December 23rd, 2017

I had another dizzy spell again today. It was just after lunch, when I was letting Chelsea out for her lunch break. I almost tripped and fell into her, but caught myself by grabbing the desk. Chelsea helped me take a seat and wouldn't leave till I said okay. Which was kind of her, but then she went and told Hal. Not that I mean to keep anything from him, but the last time I'd had a dizzy spell at work Hal had to drive me home. Which was when they'd tried to dig the tree up. The last time I'd had a dizzy spell was at his place after the earthquake. So I understand that he's making those connections, but nothing like that happened today. Still, Hal came directly to me to make sure everything was okay, and then at dinner he was really worried about any news of things happening today.

There's no connection, which I don't expect there would be, but Hal's convinced there is. So while we didn't find anything today, he's convinced something might turn up that we'll learn about later. Never mind all the other dizzy spells I've had with no similar connection.

I'm skipping around a bit. After work was dinner of course, and Max was able to make it. We talked about their finals, both of them were feeling good for the most part though Max was worried she'd only barely pass her statistics class. Hal brought up my attack today and used it to ask if Max had ever made any connections with the weird stuff she'd always find. Max was like me though, mostly unconcerned. She said most of the stuff she had ever found was always stuff she enjoyed debunking, not things she believed to be real.

Hal didn't want to let it go, but eventually had to once both Max and I told him to knock it off. Max flat out told him that until we could find some solid connection, this was something that I'd lived with for years without finding any connections. We were both over it, it was time he got over it too.

When we were finally able to move on, I brought up the article about missing items not being turned in to lost and found at DIA. We all agreed it was strange, but there hadn't been any follow up and we didn't have much to go on, so it was shrugged off and set aside.

The interview with Melia though, they both found it interesting. Max brought up the security video from the DIA incident and we compared it to the paramedic, Ace, who Melia was interviewing. They did look similar, but the security video wasn't clear enough for us to comfortably say it was the same guy.

Max didn't have anything for us, she'd spent the last two weeks either studying for finals or helping Robert study.

Which left Hal, who had also spent a good deal of time studying. But he did realize something interesting and had done some checking this morning out of curiosity. He noticed that since the earthquake, there hadn't been any further reports of the howling winds up in the mountains. It was almost as if they'd been forgotten, which would be one thing. But if they were still happening, there would still be reports. They'd just get set aside in favor of the earthquake news. There wasn't even any reports. It was an interesting point, but like the lost and not found items at DIA, there wasn't much we could do about it.

So we spent the rest of the night mostly celebrating the end of their semester. I didn't want to be a downer, but I did mention that eating out every week was getting to be a bit expensive for me. Hal of course offered to cover me, but I declined saying it'd be nice if we could just do dinner ourselves for a change. Max also echo'd the expense and thought it'd be a great idea, and that it'd be a bit more private as well. But she'd be moving back in with her parents over the break.

So Hal offered his place. He's got a kitchen and a small living room we could talk in. His roommate was moving out now that the semester was over. But he might get another roommate and had no control over that. And once the next semester started he would get a roommate. So at least for now, that might work for us. We're not so worried about Hal having a roommate, but his roommate might not appreciate our company every Saturday night.

After Max left though, Hal mentioned that was another reason he was looking forward to getting a place of his own. He asked if I'd done any thinking about it, and I said that my biggest concern was my parents knowing I'd be moving in with my boyfriend. I know it's a much more common thing these days, but he doesn't understand my father. Mom would be all for it, but Dad, not so much. I told him I'd talk to them about it, just to test the waters. Since he still doesn't have a place, this is all hypothetical anyway.

Hal was happy with that answer, and I don't blame him. It would be nice to just stay with him at night rather than have to have him drive me home before it gets too late. I just worry about what happens if things between us go sour. I've watched Max get in and out of relationships, and some of her breakups were pretty bad. She's always been glad that she has her own place even when she spends all her time at theirs.

As much as I would like a place of my own, and moving in with Hal is tempting for that reason. Max's experiences make me worried about what I'd do if Hal and I were to break up. If I move in with him, where do I go? I think I need that answered before I'm ready to commit.

December 22nd, 2017

I was slow getting around this morning, for good reasons I'm sure. But it meant I wasn't able to keep my normal morning routine. And of course Mom and Dad wanted to know about the party last night and make sure that I enjoyed myself and was safe. How is it moms always know? I could have died from embarrassment when she started giving me that look. Dad was oblivious, to my relief, just happy that I was safe and had fun. If he knew, I'd be read the riot act and told never to see Hal again. Mom just grinned knowingly.

So as nice as it was to have family around this morning, things were kind of cozy this morning. I guess the cold brings that out. I really didn't want to stick around with Mom grinning at me like that. Besides, I didn't have a lot of time and I wanted to make sure I was able to keep certain routines. So I left later than I would normally, which if I was smart would have meant skipping the gym. But I left earlier than I needed were I to go straight to work and still tried to hit the gym. Ultimately I was late to work, but the advantage of public transportation is that it makes a ready excuse.

Today wasn't bad at work, things were busy, but at the same time not so much. With school letting out we expect to start getting the holiday crowds, but that's always a toss up as to what it means. There's no way to know how many visitors we'll get, and as often as not they won't stay long but they'll spend a lot at the gift shop. Makes things pretty hectic even when our numbers are down.

But, Hal's final ... uh final... was in the morning, so he was able to meet me for lunch. At then he came back to pick me up after work. We were getting a lot of looks from the other employees. I guess us being together at the party was a bit of a wake up call, apparently fewer people knew we were together than I had thought. And the looks weren't bad, more amused than anything, but they definitely watched us.

We went back to his place and talked. Checked in with Max, we're all on to have dinner together tomorrow. Hal's internship does earn him class credit, but it's more flexible than the usual classes. He'll be able to keep working at the museum for credit, but his position will change and he'll be working more in an employee manor than that of a student. We're still not sure how that'll affect his work schedule, but at least for tomorrow he'll be off.

We also talked about his living situation. While he doesn't live on campus, his apartment is still affiliated with the school. He could stay where he is, or find other arrangements and now would be a good time to do that. But he'll need to make a decision quickly. With his new income from the Illuminati, he's considering getting a place of his own. He can afford it, and it would give him some more freedom. His question to me was if I wanted to join him.

I know I've been wanting a place of my own, or at least away from my parents. And the offer is very attractive. But it just seems a little soon to me. Last night was amazing, and we had some more fun tonight before his roommate interrupted us. I can't say that doesn't appeal to me.

I don't know, maybe I'm a little scared of stepping into something I don't know. I've never lived away from my parents after all, it was bad enough when Efe left. And then Batel moved out, which was a little easier, but still difficult for me. And some of that was probably my own frustration for her being younger than me and I'm still stuck at home unable to leave.

But now I have that opportunity, and I'm not sure about it, I'm not jumping at it. If it was Max, I'd be all over it. I've also known Max all my life, and we're good friends we know how we'd be together. Hal is all new. I know we've been seeing each other for a while now, counting having dinner together without officially dating. And we were a couple for a while before even kissing. Moving in together seems like a really big step to me, even more so considering how slowly we've done everything else.

I hesitated, and he said it was just an offer. He was in the position to have a place to himself, but he didn't want to be all alone. So even if he didn't need a roommate, having one would be nice and he'd much prefer that roommate to be me. Which is sweet. He understood though that it was a big step for me, so he didn't press me for an answer and said the option would always be open even if I didn't want to now. He wasn't even sure he'd be able to get a place on such short notice anyway, so it's not like he needed an answer now anyway.

So I told him I'd think about it, and I will. For now though I'll have to sleep on it. I'm tired and have work tomorrow anyway.

December 21st, 2017

I told Mom and Dad I'd probably be out late and not to worry, they didn't. They were already in bed by the time I was getting home. I'm a little amused by that.

What a great night though, we had so much fun. Hal did extend his plus one invite to Max's boyfriend, so they were able to come together. Though I think Robert was bored with the party, he and Max skipped out early. Which is pretty impressive considering the party didn't last that long either. Hal came and got me after class, which was still early for the party so we went out to get something to eat. Max and Robert joined us at the restaurant, and then we went to the party together.

Mostly just a gathering, lots of talking. It's fun to see people away from work, you get to see a whole different side to them and it's almost like meeting a new person. Take Nancy for example, I never knew she was such a Goth.

Hal and I had a lot of fun too. Since he knows the brains more casually than I do, they'd approach him and ask who his girlfriend was. Then they'd be all surprised that I also work at the museum in front. It's a little annoying, but at the same time I had to laugh. The front end and the restaurant staff see us together regularly, but the rest don't see us together that often.

Hal and I didn't stay too late, but we weren't the first to leave by any measure. We went back to his place.

So I know Mom might read this, especially if anything were to happen to me, and of course I share these with Dr. Laurie. So I'll not go into detail as even knowing they'll be reading this much is embarrassing enough. But I should mention that Hal and I are sexually active now in case any issues arise. Hal was having a hard time deciding when would be a good time to try and kiss me again, so I initiated. Glad I did too, but we'll just say we enjoyed each other's company and he got me home late. We were smart though, prophylactics were involved, and among the various meds I take include birth control. So the only issues I'm worried about are how they might affect, if they do, my attacks. I at least didn't have one during, that would be weird and probably kill the mood.

Oh well, bed time, it is late and I have work tomorrow.

December 20th, 2017

I like my solitude normally. It's nice to have some time to myself. But that doesn't mean I don't get lonely. The week's only half over, but beyond waving at Hal I haven't seen him all week. Even last week he was working on finishing up his projects so much that I didn't get to see him as much as I'd like. Even Max has been scarce, she hasn't come visit me for lunch in weeks. I was hoping Candace would at least like to go to the gym today, get me some company. Nope, she mentioned something about midwinter and said she couldn't.

So I did all my chores today, made my way around town, and came back home to do laundry and everything. It wasn't so long ago I did all this stuff on my own anyway. I've never really felt the need to have company. I guess I've gotten attached.

It's not so bad, I'm not complaining. Or at least, I'm not complaining about having become so attached. I am complaining about the lack of contact.

I know I've got my parents around, and it's nice don't get me wrong. But it's just not the same. I am an adult, and I'm given my freedom. But they worry and just want to make sure they know where I am all the time, and so I don't feel like I have that freedom. I certainly can't just spontaneously stay the night somewhere, I have to check in. And they want to know whats going on all the time, and if I spend too much time in my room doing research like I was these last two nights they bug me about not being sociable.

I need to find a place for myself. I love my parents, and I do enjoy having them around and everything, but I need a place of my own for a change.

Anyway, not to dwell on that. Tomorrow night's the party, and Hal and Max will be there, so my loneliness will come to an end.

December 19th, 2017

It struck me just now, as I was writing today's date, that the year is almost over. I'm not sure why that thought occurred to me, or why now. But now I find myself thinking about how there's less than half a month left. We still have Christmas, and of course the solstice party on Thursday. Max and Candace and the boys all have plans to take me tubing during the winter break between Max and Hal's semesters. But then school starts back up, and New Years hits and wow, that's it.

Kinda makes today feel like it was fast, which is the only thing that does. It was a slow day. We were busy, for usual, still getting those who want to see Nephmesu. But the guests are starting to blur, asking the same questions, kids pretending to be mummies, and that blur makes these last few weeks all seem to have taken place just today. Am I the only one who ever feels like that? Can't be.

Max and Hal were still taking finals. Hal did stop in at the museum today, but he was busy and had texted me before hand that he wouldn't be able to stay. He did make sure to pass in sight of me so he could wave, but that was all I saw of him. He was getting his internship papers signed so he could turn them in for credit in between finals and didn't have time to stay.

It was nice seeing him, but my lunch felt that much more lonely today.

Anyway, after getting home I was able to do some laundry that got me ahead of chores tomorrow. I did pull out some outfits to see what I could throw together for the party. I have to say, Candace's selections are perfect. I'll have to thank her again next time I see her.

After dinner I had some time to myself again, so I did some more research. Current news is mostly focused on cleanup efforts from the earthquake. I-70 has one lane open heading west, both east lanes are open. But I guess there was some damage to the road that will take time to repair and only the one west lane will be available for the next month or so. A lot of that will depend on the weather, but so far it sounds like the high country has been dry this year. So projections are good.

With all the focus on the earthquake, it's like the tree has fallen off the radar. I actually had to go looking to see if there was anything new. The ravens seem to have relaxed their vigil though, people are allowed to approach and even move through the intersection without being attacked. Though they are attacking anyone that approaches the police barriers. The police themselves seem to have taken to enforcing the same limits, and amazingly the ravens seem to accept that. There's been no reports of the one raven with the silver strip on its chest.

With so little else to find, I went back to Melia's site only to find a recorded conversation between herself and a paramedic that looked familiar. It took me a while to place him, but I finally realized it was the same paramedic that had been at DIA and rescued Arlene Dryver. They didn't mention that during the interview though and I had to go look up news footage from the DIA incident to confirm. I might be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that's him.

Melia seemed to be asking, Ace was his name, what his fellow paramedics were doing differently after the riots. Both of them kept repeating that they hoped there would be no more such riots, but on the off chance there were they wanted to be prepared for it. Ace seemed mostly focused on the winter weather and how that might affect things going forward. He said most likely the cold weather would discourage any further rioting, even the demonstrations were pretty scarce. But if anything were to happen, the cold could provide it's own danger were someone to get hurt. So that's what they were currently preparing for, making sure they had heat packs, thick blankets, and even thermos with warm drinks just in case. At the very least Ace seemed happy that they were able to pass around warm coco to people and just keep attitudes light.

Melia stressed that she didn't support the rioting, and that while the demonstrations were welcome she hoped people would be smart and calm and not let emotions run high. She seemed to suggest that the rioting was being triggered by individuals not part of the demonstrations, just agitators who wanted to cause trouble. She cautioned people to listen and pay attention, to not get caught up in any provocation.

It was an interesting conversation, and relatively short. I've saved the address so I can show Max and Hal next time we are able to talk about it. I have to admit though that I'm more interested in the paramedic. I really want to confirm if this Ace is the same paramedic from DIA. Doubt I'll ever be able to though.

So, chores tomorrow. Candace and Sam seem very intent on remaining at home this week. I'm not sure why, but I don't want to pry too much. They are entitled to their privacy. So while I won't be getting ready to visit her as I normally would, I do still have the party on Thursday to get ready for.

December 18th, 2017

And so it begins; finals week for Max and Hal. Hal has this week off at the museum due to his finals, so I didn't get to see him at all today. He texted a few times to say he was out of this test or that one. He's feeling pretty good about the tests he's taken, which is good. But he's got a lot to do between classes to prepare for the next test, so I wasn't able to see him after work either. It's strange, it wasn't so long ago that this was my normal, go to work, go home, no one to see or spend time with. But I've been having lunch with Hal regularly for so long that lunch felt lonely. And then after work he's usually taking me home at least if we don't go spend some time together. Riding the bus home felt kinda odd. Though it was amusing for the driver, Yemi, to be so happy to see me again. She was worried something might have happened, but was thrilled to learn that I have a boyfriend now who gives me rides.

Work itself was good. Things are starting to get back to normal after the introduction of our new exhibit. We are still getting a lot of people wanting to see Nephmesu, and so our volume is still up from this time last year. But not like it was these last two weeks. We've adjusted to having so many guests that even as busy as it has been, we actually felt like things were slow.

So I've been home since after work, had a little bit of time and went looking in to progress at DIA. I was curious how the earthquake might have affected things, but being on the far side of the city they didn't feel it. There was a couple of items in the news concerning DIA though. Firstly that since they were having to rebuild the concourse, they've decided to go ahead with a long overdue expansion. But while the earthquake didn't cause any problems, there was some electrical problems yesterday that delayed some flights and no word on what the cause was. Finally, people are reporting items missing in unusually high numbers.

It's important to note that people aren't losing things out of their luggage, nothing is being taken. Mostly it's that items lost aren't being returned. There's always the lost and found right, well people are still losing things, but nothing's being turned in as found. So when travelers come to lost and found hoping something might be turned in, nothing ever is. It's a strange situation, which is probably the only reason it's being mentioned.

I've been scanning the news looking for mysterious break ins or anything that resembles what had happened along Nephmesu's tour. I can't find anything, nor am I finding anything for Portland either. I'm wondering if the break ins were due to a road hand that might have quit between San Fran and Portland. It's still possible the break in's had nothing to do with Nephmesu, but if not that's an awful lot of coincidence. I'm just not sure how to look in to who was working on the road crew, so I have no way of finding out who might have quit at any time. I also have no legal authority.

I did check the message boards that had also noticed the break ins. They never did make the connection with the tour, so their theories are wild. Nothing strikes me as plausible, much less likely. Especially not the UFO claims. I mean really, if they can teleport matter why bother with opening any doors? Besides, nothing was ever missing.

Tomorrow will be my Friday. I can look forward to another day like today I think.

December 17th, 2017

Sunday morning meeting, not unexpected. With the Holidays upon us, we discussed a seasonal get together for the employees. Of course not to take sides and alienate anyone who doesn't share any particular religion (Good!) we'll celebrate the Solstice itself, which falls on the 21st this year, Thursday evening. After work they've made reservations at The Lucky Strike, a nearby bowling alley. Everyone is encouraged to come, and we can each bring a friend or significant other.

Since Hal and I would be each others significant other, we discussed inviting friends. I thought of Candace considering she so rarely gets out, but I wasn't sure I'd also be able to invite Sam. And I didn't want to dictate to Hal who he should invite. Hal said it wasn't a bad idea though, and he said I should talk to Candace and just test the water and see. If she wants to go and Sam's okay with it, great. If he wants to be there, Hal can invite him. My other concern was of course Max. She's always been my plus one, so she might resent me inviting anyone else. Hal figured if he wasn't inviting Sam, he could then invite Max. And if Candace said no, then I could invite Max and he could invite his roommate or something.

So after work I called Candace and talked to her about it. Just let her know what was going on, which since it fell on Thursday made it easy to discuss plans for that day. Candace actually said she and Sam were planning on staying in those days. They'dve been happy to have me as usual, but they didn't want to go out. At first I thought it might be their monthly feast, but she said that would be tomorrow night. She didn't offer any explanation, just that they didn't want to go out, and that it was fine if I wanted to go to the party.

Seemed kind of odd, but she wasn't forthcoming so I didn't pry. It freed me up to ask Max, who when I called was quick to say yes. I guess she's already feeling the stress of finals week, and having some way to relax in the middle of the week was a welcome diversion. She said she only had one final left on Friday, and that it was late in the day so she could study in the morning. Or well, after lunch if was able to get blasted.

Which reminded me about Hal's finals. So I called him to let him know that his plus one was free to be used and took the chance to ask if the party would interfere with his finals. He said he'd have a final on Friday morning, but that he was confidant about the test and wasn't worried about studying the night before. I get the feeling he doesn't have anyone else to ask, he actually seemed disappointed that I didn't have someone for him to invite. I asked about his roommate, but Hal suggested that was a last resort sort of thing. The guy seems nice enough, I've only seen him in passing, but I guess that's the way it is for Hal anyway. Hard to invite someone you don't see very often, even if you do live with them.

Anyway, that's why I'm a bit late getting to this: all the talking. Well, that and watching the news. I hadn't mentioned it yesterday 'cause I had my own things going on, but the earthquake caused damages to I-70 and has been backing up traffic something godawful. Thankfully no one was seriously hurt due to the falling rocks, but there was one car that was trapped over night while emergency crews were trying to get to them. Traffic is being routed through the other passes, which aren't exactly designed for that volume. The delays are horrendous and people aren't happy, which isn't helped by not having anyone to blame. So drivers are taking their frustrations out on each other, and the state patrol is having a hell of a time staying on top of all the incidents. Hopefully things will calm down as people adjust to our new reality, and hopefully construction crews can clear the rubble and repair the interstate quickly.

Between I-70 and the repairs at DIA, tempers are going to flare badly this holiday season. I'm so glad we aren't going anywhere this year.