between my bicycle rides and the motorcycle I have to make sure I don't take the lazy option and stop  bicycle commuting to work.  I rode all weather up to now since April 1st 2025.  Cold, heat , wind, rain, snow.  I'm on the roads at 235 am these days.  I ride local bike trail for part of my ride. It's blacked out, plenty of wildlife.  Deer, fox, rabbits, an occasional owls making noise.  Unfortunately I've encountered a few crack heads out there also.  I mean in the most desolate areas,  a long walk to anywhere was a female just sitting on a bench one foggy wet 240 am morning.  I have bright lights on my bars and another on my helmet. I immediately scanned the area left and right for someone lurking in the shadows.  Fortunately no one else there.  I'm still baffled to thos day.  I even stopped there in daylight to see if she had a hobo camp close by. Nope.  Weird scene man.  

Literally the best times of my days are when riding to work, second best time is riding "home to van house location.I have traffic on the roads to deal with o. home bound trip so the peace and quiet of dark empty roads is gone. 

So when my VA is finally approved my financial situation will be drastically improved.  I'm contributing largely to my Mom's financial situation.  It's absurdly expensive to live in Md these days.  Senior citizens that are unable to work are in a bad spot.  Fortunately I'm here to help my Mother out financially,  if not she'd be displaced from her own house because the illegitimate property taxes she can't afford to pay . Fuckin Md politicians should all burn in hell for eternity.  Relax Ray. Breathe . Inhale, exhale. 

So I kinda told myself before I found out the gym was sold, I'd keep working after VA disability claims were approved and build up some bank roll, savings. Not sure I'll have any say in the matter now.  New owner in town Boys.  He said no changes till New years. Ok, that's telling me 50/50 chance I'm out the door come New years. Not a death blow, I've got unemployment coming if I'm let go.  But I'm reconsidering,  if and when I get my claims approved maybe I will just fully retire. Spend my time doing 3 or 4 day motorcycle trips around Md. Maybe go back to commercial crabbing a few days a week .  Have plenty of time to ride my bicycle.  Lots of options.  Even if I keep my job, I'd like to cut it back to max of 4 days a week, every weekend a 3 day.  Oh well, it's just thoughts at this point in time. I've got a serious hurdle to clear, it called the VA claims process and it's very unpredictable.  

I submitted properly formatted claims. All evidence,  exams, lay statements, buddy statements,  MRI radiology reports,  all in proper order.  Should have been an easy approval.  Long story why it's a shit show but believe me,  I did extensive research How to properly file a FDC VA disability claim.  So in reality I can't breath a sigh of relief for a long time . I won't even allow myself the luxury of seriously considering my next move . I keep my guard up ,  I only cautiously consider my options upon the claims approval.  

2 January 2026 A New Year begins

One liner bullet points. 

I'm 11 months in on carnivore. 

Lost over 80lbs to date.  Just 10 more lbs to go.

I've been bicycle commuting to work since first week of  April 2025.

Im in the beginning stages of filing for VA disability compensation. 

Still at same retired guy job.  Easy and boring. 

The bike ride to and from is best part .

Riding in cold weather is second nature anymore. 

I have extreme anxiety,  especially when dealing with the  bureaucracy of government agencies. 

I'm collecting S.S. retirement.  First pay was October 2025.  I'm 62. Very surprised I've lived this long.  

It's winter and it sucks.  Overcast most days. Windy most days.  Riding my bike helps my otherwise shitty mood. 

I put a set of Jones bars on bike, very happy with them.  I'm considering a handlebar bag also.  I'd like to have a few bike packing things on board semi permanent.  

Paragraph,  

Picture this, a bike for set up for casual day  excursions and exploring.  Panniers, 2, trunk rack and bag , seat post bag for tube, tools, etc. Handlebar bag for various items.  Possibly a small cooker for making instant coffee,  snacks, first aid kit, and whatever else one might need for a day of bicycle travel.  

Start in Severna Park and head to BWI airport trail. Hit the roads and head west , Elkridge,  Patapisco state park, Ellicott city, wherever.  Ride into town, find a spot and park it. Let things play out.  I've got food on board,  water, dry socks , rain gear,  phone camera,  a tarp for emergency shelter. I can sit there on a Park bench with snot running down my nose .........

Keto , 1st week.

 I tried what I thought was Keto, but I was doing it wrong.  I was actually eating all protein but no or just accidentally eating fats.  I did cut all carbs, which means I actually ate a few.  Start weight  276lbs. After first week weight 265lbs. Loss of 11lbs. Most if not all was water.  I also inadvertently started the 16:8 intermittent fast.  I wasn't having any appetite after the first or second day of all protein so I just ate less and in a time window of 12pm to 6pm. This has now morphed into a 4 hour window usually nothing after 4pm.  I'm considering doing the OMAD, or one meal a day routine. Might as well,  not hungry enough to eat twice in 4 hours. 

I bought wbls if bacon and fried it a d saved the grease. I will add the grease to the chicken breast I eat and other foods when appropriate.  I also eat 2 or 3 spoons of peanut butter per day for the fat , 12-15 grams total. 

I'm guessing the first week was a success because of the no carbs, then the 16 hour per day intermittent fast. Week 2 will certainly be less of a weight loss since most water weight is probably gone.  But I can't help to think the fasting and the drastic cut in calories as a secondary result will continue to be effective.  

I have much more learning Ahmed on this Keto plan. I'm also researching the carnivore diet plan. This is a total commitment to animal fats only, with few exceptions such as eggs, olive oil , butter etc. I at least want to try thos for a month at some point just to experience it.

People claim many improvements after one month of this diet. 

 more to come on this new subject.  I'm not a big fan of weighing in every day but I think I will while on this journey.  I think it will provide instant feed back on yesterday's dietary intake instead of waiting till mid week to weigh in and wonder when the change took place. 

Some words.

 The latest thing in my life is I'm back on my bike. It's been a few years,  not sure how many. I been focusing on weight lifting,  power lifting mostly.  I'm overweight and the short bike rides (2) so far have let me know I'm too heavy. So adjustments I shall make.  First ride yesterday,  only about 15 minutes as a test ride. Today did about 30 minutes.  A few inclines to get heart rate up, legs need some training for sure, but my breathing and cardio feels good. I was surprised I didn't feel overly winded. I sure felt like I was putting strong effort to the pedals.  So I'm secretly planning to commute to work soon, next week seems a good time to start. I figure a few more neighborhood rides to get legs back in the groove a little.  It's only a 3 mile each way trip.  A few inclines on roads, then onto bike trail and boom, I'm there.  Start ride at 330 am , kinda sucks, but also no or very few cars on roads .  

I purchased a new set of tail lights and a headband style white light. I'll probably get a handle bar mounted light also.  I'll probably take at shower at work upon arrival.  I sweat easily. So even a 3 mile ride I'll prefer to shower up .  

See posts, 9-24-23, 12-21-23

 Yup, I need refresher on these rules. I totally ignored my own advice and chimed into a conversation taking place at my desk area. What a fuckin Schmuck.  👏  .  You see, it's an unnatural act for me to keep mouth shut when in this scenario. then my natural reaction is to over compensate and become an introvert.  But I can't do that on this job, I must inter act and be cheerful with customers.  I really feel like going to central park and digging a deep hole to sit in... Yes I'll be obsessing this all morning, maybe all day. This is what I usually do.  I keep repeating the conversation in my head expecting it to some how change and I  feel better about the situation.  duh.  Excuse me while I Punch my self in the face. 

Do more in 24.

 Very catchy and original phrase.  👌.  

I'm sitting here pondering my plans on Chester river boat trip. I mentioned this idea a few years ago. I keep coming back to it. I keep telling myself this is the year.  I should plan it for April or May before crabbing season gets into full swing.  I'm only figuring a single overnight trip, bit I'll be packed and supplied enough for a 2 night trip.  I will obviously take fishing gear and target some blue cats and pertch.  I'm wondering if I should take 30 net ring traps and sample crab areas as I explore my way around. It would be early season so I'd likely find at least a few over winter crabs . 

I mean what else is there to do on a extended trip ?  I don't like to just ride wide open .  So I'll be considering the crab idea. Definitely taking a few catfish rods and bait.  I'll anchor upon a shoreline for overnight and cast out a few baits and see what happens.  

Next boat topic. I see fisherman and crabbers getting many views on their YouTube videos.  Seems people like to watch these videos.  I'd like to make a few of crabbing,  fishing, eel potting, setting my hoopnets and retrieving them and maybe setting my fish trotline .   Making the video is easy enough. posting is also easy. I'll do a few and see what happens.   Also boat ramps.  I was thinking a series of videos on some boat launches showing the ramp, dock etc.  Boat ride and exploring would make a good video also. 

Random Thoughts at work.

 Random thoughts while at work today. this 3rd day of year 2024. 

 Just for perspective,  I walk in the place at 0430 so at this time it's 0745 and it seems like mid day to me.  so here goes with my silly mindless observations and thoughts throughout the morning. I'll try not to force feed myself any thoughts just for the sake of writing here. 

0748, I should post the time of each thought. 

0750, I remember back in my drinking days I once wrote notes while I proceeded to get drunk. I was parked at the yacht club sitting in my old white van. slamming beer and puffi g weed. I would write thoughts that I thought were clever or good ideas so I could read them next day when sober. Wow. I learned a drunk has dumb thoughts but thinks they are smart. I did write and even after sober realize  that Viagra and Vagina are very similar words. 😳 

0810, Wonder how much an I pad costs ? we have a few at work and I'd like to get one for watching videos and TV.  Guess it's googly time

0845. Just had people,  clients, and management having a group conversation in my work area. I immediately reminded myself of my rule.  Keep my distance.  See previous post.  

0849, I'm only working till 10am. I won't post after that.

. Some. Actually many super hot women here at work.  Many younger ones also.  I sometimes wish I was younger.  I wonder what these younger ones think of an older guy like me.  Would they have sex with me ? I think this comes under the heading of "my fantasies ". 

0950, Well it's almost quitting time. I'm gonna sign out of work and then walk back and lift weights.  I'd like to give a shout out to all my imaginary readers and thanks for tuning in. 

KEEP. /kēp/, verb.

 Keep your distance from other employees. 

Keep your mouth shut. 

Keep ignoring ignorant people. 

Keep opinions to myself. 

Keep opinions of co workers to myself. 

Keep smiling. 

Keep my thoughts and feelings private.  

Keep words to a minimum when communicating at work. One sentence is usually sufficient.  Don't repeat yourself. 

Keep from flirting with the lovely ladies ! Difficult !

Keep the employee mindset.  I'm not a supervisor,  im just another employee.  Don't make suggestions. 

Keep perspective.  It's a great winter job that might go further.  

Keep learning the tech side of job. 

Keep out of conversations.  Just cuz you're standing there doesn't mean you're included in the conversation.  

Keep in mind,  most people are fake. They smile and lie all day. They have practiced this for years in the workplace.  You are new at this . Put on a facade as they do.  

Keep in mind. this is a gravy job. 👌 

Van dwelling/New job.

New job is going well.  The early start time will keep me tuned up for next years crabbing season.  3:45 am.  

Had a tree limb  reak out a window a few weeks ago. One of the 3 roof windows.  I still haven't replaced it.  Lazy.  Duct tape for now. 

Bought a bunch of stuff from online estate auction.  Still listing and trying to sell.  

Thinking of setting out 4 hoop nets soon. Give them a 7 or 8 day soak and hopefully catch some catfish.  

Put my Mr. Buddy Heater in van today.  Will be needing it soon. 

Letters on a screen.  Words. Thoughts. Sentences.  

Thinking of video recording boat stuff. Crabbing,  eeling and setting hoop nets.  There's plenty of videos on trotlining but not much on running net rings or topless traps.  I'm figuring take the video as a "ride along " type .  Some pointers on using the gear and showing  the catch .  I posted a video showing one eel pot and the catch. It had 3, 2 lb eels in trap. YouTube posted it in shorts format and it got 2400 views overnight.  I have about 3 followers so this was a surprise amount of interest.  So  I got to thinking about a ride along type format. Every trip out, Crabbing,  eeling or hoops I'll just record as it happens and post up the highlights.  No editing or fancy stuff.  I need to find a head mount for phone. The one I bought from Amazon points the camera too high .  I see how many views these Crabbing and fishing  videos get and I'm surprised.  Eels, bushel of crabs, 60 net rings stacked in rubbermaid, for catching crabs, and dirty eel pots going back to get cleaned. 

A few weeks changes everything.

Nov. 5th 2023

 After my negative thoughts about job at laundromat post things changed.  The woman was in negotiations to sell the place same time I applied.  That's why she didn't respond to me. I actually talked with her in person the day of settlement.  She's a very nice lady and explained things to me. She passed my job application to new owner.  I also had mentioned nonchalantly to the owner of my.gym I was seeking a winter job.  So you guessed it. They both contacted me a day apart.  Originally I was going to take both jobs and juggle the shifts. After some thought I opted to pass on the laundromat job and take the position at the gym. 

The job is basic enough,  front desk clerk.  Check people in when they enter , update payments, wipe down cardio machines, etc.  I report at 0430  do the morning routine then open gym for business at 5am. Yeah, nice early hours just like commercial crabbing.  Wake up for me is 0345 . 

The sweet part is I get to parking lot early , have a coffee while waiting for 430 so I can enter. I have a code for front door but I don't want to enter any earlier then suppose to.  Once inside I have my very own bath room for morning routine.  As a vanner this is GOLDEN !!!!!  I do the assigned tasks pre opening.  Basic shit, check paper towels,  squirt cleaner into toilets, wipe mirror and sinks. Both male and female bathrooms 🚻.  10 mins. Turn on music for weight room, lights,  check towels and paper cups in weight room ✔️  . Upfront of gym, turn on the multiple TV sets, lights unlock front doors. BAM !  Ready for business 💪.  There's a few more chores throughout the 5 hour shift but again, very basic stuff. The rest of the time I'm forced to look at very attractive women whom are dressed in spandex .  😁

I'm also back in to the auction hustle. I just bid on and  won many nice items from an online estate auction.  👌.  I'm gonna post on Face Crook mkt. and sell along with word of mouth and of course direct contact with the lovely women I meet at my place of employment. 

  The buy and sell auction hustle is a lot easier these days with a smart phone in everyone's hand. I was buying and selling at flea market level before we had the giggle button . I kinda had to know the mkt. back then . Now I can see items that are interesting and just search online for price comps. BAM !!! Easy peasy. 

 I drive my van as a daily driver. I park at my gym when using the gym and have been since I bought my roadtrek. I don't live on the lot.  Before that I lived in my white Ford cargo van and parked that same place while using the gym.  I think a few people have figured out the van is my house.  I park out and away from gym front doors, mainly to keep cars from dinging me.  I really don't care who knows my deal but I don't advertise it.   Funny story,I was doing laundry 2 weeks ago . Lady who also was doing laundry   asked me point blank " do you live in your camper van " . I smiled and said Yes I do, for 13 years now. She's into the tiny house thing on TV.  

Years ago there was a guy in my gym who was a van dweller.  He parked his van behind a gas station a quarter mile from gym . Never moved it.  It was parked in plain sight on a very busy corner. No one ever noticed what he was up to. He had permission from gas station,  that's all he needed.  We'll my buddy knew Tom, I didn't. We all belonged to same gym. My buddy was telling many people about Tom's set up, unbeknownst to Tom . Remember this is before it hit YouTube and became trendy. Flip phones were still the thing.  Tom was a private kind of guy but friendly.  

I started considering doing the van house thing after I learned of Tom . I was a long haul trucker for 15 years. Before that I was an Army paratrooper in the infantry.  I was  made for van dwelling.   So I started researching on my old dial up desk top computer.  Wasn't much to read back then on van dwelling.  This was probably about 2004 .  I ran across a few cool blogs and started following them.  Hey Chris Harne 🖐  . Well back to my original thought.  Lots of people knew about Tom and his van set up.  He remarked to me " man I been doi g this shit for years and NOBODY knows . " I informed him I've known for a few years and lots of people know thanks to our friend Kenny.  He wasn't amused.  So I wonder how many people over on that side of town know my set up . 🫢 No worries 👍 

So this little job is made to order for me, and the auction hustle is also a worthwhile venture.  

 August of 2011 I started this van life. I do not want to own a house again.  I fell for that scheme once, that's enough. 💯 

 

Positive direction.

 Had productive days last week, 9/21, 9/22. Crabbed Thursday with very good results,  a bushel and half catch.  Had a Facebook contact about a hauling job. Originally booked for Friday 5pm.  Kinda shitty time but wasn't going to refuse.  I decided to jot crab on Friday since poor weather was forecast . So I messaged customer and got load time changed to Friday am. Perfect.  The job took about 30 minutes to load and was a 10 minute drive to county landfill. BAM ! My 1st paying hauling job in years. Made me happy to be hauling junk again. 

I have a regular crab customer that buys my jumbo size crabs, and I usually steam them for her. I did the hauling job and unloaded at landfill, parked truck in storage yard then steamed the dozen jumbo crabs.  Plan worked perfect.  While she, my lady customer was in local liquor store buying beer she calls me and says Hey, this guy working here wants crabs. I sold him 3 dozen of Ex large and larges. BAM AGAIN !  Sold that bushel toot sweet.   I had 2 dozen medium size left for sale so I posted them on Fakebook and 2 hours later BAM , sold.  Crabbed Thursday,  did hauling job and steaming  and selling out of crabs Friday.  

So now I've revised my post on Fakebook to include moving services.  I will use my enclosed trailer for this service.  I feel positive about the potential of the moving and delivery service.  I have a few more weeks of crabbing ahead but after October I'll rely on hauling and moving jobs, maybe a few days of commercial catfishing,  hahaha. Yeah, still holding onto that fantasy.  

I'm also considering advertising leaf removal and yard work, clean ups.  I'm very familiar with that already.  I know how to price the jobs I  could also install mulch , gutter cleaning etc. 

***The talk to much post was a saved draft that shows September 24th posting date. 

I talk too much.

Currently walking treadmill I'm gym, just did back rack workout.  270lb 30 reps.  5 rep sets. Started talking with a guy I know. Convo got on his son being married and active duty Marine on deployment.  I lived that, as an Army paratrooper,  infantry.  

Back in Business.

 I'm going back into the junk hauling business.  I'll offer mulch and gravel deliveries and installs, shed demo, garage clean outs etc.  I did it before and had plenty of work. I then made the transition into full-time lawn service.  I should have stayed with junk hauling.  I have a nice enclosed trailer. I'll get it cleaned out from MY junk collection and offer lite furniture moving , small moving service along with the junk hauling.  I'm looking forward to this new venture.  I can still keep my hands in the crabbing and fishing too.  So follow along my imaginary readers.  This will be fun. 

Gut Punched 👊

 That's the feeling I have. Picture this , an animated character getting punched in the gut, he bends backwards at the mid section,  upper body lurches forward, arms extended forward from the impact. Frozen in time, a caricature representing the sudden realization of one's situation.  Obviously it's my self perception and feelings.  People around me would never guess I currently this way.  I don't walk around projecting poor self esteem.   I don't have low self esteem....... or do I ?  Getting ignored when applying for low level jobs is not a way to build confidence,  I can assure you.  

I was thinking about the women that was eager for me to apply.  It's her words I listened to.  I do not know if the owner is hiring. So I had my self convinced this was a walk in and get hired situation.  Duh me.  I chuckle at myself.  How was I so gullible.  Probably because it's what I wanted to hear. I like easy no hassle results for my time and effort.  After all I spent 10 minutes filling out a paper, yes paper job application and drove another 10 minutes to deliver it and meet with an unknowing Stephanie. I guess I thought she was gonna praise me for saving her from certain bankruptcy and hire me on the spot.  Washing and folding clothes folks, that's the job I applied for.  Running a shift at a self service laundromat.  I'm already a humble person,  I didn't need being brought down a notch.   Enter Gut Punch 👊 

S.M.F.H.

 That about sums it up.  👌 

 Laundromat prospect.  I didnt get a good vibe from the short meeting I had with the owner lady.  She didn't expect me or know I was applying.  I'm not even sure she's hiring.  I was led to believe there's a job opening by a lady that works there.  But her version of things doesn't seem to match with the owners  behavior today.  I don't know.  I reminded the owner, Stephanie that we had spoken a few months ago and I jokingly said I'd like to come work there. We'll she nodded and said "yes, I remember "  in a matter of fact way.  She likes to look me up and down. I noticed this the other 2 times we've spoken. I present well in street clothes. I'm a weight lifter.  Some extra around the middle but also very muscular.  She's probably in her mid 30s, kinda doubtful she finds me attractive.   Me, a 60 year old that dresses in street bum fashion basically.  

She asked if I'm currently working.  I said yes. self employed commercial crabber.  The words self employed seem to mean something bad or negative  to a potential employer.  I'll make a post later what's involved in a typical day of self employed commercial crabbing.   I told her I wanted to put crabbing on the back burner and work a steady job and keep crabbing as a side hustle .  I told her I'm available to start after labor day weekend,  but if she's in a bind I can start sooner.  I told her I have other jobs pending, night work type and I'm really not wanting to do those as 1st choice.  Insert disgruntled grunt here.  Trying to communicate with a female in any social situation is challenging but to a  female potential employer it's especially weird.  I tend to be very direct .  I guess it can be off putting to some.  

I read tea leaves very well. I pay close attention to a person's body language.  Dogs do this on humans all the time. Dogs know your next move before you do.  I practice this on people in public. From a distance I watch there head and eye movement especially.  Stephanie wasn't giving me good body language this morning.  I held my hand out to shake hands as I started to leave , she is unfamiliar with this etiquette.  I remained in place arm extended until she responded in kind.  Most women I've dealt with in positions of authority are quick to shake hands with a man.  Not Stephanie.  Not to me anyway 🤷.  The point is dear imaginary readers, I'm skeptical about this job. 

So,  onto remaining self under employed.  I can post up on mkt. place and do dump runs for people, deliver mulch, gravel etc. Sell crabs of course, until end of September anyway.  I considered going to a temporary employment service for a winter job. That is a definite possibility.  

Cheers to you,  strike number TWO ! I raise my glass of Dollar Tree cranberry juice and salute you for never letting me have an easy way to go.  For being that dog on the side of the road and raising your back leg up extra high to take that piss all over my face during my 2nd attempt at employment.   Cheers Mate. 🍻 

You're gonna work where ?

 Yep, I applied for a job at the laundromat I frequent.  I been kidding around with the lady that works there mornings when I do my laundry.  I told her I need a day job, this commercial crabbing is taking me broke. She convinced me to take a paper job application "home" to fill out. Yeah, she has no clue Im a van dweller even though I park my bad ass Roadtrek in plain view on laundry days.  

I see it like this, it's regular work and pay, it's day shift, usually 2pm to 8pm which allows me time in mornings to crab and fish.  It beats the 3rd shift at Harris Teeter I applied for and haven't heard back yet, 5 days ago.  So it's stupid easy work, customers drop off laundry , it gets weighed then washed and folded.  I think I can handle it.  So I'll drop off application tomorrow,  Sunday am and talk lady that got me to apply. I sure can deal with some regular money coming in.  I met the owner lady a few months ago.  Her and her husband just recently bought the laundromat.  I was joking with her back then about coming to work for her. She seemed open to the idea.  Soooooo all my imaginary readers, that's the big news for today. 

Motivation needed.

 Let's get this shit moving already.  I applied 2 days ago. received the auto response that stated don't call us..... we'll call you. Muah ! You fuckers should be thanking your lucky stars such a decent man applied for your job.  I really don't expect a interview,  but part of me says with today's applicant pool and the shitty 3rd shift I might actually get an interview.  That's my method, apply for jobs with high turnover and my old ass has a chance.  Fuck you society

I'm telling  myself get back into the eeling game and knock on some  more doors. I was actually getting customers that way.  between selling crabs on a small scale and eels to select customers I could do better then the take home pay of 3rd shift stocker and not have to work nights.  I get a case of the ass when I crab and don't sell all my catch. It's a lot of work involved in crabbing.  So when I hit a slump I'm quick to justify finding a easier way to earn money.    Do I want  to be a robot and work in corporate grocery store for wages and have to play the bullshit games of rules and coded every night  ? I would lime that regular pay check for sure but the night work thing ain't easy. Been there and done that when I was young. it sucked back then so it will definitely suck now. 

I need to get my focus back on commercial crabbing and fishing.  Put catfish hoopnets back in water September,  re set eel pots ASAP,  crab 4 days a week . Maybe set the 2-- 200 hook each finfish trotlines I built. Been meaning to do that.  Catfish baby. Eat some ! 

Update On Job Application.

 Completed online employment application.  A few check ✔️ marks in certain boxes seem pretty important. #1, will you submit to drug test, #2 can you work overnights, #3 something else,  weekends and holidays maybe.  So if a person is ok with drug tests and  available at these unpreferred times maybe the chances of getting hired are improved.  That would be me. I don't do drugs so I'll be selling clean piss as a side hustle 💯 .  Days or nights in this case are just days to me. I have no preference on which nights I work.  I'm old. I don't need specific days to do specific things any more.  

I really like the idea of parking my big fat van on the front lot and working overnight.  Then taking my van across the road to bike trail and either napping or getting on my bike and rolling out. It's been a minute or 2 since I rode my bike. 

I envision this schedule of leave work at 7am, park at bike trail 7:05 am.  Now the next 15 hours are mine.  Sleep must happen, bike ride would be nice and of course lift some weights a few days a week.  Fuckin van life baby !!!!  Tell me again why more people aren't doing this ? 

Job Search at age 60

 Yep.  with almost no documented employment.  hustory.That's the side of being self employed that potential employers are weary of.  Employers are also cautious about hiring a self employed person because they tend to think for themselves and avoid being micro managed.  Managers like to manage, not have a self sufficient person making decisions without running to supervisor for everything . 

Yeah well, what's my point ?  Don't really have one. Just prepping myself for not being considered for employment.  The whole process is a shit show.  I went thru it last year when I applied at BJ'S Wholesale Club.  The assessments are cring at max level. What would I do if a co worker was depressed,  what about a mass shooter entering the building,  what about a co worker with mental issues, what about a co worker stealing,  and on and on.  Yo dude. I just wanna stock the shelves. not be a head shrink and give advice to fucked up people.  Maybe I'm the one that needs the advice.  

So now I've decided to apply for 3rd shift stock at Harris Teeter which is a 5 minute drive from my base camp. It's also right across highway from the bike trail and only minutes to my gym. I consider these things a win. I'm not looking for a career or to climb the corporate ladder. I'm looking for how this job fits in with my life . It is night work. Yeah, sucks. But the good side is I'll have days to do what I want.  I would work from 10pm to 7am.  Stay awake till around 2pm then sleep 7 hours and back to work at 10pm.  So an example day off On a Wednesday would be from 7am on a Tuesday to next report to work on Thursday 10pm.  Sounds like a long weekend almost.  I really would like a regular paycheck.  I'm helping my mom out and it's digging into my savings more then I like.  I could also still crab on a part time basis which is actually better then a full-time basis.  

I'm sitting here going thru the online application process and my shit looks weak.  I'd be real curious if I read my job application from someone else's perspective.  How does this guy exist without a documented income, not much work history for a 60 year old man 🤔.  Has he been in prison his whole life ? Is he a drug dealer perhaps.  We searched our data banks and did  sneaky background checks on him and NOTHING !  Very perplexing indeed.  No income tax records available either. Hmn ! Is this guy a secret spy from corporate? No....  they'd have a transparent background established to avoid suspicion.  This is strange...... let's get him in here and meet this guy.   

Oh well.  I can always run a post on market place and do dump runs , I have a truck and did just that many years ago.  Made damn good money,  that's how I started my landscape business.  Should have stayed in junk hauling. 

  I'll be typing more words later.  I got side tracked on the work history section of job application.  I collected unemployment for a while and can't show any employment while collecting benefits.  Keep those dates from crossing over. I'm absolutely certain the unemployment office would be on me like Hitlers SS on a Jewish family out in farm country circa 1939. 

Life is Funny. Now Im funny too.

 Crabbing is an expensive hobby. I need a steady income.  I stopped by the old Dollar store and told them I'm looking. We shall see. I told the merch manager Im probably on don't not hire list since it was a debacle how I was "fired".  

Left my number and he said he'll pass it to store manager.  He said , Oh you're Ray , I've heard a LOT about you. I replied that can't be good.  It really would suck if I can't even get rehired at a shit job such as Dollar Tree.  Hahaha. If this doesn't happen it off to Harris Teets for a online application as stocker.  would probably take the plunge and try for full-time nights.  It's gotta be a shit job since it open and continuous posting. 

Crabbing commercially is a great side hustle, I need to  keep it as just that.  

Peace out all my imaginary readers.  Hopefully I'll be back to putting boxes and cans on shelves and earning some money soon.