Monthly Archives: June 2004

Earlier today I uploaded a temporary home page for the new site I will be developing for my “issues” with the Ballard Locks. As I mentioned the other day, I wish I could take credit for dreaming up with this particular URL, but it was actually a coworker from my current assignment that penned this little gem. (I’m not mentioning her at this point in case she doesn’t want this kind of credit.) I’ll be working on the site over this weekend (as if I don’t already have enough to do). Since this was little more than an idea until a few days ago, it should prove to be an amusing study in rapid site development.
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Mary and I just got back from the park, and I thought this would be a great time to share a little bit of how I’m feeling with all of my readers. Sorry that I’m not being as nice as usual, but I think it’s important for some of you to know just how difficult this gets for me at times. It’s not as easy as it looks.
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It’s just after five o’clock in the morning here in Ballard. I’ve just finished my shower and shine, and my head is humming Continue reading →

It’s another beautiful, sunny day here in the great Northwest, and I’m on break at work, and daydreaming. (Yes, I did sleep last night.) I believe that today is the last official day of school for the majority of the local high schools, and I think summer officially starts on Monday. It’s funny how I still find myself distracted at this time of the year. Personally, I’m anticipating the most interesting summer of my life.
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This has been a rough one. I got zero sleep last night. Nadda. Nil. Sure, I tried all of the usual things I’d do to get quiet, but that broken record about the Locks has a funny way of turning up its volume. It’s easier to just stay awake and think about how I’m going to fight the urge to be angry. The deprivation made for a disjointed day at the office.
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I got a call earlier in the evening from my dear friend, Narelle. She sounded positively enthusiastic (and sarcastic), which is always so wonderful to hear.
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You’re probably wondering how today’s meeting with the American Civil Liberties Union went, aren’t you? Well, I think it’s pretty safe to say that my new favorite issue has reached a new high. Ugly little words, like profiling, discrimination, and racism, have contributed to making the last three weeks (to the day) of my life the most challenging. In case you couldn’t tell, I’ve been losing sleep, feeling sick, and fighting fierce waves of depression and hopelessness/helplessness about the whole thing. I mean, how does one go about feeling better about the ugliest side of man’s nature? Surrounding myself with friends and family, and talking to anyone who would listen has helped. However, sitting down with four complete strangers and spilling my guts out (and I mean all of them) is certainly not without its charms.
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I know that some of you are well outside of the Ballard area, but my concerns about the incident at the Ballard Locks has more to do with the disposition of government than with any neighborhood. I’ve spent a little time this morning scanning the article that ran in last week’s edition of the Ballard News Tribune so you can judge for yourself. I’ll try to add additional media coverage as it comes available.
Oh… and I’m sorry about the poor image quality, but I’m in a bit of a hurry and I wanted to keep the file size to a minimum.
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I just got a call from the agency that’s placed me at the bank out here in Everett. I’ve agreed to continue working at this assignment through the 16th of July. Considering the potential volatility of upcoming events and the sensitivity of my employers, this comes as particularly good news. There’s a lot in the works right now, so the kind company, routine, and income that go with this assignment are more than a little appreciated.
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Tomorrow will mark three weeks since the incident at the Ballard Locks. It’s staggering how much has changed in that small amount of time.
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